Moments Together for Couples 3/26
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
March 26Yielding to God
Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Did you know that the Scriptures include the words "Fear not" hundreds of times. Isaiah 35:4, for example, reads, "Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not.'"
When we become fearful, we first feel an overwhelming need for protection. Many people build tornado shelters, install fire alarms, buy bigger locks for their doors and purchase thousands of dollars of insurance for traveling. Yet, they are still fearful and want more protection from what "could happen."
Second, we tend to procrastinate and put off decisions we know we should make. Some people actually have a hard time going shopping because they fear they'll make the wrong choices.
Third, we find ourselves erecting barriers to keep others from knowing us. Many people are so afraid of rejection in their relationships that they will risk very little.
Fourth, we become obsessed with failing. This is common with anyone who has ever been fired from a job. Still others who actually do succeed, fear they'll lose it all!
Finally, this fear drives us away from God. Some people are afraid of God and His will for their lives. Yet, the best antidote to fear is praying and yielding our lives to God. Notice what Paul says in Philippians 4:6,7 about fear and worry.
How many things are you to worry about? Nothing. Zero. Instead, you should pray about "everything."
But look at the condition "with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." God is not just a personal slot machine in which we inject our prayers. He wants you to approach Him with an attitude of gratefulness for what He has done and for who He is.
As we pray and yield our lives to God, He will not allow fear to control us, but He will protect our hearts.
Prayer:
For one another that God would guard your hearts with His peace as you yield your lives to Him.
Discuss: How are your fears affecting you? How are they driving you away from God? How could you apply the truth from Philippians 4:6,7 in your life right now?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Our Counselor, the Holy Spirit
Marketplace Meditations 3/25
March 25Our Counselor
John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I was driving down the interstate feeling discouraged from an appointment I had just had. A former employee's company was seeking to displace me and my company as their source for our services. It had been one of many difficult events during those months. As I was driving, some words popped into my mind, No weapon formed against you shall prosper. I could not tell you where those words came from other than I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking them to me; I knew they were in the Bible. I knew they were in the Old Testament.
When I returned to my office that day, I searched for the key words in my concordance and found the verse. "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you" (Is. 54:17a).
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of the things He desires us to know. There are times in our lives when the Holy Spirit speaks into our spirit words designed to encourage us or give us what we need at the moment. That is just one of the roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The more you know God's Word, the more often you'll recall verses the Holy Spirit will bring to mind for a given situation. Study God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of the things He desires you to know.
March 25Our Counselor
John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I was driving down the interstate feeling discouraged from an appointment I had just had. A former employee's company was seeking to displace me and my company as their source for our services. It had been one of many difficult events during those months. As I was driving, some words popped into my mind, No weapon formed against you shall prosper. I could not tell you where those words came from other than I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking them to me; I knew they were in the Bible. I knew they were in the Old Testament.
When I returned to my office that day, I searched for the key words in my concordance and found the verse. "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you" (Is. 54:17a).
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of the things He desires us to know. There are times in our lives when the Holy Spirit speaks into our spirit words designed to encourage us or give us what we need at the moment. That is just one of the roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The more you know God's Word, the more often you'll recall verses the Holy Spirit will bring to mind for a given situation. Study God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of the things He desires you to know.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Humbly Serving One another
When I read this, I was struck by the comment that Meeting others' needs self-sacrificially is what they ought to do too. ... This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. ... Not to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. No servant is greater than his master (cf John 12;26)."
It made me think of how I observe people serving others "when it's convenient" and "if it works for them". Then it doesn't really require a sacrifice, does it?
Crosswalk the Devotional - Mar. 20, 2008
March 20, 2008
Stinky Feet by Laura MacCorkle,
Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.John 13:34-35, NIV
Do you celebrate Maundy Thursday?
The word maundy means "a new commandment" and is derived from the Latin word Mandatum in translating Jesus' commandment in John 13:34-35.
Before He said that, Jesus had demonstrated His love that same evening during the Last Supper, as He humbled Himself and washed His disciples' feet (John 13:4-5). This act perfectly illustrated His new command.
So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
After reading this, I can only imagine what washing someone else's stinky feet must be like.
Think about where your feet have been-especially if you live in a back-to-nature, shoe-optional locale. This starts getting very up close and personal. And, depending on the individual and their hygiene habits or lack thereof, perhaps not too pleasant. Washing another's feet is not a glamorous act of service at all. But neither is anything related to the role of a servant, since it represents a position of humility and a mindset of putting others first.
In this day and age, I know there are certain churches that do have foot-washing services on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Christ's actions and his command. I have not participated in one like this, but I am sure it is a great object lesson to help all ages understand how to love one another.
Taking this a step further, The Bible Knowledge Commentary has this to say about foot-washing:
"Foot-washing was needed in Palestine. The streets were dusty and people wore sandals without socks or stockings. It was a mark of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest's feet; it was a breach of hospitality not to provide for it. ... [Jesus] had done a humble service for [the disciples]. Meeting others' needs self-sacrificially is what they ought to do too. ... This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. ... Not to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. No servant is greater than his master (cf John 12;26)."
So when we humble ourselves and serve the Lord as He served us, it is He who lifts us up. When we love Christ, He changes our hearts and motivates us to love others. And if showing this love means washing some stinky feet, then so be it.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Intersecting Faith & Life: Who is God impressing upon your heart today? Is he calling you to show love to this person? Determine your course of action that will show a humble heart: make a phone call, send a note, lend a hand, speak a kind word or wash some feet! And then follow through as you love one another!
Further Reading
Luke 10:27, The MessageHow's Your Love Life?
It made me think of how I observe people serving others "when it's convenient" and "if it works for them". Then it doesn't really require a sacrifice, does it?
Crosswalk the Devotional - Mar. 20, 2008
March 20, 2008
Stinky Feet by Laura MacCorkle,
Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.John 13:34-35, NIV
Do you celebrate Maundy Thursday?
The word maundy means "a new commandment" and is derived from the Latin word Mandatum in translating Jesus' commandment in John 13:34-35.
Before He said that, Jesus had demonstrated His love that same evening during the Last Supper, as He humbled Himself and washed His disciples' feet (John 13:4-5). This act perfectly illustrated His new command.
So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
After reading this, I can only imagine what washing someone else's stinky feet must be like.
Think about where your feet have been-especially if you live in a back-to-nature, shoe-optional locale. This starts getting very up close and personal. And, depending on the individual and their hygiene habits or lack thereof, perhaps not too pleasant. Washing another's feet is not a glamorous act of service at all. But neither is anything related to the role of a servant, since it represents a position of humility and a mindset of putting others first.
In this day and age, I know there are certain churches that do have foot-washing services on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Christ's actions and his command. I have not participated in one like this, but I am sure it is a great object lesson to help all ages understand how to love one another.
Taking this a step further, The Bible Knowledge Commentary has this to say about foot-washing:
"Foot-washing was needed in Palestine. The streets were dusty and people wore sandals without socks or stockings. It was a mark of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest's feet; it was a breach of hospitality not to provide for it. ... [Jesus] had done a humble service for [the disciples]. Meeting others' needs self-sacrificially is what they ought to do too. ... This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. ... Not to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. No servant is greater than his master (cf John 12;26)."
So when we humble ourselves and serve the Lord as He served us, it is He who lifts us up. When we love Christ, He changes our hearts and motivates us to love others. And if showing this love means washing some stinky feet, then so be it.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Intersecting Faith & Life: Who is God impressing upon your heart today? Is he calling you to show love to this person? Determine your course of action that will show a humble heart: make a phone call, send a note, lend a hand, speak a kind word or wash some feet! And then follow through as you love one another!
Further Reading
Luke 10:27, The MessageHow's Your Love Life?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Maintaining a Quiet Spirit
It's hard to maintain a quiet spirit when my world feels noisy! So many thoughts, ideas, voices come at me all day long!
In Touch - March 6, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
March 6, 2008 – Maintaining a Quiet Spirit – Proverbs 26:4
When conflict arises, we oftentimes want to rush in and defend our position. Perhaps we even feel justified in blaming others. However, James 1:19 gives different advice for dealing with tension and disputes: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” In other words, more can be accomplished through a calm approach to the situation. Scripture also suggests that we:
• Pray. First, we should ask the Lord to guard our mouth and give us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). Also, we ought to request discernment concerning the root issue and insight as to whether we might be at fault.
• See with divine perspective. Our sovereign Lord works every situation for the believer’s benefit (Romans 8:28). Not only does God use difficulties to teach us, but He also allows us to demonstrate the life of Christ by the way we respond.
• Forgive. Even if someone has hurt us by causing the conflict, we should forgive. Jesus died to pardon all of our sin, and we, in turn, should forgive others. In fact, if we don’t, our lives will become burdened by resentment and broken relationships.
• Respond. If we have done something wrong, we should apologize and ask forgiveness. Otherwise, we can express appreciation that the other person took time to share his concern. Also, we should affirm that we will carefully consider his comments.
How do you respond to conflict? Pray for the strength to stay calm and do what is right, even during difficult, emotional situations.
In Touch - March 6, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
March 6, 2008 – Maintaining a Quiet Spirit – Proverbs 26:4
When conflict arises, we oftentimes want to rush in and defend our position. Perhaps we even feel justified in blaming others. However, James 1:19 gives different advice for dealing with tension and disputes: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” In other words, more can be accomplished through a calm approach to the situation. Scripture also suggests that we:
• Pray. First, we should ask the Lord to guard our mouth and give us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). Also, we ought to request discernment concerning the root issue and insight as to whether we might be at fault.
• See with divine perspective. Our sovereign Lord works every situation for the believer’s benefit (Romans 8:28). Not only does God use difficulties to teach us, but He also allows us to demonstrate the life of Christ by the way we respond.
• Forgive. Even if someone has hurt us by causing the conflict, we should forgive. Jesus died to pardon all of our sin, and we, in turn, should forgive others. In fact, if we don’t, our lives will become burdened by resentment and broken relationships.
• Respond. If we have done something wrong, we should apologize and ask forgiveness. Otherwise, we can express appreciation that the other person took time to share his concern. Also, we should affirm that we will carefully consider his comments.
How do you respond to conflict? Pray for the strength to stay calm and do what is right, even during difficult, emotional situations.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ironic----I 've been spending time trying to determine if the direction I"m headed is God-directed or me-directed. ----LL
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Mar. 5, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Learning to Yield
“For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans responded, “Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.”
The Canadians said, “Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans: “This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course.”
“No. I say again, you divert your course.”
“This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship.”
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: “This is a lighthouse. It is your call.”
Sometimes we don’t like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.
We need to understand that God’s plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God’s plans are always better for us in the long run.
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Mar. 5, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Learning to Yield
“For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans responded, “Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.”
The Canadians said, “Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans: “This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course.”
“No. I say again, you divert your course.”
“This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship.”
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: “This is a lighthouse. It is your call.”
Sometimes we don’t like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.
We need to understand that God’s plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God’s plans are always better for us in the long run.
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