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Need2Know
 Posted:
Sat Aug 16, 2008 1:30 pm |
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THE TWO THIEVES
And the criminals were also crucified-one on his right and one on his left. -Luke 23:33 (NLT)
There are two types of people in this world; those who are interested in what Jesus can do, and those who are interested in who Jesus is. We see a perfect portrait of each heart when we look at the two thieves who were crucified alongside Christ. Watch what the first thief says to Jesus:
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself-and us, too, while you're at it!" (Luke 23:39 NLT)
In other words, "Do something for me, and then I'll be interested in who you are! Save me, and then I'll know you're the Messiah!" But now pay attention to what the second thief says concerning Jesus:
But the other criminal protested . . . "We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." (Luke 23:40-41 NLT)
It's not a matter of what Jesus can do but a matter of who Jesus is, "This man is innocent, without sin, and He doesn't deserve to be here!" He recognized there was something essentially different about this man. And because his primary area of interest was in who Jesus was, he was the benefactor of what Jesus was able to do for him.
And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43 NLT)
Which heart do we harbor? Are we only interested in what Jesus can do. . . for us? Or are we interested in who He is? We learn from the second thief that it's those who care about who Jesus is that experience what He's able to do for them.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| DocTar
Posted:
Sat Aug 16, 2008 1:40 pm |
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Thank you N2K...that is very profound.
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Joined: 26 Mar 2006
Posts: 1916
Location: one toke over the line
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Sat Aug 16, 2008 1:47 pm |
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| DocTar wrote: | | Thank you N2K...that is very profound. |
Hi Doc - you are very welcome and yes, very profound indeed. Following His steps and His ways is really the only way to live. When you fall and fail, you get back up and keep going, but holding on to His hand all the way.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Sat Aug 16, 2008 2:10 pm |
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In the final chapter of the book of Job, God restored to His righteous servant everything and doubled it. He had passed the test, leaving an unforgettable example for us in the pages of Scripture. Though he could never replace the children he had lost, God gave him more, allowing him to enjoy his children and his grandchildren.
Could it be that the hardships you find yourself facing today are preparing you for something just over the horizon – a ministry and a life beyond your imagination right now? I'll tell you this: God doesn't waste anything. Not one sorrow. Not one sigh. Not one tear.
Dr. Warren Wiersbe quotes a professor of history who said, "If Columbus had turned back, no one would have blamed him. But no one would have remembered him either."
Wiersbe concluded, "If you want to be memorable, sometimes you have to be miserable."
You might say, "Honestly, I don't see how I could handle one-tenth of the things Job faced. In fact, I can't handle suffering at all."
Don't worry. God knows what you can manage. He knows what you can take. And He will parcel it out accordingly. You just need to trust Him.
God will give you what you need when you need it. Not before, never after, but just when it is needed. Until then, we must simply trust Him.
Corrie ten Boom, the well-known author of "The Hiding Place," was placed in a Nazi concentration camp, along with her sister and her father.
They were committed Christians and their "crime" had been hiding Jewish people in their home, trying to protect them from Nazi genocide against all Jews in Hitler's Reich.
Both Corrie's father and sister died, and Corrie herself went through deep suffering during that time. But she survived, and spent the rest of her life traveling around the world as a self-described "tramp for the Lord," declaring that there was no pit so deep that God was not deeper still.
When Corrie was a little girl, she was reading a story about martyrs for the Christian faith and was trying to process what these saints of God had endured for the sake of Christ.
She said to her father, "Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ."
"Tell me," said that wise father, "when you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?"
"No, Daddy," she replied. "You give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train."
"That's right," he replied. "And so it is with God's strength. Our Father in heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need just in time."
As it turned out, God never required Corrie to die as a martyr. Even so, Corrie suffered much in her life, and God always gave her the strength she needed ... just as her father had told her.
Here's something that hit me pretty hard as I studied Job's life. We need to hold everything God has given us loosely. Everything you have has come to you as a gift from God.
Job found that out, and had to declare before God and man, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Maybe you drive your new SUV through the car wash and admire the way it sparkles and gleams after you wipe it down. Don't forget, that was given to you from God.
Or you pull into the driveway of your home. Don't take it for granted! God has graced you and privileged you to live there.
You get up in the morning and feel like a million bucks, or finish a game of tennis and grab a nice long shower ... don't forget, your health and strength are a gift from God.
You say, "I'm very careful to eat only organic stuff and I have a regular exercise routine." Good for you. But remember, God gave you your health.
God has given you your life. God has given you your wife. He has given you your husband. He had blessed you with children. He has given you everything.
Hold it loosely. He may leave it in your hands for years; then again, he might take it tomorrow. That's up to Him to decide. But it all belongs to Him, and we praise Him every day for what He has given us.
The truth is, everybody suffers. Calamity comes into every life – the righteous and the unrighteous, the godly and the ungodly. The good news is that the Lord can use suffering in the lives of His sons and daughters ... to strengthen us spiritually ... to make us more Christ-like ... to use us to minister to and comfort others ... and to prepare us for future tasks that are completely off our personal charts.
What comfort we have in Christ! What an indescribable hope! He is worthy of our complete trust and confidence, no matter what we might be enduring at the moment.
Sometimes, God can use sickness, tragedy, hardship, or difficulty to get our attention. The psalmist said, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. ... It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees" (Psalm 119:67 NKJV).
Are you in a "hot place" right now? Do you find yourself in the fires of difficulty or crisis? You got bad news from the doctor. You were let go from your job. Your "significant other" dumped you. Maybe something else has happened that has rocked your world, and you don't know what to do.
You need to say, "God, help."
He has thousands of years of experience helping, comforting and saving those who reach up to Him in faith.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:49 pm |
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There was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas . . . -Matthew 27:16 (NLT)
Put yourself in the shoes of Barabbas for a moment. The Romans have arrested you for starting a riotous insurrection against their authority. In the process, you murdered a man, perhaps a Roman soldier, and now you're on death row. The morning of your execution arrives. Death seems certain.
However, something unexpected happens in these early morning hours. Another Man is brought into custody. The Jewish leaders are demanding that He also be executed. Pilate, the Roman official, hears the case but seems reluctant to grant their request. Instead, this Man is sent away, to Herod.
Before long, He's brought back and His accusers continue to press for His execution. Pilate still doesn't consent. He seems upset and invokes the Roman tradition of releasing a prisoner in hopes of setting this mysterious Man free.
Then the unthinkable happens. Word reaches you that Pilate is going to let the gathering crowd decide if you or this other Man is going to be pardoned. The moment arrives and to your utter astonishment, the crowd picks you! You're set free, but only because this Man now stands condemned and will serve your death sentence in your stead.
Barabbas' second chance at life isn't based on what he did, but on what was done to him. He was guilty as charged and deserved to die. But Jesus stepped into the picture and suffered the punishment that Barabbas deserved.
Could there be a more perfect picture of the gospel? All of us bear the guilt of being sinners. In the eyes of a holy and righteous God, we deserve to be punished. But something happened. Jesus intervened and suffered so we wouldn't have to.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT)
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:29 am |
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Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
--Matthew 10:29
In today’s Scripture verse, Jesus tells us that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from God’s knowledge. And if God cares about a sparrow, don't you think He cares about you as a believer?
Well He does. It’s an amazing thought that the God who made the stars and calls them all by name is the same God who knows the number of hairs on your head!
Not only does He know the number of hairs on your head, He knows your name. Your name is recorded in God’s infinite mind and heart!
God knows you. He knows your past as well as your future. And the thing He knows better than anyone else is your heart.
Now, that might strike terror into your life at times when you realize that God sees the worst about you! But what’s so wonderful is that even though God knows the worst about you… He loves you anyway!
Perhaps today you feel a little like you’ve let God down somehow. Perhaps you feel ashamed of something from your past… a failure that you can’t seem to get over.
If so, remember that with Jesus, no failure is final. The Lord can restore you! God knows your heart. He knows all about you. He knows what you need… and He wants to meet you at the point of your need today. Will you let Him?
REJOICE IN THE FACT THAT GOD KNOWS YOU BETTER THAN ANYONE… AND LOVES YOU MORE THAN ANYONE!
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:30 am |
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A young man who was graduating from college wanted a new car for his graduation gift. Finally, graduation day arrived, and his dad handed him a box. He opened it with anticipation, only to find a Bible inside. He was so angry and disappointed that he handed the box to his dad, walked away, and never spoke to him again.
Years later, his father died, and it was the young man's responsibility to go to his father's home to put his affairs in order. As he was looking through papers on his desk, he spotted the box. He opened it up, and sure enough, there was the Bible his father had given him.
For the first time, he opened the Bible. There inside the Bible was an envelope. He opened it and found a cashier's check dated the same day as his graduation and made out for the exact amount of the car he wanted.
If he had taken time to open the Bible, he would have discovered that what he really wanted was there all along. Instead, he missed out on all that his father had done for him.
But there was something far more valuable in that Bible than a cashier's check for a new car, because the Bible contains the words of eternal life. It is the user's manual for living. Our Heavenly Father has so much that He wants to show us, if only we will read the Word of God. Yet so few people really take the time to find out what it has to say.
In fact, have you ever noticed how people react when you pull out a Bible? When I'm on a plane, I will sometimes reach into my briefcase, and pull out my Bible so I can read it. By the reaction of those seated around me, you would think that I had just pulled out a skunk.
I have seen people visibly recoil from the mere sight of the Bible. The Bible is a powerful book, not just because of what it says, but because people know that something of significance is inside.
Reflecting on this significance, David wrote: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7).
Let's consider a few things from this verse. The phrase, "the law of the Lord," in Psalm 19 is a Hebrew term used to describe Scripture. You could just as easily insert the phrase, "the Bible."
First, we read that the Word of God is perfect. There is nothing that you need to add to the Bible and nothing that you need to take away from it. What's more, as society changes, you don't have to flow with the winds of change. You can stand on the firm foundation of God's Word. By that, you can know right from wrong. The Bible is the roadmap to knowing God.
Second, we're told that the Word of God transforms us. If you read the Word of God and really believe it, then it will change your life. As Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are" (NLT).
Third, we see that the Word of God gives incredible wisdom. The Hebrew word translated as simple in verse 7 comes from a root word that speaks of an open door. It was the idea of someone having a mind like an open door, through which everything comes in and goes out. This person doesn't know what to keep in, what to throw out, or what is right and what is wrong. Such a person is simple-minded. But even the simple-minded can become wise by reading God's Word.
Ultimately, success or failure in the Christian life depends upon how much of the Bible you get into your heart and life on a regular basis and how obedient you are to it. If you are not reading the Word of God, then it only will be a matter of time until you will fall apart spiritually.
Jesus said, "If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples." If you are going to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, then you need to get into the Word of God, and the Word of God needs to get into you.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:26 am |
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In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
--Isaiah 6:1
Are you worried about the future… about our nation… about our leaders? You’re not alone. According to today’s Scripture, Isaiah and the rest of the Israelites were deeply troubled because their earthly king was dead. They were grieved… and they were concerned about the future.
But God gave Isaiah a vision of His glory and holiness. This prophet of the Lord describes how he saw Him “sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.” Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on the throne of the universe.
When Isaiah entered into the presence of the Lord, he realized that there was a greater One than any earthly king sitting upon the throne of the universe. His name is holy God, the Lord of Hosts!
Like the Israelites, it’s easy to worry about the future… and wonder what’s gone wrong and what will happen next in our world.
But as believers in the Lord Jesus, we don’t have to wonder! We don’t have to wring our hands worrying because we know that our God is sitting on the throne of the universe.
Remember that there is no panic in heaven… only plans. God never walks up and down the streets of heaven wondering about what He’s going to do next.
So no matter what’s going on in your world… no matter how out-of-control things may seem… remember that God is still on His throne!
Today, it’s my prayer that you will get your mind off the earthly and temporary and fix your eye of faith on your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is gloriously reigning and ruling upon the throne of this universe!
TODAY, THANK GOD THAT HE IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:33 pm |
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Crucified with Christ
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
— Matthew 16:24
When Jesus referred to taking up the cross, I'm sure the meaning wasn't lost on the disciples.
The cross, as the people would know in this time and culture, was a hated and despised symbol. It was the symbol of a very cruel death. The Romans crucified many people on the roads leading into their cities as a warning to any man or woman who would dare defy the powers of Rome.
The cross was meant to humiliate. It was meant to torture. Ultimately, it was meant to kill.
Today, the cross is shrouded in religiosity. It has become a symbol of many things, from a religious icon to an ornate piece of jewelry. It is not necessarily a bad thing to wear a cross, but I think we have lost the meaning of it.
Imagine wearing a little replica of an electric chair around your neck, studded in diamonds, or maybe a little hangman's noose. Wearing jewelry like that would be rather morbid, because those are symbols of death and pain. But that is what the cross symbolized.
So when Jesus told the disciples, "If you want to follow me, you must take up your cross," they would readily understand what He was speaking of.
The cross speaks of dying to self, of putting God's will before our own. If this sounds like a horrible, negative lifestyle, consider Paul's words: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). It's through death that we find life.
May God help us to see that His trade-in deal is the best there is.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:12 am |
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True Disciples
"These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."
— Acts 17:6
The Christian life is more than just saying a prayer or walking down an aisle and getting "fire insurance," as it were. The Christian life is meant to be dynamic. It is meant to be exciting.
It is meant to have a radical effect on the way that you live and your outlook on life, because Jesus Christ not only wants to be your Savior. He wants to be your Lord. Not only does he want to be your friend, but He also wants to be your God.
But I'm afraid that many today are living a substandard Christian experience. That term is really an oxymoron in many ways, because if it is a Christian experience, then it shouldn't be substandard. In a sense, that isn't even a technically correct term.
You really can't be a substandard Christian. Yet there are many who are failing to receive all that God has for them.
How did a handful of ordinary people living in the first century turn their world, as they knew it, upside down? They did it without television, without radio, without megachurches, and without all the resources that we think are so important today in reaching the goal of world evangelism.
How is it that they were able to do it? I think you could sum it up in one word: disciple.
They were disciples of Jesus Christ—not fair weather followers, but true disciples. They weren't living an anemic, watered-down, ineffective version of the Christian life. They were living the Christian life as it was meant to be lived—as Christ Himself offered it and as the early disciples apprehended it.
If we want to impact our culture today, then we, too, must be disciples.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:11 am |
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Discipleship's Important Distinction
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. . . ."
— Matthew 28:19
What does it mean to be a disciple? Certainly we need to know the answer to that question. After all, Jesus told us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. . . ."
But how can we make disciples if we are not disciples ourselves?
Are the qualifications of discipleship different from those of simply coming to faith? I believe the answer is yes.
First, Jesus tells us that if we want to be His disciples, we must deny ourselves. This is a foundational issue. We have a choice in life: we can either live for ourselves or we can deny ourselves. We can either ignore the cross, or we can take it up and follow Him.
The great barrier to being a disciple of Jesus Christ is summed up in one word: self. Self-obsession is not something unique to our generation, although the Bible does say that in the last days, people would be lovers of themselves and lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (see 2 Timothy 3:1–5).
Certainly we are living in a time of great self-obsession, especially in the United States. Yet we can trace its roots all the way back to the Garden of Eden. When Satan came to Eve, he essentially appealed to her selfish nature.
That is why Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . ." (Matthew 16:24). Jesus didn't say, "Love yourself." He didn't say, "Have a positive self image." He said, "Deny yourself."
That is what we need to do, because that is what gets in the way.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:57 am |
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Making Disciples
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
— Matthew 28:19–20
In Matthew 28:19–20, we find the "marching orders" from Jesus that we know as the Great Commission. There are two things we should remember about it.
First, these words are a command. That is why we call it the Great Commission and not the Great Suggestion. Jesus did not say, "Look, if you are in the mood, if it works into your busy schedule, as a personal favor to Me, would you consider going into the world and making disciples?" No. In the original language, this is a command.
Second, these words were not only given to the original 11 disciples. Nor were they exclusively for pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. They are for every follower of Jesus Christ. If we are His disciples, then we are commanded to go and make disciples of others. It doesn't necessarily mean we need to cross the sea. But certainly a good start would be crossing the street to talk to a neighbor.
What does it mean to make disciples? Jesus said, "Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." Simply put, it means that you demonstrate discipleship for them by the way that you live. And, of course, you verbally communicate God's Word.
I want to challenge you today to become a disciple of Jesus Christ—not just a fair-weather follower or simply a churchgoing person. Would you be His disciple? If so, your life will never be the same.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:04 am |
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The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
--Psalm 19:1-4
In our society of cell phones and text messages, communication with each other seems easier than ever. But how does God speak to you?
God speaks to us today the same as He always has… in the skies… through His creation. We can know God… we can see the light of God… by simply looking up at the sky.
The Greek word for “man” in the ancient world and in your New Testament is “anthropos,” which means “the upper-looking one.” Animals look down, but God created man to look up into the heavens to see His glory and to experience His power in creation. God speaks to us in the starry skies!
Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of God. As the psalmist says, “Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”
Creation is constantly, continually, and eternally speaking. And when we look into the creation, we know that because there is a creation, there must be a creator!
Now, you may not be a morning person, but I’d encourage you… if you want to catch a glorious glimpse of your Creator… get up early one morning this week to watch the sun rise.
I can assure you, seeing His handiwork in creation will speak words of encouragement to your soul!
TAKE A WALK OUTSIDE AND REDISCOVER THE GLORY OF GOD’S HANDIWORK.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:57 am |
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Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
--Luke 21:33
Does the Bible still have relevance for your life today? You bet!
According to our Scripture verse today, not one jot, one tittle, one mark, one abbreviation point… not one word will pass away!
God’s Word is infallible. In all that it teaches and all it affirms, it is correct and right and perfect for any time period. And the Word of God is inerrant. There are no errors in the Scripture. Can you imagine a perfect, pure God breathing out error? Certainly not! God's word is accurate!
So when you deny the authority of Scripture, you deny the authority of God. It’s as simple as that. And in effect, when you deny the authority of Scripture, you deny the work of the Holy Spirit in giving us the Scriptures and you even defame the deity of Jesus Christ, who is described in the Bible as the incarnate Word of God. His very name is the Word of God!
You see, the Word of God and the God of the Word are inseparable. You cannot separate God from His Word. Even Jesus came believing and teaching and preaching the Word of God, affirming the Old Testament and proclaiming the new and the living way of salvation.
That’s why you can trust the Bible through and through for your life today. From the very beginning of Genesis when God created the heavens and the earth until the closing chapters of the Revelation, we have the Word of God… consistent, clear, and concise… telling us how to go to heaven, how to know Jesus Christ, how to experience eternal life, how to know and worship God.
This is the Word of God! And you can trust it as your ultimate authority of life and truth for today.
READ GOD’S WORD TODAY WITH ASSURANCE IN ITS POWER AND AUTHORITY!
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:53 am |
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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
--Jeremiah 29:11
God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. God has something significant that He wants to do in and through you. Do you really believe that today?
Despite what our culture says, you're not here by accident. You’re here by divine Providence… and God has a plan and purpose for you. According to our verse for today, God has something significant for all of us to do… and that includes you.
Consider the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. The Scripture says that God gave Joseph great success. But beyond success, there’s significance… which is something more important that Joseph had. He also had vision, courage, determination, character, ability, and perseverance—all the qualities of a leader.
Yet there is one quality that stands out in this great man's life. It’s the quality of faith. Joseph trusted God throughout all of his days… in good times as well as bad times. And that faith is what gave Joseph significance!
In spite of the obstacles, against all the odds, this man persevered by faith. He started over many times in his life. He faced circumstances that would have defeated the average, ordinary individual. And yet regardless of the difficulties, he kept believing God. He kept following his Lord. He kept trusting his Master.
Why? Because Joseph believed that God had a plan for his life, and he was determined to discover his destiny. I mean, think about it: Joseph was despised and rejected by his own dysfunctional family. He was kidnapped and left for dead. He was sold as a slave. He was falsely accused and imprisoned. He was used and abused. He was failed and forgotten. And yet by faith he carried on.
And I want to encourage you to carry on by faith as well. Whether you’re in good times or bad times right now, God has a perfect plan for your life.
TRUST IN GOD’S PROMISE THAT YOU HAVE TRUE SIGNIFICANCE IN HIM.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:50 am |
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Asking the 'Why?' question
Greg Laurie
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As I write these words, it has been just one month since my son Christopher left us for heaven. Cathe and I are so very thankful for all the assurances of prayer and the wonderful letters of encouragement and support from so many of God's people around the world. Please continue to pray for us.
I have to say, I have deep, deep moments of sorrow, missing my son. I grieve for him. The Bible tells us there is a place and a time for such mourning. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us:
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, NKJV).
So, for now, this is a season of mourning.
Some would say, "But Greg, your son is in heaven. Why mourn?"
Why? Because I miss him. I don't mourn for Topher (his nickname), for he is in the very presence of God. I mourn for us, his dear wife, children and all of his friends who loved him.
At times it is a pain so deep, it is hard to describe. There is a hole in the world where our son once was. There is an even larger hole in our hearts.
Christopher was a happy, fun, creative person to hang out with, and for those who knew him, his departure has left a huge gap in our lives. We mourn because we loved and love. Our depth of sorrow is an indication of our depth of love.
But the difference between the mourning of a nonbeliever and a believer is this: The believer's sadness is mingled with hope! Paul reminded us that as believers mourning those who have gone to heaven before us, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13). I have hope because I know I will see my son again … in heaven.
But I will be honest with you. It still hurts. A lot.
I have been thinking a great deal about heaven the last few weeks. I have also been searching the Scripture and learning more about it than at any other time in my life. I have known many people who have died and gone to heaven, including my mother. But to have your child precede you is different. A part of you is there now, too.
As I said, some of our mourning has been very deep. But there have been moments of joy, too.
Solomon told us there is also a place and at time to laugh and dance. Now, I'm not very good at that (dancing, that is), but my granddaughter Stella is!
Yesterday, we got out some little toy musical instruments – my wife Cathe on tambourine, my son Jonathan on some kind of rattle, and Grandpa on drums – and we put some happy music on and Stella jumped around the room with delight. We all laughed and had a great time.
But when something like this happens, we collectively wonder: Why does God allow tragedy?
We've all heard it stated in many ways. Why does He allow babies to be born with disabilities? Why does He permit wars to rage? Why does He seem to turn the other way when innocent people are being killed? What about all of those horrible injustices in our world? This hurricane. That epidemic. This wildfire.
A tragic auto accident.
Why do these horrible things afflict our world? If God can prevent such tragedies, why does He allow them to take place?
Here is the classic statement of the problem. Either God is all-powerful but He is not all good, therefore He doesn't stop evil; or, God is all good but He is not all-powerful, therefore He can't stop evil.
The general tendency is to blame all of the problems of the world on God – to say that God is the one who is somehow responsible.
"If God is so good and loving," people will say, "why does He allow evil?" Now, the first part of that question is based on a false premise. By even stating it in that way, what I'm really saying is that I don't believe God to be good and loving.
The "why" question is really a very hard one to answer. Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe wrote me a letter after my son's passing. One of the things he wrote was, "As God's children, we live on promises, not explanations, and you know the promises as well as we do. When we arrive in heaven, we will hear the explanations, accept them and say, 'May the Lord be glorified.'"
By questioning God's goodness and love, I am in essence saying that I know more about it than He does. The fact is, God doesn't become good because that's my opinion of Him, or because I happen to personally agree with His actions or His words. Nor does He become good because we vote on it and all agree that is the case.
God is good because God says He is good. And it's not up for a vote.
Jesus said, "No one is good except God alone" (Luke 18:19, NIV).
You see, God is good whether I believe it or not, and He alone is the final court of arbitration. As the apostle Paul said, "Let God be true, and every man a liar" (Romans 3:4, NKJV).
What, then, is "good"? Just this: Good is whatever God approves. And by the same token, bad is exactly what God says is bad.
Some might say, "That's circular reasoning." Yes, you could say that. But I would describe it as biblical reasoning. The Word of God is our source of truth, defining right and wrong and what our values ought to be. Where else could we go for those definitions?
In Isaiah 1:18, we read: "'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord" (NIV).
Or as another translation puts it, "Come let us argue this out, says the Lord" (NLT).
God is saying, "Here's the way I see things. You need to see it the way that I see it." And He goes on to tell us that His thoughts are above our thoughts and His ways are above our ways.
So God is good. Period.
I don't say this because life is always easy; I say it because it is true.
I know this doesn't answer that "why" question, but it does answer the "who" one … the "Who" being our God who loves us.
Perhaps that is the question we ought to be asking during the times of suffering anyway.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:14 am |
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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
--Romans 8:28
Are you struggling today? If so, remember that in the midst of any storm, it’s easy to forget that God’s in control. It may not feel like it, but as a child of God, He’s always in control, taking care of you.
As a follower of Christ, you are the object of God’s persevering grace in your life. I’m talking about every step you take. All your hopes, your hurts, and your hallelujahs are being worked out together according to God’s perfect plan for your life.
Our Scripture today is a glorious promise of God’s power and concern for your life.
“All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” What a comfort!
So today, if your dreams have been shattered, if your hopes have been dashed, or even if something you prayed for has been taken away, I want to remind you of two things.
First, don’t demand to understand. You can’t always understand. And just because it doesn't make sense now, doesn't mean that it doesn't make sense. God has a plan and a purpose.
Second, don’t bow to bitterness. Some people break when their dreams are dashed. Then bitterness sets in and they spend the rest of their days in the sorrow of a long distant past.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Remember, no matter what you're going through in your life, no matter how much turmoil you’re in today or tomorrow, no matter how deep the pit is you may be living in, God is for you.
And He's constantly working in your life constructively and creatively to bring about His purpose and the divine destiny of your life.
Stand on this promise today!
ALL YOUR HOPES, YOUR HURTS, AND YOUR HALLELUJAHS ARE BEING WORKED OUT TOGETHER ACCORDING TO GOD’S PERFECT PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:25 am |
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Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
--Isaiah 41:10
Perhaps today, you are looking at your life and asking, “How did I get here?” Maybe life hasn’t turned out the way you planned. Or maybe you’re enslaved to your past and you wonder, “What do I do now?”
If this describes you or someone you love today, I want to remind you that God always preserves His own. Remember Joseph’s many trials and challenges in the Old Testament? In Genesis 39:2, we read, “The LORD was with Joseph.” Now, remember Joseph wasn’t preserved from his circumstances. He was preserved in and through his circumstances.
The fact is we can’t change our circumstances. We can’t control what happens to us at all times. But you know what? We can change how we respond to the circumstances of life. And that attitude is what God expects us to work on.
You know, God often allows circumstances and winds to blow against us in order to knock the rough edges off of our lives. Kind of like how sandpaper knocks the rough edges off of wood. God uses the circumstances of our lives in order to polish us and make us more like the Master.
For example, perhaps God had to deal with Joseph’s pride and ego before He could ultimately use him for His glory. So God allowed him to be sold into slavery and sent into Egypt. But remember this: While Joseph left his father back in Canaan, his heavenly Father went with him to Egypt.
If you find yourself in a difficult circumstance that you never imagined or never dreamed of, claim the promise from the Lord found in today’s Scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When you claim that promise, you can be joyful in any circumstance, knowing that God is protecting you, preserving you, and holding His hand upon you.
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU,
BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTROL HOW YOU RESPOND.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Fri Aug 29, 2008 7:01 am |
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Isn’t it good to know that even when we don’t love with a perfect love, he does? God always nourishes what is right. He always applauds what is right. He has never done wrong, led one person to do wrong, or rejoiced when anyone did wrong. For he is love, and love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6 NASB).
God passes the test of 1 Corinthians 13:6. Well, he should; he drafted it.
So where does this leave us? Perhaps with a trio of reminders. When it comes to love:
Be careful.
Until love is stirred, let God’s love be enough for you. There are seasons when God allows us to feel the frailty of human love so we’ll appreciate the strength of his love. Didn’t he do this with David? Saul turned on him. Michal, his wife, betrayed him. Jonathan and Samuel were David’s friends, but they couldn’t follow him into the wilderness. Betrayal and circumstances left David alone. Alone with God. And, as David discovered, God was enough. David wrote these words in a desert: “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.… My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods” (Ps. 63:3, 5 NIV).
Be prayerful.
What if it’s too late? Specifically, what if you’re married to someone you don’t love—or who doesn’t love you? Many choose to leave. That may be the step you take. But if it is, take at least a thousand others first. And bathe every one of those steps in prayer. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Ask God to help you love as he loves. “God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love” (Rom. 5:5 CEV). Ask everyone you know to pray for you. Your friends. Your family. Your church leaders. Get your name on every prayer list available. And, most of all, pray for and, if possible, with your spouse. Ask the same God who raised the dead to resurrect the embers of your love.
Be grateful.
Be grateful for those who love you. Be grateful for those who have encouraged you to do what is right and applauded when you did. Do you have people like that in your world? If so, you are doubly blessed. Be grateful for them. And be grateful for your Father in heaven.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:36 pm |
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Highway To Heaven
by Greg Laurie
There was an interesting survey done a while back. Questionnaires were distributed to people of various ages and occupations, and here was the question: "What are you looking for most in life?"
When the results were compiled, analysts were surprised. Most of them expected people would answer with things like, "I'm looking for money," "I'm looking for great success." They were surprised to find the top three things that people wanted most in life were love, joy and peace.
That is what people really want. Old people, middle-aged people and young people are all looking for love, joy and peace. And isn't that exactly what the Bible says you can experience as a follower of Jesus Christ? You can know the love of God that will be put in your heart by the Holy Spirit. You can know the peace that passes all human understanding. You can enter into the joy of the Lord.
The truth is, God wants you to actually experience these things in your life. They're not just clichés on a greeting card or something you'd see in a sappy movie. They're real. They're available. These are things you can know.
Many think that's not true. They have a very pessimistic outlook on life. Benjamin Disraeli, the former prime minister of England came to this gloomy conclusion about life as he looked back: "Youth is a mistake, manhood is a struggle, old age is a regret."
Is that your outlook right now? Have you given up? Have you gotten hard and bitter because you feel like life has dealt you a bad hand, and you've been through hard times?
There is more to life than this – more to life than mere existence! You can know the God who made you and have a relationship with Him. You can have a life that is meaningful, has purpose on this Earth, and then have the guaranteed hope that when you die you will go to heaven. That is the promise of the Bible.
And quite frankly, when it's all said and done, that is the most important issue we will ever face. We all want to live full and meaningful lives, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. But when you get down to it, our lives, whether we live to be 9 or 90, pass by so quickly. The Bible describes human life as a "Vapor of smoke than vanishes away."
So the biggest issue of all is, where will I spend eternity?
To have the hope of heaven, however, you have to make sure you're on the right road – so you arrive at the right destination. If I wanted to drive from Sacramento, Calif., to Los Angeles, I'd better find my way to Interstate 5 at some point. Otherwise I might end up in Reno, Omaha or maybe Mexico City. In the same way, if you want to go to heaven, you need to get on God's freeway and go on in the right direction.
Which way are you going right now? There are a lot of people who really have no idea where they're going in life. They're just moving down the road with no real rhyme or reason. What about you? What are your goals? What are you living for? What is the purpose of your life?
When I was in England a number of years ago, I got stuck in my very first roundabout. That's a circular intersection that's been common in the UK for years – and is becoming more and more common here in America. Now … I was already slightly disoriented at the time because I was driving on the wrong side of the road, sitting behind the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car and shifting with the wrong hand. Then I got into that crazy circular thing and kept going around and around, and couldn't seem to get where I wanted to go.
Maybe you've felt that way about your life. You feel as though you're just going around and around in circles.
Some time ago, psychologist William Marston asked 3,000 people, "What do you live for?" He was shocked to find that 94 percent were simply enduring the present while waiting for the future. They were waiting for something to happen. Some were waiting for their children to grow up and leave home. Others were waiting for next year. Others were waiting for a long dreamed about trip. Others were waiting for tomorrow.
Is that what you're doing? Just waiting and waiting while time passes by?
We can be that way in life. Zigzagging from lane to lane, trying to find one that will get us where we're going.
The Bible says there is a road that leads to life. It's narrow. It's not very crowded or popular, but if you stay in that lane, it will get you to heaven. Are you on that road?
Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (Matthew 7:13, NIV).
The truth is, it is the only road to heaven. I know a lot of people choke on that truth. But I didn't come up with the idea. I didn't write the script. I'm just the delivery boy. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).
I know, I know.
That bugs people. Sure they want to believe that Jesus was a great guy – one of the many paths to God or higher consciousness or whatever you want to call it. So they may say, "Yeah, Jesus was good, but He was one of many choices … wasn't He?"
No. Jesus essentially said, "I am the only way to God."
And He is offering you the highway to heaven. Happiness. Purpose. Meaning. A reason to get up in the morning.
And most importantly, the hope of heaven.
The onramp to that highway is right in front of you, right now. The Bible says, "Today is the day of salvation." Don't put it off another moment. Get on the only road. Get on the highway to heaven and come to Jesus.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:26 am |
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When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
--1 Peter 2:23
Want to know the difference between winners and losers? It’s attitude!
Whatever the circumstance, your attitude helps determine whether you succeed or fail.
No, I'm not talking about just a Pollyanna-type, pie-in-the-sky kind of attitude. I’m talking about dealing with disappointment and disillusionment by trusting and having faith in God!
Romans 5:3-5 says, “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
So the way to keep from being disappointed in life is to allow God to build your character. And if you want God to build your character, you have to learn to deal with the problems and the disappointments of life with a good attitude.
Here are three tiny, but valuable words that will help you: Let…it…go. Let it go! It might even be a good idea to write these words on a Post-it note and stick it to the mirror in your bathroom or on the dashboard of your car.
Rather than living in and grinding on the injustices in this life, turn loose and let it go. According to our Scripture verse for today, that’s what Jesus did.
Follow His example. Don’t seek revenge. Let God take care of those who mistreat you. Because He'll do a much better job than you can!
Ask God to help you let go of a pain from your past today.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:04 am |
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Wired to Worship
The fundamental difference between humanity and animals is that animals don't worship, but people do. God has essentially wired us this way. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, He has placed "eternity in our hearts." We sense there is something more, and it causes us to worship.
Of course, not everyone worships God. But when you get down to it, everyone worships. Everyone has built an altar in their lives to someone or something.
Often, our problems and questions are resolved in worship. Asaph, who was grappling with the age-old question of why the wicked prosper, wrote, "When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction" (Psalm 73:16–17 NKJV).
Asaph didn't understand why things were the way they were until he came into God's presence to study His Word with His people. Then his questions came into proper perspective.
Worship affects every aspect of our lives. When we neglect it, problems will develop, as we see in Romans 1:20–25. These verses offer a look at the downward steps that occur when we fail to worship God.
It all begins with a failure to worship and glorify God. Verse 21 says, "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God . . . " (NLT). For example, you might decide that you don't need to go to church this week. Next week comes, and you're too busy. Soon, two months have gone by. Prayer is no longer a part of your life. Bible study is not a part of your life. Church is not a part of your life.
A downward spiral has begun. It may not happen overnight, but it starts with a failure to worship and glorify God.
The next step down is a failure to give thanks. If you don't glorify God as God, then it is inevitable that you won't give thanks to Him. Verse 21 says, "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused" (verse 21 NLT).
Some Christians neglect to give thanks at mealtimes, thinking of it as unnecessary. I think that it is a wonderful thing when an individual or family stops before a meal and prays. You are acknowledging that God has provided that meal for you. Even when you are in a public place, it is a good thing to do. If people see you, then let them see you. After all, you are giving thanks to God.
Next, failing to glorify God and to give thanks will result in turning to other gods or idols. Verse 23 says, "And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes" (NLT).
When God is removed, someone or something will take His place. Many people turn to belief systems designed to alleviate a guilt-ridden conscience. They think that whatever is true to them, if it is their truth, then that is good. This is the way many people live.
Failing to glorify God and be thankful will not only cause idolatry to enter in, but degraded and wicked living will soon follow. We find this step down in verse 24: "So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies." (NLT).
If you don't have God in your life and you are not following His Word, then you don't have a moral compass. You don't know what is right and wrong anymore, so you just go with whatever feels good to you and become more and more depraved.
As I said, everyone worships something or someone. At what altar are you bowing today? Will that god be able to save you? Will that god be able to help you when crisis hits? The answer is no—if your god is anyone apart from Jesus Christ.
You were created to have fellowship with the true and living God. You were created to glorify Him. He will bring you the pleasure, fulfillment, and purpose that you have been seeking from other things. But it starts with worshipping Him.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:37 am |
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And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
--Philippians 1:6
Just as today’s Bible verse says, you can be sure that God has good things planned for your life.
Not only are you and I to wait actively, patiently, and silently for God’s best in our lives, we're to wait expectantly. We're to live in eager anticipation of what God is going to do next.
Don't ever say, “God, when are You going to start working in my life?” Because He already is working in your life. It’s just a matter of believing it.
Now, the world says seeing is believing. But the Bible says believing is seeing. You and I can begin to see how God is working as we wait on Him and trust Him.
So often you and I want an explanation for what's going on in our lives. We ask God why. It's not wrong to ask God why. Jesus Himself asked God why on the cross. And there are times when we are to ask for wisdom and direction. God may choose to give us an answer.
But for the most part, the question is not why. It is how.
How are we going to respond to what God is doing in our lives? How are we going to respond to the circumstances of life? How are we going to allow God to work in us, forming our character?
You know, most Christians are like photographs, they develop best in the dark. And character is what we are in the dark.
You and I need to learn to look past our problems to see the promises of God today. When we do, we’ll become the men and women that God has called us to be!
THANK GOD FOR HIS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE,
EVEN IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS YET!
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:48 am |
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The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.
--Psalm 37:23
Is there a way for you to live a life that’s over the top? Yes!
First, you need to understand the “mode” you’re living in now. Are you simply in survival mode, just getting by and trying to make it to Friday? Maybe you live in success mode, always striving for personal and financial achievement.
A better choice is to live in significance mode, knowing who you are in Christ and discovering His destiny for your life.
Sadly, most people live in survival or success mode. But living in significance mode is the only way to see God’s plan for your life fulfilled before your very eyes.
Joseph of the Old Testament was a man of significance. Yet what gave his life significance? Purpose. Joseph was a man of purpose. And the person that God uses is someone who lives life with purpose.
God put a dream in Joseph’s heart when he was a young man. And he never forgot God’s dream for his life. Joseph would not let that dream die. He was driven by that dream and consumed by the call of God upon his life.
Because of this driving purpose, Joseph saw every problem as an opportunity for God to work in his life.
So let me ask you today, does an obstacle that you’re facing seem bigger than God?
Remember that it’s not! Nothing you face in life right now is bigger than God. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:27, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
People of purpose are not paralyzed by their problems. Because people of purpose who know the Lord Jesus Christ, know there's no panic in heaven… only plans!
REMEMBER THAT GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANY OBSTACLE YOU’RE FACING RIGHT NOW.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 8847
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Posted:
Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:23 am |
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Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
--Ephesians 4:32
Do you have any bitterness in your life today? Are you harboring any negative feelings, animosity, or even hatred towards another person?
Perhaps you have been hurt greatly. Perhaps you were sexually, physically, or verbally abused as a child. Maybe you’ve been devastated by rejection in a relationship. Perhaps you’ve been unsuccessful in school or in your current career. I know that every one of us faces hurt and rejection in life.
But I also know that Satan laughs when there’s a conflict that’s caused by bitterness. Why does he laugh? Because he knows that a spirit of bitterness gives him a foothold in your life, which will make you unable to pray, unable to witness, and unable to serve God effectively.
You say, “Well, Pastor, you don't understand how much I've been hurt. You don't know how deeply I’ve been wounded. You don't know my story.” And you know what? You’re right. I don’t.
But I do know what happened to Jesus when He was taken into the hands of cruel and violent men. He was handed over to Roman soldiers who saw Him as nothing but a piece of flesh to be executed. They beat Him, mocked Him, pulled out His beard, spat in His face, and they nailed Him to a cross.
And yet Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
That's what Christ has done for you! And as a believer, the Spirit of Christ lives within you, enabling you by His power to respond to others with forgiveness.
You know, if you will ask God to take away your bitterness, He’ll do it. He will bring you to a place in your life where His grace and peace replaces the animosity, hurt, and anger that you feel.
PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR THE COURAGE TO FORGIVE A PERSON WHO HAS HURT YOU DEEPLY.
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N2K
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Posts: 8847
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