January 14
There is a key word in the appropriation of any promise from God and that word is ‘persevere.’ God is under no obligation to fulfill His promises within a certain time frame. The journey from the moment of receiving the assurance to the moment of attaining the desired goal can be a long one.
In Hebrews 6:12 the believer is cautioned against spiritual laziness because the Lord who fashioned us knows our proclivity to grow weary and to abandon our resolve to pray through in important matters. If we lose our determination, we can rob ourselves of the very thing we desire to attain.
Here, Paul tells the Hebrews, “Do not become slothful but be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.” The great apostle was aware of the human tendency to give up. He had observed man’s fallen nature and knew his weaknesses. The pull away from steadfastness is a human proclivity.
In the case of people of faith, the natural man still holds sufficient power over the believer that the inclination is toward doing what human nature finds to be easy—that being to accept the status quo. To be spiritually resolute requires perseverance based on faith--and with faith comes the promise!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Belief Determines Outcome
January 13
The concept that we can influence circumstances by the way we think about them is not unique to people of faith. There is a general consensus that our perception of a matter has a great impact upon its outcome. If we doubt our ability to perform a task, we increase our likelihood to fail.
On the other hand, if we believe in ourselves, we can propel ourselves into the bull’s eye of success by the sheer power of the momentum we gain by the power of positive thinking. Discipline and determination go a long way toward the attaining of a stated goal.
In Numbers 13:31, 32, the Israelites who had been sent to spy out the land did not come to consensus. Of the group, only Joshua and Caleb came back with a good report. The others said the inhabitants were too powerful to be defeated. They said, “We can’t go up against them for they are stronger than we are…”
The outcome of this discrepancy was: those who believed they could not were prevented by God from entering the land. Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand were rewarded for their faith in the promise of the God who had told them that the land was to be theirs. Outcomes are indeed affected by what we believe so, TRUST JESUS!
The concept that we can influence circumstances by the way we think about them is not unique to people of faith. There is a general consensus that our perception of a matter has a great impact upon its outcome. If we doubt our ability to perform a task, we increase our likelihood to fail.
On the other hand, if we believe in ourselves, we can propel ourselves into the bull’s eye of success by the sheer power of the momentum we gain by the power of positive thinking. Discipline and determination go a long way toward the attaining of a stated goal.
In Numbers 13:31, 32, the Israelites who had been sent to spy out the land did not come to consensus. Of the group, only Joshua and Caleb came back with a good report. The others said the inhabitants were too powerful to be defeated. They said, “We can’t go up against them for they are stronger than we are…”
The outcome of this discrepancy was: those who believed they could not were prevented by God from entering the land. Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand were rewarded for their faith in the promise of the God who had told them that the land was to be theirs. Outcomes are indeed affected by what we believe so, TRUST JESUS!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Feast for the Soul
January 12
There’s nothing like a good meal to impart a feeling of satisfaction and well-being. To have dined well and to have relaxed after its enjoyment is counted as one of life’s blessings. Enjoying a repast with beloved family and friends is to add an incalculably valuable dimension to the partaking of excellent cuisine.
And there is another dimension to our being that basks in an even greater satisfaction. Proverbs 18:20 stirs our soul with a deep sense of peace by confirming that it is, “from the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied. He is filled with the product of his lips.’”
This is to say that the assurance of a good meal that is pleasurably enjoyed comes not so much from the meal itself but by a man’s satisfaction with himself in his conversation with others. What he has spoken to his friends and his family will impact his ability to enjoy food.
Strife between friends diminishes the enjoyment of even the finest fare. It is difficult to have any appetite at all when food is taken in an atmosphere of contention. But when peace and harmony abound, when a man’s words are softly spoken in kindness, the meal before him becomes a feast for his soul.
There’s nothing like a good meal to impart a feeling of satisfaction and well-being. To have dined well and to have relaxed after its enjoyment is counted as one of life’s blessings. Enjoying a repast with beloved family and friends is to add an incalculably valuable dimension to the partaking of excellent cuisine.
And there is another dimension to our being that basks in an even greater satisfaction. Proverbs 18:20 stirs our soul with a deep sense of peace by confirming that it is, “from the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied. He is filled with the product of his lips.’”
This is to say that the assurance of a good meal that is pleasurably enjoyed comes not so much from the meal itself but by a man’s satisfaction with himself in his conversation with others. What he has spoken to his friends and his family will impact his ability to enjoy food.
Strife between friends diminishes the enjoyment of even the finest fare. It is difficult to have any appetite at all when food is taken in an atmosphere of contention. But when peace and harmony abound, when a man’s words are softly spoken in kindness, the meal before him becomes a feast for his soul.
Monday, January 11, 2010
No Wiggle Room
January 11
We sometimes have difficulty espousing the ‘right’ and eschewing the ‘wrong’ of a matter. We weigh both sides. We compromise. We play the ends against the middle in our attempt to gain strategic advantage in our interaction with other people who are doing the same thing with the same goal in mind.
Our intent isn’t to establish the crux of a matter, it is to achieve the thing we want in whatever way works. We want to serve our purpose and further our interests, but we don't want to appear scheming so we endeavor to veil our manipulations toward advantage in a viable rationale.
But that’s not what the Word of God says we should do. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword…it is a judge of the ideas and intents of the heart.” The Word of the Lord doesn’t play favorites or manipulate facts to its own ends.
It simply is. Jesus is the Living Word of God. He is the manifestation of all that God stands for. He is unchanging. He embodies truth and upholds truth. That truth cuts to the quick of a man’s heart and soul and judges him in the essence of who he is. There is no subterfuge, no wiggle room with the Word. It is absolute.
We sometimes have difficulty espousing the ‘right’ and eschewing the ‘wrong’ of a matter. We weigh both sides. We compromise. We play the ends against the middle in our attempt to gain strategic advantage in our interaction with other people who are doing the same thing with the same goal in mind.
Our intent isn’t to establish the crux of a matter, it is to achieve the thing we want in whatever way works. We want to serve our purpose and further our interests, but we don't want to appear scheming so we endeavor to veil our manipulations toward advantage in a viable rationale.
But that’s not what the Word of God says we should do. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword…it is a judge of the ideas and intents of the heart.” The Word of the Lord doesn’t play favorites or manipulate facts to its own ends.
It simply is. Jesus is the Living Word of God. He is the manifestation of all that God stands for. He is unchanging. He embodies truth and upholds truth. That truth cuts to the quick of a man’s heart and soul and judges him in the essence of who he is. There is no subterfuge, no wiggle room with the Word. It is absolute.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Not a Pebble Will Fall
January 10
Any student of history can tell you that the Jews should not exist. The Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Hittites and their other contemporaries long ago passed from the realm of viable nations with mighty armies, but the Israelites exist today. In spite of being surrounded by enemies who have tried again and again to destroy them from within and from without, they exist—and they thrive. Why?
They have, from the beginning, been different from those around them. They did not worship idols as did their long-ago neighbors. They do not worship allah as do adherents of islam, the religion of their modern-day nemesis the Arab countries that surround them.
They were conquered by Rome and the heart of their culture was literally plowed under. They were dispersed throughout the known world. Yet they maintained their uniqueness in captivity. They were persecuted by the church as “Christ killers.” They were sent to the ovens by the Nazis. In every generation, they have been the target of vitriolic hatred and persecution. Yet they exist and they thrive. Why?
Amos 9:9 gives a glimmer of an answer to the “Why?” It says, “I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as one shakes a sieve, but not a pebble will fall to the ground." God’s ancient people have endured an onslaught against them. God has allowed this, but He has not, nor will He ever allow their destruction. His promise is written and it shall stand.
Any student of history can tell you that the Jews should not exist. The Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Hittites and their other contemporaries long ago passed from the realm of viable nations with mighty armies, but the Israelites exist today. In spite of being surrounded by enemies who have tried again and again to destroy them from within and from without, they exist—and they thrive. Why?
They have, from the beginning, been different from those around them. They did not worship idols as did their long-ago neighbors. They do not worship allah as do adherents of islam, the religion of their modern-day nemesis the Arab countries that surround them.
They were conquered by Rome and the heart of their culture was literally plowed under. They were dispersed throughout the known world. Yet they maintained their uniqueness in captivity. They were persecuted by the church as “Christ killers.” They were sent to the ovens by the Nazis. In every generation, they have been the target of vitriolic hatred and persecution. Yet they exist and they thrive. Why?
Amos 9:9 gives a glimmer of an answer to the “Why?” It says, “I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as one shakes a sieve, but not a pebble will fall to the ground." God’s ancient people have endured an onslaught against them. God has allowed this, but He has not, nor will He ever allow their destruction. His promise is written and it shall stand.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Christ Strengthens Me
January 9
Life is a breeze for some people—at least that’s how it appears to those who are on the outside looking in. Perception may, in fact, be far from reality. Without actually walking in a person’s skin, nobody can know that things are as carefree and bright as they seem.
Conversely, a life that appears to be deluged with despair can evidence buoyancy that is beyond human ability to understand. A missionary, for example, whose family was decimated during religious blood-letting in Africa and whose young son died when run down by a speeding vehicle, who subsists below the poverty level, walks a path of unshakable joy.
What makes the difference? Are people simply well-indoctrinated in the art of camouflaging their true feelings? Have they set about to put forth a façade of prosperity and contentment in the midst of trials they may face? Hardly. Though there may be an element of ‘putting on a happy face’, reality usually catches up with us. We can maintain our award-winning performance only so long.
The Bible supplies a better answer to the question of how we are to successfully get through the quagmire of problems and maze of challenges that confront us. In Philippians 4:12, 13 we are told, “Whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or lack…I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We are more than conquerors; we are overcomers because of Jesus’ help.
Life is a breeze for some people—at least that’s how it appears to those who are on the outside looking in. Perception may, in fact, be far from reality. Without actually walking in a person’s skin, nobody can know that things are as carefree and bright as they seem.
Conversely, a life that appears to be deluged with despair can evidence buoyancy that is beyond human ability to understand. A missionary, for example, whose family was decimated during religious blood-letting in Africa and whose young son died when run down by a speeding vehicle, who subsists below the poverty level, walks a path of unshakable joy.
What makes the difference? Are people simply well-indoctrinated in the art of camouflaging their true feelings? Have they set about to put forth a façade of prosperity and contentment in the midst of trials they may face? Hardly. Though there may be an element of ‘putting on a happy face’, reality usually catches up with us. We can maintain our award-winning performance only so long.
The Bible supplies a better answer to the question of how we are to successfully get through the quagmire of problems and maze of challenges that confront us. In Philippians 4:12, 13 we are told, “Whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or lack…I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We are more than conquerors; we are overcomers because of Jesus’ help.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Blessings Now and Blessings Then
January 8
We know there will come a day when the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord (Isaiah 6:3). It will not require a commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord to behold His glory. He will shine forth as the sun and every eye will see it and every knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10)
In an eternal sense, Jesus Christ will be exalted. Every tongue shall confess Him as Lord, even those who have not received Him as Savior. An individual’s choice to embrace Jesus and the salvation He achieved for us through His life, death, and resurrection will determine His place of residence through the endless ages.
Further, there is an incalculable blessing to be had in the present, in this realm we call ‘time’ that cannot be compared to any reward we may achieve for ourselves through our diligent labor or our persistent efforts. This blessing is the free gift which is held out to everyone who will receive it from God’s mighty hand of love.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “The one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” The recipient of the blessings of the Living and Eternal God of Salvation and Love is the person who seeks Him and draws near to Him. In His presence is the fullness of every earthly desire and heavenly hope.
We know there will come a day when the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord (Isaiah 6:3). It will not require a commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord to behold His glory. He will shine forth as the sun and every eye will see it and every knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10)
In an eternal sense, Jesus Christ will be exalted. Every tongue shall confess Him as Lord, even those who have not received Him as Savior. An individual’s choice to embrace Jesus and the salvation He achieved for us through His life, death, and resurrection will determine His place of residence through the endless ages.
Further, there is an incalculable blessing to be had in the present, in this realm we call ‘time’ that cannot be compared to any reward we may achieve for ourselves through our diligent labor or our persistent efforts. This blessing is the free gift which is held out to everyone who will receive it from God’s mighty hand of love.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “The one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” The recipient of the blessings of the Living and Eternal God of Salvation and Love is the person who seeks Him and draws near to Him. In His presence is the fullness of every earthly desire and heavenly hope.
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