Ever say, “I sure hope God will be with me.” Maybe you have just needed God for some special event or occasion and wondered how can I make sure He is there? You know He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, but the scripture gives us a promise of His ‘being with us in love and peace’ in 2 Corinthians 13:11. “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: REJOICE. CHANGE YOUR WAYS. ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER. LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE. THEN: The God of love and peace will be with you.”
I have become so aware that practically every promise in scripture has a contingency clause. God promises He will if you will. Here the Bible admonishes you with four imperatives followed with a promise. The promise that the God of love and peace will be with you indicates the presence of God in a positive encouraging and uplifting way in your life.
What are those imperatives? First, He tells us to rejoice. Often in scripture you are told to rejoice, even if things are not going well. Second, He says to change your ways. There is obviously a link between your lack of sensing God’s love and peace and your unwillingness to change some things in your life. Third, He directs you to encourage others. Amazing how the love and peace of God comes as we focus on others rather than ourselves. Unselfish people experience God’s love and peace. Fourth, He desires that you live in harmony and peace. When we are at peace with family, friends and even our enemies there is a love and peace that passes understanding. Good counsel for the day: follow the four factors that produce the experience of God’s love and peace.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
See the Hand of God #12
Ever feel like second fiddle, or that you came up on the short end of the stick. These are terms which mean you feel cheated or that you are not given enough credit. I have often wondered what writers of the Bible feel like concerning their particular book of the Bible. Like for instance: if you were Nahum how do you think you would feel if someone entered heaven and Nahum met them and said, ‘How did you like my Book?’ and they shrugged their shoulders. The truth is most of us would know nothing about the book and many would not even know it exists. Poor Nahum!
Such is the case of First and Second Corinthians. Although Paul wrote both letters it appears to me that Second Corinthians is often overlooked because of its predecessor. Second Corinthians is a book of encouragement and deserves a close look. Paul begins his second letter with the announcement of the God of all comfort. What an encouragement. There is a God who cares enough about all of your needs that He comforts.
“He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles,” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)
The Greek word used to describe God the Holy Spirit, used in John 14:26, is parakletos and is translated comforter. God Himself is the comforter. He is always there to bring comfort in our times of trouble. There is an inner peace and joy that God sends our way to counterbalance the difficulties life sends us. Even when we are unaware of His presence He is still there. We often say that hindsight is twentytwenty. That is certainly true as we look back and recognize the hand of the God of all comfort touching our fragile lives at those moments when trouble knocks at our door.
There is a reason for the comfort; “so that we may comfort others. When others are troubled , we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT). I have often said that ‘God uses people.’ That means He will use you to be a comforter to the people He puts in your life. It is also true that God used people to bring you comfort. What a brilliant idea. God seems to have those quite often. Why not look for the opportunity today to comfort someone.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Such is the case of First and Second Corinthians. Although Paul wrote both letters it appears to me that Second Corinthians is often overlooked because of its predecessor. Second Corinthians is a book of encouragement and deserves a close look. Paul begins his second letter with the announcement of the God of all comfort. What an encouragement. There is a God who cares enough about all of your needs that He comforts.
“He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles,” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)
The Greek word used to describe God the Holy Spirit, used in John 14:26, is parakletos and is translated comforter. God Himself is the comforter. He is always there to bring comfort in our times of trouble. There is an inner peace and joy that God sends our way to counterbalance the difficulties life sends us. Even when we are unaware of His presence He is still there. We often say that hindsight is twentytwenty. That is certainly true as we look back and recognize the hand of the God of all comfort touching our fragile lives at those moments when trouble knocks at our door.
There is a reason for the comfort; “so that we may comfort others. When others are troubled , we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT). I have often said that ‘God uses people.’ That means He will use you to be a comforter to the people He puts in your life. It is also true that God used people to bring you comfort. What a brilliant idea. God seems to have those quite often. Why not look for the opportunity today to comfort someone.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Sizzle of Anger #11
I spoke with a man recently who had the misfortune of going through a nasty divorce. A lot of anger and resentment preceded the end of the relationship. I asked the man about his struggle. He simply said, “She got even. She took my bass boat and all my fishing tackle.” Ouch! For a fisherman that was a low blow.
We live in a ‘get even’ world. Whether it is one country against another, a nasty divorce, a traffic altercation, a money deal gone bad, or numerous other events the answer seems to be “vengeance is mine, I will get even.”
God’s word encourages us against retaliation.
1 Peter 2:21-23 (NLT)
21 He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.[b]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
Our Savior and Lord Jesus is our example. He was persecuted, insulted, and threatened, yet He left his case in God’s hands. God will bring the justice. Now let’s personalize it. What happened to you today or maybe years ago that caused you to desire revenge by retaliating. Does that sizzle of anger still burn in your heart? Although you have been violated, hurt, or just threatened remember that the real judge who will brings true justice is God. Don’t get even by trying to be the prosecutor. “Justice is mine, says the Lord.”
You will be encouraged when you can ‘let it go’ and let God handle your struggles. Jesus “left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”
Be encouraged: God always judges fairly for you too.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
We live in a ‘get even’ world. Whether it is one country against another, a nasty divorce, a traffic altercation, a money deal gone bad, or numerous other events the answer seems to be “vengeance is mine, I will get even.”
God’s word encourages us against retaliation.
1 Peter 2:21-23 (NLT)
21 He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.[b]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
Our Savior and Lord Jesus is our example. He was persecuted, insulted, and threatened, yet He left his case in God’s hands. God will bring the justice. Now let’s personalize it. What happened to you today or maybe years ago that caused you to desire revenge by retaliating. Does that sizzle of anger still burn in your heart? Although you have been violated, hurt, or just threatened remember that the real judge who will brings true justice is God. Don’t get even by trying to be the prosecutor. “Justice is mine, says the Lord.”
You will be encouraged when you can ‘let it go’ and let God handle your struggles. Jesus “left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”
Be encouraged: God always judges fairly for you too.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Can My Life Be Better? #10
Mark 7:34
34 and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!" (NAS)
Jesus was compassionate and concerned for the well being of people He met. On this occasion a deaf man was brought to Him. He simply took a deep breath and spoke a word to heaven which meant, “Be Opened.” How often are your ears plugged to the spiritual things of God so that you cannot hear when God speaks to you? You may have tried many things to make life better and only failed, when the real need was to listen to God. Could you look to heaven on your own behalf and ask God to open your ears that you could hear and your eyes that you could see
Him.
Paul prayed for the Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:18-19 (NAS)
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Whether it is your spiritual eyes or ears that need opened it would be God’s desire that you to pay attention to Him. The song says it well: “Open our eyes Lord we want to see Jesus.” Let that be your prayer today.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
34 and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!" (NAS)
Jesus was compassionate and concerned for the well being of people He met. On this occasion a deaf man was brought to Him. He simply took a deep breath and spoke a word to heaven which meant, “Be Opened.” How often are your ears plugged to the spiritual things of God so that you cannot hear when God speaks to you? You may have tried many things to make life better and only failed, when the real need was to listen to God. Could you look to heaven on your own behalf and ask God to open your ears that you could hear and your eyes that you could see
Him.
Paul prayed for the Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:18-19 (NAS)
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Whether it is your spiritual eyes or ears that need opened it would be God’s desire that you to pay attention to Him. The song says it well: “Open our eyes Lord we want to see Jesus.” Let that be your prayer today.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Your Primary Concern #9
We so often refer to ourselves as Christians, which means we are followers of Jesus Christ, yet fail to listen to or grasp His teachings. One of the most important passages in the Scripture is the Sermon on the Mount as presented in Matthew’s Gospel. Luke has a similar passage found in Luke 12:22-34.
Jesus turns to the disciples and simply tells them, “don’t worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing.” Verse 22 (NLT)
How easy it is for us to become frustrated over things. Jesus reminds His disciples that God takes care of birds and flowers and you are far more important than they are. You cannot change a thing by worrying about it. In fact the only thing you will accomplish is the negative impact on your emotions, your mind and your body as well as your spiritual well-being.
Worrying over the simple necessities of life is futile also because God knows your needs already. “Your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day.” Luke 12:30-31(TLT)
By the way God did not promise to give you all you want.
Then God adds the clincher. He says He will meet all of your needs, “IF you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Verse 31 (TLT)
What an encouraging thought that God is going to provide all our needs. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Verse 32. So don’t worry. Make God happy.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Jesus turns to the disciples and simply tells them, “don’t worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing.” Verse 22 (NLT)
How easy it is for us to become frustrated over things. Jesus reminds His disciples that God takes care of birds and flowers and you are far more important than they are. You cannot change a thing by worrying about it. In fact the only thing you will accomplish is the negative impact on your emotions, your mind and your body as well as your spiritual well-being.
Worrying over the simple necessities of life is futile also because God knows your needs already. “Your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day.” Luke 12:30-31(TLT)
By the way God did not promise to give you all you want.
Then God adds the clincher. He says He will meet all of your needs, “IF you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Verse 31 (TLT)
What an encouraging thought that God is going to provide all our needs. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Verse 32. So don’t worry. Make God happy.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
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