Today's Reading: Job 20-21; Acts 10:24-48
Today's Thoughts: Hope
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 21:34
The word "hope" is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Psalms to bring encouragement in the Lord. Most of us speak of "hope" interchangeably with other words such as dreams, wishes, desires and goals. We pray and hope, dream and hope, and you can probably think of other words that you use in connection with "hope." The Bible most commonly uses the word "trust" in association with its definition. To hope in the Lord means that we are putting our trust in Him. In searching how often "hope" is used, I found that it comes up most frequently in the book of Job and the Psalms. One book describes pain and suffering; the other, praise and worship. But hope is the common thread in both.
When we are down, we are desperate for something to place our hopes in or upon. We need to know that tomorrow will be better. We need to believe that things in our lives are changing for the good. If we are sick, we hope to be healed. If we are in financial crises, we hope for restoration and prosperity. If we are in any kind of trouble, we hope that everything works out for the positive. We hope for a tomorrow that is better than today. Without hope, where would we be? How could we keep going? Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We must trust in the only One who brings real hope - Jesus Christ. Though we cannot physically see Him, we must place our faith in His love for us. Jesus is our only hope, for only He has the power to change our tomorrows.
Do you need hope for today? Pick up God's Word and ask Him to show you His hope for your situation. Regardless of where you are, He already knows everything about it. No trouble or trial is too great for our Lord. We have but one requirement: to place all of our hope in Him. There is no hope in the world, only fleeting moments. But God gives us hope in the eternal life that awaits us. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that our light affliction is but for a moment compared to the eternal glory that awaits those of us in Christ Jesus. Put your hope and trust today in Jesus. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit to comfort you with His hope of glory.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Biblical Discernment
In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.
First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required.
The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one’s ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living-a certain recipe for compromise.
Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God’s Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day.
Discernment intersects the Christian life at every point. And God’s Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. According to Peter, God “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). You see, it is through the “true knowledge of Him,” that we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life in this fallen world. And how else do we have true knowledge of God but through the pages of His Word, the Bible? In fact, Peter goes on to say that such knowledge comes through God’s granting “to us His precious and magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4).
Discernment ? the ability to think biblically about all areas of life ? is indispensable to an uncompromising life. It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth! Without it, Christians are at risk of being “tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required.
The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one’s ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living-a certain recipe for compromise.
Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God’s Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day.
Discernment intersects the Christian life at every point. And God’s Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. According to Peter, God “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). You see, it is through the “true knowledge of Him,” that we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life in this fallen world. And how else do we have true knowledge of God but through the pages of His Word, the Bible? In fact, Peter goes on to say that such knowledge comes through God’s granting “to us His precious and magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4).
Discernment ? the ability to think biblically about all areas of life ? is indispensable to an uncompromising life. It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth! Without it, Christians are at risk of being “tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Come To Jesus
When life becomes so weary
Every day brings new depair
And you’ve lost your love for living
To a life of barren fare ;
When you’ve nothing left to live for –
And no more tears to cry;
Come to Jesus , with your burdens ,
For a love He won’t deny.
He is waiting to embrace you –
Just a simple prayer away –
And to fill your heart with gladness
To endear your night and day .
For He knows of all you’ve suffered ,
In you journeys through the years
And He knows of faiths you’ve vanished
To your struggles and your tears .
Come to Jesus and His comforts-
Within calling of your cry ;
Let Him grant new loves , for sharing ,
And new faiths to journey by;
Let Him give your life new meaning
And uplift you from depair.
Come to Him _ who waits to help you-
At the moment of your prayer
Jan Bagwell 6/19/08
Every day brings new depair
And you’ve lost your love for living
To a life of barren fare ;
When you’ve nothing left to live for –
And no more tears to cry;
Come to Jesus , with your burdens ,
For a love He won’t deny.
He is waiting to embrace you –
Just a simple prayer away –
And to fill your heart with gladness
To endear your night and day .
For He knows of all you’ve suffered ,
In you journeys through the years
And He knows of faiths you’ve vanished
To your struggles and your tears .
Come to Jesus and His comforts-
Within calling of your cry ;
Let Him grant new loves , for sharing ,
And new faiths to journey by;
Let Him give your life new meaning
And uplift you from depair.
Come to Him _ who waits to help you-
At the moment of your prayer
Jan Bagwell 6/19/08
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What compels you?
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
"For Christ's love compels us ..." (v.14)
What exactly does Scripture mean when it uses the word "love"? In English, the word "love" has a variety of meanings. It is used for the mighty passion that moves in the heart of God but it is used also to describe such things as the flutterings of the adolescent heart in spring. The one word "love" has to be spread over a multiplicity of diverse meanings. The Greek language is much richer in this respect. It has four words for love. One is eros, meaning love between the sexes. Another is philia, meaning affectionate human love. Then there is the word storge, meaning family love. The most powerful word for love, however, is agape, which means unconditional love -- the love that surges in the heart of God. When Paul says, "the fruit of the Spirit is love," the word he uses for love is agape. He means that the love we are expected to experience and demonstrate when we are indwelt by the Spirit is not just love in general, but love of a specific kind -- the love which we see exemplified in Jesus.
In the text before us today, Paul says: "For Christ's love compels us." This cuts deep. It is possible to be compelled by the love of achievement, of success, of a cause, of a fight. What compels you -- the love of a cause or the love of Christ? The enemies of the early Christians complained that "these followers of Jesus love each other even before they are acquainted." They did. They couldn't help it, for the very nature of the faith they had embraced was love.
Prayer:
Father, as I look into my heart in these few moments to see what controls me, help me to come out with the same answer as the apostle Paul -- "the love of Christ." Pour Your love in so that I may pour it out to others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"For Christ's love compels us ..." (v.14)
What exactly does Scripture mean when it uses the word "love"? In English, the word "love" has a variety of meanings. It is used for the mighty passion that moves in the heart of God but it is used also to describe such things as the flutterings of the adolescent heart in spring. The one word "love" has to be spread over a multiplicity of diverse meanings. The Greek language is much richer in this respect. It has four words for love. One is eros, meaning love between the sexes. Another is philia, meaning affectionate human love. Then there is the word storge, meaning family love. The most powerful word for love, however, is agape, which means unconditional love -- the love that surges in the heart of God. When Paul says, "the fruit of the Spirit is love," the word he uses for love is agape. He means that the love we are expected to experience and demonstrate when we are indwelt by the Spirit is not just love in general, but love of a specific kind -- the love which we see exemplified in Jesus.
In the text before us today, Paul says: "For Christ's love compels us." This cuts deep. It is possible to be compelled by the love of achievement, of success, of a cause, of a fight. What compels you -- the love of a cause or the love of Christ? The enemies of the early Christians complained that "these followers of Jesus love each other even before they are acquainted." They did. They couldn't help it, for the very nature of the faith they had embraced was love.
Prayer:
Father, as I look into my heart in these few moments to see what controls me, help me to come out with the same answer as the apostle Paul -- "the love of Christ." Pour Your love in so that I may pour it out to others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Give thanks to the Lord
Psalm 136:1 and 26
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Our thanks arises from the nature of God and his glory and goodness. The steadfast reason we give thanks is because God is good and his love is inexhaustible, beyond decay, and never ending.
Prayer:
O great Lover of my soul, thank you for sending Jesus as the demonstration of your love. I love you Father. I love you for who you are and what you have done. I love you for what you have promised. I love you for the blessings you shower upon me. I love you for giving me hope. I love you because you first loved me. I love you because you are worthy of all love. But I confess that my love is not as strong as yours, so please, fill me with your love by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus I lift my heart to you. Amen.'
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Our thanks arises from the nature of God and his glory and goodness. The steadfast reason we give thanks is because God is good and his love is inexhaustible, beyond decay, and never ending.
Prayer:
O great Lover of my soul, thank you for sending Jesus as the demonstration of your love. I love you Father. I love you for who you are and what you have done. I love you for what you have promised. I love you for the blessings you shower upon me. I love you for giving me hope. I love you because you first loved me. I love you because you are worthy of all love. But I confess that my love is not as strong as yours, so please, fill me with your love by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus I lift my heart to you. Amen.'
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thanksgiving and Praise
Scripture
”Come to worship him with thankful hearts and songs of praise.” Psalm 95:2 CEV
Thoughts for Today
Thanksgiving is recognition of what God has done. Praise is linked to who God is.
As we thank God for specific blessings, we gain a better perspective of his character … and then can more fully praise him for who he is.
Thanksgiving says, “Lord, I thank you for healing me of cancer.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are my Healer.”
Thanksgiving says, “Lord, thank you for comforting me when I suffered that loss.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are my Comforter.
Thanksgiving says, “Lord, thank you for helping me pay that bill.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are my Provider.”
And so, dwelling on our blessings and thanking God for what he has done help us grow in knowledge of who he is. As we praise him for who he is, our relationship with him and our trust in him are strengthened.
Consider this…
What challenges or problems are you facing today?
The more you recognize God’s blessings and thank him, the more you can grow in your understanding of his character. Along with this growth of understanding comes a strengthening of faith.
As you prepare to ask God to meet your need, first meditate on all he has done for you in the past. Thank him for each thing that comes to mind. Don’t rush this time of thanksgiving. Let the thanksgiving naturally flow into praising him for who he is. You will find as you do this, that your faith will be strengthened. You will be more able to trust God and to believe that he will meet your present need.
Prayer…
Lord, I do thank you for all you have done for me. Praise you for your faithfulness. You have always met my needs. Sometimes you met them in a different way and time than I had asked, but your way and your time have always proved to be the best way and time. Help me to trust you and your plan for this present need. In Jesus’ name …
”Come to worship him with thankful hearts and songs of praise.” Psalm 95:2 CEV
Thoughts for Today
Thanksgiving is recognition of what God has done. Praise is linked to who God is.
As we thank God for specific blessings, we gain a better perspective of his character … and then can more fully praise him for who he is.
Thanksgiving says, “Lord, I thank you for healing me of cancer.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are my Healer.”
Thanksgiving says, “Lord, thank you for comforting me when I suffered that loss.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are my Comforter.
Thanksgiving says, “Lord, thank you for helping me pay that bill.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are my Provider.”
And so, dwelling on our blessings and thanking God for what he has done help us grow in knowledge of who he is. As we praise him for who he is, our relationship with him and our trust in him are strengthened.
Consider this…
What challenges or problems are you facing today?
The more you recognize God’s blessings and thank him, the more you can grow in your understanding of his character. Along with this growth of understanding comes a strengthening of faith.
As you prepare to ask God to meet your need, first meditate on all he has done for you in the past. Thank him for each thing that comes to mind. Don’t rush this time of thanksgiving. Let the thanksgiving naturally flow into praising him for who he is. You will find as you do this, that your faith will be strengthened. You will be more able to trust God and to believe that he will meet your present need.
Prayer…
Lord, I do thank you for all you have done for me. Praise you for your faithfulness. You have always met my needs. Sometimes you met them in a different way and time than I had asked, but your way and your time have always proved to be the best way and time. Help me to trust you and your plan for this present need. In Jesus’ name …
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A Pattern for Healing
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
—James 5:14
I believe that God heals today. We know He has miraculously built into the human body a natural process in which it heals over time. But I believe God can quicken the healing process. I also believe that He can do a miracle when we have been told there is no hope. I have seen so many of these myself. God promises His healing touch and tells us that by His stripes we are healed. So, we should ask God to heal us when we are facing sickness.
In James 5, we are given the scriptural pattern for healing: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
It is interesting that Bible does not say, “Is anyone among you sick? Then go find a faith healer.” I am not suggesting that miracles didn’t take place in the early church, because indeed they did. I am not saying that healing was not done by faith, because it was. My point is that it was never the focus of the apostles. The early church did not follow signs and wonders; signs and wonders followed them. This is an important distinction.
We can go to God and ask Him to heal. I thank God that healing is available to us today. But we make a mistake when we focus on phenomenon. Instead, we should focus on the proclamation of God’s Word and leave the miracles, the healings, and the rest up to God to do as He sovereignly chooses.
—James 5:14
I believe that God heals today. We know He has miraculously built into the human body a natural process in which it heals over time. But I believe God can quicken the healing process. I also believe that He can do a miracle when we have been told there is no hope. I have seen so many of these myself. God promises His healing touch and tells us that by His stripes we are healed. So, we should ask God to heal us when we are facing sickness.
In James 5, we are given the scriptural pattern for healing: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
It is interesting that Bible does not say, “Is anyone among you sick? Then go find a faith healer.” I am not suggesting that miracles didn’t take place in the early church, because indeed they did. I am not saying that healing was not done by faith, because it was. My point is that it was never the focus of the apostles. The early church did not follow signs and wonders; signs and wonders followed them. This is an important distinction.
We can go to God and ask Him to heal. I thank God that healing is available to us today. But we make a mistake when we focus on phenomenon. Instead, we should focus on the proclamation of God’s Word and leave the miracles, the healings, and the rest up to God to do as He sovereignly chooses.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
