A GRIEVING HEART IS THANKFUL Thursday – November 18, 2010
“and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’” –Job 1:21
On October 25, 2010, Luke Bucklin took off in his private plane from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was returning home to Minnesota with his three sons after a family vacation. Not long after take off, Luke radioed that he could not maintain altitude because of mountain wind currents. Then there was silence.
During the search, Luke’s family issued the statement: "our heroes ... the incredibly courageous search team, men and women who have worked tirelessly over the past week to find our boys. Our gratitude for their efforts is infinite, and we ask that everyone pray for their continued safety as the mission draws to a close."
Then on November 1, a highly skilled mountain rescue team reached the wreckage of the lost plane. No one survived.
The following week, 1,000 people packed the small church in Edina, Minnesota where Luke and his family worshiped.
Luke’s grieving widow Ginger said: “While I still can't really fathom living life without the Bucklin boys at my side, I feel incredibly blessed and I thank God for bringing them into my life."
We sometimes go through times of incredible grief. But the Lord is faithful and we need to praise Him for all that life brings us. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for the wonderful things in your life. Ask Him to give you the faith and strength to praise Him during times of sorrow.
"If any one would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness, and all perfection, he must tell you to make a rule to yourself, to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you." - William Law
God’s Word: “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
heavenly light
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Use Your Gift (1)
Use Your Gift (1) 17 Nov 2010
'Having...gifts...let us use them...' Romans 12:6
The Bible says, 'Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...' (Romans 12:6 NKJV) God has 'graced' you to do certain things well. Now, that doesn't mean doors will automatically open, and, like cream, you'll just rise to the top. Indeed, what you get overnight you can lose overnight. You must first discern your gifts, use every opportunity to sharpen them, learn from your mistakes, and be tenacious about what God's called you to do. In high school 'Sparky' flunked Latin, algebra, English and physics. He made the golf team but promptly lost the only match of the season, then he lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially-more shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl out on a date in high school. One thing, however, was important to Sparky-drawing. He was proud of his artwork even though nobody else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook but they were rejected. Even so, he aspired to be an artist. After high school he sent samples of his work to The Walt Disney Studios. Again he was rejected. But Sparky didn't quit. He decided to write his autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books and television shows. You see, Sparky was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, the most famous cartoonist of all time. Like his main character, Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things. But he made the most of his God-given talent, refused to quit, and ended up winning. So, use your gift.
'Having...gifts...let us use them...' Romans 12:6
The Bible says, 'Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...' (Romans 12:6 NKJV) God has 'graced' you to do certain things well. Now, that doesn't mean doors will automatically open, and, like cream, you'll just rise to the top. Indeed, what you get overnight you can lose overnight. You must first discern your gifts, use every opportunity to sharpen them, learn from your mistakes, and be tenacious about what God's called you to do. In high school 'Sparky' flunked Latin, algebra, English and physics. He made the golf team but promptly lost the only match of the season, then he lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially-more shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl out on a date in high school. One thing, however, was important to Sparky-drawing. He was proud of his artwork even though nobody else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook but they were rejected. Even so, he aspired to be an artist. After high school he sent samples of his work to The Walt Disney Studios. Again he was rejected. But Sparky didn't quit. He decided to write his autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books and television shows. You see, Sparky was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, the most famous cartoonist of all time. Like his main character, Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things. But he made the most of his God-given talent, refused to quit, and ended up winning. So, use your gift.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Anxious for Nothing
Anxious for Nothing
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”
(Philippians 4:6, NASB)
(Philippians 4:6, NASB)
So many people today are living uptight, worried and anxious about the future, filled with frustration and concern. In the natural there may be good reason, but understand, living that way is not God’s best. God doesn’t want us to be filled with anxiety and frustration; He wants us to live in peace. You can find rest in Him knowing that no matter what is happening around you, God Almighty has His hand on you.
The next time you’re tempted to worry or be anxious about something, remember this verse. God invites us to come to Him. In fact, the Bible says He rewards those who diligently seek Him. But notice, we can’t just come to Him any old way. He wants us to come to Him with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. Begin by simply saying, “Father in heaven, thank You for the privilege to come before You. Thank You for hearing my prayers.” As you come to Him with an open and humble heart, He will hear you and fill you with His peace and joy to live free from anxiety all the days of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I choose to be anxious for nothing. I choose to set aside my worries and concerns. I thank You for Your faithfulness to meet every need in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Legalism or Grace? (2)
| Legalism or Grace? (2) |
| We are made fit...by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 10:10 |
| Rigid adherence to a list of do's and don'ts appeals to our pride and self-sufficiency by fostering the myth that if we work hard enough we can earn God's favour. That's fear-based thinking, and '...God has not given us a spirit of fear...' (2 Timothy1:7 NLT). 'There is no fear in love...fear has to do with punishment...' (1 John 4:18 NIV). Legalism is fear that God isn't big enough to forgive your sins, that unless you do the right thing in the right way at the right time-and do it perfectly-you're in trouble. Jon Walker writes: 'That's a lie with the smell of hell all over it! When we fear making mistakes we become timid, and limit ourselves from living abundantly. We let...analysis permeate our decisions as we lead quiet, desperate, anti-faith lives, afraid to move with the bold confidence that grace gives us to walk in uncertainty...unafraid of rejection.' Speaking against works-based religion, Martin Luther said, 'Be a sinner and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger...rejoice in Christ...the victor over sin.' No, Luther wasn't excusing sin! He was restoring grace to its rightful place, affirming that nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). He wasn't downgrading the law, He was upgrading grace. Grace means talking to God and listening for His voice when it would be easier to just consult the rule book. The truth is, when '...[Jesus] entered...heaven...to appear...before God on our behalf' (Hebrews 9:24 NLT), He freed us to have a relationship with Him without fear of sin separating us. |
Take Off the Limits
Take Off the Limits
“I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]”
(Psalm 119:96, AMP)
Did you know you can actually limit your life by dwelling on the wrong things? So often, wrong thinking keeps people stuck right where they are. If you think you’ll never accomplish your dreams, then your life will follow your thoughts. If you think you don’t have the talent, the connections or the funds, then you are limiting yourself. We have to remember that God’s promises are forever settled in heaven. His Word stands true throughout all eternity!
Don’t limit what God can do in your life by focusing only on what you see in the natural realm. You have to realize that you serve a supernatural God, and just because you don’t see a way doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a whole new level. He has explosive blessings in store that can blast you out of where you are and into a place of abundance. If you’ll shift your focus from this earthly realm and start looking at God’s supernatural realm, you’ll see His unlimited possibilities for your future. Take the limits off by setting your thoughts on what He can do in your life today!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, today I lift my eyes to You. You alone are the source of my strength, peace and provision. I choose to delight myself in You knowing that You will give me the desires of my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
I EXALT THEE!
I EXALT THEE! Wednesday – November 10, 2010
“For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” – Psalm 97:9
In 1975, Pastor Pete Sanchez, Jr. ministered at Christ Covenant Church in Houston, Texas. One of the goals of his life was to write a praise song for each of the 150 Psalms. He would often have his devotional time at the piano, and he then began singing what is now the first part of the praise song “I Exalt Thee.”
Each time he worshipped in this manner, a little bit more of the song was revealed. The following spring, as he was waiting for his wife prior to going to church, Pete sat down and began to worship. This time the entire song came out. “When I finished it I thought, ‘Well, something just happened, but I don’t know just what,’” said Pete.
That morning he was visiting another church and the pastor asked him to present special music. He sang “I Exalt Thee” and it had a profound effect on the congregation. The song has become a favorite of the church worldwide. One of Pete’s greatest joys was hearing people sing “I Exalt Thee” in ten different languages all at the same time at an international conference.
Nothing lifts our own spirits and pleases the Lord than praise. Today in prayer, exalt the Lord that He is Lord of all.
“For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods, For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.” – Pete Sanchez, Jr.
God’s Word: “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! – Psalm 18:46
“For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” – Psalm 97:9
In 1975, Pastor Pete Sanchez, Jr. ministered at Christ Covenant Church in Houston, Texas. One of the goals of his life was to write a praise song for each of the 150 Psalms. He would often have his devotional time at the piano, and he then began singing what is now the first part of the praise song “I Exalt Thee.”
Each time he worshipped in this manner, a little bit more of the song was revealed. The following spring, as he was waiting for his wife prior to going to church, Pete sat down and began to worship. This time the entire song came out. “When I finished it I thought, ‘Well, something just happened, but I don’t know just what,’” said Pete.
That morning he was visiting another church and the pastor asked him to present special music. He sang “I Exalt Thee” and it had a profound effect on the congregation. The song has become a favorite of the church worldwide. One of Pete’s greatest joys was hearing people sing “I Exalt Thee” in ten different languages all at the same time at an international conference.
Nothing lifts our own spirits and pleases the Lord than praise. Today in prayer, exalt the Lord that He is Lord of all.
“For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods, For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.” – Pete Sanchez, Jr.
God’s Word: “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! – Psalm 18:46
Legalism or Grace? (1)
| Legalism or Grace? (1) |
| ..do not set aside...grace... Galatians 2:21 |
| Imagine going to the emergency room and being asked to leave because you're bleeding all over the floor! Jesus encountered that legalistic mindset when he healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath. 'Indignant...the synagogue ruler said..."There are six days for work...come and be healed on those days...' ' (Luke13:14 NIV). Observing the law was more important to him than the people he was supposed to care for. Max Lucado says: 'All religion falls into...two camps: legalism or grace. A legalist believes if you look right, speak right and belong to the right group, you'll be saved...The outside sparkles...but something's missing...Joy. What's there instead? Fear-that you won't do enough. Arrogance-that you've done enough. Failure-that you've made a mistake. Legalism is...slow suffocation of the spirit, amputation of one's dreams...enough religion to keep but not nourish you...Your diet is rules and standards. Legalism...doesn't need God...It's the search for innocence-not forgiveness...a systematic process of defending...explaining...exalting...justifying...It turns my opinion into your burden. There's only room for one opinion...and guess who's wrong? It turns my opinion into your boundary. Your opposing opinion makes me question not only your right to fellowship with me, but your salvation. It turns my opinion into your obligation. Christians must toe the company line. Your job isn't to think, it's to march...Salvation is God's business. Grace is his idea, his work, and his expense. He offers it to whomever he desires, when he desires. Our job is to inform people, not screen them.' Paul writes, 'Do not set aside...grace...for if righteousness comes through the law...Christ died in vain.' Thank God 'he saved us because of his mercy...not...good deeds we did...' (Titus 3:5 NCV). |
Monday, 8 November 2010
Don't Judge!
| ||||||||||||
Show Kindness
| Show Kindness |
| Be kindly affectionate to one another... Romans 12:10 |
| Sometimes we defend our lack of love, kindness, gentleness, patience, and all those other 'fruits of the spirit,' in the name of productivity and hard work. But we can't square it with Christ's teachings. He said, '...whatever you want [others] to do to you, do also to them...' (Matthew 7:12 NKJV). When was the last time you went out of your way to help somebody, expecting nothing in return? Mother Teresa said, 'A day lived without showing love for others, is a day not worth living.' Loving people must be a way of life, a fixed attitude, a commitment we make every day. William Barclay said: 'More people have been brought into the church by the kindness of real Christian love than by all the theological arguments in the world. And more people have been driven from the church by the hardness and ugliness of so-called Christians than by all the doubts in the world.' Have you ever stopped to think that all those little irritations which come your way each day, are just God giving you an opportunity to become more Christ-like? Years ago Chuck Swindoll wrote: 'What does the Lord do to help broaden my horizons and assist me in seeing how selfish I am? Very simple: He gives me four busy kids who step on toes, wrinkle clothes, spill milk, lick car windows, and drop sticky candy on the carpet...being unselfish in attitude strikes at the very core of our being. It means we are willing to forego our own comfort, our own preferences, our own schedule, our own desires for another's benefit. And that brings us back to Christ.' |
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