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Sunday, March 14, 2010
A Godly Woman
1 Timothy 5:9-10
The greatest gift for families and churches is the gift of mothers and the sacrifices they make for those they love. Mothers serve as cook, cleaner, taxi driver, nurse, counselor, friend, and molder of lives. As Paul wrote Timothy, he outlined the qualities of a godly woman. What are these characteristics? Verse 10 mentions six such qualities.
A godly woman is well known for her good deeds. Why are her deeds so obvious? She touches lives by living the gospel instead of just telling the gospel. For example, most churches would have to close their doors if it were not for the attendance and participation of women. Godly women understand the importance of living for Jesus as they use their talents to teach, sing, and serve.
A godly woman raises godly children. Children are the hope and future of the home, church, and society. Her influence is felt in all who receive her care. Mothers are shapers of the future as they shape the lives of children who will in turn shape the world. Mothers hold incredible influence in their hands as they impart their wisdom, values, and faith. As it has been said, behind every great man is a woman – a godly mother.
A godly woman shows hospitality. She opens her heart and home to love and care for everyone, including those who don’t deserve such care. A godly woman sees the best in the worst of people. Loving care is the hallmark of her life. Many a life has been turned around for the better because of her kindness.
A godly woman serves others. Just as Jesus took up a towel and water basin, a godly woman invests herself in the lives of others. No sacrifice is too great for a godly woman. Godly women see themselves as an extension of the Lord. They serve as His mouth, His hands, His heart…
A godly woman helps those in need. Her goal in life is to find a need, a hurt, a heart, and to mend it in the name of Jesus Christ. The prayers of a godly woman do not fall on deaf ears. A godly woman allows herself to feel the plight of the hurting and needy. Like Jesus, she makes her corner of the world a better place in which to live.
A godly woman works diligently. She is willing to surrender her rights, to subordinate her desires, so that she might do whatever will bless others. A mother’s heart never stops caring; her hands never stop serving. It has been well said that a man’s work is from eight to five. Yet, a godly woman knows such time constraints. Her work never ceases. Only eternity will reveal the number of lives that have been blessed by godly women and their faithful commitment to helping others.
These qualities never go out of style or date. If you are a mother, purpose in your heart to include them in your life. If your mother is still alive, honor her by repaying her with a life well lived. If your mother is deceased, carry on the legacy you inherited. All of heaven waits to applaud your efforts. BACK----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, March 13, 2010
How I'm Put Together
Romans 7:22-25
Tracy tried to break the habit. She knew it was wrong, and it affected others negatively. But it had a grip on her that seemed unshakeable. At first, she thought the habit made her cool, but the result was always the same. She ended up feeling foolish and guilty.
Alcoholism ran in her family. She had experienced the heartache of growing up with an addicted father. She remembered all too well the tears, the fear, and the resentment. Now she was following in her father’s footsteps. She started drinking with friends as a way to fit in. Now she was an outcast because drinking turned her into another person – a person no one liked being around, including herself. But what could she do?
For a problem as serious as addiction to alcohol, Tracy needs the help of doctors and counselors. But this habit, like all other sins, also requires spiritual solutions.
First, admit the problem is rooted in sin (verses 22-23). No one is perfect. Until you admit that you have a problem, you will never seek a solution. So, tell God you need help. If you refuse to admit you have a problem, then you are beyond help. The first step in most recovery twelve-step problems is to admit you have a problem. This will be your biggest hurdle. Lay aside what others might think, or what loss you might suffer, and seek help.
Second, agree with God that sin is wrong (verse 24). As you agree, genuinely repent of the sin and ask God to forgive you. Before you can work on your problem, you need to be right with God. For complete deliverance, you need to do more than just turn over a new leaf. At the beginning of every new year, millions of people make new resolutions. Research indicates that more than 90 percent never keep their resolutions. Why? You need to go beyond resolutions. You need to turn to God. Only He can help you overcome your problem. Only God can forgive and make you whole.
Third, ask Jesus to help you (verse 25). Sin’s grasp is too strong for you to loosen. You need help from above. Only Jesus can free you from the tyranny of sin. While Satan makes sin look tempting, its outcome is death (Romans 6:23). Remember that the battles of life are spiritual battles. You cannot fight them in the flesh and win. You need the help of the One who defeated the enemy on the cross of Calvary. With Jesus, you can over come. As Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Fourth, get into God’s Word (verse 22). As you get into God’s Word, it will get into you. God’s Word will bring transformation into your life. Examine the Bible for not only help, but also for assurance and guidance. Like the psalmist, you too will learn “thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Palm 119:105). With increased use, the Bible will become your best resource because it contains God’s Word. The problem with most Christians today is that they rely on everything else except the Bible. To overcome the problems of life, you need supernatural help, and the only book that provides this kind of help is the Bible. It doesn’t just contain God’s Word; the Bible is God’s Word.
You may not fight an addiction to alcohol, but you have a sin problem as strong as Tracy’s (and Paul’s!). Whatever your struggle with sin, you can experience victory through Christ. There is no other way but to “trust and obey.” Are you?----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 12, 2010
A God of Standards
Psalm 15:1-5
God, in His infinite wisdom, has given believers a perfect tool for measuring right and wrong — the Bible. Following God’s Word leads to wonderful results, while ignoring His Word can be catastrophe in this life and in the life to come. Psalm 15 gives a vivid description of God’s expectations
Walk blamelessly (verse 2). They live like Christ regardless of what others do. They serve an audience of one because only what God thinks really matters. Such believers steer clear of anything that might tarnish the image of Christ within them.
Work righteously (verse 2). They do not separate their faith from their work. In fact, they use their work as a means to point others to Christ. They remember that a picture is worth a thousand words, and as they work, their actions speak louder than words.
Speak truthfully (verses 2-3). Words do matter. While timely spoken words can lead to faith, words spoken in the flesh can hurt and lead people away from Christ. A gentle answer is what turns away wrath, and enables others to accept God’s truth more readily (Proverbs 15:1).
Love consistently (verse 3). Christian service includes being Christlike to neighbors. Although many neighbors are undeserving, there is never a right time to do the wrong thing. Love is a verb. In order for it to be effective, it has to be shown. Your neighbors want to see Jesus in action in you, instead of hearing about Jesus in your sermons.
Warn repeatedly (verse 4). Sinners need constant reminding that the ways of sin always lead to death. Most lost people end up lost like the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15. The coin was lost through the carelessness of the woman. No one ever starts out in life wanting to be separated from God, but through careless living, they miss Him.
Commends prudently (verse 4). Because God is holy, He must be reverenced and His truths followed continually. Even our choices regarding the persons we honor with admiration and friendship should be influenced by our fear of God. Nothing is less appealing than hypocrisy. Make sure that your words are well spoken and timely. If you guard your words, then they will be more effective when you speak them.
Promise faithfully (verse 4). A Christian’s word is always His bond. Integrity, once lost, is difficult to regain, especially in the eyes of unbelievers. The world reeks of dishonesty. It has been lacking in integrity for so long that very few come to expect it. The one thing that can quickly set you apart from the world is your honesty.
Loan generously (verse 5). Greediness corrupts because it causes the heart to turn from God. As you give of yourself and your resources, people will come to realize that the God you serve is just as generous. God’s people should never be stingy because God has been so generous by giving so much – the life of His Son, His Word, His Church, and His return.
Care sincerely (verse 5). A life well lived benefits both the believer and those who are influenced by it. Jesus’ love knew no boundaries. Expressions of kindness can touch the heart faster than words.
Those who follow God’s standard are not easily discouraged, nor is their faith easily shaken for they know God’s presence and power in their lives (verse 5). God honors those who seek to honor Him. BACK
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Thursday, March 11, 2010
Our God Reigns
Psalm 68:17-19
To some, the best part of going somewhere is getting back home again. There is no place like home. David – the shepherd boy who became a king – dreamed of the day when the ark of the covenant would come home to its proper place. You can read Psalm 68 as David’s anticipation of that time and his faith that it would happen someday because God reigns.
God would reign in the temple (verse 17). With longing in his voice, David recounts the journey that began at Mount Sinai with the construction of the ark of the covenant that finally ends at Mount Zion in Jerusalem (the site of the sanctuary), the chosen dwelling place of God among his people. On this glorious day, the ark is accompanied with thousands of supernatural chariots driven by heavenly angels.
God reigns in Christ (verses 18-19). In this triumphal procession, David foresees the ministry of the ascended Christ who is forever victorious over evil. Believers have the assurance that all those who believe in Christ can overcome evil as well because the victor generously shares the spoils of war (verse 19). Who are you following today? Not all leaders are created equal. Jesus Christ is the only Commander and Chief who can lead you throughout your life and into eternity. Following the wrong leader can have deathly consequences. However, following Jesus Christ leads to the blessings of God on your life. Don’t make the mistake that so many make today. Follow Christ. Resist the temptation of the world. Tolerance (everyone should accept the beliefs of everyone else without discernment), pluralism (all roads lead to heaven), relativism (there is no such thing as truth) are threats that need to be avoided at all costs. Only Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
God reigns in His churches. The quotation of Psalm 68:18-19 in Ephesians 4:8 tells us that the Lord will operate in divine sovereignty in the day-to-day operations of your church. He places in the congregation gifted leaders to guide your church into the center of His will. As He has guided in the past, He will do so today to those willing to follow His leadership.
The Lord is the head of the church. Accordingly, the focus in your church needs to be on staying under the headship (Lordship) of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, traditions can supersede the supremacy of Christ. For example, some churches get caught up in a particular format of worship, instead of genuinely worshipping. Still others make the mistake of believing that a particular style is more important than the condition of hearts. Other churches focus on outward appearances as a barometer of spirituality. The main thing should always be the main thing. What is the main thing? Lifting Jesus Christ up so that all may know Him.
As verse 19 indicates, the Lord really does want to load you with benefits. What kind of benefits? The benefit of knowing that you are in the center of God's will. The benefit of spiritual gifts so that you can accomplish His will. The benefit of knowing that physical and spiritual growth is in His hands. The benefit of knowing that God promotes harmony, unity, and togetherness. The benefit of walking by faith. The benefit of knowing your life and church is pleasing to the God of eternity. The list is endless. These and much more await the church that focuses on Christ instead of self.
Does this describe your church? If every member were just like you, what kind of church would you have? Would you even want to attend? BACK
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Make Them One
John 17:11-16
“Little Boy” was released by the bomber Enola Gay and plummeted toward Earth. When “Little Boy” dropped to the predetermined height of two thousand feet, the altimeter clicked, setting off a chain reaction. The atoms from a few pounds of Uranium-235 split and produced an explosion equal to 26 million pounds of TNT (13 kilotons). Instantly, Hiroshima, Japan was destroyed. Three days later “Fat Man” was dropped over Nagasaki. Within days, the bloody fighting of World War II was over.
When atoms split (fission), they release a tremendous amount of energy that is capable of great destruction. Church splits are very similar. They wreak havoc on its members and the surrounding community. Splits have left many church members bitter and disillusioned and have caused many non-Christians to think that Christianity is a farce. What is the answer? Christian unity. What does unity look like in the church?
Christian unity provides fellowship in the absence of Jesus' personal presence (verses 11-13). Although Jesus provides a model prayer in Matthew 6, John 17 records one of Jesus’ personal prayers – His prayer for His people. Praying on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus asked the Father to work in the lives of His disciples to make up for their loss of His physical presence among them for the last three years. In this prayer, Jesus speaks of oneness. Oneness is more than just togetherness. Oneness includes having the heart, mind, and spirit of God. Oneness is submission the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all things.
Christian unity provides strength for dealing with the world (verses 14-16). Christians have a distinct advantage over non-Christians because Christians have the Word of God. There is power in God’s Word. Satan tempted Jesus three times, and all three times Jesus countered Satan’s attacks by quoting Scripture. Jesus also reminds His followers that they have not because they don’t ask.
Be careful of confusing oneness with conformity. Christians can be one in Christ without having to look, sound, and act alike. God doesn’t want carbon copies. A quick look around your Bible study class or church reveals that no two people are exactly alike. Yet, each person was created by God and for His glory. God endows each believer with differing spiritual gifts and passions (Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12). Never be afraid of differences; instead, use these difference to creatively worship and serve the Lord. You don’t need to look any further than back at World War II and Adolph Hitler’s Nazism to see the perils of wanting complete conformity.
On the other hand, a perfect example of unity is a picture of the twelve apostles. Each unique in His own right. Some were fishers, others were tax collectors, and still others were zealots. Although different as night is from day, they worked together for a common cause – the promotion of Jesus Christ. Allow their example to help you embrace all believers. Remember difference is not the enemy of Christianity. Satan is the enemy, and God wants all of His people in the battle.
Despite the advantage of God’s Word, Christians have the disadvantage of living in the world. The opinions of people around us influence our thinking away from God’s truth. Jesus prayed for our unity in commitment to His truth despite the pull of the world. Look for ways to bring people together. Prayer, worship, study, service, and fellowship are just a few ways to promote unity. The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus Christ and not each other.Unity is as needful for Christians today as it was for Jesus' disciples. The key is to submit yourself to the leadership of Christ, and to allow God’s Word to be your guide. BACK
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
May God Bless You
Numbers 6:22-27
Cindy confessed she was discouraged. Joyce, normally ultra-cheerful, was careful with her words. While she wanted to help Cindy, she didn’t want to drive Cindy deeper into discouragement. Joyce also knew that artificial cheer wasn’t the answer either.
After a moment of silent prayer, asking for God’s help, Joyce remembered something her Sunday School teacher taught her the week before on encouragement. She quickly took her Bible and read Cindy the passage from Numbers 6:22-27. As Joyce read the prayer the Old Testament priests prayed upon the people, Cindy’s eyes grew wide with anticipation. “This is exactly what I need,” cried Cindy. She needed a touch from the Lord, and He delivered that blessing through His Word and through a willing servant.
Everyone needs encouragement on occasion. Life is full of twists and turns, and it is easy to lose your way. Faith has a way of evaporating as suddenly as it comes. Hope is one turn away from hopelessness. Like a flower that withers from a lack of water, so does the soul that lacks God’s presence.
As a believer-priest of the New Testament, you can be a blessing to others just like Israel’s priests through intercessory prayer. Praying for others is one of the greatest privileges Christians have today.
Pray for God’s protection (verse 24). Ask for the Lord to shelter and watch over the person you are praying for. Everyone you know needs God’s protection. We live in a sin-filled world where bad things happen to good people all the time. Recent shootings in both high schools and colleges demonstrate a huge need for young people to have God’s grace on their lives. The elderly need God’s reassuring touch in their lives as they struggle with a loss of health, financial security, scam artists, and even abuse. Likewise, children need protection from gangs and drug pushers. The list is endless. Without God’s protection, people are at the mercy of Satan’s assaults. God’s people need to stand in the gap for the welfare of others.
Pray for God’s favor (verse 25). Nothing will light up life like having God’s face look upon you in approval. Numbers 6:22-27 is a blessing the priests were instructed to pray over the people. In pronouncing God’s favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called “Lord’s Prayer” is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear: it communicates the desire of the Lord to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor, be gracious to them, and give them peace. How horrible it is to consider the thought of living one day without God’s favor.
Pray for God’s peace (verse 26). Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is God’s abiding presence. God wants more than to provide a heavenly home. As the psalmist, David said in Psalm 23, God wants His people to know His continual abiding presence in their lives. Knowing that God is with you brings a reassurance that He is in control no matter the circumstances. His peace passes all understanding and is more than sufficient for the conflicts of life.
Prayer is a two-way street. It blesses the one on the receiving end, and it blesses the one praying. Prayer warriors are in short supply. Apply on your knees.BACK
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Monday, March 8, 2010
What is "the Call"?
Jeremiah 1:1 -10
Growing up in church has its advantages. Take children's songs for example. Just by singing, you learned the basic truths of the Bible. Do you remember the song, "There Were Twelve Disciples?" The lyrics go like this.
There were twelve disciples Jesus called to help him: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, his brother John, Philip, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon, Judas, and Bartholomew.
He has called us, too. He has called us,
too.
We are His disciples, I am one and you!
He has called us, too. He has called us, too.
We are His disciples, I am one and you!
By singing this simple song, children learn the names of the twelve apostles, although spelling the apostles' names might take a little longer. Jesus calls all believers to discipleship. In addition, He calls some among us to special ministries like missions or pastoring. In the sense of this special calling, what does the call of God look like?
“The call” is God's purpose in an individual's life (verses 4-5). Some mistakenly assume that time has caused God to grow silent. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is still speaking, and He wants to speak to you. Rather than speaking audibly as He did to Jeremiah, He speaks through His written Word, through your life experiences, and through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. The key is to listen. So many miss God’s call because they allow the loud volume of the world to drown out God’s call. Some miss God’s call because their lives are cluttered with sin. Still other miss God’s call because they are tuned into the wrong things. Out of the thousands of voices clamoring for your attention, to whom are you listening?
“The call” is the inescapable sense of mission on one's life (verses 6-7). No one who receives a call from God will drift through life without meaning or purpose. A preacher, for example, can never be satisfied doing anything but preaching. Answering God's call gives your life direction. If you are looking for significance, meaning, and purpose, answer God’s call. Like the United States Marines, God is looking for a few good men (and women) who will faithfully serve Him.
“The call” is a deliverance from the dread of fear (verse 8). Read verse 8 again. God will deliver you, if He has called you. What happens when you need delivering? Typically, it means you have fallen, or were defeated. Yes, life has a way of crashing down on you. Nevertheless, God promises to be with you as long as your are fulfilling your calling and, until you fulfill your mission, to keep you from harm. You may face danger, but God will enable you to overcome the fear.
“The call” is the empowerment of God on one's life (verses 9-10). God gives you exactly what you need, when you need it. His timing is always perfect, and His methods are always on target. You can trust God. He promises you that you “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). God equips and empowers those He calls.
What happened to Jeremiah would also happen to Paul, and it happen to certain ones God calls to special ministries today. If He calls you, answer the call on your life. BACK
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Compass
Directions
by Dr. Allen
Tilley
IS GOD YOUR CONDUCTOR?
In life, God is the conductor and I am in the orchestra. He alone has the score for the entire orchestra – in fact, He wrote it. I can see only my part. Sitting in the orchestra, I can hear only those playing right around me. I cannot hear the oboe player in Brazil or the cellist from 600 years ago whose contribution is part of this concert of the ages.
I can play my part as I want, ignoring the Conductor, but I’ll most likely play out of time, and He won’t be able to use my part in the eternal CD He is recording. Or, I can watch His baton, His downbeat, playing as He directs. Then He will use my abilities and hard work as part of something far greater than anything I can play by myself. Best of all, as I focus on the Conductor’s baton, I get to know the Conductor.
Every musician knows that a concert consists of two parts: practice and performance. For every hour you hear played on the stage, there are hundreds of hours of preparations you don’t hear. Here is how to prepare for the concert God intends for your life to play.
First, trust in His direction. Know that the Conductor is with you, whether you can see and feel Him. Know that His direction is always best for you as you play in His orchestra.
Second, practice for your performance. How can you practice? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything that is wrong between you and God. Spend time in prayer and worship. Serve the Lord with gladness. Take advantage of the opportunity to minister to others.
Third, follow His leadership. How does God lead His people today? He leads through His Word. Discover the life principles found in Scripture and then apply them to your life. Seek to follow His will above your own. Magnify Him with your words, thoughts, and actions.
Your instrument is your life. You can choose to play whatever you want, however you want for as long as you want. When you’re done and your music dies with you, no one will remember that you played it. Or you can play what the Conductor has given you, each measure at a time. Your music will be a beautiful part of the concert of eternity, and your joy will be full.