For who has despised the day of small things.
Zechariah 4:10
Everything big starts with something small; all God needs is something to start with! Have you ever noticed what the disciples said to Jesus just before He fed the 5,000?
Listen: "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves, and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9).
Is that how you feel today? The challenge is too big and you're too small. Notice, the miracle of provision only began when they took what they had and put it into the Master's hands. As long as you try to claim or control it, it will always be limited. But the moment you make what you have available to God, it'll begin to multiply. Imagine, just a boy's lunch - all God needs is something to start with.
The prophet Zechariah wrote, "Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin" ( Zechariah 4:10).
Don't be afraid to take small steps. Just make them steps of faith and God will work with you.
Jesus said, "I will build my church" ( Matthew 16:18). Build it with what? Twelve flawed people just like you. But when He poured Himself into them He was so concentrated in them that if just two of them got together they could turn any town upside down. "But I have so many weaknesses," you say. We all come to the Lord damaged and in need of repair. The good news is, you can be strong in certain areas and struggling in others, yet God will still use you.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Five Life-changing Questions
Nothing can ever separate us from His love.
Romans 8:38
Paul asks five life-changing questions you'd do well to think about:
(1) "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" ( Romans 8:31 ).
The presence of God tilts the scales forever in our direction. Really, who can hurt us?
(2) "Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't God... also give us everything else?" ( Romans8:32 ).
Would God save our souls then leave us to fend for ourselves? Would He address our eternal needs and ignore our earthly ones? Of course not!
(3) "Who dares accuse us...? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with Himself" ( Romans 8:33 ).
Every voice that accuses you, including your own, means nothing in the court of heaven. God's acceptance trumps man's rejection.
(4) "Who then will condemn us?... the One who died for us... is sitting at the place of highest honour next to God, pleading for us" ( Romans 8:34 ).
Let your accusers rise up and speak against you. Jesus, your defence attorney, silences them. Why?
Because His grace covers you.
(5) "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?" ( Romans 8:35 ). Paul answers his own question: "Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away...nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord" ( Romans 8:38-39 ).
Isn't that great?
Romans 8:38
Paul asks five life-changing questions you'd do well to think about:
(1) "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" ( Romans 8:31 ).
The presence of God tilts the scales forever in our direction. Really, who can hurt us?
(2) "Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't God... also give us everything else?" ( Romans8:32 ).
Would God save our souls then leave us to fend for ourselves? Would He address our eternal needs and ignore our earthly ones? Of course not!
(3) "Who dares accuse us...? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with Himself" ( Romans 8:33 ).
Every voice that accuses you, including your own, means nothing in the court of heaven. God's acceptance trumps man's rejection.
(4) "Who then will condemn us?... the One who died for us... is sitting at the place of highest honour next to God, pleading for us" ( Romans 8:34 ).
Let your accusers rise up and speak against you. Jesus, your defence attorney, silences them. Why?
Because His grace covers you.
(5) "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?" ( Romans 8:35 ). Paul answers his own question: "Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away...nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord" ( Romans 8:38-39 ).
Isn't that great?
Never Give Up On Your Dream!
Here comes that dreamer...let's kill him.
Genesis 37:19, 20
Joseph was a dreamer. His life teaches us the following lessons:
(1) Don't give up on your dream, though you didn't start well. At 17 Joseph dreamed that one day his family would bow down to him. But he made the mistake of sharing that information with them. And it got him into a lot of trouble. But it didn't stop him. The beginning of a dream often generates more enthusiasm than wisdom. We say and do things we shouldn't. But Joseph encourages us to recapture the dream we abandoned.
(2) Don't give up on your dream, though others don't support it. Joseph's brothers said, "Look, this dreamer is coming... let us now kill him." It's hard to keep your dream alive when others are trying to kill it. But when your dream comes from God it holds you, even when you're unable to hold it!
(3) Don't give up on your dream, though your journey is full of surprises. Your dream will invite attack; don't let that discourage you! Attack is a sign of respect. It means you haven't been defeated. Five times we read: "The Lord was with Joseph." And He's with you too!
(4) Don't give up on your dream, though it takes a lifetime to fulfil. Twenty-three years passed before Joseph's dream was fulfilled, but in the end he ruled his family, was reconciled with his brothers, and saved the nation. You never know what God's time table will look like. The important thing to remember is - never give up on your dream!
Genesis 37:19, 20
Joseph was a dreamer. His life teaches us the following lessons:
(1) Don't give up on your dream, though you didn't start well. At 17 Joseph dreamed that one day his family would bow down to him. But he made the mistake of sharing that information with them. And it got him into a lot of trouble. But it didn't stop him. The beginning of a dream often generates more enthusiasm than wisdom. We say and do things we shouldn't. But Joseph encourages us to recapture the dream we abandoned.
(2) Don't give up on your dream, though others don't support it. Joseph's brothers said, "Look, this dreamer is coming... let us now kill him." It's hard to keep your dream alive when others are trying to kill it. But when your dream comes from God it holds you, even when you're unable to hold it!
(3) Don't give up on your dream, though your journey is full of surprises. Your dream will invite attack; don't let that discourage you! Attack is a sign of respect. It means you haven't been defeated. Five times we read: "The Lord was with Joseph." And He's with you too!
(4) Don't give up on your dream, though it takes a lifetime to fulfil. Twenty-three years passed before Joseph's dream was fulfilled, but in the end he ruled his family, was reconciled with his brothers, and saved the nation. You never know what God's time table will look like. The important thing to remember is - never give up on your dream!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Led By God (4)
For it is God who works in you.
Philippians 2:13
You can't compartmentalise your life by saying, "In this category I'm going to do things my way, but in that category I'm going to be led by God.
" Every step you take must be synchronised with the beat of the Holy Spirit! Nothing is more important than keeping pace with Him. Listen:"God... works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Philippians 2:13 ). God works through us as we engage our minds, open our mouths, move our feet and use our hands to do what He's already put into our hearts. The moment you say "yes" to God He gives you the ability to perform His will. Notice, He doesn't reveal His will to you first then call you next. No, He calls you, and as you move out and obey Him He reveals it to you step by step, empowering you as you go.
God is never content with the status quo! Never! Every day in countless ways He'll develop you into a greater likeness of His Son. You're not out for a stroll; you're going somewhere. Over and over again you'll be given experiences and be put into situations that'll mature you to the point where you have the same attitude, the same responses, and the same discernment as Jesus. When you begin to understand that, walking with God will take on a whole new meaning. You'll realise that your walk with Him is the only walk that will ever satisfy you or fulfil your purpose for being on this earth.
Philippians 2:13
You can't compartmentalise your life by saying, "In this category I'm going to do things my way, but in that category I'm going to be led by God.
" Every step you take must be synchronised with the beat of the Holy Spirit! Nothing is more important than keeping pace with Him. Listen:"God... works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Philippians 2:13 ). God works through us as we engage our minds, open our mouths, move our feet and use our hands to do what He's already put into our hearts. The moment you say "yes" to God He gives you the ability to perform His will. Notice, He doesn't reveal His will to you first then call you next. No, He calls you, and as you move out and obey Him He reveals it to you step by step, empowering you as you go.
God is never content with the status quo! Never! Every day in countless ways He'll develop you into a greater likeness of His Son. You're not out for a stroll; you're going somewhere. Over and over again you'll be given experiences and be put into situations that'll mature you to the point where you have the same attitude, the same responses, and the same discernment as Jesus. When you begin to understand that, walking with God will take on a whole new meaning. You'll realise that your walk with Him is the only walk that will ever satisfy you or fulfil your purpose for being on this earth.
Led By God (3)
Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:6
There are seven particular occasions when hearing from God makes all the difference.
(1) Before you consider the needs of others. Why? Because their needs are driving them. Only the plan of God should be leading you.
(2) Before you entertain the ideas of others. Why? Because man's ideas are not God's commands. Don't make hasty commitments and end upbound by promises you can't fulfil. Love others, but be led only by God's Spirit.
(3) Before you listen to the complaints of others. You're not responsible for their happiness. Stop being co-dependent - needing to fix others in order to feel good about yourself. Turn them over to God and get back into focus.
(4) Before you make any significant changes. It's not your job to decide what God wants you to do; it's your job to discover it.
(5) Before you respond to the requests of others.Only then will you be able to discern what's behind their requests. Check the soil before you sow. Your seed is too precious to waste.
(6)Before you share your dreams with others. Certain people will scorn your dreams and try to sabotage them. Remember Joseph's brothers? When Satan wants to discourage you he'll use a person - often one who's not even aware of the spirit that's at work within them. Jesus told His own disciples, "You do not know what... spirit you are of" ( Luke 9:55). Ouch!
(7) Before you seek the approval of others. People with their own agenda will flatter and manipulate you. Hearing God's voice will keep you from falling into their trap.
Proverbs 3:6
There are seven particular occasions when hearing from God makes all the difference.
(1) Before you consider the needs of others. Why? Because their needs are driving them. Only the plan of God should be leading you.
(2) Before you entertain the ideas of others. Why? Because man's ideas are not God's commands. Don't make hasty commitments and end upbound by promises you can't fulfil. Love others, but be led only by God's Spirit.
(3) Before you listen to the complaints of others. You're not responsible for their happiness. Stop being co-dependent - needing to fix others in order to feel good about yourself. Turn them over to God and get back into focus.
(4) Before you make any significant changes. It's not your job to decide what God wants you to do; it's your job to discover it.
(5) Before you respond to the requests of others.Only then will you be able to discern what's behind their requests. Check the soil before you sow. Your seed is too precious to waste.
(6)Before you share your dreams with others. Certain people will scorn your dreams and try to sabotage them. Remember Joseph's brothers? When Satan wants to discourage you he'll use a person - often one who's not even aware of the spirit that's at work within them. Jesus told His own disciples, "You do not know what... spirit you are of" ( Luke 9:55). Ouch!
(7) Before you seek the approval of others. People with their own agenda will flatter and manipulate you. Hearing God's voice will keep you from falling into their trap.
Led By God (2)
I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8
Solomon says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" ( Proverbs 19:21 ). Even though your plans are imperfect, if your heart's right, God will make things turn out for your good and His glory. Are you having difficulty sorting out your ideas from His? We all struggle with that, especially when the Bible doesn't give us specifics. For example, when it's time to move or marry or change jobs,what should you do? Listen: "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." You say, "That's nice,but I'd like a little more detail." Okay:
(1) Ideas go away but God's direction stays. There's persistence in His leading, that's why time is on your side. Don't rush ahead of Him.
(2)God's direction is usually impossible to follow without Him. He plans it that way. Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing" ( John 15:5 ).
(3) God's direction usually begins with discomfort. Listen: "Like an eagle stirs up its nest... The Lord... led him" ( Deuteronomy 32:11-12). Eagles learn to fly when their mother pushes them out of the nest and over the cliff's edge. Can you imagine their thoughts? "It's my mother doing this to me!" Yet it's only when the eagle is forced out of its comfort zone that it discovers it was born to fly, spreads its wings, releases its power and finds its place in the heavens. Has God been stirring up your nest?
Relax! He's leading you!
Psalm 32:8
Solomon says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" ( Proverbs 19:21 ). Even though your plans are imperfect, if your heart's right, God will make things turn out for your good and His glory. Are you having difficulty sorting out your ideas from His? We all struggle with that, especially when the Bible doesn't give us specifics. For example, when it's time to move or marry or change jobs,what should you do? Listen: "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." You say, "That's nice,but I'd like a little more detail." Okay:
(1) Ideas go away but God's direction stays. There's persistence in His leading, that's why time is on your side. Don't rush ahead of Him.
(2)God's direction is usually impossible to follow without Him. He plans it that way. Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing" ( John 15:5 ).
(3) God's direction usually begins with discomfort. Listen: "Like an eagle stirs up its nest... The Lord... led him" ( Deuteronomy 32:11-12). Eagles learn to fly when their mother pushes them out of the nest and over the cliff's edge. Can you imagine their thoughts? "It's my mother doing this to me!" Yet it's only when the eagle is forced out of its comfort zone that it discovers it was born to fly, spreads its wings, releases its power and finds its place in the heavens. Has God been stirring up your nest?
Relax! He's leading you!
Led By God (1)
Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.
Isaiah 42:16
Don't ask God to bless your plans, ask Him to show you His - they're already blessed. When the time is right the plan will be clear, the people in place, and the resources available. Peter writes. "Everythingthat goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us"( 2 Peter 1:3 ). Did you hear that? Everything! God told Abraham when to leave home (See Genesis 12:1), and Jacob when to go back home (See Genesis 31:3). He even told Elijah where to find food in the middle of afamine (See 1 Kings 17:1-5). And His promise to you is "Along unfamiliar paths I will guide [you]." The path you're on today may be unfamiliar to you but it's not to God. He's already gone ahead of you. All you need is the faith to step out and follow Him.
God never changes. If He talked to people all through the Bible, He'll talk to you too. The question is, have you learned to recognise His voice yet? Nothing should be more important to you than learning to hear from God for yourself. The ideas of others should only confirm or clarify what He's already shown you. If you haven't heard from God you'll be tempted to think that the ideas of others are His commands and thatcould hurt you. You are unique! God has a personal plan and a specific destination for you. Take the time to ask Him about it, for His Wordsays, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" (Psalm 25:9 ).
Isaiah 42:16
Don't ask God to bless your plans, ask Him to show you His - they're already blessed. When the time is right the plan will be clear, the people in place, and the resources available. Peter writes. "Everythingthat goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us"( 2 Peter 1:3 ). Did you hear that? Everything! God told Abraham when to leave home (See Genesis 12:1), and Jacob when to go back home (See Genesis 31:3). He even told Elijah where to find food in the middle of afamine (See 1 Kings 17:1-5). And His promise to you is "Along unfamiliar paths I will guide [you]." The path you're on today may be unfamiliar to you but it's not to God. He's already gone ahead of you. All you need is the faith to step out and follow Him.
God never changes. If He talked to people all through the Bible, He'll talk to you too. The question is, have you learned to recognise His voice yet? Nothing should be more important to you than learning to hear from God for yourself. The ideas of others should only confirm or clarify what He's already shown you. If you haven't heard from God you'll be tempted to think that the ideas of others are His commands and thatcould hurt you. You are unique! God has a personal plan and a specific destination for you. Take the time to ask Him about it, for His Wordsays, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" (Psalm 25:9 ).
Building Great Relationships
Do the hard work of getting along with each other.
James 3:18
If you're serious about building great relationships, do the following:
(1) Put others first. Listen: "Serve [others] whole heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men" ( Ephesians 6:7 ). If you take that mindset into all your dealings with others, you can't go wrong.
(2) Don't carry emotional baggage. If someone has hurt you and you need to address it, do so right away. Forgive them, resolve it and get beyond it. If it's not worth bringing up, forget it and move on.
(3) Invest in your most valuable relationships. Don't give away your time on a first-come-first-served basis. Don't let the squeaky wheel stake so much that you've nothing left for those who matter most.
(4) Serve others gladly. One airline executive explained how difficultit is to hire and train people for his industry: "Service is the only thing we have to sell, but it's the toughest thing to teach because nobody wants to be thought of as a servant."
(5) Constantly express your appreciation. Tell your loved ones how much you love them - and do it often! Too many of us think that the best way to help people is to criticise them or give them "the benefit of our wisdom." Wrong! The best way to help others is to see the best in them.Practice the 101 percent principle: look for one thing to admire, and then give them 100 percent encouragement for it. That'll help you to like them, and them to like you. What could be better for arelationship?
James 3:18
If you're serious about building great relationships, do the following:
(1) Put others first. Listen: "Serve [others] whole heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men" ( Ephesians 6:7 ). If you take that mindset into all your dealings with others, you can't go wrong.
(2) Don't carry emotional baggage. If someone has hurt you and you need to address it, do so right away. Forgive them, resolve it and get beyond it. If it's not worth bringing up, forget it and move on.
(3) Invest in your most valuable relationships. Don't give away your time on a first-come-first-served basis. Don't let the squeaky wheel stake so much that you've nothing left for those who matter most.
(4) Serve others gladly. One airline executive explained how difficultit is to hire and train people for his industry: "Service is the only thing we have to sell, but it's the toughest thing to teach because nobody wants to be thought of as a servant."
(5) Constantly express your appreciation. Tell your loved ones how much you love them - and do it often! Too many of us think that the best way to help people is to criticise them or give them "the benefit of our wisdom." Wrong! The best way to help others is to see the best in them.Practice the 101 percent principle: look for one thing to admire, and then give them 100 percent encouragement for it. That'll help you to like them, and them to like you. What could be better for arelationship?
The Importance Of Attitude
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23:7
Here's why your attitude makes such a difference:
(1) Your attitude determines your outcome. Successful people embrace this truth, whether it's a doctor going into surgery, a pastor preparing a sermon, or a business person launching a new venture. Confidence increases your chance of success every time. When you approach a task,especially one you don't relish, fix your mind on the facts, not your feelings. That'll put your attitude on the right track.
(2) Your attitude toward others determines their attitude toward you.Smile at people and they'll probably smile back. Act hard-nosed and they're likely to snap at you. If you want to enjoy people as you go through your day, treat them well. This is not rocket science, but it's easily forgotten - and it's scriptural!
(3) Your attitude gives you the winning edge. When world heavy weight champion Joe Louis got knocked down by Tony "Two Ton" Galento in Yankee Stadium, he immediately jumped back to his feet and went after his opponent. When his trainer protested saying, "Why didn't you stay down for nine?" Louis said, "What! And give him a chance to rest?" Louis went out in the fourth round and won the fight. Possessing a great attitude always gives you the winning edge.
(4) Your attitude, not your achievements, brings happiness. Samuel Johnson, the 18th Century poet, stated, "He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove." Think about it!
Proverbs 23:7
Here's why your attitude makes such a difference:
(1) Your attitude determines your outcome. Successful people embrace this truth, whether it's a doctor going into surgery, a pastor preparing a sermon, or a business person launching a new venture. Confidence increases your chance of success every time. When you approach a task,especially one you don't relish, fix your mind on the facts, not your feelings. That'll put your attitude on the right track.
(2) Your attitude toward others determines their attitude toward you.Smile at people and they'll probably smile back. Act hard-nosed and they're likely to snap at you. If you want to enjoy people as you go through your day, treat them well. This is not rocket science, but it's easily forgotten - and it's scriptural!
(3) Your attitude gives you the winning edge. When world heavy weight champion Joe Louis got knocked down by Tony "Two Ton" Galento in Yankee Stadium, he immediately jumped back to his feet and went after his opponent. When his trainer protested saying, "Why didn't you stay down for nine?" Louis said, "What! And give him a chance to rest?" Louis went out in the fourth round and won the fight. Possessing a great attitude always gives you the winning edge.
(4) Your attitude, not your achievements, brings happiness. Samuel Johnson, the 18th Century poet, stated, "He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove." Think about it!
What If You Could...?
The Lord longs to be gracious to you.
Isaiah 30:18
On December 31st the clock strikes midnight ushering in New Year. Three hundred and sixty-five days to fan the flames of your unfilled hopes and dreams. It's a gift full of promise. But you must accept it, unwrap itand use it.
Not everybody does.
Maybe you dread what the New Year holds: retirement, the empty nest,chronic illness, unemployment, life without a loved one. Well, God loves to take people at the end of their rope and set them on the road to peace, joy and victory. He's the expert at drying tears, calming fears, injecting courage into anxious hearts and removing the sting of old memories.
He "makes all things new" ( Revelation 21:5). But He never leads you back, just forward.
Listen: "The Lord longs to be gracious to you." So what do you want to see one year from now? Does it include owning your own business? Losing some weight? Reuniting with your family? Only you can complete the question, "What if I could...?" because you alone know what makes your heart leap.
Stephen Covey says, "Begin...with the image of the end of your life as your frame of reference...Each day will then contribute to the vision you have of your life as a whole."
Seek God. Determine your goals, write them down, then release the outcome to Him who "longs to be gracious toyou." And remember to include a few short-term objectives. Nothing encourages you like seeing some dreams come true along the way.
Isaiah 30:18
On December 31st the clock strikes midnight ushering in New Year. Three hundred and sixty-five days to fan the flames of your unfilled hopes and dreams. It's a gift full of promise. But you must accept it, unwrap itand use it.
Not everybody does.
Maybe you dread what the New Year holds: retirement, the empty nest,chronic illness, unemployment, life without a loved one. Well, God loves to take people at the end of their rope and set them on the road to peace, joy and victory. He's the expert at drying tears, calming fears, injecting courage into anxious hearts and removing the sting of old memories.
He "makes all things new" ( Revelation 21:5). But He never leads you back, just forward.
Listen: "The Lord longs to be gracious to you." So what do you want to see one year from now? Does it include owning your own business? Losing some weight? Reuniting with your family? Only you can complete the question, "What if I could...?" because you alone know what makes your heart leap.
Stephen Covey says, "Begin...with the image of the end of your life as your frame of reference...Each day will then contribute to the vision you have of your life as a whole."
Seek God. Determine your goals, write them down, then release the outcome to Him who "longs to be gracious toyou." And remember to include a few short-term objectives. Nothing encourages you like seeing some dreams come true along the way.
When It's Hard To Believe
How can this be?
Luke 1:34
When the angel told Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of His Son, her response was understandable: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" Imagine how she must have felt.
What would people think?
How could she care for a baby?
What would Joseph say?
Would he abandon her?
No wonder she "was greatly troubled" ( Luke 1:29 ); if ever something was impossible this was it. But that's what makes a miracle miraculous!
Maybe you're out of work and trusting God to provide for your family. Nevertheless you're asking, "How can this be when I'm unemployed?" Or perhaps you're sick, and although you know that "With His stripes we are healed ( Isaiah 53:5), you're wondering, "How can this be when I still have my symptoms?" We all have times when our faith goes through the wringer and comes out dry.
But what's even more challenging is that Mary's situation was caused by God. He's not supposed to do that. He's supposed to bless and rescue you! But God had a plan. Mary was about to do something nobody throughout history would ever do again. And with that plan came a promise that can sustain you during your greatest tests of faith: "TheLord is with you" (Lk 1:28-30) . Once you understand that "the One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it" ( 1Thessalonians 5:24 ), your outlook changes radically.
So today if you're struggling, remember what the angel said to Mary,
"Nothing ...is impossible with God" ( Luke 1:37 ),
because He's saying the same to you!
Luke 1:34
When the angel told Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of His Son, her response was understandable: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" Imagine how she must have felt.
What would people think?
How could she care for a baby?
What would Joseph say?
Would he abandon her?
No wonder she "was greatly troubled" ( Luke 1:29 ); if ever something was impossible this was it. But that's what makes a miracle miraculous!
Maybe you're out of work and trusting God to provide for your family. Nevertheless you're asking, "How can this be when I'm unemployed?" Or perhaps you're sick, and although you know that "With His stripes we are healed ( Isaiah 53:5), you're wondering, "How can this be when I still have my symptoms?" We all have times when our faith goes through the wringer and comes out dry.
But what's even more challenging is that Mary's situation was caused by God. He's not supposed to do that. He's supposed to bless and rescue you! But God had a plan. Mary was about to do something nobody throughout history would ever do again. And with that plan came a promise that can sustain you during your greatest tests of faith: "TheLord is with you" (Lk 1:28-30) . Once you understand that "the One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it" ( 1Thessalonians 5:24 ), your outlook changes radically.
So today if you're struggling, remember what the angel said to Mary,
"Nothing ...is impossible with God" ( Luke 1:37 ),
because He's saying the same to you!
The Power Of Silence
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
Isaiah 30:15
Sometimes talking makes things worse. Listen: "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles" ( James 3:5 ).
Observe how conflict can start with just an attitude in someone's voice pattern, then escalate into an engulfing fire! Often people are just waiting for some loose-tongued individual to vent what they wish they had the nerve to say, and thus open the door so more fuel can be thrown on the fire. Don't be that person. Learn to stomp that flicker out before somebody blows air on it.
If you want to succeed, learn to tame your tongue. Your mouth can talk you out of more blessings than you can count.
Notice David's response to what was happening in Saul's palace when he arrives: a king afflicted by an evil spirit, on his way out of the palace, even as his newly anointed successor arrives. But David wasn't stupid; he surely knew a whole lot about what was going on. But he kept it to himself.
Listen: "Pour out [your] complaint before [God]" ( Psalm142:2). Just tell Jesus! Is that sometimes hard to do? Yes! But it brings great rewards. You should never be a party to a bunch of disgruntled, complaining gripers. Take hold of that situation when it arises and bring light and life to it. Our conversations are to be seasoned with grace. Speak positively. God is still on the throne and has a plan. With a few words you can change a whole lot of attitudes.
Isaiah 30:15
Sometimes talking makes things worse. Listen: "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles" ( James 3:5 ).
Observe how conflict can start with just an attitude in someone's voice pattern, then escalate into an engulfing fire! Often people are just waiting for some loose-tongued individual to vent what they wish they had the nerve to say, and thus open the door so more fuel can be thrown on the fire. Don't be that person. Learn to stomp that flicker out before somebody blows air on it.
If you want to succeed, learn to tame your tongue. Your mouth can talk you out of more blessings than you can count.
Notice David's response to what was happening in Saul's palace when he arrives: a king afflicted by an evil spirit, on his way out of the palace, even as his newly anointed successor arrives. But David wasn't stupid; he surely knew a whole lot about what was going on. But he kept it to himself.
Listen: "Pour out [your] complaint before [God]" ( Psalm142:2). Just tell Jesus! Is that sometimes hard to do? Yes! But it brings great rewards. You should never be a party to a bunch of disgruntled, complaining gripers. Take hold of that situation when it arises and bring light and life to it. Our conversations are to be seasoned with grace. Speak positively. God is still on the throne and has a plan. With a few words you can change a whole lot of attitudes.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
California Break
Sharon & I are holidaying in California, we arrived on 16/12/05, have been doing a lot of things.
We had lots of programe going on in this trip:
1) celebrate my godparents 50th wedding anniversary
2) Christmas
3) new year 2006
4) rite of initiation for Vera Anne Chan-my god-sister to become a sister of Nasereth.
Been to the tour:
1) Las Vegas
2)San Francisco
3)San diego
Going to disneyland and universal studio...
Though the weather is cold, we enjoy every bit of our stay.
Blog again.
We had lots of programe going on in this trip:
1) celebrate my godparents 50th wedding anniversary
2) Christmas
3) new year 2006
4) rite of initiation for Vera Anne Chan-my god-sister to become a sister of Nasereth.
Been to the tour:
1) Las Vegas
2)San Francisco
3)San diego
Going to disneyland and universal studio...
Though the weather is cold, we enjoy every bit of our stay.
Blog again.
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