RaulRies: "Parents’ Responsibility"
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
I talk to people everywhere I go-in the market, at the bank, in the gym-and what has truly grieved me is how I see the family unit falling apart in our country. We have become a computerized society. With all our technology, have we truly advanced? I do not think so.
We cannot rely upon the television, video games or computers to teach our children the most important thing in life-the Word of God. Father and mothers, you need to teach your children. You must check up on what your children are learning. What is being put into their minds?
The responsibility in the home is for the man to be the spiritual leader: to pray with his wife, to pray with his children, to read them the Word of God and to oversee his house, so that no one gets contaminated.
Do not let the world into your house. You need to remove as much leaven as you can from your home, so your house and your children can be safe. And then, God can bless it.
Children miss nothing in sizing up their parents. If you are only half convinced of your beliefs, they will quickly discern that fact.
-James Dobson-
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A.W.Tozer: "GOD'S SOVEREIGN PLAN "
Tozer Devotional
Devotions » Tozer Devotional
Thursday, February 10, 2011
GOD'S SOVEREIGN PLAN
Many people continue to live in daily fear that the world "is coming to an end." Only in the Scriptures do we have the description and prediction of the age-ending heavenly and earthly events when our Lord and Savior will be universally acknowledged as King of kings and Lord of lords. God's revelation makes it plain that in "that day" all will acclaim Him "victor!" Human society, generally, refuses to recognize God's sovereignty or His plan for His redeemed people. But no human being or world government will have any control in that fiery day of judgement yet to come. John's vision of things to come tells us clearly and openly that at the appropriate time this world will be taken away from men and placed in the hands of the only Man who has the wisdom and authority to rightly govern. That Man is the eternal Son of God, the worthy Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ!
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RayStedman: "Two Are Better Than One
Two Are Better Than One
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
13 Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning. 14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. 15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king's successor. 16 There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).Someone may well say, It's true that people work out of a sense of ambition and a drive for admiration from others, but it is better to have companionship while doing so.
The Searcher agrees and lists four advantages: First, it will increase the reward. Two really can live cheaper than one, and many people get married on that basis. During the Depression, there was a popular song that said, Potatoes are cheaper, tomatoes are cheaper, now's the time to fall in love. Many young people agreed with that and got married. But economics have changed. Today potatoes are dearer, tomatoes are dearer, but still, now is the time to fall in love, because you can combine your resources. Even the IRS recognizes the advantage of this by giving some tax breaks to married couples.
Second, he says, a friend will provide help in time of trouble. If you get into difficulty, your friend or roommate will be there to help you.
You have to have grown up in Montana to fully appreciate the third advantage! When the temperature is forty-below-zero outside, you understand what the Searcher means when he says, If two lie together, they are warm; but how can one be warm alone?
Fourth, the presence of one or more others in your life makes defeat unlikely: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. While there are advantages in companionship, nevertheless, the Searcher's argument is that still it adds up to emptiness; it does not satisfy the sense of eternity that God has put in people's hearts. Many couples sit in loneliness, staring at a television screen for hours at a time or seek some other diversion to fill the emptiness and misery of their lives. No, companionship, though better than loneliness, is not the answer either.
Lord, thank You for friends and family, those whom You have placed in my life to bring greater increase, help in times of trouble, and warmth in times of cold loneliness. Help me to be a friend as well as receive friendship.Life Application: Companionship and fellowship are certainly advantageous in life. Does teamwork play an important role in our ministry or do we tend to go it alone?
C.H. Spurgeon: This Evening's Meditation "Practically let us obey THE GRACIOUS COMMAND, "return unto me."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon
"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee."—Isaiah 44:22.
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JoyceMeyer: "I believe that most women possess a sixth sense that God did not give to men."
Both Men and Women
February 10
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. . . . In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
— Joel 2:28-29 NLT
I believe that most women possess a sixth sense that God did not give to men. It’s often called women’s intuition, and it’s the real deal. Men are usually very logical, while women tend to be more “feeling” orientated. For example, a male manager might look at a job candidate’s résumé, job application, college GPA, and work history and be ready to hire him, based on the “facts.” However, this male manager’s female counterpart might evaluate the same candidate and intuitively pick up on personality quirks or subtle-but-destructive attitudes that don’t show up on paper. This does not mean that women are innately better leaders than men or that their instincts are based on a special God-to-woman frequency to which men aren’t attuned. In fact, a woman’s emotions can also get her in trouble, and she frequently needs the left-brain logic of a man to help her see things clearly. The point is that women and men need one another; they can complement one another. Neither the man nor the woman saw the whole picture clearly or completely. That’s why men and women should work together, side by side in harmony, respecting one another as equals. Lord, I thank You for making me the way You have. Help me to use my intuition and other gifts to be a blessing, and surround me with those who will help me see clearly. Amen.
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EncouragementForToday: how I answer God’s call is eternal.
Sowing Times
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
In the words of Henri Nouwen, “Our short lives on earth are sowing times.”
January is a time to take stock, reorder priorities, and revamp schedules before plowing ahead into the new year with renewed vigor. And that’s what last month was for me. I did meal planning, creating weekly menu options. I did chore planning, creating some cleaning checklists. I did task planning, so I can move effectively forward in my work and on my projects. I also set up a new calendar system to track it all – that’s quite ambitious for a “type B” girl like me!
Nouwen’s words remind me, however, that while I’m planning how I’ll order my days and meet my current goals, I can’t lose sight of what is temporary versus what is eternal.
How I will stay on top of my household’s laundry this week is temporary – but how I love and raise my children is eternal.
How I get to all my emails is temporary – how I answer God’s call is eternal.
What I put on the dinner table tonight is temporary – how I regard, feast on, and serve the Bread of Life is eternal.
Whether I complete my errands efficiently is temporary – whether I run my life’s race with perseverance and joy is eternal.
Planning and organizing, scheduling and strategizing, can help me live life in a way that secures time to nurture what’s eternal. But I must make sure – amidst the cooking, cleaning, planning, working and sleeping – that I take and keep an eternal focus. Because it won’t just happen, no matter how organized I am.
I must fix my eyes on what is unseen.
And that is a challenge because the surface-things of life dance constantly before me, often convincing me they are most important. But learning to see the unseen is a challenge worth rising to.
Our short lives here are sowing times so let’s you and I sow while we can. For a time is coming when the chance to store up treasure in heaven has passed. A time is coming when you and I will no longer be able to witness the truth and love of Christ to those still lost. Now is the time to sow into eternity.
“If there were no resurrection of the dead,” Nouwen explained, “everything we live on earth would come to nothing.” Instead, we will be raised from the dead – along with every eternal thing we’ve done.
What’s eternal will withstand, and be rewarded.
Our hours on earth are the time we’re given to plant the seeds we and others will reap for eternity. I think I’ll revisit my plans for 2011 today with that in mind. And I’ll look for ways to impact eternity in this common, ordinary day full of laundry and lists.
Dear Lord, give me eyes to see the unseen today. Help me discern what is temporary and what is eternal, and handle both well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do you know Jesus — the One who longs to spend eternity with you?
Learn more about living for eternity in our modern world; get a copy of Rachel’s book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know
Connect with Rachel at her blog where she’s giving away a copy of It’s No Secret.
Connect with Rachel on Facebook, and Rachel on Twitter.
Application Steps:
Pause and pray, asking God to bring the eternal into view in your life today.
Read the story of a woman wanting water to temporarily quench her thirst, who finds a water that will flow through her soul eternally: John 4:1-42.
Reflections:
Where have my eyes been fixed lately?
Power Verses:
Luke 21:33, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (NIV)
2 Cor. 4:18, “There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” (MSG)
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DailyHope: "Any builder will tell you that when you are building a house"
“Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)
| "The Word of God can smash any stronghold, it can break any chain, and it can uncover any lie. Once the demolition is complete, God will begin the renovation of your life." |
This week’s devotionals are from Buddy Owens, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church and author of ‘The Way of a Worshiper’.
Any builder will tell you that when you are building a house, you will have to have a plumb line to make sure that the walls of the house stand perfectly straight. It’s a very simple tool (just a string with a pointed weight on the end of it), but it has profound influence on the integrity of the structure. Without accurate measurements, the house might eventually collapse. When the carpenter is satisfied that the walls are straight and aligned with the standard of the plumb line, he says that they are “true.”
In the makeover of our lives, God has given us the Bible as a plumb line to help us set things straight and tell us if our structure is true. We can evaluate ourselves, our choices, our decisions, our thoughts, and our actions to see how they align with the truth of God’s Word. Then we have an accurate measurement of what is right and what is not.
Ephesians 4:23 says, “Be made new in the attitude of your minds” (NIV). “Be made new” means to renovate. Renovation is a process. It is not an instantaneous, single-moment event. It begins with demolition.
God wants to demolish the old lies you’ve believed over the years. He wants to demolish the old values and beliefs that have shaped your behavior. That is the first step to being made new – being renovated – in the attitude of your mind.
And he will use the power of his Word to begin demolition: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV).
The Word of God can smash any stronghold, it can break any chain, and it can uncover any lie. Once the demolition is complete, God will begin the renovation of your life.
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WOW - The Big Picture 2/10 "Moses Receives the Ten Commandments"
WOW - The Big Picture 2/10
Moses Receives the Ten Commandments
Exodus 19:1-20; 20:1-17; Psalm 19:12-14; Proverbs 6:30-31
In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."
So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the LORD commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever."
So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, 'Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.' When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain."So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, "Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives."
Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. Then the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
And God spoke all these words, saying:
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."You shall have no other gods before Me.
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image-- any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
"You shall not murder.
"You shall not commit adultery.
"You shall not steal.
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."Exodus 19:1-20; 20:1-17
WORSHIP
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:12-14
WISDOM
People do not despise a thief
If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.
Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold;
He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:30-31
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DailyLight: "The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single thy whole body also is full of light."
February 10
MORNING
The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single thy whole body also is full of light.
The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spint of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. — Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. — We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image ... even as by the Spirit of the Lord. — God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ... that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
LUKE 11:34. I Cor. 2:14. -Psa.119:18. John 8:12. ‑II Cor. 3:18. ‑II Cor. 4:6. Eph. 1:17,18.
EVENING
He smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed.
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. — Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
PSA. 78:20. I Cor. 10:1‑4. -John 19:34. ‑Isa. 53:5. John 5:40. ‑Jer. 2:13. John 7:37. ‑Rev. 22:17.
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GodCalling: ""From the end of the earth will I cry onto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
February 10 - The Life-Line
I am your Savior, your Savior from sins' thralls, your Savior from all the cares and troubles of life, your Savior from disease.
I speak in all to you both. Look to Me for salvation. Trust in Me for help. Did not My servant of old say, "All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me?" But not all the waters of affliction could drown him. For of him was it true, "He came from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters."
The life-line, the line of rescue, is the line from the soul to God, faith, and power. It is a strong line, and no soul can be overwhelmed who is linked to Me by it. Trust, trust, trust. Never be afraid.
Think of My trees stripped of their beauty, pruned, cut, disfigured, bare, but through the dark seemingly dead branches flows silently, secretly, the spirit-life-sap, till, lo! with the sun of Spring comes new life, leaves, bud, blossom, fruit, but oh! fruit a thousand times better for the pruning.
Remember that you are in the hands of the Master-Gardener. He makes no mistakes about His pruning. Rejoice. Joy is the Spirit's reaching out to say its thanks to Me. It is the new life-sap of the tree, reaching out to Me to find such beautiful expression later. So never cease to joy. Rejoice.
"From the end of the earth will I cry onto thee, when my heart is
overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2
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C.H. Spurgeon: This Morning's Meditation "The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous"
Thursday, February 10, 2011
This Morning's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon
"I know how to abound."—Philippians 4:12.
" Let not the gifts Thy love bestows
Estrange our hearts from Thee."
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ExperiencingGod: "God keeps every promise He makes."
God's Promises Are Yes
Daily Devotional for Thursday, February 10th, 2011
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
God keeps every promise He makes. When we walk in intimate fellowship with Christ, we have the assurance that every promise God has made in Scripture is available to us. This truth should motivate us to search the Scriptures for each promise in order to meditate upon its potential for our life.
Jesus promised that when you ask for something in His will, He will give you what you ask (John 16:23b). This promise is available to every Christian. If you ask God if this promise applies to your life, His answer is yes. If you are not now experiencing this promise, it does not change the fact that God has said it. You may need to seek God's answer for why His promise has not yet reached maturity in you.
Paul claimed he had tested each of these promises in his own life and found them all to be abundantly true. That's why he could speak of the ?exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus? (Eph. 2:7b) and the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph. 3:8b). Paul had found a wealth of God's promises and enjoyed them all in abundance.
Don't become discouraged or impatient if you are not experiencing to the fullest all of God's promises in your life. God may want to prepare you to receive some of the great truths He has made available to you. Walk closely with your Lord and, in time, you will see Him bring His promises to fruition in your life.
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DailyBread: Susan Boyle spent most of her adult life living with her cat Pebbles,
Standing Ovation
Susan Boyle spent most of her adult life living with her cat Pebbles, caring for her aging mother, and singing in church. She certainly didn’t look like a musical superstar. That’s probably why the audience laughed at this unassuming middle-aged woman before she performed in a talent show. Undeterred, Susan faced the unfriendly crowd, sang beautifully, and went on to receive a standing ovation.
Stephen was confronted by a hostile crowd in the days of the early church (Acts 6–7). A panel of religious authorities listened to lying witnesses accuse him of blasphemy (Acts 6:13). Stephen responded by speaking the truth of God’s Word, which reinforced his faith in Christ. At the end of his speech, he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (7:56). Then the crowd stoned him (v.58). Jesus, who was watching from heaven, welcomed Stephen home.
Most Christians aren’t confronted with this much hostility. Yet we all need to “stand fast in the Lord” when the pressure is on (Phil. 4:1). We can’t let others silence our voice for Christ. Speaking up for Jesus does not always win the crowd’s favor here on earth, but it does ensure His approval in heaven, where it matters the most.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle—the next the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be:
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally. —Duffield
If you meet opposition, maybe it shows that you are doing something that counts.
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AlistairBegg: "It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous.
Devotionals by Truth For Life
There are many who know "how to be brought low" who have not learned "how to abound." When they are set upon the top of a pinnacle their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian disgraces his profession more often in prosperity than in adversity.
It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial for the Christian than the place of prosperity. What leanness of soul and neglect of spiritual things have been brought on through the very mercies and bounties of God!
Yet this is not a matter of necessity, for the apostle tells us that he knew how to abound. When he had much, he knew how to use it. Abundant grace enabled him to bear abundant prosperity. When he had a full sail he was loaded with much ballast, and so floated safely. It needs more than human skill to carry the brimming cup of earthly joy with a steady hand; yet Paul had learned that skill, for he declares, "In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger."
It is a divine lesson to know how to be full, for the Israelites were full once, but while the food was still in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them. Many have asked for mercies, that they might satisfy their own hearts' lust. Fullness of bread has often made fullness of blood, and that has brought on emptiness of spirit.
When we have plenty of God's providential mercies, it often happens that we have but little of God's grace, and little gratitude for the blessings we have received. We are full, and we forget God: Satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven.
Rest assured, it is harder to know how to be full than it is to know how to be hungry--so desperate is the tendency of human nature to pride and forgetfulness of God. Take care that you ask in your prayers that God would teach you how to be full.
Let not the gifts Thy love bestows
Estrange our hearts from Thee.
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 Genesis 43
verse 2 Mark 13
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CharlesStanley: "God encourages the fainthearted."
Devotionals by In Touch
God providentially orchestrated each element of His plan for Israel's success. However, if Gideon had disobeyed even one divine command, his army would have suffered instant defeat. Although the Lord's ways may seem risky or illogical, we can always trust His indisputable wisdom and rely on His mighty power.
God encourages the fainthearted. When the Lord commanded Gideon to attack the enemy, He also provided a way to relieve the leader's fears. By following God's directions, Gideon was led to the exact location where he would hear an encouraging message that caused him to bow in worship and arise with great faith.
God removes the things we depend on. Gideon was marching to war with only 300 men armed with trumpets, pitchers, and torches. Their manpower seemed pitiful, and their weapons useless for battle. With traditional means of victory removed, they could rely only upon the Lord.
God works in the other camp on our behalf. Everything is perfectly timed when God is in control—even the parts we cannot see. While Gideon was obeying each divine command, the Lord was working behind the scenes in the enemy camp to ensure victory for Israel. In the confusion and fear of darkness, their panic led to self-destruction.
The key to a victorious Christian life is obedience. The Lord will faithfully supply you with instructions for each step as you follow Him. His way may not be the easiest or the most comfortable, but it is always the best. As you rely on Him, He will lead you to victory.
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JonCourson: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.
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BobCoy: "We all know what it feels like to be in the wrong. "
Devotionals by Active Word
We all know what it feels like to be in the wrong. Maybe it happened when you saw blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror, maybe it set in when your boss told you he needed to see you in his office, or maybe it occurred as you were confronted by someone you'd talked about behind her back.
Again, we all know that sinking feeling of being in the wrong, of knowing that we did something and now it's time to own up and face the consequences.
Traffic tickets and demerits at work are one thing, but what about when it comes to being wrong, sinfully wrong, in the eyes of almighty God? All it takes to be in the wrong is to fall short of God's perfect standards, and the stakes are infinitely higher because the consequences are eternal in nature. Standing as an imperfect sinner before a perfectly holy God is something so horrific that it's hard to fathom.
Fortunately, we don't have to, because the Bible introduces us to an amazing principle known as justification. Justification is the act of making wrong into right, of turning guilty into innocent, of changing unjust into just. It's God declaring a sinner is now a saint. In His eyes, when a person is justified, it's as though they had never sinned. Their record is perfect, and it will stay that way forever.
How does this happen? Look at Romans 5:1 again. We are "justified by faith." God has determined that if we trust in Him, and if we believe what God has revealed to us, then we are no longer wrong but right.
In addition to all the other benefits of faith, it sets us right in God's eyes and eliminates any chance of us experiencing that sinking feeling of being wrong before Him.
To him who…believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness… (Romans 4:5 NKJV)
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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GregLaurie: "You want to have substance and depth and purpose and weight to your life."
Devotionals by A New Beginning
"Tekel means ‘weighed'—you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up."
—Daniel 5:27
Normally when most people step onto a scale, they want to weigh less. But when you step onto God's scale, you want to weigh more. You want to have substance and depth and purpose and weight to your life. When Daniel confronted the wicked King Belshazzar, he told him, "You have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up." Effectively he was saying, "Belshazzar, you are a spiritual lightweight. You have done nothing with your life."
The Bible tells us that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. In speaking of this, Paul wrote, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value" (1 Corinthians 3:11-13).
It is not so much about bad things you did; it is more a question of what you did with your life. Did you accomplish anything? Did you impact anyone? Did you seek to glorify God with your life? Or did you spend it in the pursuit of nothingness?
Don't worry about what God has called someone else to do. Focus on what God has called you to do, because the key in that final day is not how much you did, but why you did it. God is far more interested in our faithfulness than He is in our success. It is all about faithfulness. It is all about doing what God has set before you and doing it well, with all of your might. That is what you will be judged for in that final day.
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BobCaldwell: ""For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,""
Thursday, February 10, 2011 (top)
Knowing God – Our Greatest Treasure
(2 Corinthians 3:1-4:18)
In these two chapters, Paul seeks to show believers the unique nature of the ministry of the Gospel Christ had given him. The Gospel opens up for the believer a work of God that transforms us by a progressive spiritual understanding of Christ. Paul refers to this transforming work within the Corinthian believers as "living epistles" who proved the reality of the impact of truth in Christ he had taught them (3:1-3).
Paul goes on to contrast the fading glory of the Law of Moses to the magnificent and glorious light of Christ's gospel (3:7-12). This is the glorious light to which Satan seeks to blind people. However, the light of Christ and His Gospel had progressively transformed these believers from glory to glory into becoming more and more like Jesus (3:17-18).
Paul then shows us that this progressive light of the knowledge of God in Christ in turn becomes a treasure chest of power for life within the weak vessels of clay that we are. It is a treasure that allows us to endure extreme pressure, times when we are overwhelmed with perplexity or persecution, or times when we are beaten down so badly that all seems hopeless. This treasure not only enables us to endure all things but also allows us to use these things to put our self-centered idolatry to death. Our spiritual strength is no longer about us, but about the treasure of power and strength found in Christ. This death to self enables us to then minister to the spiritual lives of those around us (4:6-15).
Paul closes this vital teaching by revealing how the ongoing revelation of the knowledge of Christ keeps us from losing heart in a world of opposition (4:16-17). This must be a primary focus for every sincere believer. It is not human invention or philosophies of man but seeing Christ and knowing Him by faith in ever-increasing ways that can transform us. As we know Him experientially, we will be changed to be like Him. Therefore, let the potential of the revelation of the treasure we find in Christ become a passionate force to seek deeper and deeper personal transforming knowledge of Christ.
NKJV Bible Text
2 Corinthians 3:1-4:18
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
| Christ's Epistle v. 1 Commend Ourselves – In 2:17 Paul contrasted himself with those who had been motivated by financial profit. Paul states here a rhetorical question that will support his declared sincerity in serving them. Epistles of Commendation – It was common for traveling servants of Christ to carry with them letters from recognized leaders concerning their proven integrity in the ministry. However, Paul asked these two questions in verse one because the answer was obvious. There was no need for outside evidence. Paul had proven his character during his sacrificial and lengthy stay with them. v. 3 You Are Our Epistle – The results of Paul's sincere ministry to them was evident by their lives. Paul later reminded them of how different they were after coming to Christ through Paul's teaching. | Spirit of the Living God – The signature of God's work through Paul in their lives was the direct result of the power of the Holy Spirit through a true and living God. Paul's results were not sourced in him or any other man-centered teachings, but in God. Tablets of the Flesh – This is contrasted with tablets of stone. The stone tablets are a reference to the Old Testament law, while the tablets of the flesh or heart are a reference to the inner being of a person that is recreated, or born of the Spirit, through faith in Christ. The result of Paul's ministry, by the work of the Spirit, resulted in their lives being changed. They sought to live in God's will by the power of a new heart. That far exceeded what the tablets of the law could do. The law can tell us what to do and what not to do, but the law gives us no power to obey it. |
The Spirit, Not the Letter
4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
| The Spirit, Not the Letter v. 4 Have Such Trust – Paul is confident that the ministry he had given them would produce results that would glorify God and benefit them. Through Christ – This confidence was not in himself but in God. v. 5 Sufficiency Is From God – Paul further states that his confidence is grounded in what God did in and through his life. New Covenant – "Covenant" describes an agreement entered into by two or more parties. This new agreement was a reference to the new way God had agreed to cleanse sin, remove the judgment sin deserves, and give eternal life through faith in Christ's work on the cross. | v. 6 The Letter – This is a reference to the Old Testament law being powerless to provide a complete and unending solution to humanity's sin. Letter Kills – The Old Testament law proves that all have sinned and deserve the penalty for sin: death. Spirit Gives Life – The Holy Spirit causes a believer to be born of the Spirit, resulting in a completely new source of life. There is, therefore, the capacity to live a victorious life over sin. Ministry of Death – The law ultimately places all people under the judgment of having broken the law, and therefore places all people under the penalty of death. |
Glory of the New Covenant
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
| Glory of the New Covenant v. 7 Was Glorious – This reference is to the glory of God revealed when the law was given to Moses (Ex. 19:10-25, 20:18-26; Ex. 34:29-35). Face of Moses – After receiving the law, Moses' face radiated light from being in God's presence (Ex. 34:25-34). v. 8 More Glorious – Paul draws a logical conclusion from the fact that if what could not ultimately save humanity, the law, was nonetheless glorious, should not the new covenant be even more glorious? More glorious because it can do for humanity what is needed to save it from the judgment of sin and give a new life in the Spirit. | v. 9 Ministry of Condemnation – This is another term for the law's results. It condemns all of humanity because all of humanity has sinned. Ministry of Righteousness – The New Covenant provides a gift of right standing before God because of Jesus' payment for our sins, and a new life that enables us to live righteously. v. 11 Passing Away – Paul uses the gradual glory that faded from Moses' face as a legitimate picture of the law. It has no permanent solution for sin. Instead, it was called a tutor, or a temporary teacher, to bring us to Christ (Gal. 3:24-25). Primarily to teach us that we are all sinners, that we all break the law and need a better solution. |
12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
| v. 12 Boldness of Speech – Based on the superiority of the New Covenant, Paul felt completely justified in the boldness he used to set aside the law as a means of sin's solution and proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. v. 13 Unlike Moses – Paul contrasts the boldness he used with the way Moses hid God's glory when he covered his face, lest the people be discouraged in watching the radiance of his face gradually fade. v. 14 Veil Remains – Paul takes this experience of Moses and shows it to be an excellent picture in describing the Jewish sentiments concerning the Old and New Covenant. They had been, in general, unable to see that the law was a fading temporary agreement offered to them. Reading Of the Old Testament – There are many places in the Old Testament that point to the temporary nature of the law as a means of approach to God. However, a hardened condition of the heart resulted in a blindness of the soul and an inability to see the clear teaching of scriptures (Heb. 3:8, 15; 4:7; John 5:38). v. 16 Veil Is Taken Away – When a person is willing to honestly seek Jesus as the Messiah, the Holy Spirit opens up scripture to make alive and clear its complete message. v. 17 Lord Is the Spirit – The Lord, "YAHWEH," is the God of the Old Testament. Jesus is referred to as YAHWEH often in the New Testament. Here Jesus, as the Lord, is identified with God the Holy Spirit. This points to the concept of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one, yet three equal and distinct persons. | Liberty – The promise of freedom from sin's bondage is one of the core promises Jesus came to make real in any who come to Him by faith (John 8:34-36; Luke 4:18). v. 18 We All – The access to the increasing revelation of God in Jesus Christ is available to all who come to Jesus Christ. Unveiled Face – This is contrasted with those whose hard hearts keep them from seeing the revelation of God in the scriptures, as Paul points out in v. 14-16. As In a Mirror – In Paul's day, because mirrors were polished metal, the reflection was not perfect. The thinking here is that by the work of the Holy Spirit within the life of a believer a person can genuinely see the glory of God in the "face" of Christ. Moses' face was covered (v. 13). But when we are born of the Spirit, Jesus' face is not covered. 2Corinthians 4:3-4 tells us, "Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." This is why Paul prays that the spiritual eyes of believers will be opened so they could see the glory in Christ and the glory we can become in Him through a spirit of wisdom and revelation (Eph. 1:15-21). Being Transformed – It is in seeing the glory of Jesus progressively, step by step, that we ourselves are changed into that same glory. This is one of the greatest forces in the quest to genuine spiritual maturity. We will all move toward the conformity to the image of Jesus Christ as we see Him, and therefore are in Him (Rom. 8:29). |
2 Corinthians 4
The Light of Christ's Gospel
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
| Chapter 4 The Light Of Christ's Gospel v. 1 We Have This Ministry – In general, this ministry is in serving God and humanity by proclaiming the New Covenant message of Jesus Christ as referred to in 3:7-18. However, this new covenant is more than a message--it is Jesus Christ, Himself. We bring Jesus Himself to this world, not just a message about Him. Not Lose Heart – This phrase refers to someone who has turned away from a conflict because of cowardice. Paul believed that there was no opposition or personal loss that could cause him to turn in fear from the call he had been given. v.2 Renounced Hidden Things – "To renounce" means to turn away from something. Paul says here in verses 1-2 that he will not turn away from the ministry he has been given. But he has turned away from hidden agendas and hypocrisy. Paul had in mind those who had been ministering to the Corinthians with the end result of turning them away from solid teaching to destructive heresies. Word of God Deceitfully – These false teachers had come among the sheep like wolves in sheep's clothing. They had done so by cloaking themselves with God's Word. However, the fact was that they twisted the scriptures to serve their own lusts for power and finances. Manifestation of the Truth – In this, we see the way approved by God to handle His Word. We are simply to present its declared truth rather than manipulate it in a way that alters its revelation of truth. That is why we have no right to mix the scriptures, the passing philosophies, and traditions of man. Neither are we to soften its edges and explain away plain truth that often is in opposition to a world in rebellion to God. Conscience In the Sight of God – The conscience is the function of the mind that weighs what is right or wrong. However, one's conscience is only as effective as the information that it has to draw upon. That is why Paul says that for the conscience to come up with the right judgment, it must do so in the light of God. Without that, it is easy to see how people can have strong convictions about what they believe, yet, given clearer light on the facts, will admit the error of their conclusions. | v. 3 Who Are Perishing – Paul explains why there are some who, by their conscience and reasoning, do not see the truth contained in the gospel. They are still in a lost state; they lack the spiritual faculty to come to a reasoned conclusion about its truthfulness. v. 4 God of This Age – This phrase refers to Satan, who since the fall of man has enjoyed the allegiance of a human race in rebellion to God. Ephesians 2:1-2 and 6:12 make it clear that Satan exercises great power and authority over humanity (Mt. 4:8; John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11; 2 Tim. 2:16; 1 John 5:19). Has Blinded – This is an appropriate way to describe the condition of humanity in relation to God and His gospel. Just as a physically blind person cannot see the glory of nature or beauty of art, the lost cannot see the glory of God or His gospel unless the Holy Spirit opens his blinded eyes. Light of the Gospel – Light is a symbol for knowledge. Just as the sun dispels the darkness of the night, so the light of the Gospel dispels the darkness of unbelief. In Satan's efforts to keep humanity in blindness, he fosters anything that strengthens an attraction to darkness or provides a counterfeit to the true light of the knowledge of God. Image of God – Here we have one of the many affirmations of the deity of Jesus Christ. v. 5 Not Preach Ourselves – Paul declares this in order to put himself in direct contrast to those who had been "preaching themselves" and in opposition to Paul and the truth he preached. Paul did not allow himself to become a tool in Satan's hands, which would result in attracting people away from the light that is in Jesus Christ. v. 6 Commanded Light – This reference to creation (Gen. 1:3) is a fitting example of how to describe the need for God to create spiritual light for our darkened souls. |
Cast Down but Unconquered
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
| Cast Down But Unconquered v. 7 This Treasure – This treasure is the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Earthen Vessel – These vessels referred to pots that were replaceable and of small value compared to pots made of precious metals. Of God – Paul likens himself to a clay pot not worth much in itself. But it contains a priceless treasure: the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. As an "earthen vessel" all attention and credit goes to Jesus, and not the messenger. v. 8 Paul We Are – In verses 8-9, Paul uses a metaphor to show the weakness of the vessel he is. However, he can be empowered by the knowledge of Jesus within him to be more than able to deal with overwhelming odds. Hard pressed – Paul's ministry brought extreme pressure on him. However, because of the power and strength of the treasure within (v. 6-7), he was not crushed under this pressure. Perplexed – Paul's ministry also took him into baffling situations. Because of the Lord within him, he was not in despair, as he knew God always had a purpose and a plan. v. 9 Persecuted – The suffering Paul went through as he preached the gospel was beyond what he could bear by himself. He endured the hate and rejection and violence from so many different types of people because of the treasure in knowing Jesus, who would never leave him or forsake him. | Struck Down – Paul was beaten down both spiritually and physically many times. However, he knew the amazing power of Christ within him that enabled him to get back up every time and go forward to proclaim Jesus and His Gospel. v. 10 In the Body the Dying – Paul's life was exposed to constant situations that required him to deny himself, to "lose his life." He likened this daily process to Jesus' giving up His will and life to redeem humanity. Life of Jesus – The resurrection power of Christ's life fills the vacuum that death to self brings. Paul described this in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." In Our Body – Paul says that in our weak human condition, Christ reveals the reality of His glory as He gives us power to overcome the weaknesses of being "clay pots." v. 11 Are Always Delivered – Paul saw God's providential hand in the constant need he had to deny himself and thereby open the way to be a manifestation of what the life of Jesus within him can do. v. 12 Life In You – It was the life that came out of death to self as described in v. 7-11 that brought forth the ministry of spiritual life Paul imparted to those he served. Spirit of Faith – Paul applies what he had just taught to the present situation. Even though so much had happened to undermine his ministry to these Corinthians, he would not allow this to crush, perplex, forsake, or destroy his ministry to them. By faith in the treasure of Jesus within, he was determined to continue to proclaim the uncompromising truth of Jesus. |
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Seeing the Invisible
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
| v. 13 I Believed – This is a quote from the Greek translation of Psalm 116:10. Therefore Speak – Paul's unwavering commitment to proclaim the truth was sourced in his confidence in the One he spoke for--Jesus Christ. v. 14 Raise Us Up – The assurance of the resurrection, and the validation it will bring to all Paul stood for and taught, strengthened Paul's resolve to not waiver. v. 15 For Your Sakes – In contrast with those who ministered primarily for their own gain (2:17), Paul reveals that his purpose was for the benefit of those he served. To the Glory of God – Rather than bringing glory to himself, it was Paul's goal to bring glory to God in Christ by the effective spreading of the knowledge of Jesus and His gospel of grace. | Seeing the Invisible v. 16 Being Renewed – Paul contrasts his inner man, who is born of the Spirit, with his outward man, which is headed to the grave. Paul was a living proof of the renewing power of the knowledge of Jesus. Seen As Temporary – Paul kept in perspective the fact that the physical world is of little relative value compared with his eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. v. 17 Light Affliction – Paul considered the many afflictions he faced because of his ministry as light compared to the eternal glory he would share in. v. 18 Do Not Look – Paul reveals here one of the secrets as to why he does "not lose heart" (v. 16). He looks at his temporal life in view of eternity. |
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