READ Psalm 145:18-19
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20145&version=NIV
Idolatry involves giving something or someone priority over the Lord—and it leads to missing
His best. Scripture also warns about other obstacles to receiving God's blessings.
As followers of Jesus, we are to pray to our heavenly Father when we desire or need something (Phil. 4:6). Sadly, many of God's children fail to do so. Some are "too busy" to bring their requests to the Lord. Others talk to the Lord in a general or mechanical way, without the genuine, heartfelt communication He desires.
Christians should come humbly before His throne, bringing requests with a submissive spirit (1 Peter 5:5-6). In other words, we are to yearn for God's will above all else—even above what we think is best. It is important to acknowledge that He may have something better in mind. Then, as we faithfully pray, God may remove or alter certain longings so that our desires begin to align with His.
Furthermore, the Bible tells us to approach God with confidence and faith (Heb. 4:16;James 1:6). This means that when we pray and seek the Father's will, we should anticipate that He will answer. As Isaiah 64:4 reminds us, God "acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him."
Our Father desires to pour blessing into the lives of His children. Don't allow prayerlessness to prevent His best. Express your needs and wants to God confidently and specifically. Then submit your will to His, and wait expectantly. He is faithful—you will see!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Developing Good Listening Skills
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%208&version=NIV
During their 70-year captivity in Babylon, the Israelites did not have the freedom to worship God as they once did. So when the opportunity arose to hear the Scriptures in Jerusalem, they were ready to listen.
Ezra read to them from the first five books of the Old Testament. As he spoke, the people heard about the Lord’s promises to Abraham and his descendants, the covenants God made with the nation of Israel, and His requirements of faith and obedience. They patiently stayed together for the entire reading because they understood the value of God’s Word. Their specific purpose was to gain insight into the Law. Listening with repentant hearts, they wept over their sins but also experienced joy because they were following the Lord’s commandments once again. The people trusted the words of Scripture as well as the one who preached to them.
The Bible is God’s unfolding revelation of Himself. Divinely inspired and free of error, it is our source of truth about His righteous character, man’s sinful nature, and the plan of salvation. In its pages, we discover that man has a sin problem but no way to solve it on his own. We also learn that God’s just
nature requires a penalty for transgression.
Scripture reveals how divine justice was carried out against Jesus for our sin, and that through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and the gift of eternal life.
Good listening skills are important because God, who has much to teach us, speaks through the Scriptures. How well do you listen?
During their 70-year captivity in Babylon, the Israelites did not have the freedom to worship God as they once did. So when the opportunity arose to hear the Scriptures in Jerusalem, they were ready to listen.
Ezra read to them from the first five books of the Old Testament. As he spoke, the people heard about the Lord’s promises to Abraham and his descendants, the covenants God made with the nation of Israel, and His requirements of faith and obedience. They patiently stayed together for the entire reading because they understood the value of God’s Word. Their specific purpose was to gain insight into the Law. Listening with repentant hearts, they wept over their sins but also experienced joy because they were following the Lord’s commandments once again. The people trusted the words of Scripture as well as the one who preached to them.
The Bible is God’s unfolding revelation of Himself. Divinely inspired and free of error, it is our source of truth about His righteous character, man’s sinful nature, and the plan of salvation. In its pages, we discover that man has a sin problem but no way to solve it on his own. We also learn that God’s just
nature requires a penalty for transgression.
Scripture reveals how divine justice was carried out against Jesus for our sin, and that through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and the gift of eternal life.
Good listening skills are important because God, who has much to teach us, speaks through the Scriptures. How well do you listen?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Message by unknown speaker (Post #103)
READ | Revelation 5:6-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%205&version=NIV
There are five words that every believer should know and be able to explain. I have defined and discussed all of them many times in sermons and writings, but I am doing so again because they are so essential. Being confident in our beliefs is ever more important as cultures become bolder about persecuting Christians.
Jesus’ shed blood redeems believers (1 Peter 1:18-19). This means that we are purchased from a life of slavery to sin. Furthermore, we receive forgiveness—the wrongs of our past, present, and future are totally washed away (Eph. 1:7-8). For the rest of eternity, God views His children through the “veil” of Christ’s blood, which makes them pure and holy.
Everyone who trusts in Jesus is declared no longer guilty (justified—Rom. 5:8-9) and brought into relationship with God (reconciled—Col. 1:19-22). This unalterable change in status from sinner to saint happens the moment a person receives Christ as Savior.
The final word, sanctified, describes the life-long maturing process that begins when a person trusts in the Savior (Heb. 13:12). A saint is set apart from the rest of humanity for the purpose of making him Christ-like. Through discipleship, testing, and teaching, God “drains out” our old self and pumps the life of Jesus into our heart and life.
These five words tell the story of our faith. Meditate upon the verses related to each one, and pray that God will write the meanings on your heart. When we’re confident in our beliefs, we can be a light to others instead of crumbling at the threat of pain.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%205&version=NIV
There are five words that every believer should know and be able to explain. I have defined and discussed all of them many times in sermons and writings, but I am doing so again because they are so essential. Being confident in our beliefs is ever more important as cultures become bolder about persecuting Christians.
Jesus’ shed blood redeems believers (1 Peter 1:18-19). This means that we are purchased from a life of slavery to sin. Furthermore, we receive forgiveness—the wrongs of our past, present, and future are totally washed away (Eph. 1:7-8). For the rest of eternity, God views His children through the “veil” of Christ’s blood, which makes them pure and holy.
Everyone who trusts in Jesus is declared no longer guilty (justified—Rom. 5:8-9) and brought into relationship with God (reconciled—Col. 1:19-22). This unalterable change in status from sinner to saint happens the moment a person receives Christ as Savior.
The final word, sanctified, describes the life-long maturing process that begins when a person trusts in the Savior (Heb. 13:12). A saint is set apart from the rest of humanity for the purpose of making him Christ-like. Through discipleship, testing, and teaching, God “drains out” our old self and pumps the life of Jesus into our heart and life.
These five words tell the story of our faith. Meditate upon the verses related to each one, and pray that God will write the meanings on your heart. When we’re confident in our beliefs, we can be a light to others instead of crumbling at the threat of pain.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Message by unknown speaker
READ Psalm 81
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081&version=NIV
Our heavenly Father delights in meeting His children's needs and fulfilling their desires. Yet many Christians walk through life with less than God's best. How can we avoid missing His blessings?
Psalm 81 provides insight. The writer refers to a time when the Israelites missed out on God's best. As we know from Exodus, the nation gratefully praised Him for their release from bondage. But they quickly forgot and worshiped other gods, complaining about their circumstances in the wilderness. This unhealthy pattern continued throughout the Old Testament, as the people would turn to Jehovah in time of need and then drift. Verses 8-10 reveal God's perspective: "O Israel, if you would listen to Me! Let there be no strange god among you . . . I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it."
We, too, might have needs and desires that are unmet because of disobedience. Today, most people don't worship statues, as the wayward Israelites did. Our idols are less obvious—they might include a relationship, job, hobby, or anything else we put ahead of the Lord. Even making decisions based upon what others think can be idolatry; our choices should be based upon biblical principle and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Ask the Lord to reveal anything that hinders your receiving His best. Listen carefully, and let Him help with the areas He brings to your attention. He is
ready to guide you and bless you.
READ Psalm 81
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081&version=NIV
Our heavenly Father delights in meeting His children's needs and fulfilling their desires. Yet many Christians walk through life with less than God's best. How can we avoid missing His blessings?
Psalm 81 provides insight. The writer refers to a time when the Israelites missed out on God's best. As we know from Exodus, the nation gratefully praised Him for their release from bondage. But they quickly forgot and worshiped other gods, complaining about their circumstances in the wilderness. This unhealthy pattern continued throughout the Old Testament, as the people would turn to Jehovah in time of need and then drift. Verses 8-10 reveal God's perspective: "O Israel, if you would listen to Me! Let there be no strange god among you . . . I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it."
We, too, might have needs and desires that are unmet because of disobedience. Today, most people don't worship statues, as the wayward Israelites did. Our idols are less obvious—they might include a relationship, job, hobby, or anything else we put ahead of the Lord. Even making decisions based upon what others think can be idolatry; our choices should be based upon biblical principle and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Ask the Lord to reveal anything that hinders your receiving His best. Listen carefully, and let Him help with the areas He brings to your attention. He is
ready to guide you and bless you.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Message by someone (Post #101)
Thanks to Jesus, this is the 101st post of my blog!
Message by unknown Preacher
READ | 1 Samuel 17:45-47
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017&version=NIV
Life’s Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God’s power, though we may “suffer and bleed” on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd’s confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God’s servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God’s quiet voice. Even a giant’s discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father’s storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord’s great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David’s faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths
Message by unknown Preacher
READ | 1 Samuel 17:45-47
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017&version=NIV
Life’s Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God’s power, though we may “suffer and bleed” on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd’s confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God’s servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God’s quiet voice. Even a giant’s discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father’s storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord’s great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David’s faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Message by unknown speaker
READ 1 John 5:12-13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%205&version=NIV
Numerous people believe in God, attend church, and are convinced that they will someday go to heaven. But of these, far too many are misinformed about salvation. Some believe that a person’s eternal destiny depends solely on how much good he accomplishes in his lifetime. Others accept that Jesus died for us but think we have to contribute
toward salvation through works. Both views are incorrect. The Scriptures clearly teach that we are saved only through a personal faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). What He did—namely, living a perfect life and dying for our sins—is what makes us right with God. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, His completed work is credited to our account. Our sin-debt is paid by His blood, and His righteousness is
applied to us. Remember, we’re saved not by what we do but by whom we trust. We can’t add to or take away from Christ’s finished work on the cross (John 19:30; Acts 4:12).
There is another common area of misinformation:
many are convinced that belonging to a church, reading the Bible, and praying are evidences of being a Christian. These are important, but they’re not what establishes us as God’s children. We are adopted into His family when we acknowledge the insufficiency of our own efforts and embrace what Christ did for us. At that moment, we are set apart
for the Lord and belong to Him.
It is essential that our faith be grounded in biblical truth. Receiving forgiveness of our sins, belonging to God’s family, and dwelling with Him forever depend on it. Do your beliefs agree with Scripture?
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