...the Lord has kept me alive... Joshua 14:10
At the ripe old age of eighty-five, Caleb said to Joshua, '...the Lord has kept me alive...just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war...give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day...And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb...because he wholly followed the Lord...' (Joshua 14:10-14 NKJV). There was nothing half-baked or half-hearted about Caleb. His dream kept him alive; he got out of bed every morning intent on pursuing it. When God gives you a dream as big as a mountain, it will keep you going while others around you are giving up. But be careful who you listen to. Don't let the critics discourage you by saying, 'You're too old.' The Bible says that like a palm tree, you can produce your greatest harvest of fruit in your final years (Psalm 92:12-14). When the sun goes down the stars come out-so you can shine brightest in the closing chapters of your life. Barbara Klassen says: 'My great-great uncle lived to one hundred and six. He was healthy and spry and took joy in chauffeuring his less able-bodied senior friends around town. On his hundredth birthday his driver's licence came up for renewal. When he went to the licensing bureau a sceptical clerk said, 'You're a hundred years old! What do you need a driver's licence for?' My uncle, completely nonplussed, replied, 'Somebody has to drive the old folks around!' He continued to have a legal driver's licence for the next five years.' Do it Caleb's way: live to the moment you die!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
It's Only Money
Keep your [life] free from the love of money... Hebrews 13:5
A lot of us think that the goal of work is to accumulate enough money so that we can quit working. No, if your work is not fulfilling, eventually you'll resent it. That's so, whether you make much or little. Money alone is not worth giving your life to. John Ortberg writes, 'I have a friend. He's a businessman. He is in his seventies now. Years ago I attended his church when he gave a terrific message. We talked afterwards and he said to me, "You know, when I was a young man I always felt that I ought to go into pastoral ministry."I asked him, "Why didn't you?"Well, when it came right down to it, it was just money. He was doing well in the business world so he didn't follow what he sensed was God's calling on his life. Now he was financially secure - but he was running out of time. It's only money! We get all twisted up in knots over it, stay awake at night thinking about it, stew, get anxious, scheme, trade away our integrity to get a little more of it... and we worry that somebody else might get hold of it. It's only money! It's never a reason not to follow Christ. It's never a reason not to do the thing that He has called you to do.' Billy Graham hit the bull's-eye when he said, 'If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life.' It's okay to make money, and enjoy money, but 'Keep your [life] free from the love of money'.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Know Your Life's Vision
...called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Nobody can give you a vision for your life, but here's how to find yours.1) Look within you. What moves you? What are you excited about? Paul said, '...I am compelled to preach...' (1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV). 2) Look behind you. What has life taught you? Experience provides us with the wisdom needed to fulfil our destiny. What does your past tell you about your future? 3) Look around you. God never calls us alone. Moses needed 70 elders. Jesus picked 12 disciples. Paul spoke of those who worked with him. Fulfilling your destiny requires having the right people in your life. 4) Look ahead of you. Helen Keller said, 'The only thing that's worse than being blind, is having sight but no vision.' What do you see through the eye of faith? St Augustine said, 'Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe.' 5) Look beside you. What resources are available to you, for example, books, CDs, conferences and mentors? If your vision is not bigger than you, it's not of God. And the greater it is, the more resources it will require. 6) Look above you. Jeremiah writes, '...They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord' (Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV). We are 'called according to His purpose', not according to the need, or the fact that the door is open, or that our talent will be appreciated and well rewarded. Your vision must fulfil your God-ordained destiny, nothing else. So, do you need to recognise your vision, resurrect your vision, or refocus on your vision?
Nobody can give you a vision for your life, but here's how to find yours.1) Look within you. What moves you? What are you excited about? Paul said, '...I am compelled to preach...' (1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV). 2) Look behind you. What has life taught you? Experience provides us with the wisdom needed to fulfil our destiny. What does your past tell you about your future? 3) Look around you. God never calls us alone. Moses needed 70 elders. Jesus picked 12 disciples. Paul spoke of those who worked with him. Fulfilling your destiny requires having the right people in your life. 4) Look ahead of you. Helen Keller said, 'The only thing that's worse than being blind, is having sight but no vision.' What do you see through the eye of faith? St Augustine said, 'Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe.' 5) Look beside you. What resources are available to you, for example, books, CDs, conferences and mentors? If your vision is not bigger than you, it's not of God. And the greater it is, the more resources it will require. 6) Look above you. Jeremiah writes, '...They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord' (Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV). We are 'called according to His purpose', not according to the need, or the fact that the door is open, or that our talent will be appreciated and well rewarded. Your vision must fulfil your God-ordained destiny, nothing else. So, do you need to recognise your vision, resurrect your vision, or refocus on your vision?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Get Alone And Pray
In the message "The Courts of God" we saw how the presence of God is to be cherished above all else. We considered that not even a thousand days in an earthly paradise can compare to a single day in the presence of God. And yet, though we may understand the value of His presence, we seldom make the decisions or exercise the discipline required to enter.
Luke 5:15-16
"The news about Him spread all the more, so the crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
Jesus had a relationship with the Father which can only be described as absolute perfection; "If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:7,9). We long for and desperately seek the presence of God, but Jesus Christ IS the very presence of God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:1,14).
And though He had perfect union with the Father, created the entire Universe, and demonstrated complete control over the elements of nature as He "rebuked the wind and the raging waters" (Luke 8:24), Jesus still made time to be alone with the Father in prayer. Why?Prior to the important decision of choosing His twelve apostles, Jesus "went out to a mountainside and spent the night praying" (Luke 6:12). On the night before He was crucified, Jesus was in such anguish that He prayed until "His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44). Jesus, through His life and death, taught us how we ought to relate to God...and it's a lesson we must not ignore!
If Jesus, who is Perfection, demonstrated such need of prayer, how much more necessary is it for us who contain so many flaws and so easily drift away from God. We cannot wave our hand to calm the storm, but we CAN pray for patience and the strength to endure, and relentlessly ask for His help. We are to live in such constant communion with God that we "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), even as we drive in busy traffic, manage multiple assignments, or care for noisy children.
But each of us must also set aside time, which is "often" and regular, where we can withdraw to a quiet place. Yes, the presence of God can be found in the midst of our busyness, but we all need times of quiet where we can be refreshed and receive direction - times when we can simply lift our hearts to God and say "Thank You!" Let's develop and maintain the discipline of entering the courts of His presence. Let's regularly set aside times of quiet to get alone and pray.
Luke 5:15-16
"The news about Him spread all the more, so the crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
Jesus had a relationship with the Father which can only be described as absolute perfection; "If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:7,9). We long for and desperately seek the presence of God, but Jesus Christ IS the very presence of God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:1,14).
And though He had perfect union with the Father, created the entire Universe, and demonstrated complete control over the elements of nature as He "rebuked the wind and the raging waters" (Luke 8:24), Jesus still made time to be alone with the Father in prayer. Why?Prior to the important decision of choosing His twelve apostles, Jesus "went out to a mountainside and spent the night praying" (Luke 6:12). On the night before He was crucified, Jesus was in such anguish that He prayed until "His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44). Jesus, through His life and death, taught us how we ought to relate to God...and it's a lesson we must not ignore!
If Jesus, who is Perfection, demonstrated such need of prayer, how much more necessary is it for us who contain so many flaws and so easily drift away from God. We cannot wave our hand to calm the storm, but we CAN pray for patience and the strength to endure, and relentlessly ask for His help. We are to live in such constant communion with God that we "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), even as we drive in busy traffic, manage multiple assignments, or care for noisy children.
But each of us must also set aside time, which is "often" and regular, where we can withdraw to a quiet place. Yes, the presence of God can be found in the midst of our busyness, but we all need times of quiet where we can be refreshed and receive direction - times when we can simply lift our hearts to God and say "Thank You!" Let's develop and maintain the discipline of entering the courts of His presence. Let's regularly set aside times of quiet to get alone and pray.
Rise Above Worry
God... is the... controller of all things. 1 Timothy 6:15
We all worry from time to time, but wise people have learned to avoid over-anxiety by following these guidelines. 1) Define the situation clearly. What exactly is it you're worrying about? Be specific. Often when we take time to clarify the problem, a way to solve it will present itself. 2) Face the worst that can happen. Would you lose your job? Your relationship? Your investment? In most cases even if the worst did happen, chances are it wouldn't ruin you. It may be inconvenient or painful, but does it really warrant all the anxiety you're giving it? 3) Resolve to accept the outcome, whatever it is. Most of the stress of worry comes from denial, from not being willing to face the worst that could happen. Once you make up your mind to accept whatever happens, you'll find worry loses its power over you. 4) Work to improve the situation. Renowned neurologist James H Austin said, 'Chance favours those in motion.' Do all you can to ensure the best possible outcome, and '...after you have done everything... stand' (Ephesians 6:13 NIV). Stand on God's promises! 5) Give the problem to God. He's 'the... controller of all things'. The Psalmist said, 'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you' (Psalm 9:10 NIV). Remember, nothing can happen to you today, or any other day, that God is not aware of, in control of, and able to bring you through.
We all worry from time to time, but wise people have learned to avoid over-anxiety by following these guidelines. 1) Define the situation clearly. What exactly is it you're worrying about? Be specific. Often when we take time to clarify the problem, a way to solve it will present itself. 2) Face the worst that can happen. Would you lose your job? Your relationship? Your investment? In most cases even if the worst did happen, chances are it wouldn't ruin you. It may be inconvenient or painful, but does it really warrant all the anxiety you're giving it? 3) Resolve to accept the outcome, whatever it is. Most of the stress of worry comes from denial, from not being willing to face the worst that could happen. Once you make up your mind to accept whatever happens, you'll find worry loses its power over you. 4) Work to improve the situation. Renowned neurologist James H Austin said, 'Chance favours those in motion.' Do all you can to ensure the best possible outcome, and '...after you have done everything... stand' (Ephesians 6:13 NIV). Stand on God's promises! 5) Give the problem to God. He's 'the... controller of all things'. The Psalmist said, 'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you' (Psalm 9:10 NIV). Remember, nothing can happen to you today, or any other day, that God is not aware of, in control of, and able to bring you through.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Your Child's Love
..."These are the children God has given me..." Genesis 33:5
It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do - simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr James Dobson will help change your perspective. 'Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?" The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you." He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents has been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold.'
It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do - simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr James Dobson will help change your perspective. 'Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?" The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you." He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents has been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold.'
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Performance-Based or Grace-Based?
..."Those... hired last... you paid... the same as... us. Matthew 20:12
In Christ's parable five different groups of workers are hired. The first group complained when those who worked only the last hour got paid the same wages as those who worked all day. They are typical of performance-based Christians. They think that because they avoid certain sins, God's getting a good deal. Instead of rejoicing with those who come late to the kingdom, they're resentful. They're easy to spot because they've three characteristics. They show a complaining spirit. They overlook the good, home in on the negative, and seek out people who agree with them. What's the cure? A good memory! Recalling what God has done for you, and all the grace-based benefits of His love you enjoy each day. Performance-based Christians have also got a resentful spirit. Instead of resting in God's grace they act like duty-bound soldiers - conscripts, not volunteers. They struggle constantly for God's approval, never feel like they measure up, and their hostility prevents them from experiencing joy. But the moment they begin to reflect on God's goodness to them, their resentment begins to lessen. Finally, they show a judgmental spirit. 'It's not fair,' they think. 'I did the work and they get the credit.' They forget that God dispenses gifts, - not wages. 'he does not... repay us according to our iniquities' (Psalm 103:10 NIV), but lavishes us with grace and mercy. So who are these grace-based Christians? Latecomers with no contracts or merits; their relationship with God is based solely on grace. They're happy with whatever He's offering, humbled by His goodness, and motivated to work by overwhelming gratitude.
In Christ's parable five different groups of workers are hired. The first group complained when those who worked only the last hour got paid the same wages as those who worked all day. They are typical of performance-based Christians. They think that because they avoid certain sins, God's getting a good deal. Instead of rejoicing with those who come late to the kingdom, they're resentful. They're easy to spot because they've three characteristics. They show a complaining spirit. They overlook the good, home in on the negative, and seek out people who agree with them. What's the cure? A good memory! Recalling what God has done for you, and all the grace-based benefits of His love you enjoy each day. Performance-based Christians have also got a resentful spirit. Instead of resting in God's grace they act like duty-bound soldiers - conscripts, not volunteers. They struggle constantly for God's approval, never feel like they measure up, and their hostility prevents them from experiencing joy. But the moment they begin to reflect on God's goodness to them, their resentment begins to lessen. Finally, they show a judgmental spirit. 'It's not fair,' they think. 'I did the work and they get the credit.' They forget that God dispenses gifts, - not wages. 'he does not... repay us according to our iniquities' (Psalm 103:10 NIV), but lavishes us with grace and mercy. So who are these grace-based Christians? Latecomers with no contracts or merits; their relationship with God is based solely on grace. They're happy with whatever He's offering, humbled by His goodness, and motivated to work by overwhelming gratitude.
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