"For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord. "Plans to give you hope & and future." Jeremiah 29:11
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Walls
"The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety." (NLT)
-Proverbs 18:11
Our God is Someone who can be trusted in times of trouble. Wealth comes and goes. It won't always be there in out times of need. With wealth comes independence, but it's easy to believe you don't need God. Yet God can provide much more than peace and happiness than wealth ever will. Are you looking towards God for security, protection, and provision, or are you looking towards money to provide those walls of safety? 8/10/2013
So Kindly
"I Hope I continue to please you, sir," She replied. "You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers. (NLT)
- Ruth 2:13
Have you been touched by someone who speaks kindly to you, even if you didn't deserve it? We are truly impacted by kindness when we need comforting the most. We can make an impression on others when we are thoughtful to those we don't know or, even more challenging, to those who aren't on our favorites list. Remember to let your good qualities shine consistently in all areas of your life. It's amazing what comes back to you. 8/11/2013
The Spirit
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (NLT)
- Galations 5:22-23
Ever wonder if someone is a Christian? Take a look at their life. Do they express joy? Do they show love towards everyone? Do they display uncommon gentleness? The above qualities are inherent to the Holy Spirit. While these characteristics may not always be evident, it becomes a reflection of how spending time with God will produce these uncommon characteristics. What about you? Have you been spending time with the Holy Spirit to produce this kind of fruit in your life? 8/13/13
The Richer
"But the richer the people get, the more pagan altars they build. The more beautiful their harvests, the more beautiful their sacred pillars." (NLT)
-Hosea 10:1
As we make more money, we tend to spend more money. We must remember that we are merely stewards of "our" riches, as they originated from God. Don't let your riches steal your heart away from Him. If you find this happening, change your outlook on your income. Perhaps God didn't give it to you to consume all of it, perhaps He gave it to you to share and bless others. 8/14/13
I Am With You
"They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (NLT)
- Jeremiah 1:19
If you put faith in God, you can live every day with peace and reassurance. Putting your faith in God means you believe he will work for your good. If things don't turn out as expected, He will catch you and provide for you. There is peace knowing your Heavenly Father is looking out for you. If you see a tough day ahead of you tomorrow, just lean on God and shift your worries to Him and your day will be very different. 8/15/13
September 1
What do you see?
Paul writes, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." So, what are you focusing on? The open door or the adversaries, the opportunities or the obstacles? In 1866 an amateur geologies noticed some South African Children playing with glistening rock. He asked the children's mother if he could purchase it. Thinking it was worth nothing, she gave it to him. Later, when he examined it, he discovered that it was a premium twenty-one carat diamond. When word word got out, a Scottish mineralogist named James Gregory was sent to investigate. He reported back that South Africa wasn't suitable for finding diamonds. He speculated that the previous discoveries had resulted from ostriches, of all things, eating the gems in distant lands and depositing them in South Africa via their dung. A few days after Gregory's report was made public, an eighty-three carat diamond was found in the area that he had visited. It is now known as The Star of South Africa, and it launched the region's first mining operation in what is today the world's largest producer of diamonds. And what about Gregory? His name lives on, but not as he might have wished. In the diamond industry when someone exhibits bad judgement, it's called "pulling a Gregory." If you ask God, He will help you find the "treasure" in your field (See Mt 13:44-45). If Jesus could turn water into wine and feed five thousand people with a boy's lunch, think what He can do through you. The question is, what do you see? the open door, or the obstacles?
September 2
Use your "Measure of Faith"
The amouth of faith God has given you is equal to the assignment He's given you. So whatever you're facing, tell yourself, "God has given me the faith to handle this." Nothing's more important than your faith. Jesus told Peter, "Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail (Lk 22:31-32). Faith is more important than money, or career success, or reputation. Everything can be taken from you, but if you have faith you'll bounce back. Faith is like having a direct line to God. As the prayer of faith flows up, His power flows down. As a result, you are more than adequate for the challenge. Failure is never final, as long as your faith doesn't fail. That's why Satan will do everything he can to keep you from spending time each day in the scriptures. "Faith cometh by hearing... the word of God" (Ro 10:17) Jesus said, "If you have faith as a mustard see, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move." (Mt 17:20) There are obstacles in your life that will only be removed by faith. And you don't need a truckload of it, just a mustard seed. Think: a tiny seed has the power to grow, overcome obstacles and become a mighty tree. It will press up through the ground, around rocks, braving storms, and withstanding other threats to its life. It's not so much the size of your faith, but the quality of it that determines your success. So today, use your "measure of faith."
September 3
A Callous Spirit (1)
The disciples had a problem with their attitude, and Jesus "called them on it" six different times in two chapters. Let's look at each and see what we can learn: A callous spirit. Instead of believing Christ could feed the crowd with five loaves and two fishes, they said to Jesus, "Send the multitude away" (Lk 9:12). One of the dangers of succeeding in ministry is that you can end up loving crowds but not really caring for individuals. Or wanting contributors, but not wanting to spend time meeting people's individual needs. Years ago a man decided to visit the churches of two well-known television ministers he liked. After hearing the first, he asked if he could say hello to him. But the minister's "handlers" said no, suggesting he call for an appointment. Disappointed, he went to hear the other minister, and was invited to lunch with him following the service. Feeling valued, he handed the minister a check for - four million dollars. (This is a true story.) You must always be approachable, available, and affirming. You must keep the personal touch. True, you can't personally minister to all who are sick and counsel all who are hurting. As a pastor, having quality time to prepare sermons and Bible studies must be a top priority. But Jesus was "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb 4:15) becuase He mixed and mingled with us. Only as you stay in touch with people's needs, can God use you to meet those needs in real time. The saying goes, "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." So, do you care?
September 4
An Impulsive Spirit (2)
On the Mount of Transfiguration, "Peter said to Jesus, 'Masster, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah' - not knowing what he said... And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Lk 9:33-35) Another spirit Jesus identified among His disciples was: An impulsive spirit. Note the words, "not knowing what he said." Peter's penchant for saying whatever came into his mind drew a strong rebuke from heaven: "This is My beloved Son - hear Him!" There's an important lesson here. Your need to appear wise and have all the answers can get you into trouble with people - and God! Generally speaking, you're not learning while you're talking. So learn to be quiet, observe what's going on, and listen for what God may want to say. When you don't know, don't speak. People respect you when you have the wisdom and humility to say, "I'm not sure, but if you give me time I'll pray about it, conjsider it more fully and get back to you." Experts say the average person is now bombarded with thirty0five thousand messages a day: e-mails, texts, billboards, TV, radio, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc. It's "information overload." People don't need more information, they need answers that work! And God has those answers. So talk to Him first, then you'll have something to say to others that's worth listening to. "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!" (Pr 15:23)
September 5
A Fearful Spirit (3)
The Bible says: "He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.' And they launched out. But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down... and they... were in jeopardy. And they... awoke the raging of the water... But He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' And they were afriad, and marveled, saying to one another, 'Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!" (LK 8:22-25) Notice what is at work in this story: A fearful spirit. No matter how often God blesses us and answers our prayers, we still give in to fear the next time we face a crisis, especially when it's one we haven't faced before. Who told the disciples to get into the boat in the first place? Jesus. Understand this: faith doesn't exempt you from life's storms; it equips you to go through them. And when you are in the will of God no storm, however severe, can take you under. Jesus knew the storm was coming before the disciples ever stepped into the boat. So why did He expose them to it? Because He was equipping them for the futre, for the day when He'd no longer be around and they would face persecution, imprisonment, and even death. So the word for you today is, "Don't be afraid. The Lord is with you; you are going to make it to the other side."
September 6
An Undiscerning Spirit (4)
One day a chronically ill woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years pushed her way through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus' garment. And immediately she was healed. "Jesus said, 'Who touched Me?' When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, 'Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' But Jesus said, 'Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.' Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all... how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, 'Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." (Lk 8:45-48)
What's at work in this story? An undiscerning spirit. Observe Peter's words, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched me?'" Understand this: Jesus can tell the difference between the indiscriminate touch of the crowd, and a touch of faith. Faith draws on His power and brings results! Notice, this woman touched the "hem" of Jesus' garment. The last thing a dressmaker does when she makes a garment is to sew up the hem. So the hem represents "the finished work." The same back that bore the cross which takes away your sins, also bore the stripes which take away your sickness. "And by His stripes we are healed" (Isa 53:5). What do you need today? Forgiveness of sins? Healing? Reach out in faith and touch Jesus, and you too will be made whole.
September 7
A Self-seeking Spirit (5)
The Bible says: "Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and sait to them, 'Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and be great." (Lk 9:46-47). What's at work in this story? A self-seeking spirit. As long as your motive for serving is to make yourself look good, you'll never enjoy God's approval. And His "well done" is the only thing that counts. The ability to serve behind the scenes, and do it with joy, comes from the knowledge that ultimately your service will be recognized and rewarded by the only One whose opinion counts. Why did Jesus feature a child that day? For three reasons: (1) A child is teachable. When you're done learning, you're done! When you can't be told, God will have nothing more to tell you. "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out" (Pr 118:15). (2) A Child is trusting. When you promise a child something they believe you, act on it, and expect it to be so. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Ps 118:8) (3) A child is tenderhearted. "Finally, all of you be... tenderhearted" (1Pe 3:8). The Holy Spirit is symbolized in Scripture as a gentle dove, so keep your heart tender and receptive to His dealings.
September 8
A Judgmental Spirit (6)
One day Jesus went into a Samaritan village and was not well received. So the disciples said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?' But He turned and rebuked them, and said, 'You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For th Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them'" (Lk 9:54-56)
What's at work in this story? A judgmental spirit. A poll taken by the Barna Research Group reveals that today most nonbelievers view Christians as too judgmental. So you can be sincere, but too severe. When you mix and mingle only with those who share your views and values, you can communicate with others in ways that attack, rather than attract. Let's be clear; never has it been more important to know the truth of God's Word and stand for it. But if you have the right doctrine and the wrong spirit, you'll drive more people away from Christ than you'll draw to Him. If Satan has his way, he will drive holiness out of our hearts and into our fists. Imagine- Christ's disciples wanting to incinerate those who didn't agree with them! They weren't even aware of the spirit that was at work within their own hearts. "Jesus said... 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt 19:19). That includes your non-Christian neighbor. you don't have to defend Jesus, or "sell" Him. All you have to do is introduce Him. The Psalmist says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps34:8)
September 11
A Notable Woman, or Man
The bible says: "Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. And she said to her husband... 'Let us make him a small upper room... and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand'" (2Ki 4:8-10). Observe:
(1) Whatever you need more of, make room for it. You don't get what you 'want' in life, you get what you "prepare for." This woman's generosity toward Elisha resulted in her having a child when she wasn't able to, and her child later being raised from the dead when sickness claimed him. When you make room for God in your life, you make room for the blessings that come with Him. (2) Notice the four things she put in the prophet's room: (a) A bed. There a re times when you must run, and there ar e times when you must rest. Indeed, if you don't learn to slow down, you'll break down. (b) A table. You need spiritual food to nourish your soul. If you plan to keep giving out, you must keep taking in. (c) A chair. This speaks of study. "Study to [show] thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Ti 2:15) (d) A lamp. A place of illumination. Even after you've studied long and hard, you need the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to your heart. And that's how to become a notable woman (or man).
September 10
Handling Temptation
We all have our battlegrounds; in some casees they're things we surrendered to years ago that now prowl through our innermost thoughts. That's why the Scriptures warn, "Keep your heart with all dilligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Max Lucado writes: I'm at a desk in a hotel room far from home. The voices that encourage are distant; the voices that entice are near. A placard on my nightstand invites me to lounge 'to make new friends in a relaxing atmosphere.' Another on top of the TV promises late-night movies that will 'make all my fantasies come true.' In the phonebook several columns of escort services offer 'Love away from home.' Voices! Some for pleasure, some for power. The world rams at your door, Jesus taps. The world promises fleshly pleasure, Jesus promises us a quiet dinner... with Him: 'I will come in and eat with him, and he with me' (Rev 3:20). Which voice will you obey?" You ask, 'How should I handle tempting situations?" In two ways: First, by filling your mind with Scripture so that your first response is always, "It is written." Second, by keeping your eyes on Jesus. Lesley Durkin writes, "My father used to put a bit of meat on the floor near his dog and say, 'No!' The dog never touched it. But he never looked at it either, because if he did the temptation to disobey would have been too great. He just kept looking at my father's face." Keep your eyes on Jesus. "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Ps 34:5)
September 11
Peace in the time of Terror!
September 11, 2001, Americans awoke to scenes of horror that would remain enduringly etched on the national memory. Its shock waves told the world that things would never be the same again. Sleepy eyes stared transfixed as television brought home the collapsing twin towers with their thousands of innocent occupants, the deadly attack on the Pentagon, and the cruel fate of an airliner and passengers hurtling into a rural Pennsylvania field. Unexpected, swift and violent, these attacks shook people to the core and exemplified a jarring new reality: the proliferation of universal terrorism. Fears of suicide bombers, chemical and biological attack still reverberate through our world of high-tech, security concious cities, airports, trains and bus terminals. King David faced the threat of a conspiracy from both his enemies and his friends. Feeling abandoned, alone, and bulnerable, he cried out, "There is terror on every side" (Ps 31:13). King, warrior and giant-slayer, David still felt the palpable terror of his situation. Frightened, he refocused his thoughts and heart to the source of real protection. "But, I am trusting you, O' Lord" (Ps 31:14). Afraid, but still trusting! and choosing to trus restored his perspective. "My future is in your hands" (Ps 31:15). His litany of fears gave way to faith and prayer. "How great is the goodness you have stored up... you lavish it on those who come to you for protection" (Ps 31:19). "You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them" (Ps 31:20) In Jesus, you'll find peace in the time of terror!
September 12
Kindness
Every day we miss opportunities to be kind in order to save a few seconds. One author writes, "When I treat people as obstacles, or a means to getting things done, I become a smaller man. With each brusque comment... dismissive glance... curt reply I lose a little more of myself... my relationship with God suffers." Paul says, "The fruit of the Spirit is... kindness" (Gal 5:22), and you can't love God without being kind to those He loves. Consider Ruth and Naomi. When circumstancesleft them widowed, Ruth told her aging mother-in-law, "Don't ask me to leave you... May the Lord punish me... if I allow anything but death to separate us!" (Ru 1:16-17). Consider Jonathan and David. When Saul tried to kill David, Jonathan stuck by him and "loved him as himself" (1Sa 18:3) although it meant sacrificing his chance to become king. Consider David and Mephibosheth. In an era when newly0appointed monarchs routinely banished those associated to you for the sake of your father... and... restore to you... the land of your grandfather... you shall eat at my table regularly" (2Sa 9:7). Consider the Shunammite woman who noticed Elisha was always passing her house, so she built a little room so he could "turn in" when he was tired (2Ki 4:9-10). You never regret kindness. Og Mandino says, "Treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend all the care, kindness and understanding you can, with no thought of reward, and your life will never be the same."
September 13
Spiritual Warfare (1)
In Bible times when an attack was launched against a city, a first strategy was to bring in a battering ram, demolish the gates and defeat the inhabitants. And the good news is, "The weapons we fight with... have... power to demolish strongholds." But you must "Put on the whole armor of God" (Eph 6:11) It's not something you pick up and wear when you feel like it. And you've got to keep it on, because the Enemy never lets up. He wants you to think he's equal with God. He's not! God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent; He can do anything, anywhere, anytime. No question, Satan is a formidable foe, but there are limits on what he's permitted to do (See Job 1:12). Your mind is command central; it's where victory or defeat is decided. Paul told the Corinthians, "Ifear, lest... your minds... be corrupted" (2Cor 11:3). Satan knows Christ's return is imminent and he's ratcheting up the opposition (See Rev 12:12). The way you win the battle is through: (1) Praise, the garment that protects you (See isa 61:3). (2) Abiding in Christ, your source of spiritual growth and fruitfulness" (See Jn 15:8-10). (3) God's Word. It's "Living... active... sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb 4:12), and it's designed to defeat the Enemy. When Satan comes against you, combat his lies with what God says. (4) Walking in love toward others. It's impossible to be victorious when you're wrapped up in yourself.
September 14
Spiritual Warfare (2)
When the first plane hit the World Trade Center we thought it was accidental. When another plane hit it, we knew we were under attack. Dr. Robert Jeffress says: "Knowing the source of the problem is crucial... a navigational accident demands one response. A hostile strike requires a completely different strategy. Every day our world is invaded by what we consider random events. Couples divorce, so we develop marriage enrichment seminars; drug use increases, so we organize accountability groups; churches threaten to split, so we hire arbitrators to help with conflict resolution; Christians battle depression and suicidal thoughts, so we medicate them with the latest drugs. Please understand, I'm all for [such programs], but what if the source is more than random events and we're under enemy attack? Would we change our strategy? Through Scripture we discover there's an unseen world and it's at war. Paul writes: 'Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against... spiritual forces of wickedness.' You can't just shrug your shoulders and say, I don't have a dog in that fight.' you're living in the crossfire of this spiritual war... the Enemy's determined to destroy everything and everyone important to you. And those who dismiss such words as being over the top-do so to their own detriment. Martin Lloyd Jones said, ' Not to realize you're in a conflict, means you're so hopelessly defeated and you don't even know it.' We're in a very real war, the stakes are high, the enemy skilled, armed, and determined. The possibility of losing... is real. You must be aware of what's happening, and be prepared to fight."
September 15
Spiritual Warfare (3)
It's important to know when you're under attack-and when you're not. One writer says: "There's a tendency among Christians to view anything unpleasant as spiritual warfare, rather than admit we're reaping what we've sown. For example, if you've neglected your role as spiritual teacher to your children, God may let them fall into sin. If you've been dishonest, He may let you face the consequences. 'The Lord disciplines those He loves.' It would be foolish to ask Him to ease your discomfort when He's disciplining you to get your attention. How tragic never to make the connection. God's discipline won't help you if you dismiss it as Satan's doing. If you misunderstand, you may blame Him for not answering your prayers or falling to protect you; meanwhile, God's warning you of danger."
"For a little while you may have had to suffer... that your faith... may be proved genuine" (1Pe 1:6-7). A blacksmith with a chunk of metal on the anvil envisions what he wants. but it means melting down the old, recasting it, removing scars, repairing cracks, filling voids, and purging impurities until what was useless becomes valuable. Finally he plunges it into cold water until hardens into an unbending, useful tool. Max Lucado says, "An instrument is useful only if it's in the right shape... A good blacksmith keeps his tools in shape... And so does God. Should He place you on His anvil, be thankful He thinks you're worth reshaping."
September 16
Doing the Right Things
George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get ahead are those who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them." A farmer can plant anything he wants; the land doesn't care one way or the other. Suppose he plants both wheat and poisonous hemlock. The land will return poisonous hemlock as plentifully as it does wheat. Your mind is far more fertile, but the same principle applies. It doesn't care what kind of seeds you plant; success or failure, good or evil, anxiety or peace- what you sow returns to you. The Bible says, "If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction... if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life" (Gal 6:8).
Success lies in your daily routine. So, get to know God better through His Word and prayer. Make up your mind to be of service to somebody every day. Tackle a problem bigger than you. Encourage everyone you meet. Take the first step toward overcoming a bad habit. Do something for somebody who can't repay you. Change your thinking from TGIF (Thank Goodness it's Friday!) to TGIT (Thank Goodness it's today!). Do three things that will take you outside your comfort zone. Be thankful for what you have. Ask for help when you need it. Give God the best part of your day. The Psalmist said, "This is the day the Lord has made... rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps 118:24). The time to be happy is now, and the place to be happy is here.
September 18
Be Single Minded (2)
It doesn't take much effort to let your mind drift and dream. But it takes great effort to set your mind to the task of developing a clear goal, of having a clear and compelling dream. One leader says: "For me the whole process begins with questions I must ask myself. The dream is always rooted in the dreamer, in his or her experiences, circumstances, talents, and opportunities. I ask: 'What am I feeling- what are my emotions telling me? What am I sensing?- What is my intuition telling me? What am I seeing?- what is happening around me? What am I hearing?- What are others saying? What am I thinking?- What does my intellect and common sense say?' A clear picture may come to you all at once, in lightning-bolt fashion, but for most people it doesn't work that way. most people need to keep working at it, clarifying it, redrawing it. If the process is difficult, that's no reason to give up. In fact if the process is too easy, maybe you're not dreaming big enough. Just keep working at it because a clear dream is worth fighting for." If you can get a clear sense of where you are, what you know, and what you want, you're well on your way to understanding and embracing the thing God put you on earth to do. Moses spent the first two-thirds of his life figuring out what God wanted him to do, trying to do things his own way, only to fail. But he had a heart for God, and a vision from God, and eventually he succeeded. And you will too!
September 20
Breaking the Family-Resistance Barrier
Susan was the only member of her family motivated to work for change. Her husband, a military pilot, was gone months on end while she raised the kids alone. Her repeated efforts to reform him and the kids had failed miserably. Pointing out that doing more of what hadn't worked - wouldn't make it work, the counselor suggested she work on what she could change: how she responded! He taught her to "defect in place," relinquishing some of her "overload." Everyone became responsible for their own dirty dishes, laundry, untidy room, etc. And Susan used the time she saved to do something she'd always wanted to do- take voice lessons. Yes, she found it difficult to avoid picking up after everybody and carrying their responsibilities. At first, when nobody assumed the unfinished workload and the "mess seemed unbearable," she was tempted to give in and return to "her old job." Then, with perfect timing, she read a book about breaking the sound barrier. Pilots who attempted it had always given up when the plane vibrated violently, until astronaut Chuck Yeager said to himself, "Maybe once you get through the vibrating everything calms down." Yeager sped up where the others slowed down, and flew through the barrier into the calm beyond. After a weekend of unrelenting family criticism Susan "revved up," persisting against her old instincts. It took time. But after their complaints, the kids took on more responsibilities, and her husband accepted fewer distant assignments. "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."
September 21
When God puts you on hold (1)
We've been dubbed "the microwave generation" for good reason- we charge through life like we're on fire! But God has His own timetable and it can't be rushed. So when He puts you on hold: watch your words. Like a small rudder on a big ship, what you say determines your direction and helps stop the wrong thoughts from infiltrating your mind. Mel Weldon said, "My mind is a garden, my thoughts are the seeds; my harvest will be either flowers or weeds." Ask God to help you control your emotions. Paul says, "Be glad for all God is planning... Be patient in trouble... and prayerful always." Complaining magnifies the problem. Prayer turns negative energy into a powerful force for good. Look for the humor in it. Solomon said, "He who is of merry heart has a continual feast" (Pr 15:15). Laughter dispels tension, lightens the burden and fills your soul with joy. Appreciate the chance to learn. The Chinese view problems as prospects; in their culture the character/symbol for problems and opportunities is the same. Solomon said, "The diligent make use of everything" (Pr 12:27). Learn from your experience regardless of how hard it is, and remember, some of the world's greatest discoveries and breakthroughs resulted from crises. Love unconditionally. problems are caused by people, and under pressure it's tempting to lash out. The bottom line is: we all make mistakes, and nobody is beyond redemption! Aren't you glad about that? Learn to see people through God's eyes. "Overcome evil with good? (Ro 12:21)... be courteous, and maintain your dignity when you're under pressure (See Ro 12:10).
September 22
When God Puts You on Hold (2)
Make Peace your priority. Don't let your inner man be controlled by outside pressures when you "go to war" everybody suffers, but when "the peace that comes from Christ control[s] your thoughts" (Col 3:15), it restores your perspective and creates an atmosphere that's conducive to solutions. Look for a breakthrough from an unexpected source. When you "Commit thy way unto the Lord" (Ps 37:5), don't be surprised when the people and circumstances he sends into your life aren't what you expected. He spoke to Balaam through a donkey (See Nu22), and he used a burning bush to get Moses' attention (See Ex 3). Don't be in such a hurry. Ever notice that the faster you go, the more behind you get? Jesus said, "By your patience possess your souls." As Henry Blackaby ovserves: "God's timing is... best... He may be withholding directions to cause you to seek Him more intently. Don't try to skip the relationship and get on with doing. God is more interested in a relationship with you than He is in what you can do for Him." Don't be too proud to ask for help. Solomon said, "With humility comes wisdom" (Pr 11:2). If the people you turn to aren't immediately available, be patient and don't give up. God designed us to work together, and somewhere up the road you will be called to help somebody by sharing what you're learning right now. "God... comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else... so that we can be there for that person" (2Co 1:4TM).