"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance (conviction); as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake" (1 Thess. 1:5).
Paul was an effective witness for Jesus Christ. God used him to turn many "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God" (Acts 26:18). What made Paul such an effective witness? Paul wrote to the believers that he led to Jesus, "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power..." In other words, it wasn't Paul's own communication skills that persuaded men to turn to Christ, but the power of the Spirit that was at work in him and in the hearts of the hearers.
Paul also wrote that the effectiveness of his gospel ministry was in the Christ like manner in which he lived his life before those he was ministering to. What about you? Is your witness for Christ more than mere words? Pray for the power of the Spirit to make you a bold witness for Jesus in words and deeds.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Totally abandoned to God
"But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head..."(Est. 9:25).
Esther was an orphan girl that God raised up to the position of queen in the Persian empire. When her people were facing extermination, Esther's cousin Mordecai encouraged her to plead for her people. She was fearful at first, but when Mordecai suggested that God had made her queen for such a time, she yielded to God's will. And before she did she said, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me...I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
Esther did receive favor before the Persian King and saved her people, but not before leading her people to fast and pray before the King of kings and Lord of lords. Esther is an excellent example of what it means to be totally abandoned to God. And because she was, the Lord mightily used her.
When we surrender to God's will and rely upon Him in prayer with total abandonment, we can trust that He will have our backs--that God will be with us and accomplish his purposes in us and through us for our good and His glory.
Esther was an orphan girl that God raised up to the position of queen in the Persian empire. When her people were facing extermination, Esther's cousin Mordecai encouraged her to plead for her people. She was fearful at first, but when Mordecai suggested that God had made her queen for such a time, she yielded to God's will. And before she did she said, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me...I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
Esther did receive favor before the Persian King and saved her people, but not before leading her people to fast and pray before the King of kings and Lord of lords. Esther is an excellent example of what it means to be totally abandoned to God. And because she was, the Lord mightily used her.
When we surrender to God's will and rely upon Him in prayer with total abandonment, we can trust that He will have our backs--that God will be with us and accomplish his purposes in us and through us for our good and His glory.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
God resisteth the proud
"So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself" (Esther 6:6).
Haman is the epitome of a prideful and self centered man. When the King of Persia learned that Mordecai had uncovered an assassination plot against him, he desired to honor him. Therefore he called Haman in and asked, "What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour?" Being the man that he was, Haman thought the King wanted to honor him. Therefore he suggested that he be paraded around in royal apparel on the kings horse, while being hailed as the man the king delighted to honor.
Haman's bubble was busted when he found out that Mordecai, who he hated, was the man the King wanted to honor. In addition to finding out that Mordecai was the man the king had in mind, Haman was given the responsibility to publically parade Mordecai around to his humiliation. Later Haman would be hung on the gallows that he built to hang Mordecai. "God resisteth the proud, but he gives grace to the humble" (James 4:7).
Haman is the epitome of a prideful and self centered man. When the King of Persia learned that Mordecai had uncovered an assassination plot against him, he desired to honor him. Therefore he called Haman in and asked, "What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour?" Being the man that he was, Haman thought the King wanted to honor him. Therefore he suggested that he be paraded around in royal apparel on the kings horse, while being hailed as the man the king delighted to honor.
Haman's bubble was busted when he found out that Mordecai, who he hated, was the man the King wanted to honor. In addition to finding out that Mordecai was the man the king had in mind, Haman was given the responsibility to publically parade Mordecai around to his humiliation. Later Haman would be hung on the gallows that he built to hang Mordecai. "God resisteth the proud, but he gives grace to the humble" (James 4:7).
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Who will stand in the gap?
"They forgat God their Savior, which had done great things in Egypt; Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible (awesome) things by the Red Sea. Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them" (Psalm 106:23).
Although God freed Israel from bondage and did many miracles before them, they rebelled against Him. God would have brought judgment by allowing the enemies of Israel to destroy them had not Moses stood in the breach through intercessory prayer.
A breach speaks of where a fortified wall, designed to keep the enemy out, has been compromised. A breach is a gap that allows the enemy to penetrate and get inside the fort to bring ruin and destruction. Our nation has turned away from God and are churches have been weakened by the onslaughts of the enemy. Who will stand in the gap? Who will pray?
Although God freed Israel from bondage and did many miracles before them, they rebelled against Him. God would have brought judgment by allowing the enemies of Israel to destroy them had not Moses stood in the breach through intercessory prayer.
A breach speaks of where a fortified wall, designed to keep the enemy out, has been compromised. A breach is a gap that allows the enemy to penetrate and get inside the fort to bring ruin and destruction. Our nation has turned away from God and are churches have been weakened by the onslaughts of the enemy. Who will stand in the gap? Who will pray?
God is going to call your number...
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).
Due to Haman's influence, the King of Persia made a decree that called for the destruction of the Jewish people. Upon learning of the coming genocide, Mordecai appealed to Esther, who had providentially become queen, to go before the king to plead for her people. She advised Mordecai that going before the King without first being invited could put her life in jeopardy. But Mordecai, who trusted in the promises of God to preserve his people, reminded Esther of the Lord's strategic providence to place her in the position that she was in to accomplish His purposes. He said, "...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? By faith Esther was willing to put her neck out to fulfill God's plan for her life and as a result her people were saved from annihilation.
Esther faithfully and humbly served the Lord before becoming queen. Although she had what many women in her day could ever dream to have she never forgot who she was. She could have long forgot about her godly cousin Mordecai and lived "the good life" but instead she continued to submit to his godly wisdom. No doubt God placed Esther in position as queen because she had proven herself faithful. Jesus said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10).
Do you realize that God has you on this earth, in this hour for his divine purposes--for such a time as this? Trust that he is able to strategically place you where he desires to make an eternal difference and be willing and ready for your life to count. God is going to call your number. Will you be faithful?
Due to Haman's influence, the King of Persia made a decree that called for the destruction of the Jewish people. Upon learning of the coming genocide, Mordecai appealed to Esther, who had providentially become queen, to go before the king to plead for her people. She advised Mordecai that going before the King without first being invited could put her life in jeopardy. But Mordecai, who trusted in the promises of God to preserve his people, reminded Esther of the Lord's strategic providence to place her in the position that she was in to accomplish His purposes. He said, "...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? By faith Esther was willing to put her neck out to fulfill God's plan for her life and as a result her people were saved from annihilation.
Esther faithfully and humbly served the Lord before becoming queen. Although she had what many women in her day could ever dream to have she never forgot who she was. She could have long forgot about her godly cousin Mordecai and lived "the good life" but instead she continued to submit to his godly wisdom. No doubt God placed Esther in position as queen because she had proven herself faithful. Jesus said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10).
Do you realize that God has you on this earth, in this hour for his divine purposes--for such a time as this? Trust that he is able to strategically place you where he desires to make an eternal difference and be willing and ready for your life to count. God is going to call your number. Will you be faithful?
Monday, April 25, 2011
The devil is out to destroy you
"And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus." (Est 3:5-6).
Haman, an evil and prideful man was given a high position by the King of Persia. In his time men in his position were revered as gods. But Mordecai, a devote Jew, refused to bow down to Haman. As a result, Haman hated Mordecai and his people and sought to exterminate them. But by the providence of God Haman's murderous intentions and diabolical schemes were discovered and defeated.
God's people today also have an evil adversary and his name is Satan. The Apostle Peter exhorted the believers in his day to,"Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is out to destroy you. God is able to make his schemes against you to work for your good, but you must remain under God's authority. "Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee for you" (James 4:7).
Haman, an evil and prideful man was given a high position by the King of Persia. In his time men in his position were revered as gods. But Mordecai, a devote Jew, refused to bow down to Haman. As a result, Haman hated Mordecai and his people and sought to exterminate them. But by the providence of God Haman's murderous intentions and diabolical schemes were discovered and defeated.
God's people today also have an evil adversary and his name is Satan. The Apostle Peter exhorted the believers in his day to,"Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is out to destroy you. God is able to make his schemes against you to work for your good, but you must remain under God's authority. "Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee for you" (James 4:7).
Friday, April 22, 2011
Are you on God's active or inactive list?
"And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD" (Nehemiah 3:5).
When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruin he prayed for God to make it possible for him to go to Jerusalem to repair the walls that were broken down. When he arrived in Jerusalem he shared the burden of the Lord with God's people and they united together to rebuild the walls.
In chapter three Nehemiah was inspired by the Spirit of God to list the names of the families that worked side by side to repair the walls which helped to keep the enemy out. Sometimes we get bogged down by reading list of names in the bible. But the reason we find these list of names in the bible is because God takes notice of what people do in his name and he honors them.
There is a repeated phrase that is found in the list of the families that worked to build the walls and the phrase is, "And next unto him." This phrase refers to the fact that the families that worked on the walls worked next to each other. And this was one of the keys to why they were able to accomplish the work of repairing the walls. In the same way if the Church today is going to effectively do the work of the Lord each member must take their place and work side by side with there fellow brothers and sisters.
Notice also that not only did the Lord inspire Nehemiah to list the families that faithfully worked side by side building the walls but he also listed the people that refuse to work. He wrote, "...but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD." When it comes to God's work are you listed as active or inactive?
When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruin he prayed for God to make it possible for him to go to Jerusalem to repair the walls that were broken down. When he arrived in Jerusalem he shared the burden of the Lord with God's people and they united together to rebuild the walls.
In chapter three Nehemiah was inspired by the Spirit of God to list the names of the families that worked side by side to repair the walls which helped to keep the enemy out. Sometimes we get bogged down by reading list of names in the bible. But the reason we find these list of names in the bible is because God takes notice of what people do in his name and he honors them.
There is a repeated phrase that is found in the list of the families that worked to build the walls and the phrase is, "And next unto him." This phrase refers to the fact that the families that worked on the walls worked next to each other. And this was one of the keys to why they were able to accomplish the work of repairing the walls. In the same way if the Church today is going to effectively do the work of the Lord each member must take their place and work side by side with there fellow brothers and sisters.
Notice also that not only did the Lord inspire Nehemiah to list the families that faithfully worked side by side building the walls but he also listed the people that refuse to work. He wrote, "...but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD." When it comes to God's work are you listed as active or inactive?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Seasons of extraordinary prayer
"The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven..."(Nehemiah 1:3).
Nehemiah was not a prophet, priest or King and yet God used him to not only rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down, but to bring great spiritual and social reformation to his people. Nehemiah was born during the period of Israel's captivity to the Persians.
Under the Reign of Cyrus the King of Persia, he allowed the Hebrew people to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore the worship of God. Around 49,000 Israelites accepted the call to return to Jerusalem and despite much opposition they were able to rebuild the temple. But after a number of years the walls of Jerusalem, that helped to keep Jerusalem from being over run by the enemy, fell in disrepair. The opposition that the Israelites were experiencing, along with their sinful deeds contributed to their neglect of the walls. The neglect of the walls by the Jews made them vulnerable to the enemy and in danger of being destroyed, along with the temple.
When Nehemiah, a cup bearer to the King, heard about the grave conditions in Jerusalem, his heart was broken and he sat down and began to weep. But Nehemiah didn't just weep. With great anguish of heart Nehemiah fasted and prayed for a number of days to the God of heaven. God heard the prayers of this one man that cried unto God with great anguish of heart, and God moved the heart of the King of Persia, who gave Nehemiah the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem. With the help and backing of the king, Nehemiah made it to Jerusalem where he led the people to repair the walls of Jerusalem. From the moment he arrived in Jerusalem he was met with much opposition, which continued during the building of the walls. But Nehemiah kept on praying and leading the people to keep on working and in a record 52 days the walls were repaired; followed by a period of spiritual revival among the people.
The great preacher Jonathan Edwards shared these thoughts on the revival in New England in 1740: “It is God’s will through His wonderful grace, that the prayers of His saints should be one of the great principal means of carrying on the designs of Christ’s kingdom in the world. When God has something very great to accomplish for His church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of His people; as is manifest by Ezekiel 36:37 and it is revealed that, when God is about to accomplish great things for His church, He will begin by remarkably pouring out the spirit of grace and supplication (see Zechariah 12:10).”
Where are the Nehemiah's today who in anguish of heart pour out their souls in prayer unto God to bring spiritual awakening to the lost and revival to the church. If we do not see in the church today believers in great anguish crying out to God in seasons of extraordinary prayer over lost souls and the weakness and powerlessness of the church, we can not expect to see a revived church or a great harvesting of souls. The condition of our world, the lost and the church is calling for seasons of extraordinary prayer. May God begin to remarkably pour out the spirit of grace and supplication and raise up some Nehemiah's today.
Nehemiah was not a prophet, priest or King and yet God used him to not only rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down, but to bring great spiritual and social reformation to his people. Nehemiah was born during the period of Israel's captivity to the Persians.
Under the Reign of Cyrus the King of Persia, he allowed the Hebrew people to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore the worship of God. Around 49,000 Israelites accepted the call to return to Jerusalem and despite much opposition they were able to rebuild the temple. But after a number of years the walls of Jerusalem, that helped to keep Jerusalem from being over run by the enemy, fell in disrepair. The opposition that the Israelites were experiencing, along with their sinful deeds contributed to their neglect of the walls. The neglect of the walls by the Jews made them vulnerable to the enemy and in danger of being destroyed, along with the temple.
When Nehemiah, a cup bearer to the King, heard about the grave conditions in Jerusalem, his heart was broken and he sat down and began to weep. But Nehemiah didn't just weep. With great anguish of heart Nehemiah fasted and prayed for a number of days to the God of heaven. God heard the prayers of this one man that cried unto God with great anguish of heart, and God moved the heart of the King of Persia, who gave Nehemiah the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem. With the help and backing of the king, Nehemiah made it to Jerusalem where he led the people to repair the walls of Jerusalem. From the moment he arrived in Jerusalem he was met with much opposition, which continued during the building of the walls. But Nehemiah kept on praying and leading the people to keep on working and in a record 52 days the walls were repaired; followed by a period of spiritual revival among the people.
The great preacher Jonathan Edwards shared these thoughts on the revival in New England in 1740: “It is God’s will through His wonderful grace, that the prayers of His saints should be one of the great principal means of carrying on the designs of Christ’s kingdom in the world. When God has something very great to accomplish for His church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of His people; as is manifest by Ezekiel 36:37 and it is revealed that, when God is about to accomplish great things for His church, He will begin by remarkably pouring out the spirit of grace and supplication (see Zechariah 12:10).”
Where are the Nehemiah's today who in anguish of heart pour out their souls in prayer unto God to bring spiritual awakening to the lost and revival to the church. If we do not see in the church today believers in great anguish crying out to God in seasons of extraordinary prayer over lost souls and the weakness and powerlessness of the church, we can not expect to see a revived church or a great harvesting of souls. The condition of our world, the lost and the church is calling for seasons of extraordinary prayer. May God begin to remarkably pour out the spirit of grace and supplication and raise up some Nehemiah's today.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Going all out for God
"All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern" (1 Chron 28:19).
Before David died he put down in writing, as God gave him understanding, the plans for building the house of the Lord. One of the reasons for putting down what the Lord showed him in writing was in order that his son Solomon would know how to carry on the work of building the house of the Lord after David's death. What David set out to do for God wasn't ever done haphazardly. David had a clear plan from God that he wrote down. He did his part in gathering all that was needed for the construction of the temple. What he could not do himself by God's decree, he left for his son to do with detailed instruction for how to get it done.
When David wanted to build God a house, God would not allowed him to construct it because of all the wars and blood shed that David participated in. God said he would allow his son to build it. But David had to do something to honor God. He couldn't just do nothing. So he gathered all the material and made all the preparations necessary for Solomon to build the house of the Lord. David was the kind of man that didn't do anything half way. He did everything for God with passion, and zeal. He gave it all he had. He went all out. When he knew what God wanted him to do he did it with all his might and heart. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col. 3:23).
Before David died he put down in writing, as God gave him understanding, the plans for building the house of the Lord. One of the reasons for putting down what the Lord showed him in writing was in order that his son Solomon would know how to carry on the work of building the house of the Lord after David's death. What David set out to do for God wasn't ever done haphazardly. David had a clear plan from God that he wrote down. He did his part in gathering all that was needed for the construction of the temple. What he could not do himself by God's decree, he left for his son to do with detailed instruction for how to get it done.
When David wanted to build God a house, God would not allowed him to construct it because of all the wars and blood shed that David participated in. God said he would allow his son to build it. But David had to do something to honor God. He couldn't just do nothing. So he gathered all the material and made all the preparations necessary for Solomon to build the house of the Lord. David was the kind of man that didn't do anything half way. He did everything for God with passion, and zeal. He gave it all he had. He went all out. When he knew what God wanted him to do he did it with all his might and heart. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col. 3:23).
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Unity that overthows the kingdom of darkness
"All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king" (1 Chron. 12:38).
The mighty men of David's army were successful in battle because they were united--they fought together and never broke rank. No matter how hot the battle, they stood as one against the enemy and prevailed. And the key to their unity was their singleness of purpose, which was to make David King.
"Let us learn to keep rank, shoulder to shoulder, and in step, with our brethren. Too many like to break the ranks, and do God’s work independently. Fifty men who act together will do greater execution than five hundred acting apart. There is too much of this guerilla fighting. Unity is strength; and in their efforts to overthrow the kingdom of Satan it is most essential that the soldiers of Christ move in rank and keep step" (F.B. Meyer).
Unity among us Christians that overcomes the Kingdom of darkness, can only be achieved when our singleness of purpose is to exalt the name of Jesus and advance his kingdom not our own. Let's fight the good fight of faith shoulder to shoulder for the fame and glory of our King and Savior Jesus Christ.
The mighty men of David's army were successful in battle because they were united--they fought together and never broke rank. No matter how hot the battle, they stood as one against the enemy and prevailed. And the key to their unity was their singleness of purpose, which was to make David King.
"Let us learn to keep rank, shoulder to shoulder, and in step, with our brethren. Too many like to break the ranks, and do God’s work independently. Fifty men who act together will do greater execution than five hundred acting apart. There is too much of this guerilla fighting. Unity is strength; and in their efforts to overthrow the kingdom of Satan it is most essential that the soldiers of Christ move in rank and keep step" (F.B. Meyer).
Unity among us Christians that overcomes the Kingdom of darkness, can only be achieved when our singleness of purpose is to exalt the name of Jesus and advance his kingdom not our own. Let's fight the good fight of faith shoulder to shoulder for the fame and glory of our King and Savior Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
What is the highest goal of the gospel?
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Pet. 3:18).
What would you say is the highest goal and greatest blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He provides? Before reading on think about and answer that question in your own heart. Your answer could reveal whether or not you have truly believed the heart of the gospel. In 1 Peter 3:18 we find both the heart of the gospel and the highest goal of the gospel. The heart of the gospel is that Christ suffered and died on the cross for our sin (1 Pet 3:18), and was raised again from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). On the cross where Jesus suffered bled and died, he absorbed the curse of sin that we deserved and satisfied the wrath of God on our behalf. Christ crucified for us in the flesh is the heart of the gospel, but it is not the final aim of the gospel. Peter wrote that Christ suffered to "bring us unto God."
The apostle John wrote, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). "In other words, the gift of the gospel called eternal life, is not the mere extension of every earthly pleasure. It is the extension and perfection of the pleasures of knowing God and his Son Jesus Christ" (John Piper). More than escaping hell, more than gaining heaven, God himself is the greatest blessing of the gospel. "If we do not see Him and savor Him as our greatest fortune, we have not obeyed or believed the gospel" (John Piper).
What would you say is the highest goal and greatest blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He provides? Before reading on think about and answer that question in your own heart. Your answer could reveal whether or not you have truly believed the heart of the gospel. In 1 Peter 3:18 we find both the heart of the gospel and the highest goal of the gospel. The heart of the gospel is that Christ suffered and died on the cross for our sin (1 Pet 3:18), and was raised again from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). On the cross where Jesus suffered bled and died, he absorbed the curse of sin that we deserved and satisfied the wrath of God on our behalf. Christ crucified for us in the flesh is the heart of the gospel, but it is not the final aim of the gospel. Peter wrote that Christ suffered to "bring us unto God."
The apostle John wrote, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). "In other words, the gift of the gospel called eternal life, is not the mere extension of every earthly pleasure. It is the extension and perfection of the pleasures of knowing God and his Son Jesus Christ" (John Piper). More than escaping hell, more than gaining heaven, God himself is the greatest blessing of the gospel. "If we do not see Him and savor Him as our greatest fortune, we have not obeyed or believed the gospel" (John Piper).
Monday, April 11, 2011
What is your life saying about Jesus?
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the world" (Acts 1:8).
Before Jesus' ascension he revealed to his disciple that the prime directive for why they were being left on the earth was to "be witnesses" unto Him by the power of the Spirit. While I was meditating on Jesus' words, "and ye shall be witnesses," a couple of Jehovah witnesses rang my door bell. I admire the courage that a J. W. has to go door to door. But is that what Jesus meant when he said, "ye shall be witnesses unto me?" Notice that Jesus didn't say, "and ye shall "do" witnessing, he said, "and ye shall "be" witnesses. A witness is not simply something a Christian is suppose to do, its who they are suppose to be. Do you realize that most unsaved people do not come to believe in Jesus unto they first come to believe in a follower of Jesus? What is your life saying about Jesus? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Before Jesus' ascension he revealed to his disciple that the prime directive for why they were being left on the earth was to "be witnesses" unto Him by the power of the Spirit. While I was meditating on Jesus' words, "and ye shall be witnesses," a couple of Jehovah witnesses rang my door bell. I admire the courage that a J. W. has to go door to door. But is that what Jesus meant when he said, "ye shall be witnesses unto me?" Notice that Jesus didn't say, "and ye shall "do" witnessing, he said, "and ye shall "be" witnesses. A witness is not simply something a Christian is suppose to do, its who they are suppose to be. Do you realize that most unsaved people do not come to believe in Jesus unto they first come to believe in a follower of Jesus? What is your life saying about Jesus? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Forward your burdens to God.
"And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel...thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God" (2 Kin 19:14-16).
After receiving a threatening message concerning an Assyrian invasion and knowing about the many nations that the King of Assyria had destroyed, Hezekiah the King went up to the house of the Lord and prayed. While praying, he took the threatening letter and spread it before the Lord. In other words, he didn't answer the letter. Instead, he forwarded it to God and trusted him to answer it. Forward your burdens to God.
"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 3Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. 6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call" (Psalm 20).
After receiving a threatening message concerning an Assyrian invasion and knowing about the many nations that the King of Assyria had destroyed, Hezekiah the King went up to the house of the Lord and prayed. While praying, he took the threatening letter and spread it before the Lord. In other words, he didn't answer the letter. Instead, he forwarded it to God and trusted him to answer it. Forward your burdens to God.
"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 3Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. 6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call" (Psalm 20).
Asking is the rule of the Kingdom
"And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him" (1 Chron 5:20).
On more than one occasion someone has said to me, "If you needed help, why didn't you just ask?" The answer to that question most of the time is pride. God is always ready, willing and wanting to help his children. But we have to ask for help. Jesus said, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11).
"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is" (C. H. Spurgeon). James wrote, "Ye have not because ye ask not." If asking is the rule of the Kingdom, why do so many Christians admit that they have an inadequate prayer life? The answer is pride. When you truly recognize your need for God, you will pray.
On more than one occasion someone has said to me, "If you needed help, why didn't you just ask?" The answer to that question most of the time is pride. God is always ready, willing and wanting to help his children. But we have to ask for help. Jesus said, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11).
"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is" (C. H. Spurgeon). James wrote, "Ye have not because ye ask not." If asking is the rule of the Kingdom, why do so many Christians admit that they have an inadequate prayer life? The answer is pride. When you truly recognize your need for God, you will pray.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
We need more than the instructions of a man, we need intimacy with the father
"And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him" (2 Kin 12:2).
Jehoash did right in the eyes of the Lord as long as Jehoiada the Priest was their to instruct him. But later in his life we learn the following from the word of God: "Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass" (2 Chron. 24:17-18). Jehoash followed the instructions of Jehoiada, but his faith in God was not passed on to the King. Jehoash followed the instructions of Jehoiada but it doesn't seem that he ever develop any intimacy with Jehovah. Jehoiada gave him instructions but he could not give him intimacy--he could give him rules but he could not give him a relationship with God. Therefore, when Jehoiada died, the King was easily influenced by those around him to turn away from God, who he didn't know personally, unto idols.
In order to influence the next generation for Christ, we must do more than teach them rules. We must encourage them to develop their own relationship with God. And in addition, if we desire to stay faithful to God, we must be sure that we are not simply following the instruction of a man, but we must grow in our intimacy with the father. If we desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus we must not only be under the preaching of God's word, but we need to get in the word, on our knees and pursue God for ourselves.
To do right in the eyes of the Lord and stay right, we need the help of others. Thank God for those who take time to teach us and encourage us in the Lord. But we need more than the instructions and encouragement of others who know the Lord. We need to know God for ourselves, we need to learn to preach to ourselves and encourage ourselves in the Lord. Do you know him?
Jehoash did right in the eyes of the Lord as long as Jehoiada the Priest was their to instruct him. But later in his life we learn the following from the word of God: "Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass" (2 Chron. 24:17-18). Jehoash followed the instructions of Jehoiada, but his faith in God was not passed on to the King. Jehoash followed the instructions of Jehoiada but it doesn't seem that he ever develop any intimacy with Jehovah. Jehoiada gave him instructions but he could not give him intimacy--he could give him rules but he could not give him a relationship with God. Therefore, when Jehoiada died, the King was easily influenced by those around him to turn away from God, who he didn't know personally, unto idols.
In order to influence the next generation for Christ, we must do more than teach them rules. We must encourage them to develop their own relationship with God. And in addition, if we desire to stay faithful to God, we must be sure that we are not simply following the instruction of a man, but we must grow in our intimacy with the father. If we desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus we must not only be under the preaching of God's word, but we need to get in the word, on our knees and pursue God for ourselves.
To do right in the eyes of the Lord and stay right, we need the help of others. Thank God for those who take time to teach us and encourage us in the Lord. But we need more than the instructions and encouragement of others who know the Lord. We need to know God for ourselves, we need to learn to preach to ourselves and encourage ourselves in the Lord. Do you know him?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
And the man of God wept
"And he (Elisha) fixed his gaze and stared at him...And the man of God wept. And Hazael said, "Why does my lord weep?" He answered, "Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel" (2 Kings 8:11-12).
When Hazael came to Elisha on behalf of the King of Syria to inquire about whether or not he would recover from his sickness, Elisha began to weep. He wept when he saw Hazael, because God had revealed to Elisha that Hazael would become King of Syria. And as king, Elisha also knew, by God's divine revelation that Hazael would inflict great evils against Israel. Elisha wept when he saw Hazael because God gave him eyes to see deeper into his life and destiny.
The author of 2 Kings makes it a point to write, "And the man of God wept." So too will men and women of God today weep if they are close to the heart of God and have been given eyes to see what God sees when he looks at the souls of men. When Jesus entered Jerusalem before his crucifixion, Dr Luke records, "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation" (Luke 19:41-44).
Jesus, knowing the judgment that would befall Jerusalem because of the their sin and rejection of the messiah, wept over the city because of what he knew would happen to its residents. Where are the Elisha's today? Where are the preachers today that will not only preach on the judgment that is to come upon all who are lost and without Christ, but do so with anguish in their hearts and tears in their eyes.
While D.L. Moody's was on an Evangelistic tour in London, he was visited by several British clergy men. They wanted to know what made this poorly educated man from America such an effective evangelist. Moody had the men look out the window of his hotel and asked them what they saw. Each man took turns describing the people they saw in the park. When Moody looked out the window at the people down below, tears began to roll down his cheeks. Then the men asked, "What do u see, Mr. Moody? He replied, "I see countless thousands of souls that will one day spend eternity in hell if they do not find the Savior."
Ask God to give you eyes to see the lost souls of people around you, and for boldness to share Jesus with them.
When Hazael came to Elisha on behalf of the King of Syria to inquire about whether or not he would recover from his sickness, Elisha began to weep. He wept when he saw Hazael, because God had revealed to Elisha that Hazael would become King of Syria. And as king, Elisha also knew, by God's divine revelation that Hazael would inflict great evils against Israel. Elisha wept when he saw Hazael because God gave him eyes to see deeper into his life and destiny.
The author of 2 Kings makes it a point to write, "And the man of God wept." So too will men and women of God today weep if they are close to the heart of God and have been given eyes to see what God sees when he looks at the souls of men. When Jesus entered Jerusalem before his crucifixion, Dr Luke records, "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation" (Luke 19:41-44).
Jesus, knowing the judgment that would befall Jerusalem because of the their sin and rejection of the messiah, wept over the city because of what he knew would happen to its residents. Where are the Elisha's today? Where are the preachers today that will not only preach on the judgment that is to come upon all who are lost and without Christ, but do so with anguish in their hearts and tears in their eyes.
While D.L. Moody's was on an Evangelistic tour in London, he was visited by several British clergy men. They wanted to know what made this poorly educated man from America such an effective evangelist. Moody had the men look out the window of his hotel and asked them what they saw. Each man took turns describing the people they saw in the park. When Moody looked out the window at the people down below, tears began to roll down his cheeks. Then the men asked, "What do u see, Mr. Moody? He replied, "I see countless thousands of souls that will one day spend eternity in hell if they do not find the Savior."
Ask God to give you eyes to see the lost souls of people around you, and for boldness to share Jesus with them.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
"And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain..."
"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit" (Jam 5:16-18).
Why did Elijah pray that it rain not? And after God held back the rain for three and a half years in answer to Elijah's prayer, why did he pray again for God to end the drought? Elijah prayed for it not to rain because the people of God had turned away from the Lord to worship idols. Elijah wanted them to repent of their idolatry and turn again to God. Therefore, he prayed for the rain to cease. During the drought, Elijah had a contest with the false prophets of Baal, which demonstrated who the true God was when fire from heaven fell in answer to his prayer. As a result, the people began to turn to God. Afterwards, Elijah prayed for rain and God sent showers of blessings.
Like in Elijah's day, barrenness in our lives could be the result of idols in our hearts. Do you have idols in your heart? Have you allowed something or somebody take the place of God in your life and as a result your spiritual life has become unfruitful? Idolatry was not just an Old Testament problem. The Apostle John exhorted the believers in his day, "Little children, keep yourselves from Idols. Amen." (1 John 5:21). In Idolatry Condemned, Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote, "How am I thus to guard myself from idols?" He then gives three principles. The first "thing we must always do is remember the truth about ourselves." That is we are a child of God’s and "if we are of God and belong to God, then we must live for God, and we must not live for any of those other things." The second principle is "I must remember the true nature of idols." An idol is only temporary but God is eternal. We must remember that an idol, no matter what it is, is transitory! The third principle is "remember the truth about God and live in communion with Him." Jesus said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my father glorified that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:7-8). If we allowed the things of this world to compete with our affections, devotion and love for God, we will not be fruitful.
The underlying motivation for Elijah's earnest prayer concerning rain was not about going on a picnic or even to end a famine. What was behind Elijah's prayer was a desire for revival to break out among his people. He desired for his people to turn back to God. Is your life spiritually barren and unfruitful? Repent of the idols in your heart and pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to rain down upon you and make you fruitful to the glory of God.
Why did Elijah pray that it rain not? And after God held back the rain for three and a half years in answer to Elijah's prayer, why did he pray again for God to end the drought? Elijah prayed for it not to rain because the people of God had turned away from the Lord to worship idols. Elijah wanted them to repent of their idolatry and turn again to God. Therefore, he prayed for the rain to cease. During the drought, Elijah had a contest with the false prophets of Baal, which demonstrated who the true God was when fire from heaven fell in answer to his prayer. As a result, the people began to turn to God. Afterwards, Elijah prayed for rain and God sent showers of blessings.
Like in Elijah's day, barrenness in our lives could be the result of idols in our hearts. Do you have idols in your heart? Have you allowed something or somebody take the place of God in your life and as a result your spiritual life has become unfruitful? Idolatry was not just an Old Testament problem. The Apostle John exhorted the believers in his day, "Little children, keep yourselves from Idols. Amen." (1 John 5:21). In Idolatry Condemned, Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote, "How am I thus to guard myself from idols?" He then gives three principles. The first "thing we must always do is remember the truth about ourselves." That is we are a child of God’s and "if we are of God and belong to God, then we must live for God, and we must not live for any of those other things." The second principle is "I must remember the true nature of idols." An idol is only temporary but God is eternal. We must remember that an idol, no matter what it is, is transitory! The third principle is "remember the truth about God and live in communion with Him." Jesus said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my father glorified that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:7-8). If we allowed the things of this world to compete with our affections, devotion and love for God, we will not be fruitful.
The underlying motivation for Elijah's earnest prayer concerning rain was not about going on a picnic or even to end a famine. What was behind Elijah's prayer was a desire for revival to break out among his people. He desired for his people to turn back to God. Is your life spiritually barren and unfruitful? Repent of the idols in your heart and pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to rain down upon you and make you fruitful to the glory of God.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Where is the LORD God of Elijah?
"And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted...and Elisha went over" (2 Kings 2:14).
Elisha was the faithfu apprentice of Elijah, one of Israel's greatest prophets. Elijah, knowing he would be taken to heaven, said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee?" And Elisha responded, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." In other words, Elisha wanted what Elijah had, namely the power of God upon his life and ministry, which he laid hold of through prayer. Later, before crossing the same waters that had previously parted miraculously before Elijah, Elisha said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" Elisha recognized that Elijah was really just an ordinary man who trusted, served and prayed to a great God.
After writing about the power of prayer, James said the following about the prophet Elijah, "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit" (James 5:16-18). Elisha didn't just want to wear the mantle of the prophet Elijah. He didn't just want to have the title of a prophet. He desired to experience the same power from God to carry out his responsibilities as a prophet and man of God. It was evident that Elijah trusted in God and as a result God's hand was on Elijah's ministry. And Elisha knew that apart from God working in his life he could accomplish nothing for God. May the cry of our hearts be, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah."
Elisha was the faithfu apprentice of Elijah, one of Israel's greatest prophets. Elijah, knowing he would be taken to heaven, said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee?" And Elisha responded, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." In other words, Elisha wanted what Elijah had, namely the power of God upon his life and ministry, which he laid hold of through prayer. Later, before crossing the same waters that had previously parted miraculously before Elijah, Elisha said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" Elisha recognized that Elijah was really just an ordinary man who trusted, served and prayed to a great God.
After writing about the power of prayer, James said the following about the prophet Elijah, "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit" (James 5:16-18). Elisha didn't just want to wear the mantle of the prophet Elijah. He didn't just want to have the title of a prophet. He desired to experience the same power from God to carry out his responsibilities as a prophet and man of God. It was evident that Elijah trusted in God and as a result God's hand was on Elijah's ministry. And Elisha knew that apart from God working in his life he could accomplish nothing for God. May the cry of our hearts be, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah."
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Stirring one another up
"But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up" (1 King 21:25).
It's been said that behind every great man is a great woman. In the case of King Ahab, the opposite was true. There was no other King before Ahab that was as wicked as he was in the sight of God. And one of the main reasons why he sold himself to do evil was because he allowed his evil wife to stir him up to do so.
We need to be aware that others, especially those who are closest to us, can influence us for good and for evil. The author of Hebrews writes, "And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24). To achieve greatness in the eyes of God we need others in our lives that will stir us up to do what is right. But we also need to be prepared to stand against those who would influence us to do evil. May we always be used of God to stir others up for good and not for evil.
It's been said that behind every great man is a great woman. In the case of King Ahab, the opposite was true. There was no other King before Ahab that was as wicked as he was in the sight of God. And one of the main reasons why he sold himself to do evil was because he allowed his evil wife to stir him up to do so.
We need to be aware that others, especially those who are closest to us, can influence us for good and for evil. The author of Hebrews writes, "And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24). To achieve greatness in the eyes of God we need others in our lives that will stir us up to do what is right. But we also need to be prepared to stand against those who would influence us to do evil. May we always be used of God to stir others up for good and not for evil.
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