May 30th- ‘Denying Christ’

II Samuel 15:23-16:23

John 18:25-19:22

Psalms 119:113-128

Proverbs 16:10-11

 

(John 18:25)

It often amuses me how quick we are to jump on others for their lack of commitment – when we ourselves are even more so!  The examples we read of in the scriptures have all been judged and condemned for their ‘wrong’ actions (many times over)…I’m only thankful they were around before me, so their story is recorded and not mine!

 

It’s amazing the amount of times we ‘deny’ Christ daily in our lives.  Yes, Peter did so three times verbally – but ours is not only verbally but in action too.  The sad fact is that many times we don’t even realize we’re doing it, and if we do we justify our actions according to others wrong doing.  Just to even choose to live life below God’s standard (His Word) is a form of denial.  By our life we are portraying another Jesus and another gospel. 

 

The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:16 that by our lives others see Jesus.  That’s why it’s so important we live the life He died to give…a life of freedom, liberty, peace and joy.  Everyone wants to be a part of that life (they just don’t know it yet) and that’s why we have to introduce them to it.

 

To ‘deny’ Christ comes in various shapes and forms – but its results are all the same…we belittle and minimize His power and working within our lives.  Instead of always pointing the finger at others, maybe it’s time to do some soul searching within.  He’s either able or not, and to accept anything less than that is to deny His working power.  He’s either the Healer or not…the Deliverer or not…the way maker or not….’denial’ cannot become an option.

 

To ‘deny’ Christ is literally to unplug your life from the power source.  We may not always ‘see it’ – but it’s time to completely live it.  Deny Him if you want- but I choose to believe His promises and accept His word…and further more…to deny Him means He will deny us! (Matthew 10:33).  It’s not just verbally but with our entire being.

May 29th- ‘Just Enough for What You Need’

II Samuel 14:1-15:22

John 18:1-24

Psalms 119:97-112

Proverbs 16:8-9

 

(Psalms 119:105)

When driving your car at night your head lights shine ahead of you just enough for you to make the necessary adjustments in order to arrive safely at your destination.  They don’t show you a mile ahead – or even illuminate your targeted arrival point- but they show you just enough for what you need…and as you move ahead the light moves with you.

 

This really is much like the illumination God gives to our lives.  Yes, we know our destination (heaven) – but sometimes we only have limited insight to our next move.  This is where we learn to live a life of faith and trust.  We may not know what’s going to face us tomorrow – but His Word gives us enough to sustain us and enable us to make the necessary adjustments at the necessary time.  When it is needed – His word will always come through for us.

 

It’s good to plan out our lives and the direction we should go (ahead) – but we also need to continually rely on God and His directing power.  He will be the lamp for our feet – showing us the next step to take, and also the light for our path- providing everything we need down the line.  As impatient as we are we want it now…but God promises to provide it for us just when we need it.

 

A loaded gun in the hand of an expert can be a powerful weapon…but put that same gun in the hand of a child and you have the chance of great harm (a lethal weapon).  An expert knows how to handle it, and use it correctly….where a child has no prior knowledge or experience.  If God were to give us everything at one time we would be much like that child…but as we walk through life and experience His constantly leading and guiding power (His Word) we gain the insight we need for success.

 

You may not see it all- but He will show you enough to enable you to take the next step.  Just trust Him and follow His leading!

May 28th- ‘Peace Across the Board’

II Samuel 13:1-39

John 17:1-26

Psalms 119:81-96

Proverbs 16:6-7

 

(Proverbs 16:7)

Contrary to many preachers – our lives can be at peace with all those around.  I’ve heard it said so many times that the world will hate you for your godly stand; that you’ll loose friendships and people will turn their backs on you….the image they portray is as a ‘living martyr’ for Christ! Yes, there may be exceptions, but as children of God we need to base our lives according to the ‘rule’ and not exceptions.

 

The Bible clearly tells us that even our enemies will be at peace with us if our lives please God.  This doesn’t, however, mean they will completely agree with us (and neither us with them) but rather that it’s possible to live in the same environment as them.  For too long all Christians have done is cause strife and tension…with their self-righteous attitudes.  Instead of drawing people towards Christ we have driven them further away making the gap even greater than it was.  Instead of becoming a bridge of connection we have become a chasm of separation…not the desire of Christ.

 

I believe we can live a Godly life that will bring hope and peace to those around, not discomfort and pain.  Living such a life does not (neither should it) involve compromise.  A life lived for God is an attractive life- a life that will shine out in a dark world.  Everyone won’t agree with us, but all will stop and take notice and feel the change.  Instead of concerning ourselves with every external issue and struggle out there – why not open up and allow God to work ‘internally’.  You and I changed (transformed) on the inside can bring peace to the world we live in.  When I walk into work, school, the mall, the grocery store etc…I carry peace with me as I carry God!

 

The image of Christianity is not one of unrest and strife- but one of hope, mercy, forgiveness, love and joy.  Carry Christ’s image and watch God move in your ‘world’!

May 27th- ‘Trouble Free World’

II Samuel 12:1-31

John 16:1-33

Psalms 119:65-80)

Proverbs 16:4-5

 

(John 16:33)

Life will never be totally easy – but take hope, God is there to bring us through.  Life will forever have its up’s and down’s – but there is a constant factor we can be assured of….GOD!

 

If we don’t watch our lives can become so out of proportion- we find ourselves living within distorted ideals….thinking that we have life so hard, while everyone else is ‘sailing’ on through.  That reminds me of a story I once read.

 

One day a man was struggling through life trying to carry the cross Christ had given him to bear.  Finally, he cried out and said to God that he couldn’t carry this ‘lifes’ burden one step further.  Appearing to him, Christ took his cross and then asked him to choose the burden he desired.  Standing within a room lined with crosses in every direction- big ones, small ones –elegant ones, rough course ones- beautiful, ugly….every cross humanly imaginable, he was asked to make his choice.  Looking from left to right, up and down he carefully made his decision.  “I’ll take that smallest one over there, the one in the back corner!  A smile broke out across the face of Jesus as He walked over and brought the cross to the man  “funny” He said…this was the cross I took from you earlier!

 

May be our cross (burden we carry) is not as big as we imagine, or have lead ourselves to believe!  But, no matter the size, there is one who has chosen to help us shoulder the load.  There is neither a problem nor circumstance that He is unable to bring us through.  He has overcome the world, so that we can live free.

 

No, not free in the sense of no problems- but free in the sense that we can now overcome every obstacle we may face.  Take heart today, you are not alone.  Trust God and allow Him to give you the daily strength you need.

 

Now that’s living ‘trouble free’ in the world!

May 26th- ‘Chosen By God’

II Samuel 9:1-11:27

John 15:1-27

Psalms 119:49-64

Proverbs 16:1-3

 

(John 15:16)

To be hand picked and chosen by God has to be one of the greatest achievements we can ever obtain in our lives.  The fact, however, is this – it’s not something we will ever have to achieve or strive for, but only except.  He has chosen us all.  The problem is not in HIS choice, but within OUR choice.

 

I talk about the choices we make on a very frequent basis.  Choices are so vital to our everyday living and success in life.  Yes, there are everyday choices we have to make such as what to wear and what to eat, etc. – but there are also ‘Destiny’ choices that must also be made.  There are choices that will determine the outcome of our life.  Choices like career, employment, marriage partners, etc.  In saying all of that, there is still the most important choice we have to make ……whether we choose or not to accept His choice.

 

If I were to look at my life, the decisions and choices I have chosen to make, I wonder if I would still consider myself worthy of choice.  I would probably move beyond myself and go to the next (and so on) –but NOT GOD.  Despite my short comings and failures of life He still chose me!  Do you realize the love that’s within His choice?  No matter what, no matter where, no matter how, He still desires to choose me and make me His hand picked choice.

 

We also need to realize that He has chosen us for purpose!  We are His choice because He has destined a pathway for our lives.  Everyday He has fashioned and formed with us in mind, He has prepared for us the greatest life imaginable.  But will we choose Him?

 

Joshua made a choice one day – a choice not determined by other’s response (Joshua 24:15).  He chose to only choose God….a decision he chose not only for himself, but his entire family.  Live out the choice of God!  Realize He has chosen you for greatness, live within His choice!

May 25th- ‘Build His House’

II Samuel 7:1-8:18
John 14:15:31
Psalms 119:33-48
Proverbs 15:33

(II Samuel 7:11)
I can’t stress enough the importance of what I’m now about to say to you- “if you build His house, He will build yours”. That is an incredible promise that is available to all. David’s desire was to see the House of God prosper, He wanted to do everything within His power (and ability) to accomplish that. As a result God was moved by David’s desire – and promises something in return. No, David would not have the opportunity to build the house, but that still didn’t stop Him for preparing and making ready – but God built His.

Everyday we can make preparations, and make ready to build God a house. It’s time like never before to ‘honor’ the House of God – firstly with our presence (being there) and secondly with our service (involvement). All of God’s promises are conditional- you do your part and He will always do His! It’s so important that church becomes a ‘must’ in your life and no longer an option. In the Book of Psalms we are told that those who plant themselves in God’s house will flourish and grow. Don’t only plant yourself – plant your whole family.

Growing up we were continually taught (by example) by our parents the necessity of God’s House. There was neither debate nor reason – when the church doors were open – we were there. As a result I have seen God miraculously build my family a house. I’ve seen miracle after miracle as God truly honored His promise to us…a promise honored also because of our faithful commitment!

God desires to build you a House. God desires to build your family, finances, health, future…the list goes on. But remember, our optional choices – can make His promises optional in our lives. Make a commitment like never before to attend God’s house. It’s a commitment that will always work in your favor 2 ways. Firstly you’ll be blessed (at church) and secondly your House will be blessed.

Build His House – and watch Him build yours!

May 24th- ‘Wear the Badge’

 

 

II Samuel 4:1-6:23

John 13:31-14:14

Psalms 119:17-32

Proverbs 15:31-32

 

(John 13:35)

After 9-11 and the terrorist threats throughout the entire world, security has really stepped up to new levels – everyone is a suspect now until innocence is proven.  Now they tell us to continually check peoples ID and make sure they are who they present themselves to be, the badge identifies who and what they are.

 

So what is our badge?  What does our ID say about us?  Are we pretending to be someone we aren’t, are we trying to con people?  Jesus clearly presents to us the difference of Christianity – it’s not just a legal system, a list of do’s and don’ts but rather, a personal relationship which is played out through our lives.  The way we live, talk and treat others is that which should identify us back to Christ.

 

We know from John 3:16 that God so loved the world….. it’s that love that He now requires of us to share with others, that love which will show the world that we belong to Him.  It’s that never ending love that we need to present to those around us.  His love has to be the badge that identifies to whom we belong.

 

It’s not time to hide behind that badge either.  It’s time to let the love of God shine out from our lives so that others will see and sense the difference.  It’s love that separates us from all other religions and world systems.  It’s His love that will change this world.

 

Therefore, it’s not all about what I say – but also who I am which needs to be of greatest concern.  I don’t want my actions to counteract my identity and then mask His.  I am determined my life will not confuse any situation – but instead bring hope, life and peace.  I will wear His badge – the one that identifies me to Him, and bring life to those around.

May 23rd- ‘Right Example’

II Samuel 2:12-3:39

John 13:1-30

Psalms 119:1-16

Proverbs 15:29-30

 

(John 13:15)

God has strategically places us within this world – there is no mistaking His plan and purpose for our lives and that is to be an example from wherever we are.  Don’t fall into the trap of many into thinking that ‘position’ leads to greater example…yes, it can – but it’s not the complete picture.  Position or leadership as described by John Maxwell is ‘influence’.  Influence is a part of our lives along every step of the way.  Never underestimate the power of your influence.

 

So what are you doing with such power?  Are you using it to produce or diminish – to build or tear down – to impart or destroy?  You and only you control the influence of your life!  Time and time again Jesus instructed His disciples (and followers) to follow His example.  You see the greatest ‘influence’ isn’t talked but lived.

 

The world is full of people that tell you what to do – when they need to be heeding their own advice.  “Do what I say and not what I do” is one of the biggest lies we hae chosen to live our life in accordance too.  It’s time to live a life of example…to live a life that we would be proud for others to follow.

 

Example is not just for a suit (church) – it should be throughout our everyday existence.  Example should follow us wherever we go.  Matthew 5:16 reminds us that we are to live a life out in the open that others will see our example and follow Christ.

 

Many don’t think they know how to witness to others- they get to tongue tied and forget the scriptures they should recite.  The greatest witness we can be is that of an ‘example’.  It’s not just in our words – but exemplified throughout our entire life, it’s not out of reach but obtainable by all.

 

Be His example – be the right example!!!

May 22nd- ‘Think First’

II Samuel 1:1-2:11

John 12:20-50

Psalms 118:19-29

Proverbs15:27-28

 

(Proverbs 15:28)

An old Chinese Proverb goes as such “engage brain before opening mouth”.  There has been so much damage done through lack of thinking and so much talking.  Words can never be reversed and taken back – once spoken there is no return.

 

For a moment there is self gratification through words – but its joy is only shortly remembered…..the damage soon appears and now the problem is more severe.  The way we talk to each other is so vitally important.  The Bible tells us that we will have to give an account for our words – even those spoken ‘idly’- those that we just say in ‘just’ without believing them to carry any weight.  Words carry move weight, and are further reaching than we realize.

 

Our words literally have the power to create the world we live within.  God spoke and creation took place….what do we speak into existence?  In just taking a couple of moments to quickly ponder our response, can change the entire course of our lives (and others around).  Learn to choose your words wisely.

 

I know so often we want to say it, and after all they deserve it!  But is it really worth it?  The answer over and over again is still the same – no!

 

Why not consider this thought – “it’s not the quantity of our words we need to concentrate upon but rather the quality they possess”.  Choose your words wisely and remember they are like seeds that will produce a harvest.  A harvest is always a multiplication of the seed sown….so sow right!

 

Why not just think before you speak.  Sometimes the most powerful words spoken are those not spoken at all!

May 21st- “Just Trust Him”

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
John 11:55-12:19
Psalms 118:1-18
Proverbs 15:24-26

(Psalms 118:8-9)
Sometimes it’s so easy to say things, but a whole other story to do! We say we trust God and that we’ve placed it within His capable power (Hands) but whose left holding the ball?

You would think after every situation when God comes through for us the next would be so different – I’m ready next time, as this time I’m going to trust God. Wow, those are soon forgotten words. It’s like we go back onto ‘auto pilot’ and have to start right back at the beginning again, instead of gaining on our past experiences. It’s no wonder we find little progress in our lives when we never leave the beginning.

Trust is something we in the natural want to see earned and proven. If we get let down…then with that goes our trust and confidence…it’s hard to trust again when you have been hurt. Notice I said hard and not impossible. It may be an uphill struggle – but we have got to develop trust within our lives. We cannot afford to go through life paranoid and alone – that was never God’s intention.

If trust therefore, has to be proven and earned – don’t you think God has done enough? When has He ever let you down? Oh, you may have your ‘list’- but look again – it wasn’t His lack of participation or action – but your lack of involving Him. It was too much of you and so little of Him!

We can place our trust and confidence in so many things, but there is only one who will never let you down. Your family, friends, spouse, kids, work mates etc. will all fail you at one time or another…but there’s one who never will.

I ask you today – whom do you choose to place your trust in? Choose Him and you will never be let down! He’ll never fail you …that He promised.