“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
Have you ever dreamed of being a King or Queen? Can you imagine the beautiful crown you could make since you had every precious stone available? The shear beauty of your crown would indicate your status. Did you know God has promised you such a crown?
The crown God has prepared for you sparkles with beauty. Each stone reflects its splendor when basking in the eternal light of God. What is even more precious is the thought that each crown is equally beautiful, since he promised to give us “the crown.” I don’t have to worry about my crown being diminished by another person’s crown.
This verse also has the promise that we will not only have temptation but we will also have the opportunity to endure. Can you imagine the sight in heaven when all people, who have endured for the Lord, are gathered around the throne of God? Oh, it is worth every trial to be counted worthy to be a part of that heavenly host!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
II Corithnians 7:6
“Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;”
Some have foolishly charged God with not caring about their life. The truth is God does care and His care is sometimes manifested in a manner that requires faith. Have you ever wondered, “Why doesn’t God give me comfort in this situation?” There is no doubt God has promised to comfort you when you feel cast down. What is not always obvious is the method God will choose.
In this scripture, Paul is telling how he was comforted and refreshed by his friend Titus. The underlying principle of God’s promise is that He will send people into your life to deliver His comfort. It is important to remind yourself, that friends, family, or kind strangers are a gift from God not happenstance.
This promise is manifested in many ways, most of which are simple every day activities. Phone calls, emails, text messages, hugs, kisses, kind words, smiles, …… are just a few ways God encourages others to bring His comfort into your life. The next time you feel cast down, look around and behold God’s comfort in the people He sends your way. Then receive His comfort and know you are deeply loved.
Some have foolishly charged God with not caring about their life. The truth is God does care and His care is sometimes manifested in a manner that requires faith. Have you ever wondered, “Why doesn’t God give me comfort in this situation?” There is no doubt God has promised to comfort you when you feel cast down. What is not always obvious is the method God will choose.
In this scripture, Paul is telling how he was comforted and refreshed by his friend Titus. The underlying principle of God’s promise is that He will send people into your life to deliver His comfort. It is important to remind yourself, that friends, family, or kind strangers are a gift from God not happenstance.
This promise is manifested in many ways, most of which are simple every day activities. Phone calls, emails, text messages, hugs, kisses, kind words, smiles, …… are just a few ways God encourages others to bring His comfort into your life. The next time you feel cast down, look around and behold God’s comfort in the people He sends your way. Then receive His comfort and know you are deeply loved.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Genesis 9:14
“And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud.”
Methuselah lived 969 years and never saw it. Enoch walked with God and never saw one. Even Adam and Eve were denied this simple privilege you and I take for granted. There used to be a day when rainbows didn’t exist!
Have you ever looked at a rainbow and thought, “Thank you God for not flooding us out?” You should. The rainbow was a symbol, a definite reminder, to Noah and all his off-spring that God had made them a promise. Have you ever consider the fact that God didn’t have to make a rainbow to keep His promise. Instead He decided to make a perpetual reminder. That should teach you how important God takes His promises. He deliberately draws attention to them.
The next time you are blessed enough to see a rainbow forget the little green men with the ever-elusive pot of gold. Stop and remember that God is speaking to you, reminding you of His covenant to you. His rainbow is like a father’s supporting smile that encourages his nervous child to press on.
Methuselah lived 969 years and never saw it. Enoch walked with God and never saw one. Even Adam and Eve were denied this simple privilege you and I take for granted. There used to be a day when rainbows didn’t exist!
Have you ever looked at a rainbow and thought, “Thank you God for not flooding us out?” You should. The rainbow was a symbol, a definite reminder, to Noah and all his off-spring that God had made them a promise. Have you ever consider the fact that God didn’t have to make a rainbow to keep His promise. Instead He decided to make a perpetual reminder. That should teach you how important God takes His promises. He deliberately draws attention to them.
The next time you are blessed enough to see a rainbow forget the little green men with the ever-elusive pot of gold. Stop and remember that God is speaking to you, reminding you of His covenant to you. His rainbow is like a father’s supporting smile that encourages his nervous child to press on.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Joel 2:32
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.”
Do you remember the disappointments of childhood where all the really fun rides where for older kids. Those silly signs, with smirking characters, publicly pointing out your lack of stature seemed to revel in your unmet hopes. Similarly, the devil feverishly works to point out all your inadequacies. Given the chance, he will convince you that you will never qualify to receive any of God’s benefits and especially not deliverance.
Here we see again the desire of God. He has opened His plan to anyone who wants to meet His prerequisites. It is a faith in God and His abilities, followed by action demonstrated in a call. Simply call upon His name and He’ll deliver you. No height requirements, no tormenting reminders of what you aren’t. No immobilizing abuse about past regrets, failures, or shortcomings. Just call me. Call my name of deliverance; Jesus.
Do you remember the disappointments of childhood where all the really fun rides where for older kids. Those silly signs, with smirking characters, publicly pointing out your lack of stature seemed to revel in your unmet hopes. Similarly, the devil feverishly works to point out all your inadequacies. Given the chance, he will convince you that you will never qualify to receive any of God’s benefits and especially not deliverance.
Here we see again the desire of God. He has opened His plan to anyone who wants to meet His prerequisites. It is a faith in God and His abilities, followed by action demonstrated in a call. Simply call upon His name and He’ll deliver you. No height requirements, no tormenting reminders of what you aren’t. No immobilizing abuse about past regrets, failures, or shortcomings. Just call me. Call my name of deliverance; Jesus.
Have you ever felt like the lady in the old Calgon commercials? “Calgon, take me away!” God’s deliverance is far more superior than a soapy bath and definitely longer lasting. What do you find yourself entangled with, mired down in the mud? Are you bound by sin? God is telling you to call and ask for help. Do you have enough humility to ask?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Psalms 37:4
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
“Hey preacher. Now you are talking my language!” is often the response in people’s minds when they here ministers talk about God giving things to them. This is a promise worth getting excited about, but you may want to know that it isn’t about you being spoiled with what ever you want. Rather this promise is more about God fixing your heart and its desires. It all hinges on delighting oneself in the Lord.
To delight in thyself in the Lord is to be so in love with Him that you can’t help but think of Him and how you might please Him. To delight is to thoroughly enjoy without want or need for anything else. It is during that process that He begins to teach us what should be a desire worthy of our heart. When we truly get to this place in our heart, and not just our mind, then we are well on our way to having our most sincere desires of the heart satisfied.
This verse was first given to me by the Lord just prior to me getting hired as a teacher; which was a desire of my heart that required 4 years and ridiculous amounts of money. It all started when my wife and I chose to obey the Lord and move to Oregon from Arizona. Our desire was to please the Lord and be delighted to do what he asked of us; regardless of all its challenges and difficulties.
The school year had started and I was not given a job. I very badly wanted to work at the high school I graduated from and be a witness for the Lord there. The year started and there was no job offered. In mid September, during my prayers, the Lord brought this verse to mind and caused me to know that He was going to grant my desire. In just a little over a month the Lord created a job at the exact school I wanted to be at. I have happily worked there ever since.
Do you have unmet desires of the heart? Is it possible you are delighting in something other than Him? You do know He’ll tell you if you sincerely seek Him.
“Hey preacher. Now you are talking my language!” is often the response in people’s minds when they here ministers talk about God giving things to them. This is a promise worth getting excited about, but you may want to know that it isn’t about you being spoiled with what ever you want. Rather this promise is more about God fixing your heart and its desires. It all hinges on delighting oneself in the Lord.
To delight in thyself in the Lord is to be so in love with Him that you can’t help but think of Him and how you might please Him. To delight is to thoroughly enjoy without want or need for anything else. It is during that process that He begins to teach us what should be a desire worthy of our heart. When we truly get to this place in our heart, and not just our mind, then we are well on our way to having our most sincere desires of the heart satisfied.
This verse was first given to me by the Lord just prior to me getting hired as a teacher; which was a desire of my heart that required 4 years and ridiculous amounts of money. It all started when my wife and I chose to obey the Lord and move to Oregon from Arizona. Our desire was to please the Lord and be delighted to do what he asked of us; regardless of all its challenges and difficulties.
The school year had started and I was not given a job. I very badly wanted to work at the high school I graduated from and be a witness for the Lord there. The year started and there was no job offered. In mid September, during my prayers, the Lord brought this verse to mind and caused me to know that He was going to grant my desire. In just a little over a month the Lord created a job at the exact school I wanted to be at. I have happily worked there ever since.
Do you have unmet desires of the heart? Is it possible you are delighting in something other than Him? You do know He’ll tell you if you sincerely seek Him.
Friday, September 10, 2010
II Corrinthians 10:4
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”
As discussed before, God gives us weapons and power to have the victory. There is still more in this promise though. God also is telling us which weapons to use and where. Carnal weapons are things that most humans can generally do. Things like, argue, scream, yell, retaliate, hit,, kick, conspire, speak evil of, slander, etc….
When it comes to our weapons, we are promised that they are not of any of these tools or methodologies. Instead we can “bless those who curse” us, “pray for those who despitefully use us”, be kind, tenderhearted, peaceful, gentle, longsuffering, etc….
The fact that our weapons are not carnal also lets us know that we are not battling with people. We are fighting against strongholds in our own lives or in the lives of others. These are spiritual battles, which serve as a reminder not to get too upset with the people used as a battlefield.
This reminds me a former student of mine. The Lord had been dealing with him and was using me to draw him closer. One day the student abruptly altered his behavior and became very contrary to me during class. His behavior was extremely out of character and noticeably distracting to the rest of the class. As our verbal exchange continued my frustration mounted until I simply sent him out of the room to the office.
That night I couldn’t help but think about what had happened. Over the weekend, the Lord showed what was really going on. The kid was not contrary to me, but the powers controlling his life were contrary to the things of God working in my life. Once the Lord opened my eyes up I was able to see where the battle was and what the root problem was. Through prayer, God gave me words to speak that have helped that young man grow closer to the Lord. In this promise, God is granting you the same privilege.
As discussed before, God gives us weapons and power to have the victory. There is still more in this promise though. God also is telling us which weapons to use and where. Carnal weapons are things that most humans can generally do. Things like, argue, scream, yell, retaliate, hit,, kick, conspire, speak evil of, slander, etc….
When it comes to our weapons, we are promised that they are not of any of these tools or methodologies. Instead we can “bless those who curse” us, “pray for those who despitefully use us”, be kind, tenderhearted, peaceful, gentle, longsuffering, etc….
The fact that our weapons are not carnal also lets us know that we are not battling with people. We are fighting against strongholds in our own lives or in the lives of others. These are spiritual battles, which serve as a reminder not to get too upset with the people used as a battlefield.
This reminds me a former student of mine. The Lord had been dealing with him and was using me to draw him closer. One day the student abruptly altered his behavior and became very contrary to me during class. His behavior was extremely out of character and noticeably distracting to the rest of the class. As our verbal exchange continued my frustration mounted until I simply sent him out of the room to the office.
That night I couldn’t help but think about what had happened. Over the weekend, the Lord showed what was really going on. The kid was not contrary to me, but the powers controlling his life were contrary to the things of God working in my life. Once the Lord opened my eyes up I was able to see where the battle was and what the root problem was. Through prayer, God gave me words to speak that have helped that young man grow closer to the Lord. In this promise, God is granting you the same privilege.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
II Corinthians 10:4
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”
I want to first point out that you do have weapons at your disposal, promised by God. As a Christian, you are expected to fight against the enemy of your soul. The weapons we are issued have the ability to pull down or destroy strongholds. These are the areas in your personal life that sometimes appear to be “off-limits.”
Prior to getting saved I drew back even though I felt the drawing of the Lord. I had great respect for the things of God, but I also had an area of my life that was a definite stronghold. I was unable to overcome my habit of filthy language. Try as I might, I could do no better than to restrain myself for only a few days. After months of effort I finally came to realize what it was to be controlled by a power greater than my will. There was nothing I could do to overcome.
In desperation, I prayed one day asking the Lord, “If you’ll help me kick this habit, I will try to get saved.” All I can say is that I have not said a cuss word since 1997! Even more, God erased the words from my mind to the point that I am not tempted to even think it in my head. Now that is a mighty power! Only God was able to give me the power to pull down that stronghold in my life.
Have you any areas of your life that seem too strong for you? Do you wish you were more Godlike in some aspect of your life? The secret is to stop fighting it with your own strength (carnal warfare) and let God give you the weapons and power to pull down those strongholds.
I want to first point out that you do have weapons at your disposal, promised by God. As a Christian, you are expected to fight against the enemy of your soul. The weapons we are issued have the ability to pull down or destroy strongholds. These are the areas in your personal life that sometimes appear to be “off-limits.”
Prior to getting saved I drew back even though I felt the drawing of the Lord. I had great respect for the things of God, but I also had an area of my life that was a definite stronghold. I was unable to overcome my habit of filthy language. Try as I might, I could do no better than to restrain myself for only a few days. After months of effort I finally came to realize what it was to be controlled by a power greater than my will. There was nothing I could do to overcome.
In desperation, I prayed one day asking the Lord, “If you’ll help me kick this habit, I will try to get saved.” All I can say is that I have not said a cuss word since 1997! Even more, God erased the words from my mind to the point that I am not tempted to even think it in my head. Now that is a mighty power! Only God was able to give me the power to pull down that stronghold in my life.
Have you any areas of your life that seem too strong for you? Do you wish you were more Godlike in some aspect of your life? The secret is to stop fighting it with your own strength (carnal warfare) and let God give you the weapons and power to pull down those strongholds.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
There are several promises in this one. The one I want to focus on this time is a conditional promise. This verse begins by telling us that if we wait upon the Lord then something would be granted to us. He has promised a renewing.
The idea of waiting is not always a logical solution, especially if you are in a real dire situation. As humans we have an innate, God-given tendency to fight or flight when we feel endangered. This concept of waiting reminds me an activity we did as kids.
The heaviest person would sit upright in a kitchen chair. Then four others would clasp their hands together except their index fingers, making what resembled a handgun. Next, the four people would pick a spot to place their index fingers. The four different spots to choose from was behind each bent knee and under each armpit of the person sitting in the chair. Lastly, the four people would simultaneously try to lift the person off the chair. After much groaning and giggling the person in the chair remain seated, while the other realized their apparent lack of strength.
After this, the same four people would hold their arms in the air above their heads for a period of time (3-4mins). When the time was accomplished they would immediately try again to lift the person in the chair. This resulted in much less groaning and the person being lifted high above the chair. Those lifting would then testify to the ease with which the task was accomplished. Like that fun activity demonstrates, God is promising to grant you superceding strength if you will be willing to wait.
There are several promises in this one. The one I want to focus on this time is a conditional promise. This verse begins by telling us that if we wait upon the Lord then something would be granted to us. He has promised a renewing.
The idea of waiting is not always a logical solution, especially if you are in a real dire situation. As humans we have an innate, God-given tendency to fight or flight when we feel endangered. This concept of waiting reminds me an activity we did as kids.
The heaviest person would sit upright in a kitchen chair. Then four others would clasp their hands together except their index fingers, making what resembled a handgun. Next, the four people would pick a spot to place their index fingers. The four different spots to choose from was behind each bent knee and under each armpit of the person sitting in the chair. Lastly, the four people would simultaneously try to lift the person off the chair. After much groaning and giggling the person in the chair remain seated, while the other realized their apparent lack of strength.
After this, the same four people would hold their arms in the air above their heads for a period of time (3-4mins). When the time was accomplished they would immediately try again to lift the person in the chair. This resulted in much less groaning and the person being lifted high above the chair. Those lifting would then testify to the ease with which the task was accomplished. Like that fun activity demonstrates, God is promising to grant you superceding strength if you will be willing to wait.
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