August 26, 2014
We are often called to minister to others out of the very place that we ourselves have once suffered. The fatherless find comfort in the Father and grow up to care for the widow and orphan. The cancer survivor visits the chemo patient. The addict whom Christ has set free declares the good news to those still in bondage. This ministry would not be possible were it offered from our brokenness. It is possible because it comes from the overflow of comfort that we ourselves have received from God. Have you received this excess of comfort that flows first to you and then through you to others?
August 25, 2014
As Paul closed his letter to the Corinthians, he reminded them of many people who had served them in the church. As he listed several of these Christian workers by name, he encouraged the believers at Corinth to willingly submit to their leadership and to show them appropriate appreciation for their hard work. One of the marks of the body of Christ is that we are not to look down on those who serve among us. Instead, we are to applaud their service. Who is someone that serves in your life that deserves your appreciation today?
August 24, 2014
Be strong, immovable, always work with enthusiasm for the Lord. Why? Because of the resurrection and because whatever you plant in faith will grow and produce a harvest. The promise of eternal life should make us fearless in our focus. It should make us immovable (persistently firm and unswerving) in our commitment. Do you ever feel that your work for God is insignificant? That your faith is useless? Remember what Christ gave for you and that when He returns, you will rise to His trumpet’s call. Nothing you do for Him is useless, even the giving of your very life. No good thing is forgotten or wasted that we do in His Name.
August 23, 2014
Job cried out for a mediator between him and God. He knew that the span between them was too great. He desired one who might shield him from punishment and make it possible for him to speak to the Lord without fear. Job’s prayer has been heard. Jesus is our Mediator. The Bible declares, “There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
August 22, 2014
Job doesn’t accuse God of being absent, but of being too present. He doesn’t blame his suffering on being forsaken by the Lord as most would do. No. He questions why God would be so interested in such weak, temporal things as man. Out of all of creation, why would God care so much for us? Job had lost nearly everything that he loved, yet he did not lose his faith in God. Like Jacob, he wrestled with God for answers, but did not doubt the One who made him walk with a limp.
August 21, 2014
Job worshiped the Lord both in happiness and in the midst of suffering. He recognized that all good comes from the Lord. When he lost all that he had, he did not lose his faith. In this, his faith was tested and found genuine. How we face good and bad times reveals the true nature of our faith. How is this season of life affecting your faith?
August 20, 2014
Commit what? Everything. Trust God with what? Everything. And what will God do? He will help you in everything. What does it mean to “commit” something to the Lord? It means to put it in His hands, to put His Name on it. Have you committed everything to Jesus? Have you trusted your all-in-all to Him? Your possessions? Your hopes and dreams? Your kids? Your spouse? Your schooling or job? What are you doing or owning or desiring that you haven’t turned over to God? Stop holding back and trying to control things yourself. Commit all to Jesus, all to Him, surrender. You can trust Him. He will help.
August 19, 2014
There is diversity of spiritual gifting, but one Spirit. Many parts, one body. If the church is behaving in a crippled manner, isn’t it because certain parts of the body aren’t active? Not that they aren’t present, but that they aren’t obedient to the Head, which is Christ? When the members of the body of Christ fail to do their part, the body falls short of its calling. But when every member moves in unity according to gifting, the church fulfills its calling. What if the church isn’t being the church because you aren’t being the member of its body you were gifted to be?
August 18, 2014
The book of Esther is unique not in what it names, but in what it doesn’t. For the name of God is not mentioned. Yet clearly, God can be seen between the lines of every chapter. When God’s people find themselves under persecution, they often feel that God has abandoned them. They don’t see that He is at work behind the scenes. Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah, became the queen of Persia, not by accident, but by God’s purpose in order to save the Jews from genocide. This little orphaned Jewish girl was adopted by her cousin Mordecai and chosen by King Xerxes to be Queen. She was the winner of the king’s Miss Universe contest. Her Persian name, Esther, means “star” (the word “aster” as in “asteroid,” is derived from the same root.). She was indeed a “star” in Persia and in the history of the Jews, as God used her to influence Xerxes decision to save them. Why has God given you your position of influence? Perhaps it’s for more than you think.
August 17, 2014
Nehemiah organized the Levite singers and musicians into two groups and had them march along the top of the newly restored wall, singing and playing as they went. After circling the entire city of Jerusalem, the two choirs converged onto the Temple courts still singing and playing loudly. The sound of their joyous celebration could be heard from far away. Can you imagine being among that happy throng as they filled the air with praise? When a work is finished, celebration is in order. For us, Christ has finished the work of salvation and our entire lives should be marked by worship and praise. Let our celebration of God’s Son be heard among the nations!