“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58)

August 24, 2011

Never dig up in doubt what you planted by faith. There is really only one work that has guaranteed reward and that is the Lord’s work. It’s worthy of your very best. The Father is already at work. Join Him.

“If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God’s rod from me” (Job 9:33-34)

August 23, 2011

Job cries out for One like Jesus. One who could stretch out his hands between heaven and earth and offer reconciliation. Christ is this Advocate who represents God to us and us to God.

“So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!'” (1 Corinthians 14:25)

August 22, 2011

The kind of church where the Word of God is preached (prophesied) and sinners have their hearts laid bare. This is the kind of church of which I want to be a part. Be present in our church, Lord. Nothing happens unless You show up!

“The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21)

August 21, 2011

Genuine faith is tested faith. Does your faith survive a loss? Or does it turn to bitter accusation or doubt? Job’s faith, like Paul’s, had learned to worship in plenty and in lack. Will you worship today no matter the circumstance? Will you say, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord!”

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)

August 20, 2011

Make the Lord the source of your great pleasure and joy, the center of your satisfaction. And He will bring your desires into alignment with His, fulfilling them as He does. Focus on pleasing God and your desires will be met.

“Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

August 19, 2011

Esther won a beauty contest to become queen of Persia. God used her position to save her people. Why have you come into your position? Is it for your edification or is it a platform from which to announce the coming King?

“My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long” (Psalm 35:28)

August 18, 2011

For what human tongues were meant. A mouth full of worship cannot chew others up with worldly chatter. No gossip, no lies, no accusing, no filthy joking. Just speech salted with thankfulness and praise. That’s a daily diet that could change human hearts.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

August 17, 2011

Paul does not say, as some parents, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Instead, he says, “Follow my example.” Are you willing to be an example to those whom God has put under your care? This is authentic discipleship — Watch me. Follow me as I follow Him. Then, you follow Him, leading others.

“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19)

August 16, 2011

We’re not promised a trouble-free life, but we are promised an ever-present Lord to call on. Are your troubles too big for you? Good. The Lord loves to deliver us from God-sized troubles that grow our faith and prove His faithfulness.

“We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits” (Nehemiah 10:35)

August 15, 2011

The exiles who returned and rebuilt the wall also renewed their commitment to giving. We cannot say we have given everything to God and exclude our finances. The mark of trusting God for all things is the giving-back of the firstfruits He has given us.