'... The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them ...' 1 Samuel 16:7
'Could do better!' Ever had that written on your school report by a well-meaning teacher?
Ever been told by a parent that you need to 'do better' or 'try harder?' Or has someone called you a 'waste of space' or told you 'you're not good enough'?
It can be really difficult to walk around carrying other people's opinions about yourself.
Maybe you say to yourself, 'It doesn't matter what they think, what do they know?' But truthfully we all know that words sometimes stick to us like glue and we very easily end up agreeing with them.
What do you believe to be true about yourself today?
How many negative things do you say about yourself, or worse actually believe to be true about you?
When people say negative things about us or we don't fit in with the stereotypes of perfection that the media portrays, we can start to believe that we are 'a nothing' or 'a nobody.' We can feel unloved, unwanted, useless, an 'it' - something of no significance. '... The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them ...' He sees you as you really are: His perfect creation packed full of potential!
You are someone He has chosen to use. In fact, He has things only you can do - there's no one else better for the job! That's how brilliant you are to God. Look at yourself through God's eyes today - see how t'riffic you really are.
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Mar 4, 2010
Mar 3, 2010
Belt up!
'... Judge me, O Lord ... according to my ... integrity' Psalm 7:8
If we're going to be judged by our integrity, I guess we should know what it means, right?
The Cambridge Dictionary says it's 'being honest ... having strong moral principles that you refuse to change'. So how do we go about that then?
Paul advises us to 'Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist ...' (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).
He was talking about a leather girdle Roman soldiers wore around their waist to protect their loins (that's the bit above your legs and below your waist), carry weapons, and also hold their tunic together so it wouldn't get snagged and hold them back. Are you starting to see the point?
Just like a belt can hold your trousers up, and stop you tripping up (not to mention flashing your underware!), integrity can help you with not tripping in your spiritual life.
Being honest in everything, starting with the very small things, and sticking to the guidelines the Bible gives you on how to live life, no matter what, will act like spiritual armour.
It'll protect you and mean you're prepared when tough stuff comes your way, and you'll find it easier to survive the bigger things. A belt may seem small or uninteresting - like the foundations of a house which are unseen, but without them, it'll crumble.
Integrity is vital for you to have a good life reflecting Jesus. So what are you waiting for - belt up!
If we're going to be judged by our integrity, I guess we should know what it means, right?
The Cambridge Dictionary says it's 'being honest ... having strong moral principles that you refuse to change'. So how do we go about that then?
Paul advises us to 'Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist ...' (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).
He was talking about a leather girdle Roman soldiers wore around their waist to protect their loins (that's the bit above your legs and below your waist), carry weapons, and also hold their tunic together so it wouldn't get snagged and hold them back. Are you starting to see the point?
Just like a belt can hold your trousers up, and stop you tripping up (not to mention flashing your underware!), integrity can help you with not tripping in your spiritual life.
Being honest in everything, starting with the very small things, and sticking to the guidelines the Bible gives you on how to live life, no matter what, will act like spiritual armour.
It'll protect you and mean you're prepared when tough stuff comes your way, and you'll find it easier to survive the bigger things. A belt may seem small or uninteresting - like the foundations of a house which are unseen, but without them, it'll crumble.
Integrity is vital for you to have a good life reflecting Jesus. So what are you waiting for - belt up!
Feb 24, 2010
Defining moments
'... choose today whom you will serve ...' Joshua 24:15
Two sisters queuing in a Dunkin Donuts, looked outside and discovered their car was gone.
It belonged to their dad and now it was missing, stolen.
They felt sick, hearts racing, they ran outside, where their dad's car appeared from around a corner. How they reacted next said much about their different personalities.
One sister immediately ran towards the car, ready to dive on the bonnet, believing she could single-handedly stop the thief.
The other sister immediately ran back into the DD shouting, 'Cancel the order, the car's been stolen.'
It was a defining moment: their reaction had taught them much about themselves. Thankfully for them, the thief turned out to be their brother playing a prank.
Both car and sisters came off unscathed!
Read the book of Joshua and you'll discover he had many defining moments in his life - moments that revealed his true character and what his life was about. Just before he dies he creates a defining moment for all the people of Israel, saying to them 'Choose today whom you will serve'.
They had to make a choice - there was no more sitting on the fence. Then he told them his answer, 'As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.'
If Joshua was to give you the same defining moment today - what would your answer be?
There's no more sitting on the fence for you. Choose this day to live for God.
Two sisters queuing in a Dunkin Donuts, looked outside and discovered their car was gone.
It belonged to their dad and now it was missing, stolen.
They felt sick, hearts racing, they ran outside, where their dad's car appeared from around a corner. How they reacted next said much about their different personalities.
One sister immediately ran towards the car, ready to dive on the bonnet, believing she could single-handedly stop the thief.
The other sister immediately ran back into the DD shouting, 'Cancel the order, the car's been stolen.'
It was a defining moment: their reaction had taught them much about themselves. Thankfully for them, the thief turned out to be their brother playing a prank.
Both car and sisters came off unscathed!
Read the book of Joshua and you'll discover he had many defining moments in his life - moments that revealed his true character and what his life was about. Just before he dies he creates a defining moment for all the people of Israel, saying to them 'Choose today whom you will serve'.
They had to make a choice - there was no more sitting on the fence. Then he told them his answer, 'As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.'
If Joshua was to give you the same defining moment today - what would your answer be?
There's no more sitting on the fence for you. Choose this day to live for God.
Feb 23, 2010
Loved up
'Love each other in the same way I have loved you' John 15:12
On October 14 2009, the singer Leona Lewis was attacked by a fan.
One newspaper reported, 'He waited patiently for three hours and when Leona autographed his book, he suddenly leapt over the desk and punched her in the head. Guards immediately wrestled the maniac to the ground, with him yelling: 'I love you, Leona!'
But it wasn't really love that caused that man to hurt her in such a way. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says '... Love cares more for others than self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in...truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.' (TM)
This is the way Jesus loves you and He says; 'Love each other in the same way I have loved you.'
So next time you're about to lose patience with someone, complain because you want what someone else has got, shoot your mouth off, be cheeky or get in a tantrum till you get your own way, remember Jesus says 'Love each other in the same way I have loved you'.
Next time you're about to get revenge, lie, gossip, or give up on someone - get loved up, Jesus-style!
On October 14 2009, the singer Leona Lewis was attacked by a fan.
One newspaper reported, 'He waited patiently for three hours and when Leona autographed his book, he suddenly leapt over the desk and punched her in the head. Guards immediately wrestled the maniac to the ground, with him yelling: 'I love you, Leona!'
But it wasn't really love that caused that man to hurt her in such a way. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says '... Love cares more for others than self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in...truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.' (TM)
This is the way Jesus loves you and He says; 'Love each other in the same way I have loved you.'
So next time you're about to lose patience with someone, complain because you want what someone else has got, shoot your mouth off, be cheeky or get in a tantrum till you get your own way, remember Jesus says 'Love each other in the same way I have loved you'.
Next time you're about to get revenge, lie, gossip, or give up on someone - get loved up, Jesus-style!
Feb 14, 2010
Get real
'...your sin will track you down.' Numbers 32:23
Heard about a guy called Moses?
The man God chose to lead all the Israelite people out from Egypt?
It was no easy feat; but Moses did it!
There were 12 tribes of Israel, it was a tough, gruelling journey and just as they were about to reach their destination, two of the tribes decided they wanted to settle somewhere else (read it in Numbers 32).
The thing was, the other ten tribes still needed help so Moses kinda said, 'Get real; don't be so selfish. You can't just stop and look out for yourselves. We've all chipped in to get us this far; you can't give up on the rest of us now!'
So they agreed, and promised they would help and then Moses said this: 'If you don't do what you say, you will be sinning against God; you can be sure that your sin will track you down.
So, go ahead ... Do what you said you'd do." We can all have good intentions to do the right thing, but when we mess up; or 'sin', as the Bible calls it, we are sinning against God.
God knows about it (there's no hiding it from Him) and if we don't put it right things will only get worse.
Today: Get real! Put it right! Ask God to forgive you, then live, knowing He has!
Take action! Ask God to help you stop going against Him, help you stop sinning and live knowing He is!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Heard about a guy called Moses?
The man God chose to lead all the Israelite people out from Egypt?
It was no easy feat; but Moses did it!
There were 12 tribes of Israel, it was a tough, gruelling journey and just as they were about to reach their destination, two of the tribes decided they wanted to settle somewhere else (read it in Numbers 32).
The thing was, the other ten tribes still needed help so Moses kinda said, 'Get real; don't be so selfish. You can't just stop and look out for yourselves. We've all chipped in to get us this far; you can't give up on the rest of us now!'
So they agreed, and promised they would help and then Moses said this: 'If you don't do what you say, you will be sinning against God; you can be sure that your sin will track you down.
So, go ahead ... Do what you said you'd do." We can all have good intentions to do the right thing, but when we mess up; or 'sin', as the Bible calls it, we are sinning against God.
God knows about it (there's no hiding it from Him) and if we don't put it right things will only get worse.
Today: Get real! Put it right! Ask God to forgive you, then live, knowing He has!
Take action! Ask God to help you stop going against Him, help you stop sinning and live knowing He is!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Feb 11, 2010
Caught in the headlights
'Tell ... the mighty things I have done ...' Exodus 10:2
Have you seen police helicopters out at night, spotlight shining down, focusing on the suspect, following their every move, chasing them wherever?
Imagine being the suspect, your heart pounding, your legs flying, your brain in overdrive trying to think; where now, what next, is there any escape?
It doesn't matter what alley you run down, what garden you hide in, or car you hide under. It doesn't even matter how fast you run, what amount of distance you put between you and that helicopter; it is going to catch you up again.
There is no escape!
Sometimes it feels like your past is chasing you just like that police helicopter. You thought it was all over, but then you find yourself caught in the headlights again.
That past experience raises its ugly head, stares you in the face, leaving you reliving the same hurt, shame, mess again: 'Will this ever go away, will this ever leave me alone? Is there any escape?', you cry.
Great news today: the answer is yes!
Jesus said, 'With God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). When you put your trust in Him, your past has to back off. God says, 'Tell ... the mighty things I have done' - talk about all the times He's won in the past, know that the battles are easy for God to win, even the battle you have with your past.
Give your past to God, and don't stay caught in the headlights.
Its hard I know, sometimes things just eat at us and eat at us and we can't forget them. We are only human and sadly we dont have an erase button programmed into us to erase the things of the past. But with Gods help we will always be able to feel at ease with the things of the past, he will not erase it from our memory. I believe we remember so we cant make the same mistake again, we learn from our mistakes and failures.
God Bless,
Chrissie
Have you seen police helicopters out at night, spotlight shining down, focusing on the suspect, following their every move, chasing them wherever?
Imagine being the suspect, your heart pounding, your legs flying, your brain in overdrive trying to think; where now, what next, is there any escape?
It doesn't matter what alley you run down, what garden you hide in, or car you hide under. It doesn't even matter how fast you run, what amount of distance you put between you and that helicopter; it is going to catch you up again.
There is no escape!
Sometimes it feels like your past is chasing you just like that police helicopter. You thought it was all over, but then you find yourself caught in the headlights again.
That past experience raises its ugly head, stares you in the face, leaving you reliving the same hurt, shame, mess again: 'Will this ever go away, will this ever leave me alone? Is there any escape?', you cry.
Great news today: the answer is yes!
Jesus said, 'With God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). When you put your trust in Him, your past has to back off. God says, 'Tell ... the mighty things I have done' - talk about all the times He's won in the past, know that the battles are easy for God to win, even the battle you have with your past.
Give your past to God, and don't stay caught in the headlights.
Its hard I know, sometimes things just eat at us and eat at us and we can't forget them. We are only human and sadly we dont have an erase button programmed into us to erase the things of the past. But with Gods help we will always be able to feel at ease with the things of the past, he will not erase it from our memory. I believe we remember so we cant make the same mistake again, we learn from our mistakes and failures.
God Bless,
Chrissie
Feb 10, 2010
Let's stick together
'He raised us up together...' Ephesians 2:6
Hang around some people long enough and it's easy to get irritated; even in church.
Sometimes other Christians can really get on our nerves and 'annoy the pants off us'.
We can become so frustrated, fed-up and bored with church that we want to get as far away from it as possible. We begin to think, 'I don't need them, I can do without church'.
We even start believing, 'It's OK to be a Christian and not go to church.' God says, 'He raised us up together ...'
We're not meant to go it alone. God wants us to stick together; support, encourage and help each other.
Can you imagine trying to get around today without your skeleton? Leaving all your bones behind in your wardrobe? Without your bones you'd fall to the floor in some kind of blobby mess, not being able to get very far.
Keeping your skeleton intact, people get to see the real you, they get to see how great you are, how you move, what you can do. Take away those bones and the you they see would be very different.
Church is a bit like your Christian skeleton. Without it people don't get to see the real Jesus.
Church community can be really challenging, it can feel difficult or seem unimportant. But it's only when we stand together, grow together, learn together, worship God together and work together with God that He can truly be seen.
Encourage one another every day or as often as you can. Some people, maybe even YOU, find it hard to get out of bed on a Sunday morning and go sit in the same seats and see the same people. But remember each time you go to church its not those people who you are concentrating on, its Jesus. He wants you to come and spend time worshipping with other believers like you!!
So why not try and encourage someone today, sent them a text or email or even call them and just tell them you were thinking of them and wondered if there was anything you could do to help them out!! They may say NO, but at least they know someone is there if they need them!! Mos of the time that feeling is better than thinking your on your own!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Hang around some people long enough and it's easy to get irritated; even in church.
Sometimes other Christians can really get on our nerves and 'annoy the pants off us'.
We can become so frustrated, fed-up and bored with church that we want to get as far away from it as possible. We begin to think, 'I don't need them, I can do without church'.
We even start believing, 'It's OK to be a Christian and not go to church.' God says, 'He raised us up together ...'
We're not meant to go it alone. God wants us to stick together; support, encourage and help each other.
Can you imagine trying to get around today without your skeleton? Leaving all your bones behind in your wardrobe? Without your bones you'd fall to the floor in some kind of blobby mess, not being able to get very far.
Keeping your skeleton intact, people get to see the real you, they get to see how great you are, how you move, what you can do. Take away those bones and the you they see would be very different.
Church is a bit like your Christian skeleton. Without it people don't get to see the real Jesus.
Church community can be really challenging, it can feel difficult or seem unimportant. But it's only when we stand together, grow together, learn together, worship God together and work together with God that He can truly be seen.
Encourage one another every day or as often as you can. Some people, maybe even YOU, find it hard to get out of bed on a Sunday morning and go sit in the same seats and see the same people. But remember each time you go to church its not those people who you are concentrating on, its Jesus. He wants you to come and spend time worshipping with other believers like you!!
So why not try and encourage someone today, sent them a text or email or even call them and just tell them you were thinking of them and wondered if there was anything you could do to help them out!! They may say NO, but at least they know someone is there if they need them!! Mos of the time that feeling is better than thinking your on your own!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Feb 1, 2010
Step by Step
'The Lord directs the steps of the godly ...' Psalm 37:23
Ever tripped up and fallen flat on your face? Ouch!
And how embarrassing if you're in a crowded place at the time! The shame! If we're not careful we can go through life like this. No, I don't mean tripping up every time we leave the house but just blundering along, making serious, stupid or careless mistakes that cause our lives to crash-land.
Can we avoid it? Is it possible? God says it is: 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives'.
This means we are to: 1) avoid 'People Pressure'. Never do what others want you to do if it goes against what God says. Live God's way and you'll avoid falling flat on your face.
2) tune into God's timing. Not many of us are good at waiting. Whatever it is we want, 'we want it and we want it now!' God isn't going to forget about you or leave you waiting unnecessarily. He is 100% tuned into every part, every detail of your life. Don't let your impatience cause you to run ahead or you'll find yourself on slippery ground and you'll trip up.
3) trust God: When God says He'll do something, you can be guaranteed that He will do it. He doesn't change His mind, get sidetracked or decide He can't be bothered!
God always has your best interests in mind. Walk step by step with Him.
Ever tripped up and fallen flat on your face? Ouch!
And how embarrassing if you're in a crowded place at the time! The shame! If we're not careful we can go through life like this. No, I don't mean tripping up every time we leave the house but just blundering along, making serious, stupid or careless mistakes that cause our lives to crash-land.
Can we avoid it? Is it possible? God says it is: 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives'.
This means we are to: 1) avoid 'People Pressure'. Never do what others want you to do if it goes against what God says. Live God's way and you'll avoid falling flat on your face.
2) tune into God's timing. Not many of us are good at waiting. Whatever it is we want, 'we want it and we want it now!' God isn't going to forget about you or leave you waiting unnecessarily. He is 100% tuned into every part, every detail of your life. Don't let your impatience cause you to run ahead or you'll find yourself on slippery ground and you'll trip up.
3) trust God: When God says He'll do something, you can be guaranteed that He will do it. He doesn't change His mind, get sidetracked or decide He can't be bothered!
God always has your best interests in mind. Walk step by step with Him.
Jan 28, 2010
Let God do the 'heavy lifting'
'... it is God who works in you ...' Philippians 2:13
In our culture, the pressure to succeed can be massive.
It hits us from every direction: from parents, teachers, friends and relatives, from the television and other media.
But the life God wants us to live for him is different from this. In fact, we can learn a lot from the humble straw!
Imagine you're in Maccy D's with a freshly-poured thick milkshake. You grab a straw, whip off its paper coat and stick it in. Now, how does this little piece of thin plastic move the thickest toughest drink known to man from the cup into your mouth?
It doesn't. You do all the hard work. The straw is just the conduit.
A conduit is a channel through which things like liquid move from one point to another, and you are God's conduit!
You are designed to be a free-flowing channel for Jesus Christ Himself, bringing the influence and benefits of God's kingdom wherever we go. It is God who does the hard work.
You are just the conduit.
The problems start when we forget this and allow ourselves to feel the pressure of making things happen in our own strength. We must be full of the Word of God, and most importantly, spend time in intimacy with the Lord in order to be God's conduit. So, today try and be more like the straw and let 'God work in you' more and more.
Learn to let Him do the heavy lifting.
In our culture, the pressure to succeed can be massive.
It hits us from every direction: from parents, teachers, friends and relatives, from the television and other media.
But the life God wants us to live for him is different from this. In fact, we can learn a lot from the humble straw!
Imagine you're in Maccy D's with a freshly-poured thick milkshake. You grab a straw, whip off its paper coat and stick it in. Now, how does this little piece of thin plastic move the thickest toughest drink known to man from the cup into your mouth?
It doesn't. You do all the hard work. The straw is just the conduit.
A conduit is a channel through which things like liquid move from one point to another, and you are God's conduit!
You are designed to be a free-flowing channel for Jesus Christ Himself, bringing the influence and benefits of God's kingdom wherever we go. It is God who does the hard work.
You are just the conduit.
The problems start when we forget this and allow ourselves to feel the pressure of making things happen in our own strength. We must be full of the Word of God, and most importantly, spend time in intimacy with the Lord in order to be God's conduit. So, today try and be more like the straw and let 'God work in you' more and more.
Learn to let Him do the heavy lifting.
Jan 27, 2010
Gifted
'Having then gifts ... let us use them ...' Romans 12:6
God has given us all gifts and talents ... yes even you!
He wants you to discover them and use them because He has given you them for a reason.
'Do what you're called to do', He says.
Trouble is we can spend more time trying to be like other people instead, ending up like this crazy bunch of animals in Dr Charles Swindoll's story: 'Once upon a time, the animals decided that they should do something 'to help'.
So they organised a school. The curriculum: running, climbing, swimming, and flying. The duck was excellent at swimming ... and very poor in running ... so he dropped swimming to practice running. This hurt his webbed feet so badly that he couldn't even swim that well anymore!
The rabbit stayed at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because he had so much 'catch-up' work to do in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but he 'was frustrated' in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down ... so he only got a 'C' in climbing and a 'D' in running.'
Why didn't they just stick to what they were good at instead of trying to do everything? Stop concentrating on what you're not good at and start getting better at what you can do well.
Enjoy being you - and excel at it!
God has given us all gifts and talents ... yes even you!
He wants you to discover them and use them because He has given you them for a reason.
'Do what you're called to do', He says.
Trouble is we can spend more time trying to be like other people instead, ending up like this crazy bunch of animals in Dr Charles Swindoll's story: 'Once upon a time, the animals decided that they should do something 'to help'.
So they organised a school. The curriculum: running, climbing, swimming, and flying. The duck was excellent at swimming ... and very poor in running ... so he dropped swimming to practice running. This hurt his webbed feet so badly that he couldn't even swim that well anymore!
The rabbit stayed at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because he had so much 'catch-up' work to do in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but he 'was frustrated' in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down ... so he only got a 'C' in climbing and a 'D' in running.'
Why didn't they just stick to what they were good at instead of trying to do everything? Stop concentrating on what you're not good at and start getting better at what you can do well.
Enjoy being you - and excel at it!
Jan 22, 2010
The Lord is on YOUR side!!
'The Lord is on my side; I will not fear ...' Psalm 118:6
Get this: 'The Lord is on your side!'
God - the one who holds the universe in His hand, and then some - is on your side!
How amazing is that! Which means that just like David, who wrote Psalm 118, you can say, 'What have I to fear?' Awesome!
Do you really believe that? It's so easy to think: 'God won't 'watch my back' ... I'm too bad for God to even want to hang out with me'. Or 'I've messed up too much ... I'm rubbish ... no one wants me...I'm useless, no-one picks me ... I'm just a Billy-no-mates - God wouldn't want to be on my side.'
We might get mixed up sometimes but God doesn't so what He says goes!
If He says 'He's on your side,' then it's true! He is!
You don't have to be scared of anything or anyone because God is there with you, He's looking out for you, He wants to help you! Now hang on a minute!
Before you get carried away - this doesn't mean that you can go through life doing what ever you like, to whoever, whenever and wherever.
You can't walk around singing, 'You can't touch me, God is on my side'. But you can walk around knowing that whatever's happening, there's no need to be afraid, you can and you will get through it.
So look up, walk tall, live confidently, knowing the Lord is on your side!
Jan 21, 2010
Training session
'... a father corrects a child in whom he delights.' Proverbs 3:12
Ever feel like you're 'getting it in the neck' from everyone?
Employers: Blah! Blah! Blah!
Parents: Nag! Nag! Nag!
Police: Yada! Yada! Yada!
And you're like, 'Whatever!'
None of us enjoy getting 'disciplined'.
It just does your head in! It can feel like people are against us wanting to bring us down. The word discipline doesn't mean to be unnecessarily mean, cruel and downright evil.
It actually means to teach and to train. God knows that in order for us to become all we were created by Him to be, we need teaching and training.
That's why, 'the Lord disciplines those He loves' (Hebrews 12:6 NLT).
Discipline sounds negative to us because people who have disciplined us in the past haven't always done in it in a good or a loving way.
But Hebrews 12: 10-11 (NLT) says: 'God's discipline is always good for us ... no discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it is painful!
But afterward there will be ... right living for those who are trained in this way.' God is love. So when He disciplines you it's not because He enjoys inflicting pain but because He is massively bothered about you.
He completely, one hundred percent loves you! Be encouraged today, accept Gods discipline, knowing He loves you so much that He wants to spend time teaching and training you and receive all the benefits that brings.
Ever feel like you're 'getting it in the neck' from everyone?
Employers: Blah! Blah! Blah!
Parents: Nag! Nag! Nag!
Police: Yada! Yada! Yada!
And you're like, 'Whatever!'
None of us enjoy getting 'disciplined'.
It just does your head in! It can feel like people are against us wanting to bring us down. The word discipline doesn't mean to be unnecessarily mean, cruel and downright evil.
It actually means to teach and to train. God knows that in order for us to become all we were created by Him to be, we need teaching and training.
That's why, 'the Lord disciplines those He loves' (Hebrews 12:6 NLT).
Discipline sounds negative to us because people who have disciplined us in the past haven't always done in it in a good or a loving way.
But Hebrews 12: 10-11 (NLT) says: 'God's discipline is always good for us ... no discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it is painful!
But afterward there will be ... right living for those who are trained in this way.' God is love. So when He disciplines you it's not because He enjoys inflicting pain but because He is massively bothered about you.
He completely, one hundred percent loves you! Be encouraged today, accept Gods discipline, knowing He loves you so much that He wants to spend time teaching and training you and receive all the benefits that brings.
Jan 17, 2010
I get knocked down but I get up again!
'... I'll start over with you and build you up again,...' Jeremiah 31:4
You check your jeans pockets before you shove 'em in the wash and discover two pieces of crumpled-up paper.
One a flyer, the other a 10 dollar note. One you'll keep and one you'll throw away.
Why? After all they're both just crumpled up pieces of paper right?
Wrong! One makes you think, 'Bin it!' because it's just a manky bit of paper that you don't need any more.
The other makes you smile and think, 'Nice one!' because you'd forgotten all about that 10bucks! One of them is valuable to you.
When things go wrong, and they sometimes do, we can begin to feel like that flyer we found crushed in the corner of our jeans pocket.
It started out OK; colourful, shiny, useful, but then it got pushed and pulled in every direction, the info on it wasn't as clear as it used to be and it looked dull and boring. It became a lost cause.
When things go wrong, and they sometimes will; you need to think of yourself like that 10 bucks you found crumpled up in the pocket of your jeans, not the tatty flyer. Even if it had gone through the whole wash cycle it would never lose its worth, never lose its value.
You may feel battered, broken, bruised, useless! But you will always remain priceless to God and He promises, 'I'll start over with you and build you up again.'
Jesus is the same Yesterday, today and forever and his promises remain the same. He wil never leave you nor forsake you and dont forget it!!
You check your jeans pockets before you shove 'em in the wash and discover two pieces of crumpled-up paper.
One a flyer, the other a 10 dollar note. One you'll keep and one you'll throw away.
Why? After all they're both just crumpled up pieces of paper right?
Wrong! One makes you think, 'Bin it!' because it's just a manky bit of paper that you don't need any more.
The other makes you smile and think, 'Nice one!' because you'd forgotten all about that 10bucks! One of them is valuable to you.
When things go wrong, and they sometimes do, we can begin to feel like that flyer we found crushed in the corner of our jeans pocket.
It started out OK; colourful, shiny, useful, but then it got pushed and pulled in every direction, the info on it wasn't as clear as it used to be and it looked dull and boring. It became a lost cause.
When things go wrong, and they sometimes will; you need to think of yourself like that 10 bucks you found crumpled up in the pocket of your jeans, not the tatty flyer. Even if it had gone through the whole wash cycle it would never lose its worth, never lose its value.
You may feel battered, broken, bruised, useless! But you will always remain priceless to God and He promises, 'I'll start over with you and build you up again.'
Jesus is the same Yesterday, today and forever and his promises remain the same. He wil never leave you nor forsake you and dont forget it!!
Jan 15, 2010
Your money or your life
'...You cannot serve both God and Money.' Matthew 6:24
The Bible is full of quirky old stories.
Case study: Exodus 32.
All the Israelites have witnessed a serious case of God kicking Pharaoh's butt and yet here they are by Exodus 32 giving thanks and praise to a gold cow!
If the Israelites had a brain between them at this point, let's say it would comfortably fit into an aspirin bottle.
Come on, how does a chunk of metal with udders compare to the almighty Creator of the universe?
Those old beardy Israelites sure had it all wrong... not like us wonderfully wise Christians today, eh?
I wonder what those old Israelite idiots would make of our ink-dyed pieces of wood shavings or our little squares of precious plastic we feed into holes in the wall. I mean money, of course.
That's our main rival to God, isn't it?
We make such a song and dance about earning, spending and saving those paper rectangles we may as well be giving them our full worship. We see them as the keys to our comfort, the tickets to happiness and the vouchers to our security. But happiness isn't found in the 'ker-ching' of a cash till.
Listen: 'Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you"' (Hebrews 13:5 TM).
What's your song and dance about, God or money?
The Bible is full of quirky old stories.
Case study: Exodus 32.
All the Israelites have witnessed a serious case of God kicking Pharaoh's butt and yet here they are by Exodus 32 giving thanks and praise to a gold cow!
If the Israelites had a brain between them at this point, let's say it would comfortably fit into an aspirin bottle.
Come on, how does a chunk of metal with udders compare to the almighty Creator of the universe?
Those old beardy Israelites sure had it all wrong... not like us wonderfully wise Christians today, eh?
I wonder what those old Israelite idiots would make of our ink-dyed pieces of wood shavings or our little squares of precious plastic we feed into holes in the wall. I mean money, of course.
That's our main rival to God, isn't it?
We make such a song and dance about earning, spending and saving those paper rectangles we may as well be giving them our full worship. We see them as the keys to our comfort, the tickets to happiness and the vouchers to our security. But happiness isn't found in the 'ker-ching' of a cash till.
Listen: 'Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you"' (Hebrews 13:5 TM).
What's your song and dance about, God or money?
Jan 14, 2010
What's the time?
'... teach us to number our days' Psalm 90:12
When we're young it feels like the world is our oyster.
We've got all the time in the world.
Psalm 90 (the oldest Psalm) was written by Moses and He asks God to '... teach us to make the most of our time, so that we can grow in wisdom.'
It's possible Moses wrote this psalm when all he could see was sand. For 40 years Moses was with the people of Israel, living in a desert.
God promised them good things for their lives, but instead they ignored God and did their own thing. As a result the majority of them never left the desert; they never got to see God's better way for their lives. They lived and died in a desert, over six hundred thousand of them. They wasted their time doing their own thing, becoming right miserable numpties!
You may not be living in a desert, but how many times already have you 'wasted your time?' or been told by someone else that you're wasting theirs?
How many times have you wished time away, wanting to sack off your teenage years because you're sick of people 'treating you like a little kid!'
Moses saw firsthand the horror of people wasting the time they have.
Today ask God to '... teach you to make the most of your time, so that you can grow in wisdom.'
Let your life be a life of significance; not a waste!
When we're young it feels like the world is our oyster.
We've got all the time in the world.
Psalm 90 (the oldest Psalm) was written by Moses and He asks God to '... teach us to make the most of our time, so that we can grow in wisdom.'
It's possible Moses wrote this psalm when all he could see was sand. For 40 years Moses was with the people of Israel, living in a desert.
God promised them good things for their lives, but instead they ignored God and did their own thing. As a result the majority of them never left the desert; they never got to see God's better way for their lives. They lived and died in a desert, over six hundred thousand of them. They wasted their time doing their own thing, becoming right miserable numpties!
You may not be living in a desert, but how many times already have you 'wasted your time?' or been told by someone else that you're wasting theirs?
How many times have you wished time away, wanting to sack off your teenage years because you're sick of people 'treating you like a little kid!'
Moses saw firsthand the horror of people wasting the time they have.
Today ask God to '... teach you to make the most of your time, so that you can grow in wisdom.'
Let your life be a life of significance; not a waste!
Jan 12, 2010
Loving God, loving others
'... which is the greatest commandment? ..' Matthew 22:36
So how do you know when you've arrived as a super-duper top-notch premier league Christian?
Is it when you can raise your arms higher than anyone else during the worship time?
Is it when you've mastered the art of pronouncing those long names in difficult Bible readings?
Or is it when you have a variation of a 'WWJD' bracelet strapped to every spare inch of skin?
You get the vibe off Jesus, that the things that require the least fuss and attention to us are the things that God smiles on the most.
Someone once asked Jesus, 'Which is the greatest commandment?'
He answered, '"Love the Lord ... and ... Love your neighbour as yourself' (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).
Don't you just love the simplicity of Jesus?
We make 'religion' so hard and complicated, when really it's all about loving God and loving others. When it comes to singing, it's not about who's making the sweetest sound, it's about who you're singing to.
When it comes to Bible study, it's not about who knows the most Greek root words, it's about the words shaping your life.
When it comes to 'WWJD' wristbands, it's not about who has the funkiest collection, it's about applying the 'What Would Jesus Do' principle to your everyday choices.
How do you know when you're getting there?
Simple: when you're loving God and loving others.
It can be very hard at times to love certain people and treat them as we know Jesus would....but those are the people we need to pay extra attention to. After all we could be the only light in their view, so we should set a Christian example in their sight.
So how do you know when you've arrived as a super-duper top-notch premier league Christian?
Is it when you can raise your arms higher than anyone else during the worship time?
Is it when you've mastered the art of pronouncing those long names in difficult Bible readings?
Or is it when you have a variation of a 'WWJD' bracelet strapped to every spare inch of skin?
You get the vibe off Jesus, that the things that require the least fuss and attention to us are the things that God smiles on the most.
Someone once asked Jesus, 'Which is the greatest commandment?'
He answered, '"Love the Lord ... and ... Love your neighbour as yourself' (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).
Don't you just love the simplicity of Jesus?
We make 'religion' so hard and complicated, when really it's all about loving God and loving others. When it comes to singing, it's not about who's making the sweetest sound, it's about who you're singing to.
When it comes to Bible study, it's not about who knows the most Greek root words, it's about the words shaping your life.
When it comes to 'WWJD' wristbands, it's not about who has the funkiest collection, it's about applying the 'What Would Jesus Do' principle to your everyday choices.
How do you know when you're getting there?
Simple: when you're loving God and loving others.
It can be very hard at times to love certain people and treat them as we know Jesus would....but those are the people we need to pay extra attention to. After all we could be the only light in their view, so we should set a Christian example in their sight.
Jan 10, 2010
Tough love
'...Arise and walk...' Matthew 9:5
'Arise and walk', Jesus says to a man who is paralyzed.
Can you imagine what must have been going through this guy's mind?
There He was, being carried on a mat down the street by his buddies who put him down right by this guy called Jesus.
By now everyone wanted to meet Jesus, who was getting a reputation for doing miraculous stuff.
The place was packed and Jesus looks at him, mentions nothing about his paralysis but basically says, 'Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.'
This causes some religious people there to start kicking off at Jesus, because they didn't like what He was saying. This guy is now stuck in the middle of all this. Jesus turns to him and says 'Get up. Take your bed and go home.'
Talk about pressure! Everyone's now looking at him: what can he do?
He knows he's paralyzed and can't move!
Where's the sympathy and understanding from Jesus, eh?
Where's the love?
How tough is Jesus on this poor guy?
Even so, this guy chooses to trust Jesus, and, guess what? He stood up! He was healed. He didn't just walk out that room; he ran!
Sometimes, what Jesus asks us to do can seem too hard, too tough. It can even seem like Jesus doesn't care about us, doesn't understand our situation. But if you trust Him the benefits will blow your mind. Don't forget, He knows best and as your Heavenly Father...he won't put you through something you won't be able to come out of.
'Arise and walk', Jesus says to a man who is paralyzed.
Can you imagine what must have been going through this guy's mind?
There He was, being carried on a mat down the street by his buddies who put him down right by this guy called Jesus.
By now everyone wanted to meet Jesus, who was getting a reputation for doing miraculous stuff.
The place was packed and Jesus looks at him, mentions nothing about his paralysis but basically says, 'Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.'
This causes some religious people there to start kicking off at Jesus, because they didn't like what He was saying. This guy is now stuck in the middle of all this. Jesus turns to him and says 'Get up. Take your bed and go home.'
Talk about pressure! Everyone's now looking at him: what can he do?
He knows he's paralyzed and can't move!
Where's the sympathy and understanding from Jesus, eh?
Where's the love?
How tough is Jesus on this poor guy?
Even so, this guy chooses to trust Jesus, and, guess what? He stood up! He was healed. He didn't just walk out that room; he ran!
Sometimes, what Jesus asks us to do can seem too hard, too tough. It can even seem like Jesus doesn't care about us, doesn't understand our situation. But if you trust Him the benefits will blow your mind. Don't forget, He knows best and as your Heavenly Father...he won't put you through something you won't be able to come out of.
Jan 2, 2010
New Year, new vision (part 4)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
Whether your dream for 2010 is to kick-start a credible youth service in your church or to impress Simon Cowell with your bump 'n grind rendition of 'Millennium Prayer' (best seek the advice of a church elder on that one) you're going to need plenty of iron in your soul.
Every dream will taste the pin-prick test sooner or later. But it's not the pain, it's the praise that will say whether you survive. Early church hero Paul dreamed of spreading God's happy-clappiness around the ancient world.
After 16 months of being chained in a Roman dungeon, you'd expect him to be all 'woe is me', but this guy's happy-clappy is still going strong.
Listen: 'Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice' (Philippians 4:4 NAS).
How did he keep his smile when the world was telling him to frown?
Extra brownie points for all you who answered: vision.
Vision says: It's not over till God says it's over.
Circumstances and people don't have the last word; God does!
He is 'the author and finisher of our faith ...' (Hebrews 12:2 NKJ).
With God, quitting is not an option. When you quit without his permission you're 'AWOL'; you abandon His protection and provision.
Vision also says: Nothing can defeat you without your permission. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control what you say and do.
Take control; hold onto vision.
Whether your dream for 2010 is to kick-start a credible youth service in your church or to impress Simon Cowell with your bump 'n grind rendition of 'Millennium Prayer' (best seek the advice of a church elder on that one) you're going to need plenty of iron in your soul.
Every dream will taste the pin-prick test sooner or later. But it's not the pain, it's the praise that will say whether you survive. Early church hero Paul dreamed of spreading God's happy-clappiness around the ancient world.
After 16 months of being chained in a Roman dungeon, you'd expect him to be all 'woe is me', but this guy's happy-clappy is still going strong.
Listen: 'Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice' (Philippians 4:4 NAS).
How did he keep his smile when the world was telling him to frown?
Extra brownie points for all you who answered: vision.
Vision says: It's not over till God says it's over.
Circumstances and people don't have the last word; God does!
He is 'the author and finisher of our faith ...' (Hebrews 12:2 NKJ).
With God, quitting is not an option. When you quit without his permission you're 'AWOL'; you abandon His protection and provision.
Vision also says: Nothing can defeat you without your permission. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control what you say and do.
Take control; hold onto vision.
Jan 1, 2010
New Year, new vision (part 3)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
New year, new beginnings and all that stuff, but what if this year you really meant it?
Let's not be like your best friend, who will today swear by the god of 'new year resolutions' that no carbohydrate will pass her lips until she can squeeze into her Kylie-style hot-pants.
Let's set ourselves some quality goals at the beginning of 2010. Let's start acting on the vision that God has given us. Let God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven this year, courtesy of our fresh faith-like approach to life.
Unlike your best friend, who come January 4, will be having withdrawals from the cookies, we're going to have the will power of a saint. Why? Because, '... we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way' (Hebrews 10:39 TM).
Remember when things get tough pray for the strengh....Psalm 119: 'Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well. Use your decrees to put iron in my soul' (v.175).
Whatever up and downs 2010 has planned for you, 'Don't burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants to the Master...' (Romans 12:11 TM).
The year is always what you make of it and this year God has alot on the to-do list for you so do each task with joy in your heart!!!
New year, new beginnings and all that stuff, but what if this year you really meant it?
Let's not be like your best friend, who will today swear by the god of 'new year resolutions' that no carbohydrate will pass her lips until she can squeeze into her Kylie-style hot-pants.
Let's set ourselves some quality goals at the beginning of 2010. Let's start acting on the vision that God has given us. Let God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven this year, courtesy of our fresh faith-like approach to life.
Unlike your best friend, who come January 4, will be having withdrawals from the cookies, we're going to have the will power of a saint. Why? Because, '... we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way' (Hebrews 10:39 TM).
Remember when things get tough pray for the strengh....Psalm 119: 'Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well. Use your decrees to put iron in my soul' (v.175).
Whatever up and downs 2010 has planned for you, 'Don't burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants to the Master...' (Romans 12:11 TM).
The year is always what you make of it and this year God has alot on the to-do list for you so do each task with joy in your heart!!!
Dec 31, 2009
New Year, new vision (part 2)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
Remember yesterday and all that looking into the future with a special type of eyesight, well there's more!
What kind of secret-mission has God planted in your heart?
If you're not sure, then ask him: 'Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get' (Proverbs 20:18 TM).
If you want to know why you're here on this sphere, ask him. God has all your answers. God has all your purposes. God has all your dreams. Plus, here's the 'win-win' situation, not only will He give you wild dreams to chase, He'll give you all you need to fulfil them.
Yes, there'll be set-backs and hurdles, it won't all be plain-sailing. (Hey, even Rocky has to do the hard graft of running up all those steps to his theme tune, before he gets his world title, so why should you get off lightly?) But if you stick it out, with God's help, you'll change history.
Winston Churchill did it: when it looked like the war was lost, Britain's leader looked over the mountain, beyond the now and into the future, rallying his nation with these words, 'Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never, give up!'
Now there was a man of vision, a man of purpose, certain of his impending victory despite the overwhelming odds.
Whatever righteous cause God entrusts to you, never, never, never give up!
Remember yesterday and all that looking into the future with a special type of eyesight, well there's more!
What kind of secret-mission has God planted in your heart?
If you're not sure, then ask him: 'Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get' (Proverbs 20:18 TM).
If you want to know why you're here on this sphere, ask him. God has all your answers. God has all your purposes. God has all your dreams. Plus, here's the 'win-win' situation, not only will He give you wild dreams to chase, He'll give you all you need to fulfil them.
Yes, there'll be set-backs and hurdles, it won't all be plain-sailing. (Hey, even Rocky has to do the hard graft of running up all those steps to his theme tune, before he gets his world title, so why should you get off lightly?) But if you stick it out, with God's help, you'll change history.
Winston Churchill did it: when it looked like the war was lost, Britain's leader looked over the mountain, beyond the now and into the future, rallying his nation with these words, 'Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never, give up!'
Now there was a man of vision, a man of purpose, certain of his impending victory despite the overwhelming odds.
Whatever righteous cause God entrusts to you, never, never, never give up!
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