Something was going on with my Blogger account so I apologize for the delayed devotionals.
"God...reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:18 NKJV
Tim Miller writes: "My 9 year old daughter Jennifer was looking forward to our family vacation. But she became ill, and a long-anticipated day at Sea World was replaced by an all-night series of CT scans, X-rays and blood work at the hospital. As morning approached the doctor told my exhausted little girl that she would need one more test, a spinal tap. the procedure would be painful, they said. The doctor then asked me if I planned to stay in the room. I nodded, knowing I couldn't leave Jennifer alone during the ordeal. The doctor gently asked Jennifer to remove her clothing. She looked at me with child-like modesty as if to ask if it were alright. They had her curl up into a tiny ball. I buried my face in hers and hugged her. When the needle went in, Jennifer cried. As the searing pain increased, her sobbing repeatedly, 'Daddy, Daddy, Daddy," her voice becoming more earnest with each word. It was as if she were saying, 'Oh Daddy, please, can't you do something?' My tears mingled with hers. My heart was broken, I felt nauseated. Because i loved her, I was allowing her to go through the most agonizing experience in her life. In the middle of that spinal tap my thoughts went to the Cross. What unspeakable pain both the Son and the Father went through- for OUR sake."
But because of the Cross of Christ we have: (1) Reconciliation. "God...reconciled us to Himself." (2) Regeneration. "Having been born again" (1 Pe 1:23 NKJV). (3) Resurrection. "Everyone who...believes...I will raise him up at the last day" (Jn 6:40 NKJV). Thank God for the Cross!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Seeing Yourself the Right Way
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?" Galatians 1:10 NIV
Too many of us have made it our life's work to change somebody else's opinion of us. We're determined to prove to them that we're valuable. Now, you can't be like the guy who quipped, "I like talking to myself, because I like dealing with a better class of people." But neither can you base your worth on the opinions of those who put you down. When Harry Truman was thrust into the presidency by the death of Franklin Roosevelt, Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House, took him aside and said, "You're going to have lots of people around you. And they will tell you what a great man you are, Harry. But you and I both know you ain't." As it turned out, Truman became a truly great president.
Until you quit agreeing with those who've mistreated you, or bowing to the events that crippled you emotionally, you'll remain locked in a prison of your own making. When your critic's opinion becomes your opinion, you've built a prison inside your soul with only one prisoner--you. Are you prepared to accept that some of the people you've spent your life trying to impress, may never be impressed? And can you accept that from God's perspective--it doesn't matter? To succeed in life you must be able to work alongside people without allowing yourself to be controlled by their moods or governed by their opinions. This is what Paul was talking about when he said, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?...If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Mary Mary- "You Will Know" (originally done by the LEGENDARY Stevland "Stevie Wonder" Morris)
Too many of us have made it our life's work to change somebody else's opinion of us. We're determined to prove to them that we're valuable. Now, you can't be like the guy who quipped, "I like talking to myself, because I like dealing with a better class of people." But neither can you base your worth on the opinions of those who put you down. When Harry Truman was thrust into the presidency by the death of Franklin Roosevelt, Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House, took him aside and said, "You're going to have lots of people around you. And they will tell you what a great man you are, Harry. But you and I both know you ain't." As it turned out, Truman became a truly great president.
Until you quit agreeing with those who've mistreated you, or bowing to the events that crippled you emotionally, you'll remain locked in a prison of your own making. When your critic's opinion becomes your opinion, you've built a prison inside your soul with only one prisoner--you. Are you prepared to accept that some of the people you've spent your life trying to impress, may never be impressed? And can you accept that from God's perspective--it doesn't matter? To succeed in life you must be able to work alongside people without allowing yourself to be controlled by their moods or governed by their opinions. This is what Paul was talking about when he said, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?...If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Mary Mary- "You Will Know" (originally done by the LEGENDARY Stevland "Stevie Wonder" Morris)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
He'll Never Put More On You...
I've decided to post gospel songs in addition to the devotionals so you can have a mini praise party every day! :)
The 2 selections today are from Kirk Franklin's "God's Property" CD (1997). This is specifically dedicated to all of the college students out there!!! This is the final stretch of school (for the Seniors...this is the final final stretch!!) and many are feelings stressed, overwhelmed, and discouraged. I know I'm personally having trouble seeing the finish line because of all the papers, projects, and presentations coming up. Remember to have faith. He'll never put more on you than you can bear. If you believe it, you can achieve it! Enjoy.
More Than I Can Bear
I've gone through the fire
And I've been through the flood
I've been broken into pieces
Seen lightnin' flashin' from above
But through it all I remember
That He loves me
And He cares
And He'll never put more on me
Than I can bear
(Repeat)
His word said He won't
I believe it
I recieve it
I claim it
It's mine
No he'll never
Put more on me
Than I can bear
Faith
The 2 selections today are from Kirk Franklin's "God's Property" CD (1997). This is specifically dedicated to all of the college students out there!!! This is the final stretch of school (for the Seniors...this is the final final stretch!!) and many are feelings stressed, overwhelmed, and discouraged. I know I'm personally having trouble seeing the finish line because of all the papers, projects, and presentations coming up. Remember to have faith. He'll never put more on you than you can bear. If you believe it, you can achieve it! Enjoy.
More Than I Can Bear
I've gone through the fire
And I've been through the flood
I've been broken into pieces
Seen lightnin' flashin' from above
But through it all I remember
That He loves me
And He cares
And He'll never put more on me
Than I can bear
(Repeat)
His word said He won't
I believe it
I recieve it
I claim it
It's mine
No he'll never
Put more on me
Than I can bear
Faith
I can do the impossible
I can see the invisible
Because I got faith
Cause I know I got faith
Yeah yeah
I can climb a mountain
Said I can reach my goal
I'm more than a conqueror
Down in my soul
The devil is a liar
I've won the race
Said I got victory
All because I got faith
Yes I can
Yes I can can
I can
Why can't I
If I wanna yes I can can
How to resolve the old issue
"The Lord has taken away your sin." 2 Samuel 12:13 NIV
There's no point asking God for other things when you haven't made right with those you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from. Jesus said, "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary" (Mt 5:23-25 NIV). Don't be led by your wounded ego, be led by God's Word.
You say, "But the person I had the issue with is no longer around. I can't get a hearing, yet in my heart I'm still troubled about it." In this case the Bible says, "Confess your faults one to another, availeth much" (Jas 5:16). Share your feelings with someone worthy of your trust. Pray with them, openly confessing your wrongs and the guilt you feel. You'll be surprised how prayer and the presence of an affirming friend can provide you with the peace of mind you seek.
After David murder Uriah, his lover's husband, his guilt was overwhelming. It just about wiped him out. When he could take no more, he broke his silence and sought God's forgiveness. But Uriah wasn't around to hear his confession; he'd been dead almost a year. So he turned to Nathan the prophet and poured out his heart saying, "I have sinned." Nathan listened patiently, then said, "The Lord has taken away your sin." Follow David's example, and then move forward with confidence.
There's no point asking God for other things when you haven't made right with those you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from. Jesus said, "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary" (Mt 5:23-25 NIV). Don't be led by your wounded ego, be led by God's Word.
You say, "But the person I had the issue with is no longer around. I can't get a hearing, yet in my heart I'm still troubled about it." In this case the Bible says, "Confess your faults one to another, availeth much" (Jas 5:16). Share your feelings with someone worthy of your trust. Pray with them, openly confessing your wrongs and the guilt you feel. You'll be surprised how prayer and the presence of an affirming friend can provide you with the peace of mind you seek.
After David murder Uriah, his lover's husband, his guilt was overwhelming. It just about wiped him out. When he could take no more, he broke his silence and sought God's forgiveness. But Uriah wasn't around to hear his confession; he'd been dead almost a year. So he turned to Nathan the prophet and poured out his heart saying, "I have sinned." Nathan listened patiently, then said, "The Lord has taken away your sin." Follow David's example, and then move forward with confidence.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Word For You Today
Last summer I started reading a daily devotional from Golden Gate Cathedral (Memphis, TN) entitled, "A Word For You Today." It is amazing how the Lord has spoken to me through the short readings in this devotional. My prayer is that you too will be encouraged by my sharing of "The Word."
"As we walk in the authority of the Word of God, we must be equipped to handle the challenge of daily living. We must read the Bible daily to prepare for this life. In addition, this devotional will give you an in-depth look at the Word. It gives a more practical application for daily living. It is another tool used to sharpen our knowledge of out Lord, Jesus Christ..."
~Bishop Edward H. Stephens, Jr. (Senior Pastor)
Be Blessed and Encouraged,
mCn
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