01 November

As a citizen of both heaven and earth, the Christian has civic as well as spiritual obligations.
What Now?</FONT>
2 CHRONICLES 7:11-14 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=2+CHRONICLES+7:11-14&version=NASB)



The Word of God is true and reliable. As we read about how the Lord related to His people in biblical times, we should look for application to our own lives. All too often, Christians allow themselves to think that divine judgment could never happen today. But what does the scriptural record actually show?

Today's passage reveals that judgment could, in fact, befall those God loves. These verses concern "My people"—not some pagan nation—and turning away from the heavenly Father would result in pestilence and drought. But verse 14 also reveals God's plan to rescue a nation under judgment. We believers are to:

1) Humble ourselves. We must acknowledge God's right to rule over us.

2) Pray. This describes heartfelt crying out to the Lord (Psalm 34:17) rather than simply a bringing of requests before Him. We are to pray out of a sense of desperation and helplessness.

3) Seek His face. We are to have a longing in our hearts to know God's will for ourselves as well as for our nation. 4) Turn from our wicked ways. Wickedness encompasses everything that is opposed to God, including immorality and all manner of corruption. If we join hands with the wicked, whether by action or inaction, we ourselves are guilty before God. (James 4:17) God wants to heal our land, which is ignoring biblical principles and turning to its own ways. He is the only one who is able to protect our nation. Christians, call upon Him!

02 November


Making a Lasting Impact</FONT>
MATTHEW 5:13-16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=MATTHEW+5:13-16&version=NASB)



God's purpose for each one of us is that we will make a lasting impact. We are to have a spiritual influence in the lives of the people we encounter. This is not an option; it is a command. And the power of our impact is going to be determined by the character of our life. The Word of God uses a very common item to describe what our character should be—we are to be like salt.

Food is flavored by salt. Similarly, we Christians are to season the lives of the people around us in such as way that they will come to know Jesus Christ. Salt also creates thirst. When we enjoy a big slice of hickory smoked ham for breakfast, we need a glass of water to go with it! When we are at work or among friends, people notice our joy and contentment and desire to have those things for themselves. Their heart thirsts for God. Salt also has unique healing properties. One treatment for a sore throat is to dissolve salt in warm water and gargle with the soothing solution. In the same way, we who follow Christ can be a healing element in the lives of others. If we take a moment to listen to people's hurts, we will have their attention. Then we can share with them the truth that heals a broken heart. Salt loses flavor when it becomes mixed with impurities. In other words, when we let sin into our life, we lessen the strength of our witness. So in order to preserve the power of our "saltiness," we must guard the way we live. Then our impact can be strong and lasting.

03 November


Handling Difficult Circumstances</FONT>
PHILIPPIANS 1:12-20 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PHILIPPIANS+1:12-20&version=NASB)



Paul's letter to the church at Philippi was written during his Roman imprisonment. Chained continuously to a guard while awaiting trial, he wrote encouraging the Philippians not to worry over him, because he was learning some valuable lessons. "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am," he told them. (Philippians 4:11) Notice the verse does not say that he was always happy; happiness depends upon circumstances. Contentment, on the other hand, indicates we are so anchored in God that we can thank Him in the midst of pain. Paul's surroundings were among the worst in the world, but he scarcely mentioned his situation. Instead, his focus never wavered from God. (Philippians 1:20; 3:10) Paul did not see himself as a victim. He believed that he was under the sovereign hand of the living Lord—in God's place at God's time for God's purpose. All around him, Paul saw the good result of his time in prison. The entire Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers who guarded Caesar, had heard about Jesus, thanks to the apostle's consistent witnessing. His imprisonment was also having the opposite effect of what his enemies had planned. Instead of driving Christians into hiding, Paul's example of contentment in the face of hardship made them bolder. Like Paul, we must choose our response to pain and hardship. We can become resentful and bitter, consequently allowing a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth to defeat us. Or we can turn to God, cry out for help, and be victorious.

04 November


Renewal or Relapse</FONT>
ROMANS 12:1-2 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+12:1-2&version=NASB)



All of us will occasionally falter in our Christian walk, but some believers go back into their old lifestyle and stay there, almost as if they had never been saved. It could be just a few weeks after salvation or even years later that they turn away from God. What causes a person to go from pursuing Christ to following the ways of the world?

We know that when we are saved by grace, we have a new birth experience. (2 Corinthians 5:17) God creates something original within us—a brand new nature—and it is so wonderful we look forward to telling others about it. Then we return to our old environment, where the people who know us have not themselves changed. Over time, they will use enticements to get us to interact as we once did—to laugh at their jokes, to watch worldly television shows, and even to agree with commonly held opinions. We are often frustrated at their response to our faith and our lifestyle, but because God wants us to lead others to Christ, He leaves us in our old surroundings. What results is a fork in the road. Some Christians endure the snide comments and ignore the temptations. But other believers find themselves weakening until they make the decision to join the crowd "just this one time." It is difficult to keep both our old friends and our new faith, but God honors those who honor Him. Where do you stand—with your feet firmly planted on God's path? Or are you poised at the precipice, leaning toward the other side?

05 November


Comebacks After Setbacks</FONT>
1 JOHN 1:5-9 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+JOHN+1:5-9&version=NASB)



Whether we have recently become believers or have followed Christ for years, the Devil seeks to attack our faith and cause us to relapse into disobedient ways. We are warned to be alert because our enemy is like a roaring lion seeking to harm us. (1 Peter 5:8)

His intentions are to enslave us to sin. When we succumb to temptation, Satan presses in to trap us so that we will feel estranged from God. Our enemy tries to convince us we cannot return to God in our current state. Some of us become so miserable that we buy the lie and embrace the world's ways. Since our heavenly Father knows the Devil's tactics and our weaknesses, He has planned an escape for us. It is called "confession." Genuine confession means telling God what we have done and agreeing it is wrong—we express sorrow over it, acknowledge we cannot rescue ourselves, and declare our heartfelt desire to turn from our sin and live for Him again. God promises to forgive us and cleanse us so that we might be restored to fellowship with Him. (1 John 1:9) To prevent entrapment by the Enemy, we are to take our "everyday, ordinary life . . . and place it before God as an offering"; we should avoid becoming "so well-adjusted to [our] culture that [we] fit into it without even thinking" (Romans 12:1-2 THE MESSAGE). Most importantly, we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us so that our external conduct and communication matches our new internal nature.

06 November


Advancing Through Our Adversity </FONT>
ROMANS 8:18, 26-28 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+8:18,+26-28&version=NASB)



What would happen if we approached a fork in the road and found two signs, one reading "Road of Comfort" and the other, "Road of Adversity"? We would veer onto the Road of Comfort with a sigh of relief, wouldn't we? None of us wants to experience even one single unnecessary moment of pain, disappointment, or loss. Yet God's Word tells us affliction is inevitable. (John 16:33) The good news, however, is that for the believer, there is always purpose in it. (Romans 8:28)

Purpose #1—Adversity reveals our view of God. If we feel like victims in the trial, then our belief in His sovereignty is not solid. If we become fixed on our negative circumstances, then our faith in His good purposes is shown to be shaky. The more clearly we understand who God is, the deeper and stronger our faith will be. Strong faith will keep us steady. Purpose #2—Adversity teaches us the truth about ourselves. Many of these truths could not be learned any other way. For example, through financial loss, we learn the true priority of material things in our life—we may find our identity has been wrapped up in our job or bank account. If our suffering is due to someone's words or actions, we discover how willing we are to forgive. We also learn about our capacity to endure in the face of great difficulty. Scripture exhorts us to use our adverse experiences wisely so we will progress in spiritual maturity. As we become like Jesus in both our view of God and our character, we will please our Father greatly.

07 November


Where to Go When in Need</FONT>
Hebrews 4:13-16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=Hebrews+4:13-16&version=NASB)



Whenever situations in our lives become so burdensome that we can’t go on alone, where do we go? The world waves many temptations in our faces, hoping we would select them over the only place we need to go: the throne of God.

A.W. Tozer writes, "We cannot think rightly of God until we begin to think of Him as always being there, and there first." God desires to bear our burdens and give us the help that we need. He is there and should be our first option in times of trials and tribulations.

But why God? Why should we go to Him first and only?

Whenever we are struggling, we want someone who can relate to our circumstances. We want someone who knows us. We want someone who can give us assurance. When Jesus came to earth as a man, He went through all the same trials and tribulations in life we go through. We also discover that God knows us better than anyone else. (v. 13) Our lives are "laid bare" before Him. So, if God suits the profile of the person we desire to relate to us, why turn to anyone else? He desires for us to draw near to Him "so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (v. 16). God has given us access to His throne of grace so we would go to Him. Why would we go anywhere else? Where else can we go to have our every need met?

08 November


The Character of Gossip</FONT>
JAMES 3:5-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JAMES+3:5-8&version=NASB)



Gossip is not a popular subject, but it is a popular activity. Many people spend a great deal of time participating in idle talk about someone else, usually with the intention of injuring the individual in some way. Oftentimes believers are just as guilty of gossiping as unbelievers. But God insists that we view it differently. Scripture lists the practice of gossip in a couple of odious categories. Paul places it in the midst of interrelated sins like deceit, malice, slander, and arrogance (Romans 1:29-30)—gossip is deceiving and defamatory, and it is accompanied by both cruelty and pride. These are all characteristics of "haters of God," according to the apostle. In 2 Timothy 3:1-3, we find another list of evils that Paul cautions Timothy to acknowledge; there, he places gossip right in the middle. And of course, the list everyone recognizes is the Ten Commandments, whose last decree is, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). Gossip does not fit who we are as God's children. Just as you can't have poison and pure water pouring from the same stream, you cannot have both God-honoring talk and gossip coming from a believer. When evil departs from our lips, it is indicative of what we harbor in our heart. But God is in the heart-cleaning business. If we falter—allowing gossip and its cohorts malice and deceit into our lives—we should pray as David did: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

09 November


The Power of Our Confession</FONT>
PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PHILIPPIANS+4:10-13&version=NASB)



What we say about ourselves reveals what we are really like on the inside. We often fail to realize that our negative statements are more than comments on our life; they are the reason for our defeat.

The apostle Paul was different. Writing from places that were lowly in both the physical and the emotional sense, he is a triumphant example of positive confessions. We, like Paul, need to view ourselves as our heavenly Father does. The best way to do that is to recognize God as the source of our power: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Many of us have memorized this verse, but have we accepted its truth? To say "all things" is a bold statement, but it is balanced too. The emphasis is not on "I can," but rather on the fact that I can through Christ—He supplies everything we need to carry out His plan for our life. This verse is a confession that we cannot do God's will in our own power. But that does not mean we should simply sit back and become spectators. We Christians have a responsibility to obey the Lord's leading in small matters as well as in momentous circumstances. Furthermore, it is your hands, feet, body, voice, compassion, and desires that God will use to accomplish His ultimate goal for you. Obeying by faith may seem frightening, but the comfort zone is not where godly people choose to spend their time. To do all things through Christ, we must take a few risks. And the rewards for obedience are deeply satisfying.

10 November


When Facing Life’s Mountains </FONT>
ZECHARIAH 4:1-10 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ZECHARIAH+4:1-10&version=NASB)



In the vision God gave to Zechariah, the mountain is an illustration of a barrier or hindrance. We might wonder what these strange dreams can teach us today. While the imagery is foreign, the principles are repeated throughout the Bible.

Zerubbabel, leader of Judah, and a group of 50,000 people had been released by their Babylonian captors to return to Jerusalem. There, God's people began to rebuild the walls of the temple, but were attacked by those living nearby. Consequently, the people were discouraged and ready to give up. In verse 6, God reminded Zerubbabel through Zechariah that progress is made "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." In other words, when God calls us to a task, He Himself assumes responsibility for removing hindrances. God went on to ask, "What are you, O great mountain?" Nothing but flatland would remain once He worked through Zerubbabel. We are not to face seemingly insurmountable tasks in our own strength. Instead, we are to rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are like the lampstand that was to be kept continually burning in the temple. In Zechariah's dream, the olive trees on each side of the lampstand were pouring oil directly into its bowl, with no help from the priests. The Holy Spirit was acting as the olive trees—He was God's promise of continual help to the weary people. We, too, can trust the Lord to pour His Holy Spirit into our lives for help when we are facing a "mountain" of an obstacle.

11 November


Believe in Eternal Security</FONT>
EPHESIANS 2:8-10 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=EPHESIANS+2:8-10&version=NASB)



There are many warnings in Scripture against carelessly or indifferently letting our lives drift away from God and His plan. However, the Bible doesn't mention losing our salvation once we belong to Christ—there are only admonitions about believers losing their reward. We are eternally secure in Christ for several reasons:

1) Divine Election. The Lord views our whole lifespan in one glance. Because He can see both the beginning and the end, He knows that those He has chosen (Ephesians 1:4) will certainly be in heaven with Him. This election has nothing to do with us (2 Timothy 1:8-9); it is all of God, who has predestined us to be with Him for eternity. (Romans 8:29-30)

2) Christ's Work of Redemption. On the cross, Jesus declared His work was finished. Then in heaven, He sat down on the throne (Hebrews 1:3) and began His work of intercession (Hebrews 7:25) because His redemptive plan was complete. No other sacrifice was needed. (Hebrews 10:10) 3) Salvation by Grace Alone. Neither our conduct nor our character determines our eternal position; only our acceptance of God's grace through Christ Jesus does. Grace is the goodness and kindness of the Father without regard to our worth or value and in spite of what we deserve. (Ephesians 2:8-9) As God's workmanship (Philippians 2:12-13), we do nothing to earn salvation, and we likewise do nothing to keep it (Titus 3:5). The gift is freely given to us forever. Eternally secure—it is a done deal.

12 November


Why We Are Eternally Secure</FONT>
COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=COLOSSIANS+1:13-14&version=NASB)



Yesterday we learned that our salvation is eternally secure because 1) God elected us, 2) Christ's work of salvation is complete, and 3) it is accomplished not by our effort, but by grace. The Scriptures give us several other reasons.

4) The Nature of Salvation. Redemption is a gift from God. (John 3:16) In fact, all the work is His doing: He forgives, delivers, and brings us home to heaven. (2 Timothy 4:18) His work is everlasting.

5) The Promises of God. Our Father promises that the life He gives us is eternal and that no one can take us from Him. (John 10:28) He also vows that He has begun a good work in us—spiritual transformation into Christ's likeness—and He will complete it. (Philippians 1:6)

6) Our Union with Christ. When God adopts us as His children, we are born of Him and placed in union with Christ. (John 1:12-13) Jesus Himself has declared He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He will even seat us in the heavenlies with Him. (Ephesians 2:6) 7) The Holy Spirit's Eternal Work. The Spirit of God sealed us at salvation, (Ephesians 1:13-14) and His work lasts forever. Through Him, the Father has promised that we are eternally secure. The presence of the Spirit permanently marks each believer as one of God's children. Are you convinced yet of the permanency of your position? The Father has adopted you, the Son has united with you, and the Spirit has sealed you as God's child. We belong to our triune God forever. Hallelujah!

13 November


How God Uses Our Adversity</FONT>
2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=2+CORINTHIANS+12:7-10&version=NASB)



Adversity is God's most effective tool for growing us in our faith. Did you know that? What puts us on our knees is what grows us up. The apostle Paul said that he had learned to be content with insults, distress, and persecutions. He had discovered that he experienced God's presence and power most strongly through troubles. (Philippians 4:11-13) God carefully selects where He wants to work in our lives and often uses affliction, His choicest tool, to accomplish His plan.

In intense times of difficulty, we may be hard pressed to understand what God is doing, but we can be certain He has a divine purpose in it. It does not matter what the source of the trouble is—whether adversity is from something we caused, from someone else's actions, straight from the Devil, or from God Himself, our Father has a purpose and a plan for it. (Romans 8:28) He is engineering all of our circumstances for His glory and our good. Do you believe that? Adversity is an accurate barometer of our spiritual life. If we want to know the strength and quality of our faith, we need only look at how we handle our troubles. Ask yourself a few questions: How am I handling my circumstances? Am I showing more patience than I used to demonstrate or exhibiting greater self-control in my troubles? Am I more at peace and less in turmoil than before? The Lord invites us to see adversity as He does. Will you commit today to cooperate with God and bring Him glory by advancing through adversity?

14 November


My Assurance: God Is In Control</FONT>
John 8:32 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=John+8:32&version=NASB)



God has known you from the beginning of time. In fact, there has never been a time when He did not know and love you. Many find this difficult to believe. They think back to the wrong decisions they have made and wonder how God could love them. Others struggle with sin on a daily basis and think there is no way God will continue to care for them. But God does. He loves us in spite of our past and all we struggle with in the present. God is not looking for any of us to perform up to a certain level. Instead, He longs for us to love Him with a full heart. When we do this, sin loses its attraction, and we seek to turn away from it. Love as strong as the love of God has the ability to touch even the hardest of hearts. While good performance may change the outward appearance, it can never change the core of a sinful heart. Only the grace and love of God can do this. Because He is sovereign and in control of all things, we can bring our failures to the Lord and receive full and complete forgiveness. And because we know through His Word that He loves us with an eternal love, we can ask Him to remove the areas of sin in our lives that prove difficult and stubborn. As you pray, tell Him of your sincere love for Him, and ask Him to make a way of freedom and hope for you today.

15 November


The Powerful Attribute of Patience</FONT>
HEBREWS 6:9-15 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=HEBREWS+6:9-15&version=NASB)



When you walk up to an elevator and see that the up button is lit, do you ever push it anyway? Or when you are stuck in a grocery line that will not move, do you every think how poorly managed the store is? Our patience, or lack of it, spills over into every aspect of our lives.

Patience is not a natural trait that some possess at birth. Likewise, it is not a gift from God that we can pray to request. No, patience is available only through the Holy Spirit. Apart from Him, we will have a difficult time developing this awesome quality. The nature of patience is such that it allows us to say, I'm willing to let go of immediate gratification and wait for God to supply. We experience an inner quietness that can come from Him alone. That doesn't mean we will never feel pressure or stress. Sometimes the need to persist in working toward our goals is almost overwhelming, but God can calm our heart. It's important to realize that patience cannot be developed apart from other godly characteristics. In considering the life of David, we can see that this is true. While waiting to be made king by God's hand, David had several opportunities to kill Saul, the nation's current ruler. By refusing to take advantage of the situation, David demonstrated discernment, wisdom, love, and faith in God's timing. (1 Samuel 24:10-11; 26:10-11) Patience is available only as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) So to demonstrate this important characteristic, we must surrender our lives to Him.

16 November


The Consequences of Impatience</FONT>
LUKE 15:11-19 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=LUKE+15:11-19&version=NASB)



We send some very strong messages by exhibiting impatience toward God. When we demonstrate an inability to tolerate delay, we are telling the Lord, "I do not trust Your timing; mine is better."

At times, we all stand at forks in the road of life and must decide if we are willing to wait for God's prompting. It is very important that we obey Him and be patient with His schedule and plan. One example is the Prodigal Son, who in squandering his inheritance, faced several consequences:

1. He brought sorrow on his family. Our impatience often hurts those we love.

2. He separated from his family. When we run ahead of God, we often run away from voices of reason and wisdom in our life too.

3. He faced poverty. We stand to lose a great deal when we ignore the Lord's timing because His blessing accompanies our obedience. 4. He felt unworthy. We can never experience fellowship with God when impatience keeps us outside of His will. We know that at the end of the story, the Prodigal Son is joyfully welcomed back into his family. His father lavishes love and attention upon this son and assures him of his worth. But although he is forgiven, the results of his impatience are not entirely erased. He will never regain the wealth he wasted. Often we cannot take back our mistakes when we have jumped ahead of God. It is better that we wait on Him to tell us when to move forward.

17 November


Expressing Patience</FONT>
EPHESIANS 4:1-3 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=EPHESIANS+4:1-3&version=NASB)



We are called to be patient in conflict. It is our spiritual obligation to express this characteristic because God knows there is great power in patience. Our natural tendency is to shout back when we are wrongly accused, but to demonstrate Christ, we must choose a different path: <LI>Stay quiet when verbally attacked. A person's anger can feed our own and lead to a shouting match. Instead, allow him to have his say.

<LI>Listen without responding. In our silence, it may be easy to mentally shut out the verbal assault, but we should hear the other person's concerns.

<LI>Pray for whoever is attacking you. We probably do not feel like praying, but that is not the issue.

<LI>Control your thoughts. It can be tempting to dwell on the injustice of a situation rather than focusing on God and what He thinks of us.

<LI>Control your emotions. Rely on the Holy Spirit to give you right responses.

<LI>Be ready to forgive. We are to be patient when wronged and willing to release our hurt. (2 Timothy 2:24)

<LI>Speak encouraging words. Express appreciation when someone brings a concern to your attention. And ask for forgiveness if you have made a mistake. To our human flesh, these practices sound foolish and ineffective. In fact, the opposite is true. There is great power in patience because so few people practice it well. Responding rightly impresses nonbelievers—they see something in you that they desperately want for themselves.

18 November


Developing Patience</FONT>
GALATIANS 5:22-25 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=GALATIANS+5:22-25&version=NASB)



We have all kinds of excuses for why we are not patient people—stress, ill health, other peoples' mistakes, running late, or simply having a "bad day." But impatience can cause us to make poor decisions, hurt others, or damage relationships.

God wants something far better for us. He knows that patience helps us to stay in His will and in His favor. We achieve strong, loving, lasting relationships when we are willing to wait for others to change. In so doing, we will also become happier with ourselves.

How do we develop this attribute? First, we must view our lives as God does and recognize difficulties as opportunities in disguise to help us become patient. We must leave behind the mistaken thinking that success in the Christian life means an absence of problems. God's purpose is not to provide us with ease, comfort, and pleasure but rather to grow us up into Christlikeness. Patience is one of those "grown up" qualities He wants us to have. Second, we have a personal responsibility to pursue the quality of patience and to train ourselves in it. We must learn to resist our bad habits, wrong thinking, and the way we have acted in the past. Practice responding with kindness and love, even if the other person is unjustly accusing you. It takes time, energy, and effort to change our thinking and our responses. Happily, we do not do this alone. The Holy Spirit is committed to producing this fruit in our lives with our cooperation. What difficulty is confronting you today? See it as God does, and respond patiently.

19 November


Opportunities for Patience</FONT>
COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=COLOSSIANS+3:12-13&version=NASB)



Next week is American Thanksgiving, and Christmas shopping has already begun. The holiday season generates many "opportunities" for developing patience.

But we don't always want to practice patience. We do not like seeing our way blocked. Perhaps our edginess is because of long lines or heavy traffic. It could be due to ungrateful children or a demanding employer. Whatever the reason, we feel a strong need to take action and not wait.

Anyone can react with irritation, impatience, or demands; but when believers respond kindly, gently, and calmly, they give an awesome testimony to God's transforming power. The Holy Spirit wants to teach us how to wait quietly and peacefully in trying situations. Developing a patient temperament is not usually a smooth process. "To mature in godliness" implies that we start in immaturity, so missteps are inevitable. We must accept that we will make mistakes. In our pursuit of patience, we will find ourselves still acting in old, impatient ways now and then. It is important to forgive ourselves when this happens and try again, remembering we already have God's forgiveness. (1 John 1:9) His Spirit will help us make fewer errors. Start each day by acknowledging that difficulties will come, and committing to practice patience. Ask for the Spirit's help, and then move ahead, forgiving yourself and learning from each mistake. We are all a "work in progress." This Thanksgiving season, take advantage of every "opportunity" to demonstrate patience.

20 November


Our Personal Accountability</FONT>
ROMANS 14:12 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+14:12&version=NASB)



If you are not involved in a personal accountability relationship, then you are missing out on one of life's greatest benefits. The Word of God speaks often of this relationship: Jesus is accountable to the Father (John 8:28-29), the church is subject to Christ (Ephesians 5:24), and Paul felt answerable to the church at Antioch. (Acts 14:27) Sharing our failures, weaknesses, successes, and deep longings has several important results.

In our accountability to a Christian brother or sister, we develop a sense of responsibility, which leads to improved performance in all we do. Giving an account of ourselves promotes integrity and protects us from misusing our freedom as believers. What's more, learning to examine ourselves and others guards us from unhealthy relationships and, most importantly, is a tool in God's hand for our spiritual maturity. Because an accountability partner can see our blind spots and weaknesses, he or she is in a good position to offer counsel, encouragement, or a loving rebuke. To choose the right person, we must look for a Spirit-filled believer who will offer godly wisdom based on Scripture. Also, we want to be accountable to a person who accepts us as we are, but possesses the courage to confront us when we are wrong. It is important to find someone who will truly be looking out for our best interest. Where are we to find these partners? In the pew at church or among our friends. Begin to pray today that God will reveal an accountability partner to you.

20 December


God’s Loving Desire for You</FONT>
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+TIMOTHY+2:1-8&version=NASB)



In this passage from 1 Timothy, Paul is talking about worship in the church and about praying. But in the midst of those topics, he presents two of God's desires for us. Understanding God's will changes our perspective about Him, ourselves, and the lives we lead. Today we will study one of His purposes for us, and we will look at the second one tomorrow.

Verse 4 tells us God desires that all men be saved. Salvation involves not only the Lord's work of deliverance from eternal death but also His endowment of eternal life. When He looks at our hearts, He doesn't see anything that motivates Him to save us—there is no righteousness or goodness on our part.

Instead, our Father chooses to save us because He loves us. (Ephesians 2:4) His children are trophies of His grace, to which He can point for the benefit of all the generations to come (Ephesians 2:7). We human beings are unique in our ability to experience the grace of God. Grace cannot touch fallen angels, and those who did not fall will not need it. In living out the Lord's mercy on us, we also perform His work. Consequently, men may see the goodness of God and give glory to Him. That is why we are charged with being lights here on earth to reflect our Father. (Matthew 5:14) It is not the will of our heavenly Father that anyone be lost. He is not in heaven keeping score of our failures and trying to figure out whom He will send to hell. Everything in the heart of God reaches out to pour love upon humanity.

21 December


What God Wants You to Know </FONT>
ROMANS 8:14-17 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+8:14-17&version=NASB)



The Lord "desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Yesterday we studied God's reasons for wanting to save all of humanity. Today we will explore what truths God longs for us to know.

Salvation. It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict us of our sinfulness and bring us to the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for our sin. When we receive the Lord as our personal Savior, we are reconciled to God and accorded full fellowship with Him. This is the moment that salvation occurs. Our sin-debt is paid in full so we are free from guilt. Also, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit for eternity, and we are set apart for God's service.

Identity. What is our identity in the Lord? We are children of God. The Bible calls us "joint heirs with Christ"—in other words, we are partakers in the wealth of the Lord Jesus. Also, we have been transformed from sinners into saints. We may not always act saintly, but a true saint is one who has been saved and set apart for the purposes of God. Position. We have instantaneous access to God the Father through Jesus Christ. He is always with us to provide for us. Mission. Our primary mission in life is to demonstrate Christ to the watching world. Believers should live in such a way that others see the life of Christ within us. And because we understand the wonder of our salvation, our identity in Christ, and our position to the Father, we share about Jesus with other people. God wants everyone to know the truth.

22 December


The Big Picture of Christmas</FONT>
GALATIANS 4:4-7 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=GALATIANS+4:4-7&version=NASB)



The big picture of Christmas does not start in Bethlehem, or in the manger, or with angels announcing the Savior's birth. The big picture of Christmas begins all the way back in the Garden of Eden, though God knew well before that exactly what would happen. Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord and thereby poisoned the entire human race with sin. Every single person from then on has sinned against God.

Long before that time, God was already preparing the ultimate sacrifice to erase the sins of everyone who would receive His offer. God referred to the coming Messiah by saying Satan would bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15) Christ's ultimate victory over the Devil is forecast in the same verse: "He will bruise your head." Then God killed an animal to create coverings for Adam and Eve—an indication that blood had to be shed on a person's behalf for him or her to be forgiven of sin. Scripture and human history books reveal the Father's continuous preparation for Messiah's arrival. God promised to bless all nations through Abraham, and Jesus is of Abraham's lineage through the patriarch's great-grandson Judah. And God used Alexander the Great—sinner though he was—to spread the easily understood Greek language throughout the world. In that way, there was already a common language when the disciples began to travel and share the Good News. Christmas did not begin in a Bethlehem stable or end on Calvary's cross. God's plan is eternal, and He prepared it all for you.

23 December


Developing a Title </FONT>
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PHILIPPIANS+2:5-11&version=NASB)



If you had never been in church, heard a sermon, or opened a Bible, what would you think if you came to the United States at Christmastime? We like to think that people understand what this season means, but most do not recognize the importance of what happened in the Bethlehem stable two thousand years ago. The real meaning has been covered up.

The Son of the living God came to earth as a human baby. Jesus took on human form in addition to His divine nature. Most people do not understand this. All too often, the emphasis is on Jesus the baby because if the world can keep Him in the manger, then they never have to face the reality of who He is.

When Jesus is viewed outside of the manger as a grown man, the reason for His coming has to be contemplated: He offers the awesome gift of salvation and redemption. You have three alternatives when you consider Him as Savior. The first is that you can ignore Jesus and choose to think of Him only as a baby. In that case, when you die, you can expect He will judge you for ignoring Him, and you will be eternally separated from Him. The second option is to evaluate and study the offer Jesus makes to forgive your sins, but to say no. If you choose this, you can expect the same outcome as with the first alternative. Thank the Lord that there is one other choice. You can acknowledge your sinfulness and then by faith receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Which option will you choose?

24 December


Great Joy </FONT>
LUKE 2:8-20 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=LUKE+2:8-20&version=NASB)



Imagine the shepherds from the first Christmas night going home and trying to get some sleep after having a visitation from angels. They had just witnessed a message from God after the 400 "silent years" without a divine announcement. There is a beautiful pattern to everything that the heavenly Father does. He gave His Christmas message about the Great Shepherd to a group of shepherds. And He sent the Lamb of God to be born amongst lambs in a manger.

Likewise Jesus talked with His disciples about joy before His crucifixion. It was important that His followers hear the key to joy that night, because the next day would be the unhappiest of their lives. Joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness depends on outward circumstances, but joy comes from within—it is unrelated to our circumstances. In John 15:11, the Lord said to His disciples, "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." Because of Jesus' relationship with the Father, He had pure and complete joy in spite of what was to come. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us, "The joy of the LORD is your strength." Since it is a permanent gift from God, we cannot lose it, but we can choose to give it up by disobeying His commands. Sin squeezes the power and joy of the Holy Spirit from our life. Repentance will reopen the floodgate. Our Father created the perfect way for us to experience joy—in relationship to Him. It is an offer that He makes to each one of us.

How to Handle Our Weakness</FONT>
2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=2+CORINTHIANS+12:7-10&version=NASB)



We live in the fitness age. For the body, we have gyms and diets. For the mind, we can choose from myriad how-to books as well as seminars about thinking positively and ridding ourselves of bad habits. The truth is we all have one, two, or more weaknesses to confront. In the Bible, we find wise counsel for how to handle these areas of our life.

If you look honestly at yourself, you can identify what you think is your weakness. It could be physical—a disability you were born with or developed—or it could be emotional, mental, or spiritual. Whatever it is, Paul's words apply to you. The first thing to do is acknowledge the presence of the weakness. Secondly, it is important that you recognize the purpose of frailty. Paul says his thorn in the flesh was given to keep him from exalting himself. His weakness was preventive maintenance on the part of God, who knew that dependence kept Paul's pride in check. We should consider what our weakness says about us. For example, if a person struggles with dishonesty, a close analysis of his thinking might reveal that the real problem is a fear of rejection. To protect himself, he will lie his way out of threatening situations. But by giving in to his weakness, the dishonest man reacts improperly. Other wrong responses to weakness are ignoring it, denying it, or excusing it. The only right response is to remember the promise of God, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9). His words to the apostle Paul are meant as an encouragement for every believer.

29 December


The Next Steps to Growth</FONT>
EPHESIANS 4:14-16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=EPHESIANS+4:14-16&version=NASB)



Yesterday's devotion covered three steps to spiritual growth—renewing our minds through Bible reading, confessing sin, and repenting of that sin. Today we look at three more steps that will build our spiritual life.

Any believer—new or mature—would be wise to receive godly counsel. I have seen some great men and women take a terrible plunge away from God because they were too proud to admit weakness. The Lord sees us as we truly are, but none of us see ourselves that way. We need a friend who will be completely honest about our faults and mistakes. A godly counselor won't be critical or condemning, but rather will prove loving and kind.

Another step toward spiritual maturity is to serve the Lord, which we do by serving others. There are times when this even means ministering to someone who tends to elicit our worst qualities. By becoming involved in his or her life, though, we learn patience, acceptance, and ultimately love.

One final step is to respond properly to trials and suffering. We all wish that our greatest growth came during the calm times of our life. But the truth is, we make the most spiritual progress when we face difficulty. Focusing on God instead of on the source of our adversity is the appropriate response. So the question is, do you really want to move ahead in your Christian walk? To do so requires time, attention, and commitment. But if you choose to journey down God's pathway to growth, you can expect to become more Christlike every day.

Reproducing Christlike Character </FONT>
MATTHEW 7:15-23; 12:33 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=MATTHEW+7:15-23;+12:33&version=NASB)



A believer's life and an unbeliever's life should look different. God has a great deal to say about the distinctions between the two, and He uses an important metaphor: fruit. The fruit of the Spirit refers to the outward signs of a believer's transformation from sinner to saint.

Spiritual fruit is made up of actions and attitudes. If we confess to be Christians when our conduct says otherwise, people will believe what they see. When our behavior does not align with what we profess, then our words are meaningless.

We cannot make our life and our works match up without the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Some people may appear to succeed when watched by those who do not know them well. But simply performing in Jesus' name is not enough. Fruit is the outward expression that we are true followers of Christ; the inward proof is the presence of the Holy Spirit, who comes to us when we receive salvation. Jesus' own ministry was carried out by the power of the Holy Spirit within Him. Accused of casting out demons through Beelzebub, the Lord told His critics He performed the miracle by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 12:28) When we are walking with Jesus and relying upon the Holy Spirit in us, we will have a different lifestyle than the rest of the world. Imagine that someone asked one of your unbelieving friends, "What is a Christian supposed to look like?" Would your friend be able to point to you and say, "A Christian looks just like that"?

31 December


Fruit, More Fruit, Much Fruit </FONT>
JOHN 15:8, 16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JOHN+15:8,+16&version=NASB)



I lived for a while in the mountains of North Carolina, in a place that was known as Fruitland. The area got that name because it was—and still is—apple country. I once went to visit a member of my church there, and his wife told me he was out in the orchard pruning trees. So I walked out to watch. Not knowing any better, I said, "Man, you're going to kill that tree." He turned to look at me and said, "You stick to preaching. I'll take care of the pruning."

Later I learned that in order to produce a good crop, the tree branches had to be pruned. It's a lesson I have never forgotten because it also applies to our spiritual lives. Sometimes we argue with God when bad times hit and we are hurting. We assume He must not love us if He would allow such painful things to happen. But what the Lord is actually doing is pruning us so that we will bear quality fruit; then He prunes us again for more fruit, and finally He prunes us for much fruit. If a branch continues to grow without being cut back, lots of little shoots will emerge from it and draw away the sap's life-giving sustenance. Little things in life can be like those shoots, thwarting our fruitfulness: sometimes our kindness depends on how we feel when we wake up in the morning; we might let a bad habit develop; or perhaps we allow our peace to get wrapped up in our circumstances. But if we accept God's pruning with the proper attitude, the Holy Spirit's sap will nurture the fruit in our life.

The Landmine of Pride </FONT>
DANIEL 4:27-30 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=DANIEL+4:27-30&version=NASB)



A landmine is a device that is designed to maim or destroy whoever triggers it. It is a hidden danger. By the time you discover a landmine, it is often too late. This is as true in our spiritual life as it is in the physical world. Satan lays landmines in the path of the believer; it is important that we learn to detect them in order to protect our relationship with the Father.

Of all the landmines we may experience, pride is the most misleading. We are quick to deny that we place emphasis on ourselves, especially since pride is usually a cover-up for feelings of inadequacy. It is frequently the case that a proud person is trying to gather enough attention to fill personal emptiness.

Like other landmines, pride has undesirable consequences. One major problem is that it hinders our relationship with God. Proverbs 16:5 says, "Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD." God reserves harsh words for pride because He knows this attitude is a stumbling block to believers. We cannot serve Him if we are serving our own need for adulation. When God is pushed out of our lives, we make foolish mistakes. The work of the Holy Spirit is shut down in our life, and we trust in our own wisdom instead of looking for godly counsel. As the children of God, we are His servants, and there's no place for pride in our life. When we are successful, it is not a cause for self-importance. Instead, we are to be grateful to God for his gifts and blessings. (James 1:17)

04 January


Evidence Against a Proud Heart </FONT>
MATTHEW 23:1-12 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=MATTHEW+23:1-12&version=NASB)



Pride is deceptive. The proud person is often the last to know the contents of his or her own heart. Our self-importance makes us desire to be number one. Instead of working toward our personal best, which is required by God, we are determined to be better than anyone else.

To get to that top position, we will constantly point to ourselves as the best and look for praise and compliments from others. Often we choose to be around people who are important and well liked but tend to ignore those who are less admired. This is the opposite of how Jesus treated people. He gave the adulterous woman compassion but referred to the Pharisees as whitewashed coffins.

While we are chasing after prominence externally, our spirit becomes rebellious internally. We refuse to obey God because we believe we know better than He does.

To quell our disobedience and bring our pride under God's control, we must first recognize specific parts of our life that are affected. When we confess those areas, we take the first step toward submission by turning our focus back onto God. We must continuously be on the alert for a prideful attitude. But we can stamp it out by remembering what God has done in our life and what He saved us from. Pride will often cause us to compare ourselves with others. We can all find someone whom we can out-perform, out-dress, or outwit, but the one person with whom we should compare ourselves is Jesus Christ—and we will find ourselves lacking every time.

05 January


The Landmine of Jealousy</FONT>
JAMES 3:13-18 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JAMES+3:13-18&version=NASB)



God speaks strongly against jealousy because of its destructive power in our life. An uncontrollable lust for what someone else possesses does not fit who we are as Christians. We are the children of God, and He has promised to meet our needs.

Jealousy springs from within us. It is a disagreement with God over something we do not have that He has chosen to give to someone else. Or, in some cases, jealousy results from fear of being replaced in a relationship or job. To overcome this destructive attitude, we must first acknowledge our conflict with God. We are to confess and repent of our wrong mindset, and then turn away from it.

The next step is the most difficult: thank the Lord for the person of whom you are jealous. Also express gratitude for what God is doing in that individual's life. When we are able to thank God for His blessings on someone else, the weight of our jealousy begins to lift. In addition, be willing to do something good for the other person, regardless of how you feel. We can never overcome jealousy if we think only of our feelings. One of the most helpful things we can do is refocus our attention onto what God is doing in our own life. This brings us back to the path He has chosen for us. It may be that we are missing His blessings because our mind is concentrating elsewhere. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart." God wants to give you His best.

06 January


The Landmine of Insecurity</FONT>
PSALM 40:1-5 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PSALM+40:1-5&version=NASB)



Insecurity may not sound as explosive as the landmines of pride or jealousy, but it, too, is very dangerous. A great deal of damage can result in the life a person who habitually feels insecure. Such feelings can develop from many different situations. We may experience tragedy like the loss of a parent in our early life, or we may grow up in an environment that throws us off balance. Sometimes we feel insecure because of major failures we have experienced.

Whatever the root causes for insecurity, the effects are often similar. We may be indecisive because our fear of making the wrong choice leads us to avoid decisions altogether. Sometimes we have a difficult time establishing lasting relationships because we believe we will not be a good friend. Or we might keep our distance out of a fear of rejection—people will frequently perceive this as pride or snobbery. Sooner or later, we may become critical of others. When we are hurting, we often want other people to feel bad too. At the same time, we unfortunately can fall into the trap of believing that success is based on approval and acceptance by others. The truth is that God has a special path for your life, where success cannot be measured by human praise. Insecurity is not something we can confess and thereby gain freedom. Rather, it is a condition that must be confronted over a long period of time. Ultimately, we must make the decision to trust what God says about us and not what the Enemy whispers. Tomorrow we will learn how God can restore our security.

07 January


Overcoming Insecurity</FONT>
ROMANS 8:33-39 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+8:33-39&version=NASB)



No quick solution exists for overcoming insecurity. First, we have to acknowledge that we feel insecure. Then we should try to identify which circumstances generate those feelings. Finally, we must decide to overcome that state of mind. "Drifting" into security is impossible; we must instead work toward it.

Having a sense of security is more than simply building self-esteem. Jesus Christ is our genuine source of strength and confidence—if we attempt to overcome insecurity without Him, we will simply be masking it with our own efforts.

The way we see ourselves is not necessarily the way we truly are. Instead, we have to ask how the Lord sees us. To shift our focus off ourselves and our mistakes, we must get into God's Word. Therefore, to overcome insecurity, we must first deal with any doubts we may have about the Bible. Scripture is so powerful that when we read what God says about us, our thinking will start to change, and we will be able to step out of insecurity's destructive mindset. To continue the process, focus on the positive qualities in your life. Take a blank sheet of paper, and ask the Lord to guide you to an honest assessment of your advantageous traits. You will be surprised at what God shows you. But it is important not to look at others' talents to see how you measure up. No one is like you, so it is pointless to make comparisons. Our mission is to follow Jesus in the way that He calls us individually; consequently, we can look to Him for our security.

08 January


Managing God’s Money</FONT>
LUKE 16:10-15 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=LUKE+16:10-15&version=NASB)



Does it surprise you to know that every one of us is a money manager for God? Jesus taught that those who handle God's resources according to biblical guidelines will be rewarded, while those who disregard the principles will lose out. Luke 16 gives five warnings to help us.

<LI>Poor money managers of a little will be poor money managers of a lot. If we do not follow scriptural principles with $150 a week, we will do no better with $1500.

<LI>Failure to be faithful with God's money will deprive us of even greater riches. God offers true wealth—namely, increased spiritual opportunities and comprehension of deep truths—only to those who rightly use what He has given them.

<LI>Failure to properly handle that which belongs to another will deprive us of possessing our own. If we borrow something and do not take care of it, we cannot expect God to reward us with possession of a similar item.

<LI>Allowing a love for money to rule us prevents wholehearted commitment to Christ. This is true for those who have little as well as for those who have much.

<LI>Loving riches will cause us to dismiss scriptural teachings about money and to justify ungodly behavior. Our reaction to financial appeals or biblical teaching on stewardship reveals whether money has taken control of us. By heeding God's warnings, we can become faithful money managers. Won't you return control of all your resources to your heavenly Father and take your place as His steward?

09 January


Financial Wisdom: The Right View</FONT>
Matthew 6:19-24 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=Matthew+6:19-24+&version=NASB)



One of the top stories played out on the evening news is the economy. No matter where you live -- America, Canada, England, or Russia -- the number one issue on most people’s minds has to do with finances. Many times the problems we face in the financial area stem from being unwise stewards of God’s money. We overextend ourselves without taking time to consider the future.

It takes wisdom and discipline to make it through today’s maze of financial temptations, but it can be done. The key is simple, though the follow-through may require a sincere commitment on your part: always make sure you spend less than you earn. This means adopting a family budget and sticking to it.

Debt that remains for a long period of time stifles hope. Therefore, commit yourself to using cash whenever possible and avoid using credit cards. If you do use credit, pay your total bill at the end of the month. Remember the dark side of credit is that it only offers a temporary sense of security. Everyone must pay for what he has borrowed. If you have overextended yourself financially, know that there is hope. Ask the Lord to help you organize a personal budget and stick with it. Gaining the right view of finances is not difficult, but it will require determination.

10 January


The Landmine of Sexual Sin</FONT>
1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+THESSALONIANS+4:1-8&version=NASB)



People justify sexual sin in many ways. One popular argument is: "My body belongs to me." No, it does not. You didn't create your body; God did. Therefore, it belongs to Him. Sexual sin makes the deceptive offer of immediate pleasure without penalty, but that is a lie because God did not create us that way.

Sex itself is not a sin. Physical intimacy is a privilege and a pleasure that God gives us within certain boundaries and guidelines. The experience is designed to be shared by two people—husband and wife. Scripture is clear that sexual relations are not meant for two men, two women, or those not bound by marriage. (Leviticus 20:13, Exodus 20:14)

Physical involvement is meant to draw people into a deep sense of intimacy, but only when expressed in a loving marital commitment. Marriage forms a picture of our intimate spiritual and emotional relationship with the Lord. No one else can give us the sense of fulfillment He can provide. God never intended for a physical act to fill our entire need for intimacy. The consequences of sexual sin are severe. For example, some people may claim not to feel guilty, but actually that is rarely the case. They can rationalize it, cover it up, or try to ignore it, but an underlying sense of guilt is hard to eradicate. The deep, gnawing sense of shame is like a house with termites: nothing may be noticeable for a while, but cracks and damage eventually appear. That's why God tells us to flee sexual immorality—to preserve us from its devastating effects.

11 January


Fleeing Sexual Impurity</FONT>
1 CORINTHIANS 6:18-20 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+CORINTHIANS+6:18-20&version=NASB)



Fellowship with God is crippled by sexual sin. Willful violation of the Lord's commands shuts the door on Him, and only when we cry out in repentance can fellowship be restored. Ultimately, no experience in life is worth separation from God, nor is any temporary pleasure worth life-long guilt, addiction, or disease.

To avoid the landmine of sexual sin, husbands and wives should seek to meet each other's needs. First Corinthians 7:5 warns against depriving each other, except for a limited, mutually agreed-upon season of prayer. Unmarried people should beware the claim that everybody needs sex—this lie gets many individuals into trouble. God calls some men and women to a celibate life, and He calls others to wait until He provides a marital partner. In both cases, He knows how to fulfill their every need in other ways. Some unmarried people consider these ideas unrealistic, but God never asks us to do the impossible. Remember that He provides His Spirit to enable us. We can cooperate with Him by taking our focus off what we do not have and instead seeking other ways to channel our energies. For example, it is healthy to build strong, caring friendships with people of the same sex, and to use our talents in projects that positively impact our communities. But we must always put on the armor of God, especially the breastplate of righteousness to guard our emotions and the helmet of salvation to guard our thinking. Even if you have allowed your armor to "slip," confession to God brings certain forgiveness and a fresh start.

12 January


The Landmine of Compromise </FONT>
1 KINGS 11:1-7 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+KINGS+11:1-7&version=NASB)



Compromise is so insidious that people often do not even realize when they have stepped on this landmine. There are many instances of good compromise, like two opposing sides coming together through mutual conciliation. But if concessions mean that we believe or act unwisely, then we are in danger. Unfortunately, such unhealthy compromise leads to disappointment and ultimately to destruction.

We do not fall into a life of compromise; instead we slide into it. King Solomon's life is a perfect example of how a small compromise can lead to destruction. God clearly tells Solomon not to associate with other nations or to make alliances with them. So although going to Egypt to buy horses seems innocent, it is actually a compromise. In the end, Solomon also makes an alliance and marries Pharaoh's daughter. Then he compromises further until he has hundreds of wives. Next, he allows others to worship idols, but soon he himself is involved in the practice too. He finally stoops so low as to build a high place of worship for Molech where human babies are sacrificed. This is a horrible picture of the way compromise works. The principle is the same in our lives: a little compromise can lead to complete ruin. People give in to pressure in many different areas—morals, godly principles, clothing style, or participation in gossip or flirtatious conversations. Tomorrow we will look at the nature of compromise as well as some reasons that people yield. We will also see the characteristics of a non-compromiser.

21 January


Spiritual Discouragement</FONT>
PSALM 34:1-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PSALM+34:1-8&version=NASB)



Discouragement can be the result of many different causes, but Satan is always the instigator. He will do anything he can to dishearten us and keep our focus on negative things instead of on God.

A subtle form of spiritual discouragement is the idea that we cannot please God. This is a trap of the Devil, and too many Christians are ensnared by it. If we were to write down everything we thought we must do to please God, how long would that list be before it was complete? We would assume we should read the Bible more, pray more, give more, witness more. We could probably fill up both sides of that paper. Then we would look at our list and realize it is impossible to accomplish all of it. That's the trap. What pleases the Lord is our obedience, not our adherence to a long checklist of duties. Unanswered prayer is another source of discouragement. When we make a request of the Lord, He does not necessarily answer in the manner we want or with the timing we would prefer. When that is the case, we far too often will allow discouragement to creep in, and from there, we might decide to give up on prayer. Yesterday we saw that focusing on the Lord is essential for breaking the chains of discouragement. When you turn to God, it is also helpful to pray three things aloud. First, thank Him for being with you through the discouragement. Second, admit He is in control of your life. And third, acknowledge that He is good and will ultimately work the circumstances for your benefit.

26 January


The Landmine of Fear</FONT>
ISAIAH 41:10-13 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ISAIAH+41:10-13&version=NASB)



Humans have legitimate reasons to live in fear—our world has many dangers. But although our environment is frightening, Christians are not to accept fear as a way of life. God's awesome promises allow us to live peacefully in our surroundings.

For our protection, God has instilled some natural apprehensions in us, like a fear of snakes or deep water. Our instinctive concern teaches us to respect these things until we know how to survive an encounter with them. The Creator also gave us a warning system so that we could react quickly to danger. For instance, if a car speeds toward us, an instantaneous reaction of alarm could save our lives.

In other words, some fears protect us. But a constant, all-consuming dread is unhealthy. While we may feel afraid if we spot a snake, most of us do not worry too much about having such encounters. Some people anguish over dangers that might occur—instead of entrusting loved ones to God, they anxiously imagine all the ways injury might occur.

As anxiety grows, uncertainty builds up until it hinders our relationship with God. Fears about the welfare of loved ones, financial well-being, or eternal security all result from doubt regarding the Lord's provision. Then our attention is centered on our concerns rather than on the One who promises to hold us in His hand. The Lord offers us strength because He understands how fear can torment us. Do not allow worry to blind you to His promises. Philippians 4:19 reminds us: "My God shall supply all your needs."

Shattering Fear With Truth</FONT>
JOSHUA 1:6-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JOSHUA+1:6-8&version=NASB)



Fear enslaves us. Anxiety can color our entire perspective until we live with a constant sense of unease. But fear does not fit who we are as Christians. We are children of the living God, who has promised to care for us and work all things for our good. If we choose to live in tense uneasiness, then at the end of our life, we will look back and wish we had trusted God more. But instead of waiting for regret, we can be freed from our fear now.

Identify your specific worries and be willing to deal with them. We cannot begin to understand our anxieties until we recognize the basic root of all fear. Certainly, there are numerous causes of fearful concern—ignorance, an inherited mindset, an overactive imagination—but ultimately the root of all our worry is our doubt of God's sovereignty. The Lord is in control of all things. We are under His power, provision, and protection every single moment of our life. Fear is shattered on the foundational truth of God's omnipotent control.

Focus on the Lord instead of on fear. When we understand that we are in the hand of our almighty, all-knowing, loving Father, the choice to refocus on Him becomes easier. But we must make this courageous decision every time we face the object of our anxiety. Meditate on the Word of God. This is the most powerful step we can take to overcome fear. In times of trouble, we must hold fast to the truths of Scripture. Use the Bible as God intended—as an immovable anchor for your life.

Free to Enjoy God</FONT>
PSALM 34:8-10 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PSALM+34:8-10&version=NASB)



Just think—our God, who created the world and is Lord of all, wants us to find pleasure in our union with Him. His Word teaches us that He "richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). But the most important thing God has given us to enjoy is Himself. We are to find satisfaction in our relationship with Him.

One of the keys to having a satisfying relationship is acceptance. Being accepted by someone who cares for us despite our flaws frees us to enjoy the friendship. The same is true of our kinship with God. Our loving heavenly Father understands exactly who we are and, because of Jesus' work on the cross, accepts us by means of our adoption as His children. We who were once His enemies are now embraced as His family. Permanently accepted by God, we are free to enjoy rich intimacy with Him.

There are certain actions we can take that will increase our enjoyment of the Lord. Praising God for who He is—in other words, for His attributes—will make our hearts rejoice. Spending time with Him, getting to know Him, and listening to Him increase our intimacy with God and make our spirits glad. Refusing to believe the Devil's lies, such as "You should be afraid of God" or "Your sin is too great to be forgiven," enables us to encounter the Lord's love in a deeper way and know the joy of forgiveness. Are you experiencing the joy and freedom that come from knowing God accepts you? Will you act on His invitation to find your true pleasure in Him?

11 February


Praying in a Crisis
JAMES 5:13-18

Scripture says that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16 NKJV). Effective—that is exactly what we want our prayers to be, especially in a crisis. When we meet God's requirements, we can be confident that He will release divine energy into the situation and our prayers will produce results.

Requirement #1—Fervent prayer. Motivated by a deeply burdened heart, fervent prayers are filled with passion and a strong sense of personal helplessness. They also have a narrow focus on some specific difficulty about which we care deeply. Scripture calls this type of prayer "laboring earnestly" (Colossians 4:12).

Requirement #2—Righteousness. At salvation, we become rightly related to God as His children. We are permanently sealed with the Holy Spirit, and we are declared righteous forever because of our position in Jesus Christ. But the word "righteous" is also used to describe a believer's conduct. This means that to be called a "righteous person," we must be found in Christ (Philippians 3:9) and have an obedient lifestyle before God. If we willingly and knowingly engage in sin, then we are not living righteously and our prayers will not be effective.

When the Lord hears an impassioned prayer, He knows who is praying. If it is a righteous person whose life reflects God's ways, Scripture promises the Holy Spirit will begin His divine work.

God responds with great power to the prayers of even one righteous person. That person can be you!

12 February


Doing God’s Work God’s Way
ZECHARIAH 4:5-6

Satan tries to trick us into thinking life can be divided into two parts: the secular, which is separate from the Lord, and the spiritual. That is a lie. As God's children, we are spiritual beings, and every area of our life is to be an expression of that divine relationship. Whether employment, family role, ministry, or leisure pursuits, our every involvement connects into God's purpose for our life and must please Him.

Our culture wants us to believe another lie—that we can accomplish much without God. People will point out our human strengths, like education, skills, and gifts, and assure us that we have all we require to succeed. The implication is that we don't need God. Satan also wants to turn us away from reliance upon the Lord; he wants us to think that prior success means we can handle the task on our own. The Bible tells us otherwise. To do God's work God's way requires that we rely on His Spirit instead of on ourselves or others.

When we are truly depending on the Spirit's strength and wisdom, we will . . .


be fully persuaded that without God's active presence, we will fail.

seek to please God alone and not to compromise.

look expectantly for the Holy Spirit to be at work.

spend more time thanking and praising Him and less time making requests.

exhibit joy, a fruit of the Spirit, instead of worry.
The lives of God's children are to be characterized by steady reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Is that true of you?

13 February


Requirements For Answered Prayer
John 14:13-15

The young family had stepped outside of the will of God several months earlier. They stopped attending church regularly, stopped tithing altogether, and gradually decreased in service as their interest in prayer and reading the Bible slowly waned. But then slowly the husband started noticing changes.

Things seemed to wear out more easily, including their bodies. Colds and infections were more frequent. So were trips to the mechanic as the cars continued to have nagging problems. The couple’s investments lagged, even lost ground, as the rest of the economy boomed. Trying to fill the void, they began making unwise financial decisions that further increased their problems, and their marriage started to strain under the duress.

Finally, the young couple realized what went wrong, who they were leaving out: God.

If there is sustained, habitual sin in our lives, it will affect God’s response to our prayers. If He continued to answer all of our prayers despite our sinful conduct, He in effect would be condoning our actions, and a Holy God cannot sanction sin. One of the ways God gets our attention is by withholding blessings when there is sin in our lives.

We should always consider it God’s gracious gift, a warning system He has put in place to steer us back within His will.

21 July


The Benefits of Wisdom</FONT>
PROVERBS 3:13-18 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PROVERBS+3:13-18&version=NASB)



Human wisdom is meaningless in God's eyes. The truth is, God's "foolishness" is wiser than man's understanding. (1 Corinthians 1:25) While it may feel risky to set aside our own reasoning to seek after the Lord's, the benefits of "wisdom walking" are great.

The first blessing is knowing God. The Lord is personally involved in every facet of our lives. The better we know His character, the more we will understand His viewpoint, recognize where He is working, and be able to respond properly to life's circumstances. Another way we will profit is by receiving clear guidance. God sees everything—His perspective is 100 percent accurate, and every decision of His is right. He knows exactly what is needed to accomplish His will in our lives and what it will take to resolve problems in a godly way. He helps us succeed. A third benefit is divine protection. As Proverbs 28:26 tells us, "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe" (NIV). We are not to rely upon our emotions, which are easily influenced by ungodliness. Nor can we trust the world's opinions. Wisdom's protection comes when we have a discerning spirit, one that is sensitive to the Lord's purpose and will for our lives. With it, we gain insight into the unseen and the unspoken because nothing is hidden from the Spirit of God. Intimacy with God. Clear guidance. Divine Protection. Human wisdom can't provide any of these. They come from God through Christ's Spirit.







(http://www.intouch.org/intouch/site.show_page?p_id=76096&p_monthyear=072005)

26 July


The Powerful Practice of Fasting</FONT>
ACTS 13:1-3 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ACTS+13:1-3&version=NASB)



There is much misunderstanding today about fasting. Some people assume it is related to dieting and the body. Others think its purpose is to impress God with the intensity of their desire. Still others hope that their self-denial will speed up the Lord's answer. None of these are true.

Fasting is a spiritual work in which we temporarily eliminate distractions so that we can give our undivided attention to our heavenly Father. It is a time of spiritual preparation through exclusion of earthly interruptions. As we abstain, other things begin to lose their sense of importance; in their place is a heightened awareness of God's presence and His priorities for our lives. Our agenda is replaced by His as we connect with Him in deeper intimacy and receive all that He has to tell us. It can be one of the most powerful experiences of the Christian life. Fasting can be carried out in several ways: going without food, eliminating activities, or forgoing sleep in order to seek the Lord. You can also set aside the intimate sexual relationship between husband and wife for a limited period of time. The intent is always to be in God's presence without disturbances so that His voice can be heard. Have you avoided fasting because it appears too hard or too confusing? Think instead about the joy you will experience from having deeper communion with your loving Lord, and then step out in faith. Giving God your unhampered attention for a period of time is one of the wisest things you can do.

27 July


God’s Purposes for Fasting</FONT>
MATTHEW 6:16-18 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=MATTHEW+6:16-18&version=NASB)



The purpose of fasting is to prepare us spiritually for God's work in our lives. When we eliminate whatever distracts us and give Him our undivided attention, we begin to see things from His perspective. With the Spirit's help, we will be able to identify the areas of our being that call for change—ungodly thought patterns, habits that need to be broken, misplaced priorities, and our daily schedule. The Lord uses fasting to do some "housecleaning," and that is a good thing.

When our mind's filter is clogged with ungodly thinking, we are unable to take in deep scriptural truth. Among the benefits of fasting are a clear mind and greater understanding of Scripture. An additional advantage is increased spiritual discernment about ourselves and others. We will have insight to see things that we may have overlooked before. Following our spiritual "bath," God's power will be released into our lives, and we will break free from the ungodliness that has restricted us. Greater intimacy with the Lord will also result. With our minds freed of clutter and our priorities straightened out, we will be in a position for God to pour out His fullness into us. Greater confidence and courage to do the Father's will become ours as well. Scripture warns us not to turn fasting into a public display or religious ritual as the Pharisees were in the habit of doing. It is to be a private experience—one that strengthens our relationship with God. When was the last time you let the Lord "clean house"? He has the time if you are willing.

28 July


Courage to Face Life’s Trials</FONT>
2 TIMOTHY 4:6-18 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=2+TIMOTHY+4:6-18&version=NASB)



Scriptural details of Paul's life reveal the courageous way the apostle handled his many trials. He was opposed by religious leaders, manhandled by magistrates, and mobbed by large crowds. Yet through it all, he stood firm in his allegiance to Christ. Before dismissing him as superhuman, let's look at Paul's own testimony. He said he came to the Corinthians in weakness, and he spoke with fear and trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:3) He claimed that he had been pushed far beyond his ability to endure. (2 Corinthians 1:8) In fact, his emotions were so strong that the Lord exhorted him not to be afraid. He was human just like us.

What did Paul know that would also help us? Wherever the apostle was, God was personally present. Paul believed Jesus' promise to be with him to the end of time. (Matthew 28:20) He trusted in the guiding presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and he also took heart from the Lord's reassurance of His nearness. (Acts 18:9) Although it appeared that Paul stood alone before his accusers, he recognized he was actually in the Lord's company. With God Almighty standing beside him, he did not have to be afraid. Because we belong to Jesus Christ, we can know for certain that our God is always with us. We, too, have the Savior's unending pledge of nearness and the Holy Spirit as our permanent companion. As we embrace these truths, we will discover the courage to face life's trials. What a precious blessing: God is with me. I feel braver already. What about you?

01 August


Confronting Closed Doors</FONT>
ACTS 16:6-10 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ACTS+16:6-10&version=NASB)



God has the power to open any closed door—no circumstance is too difficult for Him to overcome. And yet He may decide to let things that seem important to us remain blocked. Why does the Lord allow doors to stay shut? Protection. Perhaps He is trying to keep us from making a mistake. On our own, we may not have adequate knowledge to make right choices.

Redirection. God could be sending us on a new path. His plan might include bigger opportunities for us, deeper satisfaction, a wider area of service, greater productivity, a season of suffering, or an opportunity to glorify His name. God closed doors in Asia so that the apostle Paul would minister on the continent of Europe. His obedience led to increased fruitfulness—the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth—and to more knowledge for us through his letters to them. Though Paul experienced much suffering, he also knew the joy of participating in God's work.

Testing. When God says "No," our faith is tested, and we discover what we really believe about Him and His plans.

Perseverance. In these roadblocks, we have opportunity to develop steadfastness, a vital quality for believers. (Romans 5:3-5)

Timing. Our Father places stop signs along our path in order to work out the correct timing for His will. Disobedience. Past waywardness can affect future experiences and blessings. When our way is stopped, we must look to God and seek His purpose for the interruption. How do you respond to "no"?

02 August


Responding to Closed Doors </FONT>
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PHILIPPIANS+4:6-7&version=NASB)



Disappointments can be hard to bear. One minute life seems on track for what we hope and dream. The next moment our way is blocked. How do we respond when faced with closed doors?

If our hearts are set on a certain course of action, we may convince ourselves it is God's will and push ahead anyway. We might send up a quick prayer asking for His help or blessing, but mostly we just move forward. By manipulating people or circumstances, we could get what we want but be outside of God's plan. Another way we respond to a blocked path is to become emotionally upset. Then we face the danger of remaining in our feelings and replacing our Christ-centered perspective with a self-centered one. Strong emotions can lead us to try to blame someone, especially the Lord. Anger toward Him can lead us to rebel against Him and His ways. Godly responses, on the other hand, start with waiting and trusting. When the Lord blocks our way, we are to have faith in Him, taking time to assess the situation, and praying for guidance. By asking the Spirit to increase our sensitivity to the events around us, we will be able to notice any open doors. Even if we find none, we are to live with hope, anticipating other doors of opportunity in His perfect time. Thanking God for His work on our behalf is essential, even at times when we lack understanding. Finally, remaining faithful to what the Lord has called us to do is an important part of our wait. Wait. Trust. Pray. Obey. This is God's prescription for handling closed doors.

03 August


Conquering Faith</FONT>
1 SAMUEL 17:1-37 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+SAMUEL+17:1-37&version=NASB)



David, the shepherd boy, faced Goliath, the Philistine giant. Trusting God's power to deliver, David was victorious over his seemingly invincible opponent. We, too, will face trials that are bigger than we are. The Lord wants to build conquering faith in us so that we, like David, can overcome. What are the components of such faith?

Godly motivation. David's desire was to defend his people and God's name. We must examine our rationale to be certain it is Christ-centered, not self-focused.

Recognition of the battle's nature. In the lives of born-again believers, every single incident is a spiritual matter. David's struggle in the physical realm was against Goliath, but the real battle was spiritual. (Ephesians 6:12)

Memory of previous victories. David's confidence was not based on what was happening right then. Instead, he recalled what God had done before, helping him fight off lions and bears. Imagine a film that highlights all the moments when you partnered with God and He provided you with strength and stamina. Replay it until you are ready for the fight. Rejection of ungodly counsel. David was certain of God's purpose for him, so he refused to listen to his brother's accusations of impure motives. He also rejected King Saul's assessment of his youthfulness. Instead, the young shepherd boy inclined his ear to hear from the Lord and any counselors He might send. What "Goliath" is standing before you? Remember that in Christ, we can be overcomers. (1 John 5:4)

04 August

Prevailing Faith
ROMANS 4:18-25 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+4:18-25&version=NASB)

Continuing our study of conquering faith, what other elements will be present?
Confession of Faith. David declared, "I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts" (1 Samuel 17:45) and stated his trust in God's deliverance. Whenever we face difficulties, we, too, must proclaim our faith, expressing thanks to the Lord for who He is, who we are in Christ, and what we have through His Spirit.
Reliance on God's power. Not once did David claim he was going to defeat the enemy. He pointed out that the battle was the Lord's; it was by the power of the Almighty that victory would be obtained. In the hand of God's servant, a simple stone was mightier than the weapons of the Philistine army.
Assumption of Victory. Prevailing faith reckons the victory before battle even begins. When the young shepherd looked at Goliath, he saw him as a dead man. In fact, because of David's relationship with the Lord, he understood that all giants—whether bears, lions, or Goliaths—were the same. How does this reckoning take place? First, we fight the "battle before the battle." Through prayer and meditation on Scripture, we work through any uncertainties and fears. We reaffirm in our heart that this is the Lord's battle, declare He has won the victory, and wait for His timing. When we act, we do it God's way, with trust in His presence and provision. For what area of your life do you need prevailing faith? Approach the throne of grace with faith to receive what you need. (Hebrews 4:16)
05 August

Holding Fast to the Faithful Word
TITUS 1:5-9 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=TITUS+1:5-9&version=NASB)

In today's passage, Paul gives Titus guidelines for selecting church elders. At the end of a list of desirable conduct and character traits is an essential qualification that applies to every believer: holding fast to Scripture. It is necessary that we, like the first century elders, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to God's Word in order to nurture and guard the church.
We cannot use the Bible to defend our faith and assist others unless we study. And for its truths to be effective, we must apply them to our life.
Christians appreciate Scripture's power to encourage, comfort, and heal, but too often we keep our knowledge to ourselves. We may feel uncertain about sharing, but God provides courage and brings to mind pertinent verses if we are willing to speak. As we practice His ways, our wisdom will increase. We'll begin to recognize hurting people and will learn how to exhort them in sound doctrine, as Paul suggests. The apostle also bids believers to confront those who contradict true faith—this requires courage and discernment. When we study and live out sound biblical principles, we will quickly recognize false doctrine. And the better we know God's Word, the more readily we will be able to find passages that challenge counterfeit teachings and support our own beliefs. We can't all be elders in the church up the street, but each Christian is a member of God's church. Our responsibility, then, is to gain biblical knowledge so that we can discern correct doctrine, defend our faith, and encourage the downhearted.
06 August

An Invitation to Intimacy
GENESIS 12:1-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=GENESIS+12:1-8&version=NASB)

God does not play favorites. But in order to accomplish His perfect will, He makes certain divine choices, such as inviting believers to have a close relationship with Him. To build this intimacy requires:
Commitment—God pledged that He would make Abraham into a great nation. He asked the future patriarch to demonstrate his allegiance by obeying the command to leave home for an unknown land. The Lord's commitment to us is clear. He rescued us from sin through His Son Jesus, sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, and promised us eternal life. Our pledge is obedience in both inner attitude and outward action.
Clear communication —To develop an intimate bond, two people will express deep thoughts and feelings, and will also listen carefully to the other's words. God speaks to us through Scripture about Himself and His plans, and He also stands ready to listen. (Psalm 10:17) The time we spend praying and meditating on Scripture reveals our commitment to communication, which includes listening, speaking, and understanding.
Openness —God speaks honestly about who we are, the condition of the world, and the only solution: Jesus Christ. He willingly tells us the difficult truths about ourselves, but also encourages and affirms us in our efforts to follow Him. Our part is to be honest with Him about our thinking, actions, and emotions. Salvation is only the first step of life in Christ. (John 3:16) Have you accepted the invitation to intimacy with God?

07 August

Confession and Our Forgiveness
1 John 1:5-10; 2:1-2 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+John+1:5-10;+2:1-2&version=NASB)

A common misconception among believers is that our heavenly Father–a loving, caring heavenly Father–is just waiting to pounce on us when we don’t cross our moral T’s or dot our virtuous I’s.
Though well-intentioned, this is not scriptural. The atoning, sacrificial death of Jesus Christ takes care of all of a believer’s sins–past, present, and future.
So what purpose does confession serve? It does not affect your position as His child. That, too, was sealed at salvation. However, confession affects your intimacy with God, the daily communication you have with Him that is vital to maintaining the Spirit-filled life. This is the "forgiveness" of 1 John 1:9.
There is nothing you did to warrant the forgiveness God extended through the death of His Son. There is nothing you can do to deserve His continual grace. However, through your confession, God releases you from the guilt of having sinned against Him.
The word confess simply means that you agree with God about your sin, and the release you experience upon confession comes because you have assumed responsibility for your actions and long to return to an unfettered daily walk. The only cloud under which God wishes you to live is that of His unfailing, unmerited grace.
08 August

The Cost of Compromise
1 KINGS 11:1-8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+KINGS+11:1-8&version=NASB)

Modern society nurtures a popular misconception that Christians should relax their beliefs and adopt a more tolerant worldview. But we can see from the life of King Solomon that compromising the law of God is a destructive choice.
In the early years of his reign, Solomon was committed to doing right. But later, when he saw the opportunity to promote himself politically, he ignored the biblical command forbidding marriage to pagans. (1 Kings 3:1) The union may have seemed like an insignificant deviation, but Satan's strategy is to convince us to compromise small portions of Scripture, one at a time.
Solomon admired beautiful women of other races, but instead of finding ways to avoid temptation, he first allowed himself one relationship and then sought more and more. Surrounded by foreigners, the king inevitably became involved in their religions. Eventually he was ensnared by sin, and his heart turned from God. Solomon's temptations may differ from ours, but accepting compromise can trap us as well. Unchecked admiration for something beyond God's will for our life can convince us to pursue it. Though we intellectually know this choice is wrong, we harden our hearts against the Spirit's warnings. Our preoccupation can deepen until the desired object, person, or activity holds a place of greater priority than our Father. If we allow that to happen, we lose our freedom in Jesus Christ and become caught in a prison of sin. In other words, the cost of compromise is the corruption of our souls.
09 August

The Cross: Our Bridge to God
JOHN 14:1-6 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JOHN+14:1-6&version=NASB)

We hear people say a God of love will not exclude someone from heaven. But this narrow perspective overlooks the fact that He is also holy and just. Because of the Father's holiness, He cannot tolerate impurity in His presence. Therefore, sin—the willful disobedience that corrupts the heart—separates man from Him. In addition, God's justice demands punishment for wrongdoing. The penalty for sin is death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23), which makes isolation from the Lord eternal.
We can never be perfect and thereby earn access to the Father. Our efforts to build a bridge by means of right behavior or good works are of no use because we inevitably destroy the structure with sin. In His great love, God made a provision that allows us to enter His presence: He laid the cross over the gap created by our corruption. The penalty for our sin had to be paid, so the Father piled every transgression onto His Son and sent Him to die in our place. Only Jesus, who had no sin-debt of His own, could be the perfect sacrifice God required. But both Father and Son paid a heavy price—for a period of time, the connection between the two was severed. (Matthew 27:45-46) Jesus died so we could live eternally, and He endured separation from the Father so we could be forever connected with Him. Through His death, the Savior satisfied the requirements of justice and demonstrated God's love for each of us. When we ask forgiveness for our sins and receive Jesus into our lives, we cross the bridge into righteous communion with God.
10 August

God’s Command for Every Believer
MATTHEW 28:16-20 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=MATTHEW+28:16-20&version=NASB)

In the passage known as the Great Commission, Jesus mentions discipleship, baptism, and teaching. We all agree that discipleship and teaching are essential to growing in faith; however, some Christians postpone or ignore the commandment to be baptized. The will of God is that every person who receives salvation participate in the biblically mandated practice.
Once Jesus delivered this charge to His followers, baptism was no longer optional. Scripture contains several examples of new Christians who submitted in obedience immediately after salvation. Paul and Silas instructed their jailer to receive Christ and be baptized (Acts 16:27-33); likewise, Philip took the Ethiopian eunuch right into the water after hearing his confession of faith. (Acts 8:36-38)
Too many believers today procrastinate because they do not perceive baptism as a command or recognize delay as rebellion. The ordinance is important because it is a public confession of faith: we claim God as our Father and Jesus Christ as Savior, and we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit lives in us. The willingness to humble ourselves in this way honors God as Lord of our life. Baptism by immersion also symbolizes the transforming power of salvation: we are "buried" to demonstrate we have died to old habits; we are raised to show we now walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4) Have you obeyed God's command to undergo believer's baptism? If not, decide now to call your pastor and arrange your public confession of faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

11 August

The Church: What’s It All About?
EPHESIANS 4:4-16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=EPHESIANS+4:4-16&version=NASB)

The church of God is an ecclesiastical communion. The multiplicity of syllables in that term obscures a simple idea. In Greek, ecclesia means "called out of," and communion is defined as a group of people with common beliefs. The church, then, is made up of those who are called out of the world's system to practice a godly lifestyle.
Each person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior belongs to the universal church, which is composed of the saints in heaven and on earth. Christians should also be part of a local body of believers. Some people may think joining a congregation is unnecessary. However, while salvation has nothing to do with church attendance, we demonstrate obedience by participating in the work Jesus gave us to do.
The church's responsibility is three-fold. First of all, we worship God through song, prayer, testimony, drama, and many other activities. Exalting the Lord blesses Him and simultaneously feeds our spirit as we recall His blessings, think about His nature, and remember His care for us. A second function of the local church is the teaching of its congregants. Spiritually, believers should always be involved in "continuing education." We do this by reading Scripture and hearing the pastor explain biblical principles. The third task of a body of believers is to carry what we learn out into the world. Through evangelism and missions, we reach the lost with the Gospel. Whenever someone receives Christ, that person joins our communion and becomes a part of the life-altering church of God.
12 August

Joining the Right Church
ACTS 20:28-30 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ACTS+20:28-30&version=NASB)

Attending the right church is essential for spiritual growth. A three-step test will help you evaluate a spiritual home. If these criteria are not met, Christians need to look for a new place to worship.
Doctrine—A right-thinking church will not compromise on these scriptural doctrines: First, the Bible is the Lord's inerrant Word, and every verse of it is true. Second, Jesus Christ was a virgin-born human being and the divine Son of God. If Jesus had had two human parents, He would have been a sinner and therefore could not have died for our transgressions. (Deuteronomy 17:1) Third, a church must believe that Christ died a substitutionary, sacrificial death on the cross, was bodily resurrected, and will return. Any other interpretation credits our works for helping us to reach heaven. Two other critical doctrines are the existence of heaven and hell, and the reality of a coming judgment.
Faith—The church we attend should be edifying to our relationship with God. We need teaching and encouragement to live a holy life of submission. Believers should be taught they are not victims of the world system but rather are overcomers through trust in the omnipotence of our Father.
Evangelism—There should be ministry to nonbelievers with compassion toward the poor and a burden to share the Gospel with the lost. If we evaluate a church against these three standards, we will be guided to a biblically grounded spiritual home where we can grow, worship, and fellowship with godly people.



13 August

Building Intimacy With God
GENESIS 16:1-17:8 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=GENESIS+16:1-17:8&version=NASB)

Intimacy with God doesn't just happen. It requires determination and a significant investment of time and effort. As we seek closeness with Him, we must learn:
• Conflict ResolutionIn human disputes, there is usually error on both sides. But if we find ourselves in conflict with God, then we know we are in the wrong; the Lord is always right. When Abraham fathered a child by Hagar, there was great strife in his home. God kept His promise to make Abraham a father of many nations but did not lift the multi-generational discord that resulted from his actions.
Trust—Intimacy grows only in an atmosphere of trust. As we understand God's character more, our confidence grows, and we are drawn closer to Him. Our part is to show ourselves trustworthy.
Risk Taking—The more we reveal who we are in Jesus Christ, the more we risk facing arguments, experiencing rejection, or being misunderstood. But God understands us fully and promises that we belong to Him forever. (John 10:27-29) And any disagreements with Him can be resolved by yielding our desires, seeking His viewpoint, and asking for deeper faith.
Agreement—For us to maintain a close affinity with God, our schedule and plans must reflect His priorities. We are to be available for His use and open to His directions. God designed us for intimacy with Him. All that He requires is our presence and cooperation. What priority have you placed on building a deeper relationship with Him?
14 August

Where to Go When in Need
Hebrews 4:13-16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=Hebrews+4:13-16&version=NASB)

Whenever situations in our lives become so burdensome that we can’t go on alone, where do we go? The world waves many temptations in our faces, hoping we would select them over the only place we need to go: the throne of God.
A.W. Tozer writes, "We cannot think rightly of God until we begin to think of Him as always being there, and there first." God desires to bear our burdens and give us the help that we need. He is there and should be our first option in times of trials and tribulations.
But why God? Why should we go to Him first and only?
Whenever we are struggling, we want someone who can relate to our circumstances. We want someone who knows us. We want someone who can give us assurance.
When Jesus came to earth as a man, He went through all the same trials and tribulations in life we go through. We also discover that God knows us better than anyone else. (v. 13) Our lives are "laid bare" before Him. So, if God suits the profile of the person we desire to relate to us, why turn to anyone else? He desires for us to draw near to Him "so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (v. 16). God has given us access to His throne of grace so we would go to Him. Why would we go anywhere else? Where else can we go to have our every need met?
15 August

A Helper for All Occasions
JOHN 14:16-18 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JOHN+14:16-18&version=NASB)

Did you ever wish for an emergency telephone line that rang in heaven? The truth is that we have something much better. The Holy Spirit lives inside us to be our helper in every situation.
The night before His crucifixion, Jesus warned the disciples that He was about to depart. The news probably confused and frustrated them, even though it wasn't the first time He'd spoken of His death. But the Lord offered His followers reassurance that He would send them another Helper. The Greek word for 'another' implies that the new Helper would be like the previous one—a divine being with access to the Father. As promised, God's Spirit came to dwell in men and women who receive Jesus Christ as Savior. (Acts 2:1-4)
Our Helper has a distinct role within the Trinity. The Father reigns over all, while the Son sits at His right hand, interceding for believers. The Holy Spirit, meanwhile, enables Christians to accomplish the work God has designed for each one to do. The Father knew we couldn't follow Him without help—that was why Jesus told the disciples to delay spreading the Gospel until after the Holy Spirit's arrival. Whatever we are called to do in daily obedience or in lifelong vocation, our Helper offers direction. And when we are beset by tough times or temptations, God's Spirit provides strength and encouragement. The Holy Spirit is involved in our life intimately and personally. He is more a part of us than our bones and blood. We are privileged to have a divine Helper guiding us on the path of God's will.
(http://www.intouch.org/intouch/site.show_page?p_id=76096&p_monthyear=082005)

16 August

Our Helper in Prayer
ROMANS 8:26-27 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=ROMANS+8:26-27&version=NASB)

Most Christians feel they need help in order to pray effectively. Even the apostle Paul admitted that he sometimes did not know how to petition the heavenly Father as he should. In the supernatural exchange between God and believers, the Spirit acts as a vehicle for our communication, laying our needs and desires before the Father.
We humans make our requests with a very limited knowledge of the future and an impaired sense of what is actually best for us. Consequently, circumstances arise that cause us to wonder how we should pray. All we know to ask is, "God, what is Your will?" The Holy Spirit, who knows the Father's plans for us, tells Him of our need for understanding.
God does not hide His will from us. He desires to equip believers with all the information necessary for making right decisions and for being continuously conformed to the likeness of His Son. Just as the Spirit carries our needs to God, He also clarifies the Father's will to us. Some people find the power of prayer a bit intimidating— "Be careful what you pray, because you might get it," goes the old joke. Believers sometimes quit praying before receiving an answer because they are fearful of making the wrong request. However, the Holy Spirit's divine nature prevents Him from going before God with a petition that is outside the Father's plan. Instead, He intercedes to make the right request. He also impresses upon us the need to adjust our desires. Therefore, we can pray in every situation, knowing the Holy Spirit is our Helper.
17 August

Our Helper in Bible Study
1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=1+CORINTHIANS+2:12-16&version=NASB)

The Bible is God's revelation of truth, and it is intended for regular use by every believer. The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is a necessity since He is the one who makes clear the meaning of the Word. He illuminates the mind of each person who genuinely seeks to know God.
When we read, our Helper opens our understanding to the true meaning of the text so that we can grasp its significance. We never outgrow this need for Him. A mature believer with decades of experience meditating on Scripture requires as much revelation as a child who has just received Christ. Not long ago, I had reason to recall this fact as I read a passage I had seen often in my studies. For the very first time, my soul opened wide to these verses, the truth burst in, and I felt immediately energized. Grasping a new truth from the Scriptures gets us excited and inspires us to apply what we have learned. Then, as we integrate one truth into our life, the Spirit of God reveals another in order to make us more like our Savior. Learning about God and conforming to the image of Jesus Christ are the highest ambitions of Christianity, and we can achieve those goals only by learning and applying scriptural principles. But truth cannot be poured into a dirty heart. Nor can we expect to understand the Bible if we refuse to obey its precepts. If we want the Holy Spirit to reveal biblical meaning, we must ask first for a revelation of our sin. When we repent of the wrongdoing brought to mind by our Helper, our heart opens to His illumination.
18 August

The Believer’s Highest Honor
JOHN 12:24-26 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=JOHN+12:24-26&version=NASB)

A tremendous contrast exists between what the Word teaches and what the world promotes. Nonbelievers treasure power, leadership, and ambition, but for the Christian, service is a high honor.
People have the mistaken idea that God calls only super-spiritual believers into preaching, missions, or other "official" church work. But all of us are servants of the Lord, charged with accomplishing His plan for our life. He places us in situations, vocations, and neighborhoods where we can have an impact. Think about the stay-at-home mom who raises godly children, or a bedridden man who prays regularly for his church family. Neither responsibility involves worldly power or recognition, but God honors such faithfulness.
There are no unimportant positions in the kingdom of God. Our point of service may change with the seasons of our life, but we are always on duty for Him. Some believers waste their years instead of submitting. Either they never realize the Lord has a purpose for them, or they use excuses to avoid the work He calls them to do. Poor education, ill health, age, and lack of time cannot keep us from service if we are committed to Him. He uses whatever skills and gifts we have and provides the strength we need to be salt and light. We have an awesome privilege to be part of the divine labor taking place on earth. God doesn't need our help, but He wants to incorporate our small contribution into His master plan. When we are obedient in serving, He honors us with the title "good and faithful servant."
19 August

An Example of Service
PHILIPPIANS 2:1-7 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=PHILIPPIANS+2:1-7&version=NASB)

Jesus defied the world's expectations of a divine being. Many Jewish people of that time were looking for a powerful king who would liberate them by conquering the Romans. They were prepared to serve and worship that kind of messiah. Instead, the Savior was a humble man who didn't think twice about washing dirty feet. While Jesus Christ could have banished the Roman presence from the region and then been glorified as an earthly ruler, He was very clear about His reason for being here: He came to serve, not to be served. (Matthew 20:28)
In fact, Paul refers to Jesus as the lowest form of worker—a bondservant. This type of laborer was responsible for the menial household tasks, including foot washings. Christ came into the world prepared to do whatever work was necessary to move men toward a saving knowledge of Himself. He values every soul. Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector, received His attention and love just as the Pharisee Nicodemus and the rich young ruler did. (Luke 19:1-10; 18:18-25; John 3:1-8) Jesus also spent time with people on the lowest rung of the social ladder, healing the sick and afflicted, and speaking with children. A servant's life is not self-centered but rather is focused on God and His work. The Bible calls us to serve the Father by following in the Son's footsteps. Believers would never call Jesus weak, but those who chase after the world's version of success probably would. Are you prepared to challenge our culture's idea of power by accepting the humble position of servant?
20 August

When We Seek God
2 CHRONICLES 31:20-21 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=2+CHRONICLES+31:20-21&version=NASB)

Seeking after God means wanting to learn more about His character, purposes, and plans and how they apply to our lives. It implies a sense of urgency to get answers plus a responsiveness to what we discover. Pursuing Him takes an attitude of:
Wholeheartedness. Our relationship with the Lord is to come first—above everything else in our life. (Mark 12:30)
Diligence. A sense of devotion and careful attention to what God is saying will bring us into a closer walk with Him. (Proverbs 8:17) Inattention or a careless attitude will not. A systematic, sustained effort leads to a strong bond with God.
Persistence. We are not to be satisfied with the knowledge we presently have or the current depth of our relationship with the Lord. Learning more about Him is to be a continual pursuit. (Psalm 105:4)
Confidence. Since Hebrews 11:6 says God rewards those who run after Him, we can be confident that we'll find Him through prayer and scriptural meditation.
Humility. The truth is, we are not worthy to receive divine understanding about God. We are totally dependent on Him for everything and can do nothing apart from Him. (John 15:5) This awareness brings humility, wh