Unqualified Christianity.com (Crosswalk the Devotional) | Friday, July 29, 2016 By Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Editor
It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. -Deuteronomy 13:4
Sometimes I feel like, as a Christian, I’m no good. I have no memory for Bible verses, I don’t have any gifts in leadership or preaching, and I’ve done some pretty stupid, not to mention embarrassing, things while trying to serve Christ in the past. In moments like these, I try to remember Gladys Alyward.
Gladys Alyward was a London-born woman who became a missionary to China in the 1930’s. Another missionary named Mrs. Lawson had invited Alyward to China, where the two women would run an inn and tell Bible stories to the passing travelers. Lawson and Alyward were the only foreigners in the city, at a time when Europeans were looked on with great distrust by the Chinese, and not long after her arrival, Mrs. Lawson suffered a severe fall and died a few days later.
Only a few weeks after Lawson’s death, Alyward was approached by the city’s Mandarin. The government had decided to put an end to the ancient practice of foot-binding, and this meant the government needed a foot-inspector, a woman (someone who could invade the women's quarters without scandal) who would patrol the district and enforce the decree. Though Alyward was now running the inn by herself, she chose to accept the position and used it to minister to countless individuals.
A year after that, Alyward was once again summoned by the Mandarin. A riot had broken out at a local prison, and Alyward was told to calm it. The prison guards had heard of her strange religion and wanted to put it to the test, so Alyward had no choice but to walk into the rampaging prison. To everyone’s surprise, when Alyward called for the rioting prisoners to stop, they did. She told them to select a spokesman for the prisoners whom she could speak with, which again, they did without argument. It turned out the prisoners were confined to close quarters all day, with nothing to do and nothing to eat but food sent to them by family members. Though prison reform was unheard of at the time, Alyward managed to gather equipment the men could use to grind grain, earning them money for food.
As the years passed, the people of the city gave Alyward the name Ai-weh-deh, meaning "Virtuous One." Her inn expanded to become an orphanage where she cared for over 100 children, and when the Japanese threatened to invade in WWII, it was she who led the children over the mountains to safety. Alyward continued to preach the message of Christ all her life until she died in 1970.
Funny thing about Gladys Alyward: when she first applied to be a missionary, she was turned down. The organization she’d applied for considered her "unqualified" to minister in a foreign country.
God loves unqualified Christians. Look at Peter - a day laborer and a coward. Look at Matthew, who was a tax collector and an outcast. Look at Mary, who the scripture say Jesus cast twelve demons from. Don’t underestimate what Christ can do with your life. Give God one willing Christian, and he can change the face of the world.
Intersecting Faith and Life: Do you feel like an unqualified Christian? Don’t feel down; pray to God and seek a place where you can serve him.
If You’re Feeling Overlooked and Unappreciated Encouragement for Today | Thursday, July 28, 2016 By Lysa TerKeurst. - Proverb 31 Ministries
“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” Acts 13:22 (NIV)
Sometimes I wake up in the morning feeling a little grumpy. Time to do it all again. I’ll buy food that gets eaten. I’ll wash clothes that get dirty again. I’ll sweep floors that will somehow need to be swept again before the day is even done.
Is there more to all this than just doing the tasks of everyday life?
One day before I jumped into the normal routine, I sat with Jesus. And I found some big truths as I read my Bible and took a little glance into David’s life. Despite how others saw him, his own tendency to sin, and lack of position in his own family, David had the sweet reassurance of God. And that was enough.
Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.
To his older brothers, David was young … possibly even a pest. To his father, Jesse, he was just another son. To onlookers, he was a mere shepherd boy. But to God, David was the one destined to be king of Israel. And not just any king. He was from the bloodline from which Jesus would come.
Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.
Even the way David was anointed to be the future king is a telling story. In 1 Samuel 16, God reveals to Samuel that He has rejected Saul as king and chosen one of Jesse’s sons to be the replacement.
Think of the list of qualifications that must have run through Samuel’s mind for such a position: tall, smart, articulate, brave, groomed, well-mannered, a natural-born leader. Samuel saw some of these characteristics in Eliab, David’s brother. “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his outward appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).
Samuel had Jesse line up all of his sons before him. All of them were to be considered. Yet, Jesse didn’t call David in from tending sheep. Was this an oversight? An assumption? A judgment call? A deliberate choice?
Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.
Samuel passes on each of Jesse’s sons and then asks, “Are these all the sons you have?” I imagine Jesse with a quizzical expression replying, “There is still the youngest … He is tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11a, NIV). Surely one who spends his time taking care of animals is not the one to take care of a nation.
Overlooked by everyone else. Handpicked by God.
As soon as Samuel saw David, he knew he’d found the one. David was anointed to become king. But he was not immediately ushered to the throne. It would be many years before David was recognized by the world. So, where did he go after being anointed as king? To a refining school? A government academy? Military training? Nope.
He went back out to the fields and continued to shepherd his flock. A king-to-be doing lowly tasks. A future king whose character was refined in the fields of everyday life to prepare him for his calling.
How like us. In the midst of smelly laundry, dirty dishes, snotty noses, misplaced keys, overdue library books, bills and that birthday gift that still needs to be mailed — there is training there. There is character building. There is attitude shaping. There is soul defining. All of which must take place for us to become what God intends.
Do you ever feel overlooked by the world? Take heart — we are handpicked by God.
We aren’t just doing tasks. We are building a legacy. We are shaping God’s Kingdom. We are in the process of not only discovering our calling but that of our family as well. And I don’t know about you, but it sure does make me look at my everyday tasks (yes, even the smelly laundry) in a whole different light.
Dear Lord, I’m grateful that even when I feel overlooked, I can rest in the fact that I am handpicked by You. Help me live my life for an audience of One. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Corinthians 15:58b, “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” (MSG)
John 15:16a, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you …” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Don't go another day without learning to live from the abundant place of God’s love. Be one of the first people to get Lysa TerKeurst’s newest book, Uninvited. Pre-order your copy here today and receive free bonus resources!
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
When have you felt overlooked or left out recently?
When you’re feeling discouraged, speak these words out loud: “I am handpicked and called by God. I may be rejected by others, but I am forever cherished and accepted by the Most High God!”
Power Over Oceans DCLM - Daily Manna | Wednesday, July 27, 2016 By Deeper Christian Life Ministry
PSALM 93:1-5
Key Verse:"The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalm 93:4).
Terrible and dangerous floods have claimed lives across the world for years. In the past year, extreme weather caused severe flooding in many parts of the world. Increasing elemental dislocations across the world are posing serious concern to all. Even worse, the failure of weather predictions is sending jitters down the spine of metereologists. But our God remains on the throne.
The Psalmist in our text enumerated some of the glorious attributes of God. He reigns supreme above everything. His throne is established of old and has no end. He controls the seas and the mighty floods so that their damage is checked. His testimonies, that is his Word, are very sure and holiness characterize His house forever. God is supremely and incomparably greater than all freakish conditions. When you are in the ocean, you have no control over its movement and power. Yet, in this psalm, we see God portrayed as even more powerful than the ocean.
Does the prospect of a relationship with such an all-powerful Being scare you and circumvent any intimacy you might have with Him? It is great to remember all the great things that God has done in the past, but we cannot leave Him in the history books. We need to be able to say, "The Lord reigns in my life today". We have no choice than to cleave to Him fully especially now that frightening and uncertain weather conditions and environmental dislocations are in the upswing. You must stand on Christ's solid rock for all other grounds are sinking sand.
Thought for the day: God is faithful and trustworthy in every situation.
When Jesus Comes In Heavens Inspirations.com | Tuesday, July 26, 2016 By By M.S.Lowndes
"But then what benefit (return) did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? [None] for the end of those things is death. But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life."
~ Romans 6: 21-22 (AMP)
When we think back to our old lives before Jesus came in and transformed us, we realize how futile a lot of things were that we had in our lives. Things we once thought were important, we now see aren't important at all in the light of 'eternity'. We see now that those things had no benefit for us.
Our whole lives take a turn around when Jesus comes along. Sometimes it may feel like Jesus has turned our world upside down - and that can be difficult. Things that were once our security, no longer are. Things that were familiar to us, we no longer feel comfortable with. This can be a really difficult time, but later on down the track we can see the things we once held on to could never benefit us at all, in fact, could have led to heartbreak.
When Christ comes into our lives, we become slaves to God instead of sin. He turns us in a new direction that results in eternal life with Him.
If you are in this place right now, continue to trust in God because He knows what He's doing, and you will see later on the beauty of the Lord in your life. Just hang in there. He is working in you, and you won't be in this place forever.
Lord, I thank you for saving me,
For giving me life within
Help me to be free as a slave of God
Instead of a slave to sin..
Consider God's Mightiness TruthForLife | Monday, July 25, 2016 By C.H. Spurgeon
His camp is exceedingly great. Joel 2:11
Consider, my soul, the mightiness of the Lord who is your glory and defense. He is a man of war; Jehovah is His name. All the forces of heaven are at His command; legions wait at His door; cherubim and seraphim, watchers and holy ones, principalities and powers are all attentive to His will. If our eyes were not blinded by the dust of sin, we should see horses of fire and chariots of fire round about the Lord's servants. The powers of nature are all subject to the absolute control of the Creator: Stormy wind and tempest, lightning and rain, snow and hail, and the soft dews and cheering sunshine come and go at His decree.
The bands of Orion He looses, and He binds the sweet influences of the Pleiades.1 Earth, sea, and air and the places under the earth are the barracks for Jehovah's great armies; space is His camping ground, light is His banner, and flame is His sword. When He goes forth to war, famine ravages the land, pestilence smites the nations, hurricane sweeps the sea, tornado shakes the mountains, and earthquake makes the solid world to tremble.
As for animate creatures, they all own His dominion, and from the great fish that swallowed the prophet down to "all manner of flies," which plagued the field of Zoan,2 all are His servants, and even the caterpillars and the worms are squadrons of His great army, for His camp is very great. My soul, see to it that you are at peace with this mighty King. Be sure to enlist under His banner, for to war against Him is madness, and to serve Him is glory.
Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, is ready to receive recruits for the army of the Lord: If I am not already enlisted, let me go to Him before I sleep and beg to be accepted through His merits; and if I be already, as I hope I am, a soldier of the cross, let me be of good courage, for the enemy is powerless compared with my Lord, whose camp is very great.
1) Job 38:31
2) Psalm 78:43-45
Family Bible reading plan
. Jeremiah 20
. Mark 6
NB: Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright (c) 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission. Today’s Bible Reading material is taken from McCheyne Bible reading plan and used by Truth For Life with permission. Scripture quotations are taken from Holy Bible: English Standard Version, copyright (c) 2001, Good News Publishers.
The Failure Wall Our Daily Journey | Friday, July 22, 2016 By Marvin Williams
Read: Mark 9:14-29 [The disciples] asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer” (Mark 9:28-29).
What if you were asked to write your failures on a wall for everyone to see? What if the person doing the asking was your boss? That’s exactly what happens every day at Dun and Bradstreet Credibility Corp. Jeff Stibel, chief executive officer, came up with the Failure Wall. Stibel encourages his employees to write their failures on the 10-by-15-foot surface in order to succeed in their work and in life.
Jesus wanted His disciples to acknowledge and own their failures so they could succeed in His mission. Here’s one thing the disciples could have written down: “We didn’t seek God’s power in prayer while dealing with a demon.”
When Jesus, Peter, James, and John arrived at the foot of the mountain after Jesus had been transfigured, they found an anguished father whose son was possessed by a demon (Mark 9:2-3,17-18). The evil spirit had robbed the boy of his speech and hearing.
The father had brought his son to be healed by Jesus, but in His absence the man had approached the disciples. Though they’d been given authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:7,13), on this day they weren’t able to do it. Jesus healed the man’s son, causing the disciples to ask: “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” (Mark 9:28). The disciples had tried to act in their own strength, instead of praying to God and depending on Him.
We all face the reality of spiritual attacks in this life. And our own sinful nature can lead us to follow temptations that will lead to failure. How can we be better prepared to follow God and not fail? By studying Scripture (Ephesians 6:17), putting on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-17), growing in faith (1 John 5:4-5), relying on Jesus’ power (John 16:33), and depending on Him in prayer (Ephesians 6:18).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 8:22–9:1
More: Read 2 Kings 4:32-35 to see how Elisha prepared to battle the dark force of death.
Next: In what ways do you need to be prepared for encounters with spiritual enemies? What piece of armor in Ephesians 6:10-17 do you most need to put on today?
Tactical Distractions Our Daily Bread | Thursday, July 21, 2016 By Randy Kilgore
Read: Jonah 4 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 29–30; Acts 23:1–15
The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:4
It became painfully clear the first time my wife and I collaborated on a writing project that procrastination was going to be a major obstacle. Her role was to edit my work and keep me on schedule; my role seemed to be to drive her crazy. Most times, her organization and patience outlasted my resistance to deadlines and direction.
I promised to have a certain amount of writing done by the end of one day. For the first hour, I plugged away diligently. Satisfied with what I’d accomplished so far, I decided to take a break. Before I knew it, my time was up. In trouble for sure, I thought of a way out. I set about doing a couple of chores my wife despised and which always netted me praise when I did them.
Are you dodging duties God makes clear He wants you to tackle?
My plan failed.
I sometimes play the same games with God. He brings specific people into my life He wants me to serve or tasks He wants me to accomplish. Like Jonah, who went another way when God gave Him an assignment (Jonah 4:2), I need to set aside my own feelings. I often try to impress God with good deeds or spiritual activity when what He really wants is obedience to His priorities. Inevitably, my plan fails.
Are you dodging duties God makes clear He wants you to tackle? Trust me: Real contentment comes from doing it in His strength and in His way.
Loving Father, help us to recognize our busyness and distractions for what they so often are—disobedience and inattention to the work You have given us to do.
Obedience pleases God.
INSIGHT: In Exodus 34 God describes Himself as “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love . . . forgiving wickedness . . . and sin” (vv. 6–7). It is ironic that these divine attributes angered Jonah (Jonah 4:1), who wanted Nineveh destroyed, not forgiven. This was the very reason he initially refused to go to the Ninevites to preach God’s message of repentance and forgiveness (v. 2).
A Vessel Unto Honour DCLM - Daily Manna | Wednesday, July 20, 2016 By Deeper Christian Life Ministry
EPHESIANS 3:1-12
Key Verse: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8).
Experience has shown that it is very dangerous to write off a man because of his present status. Paul, a former persecutor of believers, received pardon and was sent to preach to the Gentiles — a race that was thought to be outside the commonwealth of Israel.
The truth that Gentiles would become "fellow heirs, and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" was formerly a mystery that has now been revealed to Paul. This is the thrust of the passage under consideration. Paul realised the purpose of his conversion. He was to declare to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Paul was not just satisfied with knowing the mystery revealed to him; he was not content with reaching out to the Gentiles, but he accepted as part of his ministry, "to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God…" Paul pursued this revelation to a logical conclusion. Through his ministry, those who had no hope of eternal life became partakers. Those who were doomed to eternal damnation were rescued.
Today, it is our tu to toe the path of service and commitment as the apostle did. Despite the deluge of challenges and troubles which crowded Paul, he moved on to accomplish the very purpose for which he was saved. We must ensure that we are not slowed down by whatever circumstances surrounding us.
Your Friends Need You to Share Their Pain rickwarren.org | Tuesday, July 19, 2016 By RICK WARREN
“Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down” (Romans 12:15 MSG).
The interesting thing about pain and joy is that whenever you share a joy, it gets doubled. But it’s the opposite with pain. When you share a pain, it’s halved. When your friends are going through a crisis, they need you to help carry the load and lessen the pain.
When I’m talking about sharing the pain with your friends, I’m not talking about sympathy. Sympathy says, “I’m sorry you hurt.” People don’t need your sympathy. They need your empathy. Empathy says, “I hurt with you.” Sympathy stands at a distance. Empathy draws close.
The ultimate form of love is compassion. Compassion says, “I’ll do anything I can to stop your hurt.” When you read the Bible, you’ll find that Jesus was repeatedly moved with compassion. He was willing to do whatever he could to stop others’ hurt, including going to the cross. He was willing to die to stop your hurt. That’s compassion.
The Bible says in Romans 12:15, “Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down” (MSG). That means cry with them. Weep with those who weep.
What do friends do? They show up. They share the pain, and they shut up. They don’t give pious platitudes. They don’t give advice. They don’t try to talk a friend out of his pain. They don’t say, “It’s going to be OK.” They just say, “We’re going to sit here with you. We’re going to be here for you. We’re going to hurt with you.”
Talk It Over
What are some ways you can show compassion to a friend who is hurting?
Describe a situation where it’s best not to say anything but instead just be present.
Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it
A Good Thing Christianity.com | Monday, July 18, 2016
Theme: Church Life
The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own – Acts 4:32
This picture of the early Christian church shows, in a nutshell, the source of their power to impact the world around them. First, they are described as believers. Only those who have a common faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can enjoy the unity of spirit and purpose that is described here.
Second, because of their common faith in Jesus Christ, they were of one heart and soul; they were singular and focused in their objective. They knew the reason for their existence as a church was not to entertain, or even to do good in the community. Their single intention was to exalt the name of Jesus Christ.
Finally, their unanimous endeavor to glorify Christ resulted in practical implications for their daily lives. Although they had personal possessions, they did not see these things as their own.
Likewise, we show that we have finally comprehended the nature of our role as stewards when we can truly say that nothing we have is our own. It is not my car, my house, my money, or my time. It is God’s car, house, money, and time that He has loaned to me…and He expects a return on His investment (Matthew 25:14-27).
Are you striving in your church, with fellow believers in Christ, to exalt the name of Jesus together? Are you together laying all that you have and all that you are on His altar, to be used in his Kingdom as He sees fit? This was the source of the New Testament church’s power.
Go Ahead, Shine Crosswalk the Devotional | Thursday, July 14, 2016 By John UpChurch, Crosswalk.com Contributor
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life" Philippians 2:14-16a
The quick burning desire to be an astronomer came during year three of my college experience. That was after philosopher, writer (the first time), and English professor, but before anthropologist, high school teacher, and writer (the second time). You can’t blame a guy for wanting to wring every cent out of his scholarships.
So, in year three, I became convinced that I would study space because… well… because I loved planets and stuff. With the same gusto that had carried me through my philosophy phase, I charged into star charts and calculated orbits with fury and fine-tipped lead pencils. I pored over research on black holes and quasars and stared intently into the night sky trying to figure out how in the world someone could think that a certain cluster of stars could look anything like a person or a goat or whatever.
Then, reality hit in the way of astrophysics. The funny thing about studying the stars is that you have to be able to calculate distances, luminosity, parallaxes, and more fancy terms. I could crunch equations just fine, but that doesn’t mean I found it more satisfying than, say, ripping off a bandage from my legs.
Before I came to know Christ, all that nadir gazing did produce one substantial result in me: deep, deep emptiness. You can’t help but feel how small you are when you peer into the infinite-seeming inkiness of space. The more you see how incomprehensibly expansive everything really is, the more you feel speck-like in the cosmic order. The weight of eternity came crushing in on me.
And in that darkness, I needed light. This “crooked and depraved” man groped about for anything that would shine, some embers of hope. Not finding them in philosophy or books or even astronomy, the pressure just got worse. I kept feeling my way through the darkness into whatever classes the university offered, but through each of my potential career paths, I found nothing that could illuminate the road around me.
Of course, I wouldn’t have put it in those terms back then. At that point, I just knew something was messed up, and I couldn’t figure out what. I needed the “word of life.” But I didn’t know I needed it, and I didn’t know where to find it.
Intersecting Faith & Life: That’s where we come in as Christians. People like the old me don't always even know what gnaws at them. Some have so subverted the pain that it plays out in pursuits of passion: They mute it with noise, clutter, medicine, or flesh. They prefer to find ways to ignore the crushing weight.
And then they see the stars. At least, they should see the stars. I don't necessarily mean the stars in the night, since city lights drown them out for most of us now days. I mean, they need to see the stars around them who shine through their Jesus-emulating behavior. That light has the power to both expose their blindness and help them see.
So, shine. People like the old me are counting on it.
God Is For Me TruthForLife | Wednesday, July 13, 2016 By C.H. Spurgeon
Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. Psalms 56:9
It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, "God is for me." He was for us before the worlds were made. He was for us or He would not have given His well-beloved Son; He was for us when He smote the Only-begotten and laid the full weight of His wrath upon Him—He was for us, though He was against Him. He was "for us" when we were ruined in the Fall—He loved us notwithstanding all. He was for us when we were rebels against Him and with a high hand were bidding Him defiance. He was for us or He would not have brought us humbly to seek His face. He has been for us in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within—how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if He had not been for us?
He is for us with all the infinity of His being, with all the omnipotence of His love, with all the infallibility of His wisdom. Arrayed in all His divine attributes, He is for us—eternally and immutably for us; for us when the heavens shall be rolled up like a worn-out robe; for us throughout eternity. And because He is for us, the voice of prayer will always ensure His help. "Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call." This is no uncertain hope, but a well-grounded assurance—"this I know."
He is for us with all the infinity of His being, with all the omnipotence of His love, with all the infallibility of His wisdom. Arrayed in all His divine attributes, He is for us—eternally and immutably for us; for us when the heavens shall be rolled up like a worn-out robe; for us throughout eternity. And because He is for us, the voice of prayer will always ensure His help. "Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call." This is no uncertain hope, but a well-grounded assurance—"this I know."
Family Bible reading plan: • Jeremiah 9 • Matthew 23
The Easy Road? Our Daily Bread | Tuesday, July 12, 2016 By Dave Branon
Read: Exodus 13:17–22 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 4–6; Acts 17:16–34
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. Exodus 13:17
Life’s path is often difficult. So if we expect that God will always give us an easy road, we may be tempted to turn our back on Him when the terrain gets tough.
If you’ve ever considered doing that, think about the people of Israel. When they were given freedom from the Egyptians after hundreds of years of bondage, they took off for the Promised Land. But God didn’t send them straight home. He “did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter” (Ex. 13:17). Instead He sent them on the hard road through the desert. In the short run, this helped them avoid wars (v. 17), but in the long run, there was something bigger at work.
Lord, encourage us, and teach us as we let You direct our path.
God used that time in the desert to instruct and mature the people He had called to follow Him. The easy road would have led them to disaster. The long road prepared the nation of Israel for their successful entry into the Promised Land.
Our God is faithful, and we can trust Him to lead us and care for us no matter what we face. We may not understand the reason for the path we are on, but we can trust Him to help us grow in faith and maturity along the way.
Lord, we cannot see the path ahead, so we must trust that the way is right and that it is the best road for us to take. Please encourage us, and teach us as we let You direct our path.
God’s timing is always right—wait patiently for Him.
INSIGHT:
In today’s passage we read that after the Israelites left Egypt, God led them “around by the desert road toward the Red Sea” (vv. 17–18).Though there were shorter routes, God led them a longer way around the desert and demonstrated His faithfulness and power. His faithful presence was with them in pillars of fire and cloud (vv. 21–22), and He demonstrated His power by His miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptians (Ex. 14).
Abiding Glory DCLM-Daily Manna | Monday, July 11, 2016 Deeper Christian Life Ministry
-2 CORINTHIANS 3:7-18
Key Verse:"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The hope of believers is eternal life. The Bible says, eyes have not seen and it has not entered into the imagination of anyone, what God has prepared for His people. All the beauties in this world will pale into insignificance when compared to the beauty and the bliss of eternal life. Christ, who is the Hope of glory, will bring along with Him this glory that shall never fade nor pass away.
It then means that whatever we see here at the moment, is just a mere shadow. They are not in any way to be compared with the splendour which the overcomers will enjoy endlessly. In our passage today, Paul contrasts his ministry of the new covenant with the ministry of the Old Testament covenant and law that was given to the nation of Israel on Mount Sinai. Since the sacrifices could not atone for sin, those who administered them laboured seemingly fruitlessly as they had no effect in producing justification for sin.
The Old Testament law was however glorious because it accomplished the purpose for which it was given, that is, to bring man to Christ. When Moses received the law on Mount Sinai, he came down with a radiant face. However, after a period of time, the glory that was radiating from his face faded. Paul used this event to illustrate the passing of the Old Testament law and covenant. The new covenant that is written on the hearts of men through the Mediator, Jesus Christ, is glorious and permanent.
Believers in Christ have transcended the Old Testament law. We are at once able to perceive the glory of Jesus and by this, continually grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Our lives are being transformed into the image of Jesus by obedience to His will day by day. And we come to the fullness of His glory and revelation when we eventually see Him face-to-face.
Thought for the day: The yearning for greatness produces the internal revolution that will give birth to it.
Learn Contentment! Worthy Devotions | Friday, July 8, 2016
1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
Numbers 11:5-6; 34 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at." vs 34 Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving.
The Apostle Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthians 10:6 against desiring evil as they did, would seem to point to the obvious sins – lying, stealing, adultery, fornication, etc. – and following their deliverance from slavery, many of the children of Israel were certainly guilty of some of these. But this passage in Numbers describes a type of sin we don't normally consider: it was simply their desire for the foods they ate in Egypt. The daily supernatural provision of angel food (manna) for every meal had become tiresome and even loathsome to the Israelites. The memory of their tasty diet under slavery actually brought about a wave of weeping among the people as each man stood at the door of his tent representing his family which was "fed up" with God's Manna. Naturally speaking, it's not hard to sympathize with people who long to enjoy such healthy and tasty foods as fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
Yet this complaint angered YHVH very much. Some may wonder at His anger, and judge it to be harsh and unreasonable. Shouldn't people be allowed to expect variety and taste in their diet? Yet the sin of discontent and complaining about God's provision and lusting after the food of their slavery ultimately brought severe judgment. Yes, the quail came in great abundance, [Numbers11:31-34], but with it, a severe plague which killed all who were convicted of greed, which the New Testament calls "idolatry" [Colossians 3:5]. The place where they were buried "Kibroth-hattaavah" translates to "the graves of greediness" or "the graves of lust".
Can we be content with simplicity, and the repetitive sure provision of our Lord? Or will we complain in our lust for the pleasures of this world? The children of Israel were consumed by their lusts. Tasty food in and of itself is not evil. But greed and dissatisfaction are a great offense to the Lord, and a form of idolatry.
Paul spoke elsewhere, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:12-13 NASB] This weekend, may we abide in a state of contentment, abundantly satisfied with the Lord Himself and His perfect provision, humble as it might be.
Accept Jesus As Your Righteousness adevotion.org | Thursday, July 7, 2016 A Bible Devotion
ROMANS 10:3 NLT 3 For they don't understand God's way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God's way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.
It seems that humans are naturally intent on trying to prove to God that we are worthy of His acceptance and favor.
All human religions are based on what we must do to please God. But true Christianity is based entirely on what God did for us through Christ Jesus. That is why it is called the Gospel (which means Good News).
PHILIPPIANS 3:9 NLT 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
God's way for people to be right with Him is based on the work of Jesus Christ. It is not something any human being can ever deserve or earn. It is purely a gift from God.
GALATIANS 2:16 NLT 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law."
You can't have good standing with God by trying to be a good person and living a perfect life. The only way to have good standing with God is by being in Christ Jesus.
ROMANS 3:22 NLT 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
So don't try to establish your own righteousness. Accept Jesus as your righteousness!
GALATIANS 5:4 NLT 4 For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace.
God made Jesus to be your righteousness. Accept that fact!
1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 NIV 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
To now say that your righteousness is not good enough, would be saying that Jesus is not good enough. Because Jesus is your righteousness!
ROMANS 5:1 NLT 1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Being right with God (righteous) not only gives us peace with God, but also enables us to live in victory.
ROMANS 5:17 NLT 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Righteousness is a gift! But for you to benefit as you should, you must actively receive it. You must take it! (That is the meaning of the word "receive" in Romans 5:17.)
SAY THIS: I accept Jesus as my righteousness. Because of Jesus, I am in right standing with God right now. I am righteous in Christ!
Overcoming the Plague of Spiritual Laziness crosswalki.com | Tuesday, July 5, 2016 PowerPoint Today from Pastor Jack Graham
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Our nation is plagued by workaholics. People put in all kinds of hours at their jobs, and then come home with barely enough energy to spend time with our families. And the truth is, we’re more often than not as busy as we want to be. We load ourselves down with tasks because secretly, many people find their value in the number of things they accomplish.
This holds true when it comes to jobs. But sadly, too many Christians have completely forgotten how to be busy in the work of Jesus Christ. They sit and watch on Sunday, maybe giving a little here and there to pay for their seat at the “show.” then go home and get ready to start it all again on Monday.
Yes, when it comes to faith, many of us are watchers rather than witnesses… spectators rather than soldiers. But the Great Commission isn’t to go and sit in church! It’s to go and make disciples. That takes work!
Every single one of us has a gift to be used for the Kingdom of God. Whether it’s the gift of hospitality, leadership, service, teaching, or whatever God has given you, use it. Save time and energy for the work of the ministry and build up the body of Christ!
OVERCOME SPIRITUAL LAZINESS BY DIRECTING TIME AND ENERGY TOWARD USING YOUR GIFTS TO BUILD GOD’S KINGDOM.
Join the Cry Our Daily Bread | Monday, July 4, 2016 By Lawrence Darmani
Read:Psalm 122:6–9 | Bible in a Year: Job 28–29; Acts 13:1–25
I urge . . . that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1
A women’s prayer group in my country holds regular monthly prayer sessions for Ghana and other African countries. When asked why they pray so incessantly for the nations, their leader, Gifty Dadzie, remarked, “Look around, listen to and watch the news. Our nations are hurting: war, disaster, diseases, and violence threaten to overshadow God’s love for humanity and His blessing upon us. We believe God intervenes in the affairs of nations, so we praise Him for His blessings and cry for His intervention.”
The Bible reveals that God indeed intervenes in the affairs of nations (2 Chron. 7:14). And when God intervenes, He uses ordinary people. We may not be assigned huge tasks, but we can play our part to help bring about peace and the righteousness that exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34). We can do that through prayer. The apostle Paul wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
Lord, we pray today for the peace of our nations.
As the psalmist exhorted the ancient Israelites to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. 122:6), so may we pray for the peace and healing of our nations. When we pray in humility, turn from wickedness, and seek God, He hears us.
Lord, we pray today for the peace of our nations. We ask for Your intervention as we turn to You in confession and repentance. We praise You for Your blessing and Your provision.
Prayer for those in authority is both a privilege and a duty.
INSIGHT:
Jewish pilgrims sang Psalms 120–134, known collectively as the Pilgrim Psalms, as they made their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual festivals of Unleavened Bread (including Passover), Harvest (Weeks or Pentecost), and Ingathering (Booths or Tabernacles) (Ex. 23:14–16). Since Jerusalem sits on a mountainous area (Mount Zion is used synonymously with Jerusalem in the Bible), pilgrims are said to “ascend” to Jerusalem. Therefore, scholars designate each of these fifteen songs as “A song of ascents.” In Psalm 122, David celebrates Jerusalem as the “house of the Lord” (vv. 1, 9). He is elated (v. 1) that he is in the place of safety, security, and peace (vv. 6–9).
Baptism of the Spirit CBN | Friday, July 1, 2016 By J. Stephen Lang
Baptism is done with water, but the Bible talks about another baptism, much more important that the water ritual. This is the baptism of the Spirit, a teaching that was neglected for many years but has been given a renewed emphasis in many churches. This renewed interest in the Spirit's work is something to rejoice over. Christians of past times knew that without the Spirit there is only the lifeless, mechanical performance of religious duties.
"Then after I have poured out my rains again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike." Joel 2:28-29
"I baptize with* water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew 3:11
Jesus replied, "The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5
Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13
He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
You cannot talk about the Spirit without speaking of spiritual gifts. While the Spirit himself is the gift to Christians, the Bible also promises that each of us is given a gift through the Spirit.
God verified the message by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose to do so. Hebrews 2:4
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. God manifests the Spirit through each person for the good of the entire church.
To one person the Spirit gives a word of special wisdom; to another he gives the gift of special knowledge. The Spirit gives special faith to another, and to someone else he gives the power to heal the sick. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to distinguish between spirits. Still another person is given the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the same and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye -- then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?
But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."
In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, while other parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. Here is a list of some of the members that God has placed in the body of Christ:
. first are apostles,
. second are prophets,
. third are teachers,
. then those who do miracles,
. those who have the gift of healing,
. those who can help others,
. those who can get others to work together,
. those who speak in different kinds of tongues.
. Is everyone an apostle? Of course not. Is everyone a prophet? No. Are all teachers? Does everyone have the power to do miracles? Does everyone have the gift of healing? Of course not. Does God give all of us the ability to speak in tongues? Can everyone interpret tongues? No! And in any event, you should desire the most helpful gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-31
