Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
     

The Divine Commandment of Life

. . . be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect -Matthew 5:48

Our Lord's exhortation to us in Matthew 5:38-48 is to be generous in our behavior toward everyone. Beware of living according to your natural affections in your spiritual life. Everyone has natural affections- some people we like and others we don't like. Yet we must never let those likes and dislikes rule our Christian life. "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another" (1 John 1:7), even those toward whom we have no affection.

The example our Lord gave us here is not that of a good person, or even of a good Christian, but of God Himself. ". . . be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." In other words, simply show to the other person what God has shown to you. And God will give you plenty of real life opportunities to prove whether or not you are "perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Being a disciple means deliberately identifying yourself with God's interests in other people. Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).

The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing, but in God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not just good human characteristics. God's life in us expresses itself as God's life, not as human life trying to be godly. The secret of a Christian's life is that the supernatural becomes natural in him as a result of the grace of God, and the experience of this becomes evident in the practical, everyday details of life, not in times of intimate fellowship with God. And when we come in contact with things that create confusion and a flurry of activity, we find to our own amazement that we have the power to stay wonderfully poised even in the center of it all.

   

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Keeping Your Focus

Yesterday we discovered that God does have a purpose for each of our lives.  Yet even once we discover our purpose, we must remain focused.  Luke 4:42-44 says,

Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place.  And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent."  And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

I want you to notice that statement of Jesus,  "For this purpose I have been sent."  Jesus knew His purpose.  He said, "I must preach the kingdom."  But notice the people tried to distract Him from that purpose.

I am sure the people meant well, but they were trying to divert Jesus from His purpose.  But Jesus knew His purpose; therefore, He did not stay.

People will innocently divert you from doing what God has called you to do.  It is only when you know your purpose that you will not be sidetracked, and you will not be distracted from what you are supposed to do.

The apostle Paul knew his purpose.  In fact, he said this in 1 Corinthians 9:26, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step" (The Living Bible).  He was not about to get distracted from God's purpose for his life.

Our lives are not to be aimless, but they are to have purpose and direction, and we are to stay focused on that purpose, running straight at that goal.  Keep focused on the purpose for which God has created you.

Be able to say like Paul, "I am running straight to the goal with purpose in every step."


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Who's the Real Enemy?
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, 17-22 

Our nation faces a crisis of social deterioration which would have been unimaginable a generation ago. Our society needs radical transformation. Yes, we're in a culture war, but we need to know who the real enemy is.

The real enemy, working behind the scenes, is Satan. Yet the number one reason Satan can influence the schools, the media and government is because Christians have abandoned our culture and handed it over.



Christian morality no longer permeates, and society has lost its best moral frame of reference. We need a whole new generation of people who know, revere and follow God. If we humble ourselves before the Father, He will give us the power to take our culture back.





God bless
 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
     

 
The Missionary's Predestined Purpose
Now the Lord says, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant . . . -Isaiah 49:5
The first thing that happens after we recognize our election by God in Christ Jesus is the destruction of our preconceived ideas, our narrow-minded thinking, and all of our other allegiances- we are turned solely into servants of God's own purpose. The entire human race was created to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Sin has diverted the human race onto another course, but it has not altered God's purpose to the slightest degree. And when we are born again we are brought into the realization of God's great purpose for the human race, namely, that He created us for Himself. This realization of our election by God is the most joyful on earth, and we must learn to rely on this tremendous creative purpose of God. The first thing God will do is force the interests of the whole world through the channel of our hearts. The love of God, and even His very nature, is introduced into us. And we see the nature of Almighty God purely focused in

John 3:16

- "For God so loved the world. . . ."

We must continually keep our soul open to the fact of God's creative purpose, and never confuse or cloud it with our own intentions. If we do, God will have to force our intentions aside no matter how much it may hurt. A missionary is created for the purpose of being God's servant, one in whom God is glorified. Once we realize that it is through the salvation of Jesus Christ that we are made perfectly fit for the purpose of God, we will understand why Jesus Christ is so strict and relentless in His demands. He demands absolute righteousness from His servants, because He has put into them the very nature of God.

Beware lest you forget God's purpose for your life


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Living with Passion

I want to focus your attention today on two passages.  The first is Ecclesiastes 9:10,

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

The second passage is Colossians 3:23,

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

Do you see the common theme?  God desires us to live our lives full out, with passion.  Whether you are a preacher, a writer, a teacher, or a singer, whatever you do, you are to do it with passion.  You are to throw yourself into it.

People are attracted to passion.  They want to see someone who is burning with a fiery zeal for whatever they do!

In my opinion, the greatest example of a passionate person is Jesus.  Remember the story when Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple?  That was a passionate act.  In fact, the end of that passage says, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up."

Zeal is just another word for passion.  "Passion for Your house has eaten Me up!"  Have you ever tried to imagine Jesus doing that?  I have a very clear image of what that must have been like.

He is whipping these guys and they are running, covering their heads.  He is throwing over these big tables and the disciples are watching with their mouths wide open, when they remember the verse, "Zeal (passion) for Your house has eaten Me up."

Let me ask you a question:  When is the last time you were eaten up with zeal for anything?  When is the last time you were utterly passionate about anything?

Don't just sleepwalk through life.  You need to decide you are going to live!


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God Used Moses, "the Murderer"

Scripture Reading: Philippians  1:4-6

One mistake can change the course of our lives.  One bad decision can cost us years.  In Moses' case, the mistake was murder.  In a fit of anger, he killed an Egyptian and then fled for his life.  He went from living as a prince of Egypt to growing old with the sheep in the desert.  He was certain that it was too late for anything good to come of his life.

Many of our lives have been forever changed by a single decision, and the consequences have left us feeling as though our existence has little significance.  But it wasn't too late for Moses, and it's not too late for you.

When he was 80 - after 40 years of waiting - Moses' mistake brought him to the right place to meet with God, who used him to lead an entire nation out of slavery.  Cry out to God, and He will meet you in His presence.

God bless
 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
     

 
The "Go" of Preparation

If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift-Matthew 5:23-24

It is easy for us to imagine that we will suddenly come to a point in our lives where we are fully prepared, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished. In fact, it is a process that must be steadily maintained. It is dangerous to become settled and complacent in our present level of experience. The Christian life requires preparation and more preparation.

The sense of sacrifice in the Christian life is readily appealing to a new Christian. From a human standpoint, the one thing that attracts us to Jesus Christ is our sense of the heroic, and a close examination of us by our Lord's words suddenly puts this tide of enthusiasm to the test. ". . . go your way. First be reconciled to your brother. . . ." The "go" of preparation is to allow the Word of God to examine you closely. Your sense of heroic sacrifice is not good enough. The thing the Holy Spirit will detect in you is your nature that can never work in His service. And no one but God can detect that nature in you. Do you have anything to hide from God? If you do, then let God search you with His light. If there is sin in your life, don't just admit it- confess it. Are you willing to obey your Lord and Master, whatever the humiliation to your right to yourself may be?

Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting in you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing that must go. But behind that tiny thing lies the stronghold of obstinacy, and you say, "I will not give up my right to myself"- the very thing that God intends you to give up if you are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.


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The Value of Play

I think we would all agree that the Christian life is one to be taken seriously.  But in our desire to go all out for Christ, we can get to a place where we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained.

God does not intend for us to live our lives that way.  In fact, in 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul tells us,

God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

You and I need to take time to enjoy the things God gives us.  In fact, Jesus said this to His disciples in Mark 6:31, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

It is so easy to live our lives believing that somehow it is more spiritual to be on the edge of exhaustion all the time.  But God clearly tells us that we are to take time to rejuvenate and to enjoy the things He has put into our lives.

When I was a young minister, I had the chance to meet with a seasoned minister who had literally changed the world for Christ.  I thought, "Man, this is my golden opportunity.  I'm going to ask him some questions."

So I said to him, "Look, I'm a young man in ministry.  You have had decades more experience than me.  You have impacted the world.  What is the best advice you could give me as a young minister?"

And he said, "Well, Bayless, you have a nice golf swing.  My advice is that you get some lessons.  And whatever it costs you, join a country club and play golf regularly."  Then he looked at me and said, "Golf is the only thing that's kept me alive."

It was some of the best advice I had ever received.

You need to make sure you live a balanced life.  Take time for rest and for play. Recharge your batteries.  You are in this thing for the long haul.


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All for God's Glory

Scripture Reading: Psalm 136:1-9 

First Corinthians 10:31 tells us that even our eating and drinking should be done to the glory of God.

God's glory is like a pair of colored glasses that tint everything you see.  Whatever you do should be done for His glory.  About everything, you should ask, "How will this glorify God?"

The whole earth gives us a picture of the glory of God.  Nature preaches us a sermon on His glory.  Everything should point to His glory.

Revelation 21:23 says that when we get to heaven, there will be no need of the sun or moon because the glory of the Lord will illuminate everything.  There will be no night there, for the place will be consumed with the glory of God.  His glory is so awesome that it will light up our heavenly home!


God bless
 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
     

 
The "Go" of Relationship


Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two-Matthew 5:41

Our Lord's teaching can be summed up in this: the relationship that He demands for us is an impossible one unless He has done a super-natural work in us. Jesus Christ demands that His disciple does not allow even the slightest trace of resentment in his heart when faced with tyranny and injustice. No amount of enthusiasm will ever stand up to the strain that Jesus Christ will put upon His servant. Only one thing will bear the strain, and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Himself- a relationship that has been examined, purified, and tested until only one purpose remains and I can truly say, "I am here for God to send me where He will." Everything else may become blurred, but this relationship with Jesus Christ must never be.

The Sermon on the Mount is not some unattainable goal; it is a statement of what will happen in me when Jesus Christ has changed my nature by putting His own nature in me. Jesus Christ is the only One who can fulfill the Sermon on the Mount.

If we are to be disciples of Jesus, we must be made disciples supernaturally. And as long as we consciously maintain the determined purpose to be His disciples, we can be sure that we are not disciples. Jesus says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. . ." (John 15:16). That is the way the grace of God begins. It is a constraint we can never escape; we can disobey it, but we can never start it or produce it ourselves. We are drawn to God by a work of His supernatural grace, and we can never trace back to find where the work began. Our Lord's making of a disciple is supernatural. He does not build on any natural capacity of ours at all. God does not ask us to do the things that are naturally easy for us- He only asks us to do the things that we are perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the cross we must bear will always come.


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The Prayer of Personal Edification

Today's devotional brings us to the prayer of personal edification.  In 1 Corinthians 14:4, Paul writes,

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

In verse 14, Paul says, If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays.  Coupled together with his statement in verse 4, we can see that praying in tongues edifies our spirit.

Edifies is actually an old English word.  It means to build an edifice or building higher and higher.  The closest modern way to say that would be "charges himself with energy," just like you would recharge a battery.

When I pray in other tongues, I charge my spirit with energy.  I build myself up.  It is like my cell phone.  It needs to be recharged, or before long it will cease to work.

Sometimes I keep my phone on and talk on it while it is recharging, but when I do that it takes a whole lot longer to recharge.  If I turn it off and plug it in, the charging process happens much quicker.

Sometimes you just need to shut everything down, turn everything off, and go get away with God and pray.  Build yourself up in the Holy Spirit, especially praying in other tongues.

Sometimes after a long day I will come home just drained, tired inside and out.  Eating a good meal and getting some rest takes care of my physical tiredness, but in order to replenish my inner resources, I need to do something else.

For me, reading His Word is food for my spirit, and praying in tongues brings inward rest and rejuvenation.

Even as the Scripture declares in Isaiah 28:11-12, For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, to whom He said, "This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest," and, "This is the refreshing."

Take the time to get away and recharge your spiritual batteries.


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You were Custom Made
Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-6   

There's nothing quite like having a custom-made shirt.  On one shirt that I had custom made - cut especially for me - I even had my initials embroidered on the cuff.  When you get something custom-made, it is fitted to your uniqueness, crafted with you in mind, and you are proud of it.

Now think about this: YOU have been custom-made by Almighty God, and your days were ordained before time into being.  When you read Psalm 139:15-16, I want you to pay close attention to how God has placed all the parts of your life in order.  He's got your whole life in His hands.  This means you can stop trying to be somebody else and be satisfied with the unique person God made you to be.

You are custom-made!  When you live in that realization, you will shine brighter than ever.  Walking in God's purpose for you will turn out to be the greatest adventure you've ever jumped into!

God bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
     

 
The "Go" of Reconciliation
If you . . . remember that your brother has something against you . . . -Matthew 5:23

This verse says, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you . . . ." It is not saying, "If you search and find something because of your unbalanced sensitivity," but, "If you . . . remember . . . ." In other words, if something is brought to your conscious mind by the Spirit of God- "First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:24). Never object to the intense sensitivity of the Spirit of God in you when He is instructing you down to the smallest detail.

"First be reconciled to your brother . . . ." Our Lord's directive is simple- "First be reconciled . . . ." He says, in effect, "Go back the way you came- the way indicated to you by the conviction given to you at the altar; have an attitude in your mind and soul toward the person who has something against you that makes reconciliation as natural as breathing." Jesus does not mention the other person- He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus.

". . . and then come and offer your gift." The process of reconciliation is clearly marked. First we have the heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, then the sudden restraint by the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, and then we are stopped at the point of our conviction. This is followed by obedience to the Word of God, which builds an attitude or state of mind that places no blame on the one with whom you have been in the wrong. And finally there is the glad, simple, unhindered offering of your gift to God.


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The Ten Commandments of Marriage

Good marriages don't just happen.  It is not just because you married the right person and got lucky.  Good marriages are built on more than passion.  They are built on principle.

In the Scriptures, we find the best guidelines and principles for a healthy marriage.  God's words and God's principles are never ever outdated...never!  They are just as applicable today as they were to ancient Jews living in Israel.

What I want to do over the next couple of weeks of devotionals is point us to principles God has given us in a place you might not think was intended for marriage.  That place is the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20.

Today, let me give you those Ten Commandments.  What I would like you to do is spend time reading these carefully, and then take time to pray over each one.  Ask God to begin to open your heart to see how these commands could be looked at as principles for marriage.  I had a friend who challenged me to do the same, and I was amazed at what I discovered.

"You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself a carved image...
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain...
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." 


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Created for Eternity

Scripture Reading: Psalm 90:1-12

Many people live their entire lives not really understanding why they were put on earth.  What a tragedy and grave state of existence.  It's even possible to be successful, happy and popular but miss the point of living.

The moment we become the center of life is the moment we miss the true meaning and the reason that God created us.  It's important for us to realize that God has created us for Him, not for our own benefit.  God has created all of us for eternity.  In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has placed eternity in our hearts.

When we begin seeing life through the lens of eternity, we will live differently.  Our choices, decisions, values and priorities will line up with God's Word and His plan for our lives. 





God bless
 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
     

 
The "Go" of Reconciliation
If you . . . remember that your brother has something against you . . . -Matthew 5:23
This verse says, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you . . . ." It is not saying, "If you search and find something because of your unbalanced sensitivity," but, "If you . . . remember . . . ." In other words, if something is brought to your conscious mind by the Spirit of God- "First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:24). Never object to the intense sensitivity of the Spirit of God in you when He is instructing you down to the smallest detail.

"First be reconciled to your brother . . . ." Our Lord's directive is simple- "First be reconciled . . . ." He says, in effect, "Go back the way you came- the way indicated to you by the conviction given to you at the altar; have an attitude in your mind and soul toward the person who has something against you that makes reconciliation as natural as breathing." Jesus does not mention the other person- He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus.

". . . and then come and offer your gift." The process of reconciliation is clearly marked. First we have the heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, then the sudden restraint by the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, and then we are stopped at the point of our conviction. This is followed by obedience to the Word of God, which builds an attitude or state of mind that places no blame on the one with whom you have been in the wrong. And finally there is the glad, simple, unhindered offering of your gift to God.


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The First Commandment of Marriage:  Exclusivity

The first of the Ten Commandments is simply this, as found in Exodus 20:3,

"You shall have no other gods before Me."

What is God saying in this commandment?  That He wants to have an exclusive relationship with you.  He wants to be your one and only.  He will not settle for flavor of the month.

And how appropriate in marriage as well.  We are to have an exclusive relationship with our spouse.

It's been said that Henry Ford, on his golden wedding anniversary...50 years of marriage...was asked, "What's the secret of your success in marriage?"  And he said, "The secret of my successful marriage is the same secret that I have in business:  I stick to the same model."

In traditional wedding vows, the man and woman pledge their devotion until death parts them.  For life.  There is no competition.

My wife has no competition.  I am not shopping for a new model.  I do not want to trade in the old model.  I will not be shopping in the future.  One is all I need.

When God made man, He said it is good.  But then He said, "It is not good that he is alone.  I am going to make a helper suitable for him."  And the Bible says God took one of Adam's ribs, and He formed a woman, Eve, and brought her to the man.

God did not take four or five ribs and say, "Okay, Adam, here is Eve, and here is Lois, and here is Samantha, and here is Rachel."  No, it was just one.  And to have a healthy marriage relationship, that is it.

I am committed for life.  An exclusive relationship.  I am not shopping, not even window-shopping.  One God.  One wife.  That is enough.


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Living for the Right Purpose
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:27-28; Philippians 3:8 

Purpose is a popular topic that many of us find fascinating.  We all want to be validated and know that we are here on earth for a specific reason.  We may have never learned about our purpose while growing up and may still have a difficult time understanding it. 

The good news is that God wants us to realize our purpose.  He didn't create us to live with no direction, just wandering aimlessly through life.  Too many times, we complicate God's plan for our lives.  As believers, God's highest purpose is for us to walk in a close relationship with Him and to reach others with His love.

As we walk in obedience to these basic principles outlined in His Word, God begins to reveal to us a very specific purpose that matches our DNA.  Acts 13:36 tells of David, who lived a purposeful life for the Lord in his generation.  What a great legacy to leave behind!





God bless
 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
   

The "Go" of Unconditional Identification
Jesus . . . said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor . . . and come, take up the cross, and follow Me' -Mark 10:21

The rich young ruler had the controlling passion to be perfect. When he saw Jesus Christ, he wanted to be like Him. Our Lord never places anyone's personal holiness above everything else when He calls a disciple. Jesus' primary consideration is my absolute annihilation of my right to myself and my identification with Him, which means having a relationship with Him in which there are no other relationships. Luke 14:26  has nothing to do with salvation or sanctification, but deals solely with unconditional identification with Jesus Christ. Very few of us truly know what is meant by the absolute "go" of unconditional identification with, and abandonment and surrender to, Jesus.

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him . . ." (Mark 10:21). This look of Jesus will require breaking your heart away forever from allegiance to any other person or thing. Has Jesus ever looked in this way at you? This look of Jesus transforms, penetrates, and captivates. Where you are soft and pliable with God is where the Lord has looked at you. If you are hard and vindictive, insistent on having your own way, and always certain that the other person is more likely to be in the wrong than you are, then there are whole areas of your nature that have never been transformed by His gaze.

"One thing you lack . . . ." From Jesus Christ's perspective, oneness with Him, with nothing between, is the only good thing.

". . . sell whatever you have . . . ." I must humble myself until I am merely a living person. I must essentially renounce possessions of all kinds, not for salvation (for only one thing saves a person and that is absolute reliance in faith upon Jesus Christ), but to follow Jesus. ". . . come. . . and follow Me." And the road is the way He went.


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The Second Commandment of Marriage:  Don't Love a Substitute

In the second commandment recorded in Exodus 20:4-6, we are given the second principle for a strong marriage,

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.  For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."

God commanded that there be no carved images, whether in heaven, in earth, or in the sea.  He wanted to make sure everything was covered.  And He said not to bow down to them and worship them.  God said, "Do not make images of Me and then worship them.  Don not love or worship a substitute for Me.  Love Me."

Religion has made pictures, statues, and idols and then called them holy.  They are all imitations.  They are all substitutes.  And in marriage we should have no substitutes either.

Love your husband only.  Love your wife only.  Do not look for fulfillment in some other relationship or in some other thing.  Find your fulfillment in that relationship.

Pornography is a substitute.  When a man watches pornography, he is loving a substitute.  He is directing his passion and his sexuality toward those images.  That is a substitute, and he is robbing his wife of that intimacy.

Do not allow any substitute, no matter what it might be, to take the place of intimacy with your spouse.


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God Never Makes Mistakes
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 32:4; Matthew 5:48

Everyone makes mistakes, right?  Be assured that God, our Creator, has never made a mistake.  Deuteronomy 32:4 says His work is perfect, and you and I are some of His greatest works.  Believe me, there are no failures or flaws in His plan for you.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).  Those who believe that the Earth and everything on it evolved by chance or luck into what they are today are incorrect.  God purposefully and supernaturally created each and every one of us and continues to sustain us.

There is no room for chance or luck if you believe God is the Creator and Sustainer.  God's power allows all things to happen in our lives for His purpose.  We are not the coming together of random forces in the universe.  We are the creation of God's power and perfect work... never a mistake.


God bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
   

The Place of Exaltation
. . . Jesus took . . . them up on a high mountain apart by themselves . . . -Mark 9:2

We have all experienced times of exaltation on the mountain, when we have seen things from God's perspective and have wanted to stay there. But God will never allow us to stay there. The true test of our spiritual life is in exhibiting the power to descend from the mountain. If we only have the power to go up, something is wrong. It is a wonderful thing to be on the mountain with God, but a person only gets there so that he may later go down and lift up the demon-possessed people in the valley (see Mark 9:14-18). We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life- those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength. Yet our spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mountain. We feel that we could talk and live like perfect angels, if we could only stay on the mountaintop. Those times of exaltation are exceptional and they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware to prevent our spiritual selfishness from wanting to make them the only time.

We are inclined to think that everything that happens is to be turned into useful teaching. In actual fact, it is to be turned into something even better than teaching, namely, character. The mountaintop is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. There is a terrible trap in always asking, "What's the use of this experience?" We can never measure spiritual matters in that way. The moments on the mountaintop are rare moments, and they are meant for something in God's purpose.


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The Fifth Commandment of Marriage: 



Honor Your Spouse by Showing How Grateful You Are



The fifth commandment gives us our next principle for a healthy and vibrant marriage.  It is found in Exodus 20:12,

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you."

Among other things, God is saying we must be grateful.  Generally, parents spend a lot of time, labor, and money...sometimes to the point of radical sacrifice...to give their kids an edge in life.

And it is a tragedy when a child is ungrateful or unthankful.  William Shakespeare said, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child."  It is very difficult to have a relationship with an ungrateful, selfish person.

"Thank you" are important words to your parents, and an incredibly important phrase in marriage.  It is difficult to live with someone who takes you and all of your efforts for granted.

You may be thinking, "I don't say it, but I am grateful in my heart.  I truly am!"  Well, hooray for you.  You are blessed because in your heart you know you are grateful.  But it does your spouse no good if you do not vocalize it.

If you do not demonstrate your gratitude, I doubt if you are really grateful because Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."  If it is not being expressed, chances are it is not truly there.

Maybe you think you don't have a lot to be grateful for.  But there must be something you can say "thank you" for.  There is something you can praise your mate for.  Look for those things, and accentuate the positive.

Take time today to express thanks to your spouse in some way...through an action, through a card, through words.  That is how you honor your mate.


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Blessed are the Merciful

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12   

All of us have had to carry heavy circumstances that weigh us down, and we needed something to lift the burden off our shoulders.  We need mercy.  Mercy reduces, removes or relieves someone's distress.  It is simply compassion in action.

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:4, God is rich in mercy.  In other words, God is rich in blessing us with divine favor and compassion, releasing us from distress, discouragement, brokenness, pain and problems.  Mercy is in fact God's reaction to our misery.

Mercy is asking God to not let us bear the full weight of our burdens.  Everyone needs mercy.  Lamentations 3 states that God's mercies are new every morning.  Every day you wake up, you wake up to mercy.  You got up today with new life, and guess what?  New life means new opportunities.  That's another day and a new opportunity to praise Him. 

God bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
   

The Place of Humiliation
If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us -Mark 9:22

After every time of exaltation, we are brought down with a sudden rush into things as they really are, where it is neither beautiful, poetic, nor thrilling. The height of the mountaintop is measured by the dismal drudgery of the valley, but it is in the valley that we have to live for the glory of God. We see His glory on the mountain, but we never live for His glory there. It is in the place of humiliation that we find our true worth to God- that is where our faithfulness is revealed. Most of us can do things if we are always at some heroic level of intensity, simply because of the natural selfishness of our own hearts. But God wants us to be at the drab everyday level, where we live in the valley according to our personal relationship with Him. Peter thought it would be a wonderful thing for them to remain on the mountain, but Jesus Christ took the disciples down from the mountain and into the valley, where the true meaning of the vision was explained (see Mark 9:5-6 , Mark 14-23).

"If you can do anything . . . ." It takes the valley of humiliation to remove the skepticism from us. Look back at your own experience and you will find that until you learned who Jesus really was, you were a skillful skeptic about His power. When you were on the mountaintop you could believe anything, but what about when you were faced with the facts of the valley? You may be able to give a testimony regarding your sanctification, but what about the thing that is a humiliation to you right now? The last time you were on the mountain with God, you saw that all the power in heaven and on earth belonged to Jesus- will you be skeptical now, simply because you are in the valley of humiliation?


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The Sixth Commandment of Marriage: 


Don't Destroy Your Spouse But Learn to be Gentle


Today we are going to look at the sixth commandment of marriage, based on the sixth commandment God gave to Israel in Exodus 20:13,

"You shall not murder."

While you might think this commandment is not too applicable, I believe it is vital.  It is telling you not to destroy your spouse!

Jesus helps us understand this principle in Matthew 5.  He said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."

Jesus went right to the root of murder:  anger and hatred.  If you are going to have a good, healthy, lasting marriage, you need to learn to be gentle.  People who are easily angered...who are violent or have an explosive temper...destroy relationships.

If you are dating someone who blows up easily, you ought to take it as a warning sign.  If they get mad at things at the drop of a hat, that anger can be turned on you very easily.

Anger erodes relationships.  If you have a hot temper, get it under control, or the devil will control you through it.

Another way anger is expressed is by going stone cold...using silence and angry moodiness to punish your mate.  Again, not a healthy thing for a marriage.  If you anger quickly and forgive slowly, you are a hard person to live with.  Work at being quick to forgive, and make the controlling of your anger a serious matter of prayer.  God will help you.

If you do not master your temper, it will master you.  And it will not only decay and destroy a marriage relationship, it will harm every other meaningful relationship you have in life.


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Blessed are the Spiritually Famished

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:6; Psalm 107:1-9 

We've all seen the televised images of starving children in countries experiencing food and water shortages.  Mothers, holding their babies with bellies bloated from severe malnutrition, desperately seek food and water.  If they can't find what they seek, their children will die.

This kind of desperation is what Jesus was talking about when He told us to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  He wants us to be as passionate about doing God's will as parents in developing countries are about getting food or clean water.  Our bodies can't survive without food, and our souls can't live without righteousness.

So how do we hunger and thirst for righteousness?  It is the passionate pursuit of God's righteousness in our own lives.  His righteousness is living in God's will day in and day out.

When we passionately pursue His will, other things become less of a priority and we will remove any distractions that do not contribute to that pursuit.   

God bless
 

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals By Oswald Chambers     
   

The Place of Ministry
He said to them, 'This kind [of unclean spirit] can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting' -Mark 9:29

His disciples asked Him privately, 'Why could we not cast it out?' " (Mark 9:28). The answer lies in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. "This kind can come out by nothing but" concentrating on Him, and then doubling and redoubling that concentration on Him. We can remain powerless forever, as the disciples were in this situation, by trying to do God's work without concentrating on His power, and by following instead the ideas that we draw from our own nature. We actually slander and dishonor God by our very eagerness to serve Him without knowing Him.

When you are brought face to face with a difficult situation and nothing happens externally, you can still know that freedom and release will be given because of your continued concentration on Jesus Christ. Your duty in service and ministry is to see that there is nothing between Jesus and yourself. Is there anything between you and Jesus even now? If there is, you must get through it, not by ignoring it as an irritation, or by going up and over it, but by facing it and getting through it into the presence of Jesus Christ. Then that very problem itself, and all that you have been through in connection with it, will glorify Jesus Christ in a way that you will never know until you see Him face to face.

We must be able to "mount up with wings like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31), but we must also know how to come down. The power of the saint lies in the coming down and in the living that is done in the valley. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) and what he was referring to were mostly humiliating things. And yet it is in our power to refuse to be humiliated and to say, "No, thank you, I much prefer to be on the mountaintop with God." Can I face things as they actually are in the light of the reality of Jesus Christ, or do things as they really are destroy my faith in Him, and put me into a panic?


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The Seventh Commandment of Marriage: 



Do Not Commit Adultery



The seventh commandment brings us to one of the most vital principles of having the marriage God intends.  Exodus 20:14 simply says,

"You shall not commit adultery."

In a marriage, you would be hard pressed to imagine anything more damaging than your spouse being unfaithful.  But being faithful is not only being faithful in action, but also in thought.

Again, Jesus expanded on this in Matthew 5, and I want you to read these words very carefully.  He said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.'  But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Having a lustful, exploitive disposition has no place in marriage.  Love gives; lust takes.  Love serves; lust demands.  Love nourishes; lust chokes.

What a wonderful gift God has given us in this thing called sex.  It was His idea.  It is just as holy as when you lift your hands in church and worship Him.  It is God's idea within the context and the confines of marriage.  It should be enjoyed.

But lust has no place in marriage.  It is a poison that will destroy the fabric of your relationship with your spouse.

Men, do not even entertain the thought of allowing pornography into your life.  It can destroy your marriage.  You are committing heart-adultery when you look at pornographic images and lust after another woman.  Do not let the devil have that ground in your heart and life.

This is such a vital command, over the next few devotionals we are going to stay on this subject.  I will share with you three ways to affair-proof your marriage.


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Blessed are the Spiritually Famished

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:6; Psalm 107:1-9 

We've all seen the televised images of starving children in countries experiencing food and water shortages.  Mothers, holding their babies with bellies bloated from severe malnutrition, desperately seek food and water.  If they can't find what they seek, their children will die.

This kind of desperation is what Jesus was talking about when He told us to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  He wants us to be as passionate about doing God's will as parents in developing countries are about getting food or clean water.  Our bodies can't survive without food, and our souls can't live without righteousness.

So how do we hunger and thirst for righteousness?  It is the passionate pursuit of God's righteousness in our own lives.  His righteousness is living in God's will day in and day out.

When we passionately pursue His will, other things become less of a priority and we will remove any distractions that do not contribute to that pursuit.   

 

God bless