Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

How Will They Know? READ: 1 John 4:7-21 He who loves God must love his brother also. -1 John 4:21

Did you ever notice that some Christians act decidedly un-Christian while trying to prove how godly they are?

One example is a man who angrily shuts his hymnbook and pouts through the rest of the service if the song leader does not sing every verse of a song.

Another example is the church where members argue against adding a new service geared toward youth, because they dislike the music.

Then there is the church in which the middle aisle is a demarcation line between two social classes of people who refuse to mix.

As Christians, we must stand for truth as spelled out in the Bible. Though truth was not violated in any of these situations, these professing followers of Christ acted in decidedly unloving ways. They chose to protect personal preferences rather than demonstrate the love of Jesus to a watching world.

As we read 1 John 4:7-21, we see that God's love seeks to transform our behavior. In His love, we don't react disdainfully toward others simply because we don't agree.

Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Do others see the love of Jesus in you?  - Dave Branon

May all I am and do and say
Give glory to my Lord alway,
And may no act of mine cause shame
Nor bring reproach upon His name. -Anon.


A church with one heart and one mind will make for a won world

Godly Rewards

Malachi 3:14-15
You have said, "It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape."

Have you ever felt that serving God had little reward and the ungodly seemed actually to be more blessed than you? This is what the people of God felt. God heard their cry and responded through the prophet Malachi to explain God's view on this matter.

Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. "They will be Mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not" (Malachi 3:16-18).

Notice that after the people complained about this, they began to talk to each other, and the Lord listened and heard. God had been taking note of those who were serving Him and honoring Him. There is a day coming in which God will honor His "treasured possessions." We will see that there is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked on that day when "the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall" (Mal. 4:2). What a beautiful picture of what we will feel like on that day.

Faithful obedience is rewarded by God. It often requires patience, suffering, and perseverance. Be of good cheer; He will reward you if you faint not.

Who Can You Trust? Who Can You Trust?In Who Can You Trust?, Howard E. Butt, Jr. candidly shares his own real-life experience and expertise to help you recognize and resolve past trust issues that have shattered your faith and your spirit. And he shows you how to let your faith help you build stronger trust in the future for all your most important relationships. Learn More or Order 

Praise and an Untrue Heart

Pride is not the only thing that can keep us from praising God. An untrue heart can squelch both the desire and the ability to develop a life of praise. An untrue heart is a heart that is insincere, hypocritical, or filled with doubt. The writer of Hebrews said:

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22).

There are some people who try to honor God with their lips while their hearts are full of anger, bitterness, or envy. However, God knows the status of our hearts and our weaknesses.

We cannot develop a life of praise alone or in our own strength. Instead, we must surrender our intellect, feelings, and will to the Lord. As we do this, God will empower us to develop a habit of praising Him-regardless of our circumstances.

In Genesis 22, when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, He was asking him to surrender the object of his love. He was asking Abraham to give up something that meant more to him than anything else.

Did God want Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? No. God wanted to be certain that Abraham was willing to surrender everything to Him. Like Abraham, God wants us to surrender to Him. He wants us to praise Him. Praise is a sacrifice that costs us our pride, our plans, and our desires. True praise requires that we place everything on the altar to the Lord.

Don't let pride or an untrue heart keep you from a life of praise. Yield to the Lord, come before Him in humility, and God will give you His strength and power to live a victorious life.

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! (Psalm 66:20).

Learn how praise can make all the difference in your life.  Michael Youssef explores this topic in our free resource this month-"Empowered by Praise." Download it today.

By Passionately Proclaiming Uncompromising Truth, Leading The Way is revolutionizing lives at home and around the world. Discover more at www.leadingtheway.org.

Shallow and Profound
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God -1 Corinthians 10:31
Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow aspects of life are not ordained by God; they are ordained by Him equally as much as the profound. We sometimes refuse to be shallow, not out of our deep devotion to God but because we wish to impress other people with the fact that we are not shallow. This is a sure sign of spiritual pride. We must be careful, for this is how contempt for others is produced in our lives. And it causes us to be a walking rebuke to other people because they are more shallow than we are. Beware of posing as a profound person- God became a baby.

To be shallow is not a sign of being sinful, nor is shallowness an indication that there is no depth to your life at all- the ocean has a shore. Even the shallow things of life, such as eating and drinking, walking and talking, are ordained by God. These are all things our Lord did. He did them as the Son of God, and He said, "A disciple is not above his teacher . . ." ( Matthew 10:24  ).

We are safeguarded by the shallow things of life. We have to live the surface, commonsense life in a commonsense way. Then when God gives us the deeper things, they are obviously separated from the shallow concerns. Never show the depth of your life to anyone but God. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation, we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life.

Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 23, 2008

How Great Is Our God!  READ: Job 38:31-41;42:5-6  Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the belt of Orion? -Job 38:31

A team of astronomers from the University of Minnesota say they have found a giant hole in the universe. The void they've discovered is in a region of sky southwest of Orion. The mysterious empty place has no galaxies, stars, or even dark matter. One of the astronomers said that the hole in the heavens is a billion light-years across.

When I try to capture the meaning of such immensity, something happens to me. The fight goes out of me. I don't know what to do with my thoughts. Who can relate to the magnitude of such emptiness?

Then I remember what the Lord did with Job. He drew His suffering servant's attention to the same part of the night sky. Using the region of the constellation Orion along with the wonders of the weather and the natural world, the Lord brought Job to the end of his reasonings and arguments (Job 38:31; 42:5-6).

In the presence of such wonder, I want to join Job in collapsing before the Lord in surrender to His inexpressible power and wisdom. I want to let go of my anxiety, my anger, and my resistance to the mysterious leading of God. I want to claim my only confidence as being in the immeasurable greatness of our God.  - Mart De Haan

For Further Study
To increase your appreciation for the Creator,
read the online resource Celebrating The Wonder
Of Creation at discoveryseries.org/q1108


The wonders of the universe compel us to worship our wonderful God.

Fruitful Suffering

Genesis 41:52
..."It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."


Joseph named his second son Ephraim. Ephraim was given to him after he had been delivered from his suffering of 13 years. Joseph said that he named him this because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering. Ephraim means "twice fruitful."

Joseph was fruitful in two instances. He was fruitful during his time of adversity and in his prosperity. When God brings us into a time of suffering, it can be a fruitful time. It's rare for us to see the fruit during the suffering period. But know that the roots are going deep into the spiritual soil of our soul because of our pressing in to God during our time of suffering. This is producing a work in our character that cannot be seen until it finishes the process. Such was the case for Joseph.

It was not until several years after such a time of suffering that I began to see the fruit of the trials that the Lord allowed me to experience. How grateful I am to understand some of the "why" that has led to a new life in Him that I would never have had without this period.

Samson had great anointing but lacked character. We see many today who have great anointing yet lack character. But God is raising up Josephs who not only have great anointing for these days but also great character. Suffering produces character.

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, now is the time to press into God. Let your roots grow deeper. Whenever there is a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. These times are designed to create such a deep-rooted faith that our natures will be changed forever.

A Forever Home
by Max Lucado

For the last twenty years, I've wanted a dog. A big dog. But there were always problems. The apartment was too small. The budget was too tight. The girls were too young. But most of all, Denalyn was unenthusiastic. Her logic? She'd already married one slobbering, shedding beast, why put up with a second? So we compromised and got a small dog.

I like Salty, but small dogs aren't really dogs. They don't bark; they yelp. They don't eat; they nibble. They don't lick you; they sniff you. I like Salty, but I wanted a real dog. A man's-best-friend type of dog. A fat-pawed, big-eating, slurp-you-on-the-face type of dog you could saddle or wrestle or both.

I was alone in my passion until Sara was born. She loves dogs. And the two of us were able to sway the household vote. Denalyn gave in, and Sara and I began the search. We discovered a woman in South Carolina who breeds golden retrievers in a Christian environment. From birth the dogs are surrounded by inspirational music and prayers. (No, I don't know if they tithe with dog biscuits.) When the trainer told me that she had read my books, I got on board. A woman with such good taste is bound to be a good breeder, right?

So we ordered a pup. We mailed the check, selected the name Molly, and cleared a corner for her dog pillow. The dog hadn't even been born, and she was named, claimed, and given a place in the house.

Can't the same be said about you? Long before your first whimper, your Master claimed you, named you, and hung a reserved sign on your room. You and Molly have more in common than odor and eating habits. (Just teasing.)

You're both being groomed for a trip. We prefer the terms maturation and sanctification to weaning and training, but it's all the same. You're being prepared for your Master's house. You don't know the departure date or flight number, but you can bet your puppy chow that you'll be seeing your Owner someday. Isn't this the concluding promise of David?

"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps. 23:6 nkjv).

Where will you live forever? In the house of the Lord. If his house is your "forever house," what does that make this earthly house? You got it! Short-term housing. This is not our home. "Our homeland is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20).

We, like Molly, are being prepared for another house.

Don't quench, but rather, stir this longing for heaven.

God's home is a forever home. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps. 23:6 nkjv).

From
Traveling Light
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado

The Distraction of Contempt READ: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt -Psalm 123:3

What we must beware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. "Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously" ( Malachi 2:16  ). Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.

Beware of "the cares of this world . . ." ( Mark 4:19  ). They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by "the cares of this world."

Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul's faith in God. Don't say, "I must explain myself," or, "I must get people to understand." Our Lord never explained anything- He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.

When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.


God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 24, 2008

Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood....


Have you ever heard someone say, "I will never do business with another Christian"? I hear this comment quite often in my dealings with Christian businesspeople. This comment represents the battle that rages against us by the enemy of our soul to destroy the witness and effectiveness of Christian businesspeople. We must realize that we are in a war-a war for the souls of men, a war to discredit all that a Christian stands for, a war that is designed to divide Christian against Christian.

Satan's ploy in the life of Christian businesspersons is to do several things to make them ineffective as soldiers in the marketplace. First, he wants to discredit them by allowing them to fail other people in their professional services. This often shows up in failing to perform what they committed to do or performing in an unsatisfactory way. Sometimes, this is a result of a downright failure of the businessperson to perform with excellence. In other cases, it may be a misunderstanding in the midst of the service that causes strife and division instigated by the enemy.

The result in both cases is the same: a division among Christians and even non-Christians, further resulting in a damaged witness for Christ. The apostle Peter admonishes us to "live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" (1 Pet. 2:12).

There are times when each of us is thrust into situations out of our control. Sometimes this results in our inability to pay a bill on time, or to deliver a service. Defeating satan in these battles requires extra communication with those with whom we are dealing. If the motive of your heart is to do right, then God will give you favor in order to work through these difficult spots. Ask God today to show you where the enemy is seeking to make you ineffective.

We wage a spiritual war that is not flesh and blood. We must fight this war with spiritual weapons applied to practical daily living. 

Impossible Itokawa
READ: Matthew 19:16-26
With God all things are possible. -Matthew 19:26
In 2005, Japan's unmanned Haya-busa spacecraft visited an "impossible" asteroid. Images and data indicate that the asteroid, named Itokawa, is twice as porous as loose sand. This has astonished scientists, who believe that asteroids make repeated impacts with other space rocks and hence should be very dense. As they make additional discoveries, scientists may learn why Itokawa is different. But for now, we have an asteroid that challenges scientific understanding.

Two thousand years ago, a young ruler asked Jesus an "impossible" question: "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matt. 19:16). After an intriguing exchange, the man "went away sorrowful" (v.22) when he realized he would have to give up his wealth-the very thing he valued more than a relationship with Jesus.

This upright man had kept the letter of the law, yet had fallen short. "Who then can be saved?" asked the astonished disciples (v.25). Jesus answered, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (v.26).

The One who created this universe out of nothing has a history of accomplishing the impossible. When we forsake what this life has to offer and follow Him, He does the impossible once again-He gives us eternal life!  - C. P. Hia

It took a miracle to put the stars in place,
It took a miracle to hang the world in space;
But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace! -Peterson
© Renewal 1976, John W. Peterson Music Company.

Our limited ability accents God's limitless power.

Living Free Every Day®


Today's Scripture

"Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains." Proverbs 14:13 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Most of us have some degree of trouble admitting our true feelings and being able to express them, especially if we are struggling with life-controlling problems. But throughout the Bible, God encourages us to know our feelings and not keep them hidden inside. Jesus set an example for us: He had emotions and he expressed them. He cried. He got angry. He was sad.

We often hide the way we feel behind a defense to keep our real self from showing through. Inside we may feel fearful or angry or sad, but we hide those feelings by joking  or acting superior  or being silent or using some other defense. We may try to cover our sadness with laughter, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

Hiding our feelings can give them control over our lives. Unexpressed anger or fear or guilt can have a destructive influence on everything we do. Hidden shame and sadness are roadblocks to hope and healing.

Consider this

If you have been hiding your true feelings, has your "cover-up" helped? Or have you learned firsthand that when the laughter ends, the grief remains? Admitting your feelings can be a turning point. Be honest with yourself. And with God. And then with a friend. Being real will open the door for healing.

Prayer

Lord, I have been hiding my feelings for a long time, but I know now it is time to be honest. Help me to be real. Help me to share my real feelings with my loved one. Set me free. In Jesus' name 

These thoughts were drawn from

Insight Group: Discover the Path to Christian Character by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. With its emphasis on developing Christian character, this is a powerful group for those who want to be sure to prevent life-controlling problems from developing in their lives, as well as for those who need to overcome a current problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.   

 
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free

Direction of Focus
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters . . . , so our eyes look to the Lord our God . . . -Psalm 123:2
This verse is a description of total reliance on God. Just as the eyes of a servant are riveted on his master, our eyes should be directed to and focused on God. This is how knowledge of His countenance is gained and how God reveals Himself to us (seeIsaiah 53:1  ). Our spiritual strength begins to be drained when we stop lifting our eyes to Him. Our stamina is sapped, not so much through external troubles surrounding us but through problems in our thinking. We wrongfully think, "I suppose I've been stretching myself a little too much, standing too tall and trying to look like God instead of being an ordinary humble person." We have to realize that no effort can be too high.

For example, you came to a crisis in your life, took a stand for God, and even had the witness of the Spirit as a confirmation that what you did was right. But now, maybe weeks or years have gone by, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion- "Well, maybe what I did showed too much pride or was superficial. Was I taking a stand a bit too high for me?" Your "rational" friends come and say, "Don't be silly. We knew when you first talked about this spiritual awakening that it was a passing impulse, that you couldn't hold up under the strain. And anyway, God doesn't expect you to endure." You respond by saying, "Well, I suppose I was expecting too much." That sounds humble to say, but it means that your reliance on God is gone, and you are now relying on worldly opinion. The danger comes when, no longer relying on God, you neglect to focus your eyes on Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden stop will you realize that you have been the loser. Whenever there is a spiritual drain in your life, correct it immediately. Realize that something has been coming between you and God, and change or remove it at once.

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 25, 2008

Holding Your Hand
READ: Psalm 73
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. -Psalm 73:23
One of the joys of being with kids is holding their hands. We do it to keep them safe while crossing the street, or to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And whenever they stumble and lose their footing, we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling.

That's what God does for us. Inevitably there are stones and cracks that trip us up on the sidewalks of life. That's why it's easy to identify with the psalmist, who said, "My steps had nearly slipped" (Ps. 73:2).

We all face a variety of issues that threaten to make us stumble. For the psalmist Asaph, seeing the prosperity of the wicked caused him to question the goodness of God. But God squeezed his hand and reassured him that, given the judgment of God, the wicked do not really prosper. True prosperity, the psalmist discovered, was found in the fact that God was always with him: "You hold me by my right hand" (v.23). And just for good measure, God reminded him that He would also guide him through life and ultimately welcome him home to heaven (v.24). How good is that!

So, next time you stumble, remember that the powerful hand of God is holding your hand and walking you through life-all the way home!  - Joe Stowell

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand. -Stanphill
© Renewal 1978, Singspiration.


Let God do the holding and you do the trusting.

Knowing Versus Doing


Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection....

If I asked you the purpose for which God made you, what might you say? You might give a lot of answers that required some action on your part. However, the simplest answer to that question relates to one primary thing: fellowship. The most important thing God desires from us today is to have a deep and intimate fellowship with each of us.

The apostle Paul said he wanted to know Christ, and by knowing Christ he could experience the power of His resurrection. I find this to be the hardest thing for many of us businesspeople to do. So often it is much easier to be busy with the urgent (or even Christian) activity than spending quiet moments before the Lord. Before we realize it, days have passed since our last quiet time with Jesus.

Jesus understood how important quiet moments were with the Father. "After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone" (Mt. 14:23). The more mature I become in my relationship with the Lord, the more precious this time becomes to me. It is a time I look forward to almost daily. It offers me a time to reflect, to share my concerns with my Lord, and to hear Him speak. In the last few years I have begun prayer walks, which accomplish three things: fellowship, prayer, and exercise. It has changed my prayer life. I have come to understand that Jesus views us as His friend and He wants to spend time with us. We are depriving Him of His time when we put Him aside for the urgent. An interesting thing happens when we make prayer a priority: Urgent things seems to wane as we focus on Him. He makes all these other things fall into place.

Are you taking the time to get to know Him today?

Living On The Third River
Living On The Third River
This unique "quick-read" book will quite likely create a major paradigm shift in your thinking about money, convict you about your current financial outlook, and free you to live in God's abundant provision. It begins as a story of three people living along three rivers who make very different choices about the water they each manage. The water represents their money and possessions, and the meaning of the story is unmistakably clear and powerfully effective, told in a way that even a child could understand. This is an ideal resource to purchase multiple copies and share with friends, co-workers, and family. Learn More or Order 

Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture

"May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." 2 Peter 1:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Often we are ruled by our feelings, rather than the truth of God's Word. Instead of letting our actions be determined by our feelings (which can delude us), we need to base our actions on what is certain and true. We need to grow in our knowledge of God and of Jesus. We need to understand what Jesus did for us on the cross and the way God sees us. We need to grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. It is only as we do this that we open the door to receive more and more grace and peace from God.

How do we grow in our knowledge? The answers are really very basic. We need to prayerfully study the Bible. We need to spend time in prayer and learn to listen to God. Only then can we begin to live based on our knowledge of who we are through faith in Jesus Christ. We also need to realize that this is a lifetime process. Every day we have choices to make: Are we going to base our actions on feelings of fear, insecurity, hopelessness, grief, etc. or are we going to believe God?

Consider this

Your feelings may be telling you that you are worthless, but in Christ you are redeemed (paid for at great cost). You are valuable! Your feelings may tell you that you are dirty and guilty, but God's Word says in Ephesians 1:7 that you are forgiven and clean ... that all your sins have been wiped from God's sight.

Prayer

Lord, help me to grow every day in my knowledge of you. Help me today to make choices based on your truth, rather than my feelings. I thank you that Jesus died for my sins, that I am forgiven and that I am valuable to you. In Jesus' name 

These thoughts were drawn from

Insight Group: Discover the Path to Christian Character by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. With its emphasis on developing Christian character this is a powerful group for those who want to be sure to prevent life-controlling problems from developing in their lives, as well as for those who need to overcome a current problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

 
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.

The Secret of Spiritual Consistency

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . -Galatians 6:14
When a person is newly born again, he seems inconsistent due to his unrelated emotions and the state of the external things or circumstances in his life. The apostle Paul had a strong and steady underlying consistency in his life. Consequently, he could let his external life change without internal distress because he was rooted and grounded in God. Most of us are not consistent spiritually because we are more concerned about being consistent externally. In the external expression of things, Paul lived in the basement, while his critics lived on the upper level. And these two levels do not begin to touch each other. But Paul's consistency was down deep in the fundamentals. The great basis of his consistency was the agony of God in the redemption of the world, namely, the Cross of Christ.

State your beliefs to yourself again. Get back to the foundation of the Cross of Christ, doing away with any belief not based on it. In secular history the Cross is an infinitesimally small thing, but from the biblical perspective it is of more importance than all the empires of the world. If we get away from dwelling on the tragedy of God on the Cross in our preaching, our preaching produces nothing. It will not transmit the energy of God to man; it may be interesting, but it will have no power. However, when we preach the Cross, the energy of God is released. ". . . it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. . . . we preach Christ crucified . . ." ( 1 Corinthians 1:21, 23  ).

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 26, 2008

Catch And Release
READ: Romans 6:15-23
Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." -John 8:34
I'm a "catch and release" fisherman, which means I don't kill the trout I catch, but net and handle them gently and set them free. It's a technique that ensures "sustainability," as conservation officers like to say, and keeps trout and other target species from disappearing in heavily fished waters.

I rarely release a trout without recalling Paul's words about those who have been "taken captive" by Satan to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26), for I know that our adversary the devil does not catch and release but captures to consume and destroy.

We may think we can deliberately sin in a limited way for a short period of time and then get ourselves free. But as Jesus teaches us, "Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin" (John 8:34). Even "little" sins lead to greater and greater unrighteousness. Sin becomes the consequence of sin. We find ourselves entrapped and enslaved, and like a luckless trout, we cannot wriggle free.

Sin enslaves us. But when we yield ourselves in obedience to Christ and call upon Him for the strength to do His will, we are "released." The result is increasing righteousness (Rom. 6:16).

Jesus assures us, "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).  - David H. Roper

Christ broke the bonds of sin, that I
Might know His strong eternal tie;
This blood-bought liberty I bring
To be Your bond-slave, Master-King. -F. Hess


Christ releases us from sin's slavery into salvation's liberty.

Coming Out of Babylon

Revelation 18:4
..."Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes."


There is a day when God is going to judge the system of Babylon around the world. What is Babylon? Babylon is a system of doing business. The stronghold of the marketplace is mammon and pride. Dependence on money and misplaced trust are at the core of a Babylonian philosophy of life. Revelation 18 describes a time when God will judge this Babylonian system. It is the one place that we see a system destroyed in one day, even one hour. I do not believe Babylon is a particular city, but a world system. "Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her" (Rev. 18:8a). "Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!" (Rev. 18:10b).

As Christian businesspeople we are called to acknowledge the signs of the times. When the Soviet Union fell, many knew it was going to happen because they could recognize the signs of the times. God has a way of shaking things up. These shakings force us to determine who and what we will place our trust in. God says that we are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Mt. 22:37).

Are you still living in Babylon in the way you do business? If so, expect to share in the sins of Babylon when God decides to judge her. Ask God to show you where you might be operating in a "Babylonian" system of work.


Living On The Third River
Living On The Third River
This unique "quick-read" book will quite likely create a major paradigm shift in your thinking about money, convict you about your current financial outlook, and free you to live in God's abundant provision. It begins as a story of three people living along three rivers who make very different choices about the water they each manage. The water represents their money and possessions, and the meaning of the story is unmistakably clear and powerfully effective, told in a way that even a child could understand. This is an ideal resource to purchase multiple copies and share with friends, co-workers, and family. Learn More or Order 

Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NLT

Thoughts for Today

When we are dealing with a life-controlling problem, we may begin to think, "What's the use? I'll never overcome this. I have tried ... and failed ... again and again. I just don't have what it takes to get things right."

And you know what? We would be right. We probably don't have what it takes. But we know someone who does. Jesus. And the Bible promises us that we can do all things-through Christ. If we are willing to commit our lives to him, he will give us the strength we need to do what is right. He will guide us on the right path. And he will often send other people to help us.

In order to receive this strength from Christ, we first need to admit that we need help. We need to be honest with him, with ourselves and with others. We need to take off our mask of self-sufficiency and get real.

Consider this

Are you dealing with a problem right now that seems hopeless? Take the first step: Admit you need help. Ask God for his plan. Ask him for strength through Christ. Admit to caring people that you need help.

Prayer

Lord, I have been trying everything I know to overcome this problem, but nothing seems to work. I need-and desire-your strength and guidance. Help me be honest about my need with others you send to help me. Help me remember that I can succeed  through Christ. In Jesus' name 

These thoughts were drawn from

Insight Group: Discover the Path to Christian Character by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. With its emphasis on developing Christian character this is a powerful group for those who want to be sure to prevent life-controlling problems from developing in their lives, as well as for those who need to overcome a current problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.   

 
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.

The Focal Point of Spiritual Power
. . . except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . -Galatians 6:14
If you want to know the power of God (that is, the resurrection life of Jesus) in your human flesh, you must dwell on the tragedy of God. Break away from your personal concern over your own spiritual condition, and with a completely open spirit consider the tragedy of God. Instantly the power of God will be in you. "Look to Me. . ." (Isaiah 45:22). Pay attention to the external Source and the internal power will be there. We lose power because we don't focus on the right thing. The effect of the Cross is salvation, sanctification, healing, etc., but we are not to preach any of these. We are to preach "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" ( 1 Corinthians 2:2  ). The proclaiming of Jesus will do its own work. Concentrate on God's focal point in your preaching, and even if your listeners seem to pay it no attention, they will never be the same again. If I share my own words, they are of no more importance than your words are to me. But if we share the truth of God with one another, we will encounter it again and again. We have to focus on the great point of spiritual power- the Cross. If we stay in contact with that center of power, its energy is released in our lives. In holiness movements and spiritual experience meetings, the focus tends to be put not on the Cross of Christ but on the effects of the Cross.

The feebleness of the church is being criticized today, and the criticism is justified. One reason for the feebleness is that there has not been this focus on the true center of spiritual power. We have not dwelt enough on the tragedy of Calvary or on the meaning of redemption.

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 27, 2008

Gladly!
READ: Psalm 100

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! -Psalm 100:1
Psalm 100 is one of the great songs of thanksgiving in the Bible. It calls us to realize that we belong to God our Maker (vv.3-4), and to praise Him for His goodness, mercy, and truth (v.5).

During a recent reading, however, I was struck by a phrase that speaks of expressing thanks in a tangible, willing way: "Serve the Lord with gladness" (v.2). Many times my service to God is more grudging than glad. I do what I consider my duty, but I'm not happy about it.

Oswald Chambers put his finger on my unthankful attitude when he said: "The will of God is the gladdest, brightest, most bountiful thing possible to conceive, and yet some of us talk of the will of God with a terrific sigh-'Oh well, I suppose it is the will of God,' as if His will were the most calamitous thing that could befall us. . . . We become spiritual whiners and talk pathetically about 'suffering the will of the Lord.' Where is the majestic vitality and might of the Son of God about that!"

True thankfulness is more than being grateful for what we possess. It's an attitude that permeates our relationship with the Lord so that we may serve Him with gladness and joy.  - David C. McCasland

Then let us adore and give Him His right,
All glory and power, all wisdom and might,
All honor and blessing, with angels above,
And thanks never ceasing for infinite love. -Wesley

For the Christian, thanksgiving is not just a day but a way of life.

Developing Our Heart for God
Zechariah 9:13
I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and make you like a warrior's sword.


In the third and fourth centuries Socrates and other Greek scholars began to influence the Church in ways that were different from the Hebraic roots of the early Church. The Greek influence appeals more to the intellect, whereas the early-Church Hebraic model appealed to the heart. The Greek influence resulted in more emphasis on oratory skills and cognitive knowledge of God. Over the many centuries, this influence has shown itself in a more programmatic approach to the gospel rather than a process of living out our faith. So why is it important for us to understand this?

I realized in my own life that I was a product of this Greek system. My walk with Christ focused more on what I knew than on an intimate and powerful walk with God. Knowledge without power to express the life within is of little value. The more programmatic the focus, the less emphasis we place on building deep and caring relationships that result in changed lives. Our early Church fathers knew there was a cost to living out the Word of God, not simply giving mental assent to it.

Are you walking with God today in an intimate fellowship? Or, are you only involved in programs and activities designed to do good things? Reflect on Proverbs 23:12: "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." We must listen and respond with the heart. Whatever service we give to God should be a result of our relationship with our heavenly Father, not an end unto itself.

Living On The Third River
Living On The Third River
This unique "quick-read" book will quite likely create a major paradigm shift in your thinking about money, convict you about your current financial outlook, and free you to live in God's abundant provision. It begins as a story of three people living along three rivers who make very different choices about the water they each manage. The water represents their money and possessions, and the meaning of the story is unmistakably clear and powerfully effective, told in a way that even a child could understand. This is an ideal resource to purchase multiple copies and share with friends, co-workers, and family. Learn More or Order 

Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Have you ever tried to hold an inflated toy under water? That can be hard work! And yet, we often work even harder to keep our true feelings out of view. We build walls around our real selves and around any problems we may be struggling with.

The self-constructed walls cause us to isolate ourselves from other people and even from God. They cause us to hide from the truth about a problem that has a hold on us. These walls we build are called defenses. Defenses can take many forms: rationalization, humor, blaming, denying. We might say things like "What I did isn't so bad" or "You don't understand the pressure I'm under." Sound familiar? We have all used defenses like these to cover the truth.

When we are hiding behind the defenses, we are attempting to hide the truth about ourselves and our situation-from God, from other people, and even from ourselves. We are also blinding ourselves from the truth of God's Word. And yet our only answer is in the truth-because the truth will set us free.

Consider this...

Have you built walls around yourself? Walls that you hoped would defend you. Walls that in reality are blocking the road to freedom. It is important to recognize those walls and begin to tear them down. But remember, you can't tear them down all at once. Building them was a process, and so is tearing them down. It is done by being honest with God, with yourself and with others. It is done by learning to trust the truth of the Bible more than your feelings.

Prayer

Father, I realize I have been trying to hide the truth by building walls around myself. I have rationalized. I have pointed the finger at others. I have denied. But the truth is that I need help. Help me to be honest with you, with others and with myself. Help me to depend on the truth of your Word more than on my feelings. Help me to tear down the walls. In Jesus' name

These thoughts were drawn from

Insight Group: Discover the Path to Christian Character by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. With its emphasis on developing Christian character this is a powerful group for those who want to be sure to prevent life-controlling problems from developing in their lives, as well as for those who need to overcome a current problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.   

 
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.


The Consecration of Spiritual Power
. . . by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world -Galatians 6:14
If I dwell on the Cross of Christ, I do not simply become inwardly devout and solely interested in my own holiness- I become strongly focused on Jesus Christ's interests. Our Lord was not a recluse nor a fanatical holy man practicing self-denial. He did not physically cut Himself off from society, but He was inwardly disconnected all the time. He was not aloof, but He lived in another world. In fact, He was so much in the common everyday world that the religious people of His day accused Him of being a glutton and a drunkard. Yet our Lord never allowed anything to interfere with His consecration of spiritual power.

It is not genuine consecration to think that we can refuse to be used of God now in order to store up our spiritual power for later use. That is a hopeless mistake. The Spirit of God has set a great many people free from their sin, yet they are experiencing no fullness in their lives- no true sense of freedom. The kind of religious life we see around the world today is entirely different from the vigorous holiness of the life of Jesus Christ. "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one" ( John 17:15 ). We are to be in the world but not of it- to be separated internally, not externally (seeJohn 17:16  ).

We must never allow anything to interfere with the consecration of our spiritual power. Consecration (being dedicated to God's service) is our part; sanctification (being set apart from sin and being made holy) is God's part. We must make a deliberate determination to be interested only in what God is interested. The way to make that determination, when faced with a perplexing problem, is to ask yourself, "Is this the kind of thing in which Jesus Christ is interested, or is it something in which the spirit that is diametrically opposed to Jesus is interested?"



Praise God from whom ALL blessing flow

Have a safe, blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 28, 2008

Sin Crouches At The Door

READ: Genesis 4:1-16
Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it. -Genesis 4:7
The award-winning author John Steinbeck often used biblical themes in his novels. In his book East of Eden, he describes characters who illustrate the conflict of jealousy and revenge reflected in the story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck shows how an angry heart burning with revenge doesn't have to act a certain way. There's always a choice.

When Abel's animal sacrifice received divine favor and Cain's offering of fruit was rejected, Cain burned with anger (Gen. 4:1-6). But the Lord admonished him, "Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it" (Gen. 4:7). The original Hebrew words paint the picture of an animal crouching, ready to devour its prey. Cain's anger and jealousy, if not brought under control, would "eat him up" and spill out in destructive behavior. Tragically, Cain gave in to his evil desires. It resulted in the first homicide and his departure from the presence of the Lord (Gen. 4:8-16).

Do you have feelings of jealousy or anger toward someone? If so, you have a choice. If you ignore the internal struggle, it will only get worse and control you. But if you bring your anger to the Lord and ask for His help, in His strength you will have victory.  - Dennis Fisher

When faced with trials from without
Or tempted from within,
Rely upon the Lord for strength
To turn away from sin. -Sper

Control your anger, or it will control you.


Tapping Into Our Secret Weapon
Colossians 4:12
He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.


"Good morning. Before we begin our staff business meeting I wish to ask John to give us the intercessors' report regarding the direction of our new business development program."

"Our intercessors have been prayerfully reviewing the action plan I gave them. We believe the Lord is directing us in this way. However, our intercessors believe we may need to adjust our direction on this."

Does this sound like a far-fetched illustration of a modern-day company? If we are truly going to remove the separation of what we perceive as holy versus unholy, then we must make some paradigm shifts in our thinking.

The Lord has called you and me to be ministers of the gospel in and through the workplace. This means we must fight our battles, grow our companies, and minister to our employees and vendors through the power of the Holy Spirit. Intercessory prayer is the secret weapon of Spirit-led activity. Imagine having intercessors who are part of your team, committed to helping you make decisions in your business life "that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." It is a comforting feeling to know the decisions you and I make during the course of a business day are in the will of God.

Some time ago the Lord showed me that I needed to find intercessors for my business. I needed to use intercessors in the daily decision process for my business. This has transformed the way I conduct business. No major decisions are made without prayerful review with my intercessory team. Intercessors are the front-line warriors raised up to do battle for the saints. Ask God to raise up intercessors who can support you as you go forth in the battlefield of the marketplace.

Living On The Third River
Living On The Third River
This unique "quick-read" book will quite likely create a major paradigm shift in your thinking about money, convict you about your current financial outlook, and free you to live in God's abundant provision. It begins as a story of three people living along three rivers who make very different choices about the water they each manage. The water represents their money and possessions, and the meaning of the story is unmistakably clear and powerfully effective, told in a way that even a child could understand. This is an ideal resource to purchase multiple copies and share with friends, co-workers, and family. Learn More or Order 

Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture

"In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us." Romans 8:37 CEV

Thoughts for Today

When we hide behind self-built defenses, we may have a sense that we are in control. We tell ourselves that we are holding our feelings in check. But in reality we are not in control at all-our problems are at the helm. We've pushed away the people who really care about us, the ones who could help us. And we've allowed our problem, our situation, to take control.

Only when we allow the defensive walls to crumble and start living and choosing and acting on the basis of who we are in Christ ... and on all the strength and guidance and wisdom God has promised to provide ... can we begin to practice true self-control.

Consider this

Do you know who you are? The Bible makes it clear. Because of Christ ...

You are redeemed-paid for at a great price. (Ephesians 1:7)
You are forgiven-clean your sin has been forgotten. (Psalm 103:12)
You are strong and capable and can do everything through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
You are a conqueror-an overcomer. (Romans 8:37)

Prayer

Lord, help me to stop hiding behind my self-built defenses. Help me to see myself as you do because of Christ-redeemed, forgiven, strong, capable, an overcomer. Help me always to remember what a great price was paid at the cross so that I could have this new identity. In Jesus' name

These thoughts were drawn from

Insight Group: Discover the Path to Christian Character by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. With its emphasis on developing Christian character this is a powerful group for those who want to be sure to prevent life-controlling problems from developing in their lives, as well as for those who need to overcome a current problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.   

 
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Riches of the Destitute

. . . being justified freely by His grace . . . -Romans 3:24
The gospel of the grace of God awakens an intense longing in human souls and an equally intense resentment, because the truth that it reveals is not palatable or easy to swallow. There is a certain pride in people that causes them to give and give, but to come and accept a gift is another thing. I will give my life to martyrdom; I will dedicate my life to service- I will do anything. But do not humiliate me to the level of the most hell-deserving sinner and tell me that all I have to do is accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God through our own efforts. We must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest spiritual blessing we receive is when we come to the knowledge that we are destitute. Until we get there, our Lord is powerless. He can do nothing for us as long as we think we are sufficient in and of ourselves. We must enter into His kingdom through the door of destitution. As long as we are "rich," particularly in the area of pride or independence, God can do nothing for us. It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit. The gift of the essential nature of God is placed and made effective in us by the Holy Spirit. He imparts to us the quickening life of Jesus, making us truly alive. He takes that which was "beyond" us and places it "within" us. And immediately, once "the beyond" has come "within," it rises up to "the above," and we are lifted into the kingdom where Jesus lives and reigns (see John 3:5  ).

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 29, 2008

A Convenient Christianity

READ: Matthew 16:24-28

Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. -Matthew 16:25

So many television programs, so little time to watch them. Apparently that's what our culture thinks, because now technology allows us to see an hour-long program in just 6 minutes or less! The Minisode Network has pruned episodes of popular series into shorter, more convenient packages for interested viewers. "The shows you love-only shorter" is how it's advertised. All to make our life more convenient.

Some have tried to make the Christian life more convenient. They choose to practice Christianity on Sunday only. They attend a religious service at whatever church makes them most comfortable. They give a small offering and are nice to fellow churchgoers-nothing that requires much effort on their part. That way they can have the rest of the week to themselves, to live as they please.

That would be a convenient Christianity. But we know that following Jesus is a lifestyle and not a Sunday-only convenience. Being a "disciple" calls for giving up our lives for Him (Matt. 16:25). It's about living as Jesus calls us to live, daily giving up our plans and purposes for His. A relationship with Him causes us to be concerned with our thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and actions-all to make our life joy-filled for us and pleasing to God.  - Anne Cetas

The Christian life is more than just
A prayer of faith made in the past;
It's dedicating every day
To live for Christ and what will last. -Sper


Faith in Christ is not just a single step but a life of walking with Him.

Forgiveness Ensures Freedom
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.


In business and life the opportunity to harbor bitterness for a wrong suffered is great. We are given plenty of opportunities to grow bitter from relationships that bring hurt and pain. The writer of the Hebrews passage above admonishes us not to miss the grace of God so that we won't take up bitterness as a response to life's pain. He cautions us against this because he knows that a bitter root grows and grows until it eventually defiles many others through a wake of bitterness. If bitterness is allowed to take root, we become imprisoned to it. God's grace will no longer have as great an effect in our lives. We become ineffective, insensitive, and spiritually dead. We can even become physically ill from it. God does not live in bitterness. He lives in grace. He has provided grace for every person to walk in.

One day I was challenged to deal with an individual who hurt me terribly. I was faced with a decision. Would I choose bitterness, or would I choose grace? Oh, how my natural tendency was to choose bitterness. But God provided the courage to choose grace. With that grace came freedom-a freedom to love and even accept the person who was the source of such pain.

This is the real place where Christ's power is most revealed. We cannot live without His supernatural grace. Are you in need of grace today? It is there for the receiving. It will take courage to accept it and walk in it. This will be your step to freedom.

Living On The Third River
Living On The Third River
This unique "quick-read" book will quite likely create a major paradigm shift in your thinking about money, convict you about your current financial outlook, and free you to live in God's abundant provision. It begins as a story of three people living along three rivers who make very different choices about the water they each manage. The water represents their money and possessions, and the meaning of the story is unmistakably clear and powerfully effective, told in a way that even a child could understand. This is an ideal resource to purchase multiple copies and share with friends, co-workers, and family. Learn More or Order 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Heart of Thanksgiving

As the enemy attempts to lure us subtly away from God's best plan for our lives, we begin to compromise in many areas. And the trick that the enemy has used since the beginning of time is trying to convince us that we are getting a bad deal.

Human nature does not like to get taken by anybody or anything-and the enemy knows this. So, once Satan convinces us that God is robbing us of some of life's greatest pleasures, we begin to plan and to plot how we will get what we think we deserve. It is dangerous to venture down such a path.

However, there is a way to combat such tempting thoughts. To have a heart of gratitude means that we appreciate what God has given us. In fact, life itself is a gift from God to us for our enjoyment and pleasure.

When Paul and Silas were tossed into prison, they sang praises and hymns to God. These grateful hearts prepared the way for God to do something incredible in that Philippian jail. Had they been murmuring and grumbling about how a loving God could let them land in such a place, they would have missed an opportunity to lead a man and his entire family to the Lord.

As we seek God more and more, we discover that for every temptation the enemy presents, there is a greater blessing God wants to give. We must remain faithful to the Lord in those trying moments, pressing ahead with the knowledge that God will not withhold His best plan for our lives as long as we are putting Him first.

Prayer: Lord, please help me realize when I have an ungrateful heart and give me a heart of thanksgiving.

The Lord is my strength. ... My heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song (Psalm 28:7).

Learn how praise can make all the difference in your life.  Michael Youssef explores this topic in our free resource this month-"Empowered by Praise." Download it today.

By Passionately Proclaiming Uncompromising Truth, Leading The Way is revolutionizing lives at home and around the world. Discover more at www.leadingtheway.org.

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ
He will glorify Me . . . -John 16:14
The holiness movements of today have none of the rugged reality of the New Testament about them. There is nothing about them that needs the death of Jesus Christ. All that is required is a pious atmosphere, prayer, and devotion. This type of experience is not supernatural nor miraculous. It did not cost the sufferings of God, nor is it stained with "the blood of the Lamb" ( Revelation 12:11  ). It is not marked or sealed by the Holy Spirit as being genuine, and it has no visual sign that causes people to exclaim with awe and wonder, "That is the work of God Almighty!" Yet the New Testament is about the work of God and nothing else.

The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration- no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion- a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!


Jesus said, ". . . when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, . . . He will glorify Me . . ." (John 16:13-14  ). When I commit myself to the revealed truth of the New Testament, I receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit, who then begins interpreting to me what Jesus did. The Spirit of God does in me internally all that Jesus Christ did for me externally.

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals November 30, 2008

Lend A Hand

READ: Romans 12:9-21
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. -Romans 12:15

The next month will be very difficult for many people who are still reeling from a loss this past year. The crippling hurt caused by the absence of a loved one can cloud holiday gatherings and even dim the desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Poet Ann Weems has written:

Some of us walk into Advent
tethered to our unresolved yesterdays,
the pain still stabbing,
the hurt still throbbing.
It's not that we don't know better;
it's just that we can't stand up
anymore by ourselves.
On the way to Bethlehem,
will you give us a hand?

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity in our relationships. One seems especially needed at this time of year: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (v.15). We can "give a hand" to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to "get over it" in time to celebrate the holidays. We can freely mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen, and pray for God's help.

Only God can heal the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand.  - David C. McCasland

If I can help some wounded heart,
If I can by my love impart
Some blessing that will help more now-
Lord, just show me how. -Brandt


No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.

Knowledge + Action = Faith
Hebrews 4:2   
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.


The people of Israel were called out of the bondage of Egyptian slavery. God said they would be brought out of 400 years of slavery so that they might worship Him. God desired to bring them into a place of milk and honey-the Promised Land. Yet that generation never entered into the Promised Land. Why? They never took what they knew in their head and transferred it to their heart. Finally, it never resulted in actions that were based on what they believed.

When I was a new Christian I heard an illustration of what belief and faith looked like when combined. If you were a trapeze artist and were skilled at walking across tightropes over high places, you might even be willing to walk across Niagara Falls. In fact, I would have confidence that you could because I had seen your abilities as a trapeze artist. However, if you asked me if you could push me in a wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls, you would be challenging me to put my beliefs into action. This requires faith, participation, and risk, which, until now, was based only on mental assent.

The writer of Hebrews is telling us that if we believe God but do not enter in to those promises, we are like the man who chooses not to get into the wheelbarrow. If we don't act on our beliefs, then we remain in the desert like the people of Israel who never received God's promises. They did not combine what they knew in their head with a faith that was put into action.

Has God spoken to you about an area in your life that requires a step of faith? Let God provide the courage, as He does the knowledge, to act in faith on what you believe.

Real Christianity
How One Person Changed the World
Arguably the most outspoken Christian member of Parliament in the history of England, William Wilberforce changed the course of his nation -- and the world -- with his determination to end the British slave trade. His mentor was none other than John Newton, writer of the song Amazing Grace. In his classic book, Real Christianity, Wilberforce describes what true Christian faith looks like in practical actions. This modern version of Real Christianity will strongly challenge you to consider your own faith in contrast to the "Christian sub-culture" that exists today.
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Welcome Home
by Max Lucado

Homesickness is one of the burdens God doesn't mind if we carry. God has "set eternity in the hearts of men" (Eccles. 3:11 NIV). Down deep you know you are not home yet.

This is not our forever house. It will serve for the time being. But there is nothing like the moment we enter his door.

Molly can tell you. After a month in our house she ran away. I came home one night to find the place unusually quiet. Molly was gone.

She'd slipped out unnoticed. The search began immediately. Within an hour we knew that she was far, far from home. Now, if you don't like pets, what I'm about to say is going to sound strange. If you do like pets, you will understand.

You'll understand why we walked up and down the street, calling her name. You'll understand why I drove around the neighborhood at 10:30 P.M. You'll understand why I put up a poster in the convenience store and convened the family for a prayer. (Honestly, I did.) You'll understand why I sent e-mails to the staff, asking for prayers, and to her breeder, asking for advice. And you'll understand why we were ready to toss the confetti and party when she showed up.

Here is what happened. The next morning Denalyn was on her way home from taking the girls to school when she saw the trash truck. She asked the workers to keep an eye out for Molly and then hurried home to host a moms' prayer group. Soon after the ladies arrived, the trash truck pulled into our driveway, a worker opened the door, and out bounded our dog. She had been found.

When Denalyn called to tell me the news, I could barely hear her voice. It was Mardi Gras in the kitchen. The ladies were celebrating the return of Molly.

This story pops with symbolism. The master leaving his house, searching for the lost. Victories in the midst of prayer. Great things coming out of trash. But most of all: the celebration at the coming home. That's something else you have in common with Molly-a party at your homecoming.

Those you love will shout. Those you know will applaud. But all the noise will cease when the Father cups your chin and says, "Welcome home." And with scarred hand he'll wipe every tear from your eye. And you will dwell in the house of your Lord-forever.

From
Traveling Light
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado
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"By the Grace of God I Am What I Am"
By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain . . . -1 Corinthians 15:10
The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God's perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, "Oh, I shouldn't claim to be sanctified; I'm not a saint." But to say that before God means, "No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn't possible." That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.

Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, "Thank God, I know I am saved and sanctified," is in God's eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.

There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life.

God Bless

[Judy Harder]

Daily Devotionals December 1, 2008

Waiting For Joy
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. -Psalm 30:5
A large part of life centers around anticipation. How much we would lose if we were to wake up one day to the unexpected announcement: "Christmas in 10 minutes!" The enjoyment in many of life's events is built on the fact that we have time to anticipate them.

Christmas, vacations, mission trips, sporting events. All grow in value because of the hours we spend looking forward to them-eagerly running through our minds the fun, challenges, and excitement they'll bring.

I think about the value of anticipation and the thrill it can bring to the human heart when I read Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." The psalmist is declaring the comforting idea that our earthly sorrow lasts but a short time when compared with the anticipated joy that will begin in heaven and last forever. Paul pens a similar idea in 2 Corinthians 4:17, where we discover that our "light affliction" leads to a glory of eternal value.

For now, those of us who weep can dwell on hope instead of hopelessness and anticipation instead of sorrow. It may be nighttime in our hearts, but just ahead lies the dawn of eternity. And with it, God promises the endless joy of heavenly morning.  - Dave Branon

Tribulation, grief, and sorrow
Are but heaven's steppingstones
To a bright and glad tomorrow
Where no heartache can be known. -Glass


We can endure this life's trials because of the next life's joys.


Marketplace Meditations 12/1

Striving Versus Abiding
Psalms 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.

What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage. God wants us to allow Him to build the house. He explains further:

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2).

God is telling us there is a way of working without striving. There is a way to conduct business without sweating and toiling for outcome. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil. Outcome is based on obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve. Sometimes it is less than we hoped for. His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily work life. He wants us to avoid looking to our own effort to gain an outcome.

One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed.

We are called to work; He is called to bring forth the fruit. He is the vine. We are the branches. Fruit comes forth naturally from a healthy tree.

Today, ask God to show you when you enter into striving. Ask Him to show you the difference between loving trust and obedience and striving for outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily work experience. He wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest.

Real Christianity
How One Person Changed the World
Arguably the most outspoken Christian member of Parliament in the history of England, William Wilberforce changed the course of his nation -- and the world -- with his determination to end the British slave trade. His mentor was none other than John Newton, writer of the song Amazing Grace. In his classic book, Real Christianity, Wilberforce describes what true Christian faith looks like in practical actions. This modern version of Real Christianity will strongly challenge you to consider your own faith in contrast to the "Christian sub-culture" that exists today.
Click to Order or Learn More 

Living Free - Dec. 1, 2008

Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture

"And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love." 1 John 4:17-18 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Daily the media reports violence and abuse, especially in the home-child neglect, sexual violence, rape, abandonment, and on and on. Victims of such abuse usually suffer pain long after the actual abuse has ended. Memories haunt them. They continue to feel the shame, fear, anger and grief brought about by painful events of the past.

Consider this...

Are you or someone you love a surviving victim of abuse? If so, you may be allowing fear to rule in your life. The fear you experienced when you were being abused has become a fear of everyday life. Fear of committing to a relationship. Fear of rejection. Fear of failure. Fear of intimacy.

These feelings of fear often cause victims to put up barriers to God and to relationships with other people. Fear is an extremely powerful emotion that we don't know how to control. It attacks our ability to trust. It compromises our ability to relax in relationships. Fear of becoming vulnerable, of being betrayed by others or even by God.

One of the first steps to overcoming fear and tearing down the barriers it has built between you and others is to ask God's forgiveness for your failure to trust him. This will open the door for you to begin building a relationship with him. To know him better by spending time talking to him and reading his Word. Only then can you begin to know how much he loves you. Only then can you grow to understand his character. With that understanding, you will know that you can trust him, and he will help you build closer relationships with those around you.

Children raised by an abusive or neglectful father often have an incorrect view of God, picturing him like their earthly father. The good news is that our Heavenly Father is perfect and fair. Perfect love drives out fear. God's love is perfect.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for not trusting you as I should. I believe you love me. I believe Jesus died for me. I want to be your child. Help me to trust you and your perfect love and then to be able to overcome the fear that has ruled my life. In Jesus' name

These thoughts were drawn from

Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner. This study ministers to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. It deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in small groups and Christian counseling. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.   

 
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© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.

The Law and the Gospel
Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all -James 2:10
The moral law does not consider our weaknesses as human beings; in fact, it does not take into account our heredity or infirmities. It simply demands that we be absolutely moral. The moral law never changes, either for the highest of society or for the weakest in the world. It is enduring and eternally the same. The moral law, ordained by God, does not make itself weak to the weak by excusing our shortcomings. It remains absolute for all time and eternity. If we are not aware of this, it is because we are less than alive. Once we do realize it, our life immediately becomes a fatal tragedy. "I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died" ( Romans 7:9 ). The moment we realize this, the Spirit of God convicts us of sin. Until a person gets there and sees that there is no hope, the Cross of Christ remains absurd to him. Conviction of sin always brings a fearful, confining sense of the law. It makes a person hopeless- ". . . sold under sin" ( Romans 7:14  ). I, a guilty sinner, can never work to get right with God- it is impossible. There is only one way by which I can get right with God, and that is through the death of Jesus Christ. I must get rid of the underlying idea that I can ever be right with God because of my obedience. Who of us could ever obey God to absolute perfection!

We only begin to realize the power of the moral law once we see that it comes with a condition and a promise. But God never coerces us. Sometimes we wish He would make us be obedient, and at other times we wish He would leave us alone. Whenever God's will is in complete control, He removes all pressure. And when we deliberately choose to obey Him, He will reach to the remotest star and to the ends of the earth to assist us with all of His almighty power.

God Bless