GENESIS 3:1-6
Listening to God is not a onetime event. We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.
In Genesis 2:16-17, the Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Eve began to listen to another voice and did not hold firmly to her Creator's words. All that Satan had to do was plant a single doubt about God's integrity and offer Eve one appealing advantage of doing things her own way--and she fell for it. He mentioned wisdom, but using her own reasoning, Eve added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.
The schemes of the Enemy have not changed. He still whispers lies and twists truth to convince us that a) God cannot be trusted and b) His ways are not the best. In every temptation, there is a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.
The world is filled with voices that vie for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, consider the messages that are sent your way through the media and people. Consciously begin to compare them to what Scripture says about God and His ways.
Remembering what God says in the Bible is our safeguard against deception and temptation. Daily devotions won't protect us if they're quickly forgotten during the day. Follow Christ's example: be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes (Matt. 4:1-11).
In Touch Ministries
Monday, August 3, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Glimpse
This email conversation is true and was copied verbatim from my inbox. To give a bit of background, we are conducting a scavenger hunt of sorts to be executed at the company picnic in August. Our department has been supplied a list of items that must be collected in order to facilitate the hunt. One of the needed items is a toupee.
Original Email: "Below is the updated list for the Scavenger Hunt – Remember, we have until Aug 20th to get all the remaining items together. If your name is beside something highlighted in orange, let me know the status of having the item in hand.
Regarding passports – Bring those on the 20th and we will determine who has traveled the farthest."
Email Reply: "The guy I got the toupee from had a heart attack & died right after the first of the year but I have a barber at my church searching for another one :)"
I can't help but wonder if the reply comment struck anyone else as odd. This is just one example of the folks I work with.
Original Email: "Below is the updated list for the Scavenger Hunt – Remember, we have until Aug 20th to get all the remaining items together. If your name is beside something highlighted in orange, let me know the status of having the item in hand.
Regarding passports – Bring those on the 20th and we will determine who has traveled the farthest."
Email Reply: "The guy I got the toupee from had a heart attack & died right after the first of the year but I have a barber at my church searching for another one :)"
I can't help but wonder if the reply comment struck anyone else as odd. This is just one example of the folks I work with.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
God's Goal in Communicating
1 CORINTHIANS 2:9-14
Whenever the Lord speaks to us, He gets straight to the point. He doesn't dance around the issue, He doesn't engage in idle chitchat, and He doesn't talk just for the sake of talking. God always has something specific to say. He says it precisely, and His message invariably speaks directly to our needs.
Therefore, if the Lord has something important to say, and if it is vital to a deep need in our lives, then we must be clear in asking, What is God's primary purpose in speaking to me? What does He want me to do as a result of what He has said?
First, God speaks so that we are able to comprehend the truth. That is, He wants us to fully understand His message and absorb it into our hearts and minds.
Second, God speaks so that we may be conformed to the truth. Simply knowing biblical principles is not enough; we must apply those guidelines to our circumstances and live out the life of faith.
Third, God speaks so that we can then communicate the truth. If something is true, then it is true for everyone, everywhere, every time. Therefore, it is not enough simply to hear scriptural principles and apply them to our own lives. We must also share that life-changing information with others.
How can you better understand biblical truth? How can you more effectively apply God's principles to your life? How can you best share them with others? The Lord holds us accountable for our answers. Open yourself to His message today, and then submit to whatever the Holy Spirit tells you.
In Touch Ministries
Whenever the Lord speaks to us, He gets straight to the point. He doesn't dance around the issue, He doesn't engage in idle chitchat, and He doesn't talk just for the sake of talking. God always has something specific to say. He says it precisely, and His message invariably speaks directly to our needs.
Therefore, if the Lord has something important to say, and if it is vital to a deep need in our lives, then we must be clear in asking, What is God's primary purpose in speaking to me? What does He want me to do as a result of what He has said?
First, God speaks so that we are able to comprehend the truth. That is, He wants us to fully understand His message and absorb it into our hearts and minds.
Second, God speaks so that we may be conformed to the truth. Simply knowing biblical principles is not enough; we must apply those guidelines to our circumstances and live out the life of faith.
Third, God speaks so that we can then communicate the truth. If something is true, then it is true for everyone, everywhere, every time. Therefore, it is not enough simply to hear scriptural principles and apply them to our own lives. We must also share that life-changing information with others.
How can you better understand biblical truth? How can you more effectively apply God's principles to your life? How can you best share them with others? The Lord holds us accountable for our answers. Open yourself to His message today, and then submit to whatever the Holy Spirit tells you.
In Touch Ministries
Thursday, July 2, 2009
No Longer Silent
I have been spiritually quiet most of my life. Quiet when I should've screamed with all my might. Quiet when I should've acted boldly. Quiet when I should've talked to my Savior.
A common theme in my thoughts these days is that God is prodding me to move. He is pushing me to require more of myself as His child. Why He is earnestly knocking on my heart and awakening my heart, I do not know. What I do know is that the feel of His hand on mine, pulling me to where I need to be is tangible.
I have spent most of my Christian life doing less than even going through the motions. And now I am compelled to change my life for Christ. To the point of turning my little world on it's ear, I am asking God to show me what He would have me to do.
My most recent consumption is to become consumed with Christ. This should have been my goal all along. And I can't help but question what took me so long? But none of that matters now as I am standing on the edge of a cliff. With no information other than knowing God will hold me in His hand as I embark on His journey, I am finally ready to take the step, make the leap, and rely on faith alone.
Lord, never let this newly built fire fade from my heart. Whatever it takes, draw me closer to Christ and use my life and all that is in it to bring glory to You.
A common theme in my thoughts these days is that God is prodding me to move. He is pushing me to require more of myself as His child. Why He is earnestly knocking on my heart and awakening my heart, I do not know. What I do know is that the feel of His hand on mine, pulling me to where I need to be is tangible.
I have spent most of my Christian life doing less than even going through the motions. And now I am compelled to change my life for Christ. To the point of turning my little world on it's ear, I am asking God to show me what He would have me to do.
My most recent consumption is to become consumed with Christ. This should have been my goal all along. And I can't help but question what took me so long? But none of that matters now as I am standing on the edge of a cliff. With no information other than knowing God will hold me in His hand as I embark on His journey, I am finally ready to take the step, make the leap, and rely on faith alone.
Lord, never let this newly built fire fade from my heart. Whatever it takes, draw me closer to Christ and use my life and all that is in it to bring glory to You.
Let Us Be Alert and Sober
1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-8
Many people are snoozing through life. They tell themselves that the earth's troubles will eventually end: leaders will somehow bring harmony to war-torn lands, provide food for all, and create economic stability. However, true peace and safety aren't possible in a world ruled by Satan and inhabited by fallen man.
The church must stay alert and monitor world events through the lens of biblical prophecy. Jesus warned of widespread trouble preceding the tribulation and His second coming (Matt. 24:6-14). He offered signs rather than dates so His followers would be watchful and ready to go at any moment. But we're not to neglect our kingdom duties. We should be building, serving, even while anticipating His return.
Nominal Christians run the risk of being unprepared for the troubling times ahead. These are people who come to church if the weather is good, read the Bible only when they're worried, or allow worldly pleasures to distract them from heavenly things. We're no better than drowsy watchmen if we adopt such attitudes. The wise believer is consumed by Christ--empty of his or her own wishes and pursuits and fully surrendered to the Lord's plans and desires. Only a servant completely focused upon God can be useful in His kingdom.
When God shifts things about on the world stage, people get anxious. We can encourage one another by sharing how He has worked in our life. We can also reveal the Source of our assurance and peace to a world in dire need of both. As the end draws near, realize now is not the time to be quiet.
In Touch Ministries
Many people are snoozing through life. They tell themselves that the earth's troubles will eventually end: leaders will somehow bring harmony to war-torn lands, provide food for all, and create economic stability. However, true peace and safety aren't possible in a world ruled by Satan and inhabited by fallen man.
The church must stay alert and monitor world events through the lens of biblical prophecy. Jesus warned of widespread trouble preceding the tribulation and His second coming (Matt. 24:6-14). He offered signs rather than dates so His followers would be watchful and ready to go at any moment. But we're not to neglect our kingdom duties. We should be building, serving, even while anticipating His return.
Nominal Christians run the risk of being unprepared for the troubling times ahead. These are people who come to church if the weather is good, read the Bible only when they're worried, or allow worldly pleasures to distract them from heavenly things. We're no better than drowsy watchmen if we adopt such attitudes. The wise believer is consumed by Christ--empty of his or her own wishes and pursuits and fully surrendered to the Lord's plans and desires. Only a servant completely focused upon God can be useful in His kingdom.
When God shifts things about on the world stage, people get anxious. We can encourage one another by sharing how He has worked in our life. We can also reveal the Source of our assurance and peace to a world in dire need of both. As the end draws near, realize now is not the time to be quiet.
In Touch Ministries
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