Vengeance
Although we may be slandered or maligned by others, we are not at liberty to do anything but show the love of the Lord Jesus unto them. Perhaps today you have someone spreading falsehood about you. Do not plan to avenge the wrong you have been done; give place to God's wrath instead and speak kindly of that person. Then and then alone will a difficult situation bring glory to the name of God.
1 Samuel 25:1-38
(Stops & Steps 1087 01X2009)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Stops & Steps 1086 30IX2009
We have the powerful hand
When confronted with difficult tasks, we often hesitate because we fail to take into account the divine power we have behind us. When God's hand is upon us, no challenge is too great for us. Others may have advantages we do not possess. They may be more experienced, more knowledgeable or more talented, but all of that is irrelevant if God's hand is upon us. Human resources are no match for God's power. Others may appear to have the upper hand, but God has the more powerful hand.
1 Kings 18:45-46
Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
(Stops & Steps 1086 30IX2009)
When confronted with difficult tasks, we often hesitate because we fail to take into account the divine power we have behind us. When God's hand is upon us, no challenge is too great for us. Others may have advantages we do not possess. They may be more experienced, more knowledgeable or more talented, but all of that is irrelevant if God's hand is upon us. Human resources are no match for God's power. Others may appear to have the upper hand, but God has the more powerful hand.
1 Kings 18:45-46
Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
(Stops & Steps 1086 30IX2009)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Stops & Steps 1085 29IX2009
God knows the truth
Have you been guilty of speaking against someone and have not realized how it may have hurt them. Then when someone speaks against you, you suddenly realize how deeply such words hurt, and you become sensitive to what you have done.
If you have been mistreated, cheated or deceived, and if your heart has been right all along, be assured that God knows this.
God will eventually vindicate you, but in the meantime you should be confidently aware that God knows the truth concerning what has happened to you. He knows if your heart has been right.
Psalm 139 : 23
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts"
Genesis 31:1-7
And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
(Stops & Steps 1085 29IX2009)
Have you been guilty of speaking against someone and have not realized how it may have hurt them. Then when someone speaks against you, you suddenly realize how deeply such words hurt, and you become sensitive to what you have done.
If you have been mistreated, cheated or deceived, and if your heart has been right all along, be assured that God knows this.
God will eventually vindicate you, but in the meantime you should be confidently aware that God knows the truth concerning what has happened to you. He knows if your heart has been right.
Psalm 139 : 23
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts"
Genesis 31:1-7
And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
(Stops & Steps 1085 29IX2009)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Stops & Steps 1084 28IX2009
Fearfully and wonderfully made
If you have looked at the inside of a computer, you would be amazed at all the cables, circuit boards and other fixtures that made up this fantastic machine. Then think of how amazing our God is !! Our God is an awesome God!
Isaiah 40:28
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
Psalm 139:13-16
For You created me in my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
(Stops & Steps 1084 28IX2009)
If you have looked at the inside of a computer, you would be amazed at all the cables, circuit boards and other fixtures that made up this fantastic machine. Then think of how amazing our God is !! Our God is an awesome God!
Isaiah 40:28
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
Psalm 139:13-16
For You created me in my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
(Stops & Steps 1084 28IX2009)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Stops & Steps 1083 27IX2009
Which way to go
Our travel with God is filled with uncertainties. We do not know where our journey will lead us. We do not know what we will learn, or what He will teach along the way. We do not know the trials we will have to face. But, by following Christ, we will be sure of our final destination.
John 14:2-4
There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
(Stops & Steps 1083 27IX2009)
Our travel with God is filled with uncertainties. We do not know where our journey will lead us. We do not know what we will learn, or what He will teach along the way. We do not know the trials we will have to face. But, by following Christ, we will be sure of our final destination.
John 14:2-4
There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
(Stops & Steps 1083 27IX2009)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Stops & Steps 1082 26IX2009
A gentle reminder
We need to converse daily with God and to read His word, the Bible, in order to be washed, refreshed, and renewed.
Is our Bible collecting dust on a bookshelf in a room somewhere, or is it a constant guide, nearby and readily available?
Are we in constant prayer or conversation with our heavenly Father, or are we too busy to give Him even a minute of our time?
Are we too involved with things that are temporal, neglecting the eternal?
Let us take a few moments to examine our lives and return to doing what God would want us to do.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Stops & Steps 1082 26IX2009)
We need to converse daily with God and to read His word, the Bible, in order to be washed, refreshed, and renewed.
Is our Bible collecting dust on a bookshelf in a room somewhere, or is it a constant guide, nearby and readily available?
Are we in constant prayer or conversation with our heavenly Father, or are we too busy to give Him even a minute of our time?
Are we too involved with things that are temporal, neglecting the eternal?
Let us take a few moments to examine our lives and return to doing what God would want us to do.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Stops & Steps 1082 26IX2009)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Stops & Steps 1081 25IX2009
Our hiding place
We all need to have a hiding place, to be alone with God in prayer, to take time to listen, to look up far into the sky, to take time away in silence, to meditate, and to appreciate God's gifts and the awesome greatness that is beyond and, at the same time, within.
Isaiah 4:6
It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
(Stops & Steps 1081 25IX2009)
We all need to have a hiding place, to be alone with God in prayer, to take time to listen, to look up far into the sky, to take time away in silence, to meditate, and to appreciate God's gifts and the awesome greatness that is beyond and, at the same time, within.
Isaiah 4:6
It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
(Stops & Steps 1081 25IX2009)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Stops & Steps 1080 24IX2009
The just shall live by faith
Do you substitute gut feelings for faith ?
Trials, conflicts, battles and testings lie along the way, and are not to be counted as misfortunes, but rather as part of our necessary discipline.
In all these varying experiences we are to reckon on Christ as dwelling in the heart, regardless of our feelings if we are walking obediently before Him. Here is where many get into trouble; they try to walk by feeling rather than faith.
Believe God's word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences.
Look to Jesus and believe, look to Jesus and live!
Hebrew 10 : 38
The just shall live by faith.
(Stops & Steps 1080 24IX2009)
Do you substitute gut feelings for faith ?
Trials, conflicts, battles and testings lie along the way, and are not to be counted as misfortunes, but rather as part of our necessary discipline.
In all these varying experiences we are to reckon on Christ as dwelling in the heart, regardless of our feelings if we are walking obediently before Him. Here is where many get into trouble; they try to walk by feeling rather than faith.
Believe God's word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences.
Look to Jesus and believe, look to Jesus and live!
Hebrew 10 : 38
The just shall live by faith.
(Stops & Steps 1080 24IX2009)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Stops & Steps 1079 23IX2009
Time
"My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those
who persecute me" (Psalm 31 : 15). That's a marvelous declaration of faith.
In writing "my times are in Your hand," David teaches us several lessons.
First, time is important. If you waste time, you are wasting eternity. If you waste time, you are wasting opportunity. And if we do not give Him my time, He can not use our body or our ability. Time is valuable—do not waste it. Invest it.
Second, David reminds us how important surrender is. Who controls the available time we have when we're not working or doing the things that must be done to maintain life--that unregistered, undirected time? If we surrender to the Lord, He
can control that time.
Third, this leads to God's blessings for us. When our times are in His hand, we can trust Him
Time is perhaps our most basic resource. How we use God's gift of time has a profound effect not only on our life but on the lives of others.
It's important that we surrender our time to His care. When we give God our time, we
surrender it to His control. He will bless us for it.
Psalm 31:14-24
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
(Stops & Steps 1079 23IX2009)
"My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those
who persecute me" (Psalm 31 : 15). That's a marvelous declaration of faith.
In writing "my times are in Your hand," David teaches us several lessons.
First, time is important. If you waste time, you are wasting eternity. If you waste time, you are wasting opportunity. And if we do not give Him my time, He can not use our body or our ability. Time is valuable—do not waste it. Invest it.
Second, David reminds us how important surrender is. Who controls the available time we have when we're not working or doing the things that must be done to maintain life--that unregistered, undirected time? If we surrender to the Lord, He
can control that time.
Third, this leads to God's blessings for us. When our times are in His hand, we can trust Him
Time is perhaps our most basic resource. How we use God's gift of time has a profound effect not only on our life but on the lives of others.
It's important that we surrender our time to His care. When we give God our time, we
surrender it to His control. He will bless us for it.
Psalm 31:14-24
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
(Stops & Steps 1079 23IX2009)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Stops & Steps 1078 22IX2009
Love and light
Both light and love give warmth and produce healing and growth. Light shines all around, without discriminating or requiring that certain conditions be met. Likewise, if we love we should do so without discrimination.
God is love. If we know God and walk in God's light, we love one another. To have a clearer picture of love is helpful. We need God's light and God's love to shine through us. Learning to love has taken time, but it has been a great joy to realize that we can be an agent of healing, growth, and light in our relationships with other people. So can we all, if we allow God to teach us.
1 John 4:7-12
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 1 : 5
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
(Stops & Steps 1078 22IX2009)
Both light and love give warmth and produce healing and growth. Light shines all around, without discriminating or requiring that certain conditions be met. Likewise, if we love we should do so without discrimination.
God is love. If we know God and walk in God's light, we love one another. To have a clearer picture of love is helpful. We need God's light and God's love to shine through us. Learning to love has taken time, but it has been a great joy to realize that we can be an agent of healing, growth, and light in our relationships with other people. So can we all, if we allow God to teach us.
1 John 4:7-12
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 1 : 5
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
(Stops & Steps 1078 22IX2009)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Stops & Steps 1077 21IX2009
How to embrace an active and moving faith ?
Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They continually feel as if they are losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?
First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see that what the Lord has planned will produce benefit. Assurance calms our fears, reminding us God is in charge and His will shall be accomplished - no matter what challenges we face.
Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe that the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.
When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice, knowing that He will make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation, and it can revolutionize your walk with Him.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
(Stops & Steps 1077 21IX2009)
Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They continually feel as if they are losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?
First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see that what the Lord has planned will produce benefit. Assurance calms our fears, reminding us God is in charge and His will shall be accomplished - no matter what challenges we face.
Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe that the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.
When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice, knowing that He will make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation, and it can revolutionize your walk with Him.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
(Stops & Steps 1077 21IX2009)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Stops & Steps 1076 20IX2009
Pay attention to how you use your words
Have you listened to the words you use when you speak to those nearest and dearest to you?
Sometimes in the hurried flurry of our day we simply overlook the way we are communicating. We excuse our hasty words and harsh tones because we are tired or stressed.
God's Word reminds us that our words are very important. We need to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouths. Listen to these wise words...
Our sharp words have the ability to cut the people around us. A wise person will consider what his/her words are doing and will seek to communicate in a way that brings healing rather than hurt.
Take note today of what your communication sounds and looks like. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to be wise in your speech and gentle in your tones and body language.
The world out there is filled with sharp words of sarcasm, criticism, negativity and worry. Go against the flow and ask God to help you bring a calm and gentle spirit to your home and workplace today through the way you communicate.
Let us ask God to forgive us for the many times words spring from our mouths that are unnecessary comments of gossip, hurt or criticism.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to
be our guide in our communication.
nudge us when we are ready to speak piercing words.
fill us with His gentleness and compassion
remind us that our tones and body language are communicating too.
help us to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouth.
Proverbs 12 : 18
Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Stops & Steps 1076 20IX2009)
Have you listened to the words you use when you speak to those nearest and dearest to you?
Sometimes in the hurried flurry of our day we simply overlook the way we are communicating. We excuse our hasty words and harsh tones because we are tired or stressed.
God's Word reminds us that our words are very important. We need to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouths. Listen to these wise words...
Our sharp words have the ability to cut the people around us. A wise person will consider what his/her words are doing and will seek to communicate in a way that brings healing rather than hurt.
Take note today of what your communication sounds and looks like. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to be wise in your speech and gentle in your tones and body language.
The world out there is filled with sharp words of sarcasm, criticism, negativity and worry. Go against the flow and ask God to help you bring a calm and gentle spirit to your home and workplace today through the way you communicate.
Let us ask God to forgive us for the many times words spring from our mouths that are unnecessary comments of gossip, hurt or criticism.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to
be our guide in our communication.
nudge us when we are ready to speak piercing words.
fill us with His gentleness and compassion
remind us that our tones and body language are communicating too.
help us to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouth.
Proverbs 12 : 18
Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Stops & Steps 1076 20IX2009)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Stops & Steps 1075 19IX2009
Why is there a need to pray ?
There are several reasons. The first is : God has told us to pray. It is a commandment, and if we love Him we obey His commands.
Second, Jesus prayed. Jesus was not being made more holy by prayer. He was communing with his Father. He was asking for things. He thanked God.
The Bible is full of examples of people doing what they could do and asking God to do what they could not do. In other words, the pattern given to us is both to work and pray. Nehemiah and the people of Israel worked hard to build the wall of Jerusalem but were strenuously opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah, who banded together with Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites to attack. "So we prayed to our God," wrote Nehemiah, "and posted a guard day and night against them" (Neh 4:9).
(Stops & Steps 1075 19IX2009)
There are several reasons. The first is : God has told us to pray. It is a commandment, and if we love Him we obey His commands.
Second, Jesus prayed. Jesus was not being made more holy by prayer. He was communing with his Father. He was asking for things. He thanked God.
The Bible is full of examples of people doing what they could do and asking God to do what they could not do. In other words, the pattern given to us is both to work and pray. Nehemiah and the people of Israel worked hard to build the wall of Jerusalem but were strenuously opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah, who banded together with Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites to attack. "So we prayed to our God," wrote Nehemiah, "and posted a guard day and night against them" (Neh 4:9).
(Stops & Steps 1075 19IX2009)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Stops & Steps 1074 18IX2009
Changing names
Some people assume new names to disguise their identity. Other people change their names when they move to a new country to make them more pronounceable.
Society today is also good at changing the name of things that honor God. Having standards is now called intolerance. Taking a stand for what you believe is understood as dedication.
Change in names is also used to disguise their original meanings. Adultery is called
an affair. Drunkenness is now alcoholism.
Despite all these changes, God's principles have not changed.
Guide your life by God's Word, and you will be pleasing to the Lord no matter what the world calls it. After all, what is in a name? Not much if God is not in it.
Changing the name does not change the truth.
Daniel 1:6–7
Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
(Stops & Steps 1074 18IX2009)
Some people assume new names to disguise their identity. Other people change their names when they move to a new country to make them more pronounceable.
Society today is also good at changing the name of things that honor God. Having standards is now called intolerance. Taking a stand for what you believe is understood as dedication.
Change in names is also used to disguise their original meanings. Adultery is called
an affair. Drunkenness is now alcoholism.
Despite all these changes, God's principles have not changed.
Guide your life by God's Word, and you will be pleasing to the Lord no matter what the world calls it. After all, what is in a name? Not much if God is not in it.
Changing the name does not change the truth.
Daniel 1:6–7
Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
(Stops & Steps 1074 18IX2009)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Stops & Steps 1073 17IX2009
Drawing strength from weakness
Have you ever benefited from someone telling you about a mistake he made?
When he heard you were traveling to the same place or buying the same item, he passed on to you the "benefit" of his experience. It's good to learn from mistakes, whether they are our mistakes or the mistakes of others.
We are not to make mistakes just to have a lesson to teach, but when they happen, we need to be concerned about others enough to teach them. We can be quick to give directions for trips and purchases. We also need to be quick to teach the lessons that are of eternal benefit.
Plan to succeed in your spiritual life. Plan also to pass on to others the benefit of your successes, and at times, your failures. When you do, in the positive sense, of helping strengthen your brothers. Let us ask God to help us realize when we need to learn a lesson He has for us, and may we be ready to help others, strengthening them in their walk.
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
(Stops & Steps 1073 17IX2009)
Have you ever benefited from someone telling you about a mistake he made?
When he heard you were traveling to the same place or buying the same item, he passed on to you the "benefit" of his experience. It's good to learn from mistakes, whether they are our mistakes or the mistakes of others.
We are not to make mistakes just to have a lesson to teach, but when they happen, we need to be concerned about others enough to teach them. We can be quick to give directions for trips and purchases. We also need to be quick to teach the lessons that are of eternal benefit.
Plan to succeed in your spiritual life. Plan also to pass on to others the benefit of your successes, and at times, your failures. When you do, in the positive sense, of helping strengthen your brothers. Let us ask God to help us realize when we need to learn a lesson He has for us, and may we be ready to help others, strengthening them in their walk.
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
(Stops & Steps 1073 17IX2009)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Stops & Steps 1072 16IX2009
There is no substitute to prayer
What is the substitute for talking with God? Nothing.
What Does God Say?
If you want to communicate with God, there is really only one way to do it.
Matthew 6:5-6,
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
When you pray , you talk to God. The hypocrites Jesus talked about were not really talking to God though it looked like they were. They were putting on a performance so people would admire them. These hypocrites substituted a public performance for real communication with God the Father.
'And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him' (Matthew 6:7-8).
Prayer is coming humbly and sincerely before God. The Gentiles (Jesus mentioned) were trying to impress their gods by the continuous repetition of memorized prayers (1 Kings 18:26). They believed the more often they asked, the more likely their god would be to answer. They thought they could substitute quantity for quality. Of course there is nothing wrong with being persistent in prayer (Matthew 26:36-48, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8); but God is looking at our hearts, not our words.
(Stops & Steps 1072 16IX2009)
What is the substitute for talking with God? Nothing.
What Does God Say?
If you want to communicate with God, there is really only one way to do it.
Matthew 6:5-6,
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
When you pray , you talk to God. The hypocrites Jesus talked about were not really talking to God though it looked like they were. They were putting on a performance so people would admire them. These hypocrites substituted a public performance for real communication with God the Father.
'And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him' (Matthew 6:7-8).
Prayer is coming humbly and sincerely before God. The Gentiles (Jesus mentioned) were trying to impress their gods by the continuous repetition of memorized prayers (1 Kings 18:26). They believed the more often they asked, the more likely their god would be to answer. They thought they could substitute quantity for quality. Of course there is nothing wrong with being persistent in prayer (Matthew 26:36-48, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8); but God is looking at our hearts, not our words.
(Stops & Steps 1072 16IX2009)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Stops & Steps 1071 15IX2009
Pray hard
Prayer is one kind of work, necessary to the proper doing of all other kinds. When we pray, we are in touch with God, expectant, trusting: He is at work. He does what we cannot do. We are to be at work also, doing what we can do.
In Paul's closing remarks to the Christians in Colossae he includes greetings from Epaphras. He prays hard for you all the time....He works tirelessly for you. (Col 4:12-13)
As we pray, the Lord frequently shows us what we ourselves can do to cooperate with Him in bringing about the answer. Let us listen as we pray. Then let us go out and work tirelessly.
Colossians 4 : 12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
(Stops & Steps 1071 15IX2009)
Prayer is one kind of work, necessary to the proper doing of all other kinds. When we pray, we are in touch with God, expectant, trusting: He is at work. He does what we cannot do. We are to be at work also, doing what we can do.
In Paul's closing remarks to the Christians in Colossae he includes greetings from Epaphras. He prays hard for you all the time....He works tirelessly for you. (Col 4:12-13)
As we pray, the Lord frequently shows us what we ourselves can do to cooperate with Him in bringing about the answer. Let us listen as we pray. Then let us go out and work tirelessly.
Colossians 4 : 12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
(Stops & Steps 1071 15IX2009)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Stops & Steps 1070 14IX2009
Do not grow weary in your prayers
A typical remark : “ I'm tired of praying and not getting results."
Admittedly, it would be discouraging to think that God does not answer our prayers.
Elijah had no such doubts. If God is truly God, He will answer. And his confidence was well rewarded. Not only did God answer, but He answered in such a dramatic way that the people could no longer question who was really God. Even the things that do not normally burn, the stones and the dust, were consumed when God answered by fire ( 1 Kings 18 v. 38). In an unmistakable way, the Lord responded to Elijah's prayer.
The distinguishing mark of the Christian faith is that we have a living God who not only hears but answers our prayers. His answers may not come at the time we want them, but they will come at the time when they will do the most good. He does not always answer in the way we expect, but He will always answer in the way that's best for us.
It's not always easy to trust God for the right answer at the right time, but it's always best.
Our confident assurance is that if we ask according to His will, "we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:15).
Do not grow weary in your prayers. Seek to know God's will and then confidently pray for His response.
1 Kings 18:24
Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God." So all the people answered and said, "It is well spoken.
(Stops & Steps 1070 14IX2009)
A typical remark : “ I'm tired of praying and not getting results."
Admittedly, it would be discouraging to think that God does not answer our prayers.
Elijah had no such doubts. If God is truly God, He will answer. And his confidence was well rewarded. Not only did God answer, but He answered in such a dramatic way that the people could no longer question who was really God. Even the things that do not normally burn, the stones and the dust, were consumed when God answered by fire ( 1 Kings 18 v. 38). In an unmistakable way, the Lord responded to Elijah's prayer.
The distinguishing mark of the Christian faith is that we have a living God who not only hears but answers our prayers. His answers may not come at the time we want them, but they will come at the time when they will do the most good. He does not always answer in the way we expect, but He will always answer in the way that's best for us.
It's not always easy to trust God for the right answer at the right time, but it's always best.
Our confident assurance is that if we ask according to His will, "we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:15).
Do not grow weary in your prayers. Seek to know God's will and then confidently pray for His response.
1 Kings 18:24
Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God." So all the people answered and said, "It is well spoken.
(Stops & Steps 1070 14IX2009)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Stops & Steps 1069 13IX2009
Do not forget the Lord
When things are going well, it is very easy to forget God.
The way of life for the people of Israel had been rough. For 40 years the people had endured the difficulties of being desert nomads, literally burying a generation (Deut.
1:35). Only the young, along with Caleb and Joshua, were spared from the judgment of God. Now Moses was preparing them to move into the Promised Land.
God was giving them cities that they did not build, houses filled with good things, wells that were in place, and vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant.
With blessing, however, comes a peril. The peril of prosperity is that we sometimes forget God and His blessings. Instead, we rely on self, enjoying the ease.
The words of Moses ring true for us today. He said, "When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD" (6:11-12).
Solomon's prayer also is vital in this regard: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'" (Prov. 30:8-9).
Remember God’s blessings and this will keep you from forgetting the goodness of God
Deuteronomy 6:12
Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
(Stops & Steps 1069 13IX2009)
When things are going well, it is very easy to forget God.
The way of life for the people of Israel had been rough. For 40 years the people had endured the difficulties of being desert nomads, literally burying a generation (Deut.
1:35). Only the young, along with Caleb and Joshua, were spared from the judgment of God. Now Moses was preparing them to move into the Promised Land.
God was giving them cities that they did not build, houses filled with good things, wells that were in place, and vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant.
With blessing, however, comes a peril. The peril of prosperity is that we sometimes forget God and His blessings. Instead, we rely on self, enjoying the ease.
The words of Moses ring true for us today. He said, "When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD" (6:11-12).
Solomon's prayer also is vital in this regard: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'" (Prov. 30:8-9).
Remember God’s blessings and this will keep you from forgetting the goodness of God
Deuteronomy 6:12
Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
(Stops & Steps 1069 13IX2009)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Stops & Steps 1068 12IX2009
How do you want God to treat you ?
Did you know there are three levels on which God can deal with us?
We must decide whether you want Him to treat you as a thing, an animal or one of His own children.
God had to treat David as a thing (a sponge), and His hand was heavy on him (Psalm 32 v 3,4). David was rebelling. He was not acting like God's child. Instead of confessing his sin, he was covering it. But the Bible says, "He who covers his sins will not prosper" (Prov.28:13). So God had to treat David like a thing. He put His hand on David and began to squeeze all the life out of him. David finally woke up and confessed his sin.
God also had to treat David like an animal. He warns us, "Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you" (Psalm 32 v. 9). David had acted like a horse--impulsively, he rushed ahead and sinned. And then he became stubborn like a mule and would not confess his sin. So God dealt with him as He would an animal.
But God wants to deal with us as children. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye [on you]" (Psalm 32 v 8). He doesn't want to control us with bits and bridles, although sometimes He has to do that. Sometimes He has to send us sickness or a handicap or an accident to break our wills.
Decide today: Is God going to treat us as a thing because we are rebelling or as an animal because we are stubborn? Or will we let Him guide us as His own child?
Psalm 32:8-11
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
(Stops & Steps 1068 12IX2009)
Did you know there are three levels on which God can deal with us?
We must decide whether you want Him to treat you as a thing, an animal or one of His own children.
God had to treat David as a thing (a sponge), and His hand was heavy on him (Psalm 32 v 3,4). David was rebelling. He was not acting like God's child. Instead of confessing his sin, he was covering it. But the Bible says, "He who covers his sins will not prosper" (Prov.28:13). So God had to treat David like a thing. He put His hand on David and began to squeeze all the life out of him. David finally woke up and confessed his sin.
God also had to treat David like an animal. He warns us, "Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you" (Psalm 32 v. 9). David had acted like a horse--impulsively, he rushed ahead and sinned. And then he became stubborn like a mule and would not confess his sin. So God dealt with him as He would an animal.
But God wants to deal with us as children. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye [on you]" (Psalm 32 v 8). He doesn't want to control us with bits and bridles, although sometimes He has to do that. Sometimes He has to send us sickness or a handicap or an accident to break our wills.
Decide today: Is God going to treat us as a thing because we are rebelling or as an animal because we are stubborn? Or will we let Him guide us as His own child?
Psalm 32:8-11
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
(Stops & Steps 1068 12IX2009)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Stops & Steps 1067 11IX2009
What God requires
What does God want from us?
What does God say?
The answer begins in Deuteronomy 10. "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good".
God is reviewing His instructions for His people, and He starts with the heart. If your heart is not right with God, it will be impossible to do what He requires.
We start with fearing God. That is awe and reverence, a healthy respect for God who is greater than us on every level and who deserves absolute trust, worship and honor. He is not to be taken lightly or used as a lucky charm or good buddy. He is God, and we are not.
We are to live in a way that pleases God, to "walk in all his ways" (Deuteronomy 10:12). To live according to His instructions, to do the things that please God
God also wants our love and our service. Usually, when we love someone we want to serve, it fuels our desire to do something good for them, to put them first, to treat them with respect and honor. Love also motivates our obedience.
Deuteronomy 10
(Stops & Steps 1067 11IX2009)
What does God want from us?
What does God say?
The answer begins in Deuteronomy 10. "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good".
God is reviewing His instructions for His people, and He starts with the heart. If your heart is not right with God, it will be impossible to do what He requires.
We start with fearing God. That is awe and reverence, a healthy respect for God who is greater than us on every level and who deserves absolute trust, worship and honor. He is not to be taken lightly or used as a lucky charm or good buddy. He is God, and we are not.
We are to live in a way that pleases God, to "walk in all his ways" (Deuteronomy 10:12). To live according to His instructions, to do the things that please God
God also wants our love and our service. Usually, when we love someone we want to serve, it fuels our desire to do something good for them, to put them first, to treat them with respect and honor. Love also motivates our obedience.
Deuteronomy 10
(Stops & Steps 1067 11IX2009)
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Stops & Steps 1066 10IX2009
Praising God always
It's amazing how our whole attitude and whole outlook can be transformed by praising God.
God did some marvelous things for David. He defeated his enemy, answered his prayer, saved his life and established him (v. 7). And then He gave him joy. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (v. 11).
Transform your life today. Change your attitude in humility, praise God for what He has done.
Submitting to God is an exercise in humility. Until you humble yourself before Him and concern yourself with the things of God, you will not become established. For God to work in your life, your will must be aligned with His. Are you submitted to Him? If not, humble yourself before Him and allow Him to transform your life.
Psalm 30 : 1 - 12
I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
(Stops & Steps 1066 10IX2009)
It's amazing how our whole attitude and whole outlook can be transformed by praising God.
God did some marvelous things for David. He defeated his enemy, answered his prayer, saved his life and established him (v. 7). And then He gave him joy. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (v. 11).
Transform your life today. Change your attitude in humility, praise God for what He has done.
Submitting to God is an exercise in humility. Until you humble yourself before Him and concern yourself with the things of God, you will not become established. For God to work in your life, your will must be aligned with His. Are you submitted to Him? If not, humble yourself before Him and allow Him to transform your life.
Psalm 30 : 1 - 12
I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
(Stops & Steps 1066 10IX2009)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Stops & Steps 1065 09IX2009
Pray passionately
Today we need more men whom the Holy Spirit can use – not just men of prayer but mighty in prayer.
Elijah, the prophet was a man mighty in prayer because he was fervent in prayer. When faced with a major crisis—the death of a young boy, the only child of a widow who had shown him much kindness—he immediately resorted to the most potent power he knew: prayer. Without hesitation, he cast himself upon the mercy of God and cried out for His grace to be extended to this young man and his widowed mother. With passion Elijah entreated the Lord, and He answered. It is no surprise, then, that when the apostle James looked for an example of fervent prayer, he chose Elijah (James 5:16-17).
Today most of us petition God with prayers. They convey the facts, but they lack the fervor. They are sincere, but they do not sizzle. Find a time and place today where you can pour out your heart to God. Do not fake your emotions, but pray for those needs that have a strong grip on your spirit. If you have none, ask God to give you some. Let your approach to God reflect the urgency and the ardor of your concerns.
1 Kings 17:20-22
Then he cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him." Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.
(Stops & Steps 1065 09IX2009)
Today we need more men whom the Holy Spirit can use – not just men of prayer but mighty in prayer.
Elijah, the prophet was a man mighty in prayer because he was fervent in prayer. When faced with a major crisis—the death of a young boy, the only child of a widow who had shown him much kindness—he immediately resorted to the most potent power he knew: prayer. Without hesitation, he cast himself upon the mercy of God and cried out for His grace to be extended to this young man and his widowed mother. With passion Elijah entreated the Lord, and He answered. It is no surprise, then, that when the apostle James looked for an example of fervent prayer, he chose Elijah (James 5:16-17).
Today most of us petition God with prayers. They convey the facts, but they lack the fervor. They are sincere, but they do not sizzle. Find a time and place today where you can pour out your heart to God. Do not fake your emotions, but pray for those needs that have a strong grip on your spirit. If you have none, ask God to give you some. Let your approach to God reflect the urgency and the ardor of your concerns.
1 Kings 17:20-22
Then he cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him." Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.
(Stops & Steps 1065 09IX2009)
Monday, September 07, 2009
Stops & Steps 1064 08IX2009
Walk in Love
Have you ever come up to a traffic light that has just turned yellow and wondered if you should go through or not? If you do, you just might make it to that appointment in time. But if you stop, you might avoid an accident and someone getting hurt.
The Bible teaches us about how we live.
When we participate in ungodly activities, people get hurt. We must live in such a way that it is pleasing to God and loving to others.
Ephesians 5 : 3
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people
Ephesians 5 : 10
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord
What do these two verses teach us about walking in obedience?
Romans 14 : 13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way
Romans 13 : 9 – 10
The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law
We are to walk in love. And when our lifestyle reflects love for the Lord and others,
we can be sure we are walking in the right way.
We must also continue to take time to pray asking that God would deepen our love for Him and others so that each day we would walk in love.
(Stops & Steps 1064 08IX2009)
Have you ever come up to a traffic light that has just turned yellow and wondered if you should go through or not? If you do, you just might make it to that appointment in time. But if you stop, you might avoid an accident and someone getting hurt.
The Bible teaches us about how we live.
When we participate in ungodly activities, people get hurt. We must live in such a way that it is pleasing to God and loving to others.
Ephesians 5 : 3
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people
Ephesians 5 : 10
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord
What do these two verses teach us about walking in obedience?
Romans 14 : 13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way
Romans 13 : 9 – 10
The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law
We are to walk in love. And when our lifestyle reflects love for the Lord and others,
we can be sure we are walking in the right way.
We must also continue to take time to pray asking that God would deepen our love for Him and others so that each day we would walk in love.
(Stops & Steps 1064 08IX2009)
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Stops & Steps 1063 07IX2009
Stay close to God
We must recognize that while faith is steady nothing can bother us, and when faith totters nothing can establish us. If we ramble out among means and creatures, we are presently lost, and can come to no end. But if we stay close to God, and leave Him to work in His own way and time, we are at rest, and can lie down and sleep in a promise, though a thousand rise up against us. Therefore our way is not to cast beforehand, but to walk with God by the day. Keep close to God, and then we need fear nothing. We must maintain our secret and intimate acquaintance with Him
Matthew 9 : 29
According to your faith be it unto you.
John 11 : 40
Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
(Stops & Steps 1063 07IX2009)
We must recognize that while faith is steady nothing can bother us, and when faith totters nothing can establish us. If we ramble out among means and creatures, we are presently lost, and can come to no end. But if we stay close to God, and leave Him to work in His own way and time, we are at rest, and can lie down and sleep in a promise, though a thousand rise up against us. Therefore our way is not to cast beforehand, but to walk with God by the day. Keep close to God, and then we need fear nothing. We must maintain our secret and intimate acquaintance with Him
Matthew 9 : 29
According to your faith be it unto you.
John 11 : 40
Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
(Stops & Steps 1063 07IX2009)
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Stops & Steps 1062 06IX2009
How to survive a slander
We can't help what others do and say. We can help only what we do. When others start talking about us or fighting against us, we may not be able to control that. It's difficult when people start to slander the righteous. This is what David had to endure.
What was causing all of this for David? Saul was lying about him. He was telling his assistants and officers, "David said this. David did that." And this gossip, this awful slander, was spreading through the nation, and David was suffering. "I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel" (v. 12). David wanted to be a vessel filled to overflowing, but now he was broken.
What should you do when people start slandering you?
First, be sure your life is right. "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away" (v. 10). David is saying, "Lord, if I've sinned, I'll confess it."
Second, trust in the Lord. "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' " (v. 14). Third, remember that others have gone through this. You're not experiencing something unique. Everyone who has done anything for the Lord has been slandered, ridiculed, criticized--including the perfect Son of God. Do not listen to the slander of the enemy; listen to the Word of God. Get close to His heart, and you will have His help when you suffer misunderstanding.
When someone falsely accuses you, take comfort in knowing that others have gone through the difficulty of slander. Then look to the Lord, for He is your Strength and Salvation. Use this difficult experience to examine your own heart and draw closer to Him.
Psalm 31:9-13
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
(Stops & Steps 1062 06IX2009)
We can't help what others do and say. We can help only what we do. When others start talking about us or fighting against us, we may not be able to control that. It's difficult when people start to slander the righteous. This is what David had to endure.
What was causing all of this for David? Saul was lying about him. He was telling his assistants and officers, "David said this. David did that." And this gossip, this awful slander, was spreading through the nation, and David was suffering. "I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel" (v. 12). David wanted to be a vessel filled to overflowing, but now he was broken.
What should you do when people start slandering you?
First, be sure your life is right. "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away" (v. 10). David is saying, "Lord, if I've sinned, I'll confess it."
Second, trust in the Lord. "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' " (v. 14). Third, remember that others have gone through this. You're not experiencing something unique. Everyone who has done anything for the Lord has been slandered, ridiculed, criticized--including the perfect Son of God. Do not listen to the slander of the enemy; listen to the Word of God. Get close to His heart, and you will have His help when you suffer misunderstanding.
When someone falsely accuses you, take comfort in knowing that others have gone through the difficulty of slander. Then look to the Lord, for He is your Strength and Salvation. Use this difficult experience to examine your own heart and draw closer to Him.
Psalm 31:9-13
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
(Stops & Steps 1062 06IX2009)
Friday, September 04, 2009
Stops & Steps 1061 05IX2009
A forgiving heart
Is it possible to forgive others and forget the offense ?
It is important to know what gives forgiveness its power. Forgiving a friend when they offend you means next to nothing if all that happens is your memory is erased. But when you choose to forgive a friend, when you intentionally decide to let go of your grudge and accept them as a friend again, then you are showing the true power of forgiveness.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes characteristics Christians should have:
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:12-13)
Forgiveness is hard because being offended strikes at our heart and stirs up our pride. We want to defend ourselves; we want to lash out with a devastating insult; we want the other person to feel the hurt we are feeling.
But Jesus came here to heal our hurts, and He healed the biggest hurt in our lives by dying on the cross and paying for our sins--our offenses--against His Father. As Paul pointed out, this is our greatest example of how to forgive others.
But even before He died, Jesus gave us a great illustration of the power of forgiveness in the parable recorded in Matthew 18:21-35.
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do
(Stops & Steps 1061 05IX2009)
Is it possible to forgive others and forget the offense ?
It is important to know what gives forgiveness its power. Forgiving a friend when they offend you means next to nothing if all that happens is your memory is erased. But when you choose to forgive a friend, when you intentionally decide to let go of your grudge and accept them as a friend again, then you are showing the true power of forgiveness.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes characteristics Christians should have:
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:12-13)
Forgiveness is hard because being offended strikes at our heart and stirs up our pride. We want to defend ourselves; we want to lash out with a devastating insult; we want the other person to feel the hurt we are feeling.
But Jesus came here to heal our hurts, and He healed the biggest hurt in our lives by dying on the cross and paying for our sins--our offenses--against His Father. As Paul pointed out, this is our greatest example of how to forgive others.
But even before He died, Jesus gave us a great illustration of the power of forgiveness in the parable recorded in Matthew 18:21-35.
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do
(Stops & Steps 1061 05IX2009)
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Stops & Steps 1060 04IX2009
Refreshment
Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile?
When we are in need of refreshment, it is not easy to think of the needs of others. But, instead of praying for our own comfort and satisfaction, we ask the Lord to enable us to give to others, amazing thing often happens – we will find our own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways we would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for ourselves
Proverb 11 : 25
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed
Isaiah 58 : 10 - 11
If you...satisfy the needs of the wretched...the Lord will satisfy your needs
(Stops & Steps 1060 04IX2009)
Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile?
When we are in need of refreshment, it is not easy to think of the needs of others. But, instead of praying for our own comfort and satisfaction, we ask the Lord to enable us to give to others, amazing thing often happens – we will find our own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways we would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for ourselves
Proverb 11 : 25
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed
Isaiah 58 : 10 - 11
If you...satisfy the needs of the wretched...the Lord will satisfy your needs
(Stops & Steps 1060 04IX2009)
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Stops & Steps 1059 03IX2009
An answer to prayer
Sometimes it is so hard to have patience when we are waiting for an answer to prayer. The answer may not come immediately. We must remember that our Lord works on a different time schedule than we do. We always want answers immediately. God will answer, but when He feels it is time -- His time, not our time.
Mark 11:24
You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.
Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
(Stops & Steps 1059 03IX2009)
Sometimes it is so hard to have patience when we are waiting for an answer to prayer. The answer may not come immediately. We must remember that our Lord works on a different time schedule than we do. We always want answers immediately. God will answer, but when He feels it is time -- His time, not our time.
Mark 11:24
You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.
Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
(Stops & Steps 1059 03IX2009)
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Stops & Steps 1058 02IX2009
I would like to be like HIM
Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to "imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ" . We are to imitate God's character and follow or build our lives around the example of Christ.
There are some things about God we can not imitate--things that only God can be, like infinite, all-knowing, eternal, sovereign, etc. But there are traits shared by God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) that we can copy.
In Ephesians 5:2--love. We need to love others as Christ loved us: "He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God". This kind of love sacrifices, commits, forgives, and by the way, pleases God.
In Colossians 3:13: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others". Forgiveness is one of those things we all need, we all want, but we find it so hard to give to others. Follow Christ's example, put aside being offended and forgive others.
The best way to learn to copy or imitate Christ is to read God's Word and see what He was like. In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul tells us to "put on" the actions and attitudes of Christ.
Ephesians 5 : 1 – 2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
Colossians 3 : 12 – 17
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
(Stops & Steps 1058 02IX2009)
Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to "imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ" . We are to imitate God's character and follow or build our lives around the example of Christ.
There are some things about God we can not imitate--things that only God can be, like infinite, all-knowing, eternal, sovereign, etc. But there are traits shared by God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) that we can copy.
In Ephesians 5:2--love. We need to love others as Christ loved us: "He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God". This kind of love sacrifices, commits, forgives, and by the way, pleases God.
In Colossians 3:13: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others". Forgiveness is one of those things we all need, we all want, but we find it so hard to give to others. Follow Christ's example, put aside being offended and forgive others.
The best way to learn to copy or imitate Christ is to read God's Word and see what He was like. In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul tells us to "put on" the actions and attitudes of Christ.
Ephesians 5 : 1 – 2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
Colossians 3 : 12 – 17
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
(Stops & Steps 1058 02IX2009)
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