Decide To Change

'Examine yourselves...' 2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV

If you are serious about changing:

(1) The first person you must know is yourself. Human nature seems to endow us with the ability to size up everybody except ourselves. If you're not comfortable with yourself, you won't be comfortable with others. And if you don't believe in yourself, your lack of self-worth will undermine you in life. One marriage counselor says, 'The most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. You've got to be your own best friend first.' But how can you be best friends with someone you don't know, like, or respect? That's why it's important to discover what God's called you to be, then work at becoming that person. And you won't get there overnight; it's a process one that requires a mindset of honesty, frequent repentance and constant self-correction. But if you commit yourself to it God will help you.

(2) The first person you must work on is yourself. Dr. Samuel Johnson said, 'He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove.' The Bible says, 'Examine yourselves.' Only as we examine ourselves before God do we discover where our true battles lie. Then we've a choice. We can be like the man who visited his doctor and found out he'd serious health issues. When the doctor showed him his x-rays and suggested surgery, the man asked, 'Ok, but how much would you charge just to touch up the x-rays?' Or, you can decide to change!

Handling Family Problems

Blessings in Christ Everyone! What a positive Spirit filled day yesterday. Worship rocked the house and God did several healings in our midst! The Word was powerful and led many to the altar for prayer and reflection. Keep your eyes of faith open this week, do your journaling, and spend sometime in prayer and watch what God can do.

"...in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' Genesis 12:3 NKJV

In order to bless all the families of the earth, Abraham had to start with his own family. Before a man could qualify for leadership in the New Testament church, they examined his home life (1 Timothy 3:5). Their thinking was, 'If he doesn't succeed there, don't enlarge his territory.' But if you're going to enjoy God's blessing as a family you must learn to cope with difficulties.

So:

(1) Try to remember that you're all on the same team. Don't take your frustrations out on your loved ones. Too often, home is where we go when we're tired of being 'nice'.

(2) Before you speak, get the facts. Nothing's more damaging than jumping to conclusions. 'Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.' (Proverbs 13:3 NLT)

(3) Handle it with wisdom. List all your options and you'll be more objective. That's how you'd handle a problem at work; why not do the same with your family?

(4) Find something good in the situation. 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...' (Romans 8:28 NKJV) No matter how bad things seem, every situation holds something positive, look for it.

(5) Make sure they know you love them. It's okay to express how you feel so long as you do it graciously. Make sure your family knows you love them. When people feel loved they can weather almost any crisis. Think: when do you need God's love most? When you deserve it least? Try to follow suit and see what God does.

Don't Play the Fool

'...I have played the fool...' 1 Samuel 26:21 NKJV

Your obituary says a lot about you. Towards the end of his life, King Saul said, '...I have played the fool...' (1 Samuel 26:21 NKJV) Israel's first king was destined for greatness till he decided to do things his own way instead of God's way. When the Philistines attacked Israel he tried to rally his troops, who were immobilised by fear. He knew he should wait for the prophet Samuel to come and offer a burnt sacrifice as required by the law. But he said, 'I'll just do it myself. Under the circumstances, God won't mind.' That one act of disobedience ended his career. He died by committing suicide on the battlefield; a life filled with promise, ended in disgrace. You play the fool by:

(1) Disregarding God in little things. Saul's fall didn't happen overnight. Little sins morph into big ones. Thinking, 'It's no big deal,' Saul took matters into his own hands. He said, '...I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself...' (1 Samuel 13:12 NLT) Note the words, 'I felt.' It can feel so right, yet be so wrong. Only trust your feelings when they line up with God's Word.

(2) Trying to justify your behaviour. Saul rationalised, '...I saw my men scattering...you didn't arrive when you said...the Philistines are...ready for battle.' (1 Samuel 13:11 NLT) Stop rationalising, repent, and obey God!

(3) Letting resentment control you. Though he had the makings of a great leader, when David started to gain popularity, Saul's resentment ended up destroying him. Most people learn from their own mistakes; wise people learn from other people's! Learn from Saul; don't play the fool.

Thoughts on Elisha

'...that your fruit should remain...' John 15:16 NKJV

Elisha served others until he died. We read: 'Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him [for advice].' (2 Kings 13:14 NKJV) On his deathbed, Elisha gave the king a strategy for defeating his enemies. So, you can lift others even when you yourself are down. You can feel like a hypocrite because things aren't so great in your own life, yet still minister to them. The truth is, when you reach out in love to someone else it takes the focus off you, your discouragement lifts, and it works for your good. Elisha's impact continued after he died. One day '...Elijah said to Elisha, "...what can I do for you...?" [He replied] "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"...' (2 Kings 2:9 NIV) Elijah, his mentor, performed seven major miracles recorded in Scripture. When he died, Elisha had performed only thirteen. Did God fail to grant his request? No. 'Then Elisha died, and they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land...So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.' (2 Kings 13:20-21 NKJV) Miracle fourteen; Elisha got his double portion! Jesus said, '...I chose...you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain...' (John 15:16 NKJV) So pray, 'Lord, give me a legacy of righteousness. Make my impact greater than my lifespan. Give me fruit that remains.'

Run the Race

'...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...' Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

In Greece there's a place tourists seldom visit. The writer of Hebrews may have had it in mind when he wrote, '...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and...run with endurance...' (Hebrews 12:1 NJKV) It's where the Isthmian Games, a forerunner to the modern Olympics, were held: a place where athletes were hailed as heroes. To develop muscle they trained with weights strapped to their legs, but on the day of the race they stripped off anything that wasn't essential. There's a lesson here. We think what we're clinging to is important. If we didn't, letting go wouldn't be a struggle; we'd simply set it down.

The Christian life is a race that starts the day you accept Christ and ends when you meet Him face-to-face. In order to cross the finish line as a winner you must eliminate: (1) Anything that slows you down. In other words, anything that hinders your spiritual progress. In and of itself, it may not be wrong, but it becomes a 'weight' when it stops you from living for God to the fullest. (2) Anything that causes you to stumble short of the finish line. You must constantly monitor the level of your commitment to Christ, the growth of your faith, your home life, your relationships, your integrity, your work ethic, your thought life and your habits. Make up your mind to stay focused on the prize. Greek athletes who won received a garland that eventually withered, but '...you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade...' (1 Peter 5:4 NIV) Isn't that worth running the race for?

Use Your Gifts

'A spiritual gift is given to each of us...' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

One of the great benefits of finding and fulfilling your life's calling is that it settles the question of what constitutes true success. Many of us have a faulty definition. We've bought into the idea that success is measured by how well we do compared to how well others do. That's a recipe for frustration! No matter what you do, someone else will always do it better. But when you define success in terms of God's purpose for your life, the standard changes completely. True success is not what you've done compared to what others have done, but what you've done compared to what God assigned you to do: 'A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT) Jesus said He was successful because He accomplished the work His Father had sent Him to do (John 17:4). Paul could say at the end of his life, '...I have finished my course...' (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV) By this standard, success may mean leaving a lucrative job to follow God's call. It may mean using your talents for His glory, instead of chasing fame and fortune. Whatever it is, once you know you're in your calling you can stop comparing yourself to others or wishing you were someone else. The Bible says we are each given gifts '...for the common good.' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NAS) Only when you're using your gifts to bless others will you experience true satisfaction. Pay checks and promotions are good, but they can't take the place of divine purpose. Only in your calling will you experience lasting joy.

Pray!

'Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.' 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV

To help you remember the four parts of prayer, think of the acrostic P-R-A-Y:

P - Praise the Lord! Not sure how? Think you'll run out of words? Not if you use the Scriptures. David gives us a beautiful example in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13. It's one you can use: 'Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour...Yours, O Lord, is the Kingdom...In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.'

R - Repent of your sins! Just as heat forces impurities to the surface so the metal refiner can remove them, your prayer time will reveal attitudes that must be changed, habits that must be broken, and barriers to blessing that must be removed. It's not enough to tell God about your sins. He already knows them. You must ask Him to help you turn away from them. This is true repentance.

A - Ask for yourself and others! Your prayers invite God into the situation, and your faith activates His power to change it. There's no distance in prayer, no culture or language barrier it can't overcome. It's like throwing on a power switchthings begin to move when we pray. Jesus said, 'I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven...whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in Heaven.' (Matt 16:19 TLB)

Y - Yield yourself to God's will! Declaring the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your life is like signing your name to your autobiography, and inviting Him to write your life's story.

Never Betray a Confidence

'...he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.' Proverbs 11:13 NKJV

We all need a shoulder to cry on. When we're battling habits and hang-ups we need a safe place to go, confident we'll be loved, understood, supported and prayed for. If those who are hurting can't find these qualities in church, where are they supposed to go? The betrayal of a confidence is a terrible sin. 'But what I said was true,' you object. So what? 'A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.'(Proverbs 11:13 NKJV) Note the words 'reveals' and 'conceals'. The Hippocratic Oath says: 'Whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.' That oath is taken by physicians and other professionals in positions of trust. But it ought to be binding on every one of us! How would you feel if your doctor, counselor, minister or a trusted friend violated your confidence and broadcast your holy secrets? Hurt? Betrayed? The longer we live the more we realize there's a severe shortage of people who can be trusted to keep their mouths shut, and the more we value them. If you were asked to define a person of integrity, wouldn't the ability to keep a confidence be close to the top of your list? So here are some ground rules to live by: (a) Instead of talking, pray about it; (b) Instead of criticizing, look for something good; (c) Instead of showing anger, show grace. How you handle others determines how God will handle you!

Get into God's Word

'...they...searched the Scriptures daily...' Acts 17:11 NKJV

The Devil doesn't mind you paying lip-service to God's Word as long as you don't take the time to read and study it. How long have you been talking about reading your Bible? When are you going to get around to doing itand applying its principles in your everyday life? Dr. Howard Hendricks writes: 'Anybody can come up with a grandiose scheme for change. One person says he wants to reach the world for Christ. Somebody else wants to study every book in the Bible over the next five years. Somebody else plans to memorise a hundred verses. Somebody else is going to become a Christ-like spouse. Wonderful! When are you going to begin? Until you answer that, all you have is good intentions. Those have about as much value as a worthless cheque. After all, what good does it do to dream of reaching the world with the Gospel if you can't share Christ with the person in the office next to you? How are you going to study the entire Bible when you don't even know what verse you're going to study tomorrow? How can you memorise a hundred verses when you've never even tried to memorise one? Rather than fantasise about a Christ-like marriage, why not start with something simple such as doing the dishes if you're a husband, or encouraging your husband if you're a wife? Too much "application" stays at the level of good intentions because we talk about the end of the journey without specifying when, where, and how we're going to take the first step. As someone has well said, "We don't plan to fail, we fail to plan."'

Legalism or Grace

' ...we have been made holy through the sacrifice...of Jesus Christ once for all.' Hebrews 10:10 NIV

Rigid adherence to a list of do's and don'ts appeals to our pride and self-sufficiency by fostering the myth that if we work hard enough we can earn God's favor. That's fear-based thinking, and '...God has not given us a spirit of fear...' (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT) 'There is no fear in love...fear has to do with punishment...' (1 John 4:18 NIV) Legalism is fear that God isn't big enough to forgive your sins, that unless you do the right thing in the right way at the right time and do it perfectly you're in trouble. Jon Walker writes: 'When we fear making mistakes we become timid, and limit ourselves from living abundantly. We let...analysis permeate our decisions as we lead quiet, desperate, anti-faith lives, afraid to move with the bold confidence that grace gives us to walk in uncertainty...unafraid of rejection.' Speaking against works-based religion, Martin Luther said, 'Be a sinner and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger...rejoice in Christ...the victor over sin.' No, Luther wasn't excusing sin! He was restoring grace to its rightful place, affirming that nothing can separate us from God's love. (Romans 8:38-39) He wasn't downgrading the law, He was upgrading grace. Grace means talking to God and listening for His voice when it would be easier to just consult the rule book. The truth is, when '...[Jesus] entered...Heaven...to appear...before God on our behalf' (Hebrews 9:24 NLT), He freed us to have a relationship with Him without fear of sin separating us.

Legalism or Grace

'..do not set aside...grace...' Galatians 2:21 NKJV

Imagine going to the emergency room and being asked to leave because you're bleeding all over the floor! Jesus encountered that legalistic mindset when He healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath. 'Indignant...the synagogue ruler said..."There are six days for work...come and be healed on those days..."' (Luke13:14 NIV) Observing the law was more important to him than the people he was supposed to care for, Max Lucado says: 'All...religions can be placed in one of two camps: legalism or grace. A legalist believes...if you look right, speak right and belong to the right group, you will be saved...The outside sparkles...but something's missing...Joy. What's there instead? Fear that you won't do enough. Arrogance that you've done enough. Failure that you've made a mistake. Legalism is...slow suffocation of the spirit, amputation of one's dreams...enough religion to keep but not nourish you...Your diet is rules and standards. Legalism...doesn't need God...It's the search for innocence not forgiveness...a systematic process of defending...explaining...exalting...justifying...[It] turns my opinion into your burden. There's only room for one opinion...and guess who's wrong? [It] turns my opinion into your boundary. Your opposing opinion makes me question not only your right to fellowship with me, but your salvation. It turns my opinion into your obligation. Christians must toe the company line. Your job isn't to think, it's to march...Salvation is God's business. Grace is his idea, his work, and his expense. He offers it to whomever he desires, when he desires. Our job is to inform...people, not screen [them].' Paul writes, 'Do not set aside...grace...for if righteousness comes through the law...Christ died in vain.' (Galatians 2:21 NKJV) Thank God 'He saved us because of His mercy...not...good deeds we did...' (Titus 3:5 NCV)

Don't Judge!

'Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen?...' Romans 8:33 NLT

When you tear someone down, you're on thin ice with God. The Bible says: 'Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with Himself... Will Christ Jesus? No, for He is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting...next to God, pleading for us.' (Romans 8:33-34 NLT) Your fellow-believers are not perfect, but God says they '...belong to his dear Son.' (Ephesians1:6 NLT) There's nothing you can bring against them that God doesn't already know. Stop and think; by discrediting them you're questioning the One who redeemed them, implying He made a mistake and doesn't know what He's doing. You say, 'But shouldn't I speak up when something is wrong?' Yes, but be careful about overstepping your bounds and condemning the person. Your attitude should be one of helpfulness, forgiveness and reconciliation. Anytime you try to judge what you've no authority over, you're out of your jurisdiction! Paul writes, 'Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.' (Romans 14:4 NIV) It's God's job to judge others and He doesn't need your help to do it!

Live Caleb's Way Part 2

'...My servant Caleb...has a different spirit in him...' Numbers 14:24 NKJV

Caleb said to Moses, '..."Let us go up at once and take possession [of the Promised Land] for we are well able..." But the men...with him...gave...a bad report...saying..."There we saw the giants...and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight..."' (Numbers 13:30-33 NKJV) Notice two attitudes at work in this story: (1) An attitude of doubt. Ten of twelve spies came back saying, 'It can't be done!' But the majority isn't necessarily right. If God promises you something, it's yours, even if you're in the minority. The majority report terrified God's people; they got spiritual amnesia; they forgot all about God's supernatural provision. They talked themselves into believing that Egypt was actually the land of milk and honey. '...you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness...' (Numbers16:13 NKJV) Incredible! Egypt was a land of straw and slavery, not milk and honey. What was their problem? They allowed their surroundings to influence them more than God's promises. When that happens you dry up spiritually, begin to grumble and say stuff like, 'God may have worked miracles in the past, but He doesn't do it anymore.' As a result of their unbelief, not one of them entered the Promised Land except Joshua and Caleb. (2) An attitude of faith. God said, 'But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land...and his descendants shall inherit it.' (Numbers 14:24~NKJV) So, which attitude do you have?

Live Caleb's Way

'...the Lord has kept me alive...' Joshua 14:10 NKJV

At the ripe old age of eighty-five, Caleb said to Joshua, '...the Lord has kept me alive...just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war...give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day...And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb...because he wholly followed the Lord...' (Joshua 14:10-14 NKJV) There was nothing half-baked or half-hearted about Caleb. His dream kept him alive; he got out of bed every morning intent on pursuing it. When God gives you a dream as big as a mountain, it will keep you going while others around you are giving up. But be careful who you listen to. Don't let the critics discourage you by saying, 'You're too old.' The Bible says that like a palm tree, you can produce your greatest harvest of fruit in your final years (Psalm 92:12-14). When the sun goes down the stars come out so you can shine brightest in the closing chapters of your life. Barbara Klassen says: 'My great-great uncle lived to one hundred and six. He was healthy and spry and took joy in chauffeuring his less able-bodied senior friends around town. On his hundredth birthday his driver's licence came up for renewal. When he went to the licensing bureau a sceptical clerk said, 'You're a hundred years old! What do you need a driver's licence for?' My uncle, completely nonplussed, replied, 'Somebody has to drive the old folks around!' He continued to have a legal driver's licence for the next five years.' Do it Caleb's way: live right up to the moment you die!

Don't Lose Your peace of Mind

'You will keep him in perfect peace...' Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

We lose our peace of mind for four reasons:

(1) We try to change the people in our lives. As you grow wiser you begin to realise that you can't change other people, only God can! And He does, when you back off, and love them as they are. This doesn't mean agreeing with everything they do. It means committing to love them regardless, claiming God's promises on their behalf and allowing Him to deal with them His way, in His time and for His glory. The reason you're stressed out may be because you keep trying to do something about something you can't do anything about!

(2) We try to make things happen when it's not the right time. 'There is a time for everything...' (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV) If you've raised children you know that one of their chief characteristics is impatience; they can't wait for anything. God wants us to out grow our childishness so He makes us wait, trust, and mature!

(3) We get upset because we're not progressing fast enough. You can slow down your spiritual growth through neglect, but ultimately, '...We all...are being changed...[by] the Spirit.' (2 Corinthians 3:18 NCV) So learn to enjoy your life while God works on your problems, for you'll always have problems!

(4) We push ourselves harder and harder. We do what we think God wants without consulting Him as to what He actually wants, when He wants it, or how He wants it done. As a result we wear ourselves out. What's the solution? 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is [focused] on You, because he trusts in You.' (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

Appreciate your Wife!

"a good wife is worth more than rubies" Proverbs 31:10 NCV

Do you have any idea how hard your wife works to be a good mother? Imagine this: six dads are dropped on a desert island with one car and three kids each for six weeks. Each child will play two sports and take music or dance lessons. Theres no fast food, and every man has to correct homework, help with science projects, cook meals, do laundry, budget for groceries, pay the bills without enough money, know the birthdays of friends and relatives and send cards. In addition, he has to take each kid for haircuts and to doctor and dentist appointments, bake cakes for school functions, plant flowers and keep his home presentable at all times. He can only watch TV after the kids are in bed and his chores are done, and then he must have enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moments notice. He should be well-groomed, go to church at least once a week, read to his kids, pray with them every night, pack their lunches and favourite snacks, fix breakfast, make sure theyre dressed and on the school bus by 8.00 am. At the end of six weeks every guy will be tested on his childs height, weight, shoe size, favourite color, song, drink, toy and their biggest fear. And heres the best part the winner gets to play the game over and over again for the next eighteen to twenty-one years! So, do you still think you want to change places with your wife? The Bible says: the husband must give his wife the same sort of love that Christ gave to the Church, when He sacrificed himself for her (Ephesians 5:25 PHPS) because a good wife is worth more than rubies. (Proverbs 31:10 NCV)

Following in the Footsteps of Jesus

"you should follow His steps" 1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

Jesus knew He didn't have to prove Himself. At the cross, skeptics said, If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross. (Matthew 27:40 NKJV) His reaction? He refused to let their comments intimidate Him or alter His plans. He didn't need their approval; He already had His Fathers: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17 KJV) Jesus didn't waste time answering His critics. Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge to the great amazement of the governor. (Matthew 27:14 NIV) Jesus responded to hunger, to need, to seekers, but not to people trying to trap Him. You owe nothing to a critic. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. (Proverbs 23:9 NKJV) Do you know why there's never been a monument built to a critic? Because critics are spectators, not players! Jesus didn't focus on the past, but the future. His mother was pregnant with Him before she was married. Only a few people knew the truth. Jesus grew up with this, yet He didn't feel the need to explain it. Stop complaining that your family was poor, or talking about your limited education, or repeating stories of those who failed you, or advertising your pain, or meditating on your flaws. All of us are challenged in some way. Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV) Satan discusses our yesterdays; apparently that's the only information he has about us. Jesus discusses our tomorrows. So if you want to follow in His footsteps, focus on what's ahead!