Building Men & Women of God

'These commandments... Impress them on your children.' Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV

A great preacher once said, 'When times are troubled we cry, God, give us men to match our mountains. In reply, God gives us children and says, Here's the building material.' We are expected to nurture them so they develop unto men and women of God. Here's a Bible blueprint. First, 'These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts'. Parent, if you don't practice Scriptural principles, your children won't either. Indeed, if you don't live what you preach your words will fall on deaf ears and create rebellious hearts. You don't have to be perfect, but you must be genuine. Secondly, 'Impress them on your children'. You must emphasize, stress, prompt, make clear, drum in and imprint. Nothing passing or passive there! It's to be a deliberate, thorough, active and repeated process. Thirdly, 'Talk about them'. Your kids won't catch the
truth by osmosis. You have to talk, not in religious-sounding tones they don't understand, but in natural language, in natural ways, at natural times. 'Talk about them when you sit at home', in the comfort of familiar surroundings. 'When you walk along the road', in the easy give-and-take environment on the way to the park or to school. 'When you lie down and when you get up', watching for opportunities, because teachable moments come and go unannounced.
Carpe diem! Parents who 'seize the day' discover that God has equipped them to mould their children into men and women of God.

Success God's Way

'...the Lord...has pleasure in [our] prosperity.' Psalm 35:27 NKJV

God delights in seeing His children succeed; what good parent wouldn't? Jesus said, 'If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!' (Matthew 7:11 NKJV) David wanted to build the temple, but God chose his son Solomon instead. Sometimes our desires differ from God's, so we need to consult Him before we make a move. Usually God reveals His plan one step at a time. If your desire for something persists, it's an indication that God is leading you. So look for the signs, listen to the Holy Spirit, prayerfully evaluate everything, cultivate an instant response to God, reject all feedback that breeds doubt, ask God for wisdom and expect it. And don't be selective about who you're willing to receive wisdom from. After all, God once spoke through a donkey and changed history. The Bible says, '...Ask...God, and He will give it to you.' (James 1:5 NLT) Wisdom is the ability to see and interpret things through God's eyes. What an advantage! The Psalmist says, 'The entrance of Your words gives...understanding...' (Psalm 119:130 NKJV) When God saves you, He renews your mind because that's the drawing-board for your future. Mind management should be one of your top priorities: '...Whatsoever things are...good...think on these things.' (Philippians 4:8 KJV) Don't justify failure another day; refuse to stay bogged down; stop placing blame on others. Instead circle today's date on your calendar and declare that the best days of your life are beginning-right now!

Why we Need Each Other

'...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak...' 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NAS
A mouse looked out through a crack in a farmhouse wall and was distraught to discover a mousetrap. When he went to tell his buddies, the chicken said, 'Sorry, pal, not my problem.' The pig said, 'I'll pray for you.' The cow was busy and said, 'Come back later.' Dejected, the mouse was left alone to handle his problem. That night, a poisonous snake got caught in the mousetrap and when the farmer's wife went to investigate she got bitten. She developed a raging fever, and everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup. So the farmer took his axe to the barn for the main ingredient! As his wife's condition deteriorated and neighbors gathered, he had to butcher the pig to feed them. Finally she died. So many people came to the funeral that he ended up slaughtering the cow to make dinner for them all. In the end, everybody lost!The Bible says, '...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.' It only takes one thing to be an encourager: a willingness to '...bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.' (Romans
15:1 NAS) Before deciding somebody else's problem has nothing to do with you, read this: '...If
one member suffers, all the members suffer...' (1 Corinthians 12:26 NKJV) You can't sit on the
sidelines while someone's hurting; tomorrow it may be you! We are told to 'Share each other's burdens...' (Galatians 6:2 NLT) When one of us is threatened we're all at risk. Our lives are woven together for a reason; each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry. That's what God's love truly is....

Patience

'...Let...patience...do a thorough work...'  James 1:4 AMP
Larry Moyer tells the story of a prison warden who asked a man on death row what he would like to eat for his last meal. He said, 'A huge piece of watermelon.' The warden said,
'You must be joking! This is December. Watermelons haven't even been planted, let alone harvested.' The inmate replied, 'That's ok, I don't mind waiting.' So here's the question: do you mind waiting? How do you act when things don't move fast enough for you? Graciously, or not so
graciously? A well-known minister writes, 'I happened to be in a store and had waited a long time in a slow-moving line to pay for one little item. The people in front of me had stacks of items. Then I was overlooked while somebody else was served ahead of me. When it was finally my turn, the sales assistant looked at me and said, Thank you for waiting. Are you who I think you are... that preacher on TV? I knew the minute you walked in that it was you. I thought
to myself, What if I'd been angry and mouthing off because I wasn't served in the proper order? Impatient behavior can adversely affect our witness.' When you view life's irritations through God's eyes, it changes how you feel about situations that are testing your patience. You begin to see them as friends, not enemies. You realize that God permits them to help mature you. So, ...Let...patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be...perfectly...developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.'

Watch What You Think About!

'What I feared has come upon me...' Job 3:25 NIV
Nick was a tough guy with a bad outlook. He worked on the railways. One night after all his fellow workers had gone home he accidentally locked himself in a refrigerated carriage. Worried that the temperature was below freezing, he yelled for help, but to no avail. The more he thought about his situation the colder he felt, until eventually he started shivering uncontrollably. Convinced he was dying, he wrote a letter to his family outlining what had happened. The next morning they found Nick's body. An autopsy revealed that he had indeed frozen to death. But the investigators discovered something puzzling. The carriage in which Nick was trapped was out of order and had been disconnected. The night he froze to
death the temperature in the boxcar was just below room temperature. But because he expected to die, he lost the battle in his mind. What you believe about your life is more important than what anyone else believes. Job said, 'What I feared has come upon me.'
Be careful what you anticipate; negative expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. God has promised to help you, but you get the deciding vote. By focusing on the negative you're agreeing to let Satan defeat you. Jesus said, 'According to your faith will it be
done for you.' (Matthew 9:29 NIV) Another translation puts it like this: 'Let it happen...just as you believe...' (GNT) So get into agreement with God's Word and focus on His promises instead of your problems. When you do, your faith will take you to new levels of victory. But it's up to you to take the first step!

When the Time Comes

'...You will...be led...with peace...' Isaiah 55:12 NAS

Have you ever felt 'checked' in your spirit when you were about to do something? Chances are, God is trying to get your attention. His promise is, '...I will make you wise... show you
where to go...and watch over you.' (Psalm32:8 NCV) A Christian couple were buying their first home. When it came time to sign the papers the wife said, 'I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. My husband had the same sick feeling in his stomach, so we decided not to go forward... A few months later my husband died in an accident. I wouldn't have been able to make the payments and support a new baby and myself... Our lack of peace was the Holy Spirit calling time out...' We don't know the future, God does, and He directs our steps by the way of peace, or lack of it. The Holy Spirit acts like a referee. When the players stay within the boundaries, they're free to move about. But when there's trouble, or the ball goes out of bounds, the referee blows the whistle, stops play and restores order. The absence of peace can mean 'the heavenly referee' has blown the whistle. Sometimes the ball gets kicked out of bounds by unexpected adversity; at other times we step out of bounds by giving way to temptation and sin. If we're smart, when we hear the whistle we'll wait for God to restore our peace. The Bible says, '...You will...be led...with peace...' Does that mean you'll always feel certain about your decision? No, but the right decision will be accompanied by a sense of God's peace.

 



Controlling Tempers

'A quick-tempered man acts foolishly...' Proverbs 14:17 NKJV

It's normal to get angry, but uncontrolled anger can cost you dearly. When Nabal refused to feed King David and his soldiers, David's anger almost drove him to murder. Only
Abigail, Nabal's wife, saved David from the destructive potential of his own unchecked emotions. Looking back, David told Abigail, 'Blessed is your advice...because
you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed.' (1 Samuel 25:33 NKJV) Our anger is often rooted in pride. Naaman the leper felt insulted when Elisha told him to dip seven times in the Jordan River. '...Naaman became furious, and went away and said, Indeed, I said to myself, He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.' (2 Kings 5:11 NKJV) The Arizona Republic, a US newspaper, reported that when Steve Tran of Westminster, California, closed the door on 25 activated bug bombs, he thought he had seen the last of the cockroaches that shared his apartment. But when the spray reached the pilot light of the stove, it ignited, blasting his screen door across the street, breaking all his windows and setting his furniture ablaze. 'I wanted to kill
all of them,' he said. 'I thought if I used a lot more, it would last longer.' According to the label, just two canisters of the pesticide would have solved Tran's roach problem. The blast caused over $10000 damage to the apartment building. And the cockroaches? Tran reported, 'By Sunday, I saw them walking around.' Yes, 'A quick-tempered man acts foolishly.'

Surrender #2

'...Because you say so, I will...' Luke5:5 NIV
When we start to do things God's way instead of our own, we experience three great benefits. First, we have peace: 'Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.' (Job 22:21 NLT) Secondly, we have freedom: '...I will live in freedom, because I...follow your orders.' (Psalm119:45 NCV) Thirdly, we have power: '...submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.' (James
4:7 NKJV) Stubborn temptations and overwhelming problems are defeated by Christ the moment we surrender. As Joshua approached the walls of Jericho he encountered God, fell down and worshipped, surrendered his plans and said,'What does my Lord say to His servant?' (Joshua 5:14 NKJV) Joshua's surrender led to a spectacular victory. Here's a paradox: victory comes through surrender! Surrender doesn't weaken us, it strengthens us. Surrendered to God, we don't have to fear surrendering to anything else. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, said, 'The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender.' Eventually everybody surrenders to something. If not to God, we'll surrender to the opinions and expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, to our own lusts or ego. We're free to choose whatever we surrender to, but we're not
free from the consequences of that choice. E. Stanley Jones said, 'If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos.' The supreme example is Jesus. The night before His crucifixion He surrendered to God's plan, saying, 'I want your will, not mine.' And He is our example!

Surrender

'...Because you say so, I will...' Luke 5:5 NIVUntil we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight we can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that we are empowered to succeed in what
He's called us to do. Surrender is demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, 'Yes, Lord,' to whatever He asks. To say, 'No, Lord,' is a contradiction. How can we
call Jesus 'Lord', and refuse to obey Him? (Luke 6:46)

Peter demonstrated true surrender when Jesus told him to try again. '...Master, we have toiled all night andcaught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish...' (Luke 5:5-6 NKJV) Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't seem to make sense. Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's plan without knowing why circumstances happened as they did. Each was fully surrendered to
God, and they came out on top. 'How will I know I'm fully surrendered?' we ask. When we rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force our own agenda or control the situation. We don't have to be in charge, we simply let go and let God have His way.

In Spite of the Odds

'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies...' Psalm 23:5 NKJVIf you are going through a difficult
time right now, read these words: 'You prepare a table before me in the
presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...' (Psalm 23. 5-6 NKJV).
Underline the word 'surely'. It's God's guarantee! When does God
cause your cup to overflow with blessing? When does He empower you to overcome?
When does He demonstrate His goodness and mercy? In the presence of your
enemies! The odds and the opposition can't stop God from blessing you. 'But
I'm really struggling,' you say. Struggle is proof that you haven't been
conquered, that you refuse to surrender, that victory is still possible, and
that you're growing. As long as you keep walking with God and trusting Him, He
will work on your behalf. He will send His Spirit to guide you, His Word to
illuminate your mind, and friends to strengthen you in your time of struggle.
If you're teachable, you're reachable. Keep your heart open, keep listening to
God, keep obeying Him and you will see that your problem is just a platform for
Him to 'show Himself strong on your behalf.' (2 Chronicles
16:9 NKJV) You'll also
discover that His strength comes when you're at your weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Finally,
you'll be able to thank God for your enemies, because He's promised to bless
you right there in front of them. People and circumstances don't decide your
future, God does - so look to Him!

Watch What You Say!

'The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' Proverbs 10:32 NLT

A World War II poster reads, 'Careless words cost lives'. So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself four questions. First, is it true? 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' (Exodus 20:16 NKJV) That's one of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions! Until you're certain it's true, say nothing. Wait; time always reveals the truth. Secondly, is it confidential? Did you hear it as a result of someone else's having broken a confidence? If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence? Remember, 'Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.' (Proverbs 11:13 ESV) Your usefulness to God requires that you don't sacrifice your integrity by betraying trust. Thirdly, is it helpful? Will it tear others down or build them up? Satan is devoted to pulling down, discouraging and defeating; don't be his accomplice. 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.' (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it? Finally, is it necessary? Stop and ask yourself, 'What do others and the cause of Christ gain by my saying it, or lose by my not saying it?' Always keep this in mind: you're more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn't. 'A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.' (Proverbs 29:11 NKJV) Be wise; be careful what you say.

Watch What You Say (2)

'The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' Proverbs 10:32 NLT

Your words can bring two things. First, encouragement. Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, 'A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the seat of the pants, but is miles ahead in results.' Solomon said, 'Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.' (Proverbs 15:4 GNT) When life is hard, '...a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!' (Proverbs 15:23 AMP) Hope pierces the despair, and people begin to believe that they really have a chance to make it. Many a wounded soul has got through their deepest valley on the strength of a word of encouragement. 'Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.' (Proverbs 16:24 NIV) People wounded by life are healed by words of encouragement. Just a card, an email, a phone call-the Bible calls them '...apples of gold in settings of silver.' (Proverbs 25:11 NKJV) Secondly, your words can bring salvation. 'The fruit of the...righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men-he gathers and receives them for eternity].' (Proverbs 11:30 AMP) The highest use of your tongue is telling others about Jesus. He doesn't need to be defended, just introduced. 'The words of a good person give life, like a fountain of water...' (Proverbs 10:11 NCV) You can speak life-giving words to those who are lost, and help change their past, their present and their future. Your words can also help people to mature and grow in their relationship with God. Yes, 'The lips of the righteous feed many...' (Proverbs 10:21 NAS)

Watch What You Say!

'The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' Proverbs 10:32 NLT

Your tongue can be a source of great blessing because it can provide people with two things they need. First, it gives wisdom. 'The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice... The lips of the godly speak helpful words...' (Proverbs 31-32 NLT) Paul told Timothy, 'You have heard me teach [many] things... teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.' (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT) Pass on what God has taught you to those who need guidance and are hungry for knowledge. Don't be pushy, but don't be timid; share with them what God has shared with you. If you give a hungry man a fish he will live for a day; if you teach him how to fish he will live for a lifetime. Secondly, your tongue can give correction. Nobody enjoys being corrected. But if you '...listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise... reject discipline, you only harm yourself... listen to correction... grow in understanding... humility precedes honor.' (Proverbs 15:31-33 NLT) Nobody likes to risk rejection by being the truth-teller, but: 'You can trust a friend who corrects you...' (Proverbs 27:6 CEV) Three important principles apply here.

First, you speak truth on the basis of friendship. If you haven't proven yourself, leave the truth-telling to someone who has. You have to earn that right.

Secondly, truth-telling isn't a license to go hunting. A true friend cares about others' feelings, and speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Thirdly, appreciation will come-but be prepared, it may be delayed! 'In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.' (Proverbs 28:23 NLT)

The Coats

'Then Pharaoh...clothed him in garments of fine linen...' Genesis 41:42 NKJV

To be used by God, you must wear the two coats Joseph wore-namely, those of favor and integrity.

First, the coat of favor. 'Now [Jacob] loved Joseph...and he made him a coat of many colors.' (Genesis 37:3 KJV) Like Joseph's multicolored coat, the favor of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd; it will open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says, 'For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.' (Psalm 5:12 NKJV)

Secondly, the coat of integrity. Joseph left his physical coat in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he refused her advances but not his coat of integrity. 'When Joseph went into the house to do his work... she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me. But he left his garment in her hand, and fled...' (Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV) Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, cut corners on a job, lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do; whatever it is, you'll be tested. And your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God. Dr Joseph Parker, the great English preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, 'An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads.' When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV)

Pray About Everything

'...pray about everything...Tell God what you need...' Philippians 4:6 NLT

The four-year-old son of a missionary family in Africa spotted a picture of a little pink dinosaur in a magazine and set his heart on having one. His mom knew it was impossible (the magazine was three years old), but her son never doubted God would come through for him. On Christmas Eve, a box packed ten months earlier arrived from home. At first glance it seemed to contain something special for everyone - except a four-year-old boy. Then they reached the bottom - and they were stunned. The lady who sent the box had no way of knowing God would use her to answer a little boy's prayer. Before taping up the box, at the last minute, she tossed in the one item impossible for his parents to provide - something so insignificant no rational adult would ever have been foolish enough to ask God for...a pink plastic brontosaurus from a fast-food restaurant promotion!

Sometimes we feel foolish bothering God with little things, but we shouldn't. The Bible says: '...pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.' (Philippians 4:6 NLT) God is interested in every detail of your life; if something is important to you, it's important to Him. In Bible times two sparrows were sold for a penny (on sale you could buy five for two pennies!) yet Jesus said, '...not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it...the very hairs on your head are all numbered.' (Matthew 10:29-30 NLT) When you learn to trust God in little things, you'll be able to trust Him in big ones.

Aim and Keep Shooting

'...Strike the ground...' 2 Kings 13:18 NKJV

When the king of Israel needed a strategy for defeating the Syrians he turned to the prophet Elisha, who told him: 'Take a bow and some arrows.' 'So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, Put your hand on the bow. So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, Open the east window, and he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot, and he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them. Then he said, Take the arrows, so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, Strike the ground, so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times.' (2 Kings 15-19 NKJV)

What are you asking God to do? To save someone you love? To provide finances? To help you break a habit? To succeed in your career? Find out what He has promised you in His Word, and use those promises like arrows. Aim them at your problem, shoot, and keep shooting until God moves on your behalf. If this story teaches you anything, it's this: there are situations in life when faith and persistence not only determine your victory, but also the extent to which you win. So aim, shoot, and keep shooting!