'...be of one mind, united in thought and purpose...' 1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT
If you're serious about restoring a broken relationship, before you talk to the other person, talk to God. He can change their heart, your heart, or both hearts. It's amazing how different you feel when you've prayed. Often the conflict is rooted in unmet needs. Any time you expect human beings to meet needs only God can meet, you're in trouble. 'What causes...quarrels among you?... You want something but don't get it... You do not have, because you do not ask God.' (James 4:1-2 NIV) Instead of looking to God, you look to people, then you get angry when they fail you. God says, 'Why don't you come to me first?' Make sure you arrange to talk to them one-on-one. Even though you've been offended, God expects you to make the first move: '...go and be reconciled to that person...' (Matthew 5:24 NLT) We say, 'Time heals.' Not necessarily; sometimes it just causes wounds to fester. Taking control of the situation reduces the damage. Plus, bitterness only hurts your fellowship with God and keeps your prayers from being answered (1 Peter 3:7). Job's friends reminded him, 'You are only hurting yourself with your anger...' (Job 18:4 GNT) Don't forget that timing is all-important. Don't try to mend a relationship when you're tired, rushed or will be interrupted. And don't do it 'on the hoof'. The time and effort you're willing to put into restoring it indicates the value you place on the relationship. So do it when you're both at your best. You say, 'I'm not sure I can do it.' Yes, you can; God '...has given us this ministry of restoring relationships.' (2 Corinthians 5:18 GWT)
'...Barnabas...encouraged them all...' Acts 11:22-23 NIV
Ronald Reagan earned the nickname 'The Great Communicator' because he was a gifted speaker. Earvin Johnson earned the nickname 'Magic' because of what he could do with a basketball. And Joseph of Cyprus earned the nickname 'Barnabas' because wherever he went he 'encouraged them all'. What a testimony! The Scripture says, 'Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field...brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.' (Acts 4:36-37 NIV) Then, 'When [Barnabas] arrived...he...encouraged them all to remain true... He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith...' (Acts 11:23-24 NIV) Barnabas accompanied Paul on missionary trips and wherever he went his spirit of encouragement shone through: '...they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples...' (Acts 14:21-22 NIV) 'When [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles...' (Acts 9:26-27 NIV) It was Barnabas who encouraged them to accept Paul and work with him as a brother in Christ. When Paul didn't want to take John Mark with them because of a perceived failure, Barnabas gave him a second chance. Later Paul acknowledged what a great asset John Mark was. Indeed, it seems he ended up writing the Gospel of Mark, but without encouragement from Barnabas it might not have happened. So how can you be a Barnabas today and effect someone who needs encouragement?
'...Barnabas...encouraged them all...' Acts 11:22-23 NIV
Our talents should be used '...for the edification of the church...' (1 Corinthians 14:12 NKJV) The word 'edify' comes from an architectural term which means 'to fortify, construct, and build up'. Your gifts were designed by God to build others up. Only when you use them for that purpose will you find fulfillment. If you're not familiar with the name 'Joseph of Cyprus', that's all right. Most of us know him by his nickname, '...Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement).' (Acts 4:36 NIV) When New Testament Christians were discouraged and needed to be cheered on, the church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas, who 'encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord...and a great number of people were brought to the Lord'. Then as the work grew and flourished, Barnabas asked Paul to join them, and he took on a supporting role (Acts 11:25-26). Rebecca Barlow Jordan says, 'The encourager may begin in the front row, but eventually he retreats to his rightful place in the background... After Paul and Barnabas had travelled together, Paul emerged as the leader and Barnabas faded into the background as many encouragers do. There are always orphans to adopt and...hungry hearts that need spiritual encouragement. Encouragers don't look for honors, but the results of their work, like the works of Barnabas, are unmistakable.' What oxygen does for the body, encouragement does for the soul. It inspires us to persevere when it would be easier to just quit. The truth is that you'll never look into the eyes of a single person who's not important to God! So help them by making '...every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification...' (Romans 14:19 NIV)
'...I require your...first fruits...' Ezekiel 20:40 AMP
God wants to be number one in your life! When He's not, things won't work out right for you. Instead of asking God to bless your agenda, ask Him to give you an agenda He can bless. Jesus was able to say yes to one thing and no to another because He understood God's agenda for the day. Can you point to a single stressed-out or confused moment in Christ's life? No, when conflict arose He said, '...I always do what pleases Him.' (John 8:29 NIV) That's because He took time to consult His Father. How long are you going to allow yourself to be pulled in 101 different directions? Nothing will change until you decide to give God what He requires-your 'firstfruits'. Don't give Him the part of your day when you're worn out, can't think straight and can hardly keep your eyes open; give Him the best part of your day. That's where your true priorities will be discovered. From getting dressed to setting your schedule, ask Him to help you make choices that glorify Him. As you become more and more aware of His presence, it'll be impossible to 'compartmentalise' Him. Ordinary events will become sacred events because He's involved in them. Ask Him to direct you in the choices you make and to empower you for the jobs you need to get done. Keep Him first in everything you set out to do, and He will show you the path that leads to peace. Following the moment-by-moment leadership of the Holy Spirit will cause you to enjoy every day of your life.
'I will walk at liberty and at ease...' Psalm 119:45 AMPIn life, 'it's always something'. When you solve one problem, another is waiting to take its place. Jesus said, 'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33 NKJV) Observe two things Jesus said. First, 'In Me you may have peace'; secondly, 'In the world you will have [trouble].' God's peace becomes a certainty only when you listen to, and obey 'these things I have spoken to you'. The Psalmist wrote, 'I will keep Your law continually...[hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. And I will walk at liberty and at ease, for I have sought and inquired for [and desperately required] Your precepts.' (Psalm 119:44-45 AMP) Two words in this Scripture are worthy of note. The first is 'inquired' which implies seeking to find the truth. The second is 'required' which implies walking according to its principles every day. Only as you do these two things will you be able to 'walk at liberty and at ease'. Your life will not be frustrating, you'll have joy in spite of the circumstances, and consulting God will be the first thing you do, not the last. So if you've lost your peace of mind today, ask yourself, 'Am I walking according to God's Word?' Obedience brings rest: 'For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest...' (Hebrews 4:3 AMP) As soon as you start obeying God's Word you will be 'at ease'. And that is how God wants you to live today.
'...the Father seeks...worshippers.' John 4:23 NAS
When we fail to worship God we always find a substitute, even if it ends up being ourselves. Worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by God into every fiber of our being. It's as natural as breathing. Jesus said we were made this way because 'the Father seeks...worshippers'. Depending on your religious background you may need to expand your understanding of worship. For example: worship is more than just music. We say, 'At our church we have the worship first, then the teaching.' No, it's all done for God's glory! If worship is just music, then what about all those people who can't carry a tune at all? Also remember, worship is not a style. The music style you prefer says more about you than about God. One person's music preference often sounds like noise to another. But not to God-He loves 'joyful noise' and all the varieties it comes in. (Psalm 100:1) Also, worship is not just for your benefit, but for God's. When you say, 'I didn't get anything out of the service today,' you worshipped for the wrong reason! Yes, there are personal benefits, but we don't worship to please ourselves. Our highest motive should be to exalt God in whatever we do. Finally, worship should not be confined to church; as Martin Luther said, 'A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God.' The secret of worship is in doing everything 'as unto the Lord'. The Bible says, '...because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as...dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him...' (Romans 12:1 GNT) That's what it means to worship!
Blessings in Christ! I'm back from Texas. Had a great time on the campus of Christ for the Nations for Zach's licensing and Zach's Graduation and I even got their new CD release 37 and heard them play some of the new songs. It's awesome. Hope to see you all this week in one of our fuel groups or men this Saturday @the BBQ. If you were not @church yesterday you missed an encredible message by my wife on restoring your soul. Thanks Amy for a great job! Be blessed and bless somebody else this week...you are loved!
'If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth...' Luke 16:11 NLT
We never really own anything; it's just a loan. It was God's property before we arrived, and He'll lend it to somebody else after we're gone. Our selfish culture says, 'If I don't own it, why should I take care of it?' Those who understand God's will live by a higher standard. They say, 'Because God owns it, I'll take even better care of it!' In God's Kingdom, '...those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust.' (1 Corinthians 4:2 NCV) To illustrate this, Jesus told the story of a businessman who entrusted his wealth to his servants while he was away. When he returned he evaluated and rewarded them accordingly: 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:21 NIV) When you make the most of what God has given to you He promises three rewards. First, you'll be given commendation: 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' Next, you'll receive promotion: 'I will put you in charge of many things.' Finally, you'll be honored with a celebration: 'Come and share your master's happiness.' For many of us, money is the greatest test of all. Jesus addresses this: 'If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of Heaven?' (Luke 16:11 NLT) There's a direct correlation between how you use your money, and the quality of your life. So the question is: could the way you're handling your money be preventing God from blessing you with more?
'...these things happened...as examples...' 1 Corinthians 10:11 NKJV
A pastor was building a fence while the neighbor's 12-year-old son watched. The pastor smiled and said, 'Are you interested in carpentry?' 'No,' the boy replied. 'I just want to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer!' You are the only Bible some people will ever read, and they're watching to see how your life lines up with what you profess. Some are hoping for confirmation of the life-changing power of Jesus; others for a chance to say, 'See, Christians are all hypocrites!' We want to set a good example, but sometimes we fall short. And as humbling as it is to mess up, God uses those failures to '...[make] it clear that our...power is from [Him], not...ourselves.' (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT) God doesn't gloss over the shortcomings of even the most notable saints. They're 'examples...written down as warnings for us...' (1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV) Abraham, the 'friend of God', lied about Sarah being his wife (Genesis 12:10-20). Moses, the mighty leader, got angry and disobeyed God. David, a man after God's heart, committed adultery and then tried to cover his tracks with murder (2 Samuel 11:15). Peter, head of the church, denied Jesus not once but three times (Luke 22:54-62), and John Mark gave up and went home during a missionary trip (Acts 15:38). They're all in there, warts and all, and Paul says, 'If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin.' (1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT) So don't get discouraged when you stumble. Get up, admit your mistake, apologize to the people involved, ask God for forgiveness, forgive yourself, learn from what happened, and move on.
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your...life...' Ecclesiastes 9:9 NAS
Marital happiness requires an environment of unselfishness. Two people deciding to live out what Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount will find happiness together. Each beatitude (what our attitude should be) begins with the word 'blessed', which means 'happy'. True happiness is found in humility, a readiness to repent, gentleness, patience, being unassuming, loving what's right and just, pure-heartedness, and peacemaking. These are the qualities that make a marriage go the distance. And notice, they're the opposite of selfishness! An un-crucified self is the worst possible marriage material. The wedding ring symbolizes unending commitment, but the key to lasting marital happiness is to superimpose it over the cross, the symbol of death to self. Self will put an end to love; love will put an end to self. Marriage is the ultimate invitation to growth in unselfishness. Living with another imperfect person pushes us to mature, mellow and master the art of relationship-enhancing self-denial. Paul writes, 'Excel in showing respect for each other.' (Romans 12:10 GWT) The test of a loving relationship lies in putting our partner's needs before our own. Asking, 'Whose good am I seeking in my handling of this situation?' reveals our real heart attitude, prompting us to put our partner first. Deliberately deferring to them applies the cross to self and the flesh, and promotes our marriage. The more self dies, the more our relationship lives! '...a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die to make many seeds. But if it never dies, it remains only a single seed.' (John 12:24 NCV)
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your...life...' Ecclesiastes 9:9 NASContentment is the key to a happy marriage. When asked what makes us contented in marriage, we inevitably point to things our partner does, or their characteristics, that please us. When asked what makes us discontented, we indicate what they do, or are, that displeases us. We focus on what's right or wrong about them, making ourselves happy or unhappy. But contentment is an inside job! It's how we react to others. Our attitude is the real issue. The problem's not what we see or hear, it's how we see or hear it: '...The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear...with hearing.' (Ecclesiastes 1:8 NAS) The eye and ear-our perceptions-are the culprits. That's why God says, '...be content with such things as you have...' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV) We must choose to see things differently, in ways that don't make us unhappy. The controls are in our hands, not our partner's! Contentment is a choice. '...I have learned...to be content.' (Philippians 4:11 KJV) We learn contentment by considering how much harder others have it, asking God how He wants us to use our challenges and lacks for our growth and our partner's growth, and-remembering Erma Bombeck's advice-'The grass is always greener over someone else's septic tank.' Benjamin Franklin said, 'Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterwards'. Finally, we can learn contentment by praying for the courage to change what we can (especially our own attitude), the grace to accept what we cannot (most things are acceptable when we stop resenting them), and the wisdom to know the difference.
'Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your...life...' Ecclesiastes 9:9 NAS
To be married and happy you must understand that love is a choice, not a sensation. The old Righteous Brothers' song You've Lost That Loving Feeling may make your toes tap but it won't make your marriage work. 'Feeling' is the fruit, 'doing' is the root. Your will is where the solution begins. God wouldn't have commanded, 'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church...' (Ephesians 5:25 NKJV) or '...teach the young women to love their husbands...' (Titus 2:4 NCV) if love was a feeling and not an act of your will. When the will leads, the feelings follow. So let's correct four misconceptions about love. First, its foundation is not emotion, personality, beauty or sex-in other words, sources of pleasure. These things don't bring lasting happiness. What's needed is commitment, character and a Christ-like disposition.
Secondly, think you can't love your partner? Check with God. 'We love because He first loved us.' (1 John 4:19 NIV) If you're loved by God, you've got love to give, because '...love comes from God...' (1 John 4:7 NIV) You don't have to initiate it; just give what has been given to you!
Thirdly, think you've 'run out' of love? No, you've just abandoned the source: 'God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.' (Romans 5:5 NIV) Tank up on the Spirit's supply and you'll have lots of love to give! Finally, investing yourself in your partner causes even a dead love to live again. 'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' (Matthew 6:21 KJV)
'Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your...life...' Ecclesiastes 9:9 NAS
Good morning! It was my pleasure to lead a young lady to Christ and to pray for her yesterday. Will you pray with me for her continued growth in her relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope the word came alive in your hearts. The next couple of days we will be focusing in the area of marriage. If you are not married, please read because you might learn something about relationships that can be used in other areas of your life. Enjoy!
Counselors reckon that less than 25 per cent of marriages today are truly happy. What does it take to be one of them? Thinking about marriage in God's terms, not selfish terms. From God's perspective, happiness in marriage depends on distinguishing fact from fiction. The world of movie magic creates unrealistic expectations. To enjoy life with your spouse every day, you must re-examine your thinking. Every marriage is made up of two flawed people: 'For all have sinned and fall short...' (Romans 3:23 NIV) That includes you and your partner. It's not that we don't know this, it's that we keep forgetting it, or hoping we're the exception to the rule. Expecting perfection is nave and will keep undermining your relationship. Happiness in marriage depends on coming to terms with your mutual defects and dealing with them realistically. Recognize fiction; deal with facts-especially in certain vulnerable areas. For example, finances. Practice tithing, generosity, delayed gratification, and fiscal discipline. Secondly, personal appearance. Always try to look your best, but accept unchangeable features-both yours and your partner's. Ageing is God's idea, so accept it with dignity and become wiser with it. Thirdly, lifestyle. Happiness is about comfort and contentment, not materialism and pride that lead to crushing indebtedness. Then, courtesy. Small kindnesses, considerate acts and words are low-cost, high-yield investments. Finally, physical satisfaction. The greatest satisfaction results from providing satisfaction for your partner. Self-focus, manipulation and demanding your way can never match God's unfailing system: 'Give, and it shall be given unto you...' (Luke 6:38 KJV)
