Satan Is Defeated (5)

 

'The serpent...asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat?"..."Of course we may..."' Genesis 3:1-2 NLT

Ever been to a used car dealership? Those guys can sell and they can be persuasive. But they are nothing against the power Satan has over you. 'The serpent...asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat?"..."Of course we may"... "You won't die...God knows that your eyes will be opened...and you will be like God"...The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some...Then she gave some to her husband...At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame...When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He replied, "I heard You walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked."' (Genesis 3:1-10 NLT) Never forget that story! And keep this in mind also: Satan is a talker, and you'll never out-talk him. The power of persuasion is an incredible thing. The fashion industry can persuade you to take a wardrobe you paid a small fortune for last year, and replace it with what they're selling now. Clothes you felt good about then, you don't even want to be seen in now. The trouble is, in a few years' time the clothes you wore last year will be back in fashion; you'll be poor, and the fashion moguls will be rich. Temptation is all about persuasion. But if Christ has already persuaded you, Satan can't make you do anything. Because with Christ "we are more than conquers through Him who gives us strength." You are loved!

Satan Is Defeated (4)

   
'...He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them.' Colossians 2:15 NKJV

Standing on the deck of a US aircraft carrier at the end of the Pacific war, in an historic moment never to be forgotten, General MacArthur walked over to Tojo, the Japanese leader, and publicly stripped him of all his symbols of power. And that's what Jesus did for you at the cross. 'Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them.' First, Tojo wanted peaceful coexistence, then compromise, then concessions. But he got none, because he was powerless. In a card game an opponent with an empty hand will try to bluff and bully you. But when you know you have a winning hand you can face him down, because knowledge is power. And your power over Satan comes from knowing that he's a defeated foe. He was once known as the anointed cherub, but now Christ is the Anointed One. He was once known as an angel of light, but now Christ is the Light of the World. He was once known as the morning star, but now Christ is the Bright and Morning Star. He was once a heavenly worshipper, but now Jesus says, 'In the presence of the congregation, I will sing Your praises.' (Hebrews 2:12 NIV) He was once known as one of the sons of God, but now Jesus declares, 'I am the Son of God.' Satan is called the prince of this world, but Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Satan is called a roaring lion, but Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has prevailed over him (Revelation 5:5). Rejoice, Satan is defeated and you with Christ our victorious! You are loved...

Satan Is Defeated (3)

 

'...He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.' Hebrews 2:15 NLT

For many of us, death is our greatest fear. I don't know how many times I've had a conversation about death with someone. It's a real fear that many have a hard time with. I never make fun of it but I once heard a comedian say once, 'I don't mind dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens!' We can't joke away the sobering reality the Bible describes as 'the last enemy' Satan. So what's the answer? Jesus! '...only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.' (Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT) Until Jesus came, Satan used the threat of death. Until then we all lived in fear of it. But because of the resurrection, all Satan has left are the lies he can tell about death. The word 'destroy' implies 'to reduce to zero' (1 John 3:8). Wow! By His death and resurrection, Jesus reduced Satan's power to zero. And today Jesus says to you, '...Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.' (Revelation 1:17-18 NKJV) After destroying the prison of death, Jesus came out and said to Satan the jailer, 'I'll take those keys,' then He went back to Heaven.
We grieve the loss of a loved one, and that's a healthy thing to do. But you can handle the grief when you know you can live through it, and that you'll be reunited in Heaven with your loved ones. So even in death, we win and Satan loses. You are loved!

Satan Is Defeated (2)

 

'You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' John 8:32 NKJV

Thanks team for a great weekend of services. It's awesome to see the moving of God's Spirit in each of you're lives; and as I shared yesterday; The test of your relationship with Christ is your heart to serve others. So keep Serving! Picking up where we left last week I want to continue looking at our authority over Satan in this world. Satan is a deceiver, but Jesus is a revealer. So any time you bring Jesus into the situation, Satan is unmasked and his plans for your life are exposed and foiled. Satan is referred to in Scripture as 'darkness' and Jesus as 'light'. (Acts 26:18) The moment the light moves in, the darkness has to move out. So your first priority is not to conquer Satan, but to move closer to Jesus; to line up your will and your word with His will and His Word. Instead of just lying down, taking it, and saying, 'I guess there's nothing I can do about this,' rise up in faith and say, 'Satan, it is written...' Faced with a level of temptation none of us will ever be exposed to, that's what Jesus did to Satan in the wilderness. The Bible says, 'Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.' (Matthew 4:11 NKJV) In recent years we've witnessed bankers and brokers take people's money, lose it, then later come back and say, 'Here's another good plan; invest in it.' But now we know better, don't we? We no longer believe an investment is good just because somebody says so. Don't miss the spiritual analogy here. When you know the truth of God's Word and you use it as a weapon, Satan's walls crumble, his plans for you come un-glued, and his schemes fall apart. When you understand who you are 'in Christ', you are more than a match for the devil and he can no longer control your life. You are loved!

Satan Is Defeated (1)

'...the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.' 1 John 3:8 NKJV

Please send up a quick prayer for my mom as she is having day surgery tomorrow for skin cancer. Amy and I will be heading to Spokane to help her get there and back. So it will be a long day. Do you know that Satan is defeated? Have you ever watched one of those TV shows where the police show up, surprise the criminal and say, 'You're busted,' then put them in handcuffs and take them off to jail? That's what Jesus did to Satan. This word 'destroy' implies 'to come un-glued,' or 'to fall apart'. Imagine the mortar crumbling and the wall coming down, or the spool running out of thread so that when the garment is picked up it falls apart. On what basis would you like to fight Satan? By the power of your own intellect, or by the power of God's Word? By your own will, or by knowing God's will? If we follow God's will we have the right to stand on it and enforce its terms? Ever turn on the lights in a dark room and watch cockroaches run for cover? You didn't do anything, you just turned on the light! Every wall Satan builds to keep you locked in crumbles when exposed to the light of God's Word. Satan's act literally comes un-glued. And it happens fast, because light travels at over 299,000 miles per second. Satan's greatest weapon is your ignorance of God's Word. That's why he will fight you over Bible reading more than most other things. Jesus said, 'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' (John 8:32 NIV) The truth itself doesn't set you free; it's 'knowing' the truth, standing on it in times of trouble and trusting God to do what He has said. That empowers you not only to survive Satan's attacks, but to triumph over him. You are loved...

How to Defuse Conflict

'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' Proverbs 15:1 NIV

Ever come across a opinionated person? They have the answer to everything. We smile, but 'harsh words stir up anger.' If you want to avoid conflict, don't create it. The key to getting along with people who are upset or who don't share your viewpoint is to relax and try to empathize. That doesn't mean acquiescing to their every whim. But when you are clear about your position, you can let them be who they are. When you are ok with who you are, you don't need to make others wrong in order to feel right. Not only is it naïve to expect everybody to see things your way, you must recognize that they have their own thoughts, opinions and feelings. Jesus said, 'Settle matters quickly with your adversary...while you are... with him.' (Matthew 5:25 NIV) Talking to him will help you understand his viewpoint. Do you then have to agree with everybody? No, but 'Do all...you can to live in peace with everyone.' (Romans 12:18 NLT) Are there times when you must defend your position? Yes, but don't go around with a chip on your shoulder looking for arguments. Sometimes Christians are the worst offenders; we think because our cause is just, it doesn't matter who gets caught in the crossfire. 'Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.' (Proverbs 19:11 NLT) Make up your mind to extend to others the same grace God has extended to you. It's a learned trait. By your action will you be able to do this. You are loved...

Lifting Those Who Fall

'...If another believer is overcome... help that person...' Galatians 6:1 NLT

Ever been confronted by somone who believes you are in the wrong and gave you a self-righteous attitude? I have. As a pastor I'm regularly told when I'm in the wrong. Its something I've learned to live with over the years. But it still hurts. When church leaders insisted a woman '...caught in the act of adultery' be stoned (John 8:4 NLT), Jesus replied, '...let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.' (John 8:7 NLT) Ouch! Lisa Harper writes: 'Are we aware of other people's mistakes because they confided in us, or have we appointed ourselves the "moral police" to justify examining the blemishes in everyone else's behavior? Is our ultimate goal to help restore prodigals, or do we have a hidden agenda to elevate ourselves by condemning those around us?... I've been confronted twice by other Christians, the first was a red-faced stranger who was furious with me for wearing knee-high leather boots with a short skirt to her church. She called me a "Jezebel." The second was a good friend who tenderly pointed out my pride in a specific situation. The name-calling left a bruise on my soul; the compassionate rebuke turned me toward the forgiving arms of our Heavenly Father.' God alone has the perfect combination of holiness and mercy to stand in judgment of the human heart. The Bible says, 'If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.' The only One who was worthy to condemn us, chose instead to pardon us and, in light of our own sinner-saved-by-grace [status], when the Holy Spirit impresses you to confront someone who's messed up, do it with honesty, compassion and humility. Otherwise you are just doing it in your-self! You are loved...

Temptation (3)

'...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life' 1 John 2:16 NKJV

Just a reminder that tonight 6:30pm is our Family Connection Night at the Rees home, 1921 Pheasent Lane West Richland.

Finishing up on this series of thoughts on temptation. Temptation enters through three doors: 'The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.' That's how it entered the Garden of Eden. 'When the woman saw that the tree was good for food (the lust of the flesh), that it was pleasant to the eyes (the lust of the eyes), and a tree desirable to make one wise (the pride of life), she took of its fruit...' (Genesis 3:6 NKJV) Satan has no new tricks, he just dresses up the same old temptations in new attire. 'The lust of the flesh' is anything you recklessly go into debt for, manipulate for, or violate your integrity for. 'The lust of the eyes' has to do with your perception. By the time you start seeing clearly, you've lost a great relationship or walked away from an opportunity, only to look back and say, 'I was foolish. If only I'd waited.' 'The pride of life' is the most subtle, therefore the most dangerous. You need a certain amount of pride to succeed in life. So when does pride cross the line? When you start exalting yourself; when you neglect God and think your success is the result of your own effort; when you can't admit you're wrong; when you're willing to go all the way to the bottom, fighting and blaming others. Someone who cannot repent cannot be restored. After his affair with Bathsheba, David wrote, 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.' (Psalm 51:17 NIV) Think on these things. You are loved...

Temptation (2)

'Each one is tempted...' James 1:14 NKJV

Sorry I missed yesterday's thought. I tried to take the morning off to spend some time in the word and rest; I need to do that occasionally. Just a reminder that tomorrow night @6:30pm @the Rees home is our August Friday Family Night. There is a pool and fire pit so please bring your swim stuff, supper fixings: hotdogs, buns, chips, smores stuff as usual. It is going to be hot so come enjoy an evening of fellowship around the pool. If you need directions (1921 Pheasant lane West Richland) please call the church or my cell.

Let's continue with how temptation affects you. Notice the three areas in which Satan tempted Christ: (1) Provision. '...Command that these stones become bread.' (Matthew 4:3 NKJV) This addresses one of our greatest fears-that if we don't look out for ourselves nobody else will. So Jesus says: 'Do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?"...your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.' (Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV) (2) Protection. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and said, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He shall give His angels charge over you..."' (Matthew 4:5-6 NKJV) This addresses another of our core fears-that God may not protect us. Satan whispers, 'You're on the pinnacle of success right now, but you could easily go over the edge.' When you start thinking like that-claim this promise: 'In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion...' (Psalm 27:5 NKJV) (3) Position. 'The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"' (Matthew 4:8-10 NKJV) Now, there's nothing wrong with wanting provision, protection and position. The temptation is to try and get them through your own devices and for your own ends. Trusting God instead of ourselves is a huge step spiritually. So take the step and watch what God does in your life. You are loved...

Temptation (1)

'Jesus was...tempted...' Matthew 4:1 NKJV

I was asked what I thought temptation looked by a man I was witnessing to a few years ago. I told him it comes in different forms and I think temptation is different to each individual. In the gospels we get a snaphot of Jesus being tempted by Satan. In Matthew 4 Christ's temptation in the wilderness answers two important questions: (1) Who is tempted? Everyone! If Jesus was tempted, you'll be tempted too. Now, you can be victorious over temptation, but you can't pray temptation away. Satan tried different approaches with Jesus and he will do the same with you. Being tempted doesn't mean you're not in the will of God, it just means that Satan doesn't give up his rule in your life without a fight. The battle begins the moment you decide to serve God, and the attacks come at you every day. So, 'Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.' (Ephesians 6:11 NIV) (2) When are you tempted? When you have an important role to play in God's plan you're a high-value target to the devil. Matthew records, 'Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.' (Matthew 4:1 NKJV) But notice what had just taken place before this: 'When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the Heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."' (Matthew 3:16-17 NKVJ) So temptation is a compliment; it proves you are called by God. And it's also a confirmation; it's evidence that you are walking in His will. Following His temptation, we read, 'Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee...' (Luke 4:14 NKJV) The power of God's Spirit is with you too! So don't give up...Christ is with you always. You are loved...

                'Do not worry' Matthew 6:31 NKJV

I was stunned and then attacked by Satan by the mass exodus of our people after service yesterday. I guess I was looking for some kind of response. He kept playing in my head, what a terrible message, you are a bad preacher that's why there was no response. It took awhile yesterday in my prayer time to shake off the attacks and then give you what God shared with me. He simply said "stop worrying." If you let worry rule and not let God be in control, you can live in fear and desperation which robs you of your faith. I simply told God I was a man of faith, I trust Him with the outcome and told Satan to take a hike! If you are like me there are things we struggle with and don't give to Him. If you don't get a hold of worry it rule you and rob you of your peace of mind, let's look at two things: (1) The past. We all make mistakes-even the people you admire and think never make mistakes. The Bible says, 'For each one shall bear his own load.' (Galatians 6:5 NKJV) We all struggle in certain areas. We all say and do things we wish we hadn't said or done. 'So what can I do?' you ask. Ask God to forgive you, then trust Him to make it work out all right. He can do that. He can help you clean up your mistakes and grow stronger through them. For example, when you say something you shouldn't, instead of obsessing about whether or not you offended somebody, ask the Lord to let them know your heart was right even though you put your foot in your mouth. Trust God to work on them and give you favor. That way you don't have to spend the next several days feeling anxious, or cringe when you meet them. (2) The future. God won't meet tomorrow's needs until tomorrow comes. So when you are having an attack of the 'what if's', stop and consider these words from the lips of Jesus: 'Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.' (Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV) You are loved....               

What Kind of Example Are You? (4)

               

'...Be an example...in love' 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

When Paul told Timothy to "be an example in love," Paul was preparing Timothy for one of the hardest lessons in life. Loving others! Jesus said: 'Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.' (Luke 6:35-36 NKJV) Such words bring us to our knees, for we fall far short of practicing them. The pastor of a large church tells of being on an elevator with a drunk man who was throwing up. The pastor couldn't wait to get off. All the way to his room he kept criticizing the man. Later that night God spoke to him and said, 'You laughed at him, but I loved him enough to die for him.' Watch your attitude! The same sunshine that melts the butter hardens the clay. When you constantly deal with people's problems, it will make you either callous or compassionate. In spite of His disappointment in people, Jesus never lost His sense of compassion. Love isn't a virus that you catch, it's a virtue you're supposed to practice every day. And there's a divine dimension to this kind of love. '...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.' (Romans 5:5 NKJV) You can't reach into the well of your own emotions to find such love; you can only take the love of God that's been poured into your heart and share it with others. And if you are to serve God successfully, you must have regular transfusions of His love. That's why being a part of the body of Christ is so important. You need to be around others who are learning this love language the same as you...you are loved!

What Kind of Example Are You? (3)

               
'...Be an example...in conduct' 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

I love this quote by Seneca, the Roman statesman, he said, 'I govern my life and thoughts as though the world were to see one and read the other.' You can always predict what a person of integrity will do in two areas: (1) In business. Saying 'no' to your boss usually isn't a good career move. But when faced with a choice between his career and his convictions, Daniel refused to eat the king's meat because it was a violation of God's law (Daniel 1:8-17). Joseph refused to sleep with the boss's wife (Genesis 39:6-12). Elisha refused to accept a rich man's money in exchange for healing (2 Kings 5:1-16). Getting the idea? This dosen't give you freedom not to work and do what the boss says. But when it comes to violations of Gods word, then we have a choice to make. (2) At home. Noah saved his family from destruction by listening to God (Hebrews 11:7). And the first thing he did when he emerged from the ark was to build an altar. Think about that! Noah had an altar before he had a home. What that means is he set up church first! Most of us have homes, but no prayer altar, and it shows! Lot, on the other hand, lost his wife and his sons-in-law to the destructive influences of Sodom (Genesis 19:14-26). Today issues of character that once raised alarm don't even raise an eyebrow. But they should. '...I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' (Romans 12:1-2 NLT) You are loved!

What Kind of Example Are You? (2)

               

'...Be an example...in...speech' 1 Timothy 4:12 GNT
It's nice to say, 'Be an example,' but in what specific areas? For the next few days let's look at some of them: 'Be an example...in speech.' Go back and read what Paul says to Timothy before this: 'Don't let anybody look down on you because...' When you speak, your credibility is at stake. Solomon says, 'Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.' (Proverbs 29:20 NKJV) The trouble with words is, once they're spoken their impact is felt either positively or negatively-and you can't take them back! You can say you're sorry, but you may have to rebuild your credibility with the person you spoke to, or about. Here's the litmus test for your words, and it's a high standard: 'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord...' (Psalm 19:14 NLT) A poet wrote: 'A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life. A gracious word may soothe the way, a joyous word may light the day. A timely word may lessen stress, a loving word may heal and bless.' So today let your words be faith-building, for people battle with doubt and fear. Let your words be comforting, for people have wounds you cannot see. Let your words be uplifting, for people get torn down by criticism and discouragement. Let your words be calming, for God has promised to bless you if you are a peacemaker. And let your words be character-building; that way you'll leave people better off than you found them. You are loved...

What Kind of Example Are You? (1)

               
'...Be an example' 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Wonderful Monday morning to everyone. As I looked back at yesterday's service I broke down with emotion at what God did in our midst. We had the operation of his gifts in many areas break forth. The adult single group got off to a great start yesterday @the informational meeting. Please pray for Mary as she leads this task and her heart for wisdom on how to do it. Pray for Mike who gave his heart to Christ, Kelly Rees sister who needs her saviors touch, for Kent and his family, and many others who shared the Spirit's moving in their lives. God has placed the need to share these things with you so you will take a active part in what He's doing @CFW. Amazing how big our God is when we grasp the vision of who He is...

One of the scriptures I used yesterday was out of 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul told Timothy not to neglect his gift but be an example to everyone. Andrew Murray wrote, 'God has no more precious gift...than a man who lives as an embodiment of His will, and inspires those around him with the faith of what grace can do.' When Paul writes, 'Be an example,' he means 'be a role model.' The first car off the assembly line is a prototype of all that follows. Dressmakers study the pattern, and then design the garment accordingly. The word ideal sounds lofty, and it is. But even if you don't achieve the ideal, it should still be your goal. What Paul was saying to young Timothy was, 'When you talk about Jesus, people should see so much of Him in your life that they desire to know Him. When you talk about faith, the evidence of it should be so compelling that they want to live by it.'
Bruce Carroll sings: 'I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. Actions speak much louder than all that words can say. That's why I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.' Lectures may be wise and true but it's better for people to learn through seeing it lived out, rather than hearing words spoken. Words may be misunderstood but a life of love is difficult to misinterpret. You are loved...

Doing God's Will

               
'I desire to do Your will, O my God' Psalm 40:8 NIV

This Sunday we will begin Part two in the series "Power for Life." This week we'll be looking at God's spiritual gifts to us. Many ask the question, 'if I desire the gifts and God gives them to me, what's next?' Often when we start out ministering to others, we dream of doing earth-changing things and the thought of tackling them intimidates us. How do we use our gifts and not be intimidated? It's simple, just do God's will for you! Try to start small. Don't try to help everyone, just try to help someone! Do that, and in time you may find yourself living what Francis of Assisi described when he said, 'Start doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly, you are doing the impossible.' Even if you never get to do big things, you can find great fulfillment in doing right things. No act of kindness is too small to be worth doing. John Maxwell writes: 'Little did I realize when I started with a desire to add significance to others, that it would add significance to me! Now I understand. We should not receive anything without giving, and we cannot give anything without receiving.' The truth is, your dream isn't worthy of your life if it doesn't bless others. President Woodrow Wilson stated: 'You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.' There's an old Middle Eastern blessing that says, 'When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. May you live your life so that when you die, the world will cry and you will rejoice.' And that will surely happen if you live by the Scriptural truth, 'I desire to do Your will, O my God.' You are loved...

Maximise This Day

'This is the day the Lord has made' Psalm 118:24 NKJV

Ever sang that song "This is the day, This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it?" I remember singing that song when I was younger and it always makes me smile and feel good inside. When I read Psalms 118 this morning it reminded me that God determines the number of our days, but we determine how they are spent. The Psalmist said, 'This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.' Yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is all you've got. And you can begin your life over today, if you live by these words: 'Today I will delete from my diary two days-yesterday and tomorrow. Yesterday was for learning; tomorrow will be a consequence of what I do today. Today I will face life with the conviction that this day will never return, that it may be the last opportunity I'll have to contribute because there's no guarantee I'll see tomorrow. Today I will be courageous enough not to let opportunity pass me by; my only alternative will be to succeed. Today I will invest my most valuable resource, my time, into my most important possession, the life God has given me. I'll spend each minute purposefully, making today a unique opportunity. I'll tackle each obstacle knowing that with God's help I can overcome it. Today I will resist doubt and pessimism and warm my world with a smile. I'll maintain a strong faith, expect nothing but the best, take time to be happy, see every task as an opportunity to honor the Lord, and endeavour to leave His footprints on the hearts of those I meet.' So pray, 'Lord, help me to maximize this day.' You are loved...

Just Keep Chewing!

               
'...he struck three times, and stopped.' 2 Kings 13:18 NKJV

When threatened by the Assyrian army, Israel's king turned to the prophet Elisha for help. Elisha told him to take some arrows and keep striking them on the ground. But the king did it only three times and stopped. So Elisha 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 13:19 NKJV) This is a story of partial victory, of what might have been if the king had put more into it. You see, it's not just the opportunity-it's often the attitude that meets the opportunity that determines the outcome. God will give you chances to win, but it's your commitment that determines the size of your victory. Paul writes, 'Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.' (Ephesians 6:7 NIV) The clock meant nothing to Paul because he was on a mission. 'I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may...complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...' (Acts 20:24 NIV) People of impact live with that mindset. So here's the question: 'Is your heart in what you're doing? Are you giving it your all?' When Paul Hogan, who portrayed the movie character Crocodile Dundee, was asked how he became successful, he answered, 'The secret of my success is that I bit off more than I could chew, and chewed as fast as I could.' Visions don't come cheap or easy. The bigger your vision, the bigger the price-tag. I shared with you some of our vision on Sunday. Some of the big price-tag things. I've asked God how can we accomplish all these things? You know what He said, "trust your people with your vision and just keep chewing!" You are loved...