You remember the story of the tortoise and the hair. We learned that sure and steady will win the race. Sometimes we just want to jump ahead and skip all the necessary steps to get to our destination. The steps seem so slow. How much longer until we get there. Are we there yet?
The Bible tells us that one of the fruits of the spirit is "patience." "We develop a willingness to stick with things," is how it says it in Gal 5:22 in the Message Bible. That is a great definition. You have to develop this by going through some things. Patience has to be tested. Otherwise how do we know if we have developed it yet?
We have to 'will' our way through the drudgery and the monotony that we sometimes feel. But, even though the spirit is willing, often the 'flesh' is weak. You know the drill. Up early, rush to get ready for work, drive too long in too much traffic, work too long, drive home in bumper to bumper in stop and go, prepare food, clean up, catch some news, help the kids with homework, talk on the phone, prepare for bed, go to bed too late -- then do it all again.
So, how do we make it through. Well we have to have a Godly goal. Something we are shooting for. Maybe it is spiritual growth. Maybe it is seeing our kids be all they can be for God. Maybe it is being a blessing to others. You have to have Godly goals. You have to have something that makes it all worth while, so that you can develop, with God's help, "a willingness to stick with things." Because the end result is worth it. And of course you need to smell the roses along the way. Let God infuse you with sweet aroma as you wait on His strength and keep the vision of what it is all about before you. Stick with it! It is worth it.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Take Courage
After Moses had brought the Israelites to the Jordan River, ready to proceed across to the Promised Land, he died. His successor, Joshua, had a huge job ahead of him. What a load upon his shoulders. How could Joshua rally the people to follow him across the Jordan and take possession of what God had promised them?
Remember that old hymn, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye. Oh, who will come and go with me? I am bound for the Promised Land." It must have been a daunting task to bring the people across after such a devastating blow of losing Moses, the only leader they had ever known for 40 years. What would Joshua do?
The Jordan River was no slouch. At times it had a vicious flow. I remember a video of my father-in-law being baptized in the real Jordan River. It was flowing so fast that he started to be taken down the river. Thankfully another minister grabbed his hand and pulled him back. This is the river the Israelites were to cross. This is a major reason why they had camped there and not moved forward.
God told Joshua three times "Be strong and courageous!" (And once he was told to be VERY courageous). He assured Joshua that as He had been with Moses so would He be with him. God said to lead the people to inherit the land. So, Joshua was given courage when He heard from God. We can often get ourselves all worked up with worry and doubt about the challenges before us. It is time for some encouragement from our Heavenly Father. He will give you the strength you need to proceed with what you know He is telling you to do.
Joshua made the order for his officers to "tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan..." (Joshua 1:10-11). There was no indecisiveness in this command. You will cross the Jordan. Prepare to go forward. Are you making preparations to cross over your Jordan, a boundary that has stopped you? Joshua and the people obeyed and God did His part. They defeated the enemy and took possession of the Promised Land. When you step out, after receiving the assurance of God and proclaim that you are taking possession of the promise, courage will exude from you for you know God is with you.
God will do what you cannot do. But first you must do what you can do. You must step out and put your foot into the Jordan. When they stepped into the Jordan the waters were held back for the millions of people to go across. Joshua did not know that God would do that. He just said we are going. Later, when they needed more daylight to defeat the Amorites, Joshua prayed for the Sun and moon to stop in the sky. The Bible says that God answered and it stopped for almost a full extra day. This miracle gave them the victory. Joshua learned to expect God to be with him and do whatever it took to fulfill the promise.
I am telling you today to not be dismayed. No matter what the stock market is doing. No matter what the media is saying about the situation. Be strong and courageous for God is with you as He was with Moses and Joshua. Step out with assurance and go forward to your promise. Do your part and watch God do the miraculous. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!
Remember that old hymn, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye. Oh, who will come and go with me? I am bound for the Promised Land." It must have been a daunting task to bring the people across after such a devastating blow of losing Moses, the only leader they had ever known for 40 years. What would Joshua do?
The Jordan River was no slouch. At times it had a vicious flow. I remember a video of my father-in-law being baptized in the real Jordan River. It was flowing so fast that he started to be taken down the river. Thankfully another minister grabbed his hand and pulled him back. This is the river the Israelites were to cross. This is a major reason why they had camped there and not moved forward.
God told Joshua three times "Be strong and courageous!" (And once he was told to be VERY courageous). He assured Joshua that as He had been with Moses so would He be with him. God said to lead the people to inherit the land. So, Joshua was given courage when He heard from God. We can often get ourselves all worked up with worry and doubt about the challenges before us. It is time for some encouragement from our Heavenly Father. He will give you the strength you need to proceed with what you know He is telling you to do.
Joshua made the order for his officers to "tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan..." (Joshua 1:10-11). There was no indecisiveness in this command. You will cross the Jordan. Prepare to go forward. Are you making preparations to cross over your Jordan, a boundary that has stopped you? Joshua and the people obeyed and God did His part. They defeated the enemy and took possession of the Promised Land. When you step out, after receiving the assurance of God and proclaim that you are taking possession of the promise, courage will exude from you for you know God is with you.
God will do what you cannot do. But first you must do what you can do. You must step out and put your foot into the Jordan. When they stepped into the Jordan the waters were held back for the millions of people to go across. Joshua did not know that God would do that. He just said we are going. Later, when they needed more daylight to defeat the Amorites, Joshua prayed for the Sun and moon to stop in the sky. The Bible says that God answered and it stopped for almost a full extra day. This miracle gave them the victory. Joshua learned to expect God to be with him and do whatever it took to fulfill the promise.
I am telling you today to not be dismayed. No matter what the stock market is doing. No matter what the media is saying about the situation. Be strong and courageous for God is with you as He was with Moses and Joshua. Step out with assurance and go forward to your promise. Do your part and watch God do the miraculous. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Prayer: Expect an Answer
Have you ever prayed expecting a real answer? I hope you have, because that is exactly how you are suppose to pray. Prayer is not some kind of nice religious duty. No, it is talking to your Father and He has good things He wants to tell you. He wants to answer your questions and He wants to lead you in the right path. Our Father God knows everything; what a source we can take advantage of constantly. It beats Google every time.
Where my house is, we can't get high speed Internet service. It is frustrating to go from the office to home and go to dial-up. So, I usually just wait until I get back to the office. The great thing about the Lord is you can link to Him at high speed anytime and anywhere. I can connect with Jesus and He will answer.
The thing is we need to ask Him. He tells us we must ask. John 15:77 says this, "But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon." (MB) Often we think that since He is God that He will just do for us what we need. No, this is a relationship. He wants you to ask Him about your need. He may have a question for you that will get you to see what the real deal is. We often want a quick fix and He is not into that.
Notice, too, that He wants you be at home with Him and He wants you to know what He has already said and promised in the Bible. I like how this translation says to make His words at 'home' in you. Sometimes we may mentally agree to something that the Bible tells us just so that we can get a quick rescue from God. But, that is just having the word be a passing stranger. No, we must have the word be at home with us. That means we know the word of God and we are very personal and familiar with it. It is a part of us; at home.
Pray, but expect an answer. You are able to know He listens and acts on your request when you have Jesus as your 'homey' and His word has you as its 'homey', too. I can't wait to hear about the answers to prayer you will receive. Start asking away. God can handle it.
Where my house is, we can't get high speed Internet service. It is frustrating to go from the office to home and go to dial-up. So, I usually just wait until I get back to the office. The great thing about the Lord is you can link to Him at high speed anytime and anywhere. I can connect with Jesus and He will answer.
The thing is we need to ask Him. He tells us we must ask. John 15:77 says this, "But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon." (MB) Often we think that since He is God that He will just do for us what we need. No, this is a relationship. He wants you to ask Him about your need. He may have a question for you that will get you to see what the real deal is. We often want a quick fix and He is not into that.
Notice, too, that He wants you be at home with Him and He wants you to know what He has already said and promised in the Bible. I like how this translation says to make His words at 'home' in you. Sometimes we may mentally agree to something that the Bible tells us just so that we can get a quick rescue from God. But, that is just having the word be a passing stranger. No, we must have the word be at home with us. That means we know the word of God and we are very personal and familiar with it. It is a part of us; at home.
Pray, but expect an answer. You are able to know He listens and acts on your request when you have Jesus as your 'homey' and His word has you as its 'homey', too. I can't wait to hear about the answers to prayer you will receive. Start asking away. God can handle it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Body and Soul
My neck was bothering me this morning when I woke up. I had a motorcycle accident a few years back and when I sleep on my neck wrong it can be very sore. When you have a nagging ache or pain it sure disturbs your soul, too. What I mean is that it is difficult to concentrate and of course feel like doing things that must be done.
I like the definition that your soul contains your mind, will and emotions. Of course you are a spirit made in the image of God. You will exist forever (hopefully with the Lord in heaven, but that is your choice). You have a soul and a body. The body likes to try to dictate to your soul and spirit what it desires to do. This is probably not news to you. Many times we know what is right to do in our spirits, but if our soul is persuaded by the body you will do what is convenient, comfortable, or even sinful. So, if I were to let my body tell me what to do today, I would lay around and let the aching be my focus.
It says in 3 John 2, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” This tells me several things. God is interested in you being well in all aspects of your life. We can’t pray for something that God does not will you to have. Secondly, we are to enjoy good health. God wants us well physically. When we are not healthy it can affect our ability to be all God wants us to be. (Realize that we can still be used mightily by God no matter our physical prowess or lack thereof).
Finally, this scripture tells me that if I am thinking right, prospering in my soul, it will positively affect my health. Of course this has been scientifically proven that those that worry and are stressed will not be as healthy. Their immune systems will actually be adversely affected and you are more likely to be susceptible to sickness. Laughter is good medicine as the Bible says and they have found that it will cause your body to heal faster. Your mental state affects your body and vice versa.
Therefore I can apply some Godly medicine to my aches and pains by making sure my soul is prospering. How? By saying what the Bible says which fills my soul with good things. Thinking on the promises of God is good medicine. Are you taking your medicine?
I like the definition that your soul contains your mind, will and emotions. Of course you are a spirit made in the image of God. You will exist forever (hopefully with the Lord in heaven, but that is your choice). You have a soul and a body. The body likes to try to dictate to your soul and spirit what it desires to do. This is probably not news to you. Many times we know what is right to do in our spirits, but if our soul is persuaded by the body you will do what is convenient, comfortable, or even sinful. So, if I were to let my body tell me what to do today, I would lay around and let the aching be my focus.
It says in 3 John 2, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” This tells me several things. God is interested in you being well in all aspects of your life. We can’t pray for something that God does not will you to have. Secondly, we are to enjoy good health. God wants us well physically. When we are not healthy it can affect our ability to be all God wants us to be. (Realize that we can still be used mightily by God no matter our physical prowess or lack thereof).
Finally, this scripture tells me that if I am thinking right, prospering in my soul, it will positively affect my health. Of course this has been scientifically proven that those that worry and are stressed will not be as healthy. Their immune systems will actually be adversely affected and you are more likely to be susceptible to sickness. Laughter is good medicine as the Bible says and they have found that it will cause your body to heal faster. Your mental state affects your body and vice versa.
Therefore I can apply some Godly medicine to my aches and pains by making sure my soul is prospering. How? By saying what the Bible says which fills my soul with good things. Thinking on the promises of God is good medicine. Are you taking your medicine?
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