Have you ever wanted something and then when you got it you discovered it wasn't what you thought it would be? I can think of several examples, but one that happened to me recently involves food, more specifically chocolate. Now, I love chocolate. What girl doesn't? But I'm supposed to be on a diet so chocolate is one of the many things I try to avoid. However, the other day my desire for that smooth, creamy, rich flavor got the better of me and I bought some chocolate candy.
As I ate the chocolate I thought, "This is good, but it's not good enough to merit the extra calories it's costing me." At that point I did the obvious, I ate another piece of chocolate! I again thought, "This is not as good as I thought it would be." I finally made the decision to walk away.
You may be thinking "I would never do that!" but how often do we make that same decision about sin in our life? How many times do we persist in a behavior that we know is bad for us? The desire to do things that bring us pleasure is a part of the very fabric of man. To choose to change that behavior requires something greater than our will alone.
I am reminded of Matthew 4 which describes when Jesus was tempted in the desert. The desire for food was great, but He said, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." The desire for personal importance was strong, but He said 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' Finally, power was offered for the price of praise, but Jesus said 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'
So the next time you are facing a desire, whether it be pride, gossip, or your favorite food, remember how Jesus faced His own temptation. He turned to the Word of God for wisdom and strength. Take time to study the Word so that you too will have it in your heart at the moment of temptation. I think you will find that whatever your "chocolate" is, that it isn't as good as what you receive when you are obedient to the things of our Lord.
9/29/07
9/18/07
Quote
"It is in the place of humiliation that we find our true worth to God— that is where our faithfulness is revealed." - Oswald Chambers
9/17/07
Deceived
Take heed that you not be deceived. —Luke 21:8
An acquaintance of mine was "taken in" by a smooth-talking salesman who stopped at his place of business. The man displayed some attractive fruit that he said he had grown. He was especially proud of some very rich looking fruit with deep red, yellow and green colors. My friend was impressed and bought several cases. But after the salesman left, he examined his "bargains" more carefully. He was surprised to discover that the fruit was not the same as he had been shown after all. It was the same type of fruit, but the quality was very different. The colors were not bright and the flavors were not sweet.
The incident reminded me of what the Savior said in Luke 21:8, "Take heed that you not be deceived." Even as some in the business world cleverly pervert the facts and victimize their customers, there are also deceivers in the church who distort the truth. They use biblical terminology and appear to be well meaning. But beware! They are evil and will lead you astray. Be firmly grounded in the Word of God and so you won't be "taken in" by deception.
An acquaintance of mine was "taken in" by a smooth-talking salesman who stopped at his place of business. The man displayed some attractive fruit that he said he had grown. He was especially proud of some very rich looking fruit with deep red, yellow and green colors. My friend was impressed and bought several cases. But after the salesman left, he examined his "bargains" more carefully. He was surprised to discover that the fruit was not the same as he had been shown after all. It was the same type of fruit, but the quality was very different. The colors were not bright and the flavors were not sweet.
The incident reminded me of what the Savior said in Luke 21:8, "Take heed that you not be deceived." Even as some in the business world cleverly pervert the facts and victimize their customers, there are also deceivers in the church who distort the truth. They use biblical terminology and appear to be well meaning. But beware! They are evil and will lead you astray. Be firmly grounded in the Word of God and so you won't be "taken in" by deception.
9/16/07
Quote
In some ways, it's those of us who are most familiar with the Spirit's promises who are in the greatest danger. Someone has said that familiarity may not breed contempt, but it takes the edge off of awe. Something like this is true about the rich texts and glory-filled promises that drop the jaws or widen the eyes of newcomers but provoke no more than a raised eyebrow in the old-timers who have ceased to dream.
-- Jim McGuiggan
-- Jim McGuiggan
9/15/07
Quote
I'm not suggesting that we have the power to heal physical conditions with our human fingers. But I do believe there's a healing of the spirit that takes place when we touch others. There's a comfort that can't be found anywhere else but in a touch or a hug. Somehow, God's love and power is shared with others through the simplicity of our physical touch.
-- Amy Nappa
-- Amy Nappa
9/14/07
Go For The Coffee
| A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee...When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering... ''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems...''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eying each others cups....'' ''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the life we live...'' ''Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us... God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups. Enjoy your coffee!'' The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God. |
(Author Unknown)
9/9/07
Time
It was more than 35 years ago that A. W. Tozer said, "Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible." He penned that line long before e-mail, the Internet, 500-channel TV, and the addition of other "time-saving" technologies began to rob us of so much of our time.
But it is not just electronic obstacles and modern complexities that hinder the devotional life. More often than not, the biggest hindrance to establishing an intimate time with God is not something outside of ourselves. It's our own reluctance to choose to spend time in prayer and Bible reading.
So, how do we go about attempting what seems to be impossible? First, we must confess our failure to make time for God. Second, we need to recognize that spending time with God is essential for our spiritual lives. It should be as vital to us as making sure we get enough food every day. Third, we must develop a plan. In Psalm 5:3, for example, we see that David scheduled special time with God in the mornings.
With those concepts in mind, shut out the complex world around you and open your heart to the incredible joy that comes from devoting yourself to the Lord. You can do what seems impossible.
But it is not just electronic obstacles and modern complexities that hinder the devotional life. More often than not, the biggest hindrance to establishing an intimate time with God is not something outside of ourselves. It's our own reluctance to choose to spend time in prayer and Bible reading.
So, how do we go about attempting what seems to be impossible? First, we must confess our failure to make time for God. Second, we need to recognize that spending time with God is essential for our spiritual lives. It should be as vital to us as making sure we get enough food every day. Third, we must develop a plan. In Psalm 5:3, for example, we see that David scheduled special time with God in the mornings.
With those concepts in mind, shut out the complex world around you and open your heart to the incredible joy that comes from devoting yourself to the Lord. You can do what seems impossible.
9/7/07
Quote
The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born BY his purpose and FOR his purpose.
-- Rick Warren
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. -- 1 Corinthians 10:24
-- Rick Warren
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. -- 1 Corinthians 10:24
9/6/07
Can You Hear Me Now?
When we love others, we listen to them. Sure, it takes time and effort to focus on them and hear what they are saying. But when we do, it shows genuine concern and respect.
Author Wayne Alderson tells of a young minister who spent a lot of time listening to the problems of his church members. One day he came home and said to his wife, "How did your day go?" For a half-hour she told him about a problem with the car, their son's earache, and the difficulties she had getting an appliance repaired. The pastor immediately began to problem-solve, citing a list of things she should do. But she just looked at him and sighed. "I have already done all of that," she said. "I don't need you to solve my problems. I just need you to be interested in what I've been through."
When the author of Psalm 119 pleaded, "Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness" (v.149), he was expressing the truth that the God who loves us also listens to us. Listening is a part of loving. Listening to a wife, a husband, a fellow worker, or a Christian friend may be just what that person needs to be encouraged or to see a problem more clearly.
Go ahead and listen. God Himself shows that love listens.
Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.
Author Wayne Alderson tells of a young minister who spent a lot of time listening to the problems of his church members. One day he came home and said to his wife, "How did your day go?" For a half-hour she told him about a problem with the car, their son's earache, and the difficulties she had getting an appliance repaired. The pastor immediately began to problem-solve, citing a list of things she should do. But she just looked at him and sighed. "I have already done all of that," she said. "I don't need you to solve my problems. I just need you to be interested in what I've been through."
When the author of Psalm 119 pleaded, "Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness" (v.149), he was expressing the truth that the God who loves us also listens to us. Listening is a part of loving. Listening to a wife, a husband, a fellow worker, or a Christian friend may be just what that person needs to be encouraged or to see a problem more clearly.
Go ahead and listen. God Himself shows that love listens.
Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.
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