Nothing good comes from comparing yourself to other people. If you think others are better than you, you'll have low self-esteem and inferiority. If you think you are better than others, you'll be prideful and dismissive. The practice is meaningless ... and wrong.
God created each of us with unique capabilities and individual circumstances. We are equal in His sight: He loves all of us, warts and all. When we try comparing ourselves we become judgmental. We are all familiar with John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Now go on reading through verse 17, "For God did not sent the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." If anyone had the right to judge others, it would be Jesus. He never sinned: in thought or deed. Yet, He did not judge others. He asks the same of us in Luke 6:37, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged, and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned."
Some see God as an unpleasant Judge, angrily searching out our faults and failures. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our God is a full of lovingkindness and forgiveness. He died for us so that we might be clothed in His garments of salvation. Psalm 61:10 says, "...For He has clothes me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness." We cannot claim our own rightness with God ... He provides His righteousness as a covering for our sins.
So, stop comparing yourself (your abilities, your possessions, your family heritage, your prospects for the future) with others. Revel in your uniqueness. Claim your inheritance as a child of God.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tempted? Use God's Escape Hatch
Christians may no longer be sin's slaves but every day we are faced with decisions that can lead to sin. We are not immune to temptation. Will we do something we know is wrong? Or, more commonly, will we fail to do something we know we should. Paul expresses it best in Romans 7:15: "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." We all face these kinds of temptations over the course of our day.
But God provides an escape! I Corinthians 10:13 holds the key: "There isn't any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape."
What a relief. With every temptation God provides a way to resist. We do not have to be conquered by sin. Christ gives us victory over sin and it's penalty, death.
Now, I've found in my experience, the hard part is just taking that escape route. I'm sometimes so rebellious, I refuse to use the way out that is right there in front of me. I pray that in the future, when temptations do beguile me, I have the wisdom to use the escape hatch that will never fail to be provided. Christ is beside me and His Holy Spirit is inside me, helping me make the right choices.
Next time you're tempted to do what you know to be wrong, don't forget to look around for God's escape hatch.
But God provides an escape! I Corinthians 10:13 holds the key: "There isn't any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape."
What a relief. With every temptation God provides a way to resist. We do not have to be conquered by sin. Christ gives us victory over sin and it's penalty, death.
Now, I've found in my experience, the hard part is just taking that escape route. I'm sometimes so rebellious, I refuse to use the way out that is right there in front of me. I pray that in the future, when temptations do beguile me, I have the wisdom to use the escape hatch that will never fail to be provided. Christ is beside me and His Holy Spirit is inside me, helping me make the right choices.
Next time you're tempted to do what you know to be wrong, don't forget to look around for God's escape hatch.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Day by Day: Moment by Moment
God leads us through life day by day and moment by moment. He doesn't promise to let us in on His plans for the future. We want to know what lies ahead but God asks us to be satisfied with this present moment. Leave the future in His hands. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God ..." I believe that the future is one of those 'secret things.' When we try to figure out what comes next, we are grabbing at things that belong to God. This gives us a spirit of rebellion: we begin to doubt God's promise to care for us.
Instead of worrying about the future, return to God. He will show you the next step.
Trusting Christ to see us through whatever life may hold, is one way to develop a perfect relationship with Him. Psalm 32:8 assures us, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." We are never overlooked by God. His eye is on us. His lovingkindness surrounds us. Begin today in a new journey with the Father. Let Him teach you about His Will. Trust Him to care for you day by day: moment to moment.
Instead of worrying about the future, return to God. He will show you the next step.
Trusting Christ to see us through whatever life may hold, is one way to develop a perfect relationship with Him. Psalm 32:8 assures us, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." We are never overlooked by God. His eye is on us. His lovingkindness surrounds us. Begin today in a new journey with the Father. Let Him teach you about His Will. Trust Him to care for you day by day: moment to moment.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Prayers of Gratitude
Some wonder just how one can stay in constant contact with the Father. Exactly how does that happen? One reliable way is to be continually offering prayers of gratitude.
You will find it hard to feel sorry for yourself when you are thanking God for all the blessings He bestows. You will find it hard to worry when you are praying with gratitude.
Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Praying with the attitude of thankfulness keeps you alert to the power and working of God.
This morning, during my quiet time, I listed many of the things for which I am grateful. From the big (friends who love me, a safe home, good health) to the small (a working computer, plants and flowers in my garden, pets that I adore). During the day today, my intention is to keep thanking God for all the ways He blesses me.
When you're in a conversation with a friend, you become closer as you share the important things about your life. When you're in a conversation with God, you become closer as you thank Him for all the blessings (people, things and events) that He has given you.
I love I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
It is impossible to be both angry and thankful. You can't feel 'blue' when you are offering prayers of gratitude. Try it. You'll see.
You will find it hard to feel sorry for yourself when you are thanking God for all the blessings He bestows. You will find it hard to worry when you are praying with gratitude.
Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Praying with the attitude of thankfulness keeps you alert to the power and working of God.
This morning, during my quiet time, I listed many of the things for which I am grateful. From the big (friends who love me, a safe home, good health) to the small (a working computer, plants and flowers in my garden, pets that I adore). During the day today, my intention is to keep thanking God for all the ways He blesses me.
When you're in a conversation with a friend, you become closer as you share the important things about your life. When you're in a conversation with God, you become closer as you thank Him for all the blessings (people, things and events) that He has given you.
I love I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
It is impossible to be both angry and thankful. You can't feel 'blue' when you are offering prayers of gratitude. Try it. You'll see.
Monday, February 24, 2014
No Limit On God's Love
There is no force in the universe more powerful than God's love for us. We humans experience limitations of all kinds. We usually are able to love ... up to a point. Human love can be weakened by circumstances, by disappointments, by betrayal. God's love never grows weak. He will never abandon us.
Now we see only part of the story: as through a dim mirror, I Corinthians 13:12 tells us. But someday we will see Christ face-to-face. Then we will know fully, just as we are fully known.
Then we will see exactly how wide and long and high and deep is Christ's love for us. Someday we will have unlimited access to His Presence: an eternal ecstasy. For now, His loving presence is sufficient to get us through our day.
Thoughtfully read and meditate on Ephesians 3:16-19, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Now we see only part of the story: as through a dim mirror, I Corinthians 13:12 tells us. But someday we will see Christ face-to-face. Then we will know fully, just as we are fully known.
Then we will see exactly how wide and long and high and deep is Christ's love for us. Someday we will have unlimited access to His Presence: an eternal ecstasy. For now, His loving presence is sufficient to get us through our day.
Thoughtfully read and meditate on Ephesians 3:16-19, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Don't Let Satan Win
Divide and conquer. Divide and conquer. That has been Satan's tactic down through the ages. Wherever there is confusion, disillusionment, conflict, Satan is there to make things worse than they need to be.
Recently, in the church where I attend, decisions were made that have mystified many in the congregation. Rumors and misinformation have spread quickly. Many have been hurt and many are considering leaving our church. Satan must be dancing with glee (if the Devil can feel joy). This is the perfect opportunity for Satan and his minions to split the church.
We are in the process of calling a new minister. Satan must be very afraid that the church might start growing again. He will use every bit of dissatisfaction and every piece of bitterness to worm his way into the hearts and minds of our members.
I Peter 5:6-9 warns us, "And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering"
Don't let Satan devour you. Don't let this trial become a tool in the Devil's workshop. Stand firm in your faith. Pray for guidance. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace. Don't let Satan win.
Recently, in the church where I attend, decisions were made that have mystified many in the congregation. Rumors and misinformation have spread quickly. Many have been hurt and many are considering leaving our church. Satan must be dancing with glee (if the Devil can feel joy). This is the perfect opportunity for Satan and his minions to split the church.
We are in the process of calling a new minister. Satan must be very afraid that the church might start growing again. He will use every bit of dissatisfaction and every piece of bitterness to worm his way into the hearts and minds of our members.
I Peter 5:6-9 warns us, "And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering"
Don't let Satan devour you. Don't let this trial become a tool in the Devil's workshop. Stand firm in your faith. Pray for guidance. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace. Don't let Satan win.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Are You Too Busy for God?
God is waiting for you this morning. Perhaps in your favorite chair, next to the bookshelf that holds your Bible. Perhaps He's waiting in the kitchen table or even at your bedside. He wants to talk to you. He has important things to say before you begin your day. Don't let the concerns of the day crowd out this precious time alone with Jesus.
Yes, we all have duties that constantly demand our attention. Yet, taking a half hour with the Lord will give you a better perspective on what is important and what is trivial.
I love the quote by Martin Luther, "Work, work, from morning until late at night. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall have to spend the first three hours in prayer." Martin Luther knew that in order to get everything else done, it was important to meet with his Savior in prayer. We may not have the full three hours that Luther spent, but you'll find that even half an hour in communion with God will make the rest of your day smoother and less stressful.
"Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go," my devotional Jesus Calling advises. Much of that busy work is meaningless in light of eternity. Make you day count for Christ. Psalm 32: 8 tells us, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." God promises to be our time-management counselor. You are never out of His sight. He can supernaturally bring about more time in your day to finish all those pressing tasks.
First, though, it is necessary to spend time in His Presence. Reading His Word, the Bible. Meditating on the meaning of those Words for your life. Making your requests and giving Him praise and thanks. Listen to that still small voice that will direct your feet and make your way clear. Don't be too busy for God.
Yes, we all have duties that constantly demand our attention. Yet, taking a half hour with the Lord will give you a better perspective on what is important and what is trivial.
I love the quote by Martin Luther, "Work, work, from morning until late at night. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall have to spend the first three hours in prayer." Martin Luther knew that in order to get everything else done, it was important to meet with his Savior in prayer. We may not have the full three hours that Luther spent, but you'll find that even half an hour in communion with God will make the rest of your day smoother and less stressful.
"Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go," my devotional Jesus Calling advises. Much of that busy work is meaningless in light of eternity. Make you day count for Christ. Psalm 32: 8 tells us, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." God promises to be our time-management counselor. You are never out of His sight. He can supernaturally bring about more time in your day to finish all those pressing tasks.
First, though, it is necessary to spend time in His Presence. Reading His Word, the Bible. Meditating on the meaning of those Words for your life. Making your requests and giving Him praise and thanks. Listen to that still small voice that will direct your feet and make your way clear. Don't be too busy for God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)