January Devotionals
Navigation Bar Placeholder
Your Organization Name Here
Your Organization Name Here
Daily Devotionals
Want to study the
Bible?
Free Bible
Correspondence
Course !!














2 Questions to ask Ourselves DAILY
MORNING-  What am I going to do today to help spread God's Word?










EVENING- What did I do today to help spread God's Word?

January 31, 2007

Sacrificing at What Cost


by Os Hillman


..."I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me
nothing." - 2 Samuel 24:24

One day I was having lunch with a man who had a certain amount of
notoriety in his life. After a time of getting to know each other, he said,
"How can I help you?" Those words surprised me coming from a man who
obviously already had many requirements on his time. My first thought
was that I was impressed with the individual. My next thought was to
wonder whether it was a genuine offer or just an effort to impress me with
his humility and Christian piety. I have since discovered he was sincere.

This encounter reminded me that each of us must be willing to give to
others without a motive to get anything in return. It is simply an act of
serving others. Jesus said that we must consider others more important
than ourselves. When is the last time you did something for another
without a motive of getting anything in return?

When King David came to offer a sacrifice and pray for the removal of a
plague on Israel, he was given the opportunity to make the sacrifice
without the cost of purchasing the sacrificial animals.

But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not
sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So
David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of
silver for them. David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt
offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered prayer in
behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped (2 Samuel 24:24-
25).

David, understanding the principle of giving, said he could not offer
anything to God that did not cost him something. Otherwise, it was not a
sacrificial gift.

When was the last time you sacrificed for another with no expectation of
getting anything in return? We can all give something to others, such as
our time, our money, or our expertise. This is real Christianity that models
the Spirit of Christ. The next time you meet with someone, why not
consider how you might be a blessing to that person. Why not ask, "How
can I help you?"








January 30, 2007

A Call to Worship


by Os Hillman


...but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel
bondage. - Exodus 6:9

It is very difficult to lead when those you are leading believe they have
been mistreated and have lost all hope. Such was the case when God
called Moses to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt. They had lived
under many years of oppression and slavery. Yet God heard their cry. He
sent someone to bring them out of slavery "so that they might worship
God" (see Ex. 8:1). Interesting that God didn't say, "to serve Him." Above
all else, God desires our worship. A person cannot enter into true worship
of God while still in slavery and bondage.

In Proverbs, the writer tells us "hope deferred makes the heart sick"
(Prov. 13:12a). There is a place in life where life becomes so discouraging
and hopeless that we lose all hope, and it can actually make us sick. I have
been at this place; it is a scary condition. It brings you to the edge of
despair.

The people would not listen to Moses. Yet God did not deliver
immediately. In fact, it would be many plagues later before ultimate
deliverance would take place. Why does God withhold deliverance at
times? It is in order to bring greater glory from the situation. It isn't
because He doesn't care. It is because His plan for mankind is resting in
these events. It is a finely tuned plan that involves many people and
situations-all operating at the same time. It can seem cruel at times. But
God knows that His children cannot worship Him if they are in bondage
and lose all hope. He won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we can
bear, so He has a plan of deliverance for each of us. This plan is not
always the kind of deliverance we might think is best. It sometimes has
pain surrounding the deliverance. When a mother gives birth, that child is
delivered into this world through much pain. But with that pain comes
great joy on the other side. Every mother will say the pain was worth it
because of the exceeding joy that child brought in the midst of the pain.

What are you in bondage to today? What keeps you from entering true
worship? Work can keep us in bondage if we fail to enter into freedom in
Christ during our workday. Today, ask God to show you the areas of
bondage that you are living in so that you may worship Him.







January 29, 2007

In the Zone


by Os Hillman


Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant
Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may
be successful wherever you go. - Joshua 1:7

In sports, there is a term known as "in the zone." It is a description of a
person executing his skills so well that total concentration is taking place,
and the athlete is performing flawlessly. It is a wonderful feeling.
Performance seems effortless because it comes so easily. For the tennis
player, it is hitting every shot right where he wants. For the baseball
pitcher, it is throwing to a strike zone that seems big as a house. For the
golfer, the fairways are wide, and the hole is big. Everything is flowing just
right.

I grew up playing competitive golf. I turned pro out of college for a few
years, but later God led me away from playing professionally. When I
played competitively, I knew when I was in the zone and when I wasn't. A
few years ago, I played in my club championship. It was the opening round,
and I was in the zone. I recall the difference was that my mental attitude
was focused on executing the swing I wanted to make with little regard to
the outcome. I could visualize the swing so well; it was like a movie
picture in my mind. Very little thought was given to the outcome of the
shot. I knew that if I could make the right swing, the outcome would take
care of itself. That day I shot four under par 68. I went on to win the golf
tournament. I have had few such days of being "in the zone."

Obedience in the Christian life is being in the zone. When we live a life of
obedience, we begin to experience the reality of God like never before.
Wisdom grows in our life. Meaning and purpose are accelerated. In the
early Church, the Hebrews gained wisdom through obedience. Later, the
Greeks were characterized as gaining wisdom through reason and
analysis. Today, we live in a very Greek-influenced Church. Many
Christians determine if they will obey based on whether the outcome will
be beneficial to them. Imagine if the early Church had adopted this
philosophy. No walls would have fallen down at Jericho. No Red Sea would
have parted. No one would have been healed. No coins would have been
found in the mouth of a fish. Reason and analysis would not have led to
making the obedient decision. Trust and obey. Leave the outcome to God.






January 28, 2007

Placing Trust in Our Strength


by Os Hillman


So the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel
fell dead. - 1 Chronicles 21:14

When was the last time your overconfidence cost the lives of 70,000 men?
That is exactly what happened to David. David made what might appear to
be an innocent request of his general, Joab. But the minute Joab heard
the request he cringed. He knew David was in big trouble for this one.
You see to number the troops was a great sin in Israel because it was
against the law. Why? Because it demonstrated that you were placing
more trust in numbers than in the living God. David displayed enough
pride to cost the lives of 70,000 fighting men. God gave him three choices
of punishment for his sin. A plague was the one he chose, and it resulted
in the loss of 70,000.

Throughout Israel's history, God set the stage for battles to be won,
miracles to take place, and people to exercise faith. The stage was always
set so that man could not take credit for what God did. Consider Gideon
who was only allowed 300 men to fight an army of 100,000. Consider
Jehoshaphat, who had to lead his army with his singers. God defeated the
enemy. Consider Joshua, who was told simply to walk around Jericho
seven times, and they would get victory. God did things in some very
unconventional ways!

How does this relate to you and me as workplace believers? Well, the
minute you and I place more trust in our abilities than in God, we are guilty
of numbering the troops. How does He punish us? Maybe it's through
letting a deal go sour. Maybe it's through problems with a client or
vendor. Maybe situations just blow up in our face. Other times, He lets us
go on for a long time doing our own thing, but eventually He deals with it.

The lesson here is to learn daily and complete dependence on God. Use
your gifts and abilities through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him daily
for direction and wisdom. His ways won't always line up with conventional
wisdom. When we begin depending on our abilities only, God has a
responsibility to make known to us who is the giver of the blessings.



January 27, 2007

Seeing the Works of God


by Os Hillman

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty
waters. They saw the works of the Lord.... - Psalm 107:23-24a

When you were a child, perhaps you may have gone to the ocean for a
vacation. I recall wading out until the waves began crashing on my knees.
As long as I could stand firm, the waves were of no concern to me.
However, as I moved farther and farther into the ocean, I had less control
over my ability to stand. Sometimes the current was so strong it moved me
down the beach, and I even lost my bearings at times. But I have never
gone so far into the ocean that I was not able to control the situation.

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the
situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is
doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we see the
works of God.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and
heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves,
which changed the world. The power wasn't seen until circumstances got
to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has
to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His
works.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended time.
Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for 17 years. Rejection by
his brothers, enslavement to Pharaoh, and imprisonment were the deep
waters for Joseph. During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a
special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his
years. The deep water was preparation for a task that was so great he
never could have imagined it. He was to see God's works more clearly
than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a 30-year-old
to mess it up. So, God took Joseph through the deep waters of
preparation to ensure that he would survive what he was about to face.
Pride normally engulfs such young servants who have such access to
power at such a young age.

If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater
the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep
waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life.







January 26, 2007

WHEN I SAID, "MY FOOT IS SLIPPING," YOUR LOVE, O LORD
SUPPORTED ME.   WHEN ANXIETY WAS GREAT WITHIN ME,
YOUR CONSOLATION BROUGHT JOY TO MY SOUL.
       ( PSALM 94:18-19 *NIV )


Whenever life throws you a curve, and you feel anxiety
build up within, always turn to Jesus.  For you may always;
CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM FOR HE CARES FOR
YOU.  ( 1 PETER 5:7 )

After all Jesus Christ said; "DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS
BE TROUBLED.  TRUST IN GOD; TRUST ALSO IN ME."
( JOHN 14:1 )  Therefore, "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled."

Let not your heart be troubled,
Give your worries and cares to Me.
I am your Heavenly Father
Who suffered and died for thee.
There are times throughout your Earthly life
When you are filled with doubts and fear.
Always come to Me in prayer
And know that I am near.
The love I have for you, dear child,
Can never be bought or measured.
It's a gift I freely give to you.
It is My most precious treasure.
When sorrow or pain come your way
And life seems to be unfair,
Let not your heart be troubled...
Just come to Me in prayer.
            Poet: Shirley Hile Powell

Make it a great weekend and God Bless You!!!



January 25, 2007

Horizontal Versus Vertical


by Os Hillman

Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and
hid him in the sand. - Exodus 2:12

Moses saw the pain of his people. He saw the bondage and the injustice.
His heart was enraged, and he decided he would do something. He would
take matters into his own hands. The result was murder. The motive was
right, but the action was wrong. He went horizontal instead of vertical with
God. Moses fled to the desert, where God prepared the man who would
ultimately be the deliverer of a nation. But it took 40 years of preparation
before God determined Moses was ready. He was a professional
businessman-a sheepherder. It was during the mundane activity of work
that God called on him to be a deliverer.

Moses was like a lot of enthusiastic Christian workplace believers who
seek to solve a spiritual problem with a fleshly answer. The greatest
danger to the Christian workplace believer is his greatest strength-his
business acumen and expertise to get things done. This self-reliance can
become our greatest weakness when it comes to moving in the spiritual
realm. We're taught to be problem solvers. But, like Moses, if our
enthusiasm and passion are not harnessed by the power of the Holy Spirit,
we will fail miserably. Peter had to learn this lesson too. His enthusiasm
got him into a lot of trouble. But God was patient, just as He is patient with
each of us. Sometimes He must put us in the desert for a time in order to
season us so that Christ is allowed to reign supreme in the process.

Before you act, pray and seek the mind of Christ until you know it is God
behind the action. Check it out with others. You may save yourself a trip to
the desert.





January 24, 2007

Seeing a Greater Purpose in Adversity


by Os Hillman

But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" - Acts 16:28

Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison. An earthquake erupted
and the jail cell was opened. It's Paul and Silas' opportunity. "Deliverance!
Praise God!" might be the appropriate response. But this is not what Paul
and Silas did. In fact, rather than leave, they sat quietly in their cell area.
The guard, in fear of his life, knew that it would be automatic death if
prisoners escaped. Paul and Silas did not leave because they saw a
higher purpose for which they were in prison. They were not looking at
their circumstance; they were much more concerned about the unsaved
guard. The story goes on to explain how Paul and Silas went home with
the guard and his family. Not only was the guard baptized, but his entire
household as well.

What a lesson this is for us. How often we are so busy looking for
deliverance from our circumstance that we miss God completely. God is
looking to do wonders with our circumstances if we will only look for them.
Sometimes as workplace believers we become so obsessed with our
goals we miss the process that God involves us in, which may be where
his wonder lies. What if that bill collector who has been hounding you is
unsaved and he is there for you to speak to? What if a problem account
has arisen due to something God is doing beyond what you might see at
this time? Our adverse situations can often be the door of spiritual
opportunity for those who need it.

I saw this personally when God allowed me to go through a number of
adversities. It took some time, but I saw some great blessings as a result
of those adversities. When God said that "all things work together for
good for those who are called according to His purposes" (see Rom. 8:28),
He meant all things. It is up to us to find the "work together for good" part
by being faithful to the process. In the next adversity you face, tune your
spiritual antennae and ask God for discernment to see the real purpose
for the adversity.




January 23, 2007

NO TEMPTATION HAS SEIZED YOU EXCEPT WHAT IS COMMON
TO MAN.  AND GOD IS FAITHFUL; HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE A
WAY OUT SO THAT YOU CAN STAND THE TEST.
 ( 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 *NIV )

Now as you know this World is filled with sinful desires.  
Temptations are everywhere, for you can find them on Television,
in the Movies, or even on the Internet as well!

Now this isn't something new for even our Savior Jesus Christ
even faced temptation on this Earth as well!  That is written in
the Book of Luke, ( 4:1-13.)  Therefore when you find yourself
being tempted, remember who the great tempter is and; BE
SELF-CONTROLLED AND ALERT YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL
PROWLS AROUND LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR.
( 1 PETER 5:8 )

Also never think that God is tempting you, for it is written;
WHEN TEMPTED, NO ONE SHOULD SAY, "GOD IS TEMPTING
ME."  FOR GOD CANNOT BE TEMPTED BY EVIL, NOR DOES
HE TEMPT ANYONE; BUT EACH ONE IS TEMPTED WHEN,
BY HIS OWN EVIL DESIRE, HE IS DRAGGED AWAY AND
ENTICED.  ( JAMES 1:13-14 )

Always turn to prayer when you find yourself being
tempted. FOR WE DO NOT HAVE A HIGH PRIEST WHO IS
UNABLE TO SYMPATHIZE WITH OUR WEAKNESSES, BUT
WE HAVE ONE WHO HAS BEEN TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY,
JUST AS WE ARE YET WITHOUT SIN.  LET US THEN
APPROACH THE THRONE OF GRACE WITH CONFIDENCE,
SO THAT WE MAY RECEIVE MERCY AND FIND GRACE TO
HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED.  ( HEBREWS 4:15-16 )

Now may; THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BE
WITH YOUR SPIRIT, the next time you face temptation!  
(PHILIPPIANS 4:23 )



January  22,  2007

The Proper Foundation


by Os Hillman, January 22, 2007


Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1a

Imagine spending years building an expensive home with the finest
materials and craftsmanship. It is a work of art, and the project is almost
complete. As the day arrives to move in, a building inspector arrives and
hands you a notice that condemns your beautiful home because it doesn't
meet code.

Many Christian workplace believers who invest years in their businesses
will one day stand before the Lord and realize they were building the
house, not the Lord. God is very picky about motives behind the actions.
Before we act, we must ask why? Why are we doing what we are doing?
Has God called us to this task? Or is the real motive purely financial? Or
control. Or prestige.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones,
wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day
will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the
quality of each man's work (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

David learned this principle by the end of his life. Throughout his life he
had learned that God always tested him to find out what was in his heart,
and what his motive was in his actions. David instructed his son to "...
acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted
devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and
understands every motive behind the thoughts" (1 Chron. 28:9a).





January 21, 2007

The Skillful Worker


by Os Hillman

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve
before obscure men. - Proverbs 22:29

The Lord has called each of us to be excellent in what we do. Those whom God
used in the Kingdom as workplace ministers were skilled and exemplified
excellence in their field. Not only were these men skilled, they were filled with God's
Spirit.

Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of
Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill,
ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-to make artistic designs for work in gold,
silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all
kinds of craftsmanship" (Exodus 31:1-5).

Consider Huram, the master craftsman of bronze in whom Solomon entrusted much
of the temple designs. He was a true master craftsman (see 1 Kings 7:14).

Consider Joseph, whose skill as an administrator was known throughout Egypt and
the world. Consider Daniel, who served his king with great skill and integrity. The
list could go on-David, Nehemiah, Acquilla and Priscilla.

I recall the first issue of an international publication we began. It was common to
hear the comment, "It doesn't even look like a Christian magazine." They were
saying the quality and excellence exceeded what they equated to Christian work.
What a shame. Has inferior quality become synonymous with Christian work?

May we strive for excellence in all that we do for the Master of the universe.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for
men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a
reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).




January 20, 2007

Thirsting After God


by Os Hillman

..."Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit".... - 2 Kings 2:9

The first requirement to move in greater power and authority in God is to
hunger for it. Yet even this hunger is born from God. Elisha hungered
after God. Elisha saw many miracles as Elijah's servant. But he wanted
more. He wanted a double portion of Elijah's spirit. When he asked Elijah
for this, the prophet responded, "You have asked a difficult thing." It
wasn't because it couldn't be granted. Elijah knew that with great
anointing came a great weight of responsibility and difficulty.

Second, humility comes before honor. Elisha was known as the "servant
of Elijah." How would you like to be known as "the servant of John"? Your
name is not even mentioned. This was the preparation of Elisha. It has
been the preparation of many men of God. Consider Joseph, the servant
of Pharaoh. Consider David, the servant of Saul.

Third, Elisha committed himself totally to his calling. The Scripture says
when Elisha was called to join Elijah, the younger man left his farm
business completely. He slaughtered his oxen and had a great feast for
the community. It was all or nothing. He could not fall back on his farm
trade if his new venture didn't work. This demonstrates Elisha's pioneer
spirit in stepping out, not knowing what was ahead.

Do you want greater anointing in God? "You will seek Me and find Me
when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you" (Jer. 29:13-
14a). Begin thirsting for God's anointing in your heart today. This is the
starting place.





January 19, 2007

AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, ANYONE WHO TRUSTS IN HIM
WILL NEVER BE PUT TO SHAME.  FOR THERE IS NO
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JEW AND GENTILE-THE SAME
LORD IS LORD OF ALL AND RICHLY BLESSES ALL WHO
CALL ON HIM.
( ROMANS 10:11-12 *NIV )


We all are guilty of forgetting our blessings once in a while,
and not thanking our Heavenly Father for the many blessings
that He has given to us.  This is even though; FROM THE
FULLNESS OF HIS GRACE WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED ONE
BLESSING  AFTER ANOTHER.  ( JOHN 1:16 )

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale once wrote, that if you spend
two minutes each morning counting all of your blessings,
you will find that the day will turn out well!  So why not try
that today, and while you are counting them remember to
thank God for them.  After all through Him all our blessings
flow indeed!

Therefore; THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INCREDIBLE
GIFTS, ( 2 CORINTHIANS 9:15 ) and when you thank Him
make sure that you are; ALWAYS GIVING THANKS TO
GOD THE FATHER FOR EVERYTHING, IN THE NAME OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.  ( EPHESIANS 5:20 )

Have a wonderful weekend and may; THE LORD
BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU; THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE
TO SHINE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.  
( NUMBERS 6:24 )



January 18, 2007

Standing in the Gap


by Os Hillman

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand
before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy
it, but I found none. - Ezekiel 22:30

The people of Israel fell into sin when they worshiped the golden calf. It
would not be the last time God's people would fall into idol worship. They
had forgotten the great things God had done for them. This angered God
so much that He was going to destroy the whole nation. Only one thing
changed God's mind in the matter-Moses. Psalm 106:23 says, "...had not
Moses, His chosen one, stood in the breach before Him to keep His wrath
from destroying them." Moses was a man willing to stand in the gap,
sacrificially, for those who were not deserving of such sacrifice. This
sacrificial love by Moses is called for among His people today.

The prophet Ezekiel described another situation in which God's people
fell into sin. God was ready to destroy the nation when He spoke to
Ezekiel, asking him if there is a man willing to stand in the gap so that God
would not have to destroy His people.

Judah was a man who stood in the gap on behalf of his younger brother
Benjamin. Joseph held his brother Simeon hostage as insurance that the
other brothers would bring Benjamin to Egypt. Judah had a long history of
a me-focused life, but in this instance he came forward to stand in the gap
for his younger brother. He responded to the anguish of his father, Jacob,
by personally guaranteeing the safe return of both Simeon and Benjamin.
Judah's sacrifice was rewarded (see Gen. 42-43).

Just as Christ did, we are to be those who will stand in the gap on behalf
of others who are not aware of their own vulnerable condition. It is a
proactive sacrificial position. Who is God calling you to stand in the gap
for? Perhaps it is a mate; perhaps it is a coworker who has not come to
know the Savior; perhaps it is a wayward child. Are you willing to become
the sacrificial offering to God to change His plans of judgment because of
your willingness to stand in their place? This is a hard teaching. This is
what Jesus did for each of us. When we stand in the place of another, God
moves because of our willingness to stand on their behalf. If we don't, His
plans will go forward because He is a righteous and holy God who will
honor His own word, even if it means destruction. Are you willing to stand
in the breach of the wall for someone today? Perhaps you are the only
person who will stand on someone's behalf.




January 17, 2007

Recognizing Our Source


by Os Hillman


But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to
produce wealth. - Deuteronomy 8:18a

Pride is the greatest temptation to a successful workplace minister. When
we begin accumulating wealth, managing people, and becoming known for
our workplace expertise, we are most susceptible to falling to the most
devious sin in God's eyes-pride. The Bible tells us that God is the reason
we are able to produce wealth. It is not of our own making. As soon as we
move into the place where we begin to think more highly of ourselves
than we ought, God says he will take action.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have
produced this wealth for me."....If you ever forget the Lord your God and
follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you
today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord
destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord
your God (Deuteronomy 8:17,19-20).

These are strong words from God. It demonstrates His utter impatience
for any people who think that what they have accomplished has anything
to do with their own power. It is God who gives us the skill, the mind, the
resources, the energy, the drive, and the opportunities in life to
accomplish anything. When we become prideful in heart, He will begin a
process of reproof in our life.

Today is a good day to examine whether we have fallen prey to pride. Are
you sharing what God has entrusted to you with God's people, or the
needy? Are you being the instrument of blessing that God desires for His
people to be? What areas of pride have crept into your life? Ask the Lord
to show you this today. And avoid being put on the shelf. Nothing is worse
than being cast aside because of our own pride.





January 16, 2007

God's Tests


by Os Hillman


..."What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father,
that he is trying to take my life?" - 1 Samuel 20:1

The cost of being one of God's anointed can be great. Those whom God
has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a
special preparation. David was anointed to be the next king over Israel.
Shortly after this, while still a young boy, he was brought into King Saul's
service to play music in Saul's court. While there, the opportunity to stand
up against Goliath elevated David for his next stage of development as
future king. As his popularity grew so did Saul's jealousy. However, even
Saul's jealousy was God's instrument for molding and shaping David.

Saul finally decided he could no longer tolerate David's success and
popularity among the people, so he tried to kill David. The confused young
shepherd boy spent many years hiding in wilderness caves before he was
able to see the hand of God in all of this. No doubt David thought that
when Samuel anointed him he would be conveniently raised up to be king
with all the accompanying benefits of kingship. Not so. God's preparation
of David involved much persecution, disloyalty, and hardship. These were
the lessons necessary to be a godly king. God brought many tests in
David's life, just as He did with Saul. David passed these tests. Saul did
not.

When God anoints us, it often is accompanied by some severe tests.
These tests are designed to prepare us for the calling God has on our life.
Should we fail these tests God cannot elevate us to the next level. For a
workplace believer, these tests often involve money, relationships, and
other issues of the heart.

What if God has chosen you for a specific purpose in His Kingdom? Are
you passing the tests He is bringing about in your life? These tests are
designed to bring about greater obedience. In most instances, it will
involve great adversity. The Bible tells us that the King of kings learned
obedience through the things that He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). If this is
true, why would it be any different for His children? Be aware of the tests
God may be bringing before you in order to prepare you for His service.





January 15, 2007

Obedience-Based Decisions Versus Skill and Ability


by Os Hillman


As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam
trees, move out to battle. - 1 Chronicles 14:15a

The Philistines were attacking. David wanted to know how to respond. His
first inquiry of God revealed that he was to attack the Philistines
straightaway and God would give him victory. David followed God's
instruction and gained victory. Shortly after, the Philistines mounted
another attack. "So David inquired of God again, and God answered him,
'Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of
the balsam trees' " (1 Chron. 14:14).

David was a well-trained warrior, a strategist. Yet, we find that David's
dependence on God to direct his efforts was very great. In fact, after he
won the first battle, he went right back to inquire again. This is the most
important lesson we can learn from this story. God told David to attack,
but only after he heard the marching in the balsam trees.

How many times have you or I operated in the workplace based only on
our skill and ability, without seeking to know the details of God's will in the
matter? David could have simply assumed that since he had won the last
battle, surely God would give him victory the same way. No. David had
learned that communicating with the living God is the only sure way of
victory. His skill was not enough. He had to have God's blessing.

How many times have we worked in our work life the same way each time
only because it was the way we did it last time? What if God has a better
way? What if God has a different plan than ours? "So David inquired of
God..." These are the important words that we are to learn from. We must
be in such relationship with God that we are constantly inquiring of His
mind on every matter. When we do this, we can expect the same results
that David achieved-success in our endeavor and recognition by God.

"So David's fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the
nations fear him" (1 Chron. 14:17). This is the reward of obedience to God.
We don't have to build a name for ourselves. God will see to it that we are
honored for our obedience. He wants to make known those servants who
are willing to obey Him at all costs.




January 14, 2007

Move On!


by Os Hillman, January 14, 2007


..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on." - Exodus
14:15

Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a
dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's
pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after ten plagues God had
inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally, Pharaoh
had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They thought they
were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a strange thing.
He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red Sea, instead of the
northern route around the Red Sea. God explained that He didn't want
them fighting the enemies they would have encountered on this route.
But still, there was the issue of the Red Sea.

They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where
they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his
mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The
defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in
Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better
for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex. 14:11b-12)

God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a
work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be
failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells
us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was
angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."

"But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by
sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God
is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the
way He wants it. No one will get glory except God.

A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of a marriage
separation that eventually led to a divorce, "You must not withdraw from
being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are in.
God's hand is on your life. There are too many who are depending on you
to fulfill the purposes God has in your life. Keep moving! Keep investing
yourself in others." I didn't feel like it. I was in too much pain. But I did it
anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need once I decided
simply to be obedient. Getting past myself by investing myself in others
helped heal the pain. There is great healing when we look past our own
problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for the sake of Christ.
This is when our own Red Seas become parted. We begin to walk to
freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of the Red Sea in our
lives if we don't first "Keep moving."



January 13, 2007

Finding the Will of God


by Os Hillman

I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. - Psalm 40:8

How would you describe the process by which you find and do God's will
in your life? For some, finding God's will is like playing bumper cars. We
keep going in one direction until we bump into an obstacle, turn, and go in
another direction. It is a constant process of elimination, failure, or
success. Is this the way God would have us find His will? No. There is
much more relationship between hearing God's voice and living within the
mystery of His omnipotence in our lives. Perhaps this process is more like
water in a streambed. The water is constantly flowing to a final destination.
As it presses against the streambed, it gently points the water toward its
final destination. There are no abrupt head-on collisions, simply slight
modifications of direction. Occasionally, we come to a sharp turn in the
contours of our life. For those times, God allows us to stretch our normal
response to change. A popular Bible study says that we cannot go with
God and stay where we are. Finding and doing God's will always require
change. What changes are necessary in your life to join God in what He is
already doing?

There is a direct connection between finding and doing God's will and
having God's law in our heart. A friend once complained that he did not
know what God wanted of him in his life. My immediate response was,
"How much time do you spend with God in Bible study, prayer, and
meditation on Scripture?" "Only a few minutes a day," he replied. How can
we expect to hear and discern God's voice if we don't spend focused time
with Him? If you have a spouse, how did you get to know him or her before
you were married? You spent time together. You got to know everything
about each other. Our walk with God is no different. It isn't enough to
have a desire to follow God; we must put our energy into getting to know
Him. His will for us flows out of our relationship, it is not an end in itself.
Commit yourself to seeking Him more in your life by spending more time
with Him. "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and
unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3).





January 12, 2007

Wrestling With God


by Os Hillman, January 12, 2007


The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because
of his hip. - Genesis 32:31

Jacob was a man who was a controller. He connived and manipulated his
way to get what he wanted. It was a generational stronghold passed down
through his mother, who encouraged her son to play a trick on his father,
Isaac, by pretending to be Esau. This trick led Isaac to give the family
blessing to Jacob, which meant Jacob would eventually inherit the land
God had promised to Abraham's seed. Jacob also learned control from his
uncle Laban who caused Jacob to work for 14 years to take Rachel as his
lifelong mate. One must ask which was more ugly in God's sight, the self-
centered nature and worldliness of Esau, or the control and manipulation
of Jacob?

Control is a problem for men and women. Many women use sex to control
their husbands. Many men use power and force to control their wives.
Control is at the core of that which is opposite the cross-self-rule. What
delivers us from this fleshly nature of control? A crisis. Jacob's crisis
came when he was faced with the prospect of meeting a brother who said
he would kill him the next time he saw him. Esau had built his own clan
and was about to meet Jacob and his clan in the middle of the desert.
Jacob was fearful, so he retreated. There he met a messenger from God
who wrestled with him. Jacob clung to God and refused to let go of this
angel. It is the place where Jacob was given a painful but necessary
spiritual heart transplant. From that point on, Jacob would walk with a
limp, because God had to dislocate his hip in order to overcome Jacob's
strong will.

For workplace believers, God often has to "dislocate our hip" through
failure and disappointment. Sometimes it is the only way He can get our
attention. Our nature to control and manipulate is so strong that it takes a
catastrophic event to wake us up. Yet God did not reject Jacob for these
character traits. In fact, God blessed him greatly because He saw
something in Jacob that pleased Him. He saw a humble and contrite heart
beneath the cold and manipulative exterior of Jacob's life, and it was that
trait that God needed to develop. He did this by bringing about the crisis
in Jacob's life that led to total consecration. This event was marked by
Jacob getting a new name, Israel. For the first time, Jacob had a nature
change, not just a habit change. What will God have to do in our lives to
gain our complete consecration to His will and purposes?

"Beware of the Christian leader who does not walk with a limp."

Bob Mumford (Used by permission.)




January 11, 2007

Obedience


by Os Hillman,

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought
trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all. -
Exodus 5:23

Have you ever felt that the more obedient you are to following God, the
more adversity there is? Moses had been instructed to go to Pharaoh and
tell him to release the people of Israel. God had said He was going to
deliver the people through Moses. The only problem is that God did not
tell Moses at what point they actually would be released. When Moses
complained to God, the Lord told Moses that He had to harden Pharaoh's
heart in order to perform greater miracles. God was behind hardening
Pharaoh's heart. We forget that the king's heart is in God's hand. God had
a specific reason for each plague and each delay. God said to Moses,

"I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may
perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them that you may tell your
children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how
I performed My signs among them, and that you may know that I am the
Lord" (Exodus 10:1b-2).

God has a reason for everything He does. These delays were designed to
bring greater glory to God and were to be a lasting legacy of God's miracle-
working power for generations to come.

When the people were freed, God again hardened Pharaoh's heart to go
after them. This action of God to harden Pharaoh's heart was to set the
stage for an even greater miracle-the parting of the Red Sea. The people
were angry with Moses for bringing them to the desert "to die." But God
said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move
on" (Ex. 14:15b). There was only one place to go by this time-the Red Sea.
God parted the Red Sea, and another greater miracle took place.

Moses learned several lessons that each of us must learn. God's
promises are true, but His timing is not the same as ours. God always
wants greater glory than what we might be willing to give Him. God puts
obstacles and adversity into our lives in order to build perseverance and
faith. Why has God put the mountain in your life at this time? To
demonstrate His power through your life. To show His glory.





January 10, 2007

SO THE KING GAVE THE ORDER, AND THEY BROUGHT
DANIEL AND THREW HIM INTO THE LION'S DEN.*
( DANIEL 6:16 *NIV )
*The Aramaic word for "DEN" means pit, thus implying that
it was underground.


There are times that we may feel just like poor Daniel
did when he was thrown into the lion's den.  However,
just like Daniel our faith will come to our rescue as well!

After all; HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF
THE MOST HIGH WILL REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE
ALMIGHTY.  I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, HE IS MY
REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS, MY GOD IN WHOM I
TRUST.  ( PSALM 91:1-2 )  Further God has said; "FEAR
NOT, FOR I HAVE REDEEMED YOU; I HAVE CALLED
YOU BY NAME; YOU ARE MINE."  ( ISAIAH 43:1-2 )

God has also stated; "DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH
YOU; DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD.  I
WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU; I WILL
UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND."
( ISAIAH 41:10 )  Therefore; "CALL UPON ME IN THE
DAY OF TROUBLE; I WILL DELIVER YOU, AND YOU
WILL HONOR ME."  ( PSALM 50:15 )

So , when you feel like Daniel always; TRUST IN
THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND LEAN NOT
ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL YOUR WAYS
ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR
PATHS STRAIGHT.  ( PROVERBS 3:5-6 )

Now have a wonderful day , knowing that you
are in good company with God by your side!


January 9, 2007

God-Inspired Delays


by Os Hillman, January 9, 2007


Yet when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two
more days. - John 11:6

Delays in our life are not always easy to handle or to reconcile in our
minds. Often, when God does not answer our prayers in the time that we
feel He should, we appoint all sorts of characteristics to God's nature that
imply He does not care. Such was the case with Lazarus' sisters when
Lazarus became ill and died. Jesus was a close friend to Lazarus and his
two sisters, Mary and Martha. (Mary, you may recall, was the woman who
came and poured perfume on Jesus' feet.) When Jesus arrived two days
later, Martha shamed Him by saying, "If You had come he would not have
died." She implied that He didn't care enough to come when sent for. It
was a matter of priorities for Jesus, not lack of love.

God often has to delay His work in us in order to accomplish something
for His purposes that can be achieved only in the delay. Jesus had to let
Lazarus die in order for the miracle that was about to take place to have
its full effect. If Jesus had simply healed a sick man, the impact of the
miracle would not have been as newsworthy as resurrecting a man who
had been dead for four days. This is Jesus' greatest "public relations act"
of His whole ministry. What many do not realize is that the key to the whole
story is in the next chapter.

Many people, because they had heard that He had given this miraculous
sign, went out to meet Him. So the Pharisees said to one another, "See,
this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!"
(John 12:18-19)

If Jesus had not raised Lazarus from the dead, there would have been no
crowds to cheer the Lord when He came into Jerusalem riding on a
donkey.

God often sets the stage so that His glory is revealed through the events
that He orchestrates. He did this with Moses and Pharaoh, allowing delay
after delay for release of the Israelites from Egypt. He did this with
Abraham and Sarah for the promised child, Isaac. God granted Sarah a
baby past the age of childbearing in order to demonstrate His power.

God did this in my own life. He delayed the fulfillment of what I believed
He called me to do for several years. But the delays provided the
necessary preparation and greater glory that God was to receive. My
friend, don't take the delays lightly. Do not faint as God places you in what
seems to be a holding pattern. God is at work. God knows the purposes
for His delays. Don't give up, for they are for His greater glory; so we need
to remain faithful.



January 8, 2007

Dealing With an Angry Conscience
An Angry Conscience Takes Vengeance In the Wrong Places

Knowledge is power. It provides necessary insight into situations and
problems so we can be better armed to deal with them. There are a host of
dilemmas that we face that we have no chance of shaping into our desired
outcome. Yet, with knowledge, we can make progress and, if nothing else,
find peace with the outcome.

Men will do whatever they can to be at peace with themselves. The war
raging in their minds to have their own way is palpable. It may conflict with
societal norms, their core beliefs, or their upbringing. When this conflict
occurs, the mind will wrestle and either cease from violating their beliefs
or attempt to beat them into submission.

The conscience is a powerful tool if it is attuned to the standard of God's
word ( 1 Timothy 3:9). Yet, when it is not, it can lead us down dangerous
paths ( 1 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 10:22).

Silencing a guilty conscience is an arduous task filled with pain and
confusion. We arm ourselves with rationalizations and denials and wade
into battle. When we find victory, we can be at peace with our actions and
continue on our selfish path. When we lose or find stalemate, our
emotions become frayed and fierce.

When someone knows they are violating their conscience and cannot
silence its protests, they become hostile to whomever agrees with their
conscience. Being at peace with themselves means they must eliminate
all of the reminders of their conscience's complaints. The embodiment of
their conscience may be a relative, friend, or coworker. They are the ones
who remind the person of their sin. Their mere presence is enough to stir
the pangs of guilt, bringing the pain back to the surface.

A Christian feels sadness over a fellow brother or sister who has left the
Lord. He resolves to visit or call them so he can encourage them to
return. His loving actions are met with open hostility. As he leaves, his
ears ringing with the harsh language of their rebuke, he may wonder what
he has done to deserve such treatment. Accordingly, he may shrink back
from approaching another lapsed member for fear of a repeat
performance.

This diligent Christian likely didn't do anything to incite their hostility. They
were just there to embody the guilty conscience of the sinner. They
represented what the person hated. It wasn't personal. The same reaction
would have occurred if any other Christian would have visited.

As we work with those who have left the Lord so they can indulge in their
sinful lifestyles, we must not give up on them easily. There is a point,
however, in which they have sealed themselves off from returning to God
( Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31). Yet, until then, there is hope.

We approach them in "truth and love" armed with the knowledge that we
may be ignored ( Ephesians 4:15). If the encounter turns hostile, despite
our kindnesses, then we must learn to separate ourselves from the anger.
Realizing it isn't directed at ourselves will help absolve our own guilt for
angering them and allow us to be at peace with our mission in Christ.

Jesus said, "You will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who
endures to the end will be saved" ( Matthew 10:22). Jesus knew he would
be rejected, as will we if we stand for his cause. Sin is the culprit and we
must forever stand against it. The worst course is to appease sinners so
their wrath is cooled. This exhibits fear, a weak faith, and open hostility
toward the soul of the sinner. If we care more for their feelings than their
soul, then we have forgotten all we are about as Christians.


By Richard Mansel (19 December 2006, 09:51 AM)
Read more articles in: Square One




January 7, 2007

The Purpose of the Desert


by Os Hillman, January 7, 2007


Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and
speak tenderly to her. - Hosea 2:14

If you have an important message to convey to someone, what is the best
means of getting the message through? Have you ever tried to talk with
someone who was so busy you could not get him to hear you? Distractions
prevent us from giving our undivided attention to the messenger. So too,
God has His way of taking us aside to get our undivided attention. For
Paul, it was Arabia for three years; for Moses, it was 40 years in the desert;
for Joseph, it was 13 years in Egypt; for David, it was many years of fleeing
from King Saul.

God knows the stubborn human heart. He knows that if He is to
accomplish His deepest work, He must take us into the desert in order to
give us the privilege to be used in His Kingdom. In the desert God
changes us and removes things that hinder us. He forces us to draw deep
upon His grace. The desert is only a season in our life. When He has
accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us
out. He has given us a mission to fulfill that can only be fulfilled after we
have spent adequate time in preparation in the desert. Fear not the
desert, for it is here you will hear God's voice like never before. It is here
you become His bride. It is here you will have the idols of your life
removed. It is here you begin to experience the reality of a living God like
never before. Someone once said, "God uses enlarged trials to produce
enlarged christians so He can put them in enlarged places!"

He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He
delighted in me (2 Samuel 22:20).



January 6, 2007

It is written; IF I SAY, 'I WILL FORGET MY COMPLAINT, I
WILL CHANGE MY EXPRESSION, AND SMILE.'
( JOB 9:27 * NIV )


We all have days when we feel overwhelmed with life's
many problems.  However complaining about then doesn't
change a thing!   So why not smile instead of complain, for
it is said; "Smile and the whole World smiles with you, frown
and you frown alone!"

Now what better way to find a smile than to laugh with joy.
So enjoy today's message, and let it be said; "OUR MOUTHS
WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, OUR TONGUES WITH
SONGS OF JOY."  For; THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS
FOR US, AND WE ARE FILLED WITH JOY. ( PSALM 126:2-3 )


___________________________

Thank God for Church ladies with typewriters. These sentences
actually appeared in Church Bulletins or were announced in Church
Services.  So sit back and let us begin.....


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon
tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in
the recreation hall. Come out and watch us beat Christ the King.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of
those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your
husbands.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled
due to a conflict.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a
nursery downstairs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more
transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests
tapes of Preacher Jack's sermons.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


January 5, 2007

Larry shared these thoughts below with me several months ago and I can
tell you they have made a difference in my life. Wonderful thoughts about
God's plan for us all.
Scott


Humble Enough to be Thankful

By Larry Rouse

The key to finding an abundant and meaningful life is in the grasp of every
man. Jesus plainly promised, “I have come that they may have life, and
that they may have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). The first step in finding
that kind of life is to recognize God and be thankful.

The Gentile world rejected the simplicity and power of God’s plan for one
that required a greater “knowledge,” and a greater effort, only to find that
it resulted in terrible pain and anguish.  They looked at the obvious
evidence for the existence of God and chose not to “glorify Him as God,
nor were thankful.” Their new “world view” caused them to become “futile
in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Rom 1:20-21).
Later, in their modern “guilt-free” lifestyle, they found their lives
descending into misery as they “received in themselves the due penalty
for their perversion” (Rom 1:27 NIV).

The Gentile world was not alone in such a path. The Jews, even though
they outwardly acknowledged God and even mouthed words of
thankfulness, had failed to truly be thankful in their hearts. What was the
result? ”Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and
longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to
repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent
heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and
revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (Rom 2:4-5).

Why is Thankfulness Difficult?

In order to be thankful you must first get “out of yourself” and recognize
the unseen God. Many angrily refuse to do that. Why? Because they
rightly know that acknowledging God also means acknowledging His moral
standard, and they simply refuse to do that.  ”And this is the
condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone
practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his
deeds should be exposed” (Jn 3:19-21).

For the same reason it is difficult for the “religious” man as well.
Hypocrisy results when one refuses God’s moral standard while, at the
same time, seeks a religious reputation so he can have the praise of men.
This unthankful man must live in a world where he hides from his sin but
pretends to be happy. In every case of dishonesty, both with the religious
man and with the worldly man, the end result is a darkened and hardened
heart. There is no joy in this kind of life.

Consider the Powerful Blessings Thankfulness Unlocks

There is a great comfort and joy in acknowledging God’s unmerited and
personal gifts in each of our lives. Every man can come to see the God
who gives to all men and wishes to be known by His giving. When one
yields his life to God in thanksgiving, he will have an abundance that can
never be taken away. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good
pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms;
provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the
heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Lk 12:32-34).

When we are thankful we become aware of the presence of God. We can
look back and see how He has worked in our lives. We can look up and
know His daily care for us and we can be confident that He sees and
knows every event in our lives (Mt 6:25-26).

Rest assured that this is not a mindless thankfulness based upon
pretence and wishful thinking, but it is firmly based upon the God
revealed through His written word. We can do as Jesus did when He hung
upon the cross and looked back with assurance knowing that our God is
“enthroned in the praises of Israel”
(Ps 22:3). Throughout history and throughout the Bible, we know that our
God always answered prayers and provided for His people. Therefore I
know that He never will forsake us! This thankfulness will turn into a
strong confidence that the Bible calls hope. The Hebrew writer proclaims
“...it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who
have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we
have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..” (Heb 6:18-19)

Thankfulness in Suffering

Often through suffering we find the greatest blessing of thankfulness. In
weakness and pain it is easy to see ourselves as we truly are, helpless
creatures completely dependent upon God. We would do well to have this
kind of humility in the midst of our abundance, but it is extraordinarily hard
to do so. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was given as a gift of God lest he be
“exalted above measure”. Paul went on to explain “And He said to me, “My
grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For
when I am weak, then I am strong”
(2 Cor 12:8-10).

Helen Keller, a woman born blind and deaf in a time where little hope was
given to such a person, could look back on her life and acknowledge God.
She said: “I thank God for my handicaps; for, through them, I have found
myself, my work, and my God.” Also she proclaimed: “For three things I
thank God every day of my life: thanks that he has vouchsafed me
knowledge of his works; deep thanks that he has set in my darkness the
lamp of faith; deep, deepest thanks that I have another life to look forward
to-a life joyous with light and flowers and heavenly song. “

In Order to go Forward, We Must Look Back

As you take time to make plans in your life, be sure to first look back and
acknowledge God’s work in your life. From your New Years resolutions to
your ordinary daily plans, acknowledge God. “The Lord is righteous in all
His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon
Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who
fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all
who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the
praise of the Lord, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and
ever” (Psa 145:17-21).

What has the God of heaven done for you? Give thanksgiving to Him!

Respond to this article on my blog:

http://larryrouse.blogspot.com/2007/01/humble-enough-to-be-thankful.html




January 4, 2007

Coming Out of the Stronghold


by Os Hillman, January 4, 2007


..."Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah"... - 1 Samuel 22:
5

David and his fighting men had been hiding in the cave of Adullam. He was
fleeing Saul. Many of life's down-and-out had come and joined David's
army. David was content to stay in the stronghold of safety. Then, God's
prophet came to David and told him that he must leave the stronghold and
go into the land of Judah.

When life beats down on us and we get to the place where we want to
hide in a cave, God often places people around us who prod us into
moving in the right direction. He does not want us to remain in the place
of discouragement. He wants us to move into the land of "praise." Judah
means "praise."

I recall when I went through a very difficult time. It seemed to drag on and
on with no change until finally I wanted to retreat to a cave and forget
pressing on. It was a great time of discouragement. A godly man came to
me and said, "You must keep moving! There are too many who are
depending on you ." I didn't totally understand what he meant at the time.
Now I know he was saying that God is preparing each of us to be the
vessel He wants to use in the life of another person, but we will never be
that vessel if we give up and hide in our cave of discouragement. Not only
must we keep moving, we must move into a new realm. Our attitude must
move from discouragement to praise. It is when we move past
discouragement to praise that we begin living above our problems. Make
a decision today to go into the land of Judah.


January 3, 2007

Your Positioning


by Os Hillman, January 3, 2007


Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own
lips. - Proverbs 27:2

Many years of owning and operating an ad agency taught me that positioning was
defined as a place or position that a product, service, or person held in the mind of
the audience. We knew that often perception was reality for people, regardless of
the truth. For years, I spent time and money seeking to position our company in
the minds of our prospective clients. Although it would seem that is a natural and
logical marketing function, I later discovered there is a dangerous flaw when we
attempt to position ourselves by promoting our own attributes. I discovered that
positioning is a by-product of who we are and what we do, not an end in itself.

King David was my first biblical lesson in coming to understand the difference. Here
was a man who had committed adultery and murder, and failed many times in his
family life. Yet, God describes David as a "man after God's own heart." Isn't that
interesting? Why would God describe someone who had obviously failed in many
areas as one who was after God's own heart? Throughout David's life, we find
frequent descriptions made by God: "So David's fame spread throughout every
land..." (1 Chron. 14:17). Although David did make many mistakes, his heart was
soft toward God and sought to praise Him. David wrote the majority of the Psalms.
God honored what was in David's heart, not his perfection. I believe that God's
strategic placement of David was so that we may learn from and be drawn to the
attribute of David that God primarily wanted him known for-a heart bent toward
Him. His positioning was a by-product of who he was, not an end in itself. In our
business and personal life, our positioning among those who will know us should
be a by-product of our life and service, not an end itself.

What is your "position" today among your peers? I once asked my Bible study
group to ask others, "What do you think of when someone mentions my name?"
This exercise can bring some interesting revelations. It might motivate us to make
some changes, or it might confirm that God is doing a great work in you.

January 2, 2007

Seeing the Big Picture


by Os Hillman, January 2, 2007


..."Everything is against me!" - Genesis 42:36

Eventually, Benjamin along with Jacob's other sons learned that their brother
Joseph was second in command in Egypt. Joseph revealed his identity, and Jacob
was reunited with his son whom he had not seen for more than 13 years. He had
thought Joseph to be dead.

So often we believe our dreams are dead. There seems to be nothing left in our
world to live for. Everything appears to be against us. During these times, God is
doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work. During these times, God is performing
a deeper work in each of us-a work that cannot be seen.

When clients began leaving my ad agency and it dried up for no apparent reason,
it appeared "everything was against me." I could not see that God was
orchestrating a whole new calling on my life. At the moment, it seemed like the
worst thing in the world. It seemed that I had been a failure. But God said, "No." All
the years before had been preparation for what God's ultimate calling would be.
One of God's methods for directing His children's steps is through drying up
resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster. In these times we are willing
to listen more intently, and to seek God in ways we would not normally do. C.S.
Lewis once wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." [C.S.Lewis,
The Problem of Pain (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1962), 93.]


A NEW YEAR

JANUARY 1, 2007

"A New Leaf"

He came to my desk with a quivering lip,
the lesson was done.
"Have you a new sheet for me, dear teacher?
I've spoiled this one"
I took his sheet, all soiled and blotted
and gave him a new one all unspotted.
And into his tired heart I cried,
"Do better now, my child."

I went to the throne with a trembling heart;
the day was done.
"Have you a new day for me, dear Master?
I've spoiled this one."
He took my day , all soiled and blotted
and gave me a new one all unspotted.
And into my tired heart he cried,
"Do better now, my child."

(author unknown)
Respond to any of these
devotionals at our blog at the
following link: