1 Peter 3:15
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. –NIV
Today was one of those days that involved running errands. Like most people who have “to do” lists that never seem to get completely done the errands felt more like an irritation to me rather than a break away.
As I was walking down the aisle I saw someone who I had not seen in a while. We stopped and visited. Life has been tough on this person lately and the few words of encouragement lifted his spirit, reminding him of God’s love and reassured him that he was cared about. Supplies picked up, it was time to head to the check out register. There sat a gentleman retirement age, leather skin and tough outer shell. Within a couple minutes of conversation his soft heart was exposed and his story emerged - working a part time job to help support the grandkids now living with him and his wife while his own children and sister’s children are struggling. A familiar story in our day. Some friendly words, an invite to our upcoming Easter Outreach as an opportunity for his family to connect together and an exchange of smiles later I was headed to my car.
On the way to the car I looked at my friend who was with me. We smiled at each other as he said…God sent us here. I set out to run inconvenient errands, God had an UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE.
Now it is late (nearly 7pm) as I prepare to leave the office for the night. As I reflect on my “done list” for the day I can’t help but smile at God’s UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE for my day. Thank you, Lord. Life is best in the UNEXPECTED ADVENTURES.
Blessings,
Darren
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Finish the Work
Josh 13:1,6
13 When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over..6 "As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you,- NIV
Joshua led the people of Israel over into the Promise Land and they completed a tremendous military campaign – conquering 31 ungodly kings, claiming their territory for God’s people. They have paused to divide the land and God reminds them that there is still land to conquer and not to grow complacent. Yes they have had 31 victories but unless they conquer ALL of the ungodly kingdoms it will come back to hinder them.
What happened? They grew comfortable with their partial success and spoils. They settled into their new land and did not fully conquer the remaining ungodly kingdoms. The rest of the Old Testament reveals the story – God’s people constantly dealing with the consequences of not finishing what they started. Fighting needless wars, dealing with needless controversy and being influenced by needless godlessness.
A little procrastination can do a lot of damage! Most people live life full of good intentions & broken promises. Don’t put of today’s work or responsibility.
Prov 24:30-34
30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — 34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. NIV
I encourage you to DO IT NOW. There is tremendous power in starting something – get moving! Don’t stop, don’t stop half way, see it to completion!
Things left undone pile up. Too many undone items invites needless discouragement, irritation and depression. Has God been speaking to you about something? An area of your life to address, a situation to confront, a project to complete and promise to fulfill?
I encourage you, do today’s work today and you’ll feel better about tomorrow!
Blessings,
Darren
13 When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over..6 "As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you,- NIV
Joshua led the people of Israel over into the Promise Land and they completed a tremendous military campaign – conquering 31 ungodly kings, claiming their territory for God’s people. They have paused to divide the land and God reminds them that there is still land to conquer and not to grow complacent. Yes they have had 31 victories but unless they conquer ALL of the ungodly kingdoms it will come back to hinder them.
What happened? They grew comfortable with their partial success and spoils. They settled into their new land and did not fully conquer the remaining ungodly kingdoms. The rest of the Old Testament reveals the story – God’s people constantly dealing with the consequences of not finishing what they started. Fighting needless wars, dealing with needless controversy and being influenced by needless godlessness.
A little procrastination can do a lot of damage! Most people live life full of good intentions & broken promises. Don’t put of today’s work or responsibility.
Prov 24:30-34
30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — 34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. NIV
I encourage you to DO IT NOW. There is tremendous power in starting something – get moving! Don’t stop, don’t stop half way, see it to completion!
Things left undone pile up. Too many undone items invites needless discouragement, irritation and depression. Has God been speaking to you about something? An area of your life to address, a situation to confront, a project to complete and promise to fulfill?
I encourage you, do today’s work today and you’ll feel better about tomorrow!
Blessings,
Darren
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tell Your Stories
Josh 4:5-7
5…. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off….NIV
The children of Israel are crossing over into the Promise Land. On their way across Joshua tells them to pick up some stones and build a memorial. WHY? So that in the future when their children and grandchildren asked they could tell them the STORY of how God supernaturally parted the waters and delivered them.
STORIES, not theological treaties. STORIES, not academic knowledge. God’s work in mankind is not detached and theoretical it is deeply personal and intimate. It is the story of God moving through and in mankind that the Bible tells, not some abstract doctrine that is removed, cold and callous. It is alive, with all the ups and downs, victories and failures and real life circumstances that help make a very big and sovereign God suddenly feel very close and personal.
What are your STORIES with God? Real life stuff that He has brought you through, things He has taught you and ways He has made Himself known. Stories of victory, stories of doubt, stories of faithfulness, stories of courage. Stories of answered prayer and God’s miraculous power. Stories of God’s grace, His love, His mercy and His patience. Stories already experienced and stories you are still waiting to unfold.
I encourage you to TELL YOUR STORIES. It is your stories that your children, grandchildren, co-workers and friends need to hear. Stories bring God present, stir our faith and draw us close to Him. Stories touch our heart. Just like the stones in Joshua’s times, your STORIES also do something else…they bring God glory.
Josh 4:24
24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." NIV
I encourage you, tell your STORIES. This is what those who do not know our awesome God need to hear!
Blessings,
Darren
5…. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off….NIV
The children of Israel are crossing over into the Promise Land. On their way across Joshua tells them to pick up some stones and build a memorial. WHY? So that in the future when their children and grandchildren asked they could tell them the STORY of how God supernaturally parted the waters and delivered them.
STORIES, not theological treaties. STORIES, not academic knowledge. God’s work in mankind is not detached and theoretical it is deeply personal and intimate. It is the story of God moving through and in mankind that the Bible tells, not some abstract doctrine that is removed, cold and callous. It is alive, with all the ups and downs, victories and failures and real life circumstances that help make a very big and sovereign God suddenly feel very close and personal.
What are your STORIES with God? Real life stuff that He has brought you through, things He has taught you and ways He has made Himself known. Stories of victory, stories of doubt, stories of faithfulness, stories of courage. Stories of answered prayer and God’s miraculous power. Stories of God’s grace, His love, His mercy and His patience. Stories already experienced and stories you are still waiting to unfold.
I encourage you to TELL YOUR STORIES. It is your stories that your children, grandchildren, co-workers and friends need to hear. Stories bring God present, stir our faith and draw us close to Him. Stories touch our heart. Just like the stones in Joshua’s times, your STORIES also do something else…they bring God glory.
Josh 4:24
24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." NIV
I encourage you, tell your STORIES. This is what those who do not know our awesome God need to hear!
Blessings,
Darren
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Do Your Own Dishes
1 Tim 4-8
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. NIV
Many want, or believe, spiritual maturity is something mystical or supernatural –
that it just happens – perhaps through osmosis, time, one special moment/service... That may sound spiritual – but honestly beneath it all usually lies the real reason – spiritual laziness – we want, expect, God to do all the work. Great Christians grasp the fact that Spiritual Maturity is INTENTIONAL. Like all things in life – our spiritual maturity will be shaped by the HABITS we form and dictate our life. The kind of Christian you are 5, 10, 20 years from now will be determined by the spiritual growth habits you form TODAY.
Let me share one point from our message this Sunday…Develop Great Habits as we continue our series Good to GREAT.
Principle of Responsibility – Do Your Own Dishes
We live in a victim mentality and blame game society. Always looking to pass responsibility for the decisions we have made or circumstances we are in or attitudes we have to someone or something else, anywhere but ourselves.
As a Christian, if you have a performance based faith it will often keep you from accepting responsibility for your decisions and circumstances as well. Afraid to admit to God your imperfections, need for help or short comings rather than trusting in His grace to forgive and transform you.
The bottom line however is…people who do not take responsibility for their own life & actions will NEVER change.
Luke 16:10-11
10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. NIV
However, when you accept responsibility for your life you UNLEASH God’s grace to transform you!
Blessings,
Darren
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. NIV
Many want, or believe, spiritual maturity is something mystical or supernatural –
that it just happens – perhaps through osmosis, time, one special moment/service... That may sound spiritual – but honestly beneath it all usually lies the real reason – spiritual laziness – we want, expect, God to do all the work. Great Christians grasp the fact that Spiritual Maturity is INTENTIONAL. Like all things in life – our spiritual maturity will be shaped by the HABITS we form and dictate our life. The kind of Christian you are 5, 10, 20 years from now will be determined by the spiritual growth habits you form TODAY.
Let me share one point from our message this Sunday…Develop Great Habits as we continue our series Good to GREAT.
Principle of Responsibility – Do Your Own Dishes
We live in a victim mentality and blame game society. Always looking to pass responsibility for the decisions we have made or circumstances we are in or attitudes we have to someone or something else, anywhere but ourselves.
As a Christian, if you have a performance based faith it will often keep you from accepting responsibility for your decisions and circumstances as well. Afraid to admit to God your imperfections, need for help or short comings rather than trusting in His grace to forgive and transform you.
The bottom line however is…people who do not take responsibility for their own life & actions will NEVER change.
Luke 16:10-11
10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. NIV
However, when you accept responsibility for your life you UNLEASH God’s grace to transform you!
Blessings,
Darren
Monday, March 14, 2011
Period or Comma?
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” 2 Tim 2:2
Good Christians live the Christian life. They love God, walk with integrity, read the Word and spend time in prayer. They tithe, volunteer to serve, go on mission trips and do what God calls them to do. GREAT Christians on the other hand, do all that and then PASS IT ON.
What did Paul tell Timothy? Equip Others.
You can be a good Christian by obeying God and loving people but if you haven’t poured your life into others your life ends with a period. Great Christians end their life with a comma. Our ultimate service to others is to help them become all God intends for them to be. Great Christians empower other people.
A lot of Christians are very active doing a lot of things and attending a lot of meetings. Some are actually quite productive bearing fruit. But few Christians are reproducing their life – leaving a legacy by developing a spiritual lineage.
Who can you pour yourself into so that your ceiling becomes their floor? Your end becomes their beginning? Ask God to help you discover those you can invest your life in. I encourage to first look under your own roof (family) and then for F.A.T people. Not overweight. Faithful, Available and Teachable people. Help many but train a few.
Remember, good Christians serve the Lord well. Great Christians serve Him well and empower others to do the same.
Blessings,
Darren
Good Christians live the Christian life. They love God, walk with integrity, read the Word and spend time in prayer. They tithe, volunteer to serve, go on mission trips and do what God calls them to do. GREAT Christians on the other hand, do all that and then PASS IT ON.
What did Paul tell Timothy? Equip Others.
You can be a good Christian by obeying God and loving people but if you haven’t poured your life into others your life ends with a period. Great Christians end their life with a comma. Our ultimate service to others is to help them become all God intends for them to be. Great Christians empower other people.
A lot of Christians are very active doing a lot of things and attending a lot of meetings. Some are actually quite productive bearing fruit. But few Christians are reproducing their life – leaving a legacy by developing a spiritual lineage.
Who can you pour yourself into so that your ceiling becomes their floor? Your end becomes their beginning? Ask God to help you discover those you can invest your life in. I encourage to first look under your own roof (family) and then for F.A.T people. Not overweight. Faithful, Available and Teachable people. Help many but train a few.
Remember, good Christians serve the Lord well. Great Christians serve Him well and empower others to do the same.
Blessings,
Darren
Monday, March 7, 2011
Slim Down
“Joy is the serious business of heaven” C.S. Lewis
This statement makes some people uncomfortable, as if joy, especially fun, is illegal, or at least unspiritual. Yet, the Bible is full of reminders and reasons for us to rejoice! In this broken, sinful world we have been given the promises and life of God – we have both reason and permission to enjoy God’s promises and provision!
Here is a question? Are you enjoying your life? Most people are not. Most are waiting to enjoy life. After the to-do list is completed…after retirement…after raise kids…when circumstances change, when have more money…after, later, someday…
Jesus said He came that we may have life and life more abundantly. I ask again – are you deeply enjoying the life God has given you? If life is a gift to enjoy, why are so many discouraged and weighed down all the time? Why so much depression, stress and anxiety?
Let me offer 5 suggestions to help you go against the grain of our American culture and rediscover JOY.
SLOW DOWN
– Speed kills joy. Spiritual development and intimacy with Christ are impossible in a hurried life.
“Be still and know that I am God” Ps 46:10
SLIM DOWN
-Not your diet, you schedule. Simplify your schedule, commitments and goals. Do not get over extended – Learn the word NO. Don’t live other people’s expectations for your life. Ask God where you may need to subtract.
SIT DOWN
-Live in today. Not tomorrow (what may be), not yesterday (what already happened).
LOOK AROUND
-What blessings can you celebrate today? Take time to notice beauty, people, blessings in your life. Grab a pen and paper and make a list. You’ll be surprised and refreshed!
PLAN IN
-Make FUN a priority. Schedule it. Time off, vacations, date night, meals with friends, family time, walk in the morning…other wise life will always be go…go…go. Be intentional about how you spend your time or you will never have any to spend!
Remember, BALANCE is key. To experience abundant life requires us to examine our unhealthy behavior and habits and ask God to help us change them. People who plan time for family, friends, and enjoyment will have a much closer walk with Christ and others. Be different, defy the American culture, live your life to a different beat and ENJOY!
Blessings,
Darren
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Initiative
Gen 41:32-35
32 The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. 33 "And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance…NIV
Joseph has been drug out of prison, cleaned up and presented to Pharaoh because the cupbearer has finally remembered him after two years as the one who interpreted his dream while in prison. Pharaoh presents both dreams to Joseph and asks for an interpretation. Joseph reminds Pharaoh that only God gives interpretations and then commences to give Pharaoh the interpretation of the coming 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine.
Joseph has done what he was asked to do. Interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. BUT the story doesn’t stop there…Joseph takes INITIATIVE and offers Pharaoh a solution. Appoint a man; take a fifth of each year’s provision…
What is Pharaoh’s response? You be that man! Joseph moves from prison to second in command of all of Egypt. God used Joseph’s INITIATIVE as a platform to advance him.
Initiative – the action of taking the first step or move. Ability in originating new ideas or methods.
Does this define you? What would you have done in Joseph’s position? Are you a go to person? At work, at home, at church…are you known as the person who gets things done, does more than required, offers more than expected???
If you and I want to be all that God has for us to be we must be people of INITIATIVE.
God uses those who want to do more than just the minimum.
Blessings,
Darren
32 The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. 33 "And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance…NIV
Joseph has been drug out of prison, cleaned up and presented to Pharaoh because the cupbearer has finally remembered him after two years as the one who interpreted his dream while in prison. Pharaoh presents both dreams to Joseph and asks for an interpretation. Joseph reminds Pharaoh that only God gives interpretations and then commences to give Pharaoh the interpretation of the coming 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine.
Joseph has done what he was asked to do. Interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. BUT the story doesn’t stop there…Joseph takes INITIATIVE and offers Pharaoh a solution. Appoint a man; take a fifth of each year’s provision…
What is Pharaoh’s response? You be that man! Joseph moves from prison to second in command of all of Egypt. God used Joseph’s INITIATIVE as a platform to advance him.
Initiative – the action of taking the first step or move. Ability in originating new ideas or methods.
Does this define you? What would you have done in Joseph’s position? Are you a go to person? At work, at home, at church…are you known as the person who gets things done, does more than required, offers more than expected???
If you and I want to be all that God has for us to be we must be people of INITIATIVE.
God uses those who want to do more than just the minimum.
Blessings,
Darren
365 Challenge - SERVE
365 CHALLENGE – Pray, Give, Serve
March Emphasis – SERVE
It is impossible to separate the message of Christianity from the good works that must follow as a result. Jesus constantly challenged his followers to use their life and deeds as a means to glorify God.
Matt 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -NIV
Every believer has both the privilege and responsibility to use their time, talents and gifting to promote and advance God’s Kingdom
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - NIV
Here Are Some Thoughts On SERVING:
1. Serving is ESSENTIAL to Spiritual Growth
-our motto is “Growing Upwards, Serving Outwards”
-Spiritual maturity only comes as we grow UP in our relationship to the Lord
and OUT in service towards others
2. You Have a PURPOSE
Eph 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – NIV
-You have a divine design. Until you figure it out, life will not make sense
3. Only What is Done For ETERNITY Will Last
-Don’t buy the lie of giving your best time, best talent, best resources
for this world and its toys and accolades. Don’t waste your life, make an
eternal difference!
4. EVERYONE has a Part
-God has designed His Kingdom so that everyone is needed! Christianity is
NOT a spectator sport. Participation is required! Every believer needs to
be both receiving and giving to be spiritually healthy.
If you & I want to experience all that God has for us. If we want God’s Kingdom to be our priority. If we want to make a difference in this world for God’s glory. WE HAVE TO GET INVOLVED. God isn’t looking for perfect people, talented people, super spiritual people…No, God is looking for AVAILABLE people. People ready and willing to make their lives available to serve Him
How Do You Make Yourself Available?
1. Be Spiritually prepared…not perfect, but open to Christ.
2. Listen & Open Your Heart
3. Obey when the Lord Prompts You
4. Volunteer – Find a Need and Fill It
Make a decision in 2011 to SERVE God with greater priority and greater capacity. After all, who knows what God can do in your life in ONE YEAR! Our Church in ONE YEAR!
Take the Challenge!
Blessings,
Darren
March Emphasis – SERVE
It is impossible to separate the message of Christianity from the good works that must follow as a result. Jesus constantly challenged his followers to use their life and deeds as a means to glorify God.
Matt 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -NIV
Every believer has both the privilege and responsibility to use their time, talents and gifting to promote and advance God’s Kingdom
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - NIV
Here Are Some Thoughts On SERVING:
1. Serving is ESSENTIAL to Spiritual Growth
-our motto is “Growing Upwards, Serving Outwards”
-Spiritual maturity only comes as we grow UP in our relationship to the Lord
and OUT in service towards others
2. You Have a PURPOSE
Eph 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – NIV
-You have a divine design. Until you figure it out, life will not make sense
3. Only What is Done For ETERNITY Will Last
-Don’t buy the lie of giving your best time, best talent, best resources
for this world and its toys and accolades. Don’t waste your life, make an
eternal difference!
4. EVERYONE has a Part
-God has designed His Kingdom so that everyone is needed! Christianity is
NOT a spectator sport. Participation is required! Every believer needs to
be both receiving and giving to be spiritually healthy.
If you & I want to experience all that God has for us. If we want God’s Kingdom to be our priority. If we want to make a difference in this world for God’s glory. WE HAVE TO GET INVOLVED. God isn’t looking for perfect people, talented people, super spiritual people…No, God is looking for AVAILABLE people. People ready and willing to make their lives available to serve Him
How Do You Make Yourself Available?
1. Be Spiritually prepared…not perfect, but open to Christ.
2. Listen & Open Your Heart
3. Obey when the Lord Prompts You
4. Volunteer – Find a Need and Fill It
Make a decision in 2011 to SERVE God with greater priority and greater capacity. After all, who knows what God can do in your life in ONE YEAR! Our Church in ONE YEAR!
Take the Challenge!
Blessings,
Darren
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Optimism
10 Plagues, Passover, parting of the Red Seas, manna from heaven, water from a rock, cloud by day, fire by night…all miracles from God’s hand…all in the past.
Ever notice how hard it can be to trust God for today, even though you just watched His powerful hand move yesterday? We are human, aren’t we???
The spies sent to the Promise land have returned and given their report. All 12 spies agree the land is plentiful and the promises of God are as good as promised. However, 10 see only struggles – enemies to conquer, problems to solve, giants to face. 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb see OPPORTUNITY.
Num 14:9
9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." –NIV
Where does this OPTIMISM come from? Our verse in clear, focused on the promises and character of God, Joshua and Caleb were fully confident they would succeed.
The world teaches positive thinking. That is good to a small extent but still has it basis in dependence on self. As Christians our faith is not in self, but Christ. Now that is OPTIMSIM. Paul said it this way…
Phil 1:6
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – NIV
If you want to live life to its fullest you will have to face it with OPTIMISM. Not human positive thinking, but Christ centered optimism.
Are you facing a battle against sin, feeling overcome with situations or circumstances, needing fresh faith for your next challenge??? Be reminded…
“Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us…”
Blessings,
Darren
Ever notice how hard it can be to trust God for today, even though you just watched His powerful hand move yesterday? We are human, aren’t we???
The spies sent to the Promise land have returned and given their report. All 12 spies agree the land is plentiful and the promises of God are as good as promised. However, 10 see only struggles – enemies to conquer, problems to solve, giants to face. 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb see OPPORTUNITY.
Num 14:9
9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." –NIV
Where does this OPTIMISM come from? Our verse in clear, focused on the promises and character of God, Joshua and Caleb were fully confident they would succeed.
The world teaches positive thinking. That is good to a small extent but still has it basis in dependence on self. As Christians our faith is not in self, but Christ. Now that is OPTIMSIM. Paul said it this way…
Phil 1:6
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – NIV
If you want to live life to its fullest you will have to face it with OPTIMISM. Not human positive thinking, but Christ centered optimism.
Are you facing a battle against sin, feeling overcome with situations or circumstances, needing fresh faith for your next challenge??? Be reminded…
“Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us…”
Blessings,
Darren
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