At times we let ourselves get all worked up and stressed out because we’re trying to change something that is beyond our control. Just as no one can add a single day to the length of his life, so there are some situations that we are powerless to alter. But the sovereign Ruler of the universe loves us and holds everything in His hands—including our stressful and seemingly out-of-control situations. Therefore, we have no reason to fret or fear.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
From an email I received today ...
Remember.....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Great words of wisdom from Uncle Peter Boey
He wrote on Psalm 14:
"Christians today tend to be superficial with scarcely a nod towards God, though they claim to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. And they have no love. They live as though God did not really exist. Many do not even read their Bibles, except when they want something, or are in trouble. Some think they can turn God off and on like a tap. Then after enjoying their sinfulness they try to turn back to God.
To turn away from sin, they must repent and read scripture daily, pray, meditate on God’s word, and obey Him. For young Christians this is all too much, so it seems, even if they attend church. They prefer clubs and pubs, dances and drink, concerts and all the other things enjoyed by the sinful unsaved. They should know that God sees them and hates what they do. This need to repent and change is not an option to be chosen if we wish, but a command of God. Therefore, those who are spiritually mature must remind them of this."
Source: Psalm 14 Study Notes by Peter Boey Pak Poh
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Good Desire, Bad Desire by Cameron Lawrence
If the Bible says God gives us the desires of our heart, does that mean we get whatever we want?
In his sermon, “The Desires of Your Heart,” Dr. Stanley shows us that humans are complex beings—each of us filled with desires and impulses, some noble and some wicked. Many of them, scripture says, God gives us—most notably, He gives the desire to know and worship Him, whether we decide to or not.
But there are other desires rolling around in our hearts just waiting to be let out and put to work. Some are from God, and some are not. Trouble is, sometimes we get confused. Which desires are godly and given by His Spirit? Which are born out of the sin that still lives in our flesh?
Growing up in church, I often heard those words from Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Somehow I knew that didn’t mean God gives us everything we want. The missing gifts from the lists I made for my birthday and Christmas were proof enough. (I never did get that motorcycle.)
As I got older, the desires of my heart came to include immaterial things as well—the respect of my friends and family, success, and the love of a woman. These things are good in themselves—that is, until a sinful heart gets involved and distorts their essence into something less pure and pleasing to God. And despite what my mother thinks, I am a sinner.
My human heart has not only the tendency but the habit of twisting good intentions into attitudes and circumstances that aren’t good for me or those around me. Some days, it’s as if I can’t help myself—the wrong things come out of my mouth involuntarily when speaking to my wife; I exhibit unrighteous anger at my fellow motorists, and wrongfully judge those dearest to me. (That’s just to name a few). And then there are other days when I have a different problem. I willfully help myself to whatever sinful desires I choose. The Bible has a word for that: it’s called disobedience.
Throughout the years, I’ve seen how the desires of my heart are so often misguided and, in certain cases, bad for me. It’s made me realize a very important truth: on its own, my heart can’t be trusted. I need help in discerning the good from the bad. Just as God told the prophet Jeremiah, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Dr. Stanley says, if our desires are wrong, we won’t experience satisfaction or joy in achieving them. The truth is my heart can’t be trusted to direct me. It desperately needs transformation—and a guide. That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. He is the Helper whom Jesus spoke about in John 14: “"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (v. 26).
Reconsidering Psalm 37, I realize that anything we want from God is secondary to wanting Him. Delighting yourself in the Lord begins with desiring Him more than His gifts. After all, what could be more satisfying than the joy, peace and comfort of living in God’s presence and knowing Him intimately?
If we walk closely with God, and delight in His presence, we are transformed over time: heart, soul, mind and body—and that includes our desires. The difficult thing is being willing to let our desires go, and humbly rest in the care of our Lord. It’s His will that matters, not ours.
God knows better than we do what we need to find fulfillment in this life. He is infinitely more trustworthy than our human hearts and minds, and carries His work in us to completion (Phil 1:6). Our job is to heed the prophet Micah’s words: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org.
In his sermon, “The Desires of Your Heart,” Dr. Stanley shows us that humans are complex beings—each of us filled with desires and impulses, some noble and some wicked. Many of them, scripture says, God gives us—most notably, He gives the desire to know and worship Him, whether we decide to or not.
But there are other desires rolling around in our hearts just waiting to be let out and put to work. Some are from God, and some are not. Trouble is, sometimes we get confused. Which desires are godly and given by His Spirit? Which are born out of the sin that still lives in our flesh?
Growing up in church, I often heard those words from Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Somehow I knew that didn’t mean God gives us everything we want. The missing gifts from the lists I made for my birthday and Christmas were proof enough. (I never did get that motorcycle.)
As I got older, the desires of my heart came to include immaterial things as well—the respect of my friends and family, success, and the love of a woman. These things are good in themselves—that is, until a sinful heart gets involved and distorts their essence into something less pure and pleasing to God. And despite what my mother thinks, I am a sinner.
My human heart has not only the tendency but the habit of twisting good intentions into attitudes and circumstances that aren’t good for me or those around me. Some days, it’s as if I can’t help myself—the wrong things come out of my mouth involuntarily when speaking to my wife; I exhibit unrighteous anger at my fellow motorists, and wrongfully judge those dearest to me. (That’s just to name a few). And then there are other days when I have a different problem. I willfully help myself to whatever sinful desires I choose. The Bible has a word for that: it’s called disobedience.
Throughout the years, I’ve seen how the desires of my heart are so often misguided and, in certain cases, bad for me. It’s made me realize a very important truth: on its own, my heart can’t be trusted. I need help in discerning the good from the bad. Just as God told the prophet Jeremiah, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Dr. Stanley says, if our desires are wrong, we won’t experience satisfaction or joy in achieving them. The truth is my heart can’t be trusted to direct me. It desperately needs transformation—and a guide. That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. He is the Helper whom Jesus spoke about in John 14: “"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (v. 26).
Reconsidering Psalm 37, I realize that anything we want from God is secondary to wanting Him. Delighting yourself in the Lord begins with desiring Him more than His gifts. After all, what could be more satisfying than the joy, peace and comfort of living in God’s presence and knowing Him intimately?
If we walk closely with God, and delight in His presence, we are transformed over time: heart, soul, mind and body—and that includes our desires. The difficult thing is being willing to let our desires go, and humbly rest in the care of our Lord. It’s His will that matters, not ours.
God knows better than we do what we need to find fulfillment in this life. He is infinitely more trustworthy than our human hearts and minds, and carries His work in us to completion (Phil 1:6). Our job is to heed the prophet Micah’s words: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris
I'm currently reading this book and I highly recommend it to those of you who are dating and considering marriage (not now ... but later in life). Some great advice is given in this book and I'll post these quotes because it speaks to my heart and what I'm believing in our Almighty Jehovah God for. Firstly, "God knows all things. He knows whom we'll marry before we meet him or her. But that doesn't mean our task is to discover what he already knows or to worry that we might miss his perfect plan. Our responsibility is to love him, study his word, deepen our relationship with him, and learn to evaluate our choices in light of biblical wisdom. If we're doing these things, we can make our decisions in the confidence that we aren't somehow missing God's will." Secondly, "God is in no rush. His interest in all this is not limited to getting us married - he wants to use this process, and all the questions and uncertainties it involves, to refine us, sanctify us, and increase our faith." Thirdly, virtue and character is everything when considering a spouse. A romanticised notion of your future husband or wife (whether physical or emotional etc) would lead to much grief, and the emphasis on godly character is discussed as an important factor. There are many more words of godly wisdom in this book and I will continue to write on it to share these words with you. I hope you are well. God bless xoxo
Monday, November 29, 2010
Today's Devotion
After Paul’s conversion, he disappeared into the desert for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways of God. He emerged, ready to communicate divine truth.
The Lord speaks to believers so that they will comprehend the truth, conform to the truth, and communicate the truth. These same steps form a roadmap to discipleship. What happened during Paul’s desert years was only the beginning of a life-long process—God renewed his mind and transformed him into the image of Christ. For the apostle, that change began with connecting his rich biblical knowledge to the revelation that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
Paul knew Scripture thoroughly, but the truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah made him reconsider the foundation he’d been trusting. Everything he knew about God had to be reevaluated in light of this new information. Paul had a history of wanting to please God, so the Holy Spirit no doubt found him a willing pupil.
The apostle’s spirit had to be shaped according to the Father’s will. And the Lord kept working on him long after Paul left the desert and began his ministry. Every person who reads his letters is a witness to the work of God in a submissive man.
The Lord’s discipleship roadmap looks similar for every believer. Like Paul, you are the Holy Spirit’s student, and the knowledge you reap from Scripture should be changing your life. Be like the apostle in this way too: become a disciple maker by sharing what you learn with others.
Source: http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
Friday, November 19, 2010
2 principles
Priniciple 1
Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my heavenly Father. Nothing. Whatever occurs, God has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may not know why, but we do know our pain is no accident to Him who guides our lives.
Principle 2
Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively. Everything. Since my Heavenly Father is committed to shaping me into the image of His Son, He knows the ultimate value of this painful experience. It is being used to empty our hands of our own resources, our own sufficiency, and turn us back to Him---the faithful Provider. And God knows what will get through to us.
Things may not be logical or fair,
but when God is directing the events of our lives, they are right.
Source: Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my heavenly Father. Nothing. Whatever occurs, God has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may not know why, but we do know our pain is no accident to Him who guides our lives.
Principle 2
Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively. Everything. Since my Heavenly Father is committed to shaping me into the image of His Son, He knows the ultimate value of this painful experience. It is being used to empty our hands of our own resources, our own sufficiency, and turn us back to Him---the faithful Provider. And God knows what will get through to us.
Things may not be logical or fair,
but when God is directing the events of our lives, they are right.
Source: Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Why wait?
On life’s road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn’t always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance.
At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.
Our waiting time is God’s preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do.
If impatience tempts you to jump ahead of God’s timing at a crossroad of decision, you risk stepping outside of His will and missing His blessings. But by waiting until He gives clear direction, you will walk in His peace with certainty, instead of stumbling around in anxiety and confusion.
Source: http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.
Our waiting time is God’s preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do.
If impatience tempts you to jump ahead of God’s timing at a crossroad of decision, you risk stepping outside of His will and missing His blessings. But by waiting until He gives clear direction, you will walk in His peace with certainty, instead of stumbling around in anxiety and confusion.
Source: http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Why marry?
How do you know whether or not you should marry a person? Many people go by their "gut feelings." The problem is - sometimes you don't know whether you have a burning heart ... or heartburn. If you can't answer "yes" to the following 3 questions, don't marry the person you're dating:
3 QUESTIONS you should ask yourself:
1. Do I respect this person enough that I want to be more like him/her?
Respect is crucial in any relationship, particularly marriage. The litmus test for respect is determining if you want to emulate this person. What qualities do you respect in this person? Would you be happy if your child turns out like him/her?
2. If his/her personality and habits stay exactly as they are today, will I be happy 20, 30, 40 years down the road?
Never marry potential. If you can't be happy with the person the way he or she is now, don't get married. Don't expect to change another person. You'll be frustrated and this person will be resentful. Can you accept this person exactly as he/she is, for the rest of your life?
3. Do we share common life goals and priorities?
Sure, chemistry and common interests are important. However, make sure you share the deeper level of connection that comes through sharing life goals. To avoid growing apart after marriage, figure out what you're living for while you're single and then find someone who independently came to the same conclusion as you.
A soul mate is really a goal mate - two people who ultimately share the same understanding of life's purpose and therefore share the same priorities, values and goals.
The majority of marriages today end in divorce. Those who answer "yes" to each of these 3 questions have a good chance in succeeding to build a happy marriage. Those who cannot answer "yes" to all 3 questions are likely entering a marriage that will leave them disappointed, unhappy and single again.
3 QUESTIONS you should ask yourself:
1. Do I respect this person enough that I want to be more like him/her?
Respect is crucial in any relationship, particularly marriage. The litmus test for respect is determining if you want to emulate this person. What qualities do you respect in this person? Would you be happy if your child turns out like him/her?
2. If his/her personality and habits stay exactly as they are today, will I be happy 20, 30, 40 years down the road?
Never marry potential. If you can't be happy with the person the way he or she is now, don't get married. Don't expect to change another person. You'll be frustrated and this person will be resentful. Can you accept this person exactly as he/she is, for the rest of your life?
3. Do we share common life goals and priorities?
Sure, chemistry and common interests are important. However, make sure you share the deeper level of connection that comes through sharing life goals. To avoid growing apart after marriage, figure out what you're living for while you're single and then find someone who independently came to the same conclusion as you.
A soul mate is really a goal mate - two people who ultimately share the same understanding of life's purpose and therefore share the same priorities, values and goals.
The majority of marriages today end in divorce. Those who answer "yes" to each of these 3 questions have a good chance in succeeding to build a happy marriage. Those who cannot answer "yes" to all 3 questions are likely entering a marriage that will leave them disappointed, unhappy and single again.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Realness
Most females suffer from an extremely warped self-image, which leaves them criticizing their bodies for no reason.
Deep down, we all want to get past superficiality. We want realness. "Knowing what is real, requires that we remember that we are wearing glasses, and [that we] take them off." One of the great moments in life is the moment we recognize we have them on in the first place."
Deep down, we all want to get past superficiality. We want realness. "Knowing what is real, requires that we remember that we are wearing glasses, and [that we] take them off." One of the great moments in life is the moment we recognize we have them on in the first place."
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Turning 30
Turning 30 this year has made me reflect on my life and where I am at today.
I have had my fair share of relationships with all types of people, things acquired, choices and decisions that were probably not made on my part ... according to God's will for my life ... but I certainly have learnt "a lot" in my 30 years of living.
Many people question who they are in their lifetime but I'm happy that I found God again in my 28th year. Not only will I never forget how he opened my eyes to see everything clearly but to experience the awesome power of his love for me.
I am truly blessed to have a loving and faithful group of family and friends to keep me grounded in the best and worst of times, and this blessing comes from God ... for his will is my desire and his strength is what I seek for today.
God bless you always.
Source: Grace Lai
I have had my fair share of relationships with all types of people, things acquired, choices and decisions that were probably not made on my part ... according to God's will for my life ... but I certainly have learnt "a lot" in my 30 years of living.
Many people question who they are in their lifetime but I'm happy that I found God again in my 28th year. Not only will I never forget how he opened my eyes to see everything clearly but to experience the awesome power of his love for me.
I am truly blessed to have a loving and faithful group of family and friends to keep me grounded in the best and worst of times, and this blessing comes from God ... for his will is my desire and his strength is what I seek for today.
God bless you always.
Source: Grace Lai
My birthday post ...
There is so much uncertainty in life that living each day can make you feel alone even though you may be loved by others.
All I can say is that by knowing who God is and that he created you to be loved by him ... is enough. Your happiness will never be sustained by people or things. How do we know what love is if we don't know God who first loved us?
This world is crumbling according to prophecy and we will one day be reunited with our Father, Jehovah God, and his Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to give an account on how we lived our life. Put God first place in your life because it’ll help you to know who you are in the eyes of God and make life worth living each day even if you are feeling uncertain and alone in this world.
Source: Grace Lai
All I can say is that by knowing who God is and that he created you to be loved by him ... is enough. Your happiness will never be sustained by people or things. How do we know what love is if we don't know God who first loved us?
This world is crumbling according to prophecy and we will one day be reunited with our Father, Jehovah God, and his Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to give an account on how we lived our life. Put God first place in your life because it’ll help you to know who you are in the eyes of God and make life worth living each day even if you are feeling uncertain and alone in this world.
Source: Grace Lai
Overcoming Self-Sufficiency
In many modern cultures, self-sufficiency is prized. People cheer over stories of the man who “pulled himself up by his boot straps.” A lot of folks don’t like to admit the need for help from other people or from the Lord, since a can-do attitude seems far more impressive. In a word, the problem is pride.
Adversity punches holes in pride. Paul reported that he had a lot of reasons to be arrogant—a good pedigree, education, religious fervor, etc. (Phil. 3:5-6). Even after his conversion, he had plenty of opportunity get a swelled head. God had specifically called him to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. But the Lord also gave him a “thorn in the flesh”—an obstacle so great that Paul required constant spiritual assistance to work through it. This was the pin that burst the apostle’s pride balloon and then kept it so full of holes that it couldn’t re-inflate.
God uses adversity in much the same way in our lives. We find ourselves in a situation that is beyond our capacity to handle. So we try to pull those bootstraps, but nothing happens. That is when God offers His sufficiency, His might, and His guidance. Those who submit to Him discover renewed strength, as His power dwells within them.
Self-sufficiency is no prize; it is a trap. That’s why God’s message is the opposite of the one that the world trumpets so loudly. Those who desire to conquer adversity must sacrifice self-reliance to depend upon Him. When we are weak, His Spirit makes us strong.
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Adversity punches holes in pride. Paul reported that he had a lot of reasons to be arrogant—a good pedigree, education, religious fervor, etc. (Phil. 3:5-6). Even after his conversion, he had plenty of opportunity get a swelled head. God had specifically called him to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. But the Lord also gave him a “thorn in the flesh”—an obstacle so great that Paul required constant spiritual assistance to work through it. This was the pin that burst the apostle’s pride balloon and then kept it so full of holes that it couldn’t re-inflate.
God uses adversity in much the same way in our lives. We find ourselves in a situation that is beyond our capacity to handle. So we try to pull those bootstraps, but nothing happens. That is when God offers His sufficiency, His might, and His guidance. Those who submit to Him discover renewed strength, as His power dwells within them.
Self-sufficiency is no prize; it is a trap. That’s why God’s message is the opposite of the one that the world trumpets so loudly. Those who desire to conquer adversity must sacrifice self-reliance to depend upon Him. When we are weak, His Spirit makes us strong.
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wait Upon the Lord
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Read Psalm 40:1
Practicing patience is hard work! This is especially true when we are waiting upon the Lord, who keeps to His own timetable. But believers who trust God to deliver are richly rewarded with the desires of their heart.
A person’s willingness to wait reveals the value of what he or she desires. Imagine, for example, a young woman who yearns for a husband. She must decide whether to place greater importance upon a) getting married or b) waiting patiently for a mate chosen by God. If her priority is the former, she may accept an offer that is less than the Lord’s best for her. The fellow in question might be a good Christian but not a man suited for this particular young lady.
No one goes wrong waiting for the Lord to send His best in His perfect timing. Of course, believers don’t receive everything they request. At times God simply says no. In other cases, He adjusts our desire to match His own. In our humanness, we can’t possibly know all the details of a situation. So we ask for what we think we need, based on our limited information. A submissive heart accepts the omnipotent Father’s gentle redirection. When the awaited object of desire comes, it may not look like what the believer originally requested, but it will be exactly what he or she needs.
Waiting patiently on the Lord is an awesome witness. When He responds, others see the reality of God, His faithfulness, and the wisdom of our commitment. In addition, our own faith is strengthened. Fools rush to seize their prize. But wise believers know that blessing will come in God’s good time.
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Finding Contentment
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Read Proverbs 3:5-6
Too often we let our circumstances determine our attitude. If life is going smoothly, then we feel good about ourselves; when it gets hard, our mood drops. But we don’t have to live this way. Like the apostle Paul, we can learn and practice the secret of being content.
Contentment means accepting things the way they are—in other words, not wanting anything more or different. This requires developing an “I can through Christ” attitude. It means learning to bring God’s power into our weakness so we can accept and adapt to changing circumstances.
When we respond to life with that kind of thinking, we move beyond our feelings to living by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
Submission and trust are needed for such a lifestyle. First, we must surrender our will to God’s: in every situation, we are to yield what we want and accept whatever He allows. Our desire to control events is replaced by reliance on Him. This option becomes more appealing when we realize that the alternative—fighting against our circumstances—brings anxiety and distress. The second step is to trust God to oversee our specific situation. If we believe He is working out His perfect plan for us, then we will experience the joy that comes from trusting Him. Contentment will be ours.
Paul submitted his life to God and trusted Him. He faced insults, rejection, and many difficult trials but was still content. When we surrender control to the Lord and believe He has our best interest at heart, we will experience contentment too. Who is in charge of your life?
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Read Proverbs 3:5-6
Too often we let our circumstances determine our attitude. If life is going smoothly, then we feel good about ourselves; when it gets hard, our mood drops. But we don’t have to live this way. Like the apostle Paul, we can learn and practice the secret of being content.
Contentment means accepting things the way they are—in other words, not wanting anything more or different. This requires developing an “I can through Christ” attitude. It means learning to bring God’s power into our weakness so we can accept and adapt to changing circumstances.
When we respond to life with that kind of thinking, we move beyond our feelings to living by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
Submission and trust are needed for such a lifestyle. First, we must surrender our will to God’s: in every situation, we are to yield what we want and accept whatever He allows. Our desire to control events is replaced by reliance on Him. This option becomes more appealing when we realize that the alternative—fighting against our circumstances—brings anxiety and distress. The second step is to trust God to oversee our specific situation. If we believe He is working out His perfect plan for us, then we will experience the joy that comes from trusting Him. Contentment will be ours.
Paul submitted his life to God and trusted Him. He faced insults, rejection, and many difficult trials but was still content. When we surrender control to the Lord and believe He has our best interest at heart, we will experience contentment too. Who is in charge of your life?
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Timing, Purpose & Waiting
Right timing is critical in a believer’s walk with the Lord. However, trusting His timing in important decisions, uncertain direction, or pressing needs is extremely difficult when everything within us cries, “Do something!” Because we want action, waiting for God seems so passive.
To wait for the Lord means to pause for further instruction while remaining in the present circumstance. It is a purposeful, expectant focus on God—a choice to be actively still and quiet in our hearts, listening for His voice and watching for His intervention. The wait is not for events to work out as we want, but rather for God’s will to be done.
The Lord’s voice often comes to us through His Word. Because this is His instruction book for our lives, quiet meditation on Scripture is essential. Sometimes when I read my Bible, a passage will jump out at me. The guidance I’m seeking is right there, almost as if it has my name written on it.
At other times, God will use changed circumstances to redirect us, or He will motivate another person to give guidance. However, always remember that any voice offering us direction must align with the Lord’s will as revealed in His Word; otherwise, it is not from Him.
The first step in waiting for the Lord is submission to His choice of how and when He will act. What are you hoping God will do? Are you seeking Him or the thing you want from Him? Because He alone knows what is best for you, let go and trust His choice.
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Today's Devotion
Our culture is not one that teaches patience. Just watch the frustration of drivers behind a car that doesn’t start moving the instant the traffic light turns green. Because of a two-second delay, tempers flare and horns honk. Living in a fast-paced culture programs us to expect everything instantly, and that includes answers to our prayers.
At times, I have been very impatient and frustrated with the Lord when He hasn’t operated according to my schedule. I’ve even tried to manipulate the circumstances so I could present Him with the solution and ask for His blessing. But delayed timing from my perspective is perfect timing from His viewpoint. An omniscient God who is the Creator and Ruler of time can never be late.
Waiting on the Lord requires faith. Just because we can’t see what He’s doing does not mean that He is inactive. Our heavenly Father works outside of our visible realm, arranging and orchestrating events to bring about His plan for our lives. His work is like a seed that is planted deep in a garden—we cannot see the underground process. But just as a plant eventually appears, we can likewise trust that in time, the Lord’s ordained outcome will become evident.
The solution to whatever problem you are facing is in God’s hands. By steadfastly clinging to the truth of His love for you, His knowledge of all things, and His power over every obstacle, you can confidently walk by faith and not by sight. In time, your eyes will see proof of His faithfulness.
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
At times, I have been very impatient and frustrated with the Lord when He hasn’t operated according to my schedule. I’ve even tried to manipulate the circumstances so I could present Him with the solution and ask for His blessing. But delayed timing from my perspective is perfect timing from His viewpoint. An omniscient God who is the Creator and Ruler of time can never be late.
Waiting on the Lord requires faith. Just because we can’t see what He’s doing does not mean that He is inactive. Our heavenly Father works outside of our visible realm, arranging and orchestrating events to bring about His plan for our lives. His work is like a seed that is planted deep in a garden—we cannot see the underground process. But just as a plant eventually appears, we can likewise trust that in time, the Lord’s ordained outcome will become evident.
The solution to whatever problem you are facing is in God’s hands. By steadfastly clinging to the truth of His love for you, His knowledge of all things, and His power over every obstacle, you can confidently walk by faith and not by sight. In time, your eyes will see proof of His faithfulness.
Source: Dr Charles Stanley
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Our Hope
Most of us have faced dark times when we feel our circumstances are unjust and undeserved. Yet, through it all, God remains faithful. And His purpose for our lives always comes through in the end. We don’t usually like to talk about the difficult times in our lives. But they happen. They not only happen to us, but also to those around us. And God can use those circumstances to bring hope to others.
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