Turn on The Lights

How America's Godly Heritage Provides a Brighter Future - Dave Meyer

Here's a question for you: How well do you know the history of your country? Many Americans, Christians included, are simply unaware of the deep Godly heritage that traces back over a hundred years before the American Revolution. This lack of knowledge isn't completely surprising when you factor in how much of this history has been taken out of history books and public school curriculums. But the good news is you don't have to stay in the dark. In a moment, I'll share how.

Woodrow Wilson, our twenty-eighth president, once said, "A nation that doesn't remember who it was yesterday doesn't know who it is today nor what it's trying to do." As the body of Christ, we must learn where we came from. We can no longer stand by passively and let the devil steal our rights from us. There's only one way to do that: We need to learn about our history.

Why America's History is Important

Throughout the Bible, God commanded the nation of Israel to remember the great and mighty things He had done for them. So, if God told the nation of Israel "don't forget," His command directly applies to our nation also. We are to remember the great and mighty things our Lord has done for America. He is the Author of history including America's. But many of us have forgotten. And as a result, the enemy has come in and stolen from us as we have stood by idly, watching it disappear.

Satan is not in a hurry. Being very patient, he knows how to lull us to sleep-one little step at a time. He's taken away our rights inch by inch. We have systematically lost our rights and continue to do so because we are ignorant of what God has given us.

God's Word to America

I believe God is speaking to our nation today through Psalm 1:1 'How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.' Now let's pause here and apply this scripture to our country... Have we done this? We all want to be blessed, happy and prosperous, right? But have we taken ungodly counsel?

What happened when legalized abortion came on the scene? Where were we when they took prayer out of schools? What happened when the Supreme Court reinterpreted the First Amendment to mean "a separation of church and State"? We were ignorant, so we did nothing.

Edmund Burke, a member of British Parliament at the time of the Revolutionary War, made this statement: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." In today's world, this is not a complete statement. The question today is: Why do good men do nothing? The answer is lack of knowledge. Today, good men do not know what to do to help their country and how to go about it constructively because they don't know their past. As Thomas Jefferson once said: "If a nation expects to be ignorant - and free - in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." When we are uneducated and don't know the truth, we become slaves of ignorance.

Psalm 1:2 goes on to say we must not stand by submissively in the path of sinners or hang out where the scornful mockers spend their time. Have we stood by submissively? What did we do when Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore was punished for putting a display of the Ten Commandments in the rotunda of his courthouse? How could we let them take out such an important symbol of our judicial system? Our ignorance and lack of unity was the cause. But there is a solution. 

How You Can get Knowledge

This is why we offer some enlightening and informative resources on America's Godly heritage. Personally, an excellent book to start with is America's Providential History, written by Mark A. Bellies and Stephen K. Macdowell.

It opened my eyes to providential history and why people need this information. We also have a DVD called, The Future of America

in which David Barton shares a lot of fascinating historical insights. These are powerful tools that will light a fire in your heart.

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from 'Enjoying Everyday Life', a Joyce Meyer Ministries (JMM) Magazine, September / October 2011 issue

Dave Meyer is the Vice President of Joyce Meyer Ministries and has been married to Joyce for over forty years. He passionately share the truth about our rich Christian heritage in conferences in America, encouraging people to get educated, pray and take action.

God Uses Nature to Teach

READ: Proverbs 6:6-8

"Go to the ant, O sluggard, 

Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest."

God is a masterful Creator. He has integrated many of His principles into the fabric of nature so that we can see His handiwork and learn of Him (Ps. 19:1-6). If you desire to acquire wisdom, do not neglect to look outdoors for His lessons.

Now, of course, the outdoors sometimes comes inside. If you've ever battled ants in your kitchen or pantry, wisdom probably isn't the first trait you would attribute to them - you probably would choose description more like determination. But to the lazy person, God points out these tiny creatures as an example of wise living. Simply consider how many characteristics of the ant people would be smart to adopt: preparation, cooperation, perseverance, diligence, unity, and the list goes on. So interacting with righteous men isn't the only way to acquire wisdom. God also wants us to observe the lowly ant that He created to work in community.

There's much to learn from the created world. By directing attention to the birds, Jesus challenges His followers to consider  the folly of anxiety (Matt 6:26). Birds do not reap or gather grain but rather assume their food will be supplied as it always has been. The lesson in this observation of nature is that the Lord who provides for birds can be trusted to meet His people's needs as well.

Our quest for wisdom is to be rooted in Scripture and covered in prayer. But don't overlook the many lessons unfolding right outside the front door. Ask God for "eyes to see" (Mark 18:18) Then take every chance to grow in understanding so your capacity to live by His principles will be strengthened.

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from Intouch Magazine, January 2011 issue

Joyce Meyer on Waiting

Let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be (people) perfectly and fully developed (with no defects), lacking in nothing (James 1:4-Amplified Version)

If you have not developed patience, then having to wait may bring out the worst in you. At least that was the case with me until I finally realized my emotional reactions were not making things go faster. We would all like to be patient, but we don't want to develop patience because that means behaving well while we are not getting what we want. And that's hard!

The more we want something, the more our emotions will act up if we do not get it. Sometimes, what we want is simply more important to us than it should be, and we need to realize that and not behave childishly. Common sense tells us it is rather foolish to get into a rage over a parking space or some of the other simple things people tend to get upset about.

As you develop patience, don't merely think about how hard and frustrating it is, think about how peaceful you will  be when waiting never bothers you.

Ask yourself...

Do I wait well?

How do I act when I'm working with someone who is really slow at what they are trying to do?

How do I act if someone takes the parking space I've been waiting for?

What situations are difficult for me?

How do I behave when I have to wait?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do I handle myself when things don't go my way?

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excerpt from 'God's word vs. your Feeling', a Joyce Meyer Ministries (JMM) magazine (Enjoying Everyday Life) September / October issue

Things That Can Not be Shaken

READ: Hebrews 12:25-29

As a rule, people like security.We seek what is comfortable. Yet the reality of the world is that much instability exists. For example, finances, health, and even a country's ability to survive are not guaranteed.

When our foundation is shaken, we  often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes Satan causes the difficulty - with God's permission, of course. At other times, challenging circumstances are brought about by the Lord's hand. Regardless of the source, we have the promise in Romans 8:28 that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." And in either case, the Almighty's purpose remains: to glorify Himself in our world and in our lives.

There are different reasons the Lord permits turmoil, but for now, let's focus on one: He won't allow anything that enables man to seem self-sufficient in his own eyes. Therefore, God may lovingly allow enough trouble for us to realize our need of Him. Consider the trials the Israelites faced each time they turned away from Jehovah to worship other gods. In many ways, we do the same thing today. Individually, in our churches, and as a nation, we often glorify "gods" like money or status. But the One who created us will not tolerate this.

In our pride, we tend to think we're able to manage without God. But out of love, He may stir up our lives to reveal our dependence upon Him. If you are basing your security on anything except Jesus Christ - even something as seemingly innocent as comfort - it will prove to be sinking sand.

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from Intouch Magazine, June 2011 issue

Keeping a Clear Mind

READ: Romans 12:1-2

The human mind is an amazing creation of God. Nothing on earth can match its capabilities or creativity. It controls feelings, thoughts, words, attitudes and behavior. Who we become and what we achieve are largely due to how and what we think. Wouldn't it make sense to let the One who created us guide our thought processes?

A clear mind is one that's aligned with God's Word and controlled by His Spirit. When the Lord has authority over our thoughts, discernment will guard our perspective. He empowers us to look beyond the surface and view situations as they really are. We can distinguish not just between right and wrong but also between good and best. The Lord has granted us the ability to think rightly no matter what the challenges may face us.

But such clear, focused thinking must be deliberately chosen and diligently maintained. If we don't guard against the world's influence, we will find ourselves squeezed into its mold. Soon we'll have a fragmented mind that cannot focus on spiritual things because it is cluttered and clogged with worldly thoughts and concerns. We must carefully consider what we allow into our minds. So ask yourself, Is this helping me become the person God wants me to be, or is it hindering the process?

A renewed mind begins with surrender to the Lord. Until you give Him full authority over your thoughts, you'll have no power to clear out the clutter that hinders you from living in the fullness of His will. But as you yield to Him and fill your mind with His Word, He'll transform your life. 

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From Intouch Magazine June 2011 issue

Related Topic: The Necessity of A Renewed Mind

Feasting on the Word

READ: PETER 2:2-3

'...like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.'

Have you ever watched an infant take a feeding? Hungry little ones clutch the bottle, smack their lips and make soft contented noises. They thoroughly enjoy their nourishment. But there comes a time when milk isn't enough to satiate baby's appetite anymore. That's where a whole world of culinary possibilities pop up.

Comparing new believers to babies, Peter said that they "long for the pure milk of the word" (v.2) You wouldn't feed a newborn a steak and spinach, would you? Well, baby Christians must sip scriptural truths that they understand. Then, like a growing child, they shoot up as they feast on Bible passages, gradually taking in more and meatier principles and topics.

Believers aren't left alone to make sense of Scripture any more than babies and young children are expected to get their own meals. The Holy Spirit, who indwells followers, illuminates the Word. That is, He makes the meaning clear to those who seek to understand. Moreover, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, God has given gifted Christians to the church to act as pastors and teachers. They are charged with equipping the saints for service (v.12) These leaders instruct, clarify, and motivate people to grow in their personal faith and to fulfill the church's purpose of reaching the lost.

God's Word is a feast for our heart, mind, and spirit. This is one banquet table where there is no such thing as taking too much. In fact, the advice many parents give their children at the dinner table applies to the Christian life s well: "Eat up! Scriptural food makes you grow strong."

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from Intouch Magazine, June 2011 issue

Loving God, Yourself and Others

Why You Need to Practice All Three - In That Order (by Joyce Meyer)

# 1 Loving God

In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, And you shall love the Lord your God with all your (mind and) heart and with your entire being and with all your might. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus repeats this command and even points it out as the most important commandment of all (as well as loving your neigbor as yourself, but we'll get to that in a moment).

So how do you express love for God? By telling God, 'I love You"? Singing praises to Him? These are good things but they only scratch the surface.

We show God we love Him through obedience (ouch). Actions definitely speak louder than words. I believe our level of obedience grows as we get to know and experience His love, goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Our desire to follow and obey the Lord's commandments increases as we increase our love of God.

# 2 Loving Yourself

When Jesus talked about the greatest commandment of all, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and said we are to love God with all our heart. But He also added the second greatest commandment. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:31).

I want to mention something important here that I think people often miss:  You cannot give away something you don't have in you. How can someone love another person if they don't love themselves?

We all need to accept ourselves, embrace our personalities and even our imperfections, knowing that although we are not where we need to be, we are making progress- and thank God we are not where we used to be. Jesus died for us because we have weaknesses and imperfections, and we don't have to reject ourselves because of them. God wants us to love ourselves and enjoy how He's made us!

You see, God pours out His love and we are to receive it, and through it, learn to love ourselves in a balanced way. Without doing this, we can never progress in God's will for us, which is to love other people.

# 3 Loving Others

We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians) He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in (spiritual) death.(1 John 3:14 - Amplified version)

Life, in this verse, is the life of God or "life as God has it." I don't want to be one of what I call "the walking dead" - someone who lives and breathes but never truly lives as God desires. You probably feel the same way. Loving others is the only way to keep the God-kind of life flowing through you. God's love has been given to us as a gift; it's in us, but we need to release it to others through words and actions. Left dormant, it will stagnate like a pool of water with no outlet.

The act of loving others is one of the most exhilarating things I have experienced. I feel excitement stirring in my spirit and soul when I plan to do something to make someone else feel loved and cared for. You can experience the same exhilaration just by 'loving out loud'.

Here's a challenge: Think of three people you know who could really use a gesture of God's love. Then think of some creative ways you can express His love to these people, and do it. I guarantee you will feel a wonderful sense of fulfillment and joy afterward.

HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO GROW IN LOVE

If you will devote yourself to developing your love walk in these three areas, you will experience a huge amount of blessing in your life. I encourage you to seek God about this and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in your love toward Jesus, yourself and others. He will help you overcome anything that might hinder you in the process. Remember, God is love. And He loves you.

Book Suggestion:  (Available where books are sold, or click book link)

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Excerpt from Enjoying Everyday Life , a Joyce Meyer Ministries Magazine (JMM), Nov 2011 issue

Joyce Meyer on Handling Difficult People

No one likes being around irritable people. I think there are a lot of people in the world like that today, largely because of the stressful lives most people lead. People are trying to do too much in too little time and have more responsibility that they can realistically handle.

When someone is rude to me, I can feel my emotions rise up and then move out, wanting me to follow them. When I feel that, I know I need to take action. have to reason with myself and remember that the person being rude probably has a lot of problems and he / she may not even realize how he / she sounds. I certainly remember lots of times in my life when people asked me why I was being so harsh, and I didn't even realize that I was. I just had a lot of going on and felt pressured, so the pressure escaped in harsh voice tones. That did not excuse my bad behavior, but it was the root of the problem.

I am very thankful I know the Word of God and have Him in my life to help and comfort me. But I try to remember that a lot of the people in the world who are difficult to get along with don't have that. I have had to work very hard with the Holy Spirit to develop the ability to act on the Word of God when people are rude instead of merely reacting to them with behavior that matches or tops theirs.

Jesus said that we have done nothing special if we treat people well who treat us well, but if we are kind to someone who would qualify as an enemy, then we are doing well (see Luke 6: 32-25).

People are everywhere, and not all of them are pleasant. So we must make a decision about how we are going to react toward them. If you are in a situation that requires you to be with one of these hard - to - get - along with people every day, I urge you to pray for them instead of reacting emotionally to them. Our prayers open a door for God to work through.

Ask Yourself... 

How do I react to people who are rude?

Do I respond in love as the Word says we should, or do I join them in their ungodly behavior?

Will I act on the Word of  God and love them for His sake?

Or will I merely react emotionally and end up perhaps acting worse than they act?

Have I ever let a rude person ruin my day?

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excerpt from 'God's word vs. your Feeling', a Joyce Meyer Ministries (JMM) magazine (Enjoying Everyday Life) September / October issue

Joyce Meyer on Handling Disappointments

Disappointment occurs when our plans are thwarted by something we had no control over. We can be disappointed by our own failures, unpleasant circumstances, people who let us down, or even with God when He doesn't do something we've been believing would happen. But not everyone is guaranteed to get everything they want all the time, so we need to learn how to deal properly with disappointment.

When we are disappointed, our emotions initially sink. We feel down, negative, discouraged, depressed, maybe even angry. The next time you are disappointed, pay attention to the activity of your emotions; instead of letting them take the lead, make the decision to manage them. There is nothing unusual or wrong about initial feelings of disappointment, but it is what we do from that point forward that makes all the difference in the world.

Trusting that God has a good plan for us is the key to preventing disappointment from turning into despair. Proverbs 16:9 says A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps amd makes them sure.

It is impossible to be miffed at God when you really believe He has your best interest in mind and is directing your every step. After all, He is the only one who can help you and truly comfort you; therefore, it is much better to run to Him in your pain than away from Him.

Ask Yourself...

How do I react when I get disappointed?


Do I believe God has ordered my steps?


Am I acting on the Word of God or merely reacting emotionally to the situation?

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excerpt from 'God's Word vs. Your Feeling',  A Joyce Meyer Ministries (JMM) Magazine (Enjoying Everyday Life) Sept / Oct. 2011 issue

Uncontrolled Weakness

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: JUDGES 16: 1-24

The book of Judges tells of a man named Samson, who was so strong he could kill a lion with his bare hands (14:5-6). He possessed physical strength unequalled by any human being. But this could not compensate for his inner weakness.

All of us have areas of weakness. God wants these character flaws to show us how totally dependent we are upon Him. When we handle them properly, they drive us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord. But uncontrolled weakness wreaks havoc in a person's life.

Samson's Achilles' heel was uncontrollable lust. Although he was raised in a godly home and had a clear calling in life, he gave in to his desires and deliberately violated the truth he knew so well. Despite Nazirite laws forbidding involvement with foreign women, Samson pursued a harlot in Gaza (16:1). Later, he met a woman named Delilah, and even though her motives were blatantly treacherous, he gave him himself over - heart, mind, and spirit - to sexual indulgence. He was in such bondage to the sin that he ultimately allowed it to dictate his actions, even at the cost of his life.

Before he died, Samson lost everything: his strength, eyesight and honor. The man who once led his country mightily became a slave to his enemies (vv.18-25)

What is your weakness? Is it lust, insecurity, fear, greed, gossip, or pride? Personality flaws can be a powerful motivation for good or ill, depending on our response. A proclivity for sin can ruin your life - as it did Samson's - or drive you to utter dependence on God. The outcome is up to you.

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from Intouch Magazine, January 2011 issue

Joyce Meyer on Handling Change

Everything changes except God, and letting all the changes in our lives upset us won't keep them from occurring. People change, circumstances change, our bodies change, our desires and passions change. One certainty in life IS change.

Most changes take place without our permission. But we can choose to adapt. Our ability to adapt doesn't change the circumstances, but it does keep us living in peace and joy as we go through change.

Our thoughts are the first thing we need to deal with during change because thoughts directly affect emotions. When circumstances change, make the transition mentally, and your emotions will be a lot easier to manage. If something changes that you are not ready for and did not choose, you will more than likely have a variety of emotions about it, but by acting on God's Word and not merely reacting to the siutation, you will be able to manage your emotions instead of allowing them to manage you.

I strongly recommend confessing the Word of God out loud. Even though what you confess may be the opposite of how you feel, keep doing it. God's Word has inherent power to change our feelings, bring comfort to us, and quiet our distraught emotions.

Ask yourself...
  
How do I respond to change? 

Do I act on God's Word or merely react to the situation?

After the initial shock, am I willing to make a transition mentally and emotionally?

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excerpt from 'God's word vs. your Feeling', a Joyce Meyer Ministries (JMM) magazine (Enjoying Everyday Life) September / October issue.

When Seeking God's Will

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: ISAIAH 40:31

As a pastor (Dr. Charles Stanley), I am frequently asked how to make the right decision in challenging circumstances. Sadly, I see many people make mistakes in this area.

For example, some people pray hastily for the Lord to lead them but do not listen to His answer. Instead they  make their own decision and trust that He will bless it. But expecting God to bless what is not of Him will lead to missing out on His best. To avoid disappointment,w e must be aware of several pitfalls that interfere with hearing His direction accurately.

First, be aware of fleshly desires. Wants are not necessarily wrong, but longings become unhealthy when they consume our thoughts. Eventually we might believe that our desired outcome is God's will, when in reality we weren't really listening to His voice.

Second, watch out for faulty advice. Even well-meaning Christian friends can lead us in the wrong direction. We should carefully seek counsel from those who walk closely with Jesus and are grounded in His Word.

Third, be careful when you are feeling impatient, doubtful, or pressured in any way. These emotions can lead you to make rash decisions apart from the Lord's best for your life. Patience is hard, but His perfect will is always worth the wait.

Determine to follow God's leading. Do this by cleansing your heart, asking for guidance, waiting and listening. When you trusted Christ as Savior, His Holy Spirit came into your heart and sealed you as His child. He will teach you how to live a godly life- direction is yours if you ask and believe

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Intouch magazine January 2011 issue

Godly Living in an Ungodly Age

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY; TITUS 1: 1 - 16

Our Founding Fathers created a governing framework based upon biblical principles. Slowly, we have changed from 'one nation under God' to a group of people who no longer want Him to be involved.

Tragically we've become in numerous ways, an ungodly nation: many are driven by materialism and power; immorality and rebellion are prevalent; empty philosophy and false doctrine are widely acceptable. Underlying it all is a vocal decision to take God out of the nation's official business.

Yet, even in an unbelieving society, people can, as individuals, follow Jesus. But the world will continually disseminate faulty teachings, so believers must be discerning. Otherwise, erroneous messages can lead Christians to compromise their convictions. Then affections and priorities may change. Don't let the world's clamor make the Spirit's voice less audible. Without His guidance, our minds become vulnerable lies. The Word of God is a compass that keeps us headed in the right direction - even in the midst of confusing messages all around. we need to  be consistently filled with truth by reading, believing, meditating upon, and applying Scripture. God also tells us to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thess. 5:17) If our minds are focused upon Him, unholy beliefs will not be able to take root.

The word is our guidebook. We will still face difficulty as we live in this imperfect world - it is a confusing, dark place that entices us but never fulfills our true longings. Yet God's truth will bring confidence and boldness, and His Spirit will direct and strengthen, enabling us to live victoriously.

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Intouch Magazine, January 2011 issue

The Suffering Servant

 

"Who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten of God, and afflicted.

But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him. 

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.

By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off out of the land of the living
For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?

His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.

As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.

Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the booty with the strong;
Because He poured out Himself to death,
And was numbered with the transgressors;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the transgressors."

(Isaiah 53 NASB)

Handling Change

When God Alters your Plans

READ: Proverbs 16: 1-3


"The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established."


None of us like having our plans changed by others, especially if the alteration is not what we want. But how should we react when the Lord directs our lives down a path we didn't anticipate?

Knowing God's character and purposes helps us to trust His wisdom - even when we don't understand or like what He's doing. Our response is extremely important. While we can't thwart His work by refusing to cooperate, any stubborn resistance or negative attitude will hinder our own fruitfulness, usefulness, and spiritual growth.


EXPLORE 

Who is the Lord? 

--> Psalm 135: 5- 6 God is sovereign, and He does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth. 

"For I know that the LORD is great
And that our Lord is above all gods.
Whatever the LORD pleases, He does,
In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps."


--> Isaiah 46: 9-10 He knows the future and will accomplish his good pleasure

“Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 
Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure' 

--> Exodus 3:4-6 The Lord is gracious, compassionate and patient.

"Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth;"

--> Romans 8:31 God is for us - not against us.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" 

What are His purposes? 

--> Isaiah 25: 1 The Lord's plans were formed long ago in perfect faithfulness.

"O LORD, You are my God;
I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;
For You have worked wonders,
Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness."


--> Psalm 33:10-11 He may nullify human strategies, but His own purposes will be accomplished.

"The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
¹¹ The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation"

--> Jeremiah 29:11 God's plans give hope and are for our welfare - not calamity.

^"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

 

--> 1 Peter 1: 6-7 He alone knows when trials are necessary to produce faith in us. 

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

--> 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 When He allows suffering, His goal for us is "an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (and human comprehension) 

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

 
How should we handle change?

--> James 3:13-16 Hold your plans loosely and leave from God to adjust them

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” ¹⁴Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”  But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil." 

--> Proverbs 16:1-3 Commit to the Lord everything you do.

"The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established." 

--> Acts 16:6-11 When God closes a door of opportunity, remain watchful for another to open somewhere else. 

"They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;  and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;  and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. So putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis;"

--> 2 Corinthians 4:18 Always keep an eternal perspective

"while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal"


REFLECT
 
1. What is your first response to an unforeseen change of plans? Does the thought of God's sovereignty over your circumstances scare or comfort you? Why?

2. Have unexpected situations, whether difficult or painful, caused you to distrust the Lord and His plans for your life? How could focusing on His character and good purposes restore your trust?


Find more Bible studies online at www.intouch.org

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from Intouch magazine June 2011 issue "15 Minute Bible Study"

Favorite Scriptures of Thought

The verses below are just some of my favorite Scriptures. I will keep adding as the days go by. I used the New American Standard Bible version. For easier memorization, I decided to place three Scriptures a day.

DAY 1

Philippians 4:13 - Christ, the Strengthener
"I can do everything through Him (Christ) who strengthens me."

John 3:16 - The magnitude of God's love

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 16:33 - I have overcome the WORLD!
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

DAY 2

^{Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart}

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.  

Matthew 6:31-33 - Seek first the kingdom of God...

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles (pagans) eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - The Lord's plans to those who believe...

'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, '

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future'

DAY 3

ROMANS 8:28 - God causes all things to work together for good...

'And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who were called according to His purpose'

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 - Anyone in Christ is a new creature

Therefore if anyone is in Christ,, he is a new creature; the old things passed way; behold, new things have come.

ISAIAH 53:18-19 - See, I am doing a new thing!

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland'.

DAY 4

Exodus 14:13

"...Don't be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today." 

Isaiah 40:31 - Those who wait in the Lord..

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Proverbs 3:24-26 

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden fear

Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;

For the LORD will be your confidence

And will keep your foot from being caught

Wisdom for the Trials of Life

Understanding God's Perspective by Dr. Charles Stanley

Why does God allow us to go through hard times. Sometimes, Christians assume that if they're following the Lord, He should protect them from problems. But Jesus never promised His disciples lives of ease and comfort. On the contrary, He told them to expect tribulation (John 16:33 - ³³ These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”). After all, Christ Himself wasn't exempt from affliction. He was called " a man of sorrows" (Isa. 53:3 - ³ He was despised and forsaken of men,  A man of ^[a]sorrows and acquainted with ^[b]grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. )

Trials have been the common experience of mankind throughout history. By looking back on such situations from God's perspective, we can gain insight that will help us respond wisely in the future. The Lord uses hardships to achieve something good in our lives, but whether we experience these benefits depends upon our response.

Develop the right attitude

What is your behavior when experiencing difficulty or pain? Do you grumble and complain or indulge in self-pity? Or do you get angry and blame others for your troubles? All these reactions lead to despair and misery, but James 1: 2-6 presents a totally different perspective about suffering: "Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials (v.2) 

Some may read that verse and think, What a preposterous statement! Trials and tears go together. How is joy possible? Yet James obviously understands something about suffering that we need to know. The word  consider is a financial term which means "to evaluate." James isn't telling us to delight in pain and be happy about suffering, but to assess our trials as an opportunity to receive the blessings God has promised us when we respond wisely.

I don't know what you're facing right now. But I do know that if you're willing to count it as joy, you will find God's goodness right in the middle of suffering. Unlike happiness, joy is not dependent upon pleasant circumstances, because it's produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Determine the source

Have you ever noticed that troubles come in all shapes and sizes? They also tend to pop up unexpectedly, and sometimes one right after another. In fact, you may feel as if you're dealing with an entire range of difficulties.

Knowing how a trial began can help you understand the wise way to react. Since our problems originate from different sources, we need to adapt our responses accordingly. Each time you encounter difficulty, ask the Lord to help you determine the cause and the proper response. Here are some common sources of hardship:

      Self: Sometimes we get ourselves in trouble with our own choices or actions. We may find   ourselves standing in a field of trials simply because we've planted troublesome seed and are now reaping what we've sown (Gal. 6: 7-8 ⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. ⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.) The good news is that if we'll repent and humble ourselves, the Lord will redeem our failures and teach us valuable lessons.

     Others: But there are also times when our problems result from someone else's decisions or conduct. Perhaps a loved one's behavior has caused you suffering, or maybe an enemy is maliciously accusing or maligning you. Either way the pain is real. Your job is to forgive those who wrong you, guard against resentment and seek god's wisdom in dealing with the situation in a way that honors Him.

      World: Many of our trials are simply a result of living in a fallen world. Accidents happen, people get sick, natural disasters strike, wars erupt; and we have no control over any of it. Our hope is that one day when Christ returns, all this will end - we'll finally live at peace. In the meantime, drawing on the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit will enable us to respond in a manner that draws others to the Savior.

     Satan: We also have an Adversary who wants to devour us. The Devil is constantly working against us to weaken our faith, ruin our testimony, and make us useless in the kingdom of God. But we're not helpless against his onslaught. The Father has given us His spiritual armor to protect us from enemy attacks (Eph 6:11 -¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.)

    God: Because the Lord is sovereign on all things, no trial can touch us unless He has first allowed it to do so. Our heavenly Father knows that sometimes the only way we'll grow spiritually is through suffering. Pain can sharpen our sensitivity to His presence and give us ears to hear when we have been deaf to His voice. It reveals hidden sins and purifies us the way fire refines gold. From a human perspective, trials hurt; but from God's viewpoint, they are a bridge to a deeper relationship with Him. 

Understanding God's purposes

Meaningless suffering is exhausting and demoralizing, but if we understand that there is a purpose and a benefit to our troubles, we can endure just about anything. The reason James could rejoice in trials was because he knew God was achieving something good. Though we may not know His specific purpose for each individual challenge or obstacle, Scripture reveals His overall goals. 

--->The testing of your faith. For faith to be genuine, it must be tested - just as weightlifters rely on resistance to make their muscles stronger. when everything's going well, it is easy to say, "Sure, I trust the Lord." But when times get tough, confidence in Him can take a nosedive. will you believe and act on the truths in Scripture or let hardship cause you to doubt His love and care for you? Each moment of adversity you face is an opportunity to believe God, rest in His promises, and grow further into His likeness.

--->Produce endurance. One of the most valuable qualities the Lord desires to produce in our life is endurance. That may not be what we desire when suffering knocks on our door. But the Lord knows that some lessons are learned only under the pressure of adversity. Yet even then, He sovereignly and lovingly protects us by determining the length and intensity of each trial. Although we may think we can't endure it, He knows our limits and will not go beyond them. The kind of endurance God wants us is not resignation in which we grumble saying "Well, I can't do anything to change my situation so I guess I'm stuck with it." His goal is that we patiently abide the trial with an attitude of unfailing trust in His goodness and complete reliance upon His strangth. The only way we can do this is to have a firm determination to live for His purposes, regardless of the cost.

--->That you may be perfect and complete. James tells us that to endure hardships in this way will have amazing results - but not that we're going to be sinless. "Perfect and complete" means that we will be mature and fully developed. Being born again is not the end goal in the Christian life; it's just the beginning. From that point on, God wants us to grow up to become mature men and women of faith. His goal is to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29 - ²⁹ For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren) and trials play a vital role in this life long process. He uses them to sand away ungodly qualities, sift out sinful habits and attitudes, and polish our character until we reflect Christ.

--->Lacking in nothing. Perhaps the most surprising benefit of trials is that they supply something we need. If you endure hardship with the right attitude, James says you'll come out "lacking in nothing" (1:4) The apostle Paul said that his "thorn in the flesh" was given to teach him humility and dependence on Christ. (2 Cor. 12:7-10, ⁷ Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! ⁸ Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. ⁹ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ¹⁰ Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.) But he also says that the Lord comforted him in his afflictions so that he'd be able to comfort others. If you want to become useful in God's kingdom, brokenness is the path the Lord uses to produce the qualities needed to accomplish His will.

Cooperate with God's goals.

Although all of these benefits are available to you, they are not automatically yours. But by following James' commands in these few verses, we open ourselves up to God's promised blessings - all the tools we need to live victoriously in Him. So consider trials as an occasion for joy, and let endurance produce its fruit, because then your suffering will be profitable both now and in eternity. If you lack wisdom in responding to trials, the Lord invites you to ask Him for it and in faith expect to receive. (James 1: 5-6,  'But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ) 

The crown of life awaits those who persevere under trial and are approved (1:12 Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.) God wants to do great things in you - and he will, if you let Him. But He won't force any of this upon you. The choice is yours. Won't you allow Him to use adversity to transform you?

(In a Nutshell..) 

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Intouch magazine January 2011 issue 

Godly Perspective for Hard Times

* The Lord controls the timing and intensity of my trial.

* He has a specific purpose for allowing it. 

* It may yield something in me that I presently lack. 

* If I trust God with a joyful attitude, I'll benefit from adversity.

* Christ wants to demonstrate His ability to sustain me under great pressure.

* He walks with me every step of the way.

* Through the power of the Spirit, I'll come out of this trial victorious

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excerpt from Intouch magazine, January 2011 issue "Wisdom for the trials of Life"

The Necessity of a Renewed Mind

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Have you ever vowed to put an ungodly habit behind you, only to fall again soon after? Feelings of guilt can lead to a renewed commitment to never do something again. But the very next day, the cycle repeats itself as we give in to the same temptations. Our defeat leaves us wondering, What's wrong with me? Our despair at repeated failure produces a sense of hopeless resignation and confusion. We want to know, Lord, why can't I change?

All of us have experienced the problem of wanting to honor God and yet reverting to old sinful ways almost immediately. Isn't the Christian life supposed to be more liberating and victorious than this? After all, the Bible says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come". (2 Cor. 5:17).

Why, then does habitual sin take hold of us? Wasn't Christ supposed to change all this? If we are new creations, why do we still act like old ones? We feel as stuck as a ship run aground.

So how do we shake free from our sinful behaviors? First, we need to examine the way change occurs in the Christian life. Salvation is an instantaneous work of God, which happens the moment we receive Jesus as Savior. But from that point on, we enter a continual process of transformation called sanctification. The Lord's goal is to mold us into the image of Christ, but this process requires our cooperation. That's what the Bible means when it says, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12). If we neglect this responsibility, we'll find ourselves struggling with the same issues over and over again. But if we submit to the Holy Spirit, He'll exert His influence in every area of our lives. Old sinful habits will pass away and be replaced with new godly behavior.

The path to transformation

Becoming the people God created us to be is an inside-out process. Because our thoughts govern each area of our lives - emotions, decisions, actions, attitudes , and words - any lasting transformation must begin with the mind. If all we want is to modify our conduct, we'll never experience long-term success. What we need is a new way of thinking.

This can be accomplished only by what the Bible calls renewing the mind. 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2). It's not a sudden transformation but a lifelong process.

At the moment of salvation the Lord doesn't erase all our negative and sinful thought patterns any more than He automatically removes our physical imperfections. If you had a scar on your arm before you received Christ, most likely you will still have it afterward.

We are all a reflection of whatever we've been thinking throughout the years. From early on, we are taught to respond to situations in a certain way, with a particular response pattern and this impacts every area of our lives. In some cases, we can see how people's expressions reveal the way their minds have developed throughout their lifetime - etching continuous worry, pain, and guilt on their faces.

Take a look in the mirror. Do you see the joy of Christ in your eyes? Or are the destructive effects of sin betrayed by your appearance? The good news is that whatever thoughts have been in the past, God can teach you to think differently. He gives His Spirit to lead you through a process that produces real healing and lasting change.

Where thoughts originate

Then what triggers negative thought patterns? The Lord has given us physical senses so we can interact with each other and our world. The capacity to see, taste, hear and smell is an amazing gift from God, which affects how our thoughts develop and what we think. However, because we are continually being influenced by the fallen world around us, we don't always use these abilities in a way that honors Him. We experience a sight, sound, smell flavor, or touch that gives us momentary pleasure and we begin to think, What would it be like if I...? This begins the downward spiral - our senses trigger thoughts, which elicit destructive patterns of behavior.

James 1: 14-15 explains, "But every person, when he is tempted is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire. Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death"(Amplified version). That is why we must be discerning about what we listen to and watch. It is also why the apostle Paul tells us to lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted and instead be renewed in the spirit of our minds - to put on the new self which is created in God's likeness (Eph. 4: 22-24).

A second source of sinful thoughts is the Enemy of our souls. Have you ever been thinking about some plan or task, only to have a vile, ungodly idea pop into your mind? You may wonder, Where did that come from? These are Satan's attempts to distract us with his ideas and twist the truth, inciting us to disobey God. His purpose is to destroy our character and lead us astray

The way we respond determines whether we fall to his enticements or stand strong against him. Will we, as Paul says, dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute" (Phil 4:8), allowing our minds to be transformed by these things? Or will we take the bait?

No matter how our minds are bombarded by unwanted temptations, we must remember that as believers, we do not have to be enslaved by sin. We are not helpless victims, but sons and daughters of  almighty God. We have within us the Holy Spirit - a positive, powerful influence that is mightier than the Enemy can ever hope to be. Because we are indwelled by God's Spirit, we have the power to extinguish the Enemy's flaming arrows (Eph. 6:16). We are also able to know the mind of Christ, take our thoughts captive to Him, and have victory over every temptation.

How your mind is renewed

God calls us to be watchful and guard our minds at all times. If we don't, worldly values and purposes will subtly creep in and influence our lives. Whenever we allow ourselves to be conformed to the world, the Enemy gains a foothold in our thinking. And the more we yield to those thoughts, the stronger his hold becomes.

We must wisely choose which thoughts we will accept and which ones we'll reject. It's not enough just to resist the Enemy's lies; we must also deliberately fill our mind with truth from God's Word. Jesus used this technique when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness (Matt 4: 1-11) He countered each challenge with Scripture, saying "It is written..." When we are ready with a verse that refutes one of Satan's falsehoods, we have the most powerful spiritual ammunition possible. (Scriptures for Memorization) 

So consider: How diligent have you been about guarding your mind? Have you permitted the world to influence your thoughts? Or are you allowing God's word to shape your reasoning and values? You cannot coast through the Christian life. An unengaged mind is an open invitation for sin. If you're distracted, having trouble praying or reading the Bible, your thoughts are not where they should be.

Perhaps you feel as if you're the rope in a tug of war between God and sin, constantly being pulled in two opposing directions. Don't beat yourself up when you fail. Rather, confess and repent as quickly as possible (1 John 1:9). During those times, remember that you are engaged in a long process and you can not renew your own mind. Trying harder and making promises to God will only discourage you, because in your own strength, you will never be able to change. True transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit - and it takes time. Therefore, submit to His leading, heed His warnings, and obey His voice.

Begin Today

As believers, we can expect this process of transformation to continue until we reach heaven; however, the important issue is that we begin today.

Just as your area of struggle began with one act of yielding to temptation, so your path to victory can begin with one act of submission to God. Through the power of the Spirit, start saying no to thoughts that don't belong in a believer's life. At the same time, say yes to appropriate thoughts. When you fill your mind with truth from God's Word, you'll gain discernment and be able to more readily identify the thoughts and feelings that cause you to sin.

As you persevere in choosing which thoughts to allow, the bondage of sin will diminish and your mind will be renewed. This transformation which began internally, will now be worked out externally as behavior changes. When you think right, you'll act right. Areas of your life that you were powerless to adjust on your own will be refashioned. And Christ's victorious life will be beautifully demonstrated through you so that others will see and be drawn to Him.

(In a Nutshell...)

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 Intouch magazine, August 2011 issue

Four Requirements for a Renewed Mind

1. Fill your mind with Scripture - focusing on the Lord's character, ways, and commands.

2. Resist temtptation and flee from it by understanding the thougths and feelings that trigger a sinful response in you.

3. Check the source of your thoughts - are they from God, your flesh, the world, or Satan?

4. Rey on the Holy Spirit to empower you to resist sin and break free from its bondage.

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excerpt from Intouch magazine August 2011 issue 'The Necessity of a Renewed Mind'

The Cost of Discipleship

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:  MATTHEW 10:38 

 '..And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.' 

Salvation is a free gift of God that comes to us through faith in His Son. Jesus did everything necessary to accomplish our forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father. We can add nothing to this transaction; our job is simply to believe.

But from that point on, each one of us must make a choice: Will we follow Jesus or just coast along doing what we want? If you limit your Christianity to merely sitting in a pew on Sunday mornings, you'll miss the greatest adventure of your life. Being a disciple of Christ requires that we be actively engaged in our relationship with Him and in service to others.

Jesus never painted a rosy picture when He called people to follow Him. He stated quite plainly that becoming His follower would require self-denial, sacrifice, and suffering. With this kind of job description, it's no wonder so many believers have tried to make Christianity a spectator sport. Following Jesus means that He directs our lives - that's what dying to self is all about. We give up our rights to do what we want, and instead submit to His will, even if it's difficult or doesn't align with our preference. If you don't realize how good, loving and wise our God is, walking in His will may seem scary or even foolish.

Those who deny themselves to follow Christ discover they lose nothing and gain everything. Even amidst pain and suffering He gives His disciples inner peace and joy that transcend circumstances. Are you following Jesus or yourself? Your lifestyle, words, and attitudes reveal who truly rules your life.

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Intouch magazine December 2011 issue