November 4: Diminished By Fear
Recently I asked a group of businessmen their greatest concern in life. Their answer? Fear:
Of the future, failure, the past, peers, financial ruin, superiors, bad health, the competition, death, personal inadequacies, parents, the rejection of their children, and the unknown.
Aristotle observed the paralyzing effect of fear upon our lives:
"Elderly men… have often been taken in, and often made mistakes. The result is they are sure about nothing and under-do everything. They 'think', but they never 'know'; and because of their hesitation they always add a 'possibility' or a 'perhaps', putting everything this way and nothing positively… They are cynical; that is, they tend to put the worst construction on everything."
"They are small-minded, because they have been humbled by life: their desires are set upon nothing more exalted or unusual than what will help them to keep alive… THEY GUIDE THEIR LIVES TOO MUCH BY CONSIDERATIONS OF WHAT IS USEFUL AND TOO LITTLE BY WHAT IS NOBLE… [They] lack confidence in the future… partly because of their cowardice. They live by memory rather than by hope… "
Obviously, "fear has to do with torment… " (1 John 4:18b). But the good news is that God offers us deliverance from its bondage,
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)
If you are struggling with fear, refuse to allow Satan to gain the upper hand. Claim God's promises. Memorize, meditate, and appropriate His promises for your life. By so doing, you will put yourself in a position where God can, and will, set you free from the bondage of fear:
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31, 32) (See John 8:36; Psalm 119:45; Romans 6:14-18,22; 8:2)
"'… Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.… For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid… for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 41:10, 11, 14) (See Psalm 27:1, 2; 46:2; 56:3; Isaiah 12:2; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18)
QUESTION: How do you and I plan to live the rest of our lives? Paralyzed and diminished by fear? Or liberated by the promises in God's Word? As always, the choice is ours.
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 5: Conducting A Spiritual Audit
Six questions to keep your personal accounts in order:
1. Am I content with who I am becoming? I must be sure my profession does not consume my person. It's important that I be more than I do or have. When the time comes for me to leave my title and power, will I have anything to fill the vacuum? As I mature am I moving from power to wisdom; from the offensive to being sought out? "Throw off your old evil nature—the old you that was a partner in your evil ways—rotten through and through, full of lust and sham. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature." (Ephesians 4:22-24 Living) (See Job 22:23; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:11; 3:8, 9; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:21)
2. Do I have a quiet center to my life? For many of us our life motto seems to be, "When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream, and shout." God's Word, however, encourages us to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) There is an important difference between the fast track and the frantic track. By way of contrast, Jesus quietly "went about doing good." He had a quiet center. A peace which evidenced the presence of God. Do I? (See Psalm 131:2; 23:2; Isaiah 30:15; 32:17)
3. Is my prayer life improving? Do my decisions have prayer as an integral part, or do I make decisions out of my desires and then immerse them in a sanctimonious sauce I call prayer? "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer… present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6a,c) (See 1 Kings. 3:5; 2 Chronicles. 7:14; Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:6-9; 7:7, 8; 21:22; John 14:13, 14; 16:23, 24; James 5:16-18)
4. Is my humility genuine? There is nothing so arrogant as false humility. Humility is not denying the power that I have, but admitting that the power comes through me, not from me. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3) (See Psalm 37:11; 131:1; Proverbs 11:2; 27:2; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2b; Jeremiah 45:5; Micah 6:8; Luke 18:14; 1 Peter 5:5)
5. Is obedience in small matters built into my reflexes? Do I try to bargain with God or rationalize with him? Obedience largely determines my relation with Christ. Good intentions count for little. "Obedience is the test of whether we really live 'in God' or not. The life of a man who professes to be living in God must bear the stamp of Christ." (1 John 2:5, 6 – Phillips Translation) (See Proverbs 19:16; 19:17; 1 John 5:3; Luke 6:46)
6. Do I have joy? Joy is perfected in the full belief in the total sovereignty of God. Doubt dilutes joy. Does my joy extend into my suffering; understanding that my suffering is my maturation. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4) (See Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 12:1-3; 61:10; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 6:10)
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 6: "If Anyone Wants To Follow In My Footsteps, He Must Give Up All Rights To Himself"
Such as:
The right to revenge: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:38, 39)
The right to dignity: "Do not resist an evil person, If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39b)
The right to justice: "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." (Matthew 5:40b)
The right to freedom: "If someone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles." (Matthew 5:41)
The right to control my resources: "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you… Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." (Matthew 5:42; 6:19a, 20a, 21)
The right to hate my enemies: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… " (Matthew 5:43-44a)
The right to recognition: "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." (Matthew 6:1)
The right to bear a grudge: "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14b, 15)
The right to judge others: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1, 2)
The right to anything: "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33b)
Because, "The man who wants to save his life will lose it, but the man who loses it for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:24 – Phillips Translation)
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 7: The Richest Person In Babylon
In an upside down world, where lunatics often reign, and personal safety remains uncertain; where calamity looms from every quarter, and I am incessantly bombarded and lied to by media and marketing "spin doctors", God's Word stands firm as the one stronghold upon which I can stake my life. Fathom this:
- "The law of the Lord is perfect… " (blameless, complete, unblemished, intact). Can you think of anything in your world that can begin to compete with that claim? I can't. And the effect of that truth upon my life?
It "restores (turns back, recalls) my soul," which is prone toward seduction, wandering and duplicity.
- "The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy" (faithful, lasting, firm, established. Like a door post). What, let me ask you, in our defective world, can you point to that is "trustworthy"? Precious little, I would guess. And the effect of that truth upon my life?
It makes the "simple (the easily seduced, silly, foolish [Hey! That's me!]) exceedingly wise."
I don't know about you, but in this world of charlatans, nutzoid fruitcakes and wolves, I need His exceeding wisdom to make it through life's variegated minefields. (Matthew 10:16; James 1:5-8)
- "The precepts of the Lord are right" (straight). No devious doublespeak here, because His Word never wavers. It can be counted on. (Joshua 21:45) And the effects of that truth upon my life?
It "rejoices" the heart. That is, it is an influence that makes me glad. Even gleesome!
Again, in a world of terrorists, downsizing, gyrating currencies, car bomb explosions, and the specter of global warming, isn't it nice to know that there is a source that can cheer my shopworn soul?
- The Word of God is "more precious than gold… sweeter than honey." And the effects of that truth upon my life?
I am warned and greatly rewarded. (See Proverbs 3:16-18; 6:22, 23; Psalm 119)
So, my fellow pilgrim, are you regularly immersing your easily bartered, battered soul into the ocean of His love? A love that is revealed to us through unrushed, attentive, and prayerful processing of His Truth? If so, you are indeed THE RICHEST PERSON IN BABYLON!
If not, you are A SPIRITUAL PAUPER IN A "WACKO WORLD."
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 8: Can We Really Trust God?
Back in my mid-20's I made the decision to take God literally. That is, to live Biblically and trust Him to meet my needs. Clearly, He had asked me to give full time to winning and discipling men. Shortly after responding to His "calling," I was severely tested by the Enemy. Amidst the spiritual struggle, I got down on my knees and held my Bible in the air to God, claiming Matthew 6:25, 33:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Following are four measurable illustrations of how God specifically honored His Word over these many years:
1. In 1963 when Ruth and I met and fell in love, I was in an intensive Christian training program, living on a few dollars a week. After a number of months of secret letter-writing, (she had moved from Colorado to California) it became apparent that I should go and visit her. I asked God for the necessary funds to make the trip and determined to tell no one of my need. In the following weeks, inexplicably people began putting money into my mail box, under my pillow, etc. When I made the trip, the necessary funds were at hand.
2. In 1970 Ruth and I returned from overseas missionary work, and needed funds to purchase a house to begin a ministry among university students. We had not mentioned our needs to anyone. One morning in my devotions I felt God laid a verse on my heart from Psalm 107, assuring me the necessary funds would be forthcoming. Later that morning when I opened my mail, there was a check for several thousand dollars which covered the down payment on the purchase of a house.
3. In 1973 while preparing my income tax I found a misplaced stock certificate. When I mentioned it to Ruth, she informed me that the couple next door were filing for bankruptcy in two days. So we went over to their house and signed over the stock certificate to them. When we specified the stock's value, the wife let out a scream and broke into tears. The amount was exactly what her Christian mother two days earlier had asked God to provide them. Within days both the husband and wife received Christ.
4. When our children were studying at the university, unexpectedly I incurred a whopping tax bill. Shortly thereafter, I paid a visit on my 90 year old uncle. Without explanation, he handed me six envelopes totaling the amount of the tax bill. We had not discussed our need with anyone except the Lord.
Can God be trusted? Can He be taken literally? From my 50 years of walking with Him, my answer is a resounding and unequivocal "Yes!"
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 9: A Prayer To Help Us Start The Day On The Right Track
"Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought be of You."
"Let my first impulse be to worship You."
"Let my speech be Your Name."
"Let my first action be to kneel before You in prayer… "
"Let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;"
"Keeping me chaste in thought: ("May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14)
"Keeping me temperate and truthful: ("Do not let any unwholesomeness talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29)
"Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself: ("Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3b)
"Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealings with others: ("Freely you have received, freely give… Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Matthew 10:8b; Romans 12:10)
"Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past: ("Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers." Proverbs 22:28)
"Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of yours: ("In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3b, 4)
"Let me then put back into Your hand all that You have given me, rededicating to Your service all the powers of my mind and body, all my worldly goods, all my influence with others. All these O Father, are yours to use as You will… Speak in my words today, think in my thoughts, and work in my deeds… " In Jesus Name. Amen.
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 10: When Hurt By Someone Close To You
Recently, I was deeply hurt by someone close to me: My immediate reaction was anger. Grief. Disappointment. Wounded pride. I had expected so much more in the relationship! Because I hate pain, I wanted to:
Run from it.
Criticize the person inflicting the pain.
Pout – Have a pity party!
In other words, do anything to get rid of the pain.
Such reactions are not condoned in Scriptures. Rather, we are to respond with:
Compassion (Matthew 9:13, 36; Mark 1:41; Luke 6:36; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8)
Kindness (Proverbs 14:21; Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Peter 1:7)
Humility (Numbers 12:3; Proverbs 16:19; 29:23; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; Matthew 5:3)
Gentleness (James 3:13; Titus 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 6:11; Ephesians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 10:1)
Patience. (2 Timothy 3:10; 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11)
And we are to:
Bear (literally, endure) the pain inflicted upon us.
Forgive the person – even when they keep sticking it to us: "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:4)
Here's how the Apostle Paul put it, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:12, 13)
For example, Jesus, in his dying breath uttered, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:24). And Stephen, as they were crushing in his skull with rocks whispered, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60b)
We all know brittle, sour prune-types that reek with anger and bitterness. And that's where we are headed unless we embrace the spirit of Jesus and Stephen. So let's make a decision today: That by His grace we will allow no one to rain on our parade. And we will accomplish this unprecedented feat by choosing to be the very embodiment of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness.
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 11: Are You A Stepping Stone Or Stumbling Block?
I remember a conversation I had with a business man who had resisted coming to Christ for many years. His reason? The innumerable professionals with whom he had done business who were also leaders in their churches. The inconsistency between their faith, so-called, and their practices in business triggered serious questions in his mind as to the authenticity of anything Christian.
One of the greatest challenges we face in our walk with Christ is how to make our profession of faith and practice in business one and the same. The operative word is "blameless".
"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman." (Psalm 15:1-3)
"Blameless" means conducting our business in such a manner that no one can point the finger at us and utter the word "hypocrite!"
"Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (Romans 15:13)
To help you determine just how blameless you are in your business practices, consider the following questions:
- Is it wrong to create a "need" in order to market a product? (Job 31:5)
- When there is a clash between Biblical principles and expediency, which one usually wins? Why?
- Is the nature of your product in harmony with Biblical values?
- How do you view your employees? As expendable, once their usefulness wanes? Or as people whom you desire to assist in reaching their highest potential? (Job 31:13)
- Are the brand properties you attribute to your product honestly represented? (Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 16:11)
- Is the message you are communicating in your advertising and promotion consistent with Scriptural principles?
- Do you view the competition as a necessary evil? (2 Corinthians 5:16)
- As the enemy whom you must crush? (Job 31:29, 40; Zechariah 7:9; Luke 6:31)
- Or as people for whom Christ died; people to whom you are His Ambassador? (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
- Is it possible to love and serve people with whom you are in competition? Do such truths as "Love your neighbor as yourself " and "Let all that you do be done in love" find application in your business environment? (Matthew 22:39; 1 Corinthians 16:14)
- When you are in doubt about a marketing strategy or a business decision, do you stop and ask, "What would Jesus do?" Or do you just plow ahead, business as usual? (John 13:16; Ephesians 5:2)
QUESTION: How do your lost associates view you? A stepping stone? A stumbling block?
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
November 12: Four Reasons Why We May Be Unavailable To God
(1) An unwillingness to give up security or comfort to follow Christ: "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.' (Luke 9:57, 58)
Years ago, in spreading the Gospel, I took strong, red-blooded businessmen with me to the back alleys of one of the world's most abysmal locales. But after a couple of hours of inhaling the ubiquitous aroma of burning tires and human waste, while being jostled on rutty roads in tropical heat, one of the men groaned, "Man… I can't take this." Today he luxuriates in California's finest environs.
(2) An unwillingness to allow Christ, rather than man to determine your responsibilities in life: "He said to another man, 'Follow me.' But the man replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 9:59, 60)
Family expectations dictated that this fellow stick around home until his father died. Christ however, did not allow him that option, by saying in effect, "Let your spiritually dead relatives and friends bury your father when he succumbs. Put my mission before family demands. Now."
I wonder how many of us are in bondage to family expectations at the expense of Christ's call upon our lives?
(3) An unwillingness to sacrifice relationships closest to you to follow Christ: "Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 9:61, 62)
I suspect Christ knew that if this man went home, He would never again return. As a young man struggling to follow Christ, I knew I had to physically leave the city of my family. The pull and expectations of the clan upon my life was simply too much to resist. So I left — at the cost of family favor.
(4) An unwillingness to live by a single, God-given focus: "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 9:62)
The simple fact is, "The man who trusts God, but with inward reservations… cannot hope to receive anything from the Lord, and the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn." (James 1:6-8 – Phillips Translation)
QUESTION: From God's perspective, are you truly available to Him? If not, what would it take to set you free?
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey<!--EndFragment-->
Will your children want you around when you are in your 70's or 80's?
What attitudes present in your life today have the potential of ossifying into unattractive — even repulsive behavior in your old age?
Often, in my exposure to older Christians… even "saints," so-called, I come away disappointed.
Why is it that up close so many come off as self-centered, narrow and rigid… Prima donnas?
This is not God's idea of righteous older people. Listen to Psalm 92:12-14:
"The righteous man will flourish like a palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green."
Here the psalmist paints a picture of flexibility… of reaching out… of growth. Of life!
In your social interaction with others:
Do you make an effort to focus the attention on yourself, or on them?
Is it your intent to minister, or to impress?
Do you decide the perimeters and direction of the conversation, or do you choose to serve by letting them make that determination?
Given your present social patterns, what will your attitude be like in 5, 10, or 20 years: Supple, magnanimous and giving? Or inflexible, censoring and distant?
The attitudes you entertain today indicate what you are in the process of becoming tomorrow… and in old age.
In the future, your children and friends may well have to live with the blessing or brunt of what you are becoming. Are you happy with that prospect?
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey
The following was written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his house:
"MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN"
"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
"I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
"My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
"I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me – my banner will be clear!"
—Facts of the Matter
Prayeristhekey
How do you deal with your spiritual failures?
Despair?
Self-condemnation?
Self flagellating?
Or
Confession: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Acceptance of His grace: "If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities… who could stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared." (Psalm 130:3, 4)
New determination: "A righteous man falls seven times, and rises again." (Proverbs 24:16a)
How you choose to deal with your spiritual failings probably has something to do with your view of God, either as a condemning Tyrant, or as a loving Father.
Here's how Francis of Sales, a Seventeenth Century mystic handled his failings:
"Well my poor soul, here we are in the ditch again – in spite of our earnest resolve to stay out of it.
"Ah well, let us get out and be on our way; and we will do well enough, God helping us."
Unless we comprehend and appropriate a measure of His grace amidst our personal struggles with sin, we will despair of the Christian life. Those pilgrims who end their spiritual journey well have learned to drink freely of that grace. How about you?
—Facts of the Matter
Prayeristhekey
Jesus Christ earnestly desires intimacy with you throughout this day.
Hours before His betrayal, Jesus knew full well that the twelve disciples would soon slink away like cowards in their denial of Him. Yet it was to them He said, "I have earnestly desired to eat… with you." (Luke 22:15)
And this is His desire with you today: Intimacy… Communion.
As you progress through this day the most significant task before you will not be:
Clinching a "deal"
Picking up another client
Resolving another personnel problem
As important as these challenges may be, they pale in comparison to your calling of intimate communion with Christ:
"God is faithful through whom you were called into the fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:9)
Here is how Jesus put it:
"It is the man who shares my life and in whose life I share who proves fruitful, for the plain fact is that apart from me you can do nothing at all." (John 15:5 Phillips)
God's singular objective at the cross was to make our fellowship with the Lord Jesus a continual, moment by moment reality.
Today, let us resolve that nothing in which we are engaged will rob us of that inner relationship with him. After all, that is our calling.
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
Prayeristhekey
DILIGENCE – A basic quality of any person worth his salt in business or the professions!
Definition-wise it has the idea of:
"Persistent application to one's work or duty"
"To pursue with persevering, painstaking effort"
My guess is that anyone around your operation who lacks these qualities has been handed his W-2 form and ushered toward the exit.
So why is it that in the spiritual realm we often allow ourselves the luxury of a lackadaisical approach to our faith?
The Scriptures grant us no such slack:
"Above all that you guard, watch over your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the sources of life." (Proverbs 4:23 – Berkeley Translation)
"Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life… " (Deuteronomy 4:9)
"Be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (2 Peter 3:14 – kjv)
It was through Christ's death on the cross that our salvation was won.
It is through our DILIGENT pursuit to know God that the doors are opened for us to experience all the riches in Christ Jesus now available to us.
My challenge to you is to bring the same DILIGENCE into your spiritual life that you exercise in your professional life!
—Facts of the Matter
god bless,
prayerisyhekey
By:
Hurried busy activity?
Inner striving for perfection?
Fastidious attention to standards of performance?
This is not God's way:
"DON'T BE [MORBIDLY EXACTING AND EXTERNALLY] RIGHTEOUS OVERMUCH, neither strive to make yourself [pretentiously appear] overwise – why should you [get puffed up and] destroy yourself [with presumptuous self-sufficiency]?" (Ecclesiastes 7:16 – Amplified)
Someone has said, "Woe to the nervous activity of those of little faith."
Jesus' life was characterized by restful determination in accomplishing the work of God. Never in a hurry, He was poised, natural… purposeful.
And so it should be with us: "There remains… a… rest for the people of God." (Hebrews 4:9)
The real work of God is done behind the scenes during private times of reflection upon His Word, worship, intercession, and pondering His eternal purposes. Then, sensing and moving with the inner prompting of the Spirit.
Gutzon Borglum commented, "When I carve a statue, it is very simple. I merely cut away the pieces that don't belong there and the statue itself presently comes into view. It was there all the time."
The life of Jesus Christ waits within us to find full expression through us in accomplishing His work. We can nervously hammer away at getting Him out… or we can rest as He cuts "away the pieces that don't belong there."
"For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose." (Philippians 2:13 – Phillips Translation)
—Facts of the Matter
God bless,
prayeristhekey
