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ABUNDANT FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER
31 DAY DEVOTIONAL
MAY 1ST - MAY 31ST
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the
pleasures of living with you forever. NLT (Psalms 16:11)
Family,
As I read and meditate on Psalms 16:11, it brings me great joy to know that when I
escape to be with God, my audience of one, I can find great rest, and great peace,
knowing that his presence brings me great joy. When life’s daily highs and lows
surround me, I can seek his love and guidance to questions I have no answers for.
Knowing this life in all its goodness is temporal, should bring us great joy. One day
we will live in the joy of his presence forever.
I personally like Rick Warren’s definition of joy…
Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the
quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the
determined choice to praise God in every situation.
He says, “You’ll find nothing in that definition about happy feelings, because, as we
all know, happiness is fleeting and temporary.”
In Psalms, David’s heart was glad – he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far
deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness
is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting
because it is based on God’s presence within us. As we contemplate his daily
presence, we will find contentment.
As we understand what the future has for us, we will experience joy. Don’t base
your life on circumstances, but on God.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor and Gita
Surrender Strengthens You
Friday May 1st
We are not our own bosses to live or die as we ourselves might choose. Living or dying we follow the Lord.
Either way we are his. Romans 14:7-8 (LB)
The paradox of surrender is that it produces power and victory. Stubborn temptations and overwhelming
problems can be defeated by Christ when handed over to him.
As Joshua approached the biggest battle of his life, he encountered God, fell in worship before him, and
surrendered his plans. That surrender led to a stunning victory at Jericho.
Surrender doesn't weaken you, it strengthens you. When you are surrendered to God, you don't have to fear or
surrender to anything or anyone else. The founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth, once said, "The
greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender."
Why surrender?
Because you belong to your Creator. God has a right to direct your life: "We are not our own bosses to live or
die as we ourselves might choose" (Romans 14:7 LB). "Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we
are his. We are his people ..." (Psalm 100:3 NLT).
Because Christ bought you with his sacrifice. The Bible says, "And He died for all so that those who live
should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised" (2 Corinthians 5:15
HCSB).
When you surrender to Christ, you fulfill the very purpose he died for - not just to save you from hell, but also
to save you from self-centeredness! We Christians do not live for ourselves, but for our Savior.
"At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves to impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In
the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes"
(Romans 6:19 TEV).
Because God modeled it first. He took the initiative, surrendering Jesus for our benefit. "For God so loved the
world that he gave his only Son ..." (John 3:16 NAB).
Our surrender is the only reasonable response to that kind of love. You cannot love Christ without surrendering
to him.
Everybody Surrenders to Something
Saturday May 2nd
Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and
glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. Philippians 2:6-7 (LB)
Everybody surrenders to something or someone in life. If not to God, you'll surrender to popular opinion, to
money, to resentment or fear, or to your own pride, lust, and ego.
We were designed to worship something, and when we fail to worship God, we create gods (idols) to surrender
ourselves to. E. Stanley Jones said, "If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos." You're free to
choose what you surrender to, but you're not free from the consequences of that choice: "So give yourselves
completely to God" (James 4:7 NCV).
Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other approaches lead to
frustration, disappointment, and self-destruction.
The King James Version of Romans 12:1 calls surrender "your reasonable service." The Contemporary English
Version translates it: "the most sensible way to serve God."
Surrendering your life is not a foolish emotional impulse but a rational, intelligent act, the most responsible and
sensible thing you can do with your life. Your wisest moments will be those when you say yes to God: "So we
make it our goal to please him ..." (2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV).
Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in your life is not
others, it is yourself - your self will, stubborn pride, and personal ambition. You cannot fulfill God's purposes
for your life while focusing on your own plans. If God is going to do his deepest work in you, it will begin with
this.
So give it all to God: your past regrets; your present problems; your future ambitions; your fears, dreams,
weaknesses, habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Put Christ in the driver's seat of your life and take your hands off the
steering wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing under his control can ever be out of control.
Mastered by Christ, you can handle anything: "I am ready for anything and equal to anything through him who
infuses inner strength into me. I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency" (Philippians 4:13 AMP).
You May worry, "What if I stumble or relapse?"
If? You will stumble in pleasing God! No one can live a perfectly surrendered life except Jesus.
But God has provided for the inevitability of your sin: "If you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before
the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely" (1 John 2:1 LB).
The Practice of Surrender
Sunday May 3rd
"If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their
lives to follow me." Matthew 16:24 (NCV)
Paul's moment of surrender occurred on the Damascus road after he was knocked
down by blinding light. For others, less drastic methods are needed to get our
attention. Regardless, surrendering is never just a one-time event. Paul said, "I die
daily." (1 Corinthians 15:31 NASB)
There is a moment of surrender and there is the practice of surrender.
The practice of surrender requires perseverance. It is moment-by-moment and
lifelong. You May have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day: "If people want
to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even
to give up their lives [daily] to follow me." (Matthew 16:24 NCV)
"When you decide to
live a totally
surrendered life, that
decision will be tested.
Sometimes it will mean
doing inconvenient,
unpopular, costly, or
seemingly impossible
tasks. It will often
mean doing the
opposite of what you
feel like doing."
Let me warn you: When you decide to live a totally surrendered life, that decision
will be tested. Sometimes it will mean doing inconvenient, unpopular, costly, or
seemingly impossible tasks. It will often mean doing the opposite of what you feel like doing.
"Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the things human nature desires; those
who live in the Spirit have their minds on spiritual things." (Romans 8:5 NJB)
We are, by nature, self-centered. When hurt by someone, your natural inclination is to hurt back. It is natural to
hoard money instead of generously sharing it, to defend yourself when criticized, to hide your mistakes instead
of confessing them, and to try to impress others. You can usually figure out what will please God by doing the
opposite of your natural inclination.
Bill Bright founded Campus Crusade for Christ. Through the worldwide Crusade staff, his tract The Four
Spiritual Laws, and the JESUS film (seen by over one billion people), it's estimated that over 150 million people
have come to Christ and will spend eternity in heaven.
I once asked Bill, "Why did God use and bless your life so much?" He said, "When I was a young man I made a
contract with God. I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom. It said 'From this day forward, I am
a slave of Jesus Christ.'"
Have you signed a contract like that with God? Or, are you still arguing and struggling with God over his right
to do with your life as he pleases?
It is time to surrender - to God's grace, love, and wisdom.
Created to Become Like Christ
Monday May 4th
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those
who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. . . . We see the original and intended shape of our lives
there in him. Romans 8:29 (MSG)
From the very beginning, God's plan has been to make you like his Son, Jesus.
God announced this intention at creation: "Then God said, 'Let us make human
beings in our image and likeness.'" (Genesis 1:26 NCV)
"The Bible says Jesus
is 'the exact likeness of
God,' 'the visible image
of the invisible God,'
In all of creation, only human beings are made in God's image. This is a great
and 'the exact
privilege and it gives us dignity. We don't know all this phrase covers, but we do
representation
of his
know some of the aspects it includes: like God, we are spiritual beings - our spirits
being.'"
are immortal and will outlast our earthly bodies; we are intellectual - we can think,
reason, and solve problems; we are relational - we can give and receive real love;
and we have a moral consciousness - we can discern right from wrong, which makes us accountable to God.
But the image is incomplete and has been damaged and distorted by sin. So God sent Jesus on a mission to
restore the full image that we have lost.
What does the full "image and likeness" of God look like? It looks like Jesus Christ! The Bible says Jesus is
"the exact likeness of God," "the visible image of the invisible God," and "the exact representation of his
being." (2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT; Colossians 1:15 NLT; Hebrews 1:3 NIV)
People often use the phrase "like father, like son" to refer to family resemblance. When people see my likeness
in my kids, it pleases me. God wants his children to bear his image and likeness, too. The Bible says, "You were
. . . created to be like God, truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:24 GWT)
A God-Fashioned Life
Tuesday May 5th
Take on an entirely new way of life - a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into
your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)
Many religions and New Age philosophies promote the old lie that we are divine
or can become gods. Let me be absolutely clear: you will never become God, or
even a god.
That prideful lie is Satan's oldest temptation. Satan promised Adam and Eve that if
they followed his advice, "you shall be as gods." (Genesis 3:5 KJV)
This desire to be a god shows up every time we try to control our circumstances,
our future, and people around us. But as creatures, we will never be the Creator.
God doesn't want you to become a god; he wants you to become godly, taking on
his values, attitudes, and character. We are meant to "take on an entirely new way
of life - a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself
into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." (Ephesians
4:22-24 MSG)
"God's ultimate goal
for your life on earth is
not comfort, but
character
development. He
wants you to grow up
spiritually and become
like Christ. Becoming
like Christ does not
mean losing your
personality or
becoming a mindless
clone. "
God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up
spiritually and become like Christ. Becoming like Christ does not mean losing your personality or becoming a
mindless clone.
God created your uniqueness, so he certainly doesn't want to destroy it. Christlikeness is all about transforming
your character, not your personality.
God wants you to develop the kind of character described in the Beatitudes of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit,
Paul's great chapter on love, and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective and productive life. (Matthew
5:1-12; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Peter 1:5-8)
Every time you forget that character is one of God's purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your
circumstances. You'll wonder, "Why is this happening to me? Why am I having such a difficult time?" One
answer is that life is supposed to be difficult! It's what enables us to grow. Remember, earth is not heaven!
Many Christians misinterpret Jesus' promise of the "abundant life" (John 10:10) to mean perfect health, a
comfortable lifestyle, constant happiness, full realization of your dreams, and instant relief from problems
through faith and prayer.
In a word, they expect the Christian life to be easy. They expect heaven on earth.
This self-absorbed perspective treats God as a genie who simply exists to serve you in your selfish pursuit of
personal fulfillment. But God is not your servant, and if you fall for the idea that life is supposed to be easy,
either you will become severely disillusioned or you will live in denial of reality.
Never forget that life is not about you! You exist for God's purposes, not vice versa. Why would God provide
heaven on earth when he's planned the real thing for you in eternity? God gives us our time on earth to build
and strengthen our character for heaven.
God's Spirit Is Working in You
Wednesday May 6th
God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians
2:13 (NLT)
It is the Holy Spirit's job to produce Christlike character in you.
The Bible says, "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and
more like him and reflect his glory even more." (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT) This
process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.
You cannot reproduce the character of Jesus on your own strength. New Year's
resolutions, willpower, and best intentions are not enough. Only the Holy Spirit
has the power to make the changes God wants to make in our lives. The Bible
says, "God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to
do what pleases him." (Philippians 2:13 NLT)
"You cannot
reproduce the
character of Jesus on
your own strength.
New Year's
resolutions, willpower,
and best intentions are
not enough. Only the
Holy Spirit has the
power to make the
changes God wants to
make in our lives."
Mention the "power of the Holy Spirit," and many people think of miraculous
demonstrations and intense emotions. But most of the time the Holy Spirit's power
is released in your life in quiet, unassuming ways that you aren't even aware of or feel. He often nudges us with
"a gentle whisper." (1 Kings 19:12 NIV)
Christlikeness is not produced by imitation, but by inhabitation. We allow Christ to live through us. "For this is
the secret: Christ lives in you." (Colossians 1:27 NLT)
How does this happen in real life? Through the choices we make. We choose to do the right thing in situations
and then trust God's Spirit to give us his power, love, faith, and wisdom to do it. Since God's Spirit lives inside
of us, these things are always available for the asking.
Cooperating with the Holy Spirit
Thursday May 7th
Let the Spirit change your way of thinking. Ephesians 4:23 (CEV)
Throughout the Bible we see an important truth illustrated over and over: the Holy
Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith.
When Joshua was faced with an impassible barrier, the floodwaters of the Jordan
River receded only after the leaders stepped into the rushing current in obedience
and faith. Obedience unlocks God's power.
God waits for you to act first. Don't wait to feel powerful or confident. Move
ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears and feelings.
This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and it is how your character
develops.
"God waits for you to
act first. Don't wait to
feel powerful or
confident. Move ahead
in your weakness,
doing the right thing in
spite of your fears and
feelings."
The Bible compares spiritual growth to a seed, a building, and a child growing up. Each metaphor requires
active participation: seeds must be planted and cultivated, buildings must be built - they don't just appear - and
children must eat and exercise to grow.
While effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth. At least eight
times in the New Testament we are told to "make every effort" in our growth toward becoming like Jesus.
(Luke 13:24 NIV; Romans 14:19 NIV; Ephesians 4:3 NIV; 2 Timothy 2:15 NCV; Hebrews 4:11 NIV; Hebrews
12:14 NIV; 2 Peter 3:14 NIV)
You don't just sit around and wait for it to happen.
Paul explains in Ephesians 4:22-24 our three responsibilities in becoming like Christ.
•
First, we must choose to let go of old ways of acting. "Everything . . . connected with that old way of
life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it!" (Ephesians 4:22 MSG)
•
Second, we must change the way we think. "Let the Spirit change your way of thinking." (Ephesians
4:23 CEV) The Bible says we are "transformed" by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) The
Greek word for transformed, metamorphosis (used in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18), is used
today to describe the amazing change a caterpillar goes through in becoming a butterfly. It is a beautiful
picture of what happens to us spiritually when we allow God to direct our thoughts: we are changed
from the inside out, we become more beautiful, and we are set free to soar to new heights.
•
Third, we must put on the character of Christ by developing new, godly habits. Your character is
essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says, "Put on the new self,
created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24 NIV)
Molded into Godly Character
Friday May 8th
Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
As I mentioned yesterday, your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is
how you habitually act. The Bible says, "Put on the new self, created to be like
God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24 NIV)
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are
indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need
to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances
provide the environment to practice Christlikeness.
If you study and apply God's Word, connect regularly with other believers, and
learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, I guarantee you will become more
like Jesus.
"Many people assume
all that is needed for
spiritual growth is Bible
study and prayer. But
some issues in life will
never be changed by
Bible study or prayer
alone. God uses
people. He wants us to
grow together."
Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible study and prayer. But some issues in life
will never be changed by Bible study or prayer alone. God uses people. He usually prefers to work through
people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow
together.
In many religions, the people considered to be the most spiritually mature and holy are those who isolate
themselves from others in mountaintop monasteries, uninfected by contact with other people.
But this is a gross misunderstanding. Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit!
You cannot grow to Christlikeness in isolation. You must be around other people and interact with them. You
need to be a part of a church and community.
Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can't practice being like
Jesus without being in relationship with other people.
Remember, it's all about love - loving God and loving others.
Becoming Like Jesus Is a Slow Process
Saturday May 9th
This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. Ephesians 4:13
(CEV)
Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is
neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will
take the rest of your life.
Referring to this process, Paul said, "This will continue until we are . . . mature,
just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him." (Ephesians 4:13 CEV)
You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the
character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won't be
completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to heaven or when
Jesus returns.
"You are a work in
progress. Your spiritual
transformation in
developing the
character of Jesus will
take the rest of your
life, and even then it
won't be completed
here on earth. It will
only be finished when
you get to heaven or
when Jesus returns. "
At that point, whatever unfinished work on your character is left will be wrapped
up. The Bible says that when we are finally able to see Jesus perfectly, we will
become perfectly like him: "We can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know
that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." (1 John 3:2 NLT)
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in
building your character than he is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on specific issues such as
"What career should I choose?"
The truth is, there are many different careers that could be in God's will for your life. What God cares about
most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner. (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 16:14;
Colossians 3:17, 23)
God is far more interested in who you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is
much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity,
but not your career.
The Bible warns, "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. . . . Unlike the culture around you,
always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed
maturity in you." (Romans 12:2 MSG)
You must make a counterculture decision to focus on becoming more like Jesus. Otherwise, other forces like
peers, parents, co-workers, and culture will try to mold you into their image.
Sadly, a quick review of many popular Christian books reveals that many believers have abandoned living for
God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not
discipleship.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper:
he wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate
responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.
Jesus Prays for You
Sunday May 10th
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message . . .” John
17:20 (NIV)
Today’s guest devotional is provided by Jon Walker –
During the Last Supper, Jesus prayed for himself and then he prayed for the disciples. And then, with the hour
of his death approaching, he took time to pray for you. He prayed for all those who would believe through the
ministry of the disciples, and that means you.
This is what he told God:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of
them May be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world May
believe that you have sent me.
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they May be one as we are one: I in them and you in me.
May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you
have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have
given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” (John 17:20-24 NIV).
Jesus prays for you still. “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him,
because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25 NIV).
Jesus wants you with him. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my
glory . . .” (John 17:24 NIV).
May God Smile on You
Monday May 11th
May the Lord smile on you. Numbers 6:25 (NLT)
Since pleasing God is the first purpose of your life, your most important task is to discover how to do that. The
Bible says, "Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it" (Ephesians 5:10 MSG).
Fortunately, the Bible gives us a clear example of a life that gives pleasure to God. The man's name was Noah.
In Noah's day, the entire world had become morally bankrupt. Everyone lived for their own pleasure, not God's.
God couldn't find anyone on earth interested in pleasing him, so he was grieved and regretted making man. God
became so disgusted with the human race that he considered wiping it out.
But there was one man who made God smile. The Bible says, "Noah was a pleasure to the Lord" (Genesis 6:8
LB).
God said, "This guy brings me pleasure. He makes me smile. I'll start over with his family." Because Noah
brought pleasure to God, you and I are alive today.
Over the next few days, we will learn from Noah's life the five acts of worship that make God smile.
God smiles when we love him supremely. Noah loved God more than anything else in the world, even when
no one else did! The Bible tells us Noah "consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with
him" (Genesis 6:9 NLT).
This is what God wants most from you: a relationship! It's the most astounding truth in the universe: our Creator
wants to fellowship with us. God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back. He says, "I don't
want your sacrifices - I want your love; I don't want your offerings - I want you to know me" (Hosea 6:6 LB).
Can you sense God's passion for you in this verse? God deeply loves you and desires your love in return. He
longs for you to know him and spend time with him. This is why learning to love God and to be loved by him
should be the greatest objective of your life.
Nothing else comes close in importance. Jesus called it the greatest commandment. He said, "'Love the Lord
your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest
commandment" (Matthew 22:37-38 NIV).
God Smiles When We Obey
Tuesday May 12th
Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NLT)
Noah obeyed completely (no instruction was overlooked) and he obeyed exactly (in the way and time God
wanted it done). That is wholeheartedness. It is no wonder God smiled on Noah.
If God asked you to build a giant boat, don't you think you might have a few questions, objections, and
reservations? Noah didn't. He obeyed God wholeheartedly. That means doing whatever God asks without
reservation or hesitation. You don't procrastinate and say, "I'll pray about it." You do it without delay. Every
parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience.
God doesn't owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but
obedience can't. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact,
you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.
Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commands we obey. We make a
list of the commands we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult,
expensive, or unpopular. I'll attend church but I won't tithe. I'll read my Bible but I won't forgive the person
who hurt me. Yet partial obedience is disobedience.
Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm. The Bible says, "Obey him gladly" (Psalm 100:2
LB). This is the attitude of David: "Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I'll
wholeheartedly obey" (Psalm 119:33 LB).
James, speaking to Christians, said, "We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe" (James
2:24 CEV). God's Word is clear that you can't earn your salvation. It comes only by grace, not your effort. But
as a child of God you can bring pleasure to your heavenly Father through obedience.
Any act of obedience is also an act of worship. Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you
really love him. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments" (John 14:15 TEV).
God Smiles When We Praise
Wednesday May 13th
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his
name. Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)
Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise and appreciation from someone else. God loves it too. He
smiles when we express our adoration and gratitude to him.
Noah's life brought pleasure to God because he lived with a heart of praise and thanksgiving. Noah's first act
after surviving the flood was to express his thanks to God by offering a sacrifice (Genesis 8:20).
We praise God for who he is and we thank God for what he has done (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 116:17). David
said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord" (Psalm
69:30-31 NIV).
An amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God. When we give God enjoyment, our
own hearts are filled with joy!
My mother loved to cook for me. Even after I married Kay, when we would visit my parents, Mom prepared
incredible home-cooked feasts. One of her great pleasures in life was watching us kids eat and enjoy what she
prepared. The more we enjoyed eating it, the more enjoyment it gave her.
But we also enjoyed pleasing Mom by expressing our enjoyment of her meal. It worked both ways. As I would
eat the great meal, I would rave about it and praise my mother. I intended not only to enjoy the food but to
please my mother. Everyone was happy.
Worship works both ways too. We enjoy what God has done for us, and when we express that enjoyment to
God, it brings him joy—but it also increases our joy. The book of Psalms says, "The righteous are glad and
rejoice in his presence; they are happy and shout for joy" (Psalm 68:3 TEV).
God Smiles When We Use Our Abilities
Thursday May 14th
He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do. Psalm 33:15 (MSG)
After the flood, God gave Noah these simple instructions: ''Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you
everything" (Genesis 9:1, 3 NIV).
God said, "It's time to get on with your life! Do the things I designed humans to do. Make love to your spouse.
Have babies. Raise families. Plant crops and eat meals. Be humans! This is what I made you to be!"
You May feel that the only time God is pleased with you is when you're doing "spiritual" activities like reading
the Bible, attending church, praying, or sharing your faith. And you May think God is unconcerned about the
other parts of your life. Actually, God enjoys watching every detail of your life, whether you are working,
playing, resting, or eating. He doesn't miss a single move you make. The Bible tells us, "The steps of the godly
are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives" (Psalm 37:23 NLT).
Every human activity, except sin, can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with the attitude of praise. You can
wash dishes, repair a machine, sell a product, write a computer program, grow a crop, and raise a family for the
glory of God. Like a proud parent, God especially enjoys watching you use the talents and abilities he has given
you. God intentionally gifted us differently for his enjoyment. He has made some to be athletic and some to be
analytical. You May be gifted at mechanics or mathematics or music or a thousand other skills. All of these
activities can bring a smile to God's face.
You don't bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else. You only
bring him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom
and sovereignty in creating you. God says, "You have no right to argue with your Creator. You are merely a
clay pot shaped by a potter. The clay doesn't ask, 'Why did you make me this way?'" (Isaiah 45:9 CEV).
In the film Chariots of Fire, Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he
also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure." Later he says, "To give up running would be to hold
him in contempt." There are no unspiritual abilities, just misused ones. Start using yours for God's pleasure.
God also gains pleasure in watching you enjoy his creation. He gave you eyes to enjoy beauty, ears to enjoy
sounds and music, your nose and taste buds to enjoy smells and tastes, and the nerves under your skin to enjoy
touch. Every act of enjoyment becomes an act of worship when you thank God for it. In fact, the Bible says,
"God generously gives us everything for our enjoyment" (1 Timothy 6:17 TEV).
Parents do not require their children to be perfect, or even mature, in order to enjoy them. They enjoy them at
every stage of development. In the same way, God doesn't wait for you to reach maturity before he starts liking
you. He loves and enjoys you at every stage of your spiritual development.
You May have had unpleasable teachers or parents as you were growing up. Please don't assume God feels that
way about you. He knows you are incapable of being perfect or sinless (1 John 1:8). The Bible says, "He
certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14 GW).
What God looks at is the attitude of your heart: Is pleasing him your deepest desire? This was Paul's life goal:
"More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there" (2 Corinthians
5:9 TEV).
When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to
"How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?"
God is looking for people like Noah in the 21st century - people willing to live for the pleasure of God. The
Bible says, "The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who are wise, who want
to please God" (Psalm 14:2 LB).
Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life? There is nothing that God won't do for the person totally
absorbed with this goal.
Need wisdom? Just ask.
Friday May 15th
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be
given to him." (James 1:5 NIV)
Need wisdom? We all do. And the good news is that God wants to give it to you. He is eager to do so.
Just like it pleased God when Solomon asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:7-14), it pleases God when we ask for
wisdom. It's God's nature to give. He is a giving God.
The Bible says in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)
This verse says three things about how God gives wisdom. He does so:
•
Continually. "Ask God who gives ..." In Greek this is in the continuous tense. He keeps on giving. He
doesn't run out of energy. He never wears out.
•
Generously. God's resources are unlimited. He has enough resources for everyone. He's got plenty of
wisdom to go around.
•
Cheerfully. James says God gives "without finding fault." God loves to give. It's in his nature to give!
Don't get embarrassed to ask. He wants to give you wisdom!
Where do you need wisdom? Got a big decision coming with your career, your marriage, or your kids? God
wants to help. He has wisdom to offer. But remember what James says. If you want wisdom from God, you've
got to ask! If you ask, he'll give it.
That's a promise!
Defeat bad thoughts by thinking of something better
Saturday May 16th
Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure,
lovely, and honorable. Philippians 4:8 (TEV)
The more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you, which is why the Bible teaches that we
should, "Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts . . . but stay close to anything that makes you want
to do right." (2 Timothy 2:22, LB)
Temptation begins by capturing your attention. What gets your attention arouses your emotions. Then your
emotions activate your behavior, and you act on what you felt. The more you focus on "I don't want to do this,"
the stronger it draws you into its web.
Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting it. Once your mind is on something else, the temptation
loses its power. So when temptation calls you on the phone, don't argue with it, just hang up!
Sometimes this means physically leaving a tempting situation. This is one time it is okay to run away. Get up
and turn off the television set. Walk away from a group that is gossiping. Leave the theater in the middle of the
movie. To avoid being stung, stay away from the bees.
Do whatever is necessary to turn your attention to something else.
Spiritually, your mind is your most vulnerable organ. To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with
God's Word and other good thoughts. You defeat bad thoughts by thinking of something better. This is the
principle of replacement. You overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Satan can't get your attention when your mind is preoccupied with something else. That's why the Bible
repeatedly tells us to keep our minds focused: "Fix your thoughts on Jesus" (Hebrews 3:1 NIV).
"Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure,
lovely, and honorable" (Philippians 4:8 TEV).
If you're serious about defeating temptation you must manage your mind and monitor your media intake. The
wisest man who ever lived warned, "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts" (Proverbs
4:23 TEV).
How to recharge emotionally
Sunday May 17th
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to
them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31 (NIV)
God's Word gives us three habits that can help us recharge emotionally when we
have nothing left to give.
"If you only laugh and
enjoy life when your
problems are all
solved, you'll never
enjoy life."
Solitude - The Bible says, "So many people were coming and going [Jesus] said
to them [the disciples]. Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some
rest.'" (Mark 6:31 NIV) Jesus understood that our emotions are like a battery. If
you plug one light bulb into a battery, it will last for a fairly long time. If you plug
in 100 lights, the battery will drain very quickly. Many of us have so many lights plugged in, our battery is
nearly shot. When your battery is drained, then you can't help others recharge their batteries -- you can't give
love.
Play -- The Bible says, "Jesus came enjoying life." (Matthew 11:19 Phillips) He was the most people-focus,
ministry-intensive person who ever lived, yet he took the time to have fun. Certain activities recharge you
emotionally; they literally re-create your energy and enthusiasm for life. We each have different activities that
recharge us because we're all made differently. Find out what recharges you emotionally - and make time for it.
Laughter - The Bible says, "Being cheerful keeps you healthy." (Proverbs 17:22 GN) Studies prove that when
you laugh, it raises your immunity to illness. Laughter is good for your health. Humor is God's gift to us.
Remember, God has a sense of humor -- he made you and me!
To be emotionally balanced, take God very seriously but don't take yourself seriously. Learn to laugh at your
limitations. If you only laugh and enjoy life when your problems are all solved, you'll never enjoy life.
Refuel your love tank
Monday May 18th
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1
Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)
Love can be absolutely exhausting. Don't let anyone fool you. The kind of love
"How do you refuel
that really makes a difference in this world will zap everything out of you.
your love tank? You
start by letting God
Sometimes you just don't feel like you have any more love to give. Maybe you're
love you."
in a people-intensive job - such as teacher, salesman, or waitress - and you come
home and think, "I just can't face another need, another problem, or another
heartache." So you just shut down.
Or you need to show love to a particular person who is demanding, selfish, and never returns your love. And
you just think to yourself, "I'm done. No more."
While that's perfectly natural and perfectly human, it's not the standard of love God calls us to in the Bible. The
Bible says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every
circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT) Love NEVER gives up.
How can you have that kind of persistent love for another person? You get refueled.
When my kids were young, I remember taking the family to a nearby air show. It was so impressive to see how
they would hook up a tanker to a jet in flight to refuel. I'll never forget that.
But, can you imagine someone flying a jet saying, "I don't need to refuel?" The jet would crash and burn. In a
long distance flight, a jet has to refuel.
To give the kind of persistent love that God wants you to give, you have to refuel your love tank. Look around
at society, and you'll see it's littered with debris from relationships that have crashed and burned because people
didn't refuel their love.
How do you refuel your love tank? You start by letting God love you. "We love because he first loved us." (I
John 4:19 NIV) When you're worn out, tired, and can't imagine showing love to anyone else, remember that
God loved you so much that he sent his son to die for you.
Now that's real fuel. That's what keeps you going when you want to quit.
Care for those Jesus cares about
Tuesday May 19th
The Lord replied, "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you."
Jeremiah 1:7 (NLT)
Whether it was Sarah claiming she was too old to be used by God or Jeremiah
claiming he was too young, God rejected their excuses. "Don't say that," the Lord
replied, "for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And
don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you."
(Jeremiah 1:7-8 NLT)
Maybe you've believed that you needed a special "call" from God, and you've
been waiting for some supernatural feeling or experience, but God has already
stated his call for you. He doesn't want to use just some of his people; he wants to
use all of his people. We're all called to be on-mission for God. He wants his
whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
"Maybe you've been
waiting for some
supernatural feeling or
experience, but God
has already stated his
call for you. The Great
Commission is your
commission, and doing
your part is the secret
to living a life of
significance."
If you want to be like Jesus, you must care about what he cares about most; you
must have a heart for the whole world! You can't be satisfied with just your family and friends coming to Christ.
There are over six billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all his lost children found.
The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance.
Jesus said, "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever
know what it means to really live." (Mark 8:35 LB)
Be confident in God's Word
Wednesday May 20th
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you May know that
you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (NASB)
The things written in God's Word are written so that you May know absolutely,
for sure, for certain and with confidence that when you die you are going to
heaven.
That doesn't mean you won't make mistakes. That doesn't mean you won't go
through trials. That doesn't mean you won't disappoint people and they won't
disappoint you. That doesn't mean you won't sin.
"Thank God you don't
have to work your way
to heaven; if that were
the case, none of us
would make it."
The point is - you don't have to be perfect to get to heaven, but you DO have to put your faith in Christ. Thank
God you don't have to work your way to heaven; if that were the case, none of us would make it.
Jesus said, "I am the way ... . No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV) Put your faith
in him, not in your efforts, and you can know for sure that heaven is your destination.
We are not perfect, but our God is
Thursday May 21st
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 2
Samuel 22:31 (NIV)
We are not perfect; God is perfect
We are flawed; God is flawless.
God takes his perfection, mixes it with the blood of Jesus Christ, and paints his
perfection over our imperfection.
"If you struggle with
perfectionism, then ask
God to help you deeply
understand that he
loves you
unconditionally."
God takes his flawlessness, couples it with his strength, and forges it to the flaws
that weaken us.
What does this mean?
If you struggle with perfectionism, then ask God to help you deeply understand that he loves you
unconditionally. You can not earn your way into his love because he freely gives it. You not only need not be
perfect; there is no way you can be perfect. Praise God for Jesus.
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24 NIV)
If you are frustrated with your flaws, then be honest with God. Ask him to help you see how he works through
your flaws and accept your flaws as God's way of keeping you dependent upon him.
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will
boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power May rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9
NIV)
God builds your faith by giving you a dream
Friday May 22nd
"Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever
dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." Ephesians
3:20 (LB)
Faith is like a muscle: it can be strengthened. It can be weak or it can be strong,
depending on how much you use it.
How does God build your faith? He uses a very predictable pattern that we will
look at this week; and, if you understand it, you can cooperate with him in
developing greater faith. It's like when the father, seeking help from Jesus for his
son, said, "Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" (Mark 9:22 TEV)
"If a dream comes
from God, it will be so
big in your life that you
can't do it on your own.
If you could do it on
your own, you wouldn't
need faith."
Jesus replied, "What do you mean, 'If I can'? . . . Anything is possible if a person
believes." (Mark 9:23 NLT)
The first thing God does to build your faith is give you a dream. When God wants to work in your life, he'll
always gives you a dream—about yourself, about what he wants you to do, about how he's going to use your
life to impact the world.
There are many examples in the Bible of this.
•
•
•
•
God gave Noah the dream of building an ark.
God gave Abraham the dream of being the father of a great nation.
God gave Joseph the dream of being a leader that would save his people.
God gave Nehemiah the dream of building the wall around Jerusalem.
How do you know when a dream is from God or when it's just something you've thought up yourself? The Bible
tells us that God, "by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask
or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." (Ephesians 3:20 LB)
In other words, if a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you
could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith. And if you don't have faith you're not pleasing God, because
the Bible says whatever is not of faith is sin. (Roman 14:23)
God starts to build your faith by giving you a dream. He May be speaking to you now, but you just don't
recognize it for what it is. That dream you have—the idea, the concept —that thing you've been thinking about
doing that would be of real benefit to other people, where do you think that idea came from?
God will never tell you to do something that contradicts his truth. In other words, he won't give you a dream of
leaving your family and kids and moving to Hollywood to be a movie star. If you've got that dream, then you
can know it is not from God.
God starts with a dream as he works within your life to build faith.
Decision making is a faith-building activity
Saturday May 23rd
"But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty
is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. . . . Their loyalty is divided between
God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do." James 1:6, 8 (NLT)
After God gives you a dream, the next step for building your faith is decision: God
challenges you to do something about your dream.
"Faith is a verb. It's
active and not passive.
It's something you do."
Nothing is going to happen to that dream until you wake up and put it into action.
You've got to make the decision: "I'm going to go for it!" For every ten dreamers
in the world, there is only one decision maker. A lot of people have dreams but they never get to Step Two—
making the decision to trust God and follow their dream.
James says, "But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the
sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided
in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord." (James 1:6-7 TEV)
Faith is a verb. It's active and not passive. It's something you do. Decision making is a faith-building activity.
You use your muscles of faith.
Faithful decision making requires two things:
1. You must decide to invest your time, money, reputation, and energy. You lay it on the line; you take
the plunge. You say, "God, you've told me to do this and I'm going to be faithful to do it!"
2. You have to let go of security. You cannot move in faith and hold onto the past at the same time. You
have to move forward. God told Abraham that he was going to make him the father of a great nation,
and that meant Abraham had to leave his home for an unknown destination. Moses had to let go of his
position in Pharaoh's kingdom in order to do God's will. Nehemiah gave up a secure job in order to go
build a wall around Jerusalem. In other words, if you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the
boat.
A great illustration of God's plan is a trapeze artist. They swing out holding onto a trapeze bar, and then they let
go in order to grab hold of another trapeze bar that swings then to the other side. But, at one point, they're not
holding on to any bar. They're suspended in air for a split second.
Have you ever been there in a career, where you're leaving one job for another and nothing's in between? You're
180 feet above the ground with no net below and holding onto nothing.
But if you don't let go and grab onto the vision God wants you to have, you swing back. Only you don't swing
all the way back; instead, you swing back lower and lower until you're finally stopped, hanging there in the air.
And there's only one way out: down!
That's why God brings you to a point of decision, so your faith will build as you swing toward the dream God
has given you.
God will not fulfill your dream immediately
Sunday May 24th
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision
will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They
will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)
Even as you make a decision to follow the dream God places in your heart, you
can expect a delay. God will not fulfill your dream immediately because this is
another step toward building your faith.
In Habakkuk 2, God says, "These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly,
steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled."
In this step of faith-building you will most likely start asking the question, "When,
Lord? When are you going to answer my prayer?"
"We all have to go
through these waiting
periods. Even Jesus
waited for thirty years
in the carpenter's shop
before setting out on
his public ministry. "
And we hate to wait. We don't like to wait in a doctor's office, or in traffic jams, or at restaurants, or for
Christmas presents, or for anything else. But what we hate worst of all is waiting on God.
Have you ever been in a hurry when God wasn't? It's so irritating! You're ready, but God isn't. God wants to
work on you before he works on the project. Every believer must go through the University of Learning to Wait
(ULW). Some of us are still working on our degrees from ULW!
•
•
•
•
•
Noah waited 120 years from the time he started building the ark until it began to rain.
Abraham was told he would be the father of a great nation and didn't have a child until he was ninetynine.
God told Moses he would be the leader to lead his people out of four hundred years of slavery, but then
made him wait in the desert forty years.
Joseph spent years in prison before God raised him up and he became the ruler God wanted him to be.
God had David anointed as king, but then David waited for years until he actually got to be king.
We all have to go through these waiting periods. Even Jesus waited for thirty years in the carpenter's shop
before setting out on his public ministry.
Why do we wait? It teaches us to trust in God. We learn that his timing is perfect. One of the facts we have to
learn is this: God's delay never destroys his purpose.
A delay is not a denial. Children must learn the difference between "no" and "not yet," and so must we. Many
times we think God is saying, "No," but he is saying, "Not yet."
God pushes you toward a deeper faith
Monday May 25th
"This means tremendous joy to you, I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and
temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold . .
." (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH).
In order to build your faith, God will give you a dream; then he'll urge you to
make a decision; but then he'll allow a delay, because in the delay he matures you
and prepares you for what is to come.
The truth is you'll have difficulties while God delays. This isn't because he doesn't
care about you or that he's forgotten your circumstances; rather, it's one of the
ways he pushes you toward the deep end of faith.
As God delays, you'll face two types of difficulties: Circumstances and Critics.
This is a natural part of life. God designed it this way because he knows we grow
stronger when facing adversity and opposition.
"When we finally come
to a place where the
difficulties become so
bad, where we've
reached our limit,
where we've tried
everything and
exhausted all our
options, it is then that
God begins a mighty
work through us."
When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt into the desert toward the
Promised Land, he had one problem after another. First there was no water. Then there was no food. Then there
were a bunch of complainers. Then there were poisonous snakes. Moses was doing what God wanted him to do,
but he still had problems.
David was anointed king, and then for the next several years he was hunted down by Saul. Joseph had a dream
of becoming a ruler, yet he was sold into slavery and thrown into prison on a false charge where he languished,
forgotten. Imagine the difficulties Noah had building a floating zoo!
The Bible says that when Moses died, Joshua was appointed the new leader. Moses led the people across the
desert and then Joshua led them into the Promised Land. Did he get the easy part? The Bible says that when the
Israelites entered the Promised Land there were giants in the land. Even in the Promised Land there were
problems!
God does this because he is building our faith and character. When we finally come to a place where the
difficulties become so bad, where we've reached our limit, where we've tried everything and exhausted all our
options, it is then that God begins a mighty work through us: ". . . I know, even though you are temporarily
harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is
infinitely more valuable, than gold . . . ." (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH)
God often lets problems become impossibilities
Tuesday May 26th
"At that time we were completely overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear, in fact we told
ourselves that this was the end. Yet we believe now that we had this experience of coming to the end of our
tether that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God who can raise the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9
(PH)
When the pursuit of your dream deteriorates from difficult to impossible; when the
situation looks hopeless, congratulations! You're in good company.
Even Paul went through dead ends: "At that time we were completely
overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear, in fact we told ourselves
that this was the end. Yet we believe now that we had this experience of coming to
the end of our tether that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God who
can raise the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:8-9 PH)
"When you face a
dead end, you May
start asking, "What's
going on, God? Did I
miss your will?" Keep
in mind that dead ends
are part of God's plan
for you."
If God can raise people physically, he can raise people who are dead emotionally.
He can raise a dead marriage. He can resurrect a dead career. He can resurrect you from a health problem. If
God can raise the dead, he can do anything.
In Abraham's situation, God said, "I want you to become the father of a nation," but then Abraham had to wait
until he was ninety-nine years old before he had his first child. The Bible shows Abraham's situation going from
difficult to impossible. He looks at his body and says, "No way!" Then he looks at his wife and says, "Double
no way!"
But Sarah got pregnant and they laughed about it. When the baby was born, they named him Isaac, which
means laughter.
God often lets problems become impossibilities. The disciples planned to follow Jesus. They thought he was the
Messiah, but then the next thing they know Jesus is hanging on the cross, dying. Was this a dead end for the
disciples? For three days it seemed that way, but then Jesus walked out of the tomb.
When you face a dead end, you May start asking, "What's going on, God? Did I miss your will? Your plan?
Have I missed your vision?" Keep in mind that dead ends are part of God's plan for you.
What's the best response to a dead end? "He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us;
we have placed our hope in Him that He will deliver us again." (2 Corinthians 1:10 HCSB)
Dead end? Expect God to act
Wednesday May 27th
"What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes"
(Mark 9:23 NLT).
God will build your faith by planting a dream within you. But that dream will
require a decision of faith, and then God will stretch your faith as you face delays,
difficulties, and dead ends.
It is then that God comes in and delivers. God does a miracle. God provides a
solution. For instance:
•
•
•
"God can even turn a
crucifixion into
resurrection, and that
means he has the
power to transform
your dead ends into
deliverance."
In Moses' case, God parts the Red Sea.
In Abraham's case, he and Sarah miraculously conceive a child.
In Joseph's case, all of a sudden his dream comes true and he finds himself no longer imprisoned in a
dungeon; instead, he is the second in command in Egypt.
And Jesus was resurrected! God can even turn a crucifixion into resurrection, and that means he has the power
to transform your dead ends into deliverance. He builds your faith through delays, difficulties, and dead ends, so
that when he delivers you—God gets all the credit!
When faced with a dead end, the best response is to expect God to act. What are you expecting God to do in
your life? Jesus says, "According to your faith will it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29 NIV).
When you wait for deliverance, then God gets the credit. And you can look back to see how God led you
through a path of faith, expanding and increasing your trust of him with every step. Your faith is stronger and
now you can say with confidence: "I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his
goodness to me . . ." (Psalm 27:13 LB).
Don't trade your life for temporary things
Thursday May 28th
There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things
we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (MSG)
So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now,
much less for eternity. Don't trade your life for temporary things. Jesus said,
"Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for
the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62 LB) Paul warned, "Deal as sparingly as possible
with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way
out." (1 Corinthians 7:31 MSG)
What are you allowing to stand in the way of your mission? Whatever it is, let it
go. "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back ...." (Hebrews
12:1 LB)
"You've probably
heard the expression
"You can't take it with
you," but the Bible
says you can send it
on ahead, by investing
it in people who are
going there!"
How can we do this? In one of his most misunderstood statements, Jesus said, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to
gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." (Luke 16:9
NIV)
Jesus did not mean for you to "buy" friends with money. What he meant was that you should use the money
God gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be friends for eternity who will welcome you when you
get to heaven! It's the best financial investment you'll ever make.
You've probably heard the expression "You can't take it with you," but the Bible says you can send it on ahead,
by investing it in people who are going there! The Bible says, "By doing this they will be storing up real
treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful
Christian life down here as well." (1 Timothy 6:19 LB)
The Six Phases of Faith
Friday May 29th
"Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Let it happen, then, just as you believe!" Matthew 9:29 (TEV)
God takes our belief and he blesses us through it, and that makes life a great
adventure. It is critical that we cooperate with God as he builds faith within us.
Because of its importance, I want to review the six phases of faith we've studied
over the past week. This will also let you see them all in one place.
Phase 1—Dream: Do I have a dream planted in me by God? If you don't have a
dream, start praying, "God give me your dream." If you can't write down the
dream God has given you, you need to be praying. If you don't have a dream,
you're not living, you're just existing. God placed you on this earth for a purpose.
"When things don't
happen on our
timetable, we tend to
run ahead of God and
create detours to make
it happen. You May
end up making the
wrong decision."
Phase 2—Decision: Do I need to make a faith-decision that will help that dream become a reality? Some of you
have a dream from God, but you haven't made a decision to follow it. You're still on the fence. God's word for
you is "Go for it!" Some of you May need to make the decision to give your life to Christ. Some of you May
need to make the decision to join a church. Some of you May need to make the decision to get involved in
ministry.
Phase 3—Delay: What has caused my dream to be delayed? If your prayer hasn't been answered, that's okay. It
just means you're in God's waiting room. Now is not the time to detour. When things don't happen on our
timetable, we tend to run ahead of God and create detours to make it happen. You May end up making the
wrong decision. Wait, wait, and wait for God to work his hand.
Phase 4—Difficulty: What difficulties have I faced waiting for the dream to be fulfilled? You are being tested,
but it's not going to be the last time. You'll go through many, many tests in life. God says, "I know exactly what
you're going through. I see it. I'm watching. Don't think I've forgotten you—I haven't."
Phase 5—Dead End: Have I come to a dead end yet? Some of you are there ready to give up. But the truth is—
you're right where God wants you. You're getting prepared for deliverance. God's word for you is "Hang on!
Keep on believing! Don't give up!"
Phase 6—Deliverance: Do I expect and trust God to deliver me? "According to your faith will it be done to
you." (Matthew 9:29 NIV) God is faithful. What he tells us to do, he will do. But it doesn't happen overnight.
You go through the faith-phases of Dream, Decision, Delay, Difficulty, and Dead End . . . and then comes
Deliverance.
If you are a Christian, you are a minister
Saturday May 30th
It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he
planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10 (LB)
God calls you to a service far beyond anything you could ever imagine. You were
put on earth to make a contribution.
You weren't created just to consume resources—to eat, breath, and take up space.
God designed you to make a difference with your life. You were created to add to
life on earth, not just take from it. God wants you to give something back.
"You were created to
add to life on earth, not
just take from it. God
wants you to give
something back."
The Bible says, "God . . . has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do."
(Ephesians 2:10 TEV) These "good deeds" are your service to the world. Whenever you serve others in any
way, you are actually serving God. (Colossians 3:23-24; Matthew 25:34-45; Ephesians 6:7)
What God told Jeremiah is also true for you: "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before
you were born, I set you apart for a special work." (Jeremiah 1:5 NCV)
When most people think of this "special work," they think of pastors, priests, and professional clergy, but God
says every member of his family is to minister. In the Bible, the words servant and minister are synonyms, as
are service and ministry. If you are a Christian, you are a minister, and when you're serving, you're ministering.
Have you ever wondered why God doesn't just immediately take us to heaven the moment we accept his grace?
Why does he leave us in a fallen world? He leaves us here to fulfill his purposes. Once you are saved, God
intends to use you for his goals. God has a ministry for you in his church and a mission for you in the world.
Is there anything holding you back from accepting God's call to serve him?
Tuning in to God
Sunday May 31st.
"God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people May not understand it."
Job 33:14 (NCV)
After we ask in faith for God's guidance, we need to listen for God's response!
Did you know that the room you are in right now is filled with radio waves? You
can't see them but if you had the right type of receiver - like a radio - to tune them
in, you'd be able to hear them.
"God's will is found in
God's Word."
God designed you to hear His voice. There is a receiver in you that allows you to get guidance from God. Job
33:14 says, "God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people May not
understand it." We don't understand when we're not tuned in.
What channels does God use? The primary way that God speaks is through the Bible. The Bible is God's guide
book. It's like a road map to guide us along the way. It helps you negotiate the mazes you face in life, giving
you the directions you need. This is why we need to read the Bible very day. God's will is found in God's Word.
God also speaks through godly Bible teachers. Have you ever been in church or at a Bible study and you feel
like the teacher is speaking directly to you? In that moment, God is speaking directly to you.
God not only speaks through teachers, he also speaks through every Christian. He even speaks through you. If
you'll stay in tune to Him and learn His Word, sometimes God will use you to say things to people that He
wants to say to them. It's not something special reserved only for pastors; God speaks through every believer at
different times.
God also speaks through your circumstances and your pain. God whispers to us in our pleasure, but He shouts
to us in our pain.
God is speaking all the time. But we must listen. Tune in to God and He will lead you on the right path.