Fire 12:29 Youth Ministries

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2010-12-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

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Highly Exhausted

2010-12-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

You may be thinking, "that’s a pretty unusual title" but I want to explain the reasoning I chose Highly Exhausted and not Highly Exalted. God truly is highly exalted, above all other gods that may try to take His place or fill voids in our lives, however this title comes from a different approach.

Beginning Monday December 6th I began a fast that I have never partaken of in my life. For 3 days I fasted all three meals, as well as any by products that may have taken the edge off my hunger (except for a mint to satisfy the cruelness of a starved breath). Monday was a bit challenging not being able to eat breakfast; lunch came as a passing aggravating gnat, and supper was an incredible test as I ate from scripture while my family ate physically. I tried to justify reasons for not continuing the fast through Tuesday, however God's convictions pressed me onward.

As I teach and preach on fasting I explain that through fasting there is very little "boom revelations". What I mean by that is that through fasting and praying you are in a great dependency upon God for His strength as you relinquish your ability to strengthen yourself You carry burdens of your fellow brothers and sisters and continue to pursue intervention for them through prayer and supplication. Tuesday was a bit more difficult, but it was incredibly amazing. I felt impressed to dedicate my prayers that day for my fellow brother. He was to deliver His own fathers eulogy and needed great strength from God. I felt a since of Aaron and Moses brotherhood. As he delivered the message it was very humbling to hold his spiritual arms up as his spirit fought unwaveringly through the battle.

Earlier that morning (which I had decided early on - Tuesday was to be my last day of Fasting) I extracted a few dollars from our savings to pursue a transfer into another account. While knowing the balance before hand, I proceeded to request a printable balance- that is when God spoke! Our balance revealed at least a hundred dollars to the greater than what we had originally knew. As tears streamed my face and my voice quivered under the divine intervention and thanksgiving before God, the Holy Spirit spoke almost audibly into my heart and said "If you thinks that something, try me one more day" I quickly made up my mind to fast a third day.

On Wednesday it was especially difficult to fast. My hunger was so intense and overwhelming that my prayers throughout the entire day where for an intervening strength from God himself! Many Christians fast for blessings, or to persuade God's decision- but I am sorely convicted to fast for a selfish ambition for my own blessings. I am so greatly blessed and so undeserving of them that all that my sacrifice comes as a request for God to afflict me with the burdens and passions of others. My desires are in wanting God's desires. I continued throughout the entire day to seek the face of God, to pursue the will of my Father and intervene in prayer. I didn't receive a booming revelation or a supernatural vision as before, but the spiritual high that God placed me on was incredibly exhausting after being removed from that mountain of intervention.

It is my belief that God desires many others to fast and sacrifice on a grander scale, however our middle classed minds are so apprehensive to give up what we think we cannot afford. "How can I give more in tithes and offerings when I can barely pay my own bills" seems to be the on going excuses. What if we just tried God? Do we really trust Him to provide and not own understandings? God revealed the reason of my fast Wednesday night. I have been so burdened by giving more and wanting to help those in need, but I had no clue to what sacrificing really means. By giving up something that I crave daily and view as a great necessity in my life- God was able to show me what giving really means. I was physically deprived of my bodies natural need to eat, but found it so worth the fight to sacrifice. God is faithful to those who are faithful.

From the desk of Pastor Shane

2010-11-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

Trunk-or-Treat went off without a hitch, but definitely with God. Our youth have put together a drama team, that is astounding to say the least, and have dedicated themselves to a new type of ministry. Last night 10/31/2010 was there first time presenting their new drama (which was also the first time ever the drama team has performed) "The Champion" by Carmen. These kids are inspirational and have been greatly inspired by God. To watch them grow and mature in their faith is such an honor and privilege and I am truly grateful to have been given this great opportunity to teach and lead them.

If you missed the message last night, it was entitled Ghost Hunting. There are many aspects of evil and attaching demonic forces that we as Christians have come to accept at the norm of our everyday life. When we finally realize that we must stand for God and His statutes it is then we will see God heal our land. (that's basically it in a nut shell)

We are going to be having a great time this weekend Nov 6 at our Firehouse starting at 7am for a yard sale. I hope you will all come out to support us and receive free coffee and refreshments.

In Christ,

Pastor Shane

Daily Devotion

2010-10-07T09:14:00.003-04:00

October 7, 2010
The Believer's Valley Experiences

PSALM 23

Where there are mountains, there must also be valleys—it's a simple fact of the created world. The same is true in our spiritual life. To reach the place where God is leading us, we must sometimes traverse "the valley of the shadow of death" (Ps. 23:4).

Spiritual mountaintops are wonderful spots to rest awhile. At such times, we feel close to God and sure of His love. But we get to those high places by toiling through the valley, where we discover His character, the truth of His promises, and our own weakness. There are aspects of the Lord that we see only as we journey though shadow.

God is a jealous shepherd—He wants His followers relying entirely upon Him. He draws us through valleys in order to remove every habit, thought pattern, or external crutch that we use instead of trusting Him. In the low places, those suddenly seem inadequate. We discover whether our faith, courage, and wisdom are self-created or from the Lord.

While walking in valleys is an inevitable part of life, believers aren't left comfortless. Verse 5 is about having needs met, including the desire to be soothed. Here is the image of a tender shepherd rubbing oil onto an animal's scraped skin. God promises assurance, healing, and safety, even in hardship. (Rom 12:3)

Believers can shout, "I trust God," from the mountain because they have learned to live by faith in the valley. Walking in the shadow of evil is difficult and frightening work. But when we surrender to whatever the Lord has to teach us in this dark place, our spirit is quieted and our faith is strengthened.

Daily Devotion

2010-10-01T05:41:00.002-04:00

October 1, 2010
Is God in Everything?

ROMANS 8:28-29

Is God involved in everything that happens throughout the world? How you answer that question is important. What people believe about the Lord's sovereignty affects both their trust in Him and their reactions to struggles. Moreover, believers' thoughts on God's dominion, influences their compliance with His requirements. For instance, "in everything give thanks" (1 Thess. 5:18) would be an impossible standard if God were only partially in control of what's going on.

Believing God is present in the positive aspects of our lives is easy. Reconciling hardship to His promises of provision and love is tougher. But think about this: If the Lord has reason to provide a job promotion, might He not also have reason to orchestrate a job loss? If He gives good health, might He not also allow sickness, as He permitted in Job's life (Job 2:6-7)?

The Bible says that the Lord's ways are not like our ways (Isa. 55:8). He has a master purpose for involving Himself in every aspect of believers' lives—namely, conforming them to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). Jesus' life was not easy or sweet. He suffered shame, abuse, ill will, and persecution even before He faced the cross. If we are to be like Him, then we must expect that God's loving hand will sometimes hold a tool for reshaping us.

Every believer is encircled by God's protection (Psalm 34:7), so nothing touches our lives unless He permits or directs it. Bitterness and blame cannot take root if we accept that every good and bad thing comes with God's knowledge and permission. We can trust Him to do right by us (Rom. 8:28).

Daily Devotion

2010-09-30T06:06:00.002-04:00

September 30, 2010
Finding Contentment

PROVERBS 3:5-6

Too often we let our circumstances determine our attitude. If life is going smoothly, then we feel good about ourselves; when it gets hard, our mood drops. But we don't have to live this way. Like the apostle Paul, we can learn and practice the secret of being content.

Contentment means accepting things the way they are—in other words, not wanting anything more or different. This requires developing an "I can through Christ" attitude. It means learning to bring God's power into our weakness so we can accept and adapt to changing circumstances.

When we respond to life with that kind of thinking, we move beyond our feelings to living by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).

Submission and trust are needed for such a lifestyle. First, we must surrender our will to God's: in every situation, we are to yield what we want and accept whatever He allows. Our desire to control events is replaced by reliance on Him. This option becomes more appealing when we realize that the alternative—fighting against our circumstances—brings anxiety and distress. The second step is to trust God to oversee our specific situation. If we believe He is working out His perfect plan for us, then we will experience the joy that comes from trusting Him. Contentment will be ours.

Paul submitted his life to God and trusted Him. He faced insults, rejection, and many difficult trials but was still content. When we surrender control to the Lord and believe He has our best interest at heart, we will experience contentment too. Who is in charge of your life?

Daily Devotion

2010-09-29T05:44:00.000-04:00

September 29, 2010
The Secret of Contentment

PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13

After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul had much to learn about salvation and following Christ. Throughout his life, the apostle shared what he was discovering. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote about a very important life lesson—the secret of being content.

What kind of life do you think brings contentment? You might assume it is one with few troubles or great success. You may want good health, financial security, and a loving family. Paul's life was not at all like this. He was in danger from both his own countryman and the opposition (2 Cor. 11:23-26).

Sometimes the people listened, but more often, they were hostile to his message. He also had a "thorn in the flesh" which God refused to remove (2 Cor. 12:7-9). And Paul even spent considerable time in prison, chained to a guard. Yet he boldly wrote, " I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Phil. 4:12 NIV). The secret he discovered was to live on the basis of his position in the Lord, not his feelings. As God's child, Paul knew he was spiritually rich—"blessed . . . with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3) because he had a loving Father and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Contentment in our media-driven age is hard to find and harder to keep. There's always something newer, bigger, or better to buy and someone else who has what you want. When you feel unsatisfied, try basing your response on your position as a co-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17) rather than feelings.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-28T05:33:00.002-04:00

September 28, 2010
Wait Upon the Lord

PSALM 40:1

Practicing patience is hard work! This is especially true when we are waiting upon the Lord, who keeps to His own timetable. But believers who trust God to deliver are richly rewarded with the desires of their heart.

A person's willingness to wait reveals the value of what he or she desires. Imagine, for example, a young woman who yearns for a husband. She must decide whether to place greater importance upon a) getting married or b) waiting patiently for a mate chosen by God. If her priority is the former, she may accept an offer that is less than the Lord's best for her. The fellow in question might be a good Christian but not a man suited for this particular young lady.

No one goes wrong waiting for the Lord to send His best in His perfect timing. Of course, believers don't receive everything they request. At times God simply says no. In other cases, He adjusts our desire to match His own. In our humanness, we can't possibly know all the details of a situation. So we ask for what we think we need, based on our limited information. A submissive heart accepts the omnipotent Father's gentle redirection. When the awaited object of desire comes, it may not look like what the believer originally requested, but it will be exactly what he or she needs.

Waiting patiently on the Lord is an awesome witness. When He responds, others see the reality of God, His faithfulness, and the wisdom of our commitment. In addition, our own faith is strengthened. Fools rush to seize their prize. But wise believers know that blessing will come in God's good time. Seek God’s desire, wait for His movement, and trust in the everlasting comfort of the Father’s perfection.

A great brother and elder of the faith once spoke these words to me: “When the job seems small and the reward seems few, just remember; the mighty oak tree was once a little nut just like you” –Bob McGee. (Isaiah 40:31)

Daily Devotion

2010-09-27T06:53:00.002-04:00

September 27, 2010
God Acts On Our Behalf

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 NIV). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we'll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: "Trust Me." And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, "I don't trust You."

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can't see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God examines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible consequences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-25T01:32:00.002-04:00

September 25, 2010
A Lesson in Listening

LUKE 6:46-49

Early in life, I learned to listen to the Lord, and this most important lesson is the foundation of my confidence in God. Moreover, because I pay attention to the Father, He has given me courage in my convictions, strength in times of trouble, and unspeakable joy.

I opened my spiritual ears because of great godly men that surrounded me as I grew up and their words to me. Oh, they didn't say, "Now Shane, you've got to listen." Instead, they described what the Lord was saying to them and how He was speaking. The powerful evidence of their faith gave me a burning desire to hear the Lord too. I am so grateful for these men and my own father that God has so graciously given to me. I have learned humbleness through my mother’s actions and provision through my fathers. But it was ultimately God speaking through these vessels that enabled me to hear Him calling.

No person can hear without actively listening. God taught me how, and it is this important lesson that I pass on to you. Heeding the Lord begins when I meditate upon His Word. I listen prayerfully for what He is saying to me through the passage, and I am expectant. The Lord is not secretive. He clarifies Scripture to those who desire to know its meaning and are willing to abide by it. Often I have to be patient. God reveals His truth when a believer is ready to hear. I continually return to a portion of the Bible until His message to me is clear. Sometimes that means going over the same passage for days at a time.

God will speak with clarity to anyone who listens prayerfully and submissively. He wants to speak to you! His great desire is for you to know Him as intimately as did Moses, David, Paul, and others like them. Dig into the Bible every day, and listen to the words the Lord impresses upon your heart.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-24T06:20:00.000-04:00

September 24, 2010
Listening to God

JAMES 1:22-25

Learning to listen to God is an essential part of following His will. The Lord regularly speaks to His followers through four resources:

1. The Bible. Scripture is God's guidebook to His thoughts and actions. It is the primary source for His followers to consult about everything in their life. This means that we ought to aim for more than just reading a bit every day. Our goal is to absorb the message—listening for God to offer instructions on how and where to apply His Word.
2. Prayer. Like all real friends, the Lord desires give and take in His relationships. Therefore, prayer is not complete when I'm done talking. I must quiet my mouth and thoughts so that my spiritual ears can open.
3. Circumstances. The Lord often revealed His ways to the biblical saints through their circumstances. He still works that way today. Situations differ but God does not. He uses everyday life to reveal errors in thinking, open or close doors of opportunity, and prove His promises true.
4. Others. Pastors, friends, and mentors can all speak truth into a person's life. The Lord placed believers in community so they could be supported and helped by those nearby. He doesn't hesitate to send a message from the mouth of someone we know.

God does not use just one or two of these methods to reach a believer. He speaks through all of them. We need to attune our spiritual ears, always remembering that a message from the Lord must agree with His holy Word. God is talking to you. Are you listening?

Daily Devotion

2010-09-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

September 22, 2010
The Source of Our Strength

TITUS 3:4-7

The Christian life is just that—a life, not a lifestyle. Sadly, a lot of churches preach Christianity as a list of dos and don'ts. Then faith looks like a formula: JESUS' SAVING GRACE PLUS DOING GOOD THINGS MINUS DOING BAD THINGS = RIGHTEOUSNESS. Most of us have enough problems without worrying about whether we're following the extra-biblical rules of one church.

A man-made formula for righteousness runs counter to scriptural teaching. In fact, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for such heavy-handed religion (Matt. 23:1-4). He, on the other hand, offered liberty through grace. Neither keeping God's Law by self-effort nor adhering to extra rules makes a person free. Legalistic believers are in bondage and growing ever weaker.

When a person accepts the saving grace of Jesus, he or she receives a new life (Rom. 6:4). This is not an uptight lifestyle of doing good works. A believer is a changed person—same body but a transformed mind and heart. Christ lives through you. His Holy Spirit flows into your spirit as sap runs in a grapevine. It's like getting a spiritual blood transfusion! Strength pumps into places where weakness once prevailed. Why rely upon your frail self when the courage and power to follow God's will is available through Christ?

I know what it feels like to burn out from trying to do good in my own strength. My desire for you is that you'll surrender to the Lord. Depend upon Him to change you from the inside out, and trust that He will. Jesus is your life. He will never get tired of transforming you.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-21T05:33:00.000-04:00

September 21, 2010
The Blessings of Inadequacy

2 CORINTHIANS 3:4-6

Life is filled with struggles that reveal human inadequacy. Physical problems leave us weak and unable to cope, relational troubles bring confusion and stress, continual battles with bad habits and addictions make us feel defeated, and financial or job demands damage our self-worth. No one likes the frustration and fear of facing challenges which are too big to handle, but God can use them for our good.

Maybe you have never considered inadequacy a blessing. After all, it arouses all sorts of uncomfortable emotions that make us feel useless, insignificant, and weak. But God can turn all the negatives into blessings if we acknowledge our helplessness, depend on His strength, and step into our challenges with confidence in Him.

Inadequacy can be a blessing since it . . .

1. Drives us to God as we recognize our helplessness.
2. Relieves us of the burden of trying to do God's will in our own strength.
3. Motivates us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Provides the Lord an opportunity to demonstrate what He can do.
5. Increases our usefulness to God by humbling our pride.
6. Allows Christ to receive all the glory.
7. Gives peace as we rely on Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers have the ability to endure difficulty or accomplish whatever the Lord calls them to do. By claiming the adequacy of Christ, we can face every circumstance with a sense of awesome confidence, not in ourselves but in God, who is totally capable.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-20T05:39:00.000-04:00

Setember 20, 2010
The Burden of Inadequacy

DEUTERONOMY 1:19-36

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.

Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies. When storms are present in your life, lean into the wind and press through. Allowing the storm to blow you in its' direction will only pull you further from the path.

As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years; a journey that should have taken a few months at most. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-17T05:44:00.000-04:00

Setember 17, 2010
God's Clear Instructions

JOSHUA 6:1-5

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop. Many Christians are often frustrated when God’s will is not their own. They pray that God would deliver them, but what they’re really asking for is, for God to make their way possible. Christians must learn to submit to completely to God’s will no matter how foolish it may seem.

Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:

• Faith to believe the Lord
• Courage to obey Him
• Patience to wait for His timing.

When God gives us clear instruction through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His promises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.

Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.

How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey. God uses the foolish to confound the wise. Often times God uses the most ridiculous schemes to confound His power. Gideon had an army of hundreds of thousands and would have easily won the battle, but God reduced this army to three thousand. God will receive His glory, but it is up to us to submit to the will that He chooses.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-16T06:02:00.000-04:00

September 16, 2010

A Fresh Encounter with the Lord
JOSHUA 5:13-15

Before overcoming a challenging situation, God often brings us through a time of spiritual preparation. Such was the case prior to Israel's conquest of Canaan. As Joshua—the commander of the Hebrew army—stood near Jericho contemplating the battle ahead, God appeared to him.

Joshua's reaction to this fresh encounter with God can help us learn how we should respond when

· He speaks to us in our hearts through His Word and His Spirit.
· He approached the Lord in order to speak with Him.
· He fell on his face in humility and submission to His authority.
· He asked for further instruction—"What has my lord to say to his servant?" (v. 14).
· He obeyed immediately.
· He feared God and treated Him as holy.

The Lord is always waiting to meet with us, but sadly, we are often too busy to make the effort to approach Him. By neglecting His presence, we miss the opportunity to receive His encouragement, strength, and direction for our challenging situations.

Our attitude during times of Scripture reading and prayer is very important. A humble, submissive, and teachable spirit enables us to hear God, and immediate obedience to His instructions reveals our awesome respect for Him.

If you're struggling with a difficulty and wondering why the Lord hasn't intervened, maybe He's waiting for you to meet with Him and—like Joshua—to humble yourself before Him in absolute dependence. Only then will you be in a position to hear God's voice and follow His instructions.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-15T06:19:00.002-04:00

September 15, 2010

Seeing Obstacles through God's Eyes
JOSHUA 2:1-24

Jericho was the first city that the Israelites needed to conquer in their quest for the land of Canaan. When Joshua sent a pair of spies to check it out, he probably didn't realize that he would receive a glimpse of God's impressive behind-the-scenes activity.

God wants us to look at every obstacle through the lens of His unlimited strength and resources. Anything that appears to block His plans is an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His sovereign power. Just because we don't see anything happening, that doesn't mean He's inactive. Just because you can’t see God in it, doesn’t mean He’s not there.

Always remember that God is at work on the other side of our obstacles, arrang-ing the details and bringing His plans to fruition. When the spies returned to Joshua, they reported that the people of Jericho were scared to death. Having heard about the Jews' deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, they were gripped by fear of the Lord.

The stage was set for the conquest, yet by that point, Joshua had done nothing. Sometimes we think we need to be involved in the solution to our problem, but God is not limited with regard to whom or what He can use to accomplish His will. In this case, He worked in the hearts of the enemy by instilling demoralizing fear.

For Christians, great obstacles need not be reasons for discouragement. Although much of the Lord's activity is silent and invisible, we can be sure He is dynamically working out His will for our lives. When the pieces of His plan are in place, He will move us on to victory.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-14T06:17:00.000-04:00

September 14, 2010

Facing Life's Obstacles
JOSHUA 1:1-9

As Joshua stepped into Moses' giant-sized sandals, he faced the biggest challenge of his life—bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land. The responsibility was huge, and we can surmise from the Lord's repeated commands to "be strong and courageous" that he was probably not feeling up to the task; especially since he and one other were the only ones that believed God could deliver them.

At one time or another, we all face obstacles that seem insurmountable. The question is, How will we respond? Some people try to push through or manipulate their way around the barriers, while others wallow in hopelessness and give up in defeat. But the Lord wants us to trust Him to remove each impediment. The fiery trials are the greatest test of our faith.

Every obstacle that stands between us and God's purpose is subject to His supernatural power. Most of us would readily agree that nothing is too difficult for the Lord, but fear and worry reveal our doubts. By focusing on the problem, we allow it to grow and block our view of almighty God.

Knowing the difficulty of Joshua's assignment, the Lord assured him that he would be successful in completing the mission. God's responsibility was to remove every hindrance that stood between the Israelites and the land He'd promised to give them. Joshua's job was to believe the Lord and carefully obey all His commands. Unlike the Israelites, when God moves us into a “Promised Land” He expects every enemy to be defeated. The Israelites made is quite clear that they were only willing to fight just enough to secure their promise. Do you just want security, or do you want complete deliverance?

Obstacles are one way that God strengthens faith. When you are confused and cannot see how He could work out your situation, do not walk away in defeat and miss His blessing. He wants to teach you His way of obedience, trust, and courage. Believe Him; He always keeps His promises.

It is never easy to fight, but when the "Land flowing with milk and honey" becomes your reward, victory in God tastes sweeter than you could have ever imagined.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-13T05:38:00.000-04:00

September 13, 2010

Responding to Tough Times
PROVERBS 3:5-6

Tough times have a way of separating the "wheat" from the "chaff." That is, when two people face similar dilemmas, one grows closer to God, bears spiritual fruit, and becomes more peaceful. The other, meanwhile, becomes anxious, bitter in spirit, and full of secret doubts about the Lord's faithfulness. The difference has to do with how each one responds to hardship.

We all know that hardship is part of life. Becoming a Christian does not change that fact (John 16:33). What shifts is our understanding of God's sovereignty—nothing touches our lives unless He permits it. The Lord allowed a murderous king to pursue David for years (1 Sam. 23). But the fugitive responded to adversity with faith and called God his stronghold and refuge (Ps. 59:16).

We are confronted with challenges for many reasons. God intends for them to grow our faith, change our perspective, or deepen our compassion. Sometimes believers reach heaven before they understand why they've had to endure suffering. But whatever the trial or God's intention for it, He is available to help us in our affliction (Ps. 46:1). We can turn toward Him for comfort, guidance, and support. Or we can get angry and resentful that we are not being rescued from our shadowy valley (See Ps. 23:4).

Oswald Chambers wrote: “Watch the kind of people God brings around you, and you will be humiliated to find that this is His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now, He says, exhibit to that one exactly what I have show to you” Tough times are full of adversity, remain faithful to God throughout all trials. When affliction strips away every crutch, one has only the Lord to depend upon. Can you think of a better position to find yourself in than to be undergirded by our faithful and sovereign God? Though some people are destroyed by that kind of situation, others are built into stalwart believers.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-09T05:47:00.002-04:00

September 9, 2010

Overcoming Trials
HEBREWS 11:23-29

Moses had some tough times in his long life. He fled from a murder charge, spent years in the desert, stood toe to toe with a king who scorned him, led a grumbling nation through 40 years of hardship, and saw those same people run hot and cold in their allegiance. Yet once Moses learned the secret to dealing with trials, he faced every one courageously.

Though he returned to Egypt with an unmistakable call from the Lord (Ex. 3:10), appearing before Pharaoh must nonetheless have been intimidating. And Moses had to plead with him ten times for the release of the Israelites. The ruler was not fazed by locusts or convinced by boils or softened by water turning into blood. In fact, he made life even harder for the slaves by forcing them to find their own brick-making materials. In turn, the Hebrews heaped ingratitude on their leader.

In spite of all the opposition, Moses kept returning to the palace until he had achieved God's purpose—the release of His people. As the former prince led the exodus from Egypt, "he endured as seeing Him who is unseen" (Heb. 11:27). With a stack of trials behind and despite a hint of more to come leading this unruly people, Moses moved forward, aware that he was walking in God's presence.

God had pledged to be with Moses every step of the way (Ex. 3:12). The Israelite leader fixed his focus upon that promise and the One who made it. He had the wisdom to trust that I AM (v. 14)—the eternal sovereign of the universe—would guard his way and bring him victory over trials.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-06T08:41:00.000-04:00

Septemeber 6, 2010

The Storms of Life
GENESIS 50:15-21

When life gets hard, we tend to get upset and wonder how soon the difficulty will end. But God wants us to focus on Him in times of trouble. As we do, we will discover He is doing important spiritual work during these "storms."

Beliefs. The Bible contains what we need to know about our life in Christ and following Him. When circumstances are beyond our control, what we really believe will surface. The depth of our faith in God's character and promises will become evident, as will any doubts or uncertainties we may have. For example, Joseph revealed strong belief when he acknowledged that God intended his hardships for his good (v. 20). There are bound to be times when we don't succeed—like Peter, whose fear led to denying Christ—but we should think of trials as opportunities to grow and deepen our faith.

Transformation. As God's children, we are to live our lives in a way that displays Christ's character. But we are more like jewels in the rough, aren't we? The heavenly Father can use the storms of life to transform us into His Son's image.

Comfort. This blessing is not only for us but also for others. Our Father comforts us in our sufferings and asks that we share what we have received with other people (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Difficult times can come from our own mistakes, the schemes of the Enemy, or the hurtful actions of others. They can even be ordained by God. Regardless of the source, our Father works in them to benefit us and to bless others. What testimony about Him can you give to a hurting world?

Daily Devotion

2010-09-03T06:42:00.000-04:00

September 3, 2010

God's Purposes in Difficult Times
ROMANS 8:28-29

If we could design an ideal life, most of us would skip over times of hardship. But Scripture teaches us that God has purpose in the storms of life.

Cleansing. When problems press in on us, ungodly attitudes and habits tend to surface. Impatient behavior, a quick temper, or reliance on something or someone other than God may become apparent. In a crisis, the bad habits we had ignored can show up in ways too obvious to overlook. The Holy Spirit will use tough times to smooth away our rough edges and produce the fruit of the Spirit in us (Gal. 5:22-23).

Companionship. When life is good, we may spend less time with the Lord and start taking our relationship with Him for granted. We may even drift off His chosen path. Crises help us see our need for Him as well as our inability to help ourselves. Hard times bring us to our knees in prayer and drive us to seek opportunities for His companionship.

Our heavenly Father's desire is for us to develop Christ-like character and grow in intimacy with Him. He wants us to experience the richness of His love and wholeheartedly show Him devotion. He will use trials and difficulties to accomplish His good purposes for us.

Life brings trouble to us from many sources. But the common thread in all trials is the Lord's desire and ability to use them for our good and His glory. Through these experiences, we can let go of ungodly traits and experience sweet communion as we walk in intimacy with Him.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-02T09:32:00.000-04:00

September 2, 2010

A Lifestyle of Forgiveness
EPHESIANS 4:29-32

Showing mercy to those who hurt us does not come naturally—it's easier to get angry and remain that way. We justify our lack of forgiveness by pointing to the injustice that took place or harm that was done. But God commands us to be merciful (Luke 6:36). We, who have been shown divine mercy, are to practice a lifestyle of forgiveness.

So why don't we obey? Sometimes our pride gets in the way. We become angry when treated with disrespect, passed over for a job opportunity, or ignored despite our accomplishments. At other times we get focused on other people's refusal to change, and we withhold mercy until they improve their behavior. Then, some of us have been badly hurt or unjustly treated. Our minds are so filled with pain that we become stuck in the past. We cannot see how we can forgive.

An unforgiving attitude can have all sorts of unwanted consequences, including broken relationships, emotional bondage, and indifference toward the Lord. The longer we hold onto our anger, the more it will affect our fellowship with other people as well as with our heavenly Father.

Over time, we may become bitter and hostile, which certainly does not fit who we are in Christ.

It is hard for us to pardon those who tell lies about us, treat us badly, or cause harm to our loved ones. And yet, their behavior towards us is not a reason to withhold mercy. God calls us to forgive just as He forgave us—and with His help, we can do just that.

Daily Devotion

2010-09-01T05:46:00.000-04:00

September 1, 2010

God's Gift of Forgiveness
COLOSSIANS 3: 12-14

Motivated by love, God provided a way for our sins to be forgiven. He sent Jesus to be our Savior; when we trust in His substitutionary sacrifice on our behalf, we receive His gift of forgiveness.

Before placing faith in Christ, we were dead in our sins and objects of divine wrath (Eph. 2:1-3). But our merciful heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus to redeem us. At the cross, the Savior took our sins upon Himself and experienced God's fury for our sake. His death secured a pardon for us—there was nothing we could do to acquire God's acceptance. We are saved by grace—through faith in Christ and what He accomplished (Eph. 2:8-9). Our salvation is a free gift from the Father.

God's will is that we, as forgiven people, show mercy to those who wrong us—to the same degree that He forgave us in Christ. But the human tendency is to attach conditions when extending mercy.

We think, I will forgive you only if you apologize satisfactorily. Or, You must fix the problem before I will stop being angry. Or even, I expect you to make restitution before I will let this go. That is not what our Savior did. Romans 5:8 expresses it this way: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Depending on how much hurt we've experienced, we may require time and healing before we can truly forgive. But we are to remember that showing mercy is God's will. We're called to pardon those who have caused us pain. Through reliance on God's Spirit, we can become like Jesus and forgive. The Bible says that one of His disciples ask Him how many times should I forgive my fellow brethren; Jesus answered and said, seventy times seven. It is only with a forgiving heart that we will be able to truly experience God’s will in our lives.

-Contributions from: C.S. Lewis, Charles Stanley, & Oswald Chambers-

Daily Devotion

2010-08-31T05:48:00.000-04:00

August 31, 2010

Refocusing Life on Jesus
JOHN 15: 4-6

Today's passage encourages us to stay connected to Jesus. The image of Him as the vine and believers as the branches helps us understand that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is possible to accept His salvation yet still act out of the "flesh," distracted or separated from His direction and power. All believers find their focus wandering at times, but some have strayed so far that it's hard to see their way back.

If you find your heart loyal to something besides Christ, it is vital to acknowledge that this has happened. Identify which attitudes or activities are drawing you away from Jesus. Then repent and get whatever help is necessary to set aside diversions, insecurity, worldly desires, or anything else that draws your attention away from the Lord.

Once the distraction is gone, refocus on Jesus by reading the Word, praying, learning from biblical messages, and spending time with godly friends who will encourage you. After living outside of God's best for a while, it can be hard to discipline yourself to function as the Lord desires. But He promises to walk by your side to strengthen you and supply all your needs (Phil. 4:19).

As Hebrews 12:1 urges, let us "lay aside every encumbrance . . . and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Don't delay. Acknowledge any area, sin, or stronghold that is keeping you from living passionately and fully for Christ. Following His plan—with His strength—is the way to peace, joy, and contentment in life. Ask for His help and commit to action. There is nothing like living "at full throttle" for God.

-contributions from: Oswald Chambers, C.S. Lewis, Charles Stanley-