Daily in the Word

Power of Security—Part 2

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

A Focus on Family

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach."

1 Timothy 3:1-2

The story is told of two riverboats that were set to race down the Mississippi River to see which was faster. Both started out and when one pulled ahead, the captain of the losing vessel commanded his first mate to begin feeding the fire with all the wood they had. The vessel began gaining ground but soon the first mate informed the captain the ship was out of fuel. Desperate to win, he directed his crew to begin tearing off pieces of the boat to use as fuel. The ship continued to gain ground and even pulled ahead, but at what cost? At the end of the course, the ship was ruined.

Many in our day strive to advance their own interests, but at the cost of hurting their family in the process. Whether you are a pastor, Sunday school teacher, choir member, or parent, your first ministry in life is your family. The church can hire another pastor, but God only gives you one husband or wife, one family.

Realize the extreme importance of family in your life. Getting ahead at work means little if you lose time with your children. Becoming the best in your field gains nothing if your children turn aside from God's will. Ask yourself this-is your job, hobby, or desires worth losing your family?

Being a parent comes with high responsibility. God desires that you will train your child in His commands and guide them into a loving relationship with Him. You can't do that if you aren't actively involved in your child's life. Your family needs you. Ask the Lord to help you make family one of your top priorities this week.

Today's Rooted Principle:

What is it to gain the whole world and lose the family God's entrusted to you?

Power of Security—Part 1

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Tuned to Christ

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

1 Corinthians 1:10

In his book The Pursuit of God, author A.W. Tozer wrote the following:

"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers [meeting] together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul draws attention to disturbing news that believers had been in contention with each other. People who supposedly had the same goals and desires had been fighting and working against each other.

With any sort of human interaction, there's likely to be a difference of opinion or some sort of contention. We aren't all robots, so naturally we'll butt heads with other people. But as believers we should be so focused on Christ and the advancement of His kingdom that we forget the petty differences and work toward His glory.

When you're tuned to God and His will, you'll find that the little differences between you and others don't matter as much. Fighting over church responsibilities or seating preference seems trivial in light of the salvation of others.

How tuned are you to Christ's will? If you find yourself disagreeing over petty things, take some time to rethink the purpose of the church and your role in it. Ask God to keep you focused on His will rather than your own.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Great things can be accomplished for God's glory when we're fully tuned to Him.

The Believer's Description

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

1 Peter 1:14-16

When beginning a new job, one of the first things a company provides the new employee is a list of requirements. Whether in an official document or through verbal instructions, a company tells the employee what is required, how he or she should act, and what guidelines he or she should follow.

When you became a Christian, you weren't handed a job description or a list of requirements, but God does give us a clear description of what He desires from His children in the Bible. Three of those requirements deal with the believer's interaction with the world around him or her.

To be holy. God desires that His children would be holy in all areas of life-thought, speech, and actions. The carnal person has no guidance in what they say or do, but God desires that believers would show forth holy words and actions.

To be set apart. God set us in this world to be a testimony to others. While it's easy to be caught up in the day to day grind, God desires that we would remember we are in the world but not of it.

To fellowship with Him. What will help us speak and act holy and stay apart from the world's influence? Daily fellowshipping with God through prayer and Bible reading guards us from sin and guide us in God's will.

If someone were to describe your life as a believer, what characteristics would they mention? Take account of your life and how you interact with the world around you. Daily spend time with God and seek to be a shining light of God's holiness to others.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Seek to change the world around you rather than the world changing you.

Power to Continue—Part 1

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Being a Co-Laborer

"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state."

Philippians 2:19-20

In studying war and the development of the armies of the United States, it's hard to overlook a man some historians have called "the first modern general"-William Tecumseh Sherman. He served as a general in the Union army during the Civil War and through his "scorched earth" policies, really introduced Americans to complete war.

The story is told of his relationship with General U.S. Grant who headed up the Union armies. Sherman and Grant were close friends and traded letters often. Sherman demonstrated the strength of the friendship in an 1865 letter which contained the following sentence by Sherman:

"I knew wherever I was that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come-if alive."

Every human being desires companionship-a friend, a mate, an acquaintance, someone to care and help in tough times. God made us to need and receive help from others.

As Christians, God brings people into our lives to lift us up and help us along our Christian journey. Can you think of some people who've helped you continue on during tough times? For Paul, Timothy was that co-laborer who helped his ministry.

While it's a great blessing to have a friend like Timothy, it's an even greater blessing to be a friend like Timothy. God desires that you would actively help those around you to stay faithful in their Christian journey.

What can you do to help and encourage your friends? Perhaps it's through keeping someone accountable, lending a helping hand during a trial, or praying for strength for others. Ask God how you can be a Timothy to someone in your life today.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Determine to be a friend who provides spiritual encouragement and replenishment for others.

Power for Life—Part 2

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Being a Servant

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)"

Romans 1:1-2

John Kenneth Galbraith was a noted economist in the early 1900s who was called upon by many dignitaries to help sort the economic markets. He wrote the following story in his autobiography about his housekeeper:

"It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. Lyndon Johnson was calling from the White House. 'Get me Ken Galbraith. This is Lyndon Johnson.' 'He is sleeping, Mr. President. He said not to disturb him.' 'Well, wake him up. I want to talk to him.' 'No, Mr. President. I work for him, not you.' When I called the President back, he could scarcely control his pleasure. 'Tell that woman I want her here in the White House.'"

Emily the housekeeper understood an important truth-she was a servant to one man and obeyed his wishes explicitly. Her loyalties were to Mr. Galbraith alone. What a great example of a true servant.

This single focus was the heart of Paul as he described himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ" in Romans 1. As a servant he had one duty-follow and obey his Master, Christ. Other dignitaries commanded Paul, other people beseeched him, but his focus was on serving God.

Are you a servant of God? A servant follows without explanation, obeys without reason, and is faithful no matter the circumstance. Many people can say they know God, they love Him, or they read His Word; but not many are truly servants of Christ.

What would it take to keep you from obeying God? A true servant obeys no matter the cost. Evaluate your commitment to Christ and seek His help in becoming a true servant of the Lord.

Today's Rooted Principle:

A servant serves even when it doesn't make sense and isn't easy.

Power for Life—Part 1

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Having Joy

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

John 15:10-11

The verb rejoice is found ninety-six times in the New Testament (including those times when used as a greeting). Also, the noun joy is used another fifty-nine times. It's easy to see that God puts a priority on joy and on the believer experiencing a life of joy.

Joy isn't a feeling or emotion based on circumstances; it is a state of being, a gift from the Holy Spirit. God has given us joy through the Holy Spirit and we must look to Him for joy each day. God points to Himself in John 15 as the source of joy. Because of who He is, what He's done, and where you're going one day, you can have joy.

Schedules frustrate, meetings bore, problems anger, responsibilities overwhelm, and life is hectic. But even when you are swamped or things don't go your way, God desires for you to experience His joy. Unconditional joy is not found in yourself, your surroundings, or others; it is from God.

What situation on earth is so terrible that it overshadows the joy of knowing one day you'll live with God forever in Heaven? What can be so bad that knowing Christ cannot bring you joy? If we were truthful, we'd have to admit that our lack of joy comes from focusing on earthly problems rather than God's goodness.

Take a few minutes to consider the goodness of God. Focus on Him today and allow His joy to fill your life.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Situations can change but they can't steal your joy if it's rooted in God.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:37:41 +0000

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house."

Acts 16:33-34

Paul and Silas were faithfully following God. They hadn't strayed from God's calling like Jonah. They hadn't modified God's plans like Saul. They were preaching God's Word when they were thrown into prison. From a human standpoint, Paul and Silas had every right to be upset, to question God, and to wonder why. Yet these men spent their time in prison honoring God. In the midst of pain, confusion, uncertainty, and injustice, they praised God. As a result of their testimony, the Philippine jailer and his entire household came to know Christ.

Had Paul and Silas focused on their own problems they would never had experienced the blessing of seeing this man saved. Had they not been singing and praising God, they would have missed out on the miracle of salvation.

When we're wronged it's easy to focus on the circumstance and ask why. Human nature wants us to fight back, to figure a way out, and to seek revenge. But God calls us to trust Him with the problem and continue serving Him. We have the choice of either becoming upset and bitter during injustice or trusting God and seeing His ultimate plan.

When you experience injustice, realize that God has a greater purpose in your hurt. He wants to work through you to show His goodness to those around you. People notice when you respond to hate with kindness. God wants to use you.

How will you react to injustice? Like Paul and Silas, sing God's praises and continue serving Him.

Today's Rooted Principle:

God wants to turn injustice into immense blessing; praise Him through the pain.

The Admonitions of Bible Prophecy—Part 1

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

A Focus on Preaching

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

John 6:27

A pastor of a large church was dedicated to preaching God's Word as he began his ministry. As the ministry began to grow, he realized that not everyone agreed with the strong preaching of God's Word. Every week he'd receive letters criticizing his messages. Some said they were too strong. Some said they should be mellowed out to appeal to a wider base. And some said the pastor should take a more loving approach. As time went on, the pastor soon noticed that the letters became fewer and the criticism was less. Convicted that this was a sign he had not been challenging his congregation enough, he stated, "I'm afraid that when I'm pleasing everybody, I'm not pleasing the Lord and pleasing the Lord is what counts."

Church is a great place to gather and fellowship with like-minded people. It's great to develop friendships with people who are saved and seeking to live holy lives. But when attending church, there should be a focus on preaching.

Sometimes we can become so caught up in the events of church that we forget the focus of church-listening to God's Word. The preaching of God's Word is one of the most important weekly activities in our lives. It strengthens us for battles, cleans us from the world, equips us for living, and guides us on our journey.

Value the preaching of God's Word. Open your heart to God's leading before every message and make preaching a priority. God's Word is a great asset in life, but it does no good if you aren't actively listening to it and heeding its commands.

Evaluate your attitude toward preaching. While working in the activities of the church is great, keep your focus on the meat of God's Word during preaching.

Today's Rooted Principle:

God's Word can help you in every aspect of life but only if you're allowing it into your life.

The Final Kingdom–Part 2

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The Power of God

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."

Colossians 1:16

The Tournament of Roses is a New Year's parade of floats each year in Pasadena, California. Many colorful floats are built by companies to entertain guests and promote their business. But one year, the entire parade was held up as one of the floats ran out of gas in the middle of the event. Ironically, the float was built by the Standard Oil Company. A company known for powering vehicles had their own vehicle run out of power.

When you think about the power of God, you can become overwhelmed at just how great our God is. He formed the world from nothing, orders everything that happens, and takes notice of even the smallest of changes in the world. And that doesn't even begin to describe how powerful God is.

In the grand scheme of the world, we are but minute beings on the face of earth, yet God shows that He cares about every detail of our lives. God cares if you're facing a trial. He cares if you're going through a tough time. He cares if you need wisdom to make a life-changing decision. God cares about you.

Never take for granted the fact that God is interested in every aspect of your life. God has the power to change the world, and He engages that power on your behalf if you will but ask Him for help.

No one in this world loves you as much as God does and no one can help you like God can. He's promised to help. All you must do is seek His power.

Take some time today to seek God's help in your life. He has the power to help in your difficult situation, and He delights to help you.

Today's Rooted Principle:

The God who created all the world wants to use His power to help your weaknesses.

The Final Kingdom—Part 1

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Praise during Persecution

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?"

Psalm 50:14-16

Oswald Chambers once wrote the following about trials, "Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."

We all face trials and times of persecution. Even Paul was wrongfully imprisoned and beaten unlawfully as he preached the Gospel. But whether the persecution is unwarranted or even illegal, God shows us that we can give Him praise during difficult times.

First Peter 4:12-13 is a needful passage for those facing difficulties, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

How can someone sing praise during a time of sorrow? Praise often comes after prayer. During trials, your best course of action is to spend much time in God's presence. Pour your heart out to Him. Tell Him of your trials and seek His help. God alone can help you during difficulties and He should be the first one you turn to.

As Oswald Chambers noted, God doesn't always remove trials. Sometimes His work can only be accomplished as you face the difficulty. So more than praying for God's deliverance, pray for God's strength to praise Him.

Have you praised God during your trial? Bathe yourself in prayer and glorify God's goodness in your life despite the outside circumstances in your life.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Praise comes not from a feeling of happiness but from an understanding of God's goodness.

Protected Against the Devil's Attacks

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Hebrews 4:12

When Terrie and I first moved to Lancaster we lived in a small apartment that smelled of the previous tenants' pets. One summer day, the temperature was about 112 degrees outside and the swamp cooler was broken. When I came home for lunch, I noticed that Terrie was pale in the face. Thinking it was the heat or the smell of the apartment, I asked her what was wrong. "I just met my first lady friend from Lancaster." Terrie then told me of how a lady had come to the door looking for the past tenants. Terrie told the lady that we were the new residents and that's when the lady flipped out onto the floor. She started rolling around and screaming while foaming at the mouth. It could have been a medical condition or it could have just been the devil's opposition to what God was about to do in the city of Lancaster.

The devil has a very real presence in this world. While he cannot keep you from heaven if you're saved, he still seeks to keep you from following God's will for your life. He will do whatever to keep God from being glorified.

Every day, the devil seeks to attack and destroy you. While this might seem daunting, remember, you have God's power at your disposal! Hebrews 4 tells us that God's Word is powerful enough to ward off even the most powerful of Satan's attacks.

Don't overlook the importance of studying God's Word each day. It's your protection against Satan. Take time to protect your heart with Scripture, and commit to answering each of Satan's attacks with God's truth.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Even the devil's strongest attacks are no match against a Christian firmly rooted in God's Word.