How Well Do We Serve?

by LAUREN DUNGY

“But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.’” Matthew 20:25-26 (NLT)

These wise words from Jesus remind me of the lessons my parents taught me. They were a great example of what it meant to live a life of service and helping others.

Growing up, our home was frequently filled with people. Almost every weekend, my parents would invite children from a nearby girls’ home to stay with us. These girls were treated no differently than if they were my sisters, as my parents warmly welcomed and included them in our everyday lives and activities.

Jesus’ statement in Matthew 20 came during a discussion He had with His disciples about leadership. They were asking how they could get promoted up the ladder of authority in His organization. In fact, two of the disciples, James and John, asked for the positions of second in command in the Kingdom.

Jesus responded by telling them that in the Kingdom of God, greatness is defined by how well we serve and how much we help others.

This is certainly a contrast to what we hear in most parts of society today. We typically look at our leaders and judge them by how many people they're responsible for, how much influence they have and the decisions they make. Whether it's a CEO leading a business, a teacher leading a classroom or a mother leading a family, we tend to judge them by how confident they look or how much control they exert over the people following them.

If I’m not careful, I can get deceived into feeling I need to be more forceful, more demanding, or get further ahead in life, trying to move up the corporate ladder.

Isn’t it wonderful to hear Jesus speak and realize He doesn't want us to do things the way the world does? In this case, He wants just the opposite. Jesus says the real heroes, the ones He values most, are the people who help others.

He says we should measure our worth by the number of people we serve and how we make their lives better. He shares this reminder in Matthew 20:25-26, “But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.’”

Looking at things that way gives us a completely different perspective on life.

My parents didn’t reach out to those young women for recognition or to earn some type of award. They did it out of a heartfelt desire to serve, and in doing so, modeled those values to me and my siblings.

Because of my parents’ example, giving back is now a way of life for me. My husband, Tony, and I choose to be involved with low-income schools. We visit with children, read to them, encourage them and inspire them to dream.

Our hope is that our children will also develop a heart for serving others, following our lead, the legacy of my parents, and ultimately, Jesus’ desire for their lives.

My prayer for my family and yours is that we will find a way to serve, no matter how big or small. And, when we do, know that Jesus says those who serve are the leaders in His kingdom -- the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lord, I thank You for giving us a different way to view leadership. I pray You give us all a heart to serve others. I pray we can utilize the gifts the Holy Spirit has given each one of us to not only help our fellow humans, but to point people to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
James 1:27, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (NLT)

Matthew 25:40, “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (NLT)

Today's Bible Verse...

If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.—Matthew 6:14 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse... 

As Christians, we live in the environment of forgiveness and grace. As we forgive others, the basis of that forgiveness is the incredible debt that God has already forgiven us (Matthew 18). But at the same time, as God sees that his forgiveness is kept in circulation and passed on to others by us, he joyously pours out more forgiveness on us. As hard as it is to forgive someone when we have been genuinely harmed, Jesus wants us to know that the blessings of doing so far outweigh the costs! 

 

My Prayer...

Loving and just God, thank you for cleansing and forgiving me by the atoning sacrifice of your Son Jesus. Thank you for challenging me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Thank you for demanding that your people be a community of forgiveness. Forgive us, and especially forgive me, when we are reluctant, slow, or suspicious about forgiveness. I ask especially that you will forgive ___ for ____, and I ask you to bless this person with your love and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

I Haven't Actually Died to Sin by Mary Chambers

Boomerang of Encouragement

by Mary Southerland

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV).

Friend to Friend

You have heard the old saying, “What goes around, comes around.” Truer words were never spoken when talking about encouragement. We all need encouragement – especially during the tough times. Those “tough” times can come in all shapes, sizes and forms and can vary from person to person.

We have one child who has been known to run an extremely high fever, walk around on a broken foot, and have a headache that would put me in bed... all without a word of complaint. The doctors have always been amazed at this child’s high level of pain tolerance. We have another child who has been known to dissolve into hysterics at the sight of a splinter embedded in a finger and turn ghastly pale and almost faint at the mere smell of the doctor’s office. The doctors have been amazed at this child’s low level of pain tolerance. The difference between these two children does not reflect a right or wrong reaction. As one of my friends often says, “It is what it is.” When each child was in pain, they both needed understanding, compassion, and encouragement.

When I went through my first major battle with clinical depression, one of the most precious groups of encouragers was the elders of the church where my husband was the pastor. With my permission, Dan shared with them what I was dealing with and asked them to pray. They did pray. But these men didn’t think prayer was enough. These amazing angels wanted to do more by putting feet and hands to those prayers and did not stop until they came up with a rescue plan for me. 

Our church had five services each weekend and because I was so emotionally frail, I never knew which service I would be able to attend until I was on the way. Dan would relay the message that I was coming, and the elders went into action. One would meet me at the car and escort me inside. Another would keep an eye on me during the service in case I needed help. Our church auditorium had three main aisles. An elder would walk those aisles before and after the service, watching and waiting. Many times, the elder would press a note of encouragement into my hand as he passed the offering plate. If he sensed I was in trouble or caught in a draining conversation, he would swoop in, take me by the arm and say, “Excuse us, please. Mary is needed elsewhere.” I was then ushered to my car, hugged and told, “We are praying for you. We love you. Go home.”  I know. It was amazing! Their encouragement was also a main factor in my recovery. 

The reason these special men offered me encouragement was because Dan and I made the decision to share my pain – openly and honestly. Doing so invited them into my life. Now that I am on the other side of that pit, I remember the love and encouragement they gave me – and I am motivated to encourage others. It’s God’s circle of encouragement. However, there is another very important truth here I don’t want us to miss.

There are those who suffer alone and in silence, unable to scrape up the courage to share their pain and have no advocate to sound the alarm on their behalf. I believe God will not only give us the discernment to see their pain; but He will also show us how to encourage and build them up. He will reveal ways to help the weak and be patient with the broken lambs who cross our path ... if we ask Him to do so.

Are you willing to share your pain with others and allow God to use them in your life as a source of encouragement? Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the circle of encouragement. 

Let’s Pray
Father, I am amazed at how You love me through others. Thank You for the gift of encouragement. Help me to receive that gift and then to give it away to someone else in need. I want to be Your hands and feet to those who are hurting around me. Give me eyes to see them and love them, Lord. 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Today's Bible Verse... 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.  —Acts 3:19 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I'm not sure what we fear about repentance (turning our hearts and lives to God)? God will not only receive us; he will also redeem us and remake us. But that repentance is often so hard for us to do. We get stuck in old patterns of destructive and addictive behavior. We believe Satan's deceptive lies. We use self-deprecating thoughts to defeat the Spirit's work in ourselves. So why not come clean and confess our sins and truly turn our lives over to God? If we will, we will find something truly refreshing!

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, I am not sure why I so doggedly hold on to some of my "pet" sins. Part of me wants to break free of these stumbling blocks, but part of me doesn't. I need your help in turning myself fully over to you. Please send your healing, cleansing, and refreshing power through the Holy Spirit to help me as I commit in my heart to fully and completely turn my life over to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

 

Neither First nor Last by Doug Hall

The Holy Spirit’s Dwelling Place

by Dr. Charles Stanley

¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV

 

Every time the news programs report a story about vandalism at a church, believers cringe. It’s hard for us to bear the thought of anyone spray-painting graffiti on sanctuary walls or damaging the stained glass windows, let alone setting fire to a place of worship. It’s a desecration! The church is a sacred place.

I’m saddened by the fact that many Christians don’t have the same qualms when it comes to harming the temple of the Holy Spirit--their own bodies. Some put junk into their stomachs, their veins, or their lungs. Others wear themselves down under a weight of stress or exhaustion. Some folks justify these abuses as their right: It’s my body, I can do what I want. But that isn't true.

First Corinthians 6 says that believers are the Lord’s possession (v. 19). He has fashioned these earthen vessels to serve Him and carry out the work He’s planned for us to accomplish. God created us with a mind, body, and spirit--of the three aspects, the body is the one that allows us to interact with our environment. People cannot reach their full potential while neglecting the proper care of their bodies. What good are education, talent, and gifts if we’re too tired or sick to complete tasks well?

Here in the world, we can do nothing apart from our physical body. Since it is the only one we’ll have in this life, we should do our best to keep it in good condition. Believers should also recognize their responsibility to treat the earthly frame like the sacred and special dwelling place that it is.

Today's Bible Verse...

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.—John 4:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Without the Spirit, we are not children of God. Without the Spirit, the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice would not be fully implemented in us. Without the Spirit, we cannot worship God in the ways he wants because God is Spirit. Our worship must be "Spirit to Spirit" and done in a way that pleases God and that is according to his will.

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty God, I want to be one of your worshipers. I want to worship you "Spirit to Spirit." I want to honor you by worshiping you according to your will. In all of my life and all of my praise, I want you to be honored. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

by David Veerman and Ken Westphal

My Grace IS Sufficient

My grace is sufficient for thee (2 Corinthians 12:9).

It had pleased God to remove my youngest child under circumstances of peculiar trial and pain; and as I had just laid my little one's body in the churchyard, on return home, I felt it my duty to preach to my people on the meaning of trial.

Finding that this text was in the lesson for the following Sabbath, I chose it as my Master's message to them and myself; but on trying to prepare the notes, I found that in honesty I could not say that the words were true; and therefore I knelt down and asked God to let His grace be sufficient for me. While I was thus pleading, I opened my eyes and saw a framed illuminated text, which my mother had given me only a few days before, and which I had told my servant to place upon the wall during my absence at the holiday resort where my little one was taken away from us. I did not notice the words on returning to my house; but as I looked up and wiped my eyes, the words met my gaze, "My grace is sufficient for thee."

The "is" was picked out in bright green while the "My" and the "thee" were painted in another color. In one moment the message came straight to my soul, as a rebuke for offering such a prayer as, "Lord, let Thy grace be sufficient for me"; for the answer was almost as an audible voice, "How dare you ask that which is?"

God cannot make it any more sufficient than He has made it; get up and believe it, and you will find it true, because the Lord says it in the simplest way: "My grace is (not shall be or may be) sufficient for thee." "My," "is," and "thee" were from that moment, I hope, indelibly fixed upon my heart; and I (thank God) have been trying to live in the reality of the message from that day forward to the present time.

The lesson that came to me, and which I seek to convey to others, is, Never turn God's facts into hopes, or prayers, but simply use them as realities, and you will find them powerful as you believe them.
--Prebendary H. W. Webb Peploe

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercies,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
--Annie Johnson Flint 

Today's Bible Verse...

Be careful not to do your "acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Why do we do the things we do? What is the motivation for our behavior? It's so easy to fall into the trap of doing religious things so we will look good to others. This is true even when culture reacts negatively to our faith. Those around us who know about our faith and the Christians around us become the target of our behavior. While we do want to have the right kind of influence on everyone around us, we must never make our decisions about spiritual service on the basis of being seen by others to be honored because of it. Our goal must be to honor God and bless others!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please purify my heart of any false motivation and help me serve others based on their need and my desire to honor you in helping them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Home Bible Study - 75 A.D. by  Ed Koehler

 

A Prayer for Faith and Understanding

By Dick Woodward

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” - John 20:29

As we ponder the definition of faith we hear it said that believing is seeing. “When I see it I’ll believe it” is the way some would put it. In the verse quoted above David clearly writes that we believe first and then our believing leads us to the seeing of what we believe.

Biblical faith always has an unseen object. According to other Scriptures there will always be evidence that the unseen object of our faith exists, but when our faith is biblical faith the object of that faith will be unseen (Hebrews 11:6). Seeing does not lead to believing because we already have the object of our faith when we see, but believing does lead to seeing according to David and other authors of the Bible.

A rural pastor told his people that when they invited him home for dinner after church he was always hoping they would have southern fried chicken. If he had no reason to believe that would be the menu he could only hope there would be chicken for dinner. But when he came into their home if he smelled chicken and if he saw from the living room chicken gravy on the dining room table, those things were the evidence of the object he could not see. He could now believe there was chicken in the kitchen and he would have it for dinner.

David tells us that after the believing that leads to seeing, all we have to do is wait on the Lord until we see the object of our faith. Are you believing God for something you cannot yet see?

Dear Lord, we cannot see you but we trust that you are there. We trust that you hold the world in the palm of your hand. Help us to live every day with this perspective. Help us to understand that faith is found in the small actions of kindness we make. When we comfort the grieving, when give help to the homeless, we are declaring your victory. Amen.

Today's Bible Verse...

But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.—Matthew 9:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is merciful. Yes, we do remember those blazing occasions when he was fed up and furious with the unrighteousness and rebellion of his people. But, we remember them precisely because they were so striking and because they did not occur that frequently in the hundreds of years he led the Israelites. God has shown us his heart. God showed it to Nineveh despite Jonah. God revealed his heart in Jesus' compassion to people. God has demonstrated his mercy and love with you and me by calling us, sinners, to his side and to bring us salvation. He will not leave us unchanged and content with our sin. Yes, he does call us to repentance. But, the very fact that the Almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth would pause and invite us near and give us a chance to know his grace is almost too good to be true. That same God calls us to share that same mercy to others.

My Prayer...

Thank you, Almighty God, for being tender as well as powerful, forgiving as well as righteous, and merciful as well as holy. Please mature me in these sets of character defining traits. I don't want to be self-righteous, but righteous. I don't want to be a bully, but compassionately strong. I don't want to be sanctimonious, but true and merciful. Please fill me with your Spirit and gently confront me in those areas that need growth and change. May others see in me a reflection of you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Don't Question My Eschatology

by Doug Hall

Satan hindered us.

by Alistair Begg
¹⁸Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.  1 Thessalonians 2:18 KJV

Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience that Satan hinders us. From all points of the compass, all along the line of battle, in the advance party or in the rear, at the dawn of day and in the midnight hour, Satan hinders us. If we work in the field, he seeks to break our implements; if we build a wall, he tries to cast down the stones; if we are serving God in suffering or in conflict--everywhere Satan hinders us. He hinders us when we are first coming to Jesus Christ. We had fierce conflicts with Satan when we first looked to the cross and lived. Now that we are saved, he tries to prevent our growth in Christian character. You may be congratulating yourself: “So far I have walked consistently; no one can challenge my integrity.”

Beware of boasting, for your virtue will soon be tested; Satan will direct his energies against the very virtue for which you are most famous. If you have to this point been a firm believer, your faith will soon be attacked; if you have been meek like Moses, expect to be tempted to speak unadvisedly with your lips. The birds will peck at your ripest fruit, and the wild boar will dash his tusks at your choicest vines.

Satan is sure to hinder us when we are faithful in prayer. He hinders our persistence and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Satan is equally vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. As soon as Ezra and Nehemiah began to work, Sanballat and Tobiah were stirred up to hinder them. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hinders us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord's side and are doing the Lord's work, and in His strength we will win the victory and triumph over our adversary.

Today's Bible Verse...

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. —Proverbs 11:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God is a giving and generous God. He longs for his children to be like him in this grace. Our place on earth is not to be hoarders or collectors of blessing, forgiveness, wealth, and opportunity. No, following the lead of our Eternal Father, we are to be conduits of blessing, forgiveness, wealth, and opportunity. As we are generous like God, we trust that he will in turn make sure we are blessed and refreshed in the ways that will draw us more and more into his character and more able to help others in the future.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I thank you for all the great examples of generosity that have graced my life. Whether rich or poor, these conduits of your grace have taught me that I, too, can be more like you in this way. Bless my heart with trust and faith as I seek to be more generous with others in my grace, forgiveness, finances, encouragement, and time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Manly Sunday School Classes  by Larry Thomas

True Satisfaction

Answers For Each Day With Bayless Conley

Isaiah 14:12-15 records the fall of Satan.  Created as God's archangel, we read about the dissatisfaction that got him in trouble, "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart:  ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit." Isaiah 14:12-15

Clearly his problem was pride.  "I will, I will, I will...I am going to be like God."  He wasn't satisfied with being the archangel that God had created him to be.  He wanted to take God's place.

The root of Satan's pride was his discontent with the post and station that the supreme Monarch of the universe had assigned and allotted him.  He thought he deserved better.

We all have our sphere of influence, and we all have our gifting from God.  Your sphere of influence and gifting are different than mine, and mine are different than yours.  It is unwise to desire something that someone else has rather than exploring what God has given you and developing that to its highest potential.

When you look over the fence, it looks like the grass is greener on the other side, but when you hop over, you find out it is spray-painted!

You will only be satisfied if you will develop what God has put inside of you and take that to its highest level possible.  That is what you will be rewarded for.

Today's Bible Verse...

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. —2 Timothy 1:16

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

A friend in Christ that will faithfully serve others is a wonderful gift of refreshment. Yet as humans, we are tempted to be fickle friends — there for a bit of time while they need us, but often tiring over the long haul of extended recovery from illness, grief, or the consequences of previous sin or addiction. Is there someone you know who is still chained in some way to the past? Is the Lord calling upon you to bless this person today? What about blessing them as Onesiphorus blessed Paul — often and without being ashamed!

My Prayer...

Almighty and tender Shepherd, please give me eyes to see your precious ones around me who need the encouragement of your grace that can only be experienced through the touch of a caring brother or sister in Christ. Please help me through the power of your Holy Spirit to be a more steadfast and faithful source of refreshment to these people. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Starting a Men's Ministry by  Erik Johnson

Which Grace Do You Need Most Today?

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

The Bible speaks of the “manifold” grace of God. What does that mean? It means we can experience God’s grace in many ways. For instance, there is singing grace. When Paul and Silas were in prison, God gave them grace to sing (see Acts 16:25).

There is speaking grace. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” God will give you the ability to talk about your troubles with His grace.

God also gives us strengthening grace. Timothy was often sick with many infirmities. Paul told him to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).

Which do you need today? Singing grace? Speaking grace? Strengthening grace? All three? Spend time in the Word of God today and draw from the manifold grace of God.

From Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers

 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

 

By God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. —Romans 15:32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our lives, our futures, and our plans are in God's hands. This inescapable reality is the basis of our existence. It is also the foundation of our joy and refreshment when we are with each other. Think about it a second: our meetings with each other, and our ministry to each other, are not chance happenings. They are acts of God's grace that gives us a chance to share in God's blessing and joy.

 

My Prayer...

Holy Father, thank you for your direct involvement in my life. Thank you for the leading of your Spirit, the guidance of your Word, and the wisdom of older Christians. These have all deepened the meaning of my life and empowered my service to your Kingdom. Please give me a more profound sense of grace and joy when I am able to be with Christians wherever that may be. I know these precious members of your family are not chance acquaintances I make along the way, but are the reminders of your desire to bless me and refresh your children with your presence. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Assimilation & Membership

Complicating the Doctrine by Doug Hall



Are You Trusting in the Mighty Hands of God?

by Debbie Przybylski

 
"As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious? Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in him." - Henry Blackaby
  We all want God to answer our prayers. We believe in the power of prayer, but when it comes down to our own individual lives and problems, we often don’t have the faith to believe that God will answer. Unbelief and independence trap us. But God wants to enlarge our territory and bless us with increase, because His nature is to bless. Our lack of faith and our fear of stepping out in dependence on Him are what get in the way. The truth is that the things we do for God should be outside of our own abilities; they should be evidence that we are trusting in His supernatural ability.
  When we back away from dependence, we are not living by faith. We need to be willing to attempt things big enough that unless God steps in, we are sure to fail. Faith is like jumping out of an airplane at fifteen thousand feet. If God doesn’t catch you, you will fall and crash. But how do you know unless you jump? This is the kind of faith and dependence He is looking for in our lives. Remember the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10:
"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”
Jabez cried out to God to enlarge his territory and bless him. He cried out for God’s hand to be with him. Jabez was greatly blessed by God because he didn’t let obstacles become larger than his faith. He knew the character of God and that He loved to bless. We, too, are made for destiny. We have a God-inspired desire to impact our world. Created for something bigger than ourselves, we are designed to touch a lost world. We long to make an impact on our land for eternity, whether it is where we work, live or minister.
  But in reality most of us are afraid to step out by faith.
  An African antelope called the impala can jump to over ten feet high and over a distance of thirty feet! But you can keep impalas from escaping with only a three-foot-high stone wall. They can’t see where they will land on the other side of the wall, so they won’t even try to jump it.
In the same way, we often won’t try anything we can’t see because we are locked in by our fears. Faith is the ability to trust God even when we cannot see. Faith frees us to trust Him who has all the resources of heaven. Why are we afraid to become dependent on a God who has all the resources in the world with limitless power? He wants to bless us, but we must have faith.
If we pray for God to enlarge our borders, we must depend on Him and prepare to believe for miracles that only He can do. God gives us the desires of our hearts, and He wants to answer extraordinary prayers combined with extraordinary faith. He wants us to live beyond our self-imposed limits. He wants to give us favor, but many of us don’t believe it. I encourage you to begin to pray "big" prayers, because God wants to bless you.

I realize that I must demonstrate my dependence on God even when I feel weak, by stepping out by faith in whatever way He leads. It is not easy, but I must say "no" to fear. Recently I've had to do that on several occasions, and it worked! I watched God perform a miracle as I stepped out by faith for Him. Our willingness and weakness offered to God’s will and supernatural power result in God’s unlimited opportunity to bless us.
God is trying to teach each one of us dependence in His strong hands and supernatural power.
  A small group of scientists were searching for an extremely rare flower in the Himalayan Mountains. After a long search, they found it, but it was growing on the side of a very steep cliff and they had no way to get it. They finally had an idea and asked a young boy if they could lower him over the cliff on a rope to get it. They offered him a bribe that was quite big in the eyes of that small boy. But the cliff was scary and extremely dangerous.
The boy thought for a minute and suddenly told the scientists to wait a minute, and he ran home. Finally he returned again with an older man. He told them that if they let his father hold on to the rope, he would allow them to lower him over the side of the cliff. He knew that his father would protect him. This example is similar to our relationship with God, our heavenly Father.
If God is holding the rope, then we can trust Him completely with our lives because we know He will not let go.
  When we surrender our weakness into the mighty hands of God, our needs and problems turn into His unlimited opportunity. Then God becomes great through us, and He can entrust us with an enlarged territory and the fulfillment of His plan for us. But we have to take steps of faith, even if they are small. God honors these steps and turns them into His unlimited opportunity, because at that very point we become dependent on Him. This is His plan for our lives. If we are willing to give Him our weakness and obey His Word by faith, then it opens the door for supernatural power and God’s opportunity to bless us.
  What step of faith is God asking you to take today? Will you put everything into His almighty hands, adjust your life to what you are praying for, and step out by faith in whatever way He leads? When you do this, you become dependent in His dependable hands. He is waiting for your invitation to enlarge your faith.
  It is time to evaluate our personal faith life. Answer the following personal questions carefully and prayerfully.

• How is God presently testing my faith?
• In what way does He want to enlarge my territory?
• What impossible assignment has He given me in prayer?
• In what way am I trusting Him for something bigger than myself?
• How am I stepping out of my comfort zone?
• How am I surrendering my weakness, needs, and problems into His mighty hands?
• In what way is God teaching me to depend on His strength and supernatural power?

If asking to do more for God is our utmost ambition, then asking for His hand upon us is our strategic choice to sustain and continue the great things that He has begun in our lives. That’s why you could call God’s hand on you,“The Touch of Greatness.” You do not become great; you become dependent on the strong hand of God. Your surrendered need turns into his unlimited opportunity to help you, and He becomes great through you.


Today's Bible Verse...

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.—Mark 10:13-14 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We humans are always trying to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to really be part of his Kingdom. In fact, he was quite angry with them because they denied toddlers' access to him, apparently because these disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their own sense of importance if they were ever going to understand God's Kingdom.

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for valuing me as your child. Re-awaken in me the wonder, humility, and awe as I seek to live for you and your Kingdom! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

No Parent Is Perfect  by Kevin A. Miller and Joseph Farris

 

The Waves Were None of His Business

from Streams in the Desert

So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:29-30)

Peter had a little faith in the midst of his doubts, says Bunyan; and so with crying and coming he was brought to Christ.

But here you see that sight was a hindrance; the waves were none of his business when once he had set out; all Peter had any concern with, was the pathway of light that came gleaming across the darkness from where Christ stood. If it was tenfold Egypt beyond that, Peter had no call to look and see.

When the Lord shall call to you over the waters, “Come,” step gladly forth. Look not for a moment away from Him.

Not by measuring the waves can you prevail; not by gauging the wind will you grow strong; to scan the danger may be to fall before it; to pause at the difficulties, is to have them break above your head. Lift up your eyes unto the hills, and go forward--there is no other way.

“Dost thou fear to launch away?
Faith lets go to swim!
Never will He let thee go;
’Tis by trusting thou shalt know
Fellowship with Him."

Today's Bible Verse...

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.—Matthew 7:12

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ah! The "Golden Rule" is so straightforward, isn't it? Sometimes we make things, especially religious things, far too complicated and complex. I love the Bible because it is so often practical and plain when God deals with our behavior. You want to know how to treat someone? Then do for them what would be a blessing if it was done to you! If it wouldn't bless, encourage, build up, support, comfort, or help you, then don't do it to them. If it would hurt, wound, depress, spite, or discourage you, then don't do it to them. Treat others with the same dignity, kindness, love, respect, and tenderness with which you would like to be treated. Simple to understand; revolutionary to do!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for making some things so simple to understand. Please fill my heart with your love as I try to live the "Golden Rule" in my relationships. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

Hooked on Phonics by Jonny Hawkins

 

 

Up Against the Wall

⁶ We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. ⁷ Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. ⁸ Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. ⁹ He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. ¹⁰ And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. ¹¹ And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. ¹² Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. Psalms 106:6-12 KJV

When there is a clear, safe path in front of me, I trust the Lord and sing his praise. When my back is against the wall, my enemies are gaining ground and it looks like there is no way ahead, I easily slip into doubt, fear, and murmuring against the Lord.

The writer of Psalm 106 has faced the Babylonian Captivity, one of Israel’s most devastating calamities. He realizes the soon the Lord will allow his people to return from Babylon, and he wants to be sure that he doesn’t miss the celebration. So he reminds himself and his readers about the lessons they should have learned from Israel’s past. He begins with the most powerful deliverance in the Old Testament –the Exodus and the dry path through the Sea. We can read the story in Exodus 12-15.

After the Passover and their expulsion from Egypt, God didn’t allow His people to take the direct route along the coast to Canaan. Instead He made them turn right out into the desert, led them to the water’s edge, and then stiffened Pharaoh’s heart so that he harnessed his chariots and pursued his former slaves. He believed they were trapped. He would quickly gather them up and bring them back to Egypt in chains. The irony of the story is that the Israelites agreed with him.  Terrified, they let Moses have it, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” (Exodus 14:11) The Psalmist reminds us of this act of rebellion in Psalm 106:7.

“When our fathers were in Egypt, they did not consider your powerful acts (the plagues that set them free). They did not remember your faithful love. Instead they contentiously rebelled against you by the sea, the Red Sea.”

The Lord didn’t answer their request to return to Egypt. Instead His mighty wind parted the waters, dried up the moisture, and from 2:00-6:00 AM allowed his people to escape to safety. Then he drowned those who hated them under tons of water. The Israelites then believed him and danced his praise.

Lord, when I’m standing safe on the other side, it’s easy to trust and praise. It’s much tougher when I can’t see the way ahead. As I begin this week, help me not to doubt, fear, and rebel. Help me to believe and confidently anticipate the paths you will open up.

For more from Dave Wyrtzen please visit TruthEncounter.com!

Today's Bible Verse...

He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.—Psalm 23:2-3

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we are exhausted, depleted, and on the edge of burn out, we need to have our souls restored! But who can restore our souls? Only the One who will lead us beside still waters! The Lord is our Shepherd. He alone can fully bring the nourishment and replenishment that we need. Yet why do we sometimes find it so hard to set aside time to be with him? Could it be that we keep our lives so busy that we miss out on the one thing that matters most?

My Prayer...

As you have shown me time and time again, dear Father, I know that being with you restores me in a place within my heart that no one else can reach. Forgive me for seeking nourishment and refreshment from places that are unholy and unhelpful. Reinvigorate me with your presence and power so that I can serve you more victoriously. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Aerobics in the Office by Mary Chambers