DEVOTION MON 11-01-2010

DEVOTION , MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2010

“WHEN IT IS RIGHT TO DISOBEY?”

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

Over the last few devotionals, we have learned the importance God places on obedience to various authorities. And an appropriate question is whether there is ever a time when we draw the line when it comes to obeying men.

In the Book of Acts, Peter and John got in trouble for preaching Christ. In Acts 5:29, when they were told not to preach anymore, Peter answered and said this,

"We ought to obey God rather than men."

That is where you draw the line. If you are ever asked to do something that would cause you to be disobedient to God or that would cause you to violate your conscience (not your preference, but your conscience), that is where you draw the line.

Paul made a statement that he lived in good conscience before God and before men. Your conscience deals with things you truly believe in your heart are morally right and wrong. If you go against your conscience in one of those things, then that is sin.

Stand your ground when it comes to conscience and obedience to God. If people ask you to do something that violates either of these two things—then it is time to take a stand for what you know is right.

For example, in many nations of the world, it is illegal to share your faith. It is illegal to win people to Christ. But Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." We have an allegiance to a higher authority. And when the authorities are telling us to do something that would cause us to disobey God, we obey God, not men.

DEVOTION SAT 10-30-2010

DEVOTION - OCTOBER 30TH, 2010

“WHAT’S UP WITH HALLOWEEN?”

BY

JIM LIEBELT

You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of the world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch." Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires. —Colossians 2:20-23 (NLT)

At HomeWord, we receive questions from time to time about Halloween. Should parents allow their kids to "celebrate" or not? To avoid "giving the devil his due," so to speak, some Christians change the name of their festivities from a "Halloween" party to a "Harvest Party." (While pretty much everything looks exactly the same!) Churches throughout our country use Halloween as a means for outreach to the community. So what's up with Halloween?

There is no doubt that Halloween's origins can be traced to pagan beliefs and rituals. Satanic groups have also attached meaning to Halloween, celebrating it as a special holiday. These origins and meanings can be researched pretty easily on the Internet. Christians of good conscience differ on their views of whether or not believers should have any participation in Halloween celebrations. Certainly, Christians should not participate in the "dark side" of Halloween - to in any way approve of the satanic or the focus on paganism, evil, death, etc.

Yet, the reality of Halloween participation for many, believers and unbelievers alike, is that of exercising a bit of fantasy, dressing up in costumes and having fun "trick or treating" around the neighborhood. To many, this is what Halloween is about, without any connection to occult or pagan practices. I have a hard time saying that there is anything wrong with this.

Let me give an illustration: We know the source and heritage of Christmas. We also know that for many people, Christmas is a very non-religious holiday. People give Christmas their own meaning, regardless of its origins. We would never say that everyone who celebrates Christmas is a follower of Christ or honors God. Halloween, I believe, is similar. People give Halloween their own meaning, regardless of its origins. Consequently, because people participate in Halloween, does not necessarily mean they are promoting or encouraging occult or pagan practices and beliefs.

Whatever conviction you hold about participating in Halloween, live it out for God's glory! In all these things, a person should follow his or her own convictions, while understanding that Christians may differ in their beliefs about this issue. So, if you run into those fellow believers who differ from your stance on Halloween, give them freedom to live out their own convictions. The Apostle Paul said it this way, "Who are you to condemn God's servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord's power will help them do as they should." (Romans 14:4 NLT)

DEVOTION FRI 10-29-2010

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2010

“YOU ARE GOD’S PUMPKIN”

BY

KELLY MCFADDEN

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you boast, boast only about the Lord." —1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NLT)

For most of the country, the crisp cool air of autumn is upon us. A sure sign of autumn is that Christmas decorations are popping up everywhere in retail stores. Halloween costumes and disguises are selling out in stores as trick-or-treaters are ready to take over the streets. A popular symbol of both harvest time and Halloween is the pumpkin. I was thinking recently that being a Christian is a lot like being a pumpkin. Perhaps you are visualizing this orange, round vegetable and wondering how you could ever be compared to one of these squashes! Simply put, like a child chooses a pumpkin to carve and mold an image upon, so God carves and molds His own unique design in you.

The Scriptures tell us that the Lord chooses us. He lifts us up and washes the dirt from our skin. Then he opens us, connecting deep inside to scoop out all the slimy, yucky stuff, including seeds of doubt, spite, lies, and fear. Then He carves a new creation, and makes our faces shine by putting His light inside for all to see.

Sometimes I feel like I don't want my light to shine because I am ashamed of a thought or action or pattern in my life. I try to hide the light Christ has put in me, and blend in with the crowd. What I forget is that when God carved me, created me, and gave me His Son, I no longer had to count on my own strength. I can count on the Lord's. It is He who washes me clean; it is He who gives me a spirit of strength and perseverance; it is He who makes me pure; it is He who frees me from sin; and it is He who gives me hope. When I realize that my part of the equation is to rely on His strength and power, then I can do as Scriptures say, and shine His light through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What starts as an everyday squash turns into a lantern of light. What starts as an everyday person turns into a beacon of hope for all to see. Through our union with Christ, we are given the light and wisdom of the Holy Spirit who enters and dwells in our lives. It is He who picked you out and carved you just the way He wants you. So make sure you keep your lantern lit for all to see.

DEVOTION THUR 10-28-2010

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 2010

“WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE?”

FROM

BBH

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord - 2 Corinthians 5:8

In the verse before, Paul affirms that "we walk by faith, not by sight." This is certainly true when we speak of life after death.

"What happens when we die?" is perhaps the biggest and most important question that humans face, and yet we have no way of finding out the answer for ourselves until the time of death comes. Every one of us, regardless of our religion or worldview, has to answer that question by faith. We all live by faith in some unproven idea of the afterlife.

But, Paul reminds us in the very next verse, this does not mean that we cannot be confident as Christians. We can look confidently forward to a definite and specific reality when we die — to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

There is no soul-sleep, or purgatory, or in-between world. At the instant of our death we will be ushered into the presence of the Lord.

This is encouraging and heartening, but it is also sobering. On the one hand, death is little more than a doorway into God's presence. If we are trusting in Jesus Christ for our salvation, then that faith will be instantly rewarded and confirmed at the moment of our death. On the other hand, Paul warns us, "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" (10) to give an account of our lives. It is a serious thing to stand before an all-knowing and holy judge!

And so Paul says, "we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him" (9).

 

Listen to the Baptist Bible Hour (BBH) broadcast on OnePlace.com.

DEVOTION WED 10-27-2010

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2010

“REMEMBERING THE LOST”

BY

STEVE ARTERBURN

Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-7

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

As time goes by in our recovery we may find that some of our friends look down on us for attending meetings with "addicts and sinners." We may hear complaints about associating with this "kind of people." Or we may find that we forget about those who are still lost in the wilderness of addiction.

"Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! So Jesus told them this story: ‘If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!' " (Luke 15:1-7).

God doesn't see people as either despicable or good. He sees them all as precious, whether they are lost or found. Now that we have been found, we must not forget those who are still lost.

God loves us so much that he seeks each one of us out and rejoices when we are found.

DEVOTION TUES 10-26-2010

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 2010

“I WISH YOU ENOUGH”

FROM

SENIOR LIVING MINISTRIES

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." --Mark 12:28-31

A mother and daughter were spending their last moments together at the airport. As they hugged, the mother said, "I love you, and I wish you enough."

To which the daughter replied, "Mom, your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too."

As the daughter boarded the plane, the mother walked to a nearby window, ready to cry. A man noticed the woman but didn't want to intrude. Thankfully, she volunteered, "Have you ever said goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," replied the man. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?"

The mother responded, "I'm old and she lives far away. I have challenges ahead of me and the reality is that her next trip back will be for my funeral."

The man said, "I heard you say 'I wish you enough.' What does that mean?"

Before walking away, she smiled and tearfully said, "It's a wish that has been handed down to others for generations, so that they might have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get through the final goodbye."

It has been said that it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and an entire life to forget them. Remember the people you love and take some time today to tell them how much you care!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank Jesus for loving you enough to give you salvation and for those in your life whom He has blessed you with.

DEVOTION MON 10-25-2010

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 2010

“MESSENGER”

BY

REBECCA JORDAN

"See, I will send my messenger,

who will prepare the way before me."

Malachi 3:1

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART

My child, no matter how many messengers I send, many will still reject Me. I even came in person, a flesh and blood divine messenger—the Son of God. Yet My own people turned away. My child, I still want to draw everyone to Myself—and into My Father's kingdom. I long to fill hearts with peace, joy, and eternal life. I'm so glad you listened to My message.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE

Throughout Scripture You made Yourself known—through angels to guard and guide, to strengthen and save, to encourage and sustain; through prophets to warn and correct and draw to Yourself. You are God's own messenger, a heaven-sent gift to earth, making the ways of God known.

SIMPLE TRUTH

To the heart that seeks His own, God will make the path straight and His ways known

DEVOTION SAT 10-23-2010

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 2010

“DIFFERENT FISH – DIFFERENT BAIT”

BY

GREG LAURIE

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. —1 Corinthians 9:22-23

There is not a one-size-fits-all-approach to evangelism. We must learn to adapt to the situation. When you are sharing your faith, people will try to get you off point. They will say thing like, "Well, I have a question for you. What about all these denominations? What denomination are you?" Or, "What about politics? Who did you vote for? What is your view on this issue?"

These are secondary issues—rabbit trails. When I am speaking with someone about Christ, I will try to address those things, but then I will get back to main issue. That is what Jesus did with the woman in Samaria when she tried to change the subject. He focused on what really mattered. And that is what we need to do as well.

When you go fishing, you use different kinds of bait for different kinds of fish. And when it comes to evangelism, you might emphasize one thing more than another with certain people. In initially approaching a person and establishing contact with him or her, you may vary in your approach. But ultimately you will get to the main message. Peter, for example, was very different in his presentation of the gospel to the Jews (see Acts 2) than Paul was with non-Jews (see Acts 17). There were two audiences and two entirely different approaches, but Peter and Paul delivered the same essential message.

This is called becoming all things to all men. Paul said, "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

The point is not to embarrass people, but to engage them. That is why we must adapt

DEVOTION FRI 10-22-2010

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, 2010

“IT’S ALREADY BEEN DECIDED”

BY

JOHN NORTH

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”

God has already decided to make you more and more like Jesus!

Because He's committed to this process in your life, God uses every circumstance in your life to shape you to this end. Even when evil things come into your life from evil sources, God's able to take those experiences and use them to strengthen you, get your attention, and refocus your life on Him. Read that first sentence of today's passage again. Lock it into your mind. When difficult times come, trust God.

As you read the whole passage it becomes clear that this work of God to make you like Jesus is a continuous process that starts when you're born again and continues until you're finally with God in heaven, "glorified."

God's reminding you today that while He's constantly working through your circumstances, they'll only make you more like Christ if you respond to them with trust in God and a willingness to choose His way in your life.

DEVOTION THURI 10-21-2010

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 2010

“AN ESSENTIAL OF EVANGELISM”

BY

GREG LAURIE

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. —Colossians 4:5-6

Jesus, the master evangelist, used something that many Christians seriously lack today, which is tact. Tact has been defined as diplomacy, sensitivity. One definition of it is skill and grace in dealing with others. Isaac Newton defined tact as "the art of making a point without making an enemy."

There is a built-in offense to the essential message of the gospel, but we don't have to make it worse by being insensitive to people. And far too often this happens. I have watched it. You probably have too. A Christian will walk up to an unbeliever and start the conversation with something like this: "Hey, heathen. Did you know you are going to hell?" That is not the way to build a bridge.

When Jesus approached the woman at the well in Samaria, He asked her a question. He drew her out. He engaged her. Evangelism is a dialogue, not a monologue. And the best way to engage a person in a conversation is to listen. In starting a conversation, the objective is to build a bridge. That is what we want to do. Ask people about themselves. Everyone's favorite subject is themselves. And as they talk, engage them. Ask them questions. You don't have to cut people off. You don't have to contradict them. You don't have to insult them. Just listen.

Sure, there is a place for point and counterpoint. Sure, we need to defend our beliefs. But no one has ever been argued into the kingdom of God. And I have seen Christians win the argument and lose the soul. But I would rather win the soul and listen and engage and give and take. As you do this, you will know from the conversation how to respond with the gospel message. Listen patiently. And then respond appropriately.

Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

DEVOTION WED 10-20-2010

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, 2010

“Rx FOR DEPRESSION”

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

Isaiah 58:10-11 gives you and me a powerful prescription for depression. It says,

If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Take a moment to think about what God is saying. Think about the promise: If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, God will satisfy your soul in drought.

If you are a person who is given to depression and you feel like you have this big empty void in your life, I have a prescription for you based on this passage. Are you ready?

Go help somebody else. In fact, find a place in your church, local rescue mission, or The Salvation Army where you can minister to folks who are going through a rough patch. Donate a couple of days a week, and help other folks who are going through a rough time.

God promises that if you will draw out your soul to the hungry and if you will minister to the afflicted soul, He will satisfy your soul in drought.

Rather than being so inwardly focused…"my problems, and I'm so depressed, and why aren't things going right for me?", go help somebody else. Get things in perspective. There are a lot of people who are a lot worse off than you are, and you will find that God will bring the rain into your life when you change your focus.

If your soul is dry, the way to get it watered is to go help someone else. The sooner the better

DEVOTION TUES 10-19-2010

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2010

“WHERE YOU CAN FIND UNENDING JOY”

BY

DR JACK GRAHAM

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Obedience is difficult sometimes, isn't it? Though Christians are called to live a life characterized by joy, a fruit of the Spirit, our circumstances have a way of determining the amount of joy that is shining through us.

Yet in my life, I've learned that being thankful to God should never be dependent on my circumstances.

Now, the world is going to tell you that your joy should be determined by your circumstances… that if you've had a bad day, it's okay to mope around and feel sorry for yourself. But God calls you to a higher standard.

One of the shortest verses in the Bible says, "Rejoice always." So you and I are prohibited from allowing our daily circumstances to have so much control over us that they steal our joy.

Instead, find your joy in the Lord. He loves you so much that he sent Jesus to die so you could be rescued from the kingdom of darkness. This doesn't just translate into eternal life. It also means you have the power of God in you today. What a wonderful thing to be joyful about!

So when the bank account is low and you're behind on your bills, when you feel alone, or when you've had a rough day, rejoice because you are loved.

FIND YOUR JOY IN GOD'S BLESSINGS, NOT YOUR IMMEDIATE CIRCUMSTANCES.

DEVOTION MON 10-18-2010

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 2010

“WORK TO PLAY, WORK TO AQCQUIRE”

BY

OS HILLMAN

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do" (John 17:3-4).

A popular TV commercial comes on the screen raising the question of why the viewer works long hours while showing beautiful pictures of a luxurious car. The message was clear. We work in order to acquire.

Another TV commercial comes on showing beautiful aqua blue ocean waves and an attractive couple lounging on the white sandy beaches. "Come to Jamaica says the voice." The message from this commercial is that a vacation to Jamaica is the ultimate reward for your work.

There are many motivations for work. Some might say it is simply to put food on the table. George Barna, the American researcher on religious habits, found disturbing results from his study on the motivations of many Christians in American society. "We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. We are driven by our leisure appetites. It is increasingly common to hear of people turning down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a major priority. The average household spends more money on entertainment than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline."

His study also found that many people define success in surprisingly non-Christian terms: He found that 66% of Americans define success in life as the acquisition of sufficient money, education, material possessions or career prestige; only 7 percent related success to their faith condition and its influence upon their life. "The Christian Church has stagnated, largely due to its comfort with routines and rituals that are neither challenging nor relevant for millions of people," said Barna.*

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why do I work?"

Jesus had a work to do that was given to Him by His Heavenly Father. You too have a work you are called to do. Ask God to give you a renewed sense of the work you are called to do today.

DEVOTION SAT 10-16- 2010

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 2010

“GRUMBLING AGAINST GOD”

BY

PASTOR SAMUEL LAMB

The arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks in their poison, God's terrors are marshaled against me. (Job 6:4)

Pastor Samuel Lamb

When we suffer we should never grumble against God. Many people cannot endure suffering. They grumble all the time. Job had experienced a lot of suffering.

In the beginning he was spiritually strong. He even rebuked his own wife ."..shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10).

Unfortunately, after a while he cursed his own birthday. Yes, he even grumbled against God. Some people, when they suffer, do not dare to complain to God. They let it out on people around them.

This incident in Job's life meant a lot to me when I was in prison for my faith for 21 years. I can understand Job's victories and Job's defeats. It taught me that grumbling does not help. Not against God, not against those who persecuted me. My dear wife died while I was in prison. I was not allowed to attend her funeral. It was like an arrow of the Almighty, until I understood: God allows the pain, the loss, the torture, but we must grow through it.

"Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14).

"Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me" (Matthew 11:6).

"May God teach us to rejoice when things go wrong - knowing that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

Writer for the month - Samuel Lamb from China. This noted pastor was in prison for over 20 years. He is still under great pressure from the authorities. Hundreds attend his so-called House Church, especially young people. His story is available in a book Bold as a Lamb published by Zondervan, 1991.

Copyright [C] 1995 Open Doors International. Used by permission

DEVOTION FRI 10-15-2010

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15TH, 2010

“MOURNING WITH PURPOSE

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

We've done all we can do to keep ourselves from feeling any pain. We have psychologists who numb our neuroses, counselors who absolve us of guilt, doctors to sedate our pain, insurance agents to take away our worries, and even at death we have the mortuary to try to beautify death for us.

But Jesus was a man of sorrows. He saw the sin around Him, and it broke His heart. In Matthew 23:34-39 we read how Jesus' heart ached for Jerusalem and the destruction sin had wrought in the hearts of men.

Do the things that break the heart of Jesus, break yours?

Do you have a dry eye in a hell-bent world?

It's time to be like Jesus.

DEVOTION THURS 10-14-2010

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14TH, 2010

“ASSURANCE AND SELF EXAMINATION”

BY

TONY EVANS

When you read 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, you must be careful not to misinterpret its meaning. One understanding of these verses is that as a believer you must examine yourself to be certain that you're a Christian. But that's not what this means. The misconstrued verse is one reminder of the importance of correctly interpreting the Scriptures.

Paul has presented the Corinthian church with his observation about communion, and in the second reference, he's writing to people who were already Christians. Paul was urging the church at Corinth to examine themselves regularly to avoid God's further judgment (1 Corinthians 11:32).

I don't want you to ever doubt or be confused about the authenticity of your salvation. But as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God... (John 1:12).

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:9-13

DEVOTION WED 10-13-2010

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH, 2010

“MAKING A SACRED VOW”

BY

JOHN BARNETT

As we open to Matthew 6:19, stop and put yourself out in the crowd. Jesus is speaking, He is so clear that no one is confused. He talks about life in such a way everyone understands.

Listen to His familiar words, but do so with perhaps an unfamiliar longing: ask God to stir within you a longing to do and not just hear these powerful words. In Matthew 6:19 Jesus asks all of us how we are doing at laying up the treasure of time invested in the Bank of Heaven. Jesus spoke so often about money, possessions and eternity. He told us:

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

As we look at the ever increasing opportunities, to invest the priceless time, streaming in what sometimes looks like an endless river: have you decided yet what will be your investment strategy?

Jesus has framed the wisest way to invest our precious river of time, in the words of one short verse at the end of this chapter of Matthew. Do you know yet what will be your choice when it comes to heeding Christ's clearest and simplest request?

Jesus reduced daily life down to one verse; and it is so easy that we don't have to remember much. This verse says it all.

Imagine that you are in Galilee, Jesus is sitting on a hillside, and you feel like He's talking just to you. He is speaking to each of us today, if we will just stop and listen!

Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

There is God's plan, the essence of spiritual life; and the key to all other blessings in life. Either we take it and obey, or leave it and ignore the reality that God has very high expectations for His children.

Do you know what He wants you to do in life? Here it is, simple enough for anyone to grasp: SEEK HIM FIRST. That means that Matthew 6:33 distills and puts at our finger tips, a one step guide in:

How to Live for God

Jesus asked us in this verse to seek FIRST: His mastery, and His control over every aspect of our life.

Seeking Christ should be our first priority as His disciples today, and is still the essence of Biblical Christianity. And, seeking first Christ's mastery, and supremacy over all of my life is what it means to be a true follower of Christ.

DEVOTION TUES 10-12-2010

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12TH, 2010

“GOD IS NOT BORING”

BY

JOHN PIPER

Recently I spoke at Northwestern College as part of their year-long 100th anniversary celebration. The title of the message was "The Supremacy of God in the Life of the Mind." One capability of the mind that I focused on was the imagination. It applies to everybody who has a mind. Here's what I said:

One of the great duties of the Christian mind is imagination. It is not the only thing the mind does. The mind observes. The mind analyzes and organizes. The mind memorizes. But imagination is different. It does not observe or analyze what's there; it imagines what is not seen but might be there and might explain what is there (as in the case of most scientific discoveries). Or it imagines a new way of saying what is there that no one has said before (as in the case of creative writing and music and art).

I say that imagination is a Christian duty for two reasons. One is that you can't apply Jesus' golden rule without it. He said, "Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12). We must imagine ourselves in their place and imagine what we would like done to us. Compassionate, sympathetic, helpful love hangs much on the imagination of the lover.

The other reason I say that imagination is a Christian duty is that when a person speaks or writes or sings or paints about breathtaking truth in a boring way, it is probably a sin. The supremacy of God in the life of the mind is not honored when God and his amazing world are observed truly, analyzed duly, and communicated boringly. Imagination is the key to killing boredom. We must imagine ways to say truth for what it really is. And it is not boring. God's world - all of it - rings with wonders. The imagination calls up new words, new images, new analogies, new metaphors, new illustrations, new connections to say old, glorious truth. Imagination is the faculty of the mind that God has given us to make the communication of his beauty beautiful.

Imagination may be the hardest work of the human mind. And perhaps the most God-like. It is the closest we get to creation out of nothing. When we speak of beautiful truth, we must think of a pattern of words, perhaps a poem. We must conceive something that has never existed before and does not now exist in any human mind. We must think of an analogy or metaphor or illustration which has no existence. The imagination must exert itself to see it in our mind, when it is not there. We must create word combinations and music that have never existed before. All of this we do, because we are like God and because he is infinitely worthy of ever-new words and songs.

A college - or a church - committed to the supremacy of God in the life of the mind will cultivate many fertile, and a few great, imaginations. And O how the world needs God-besotted minds that can say the great things of God and sing the great things of God and play the great things of God in ways that have never been said or sung or played before.

Imagination is like a muscle. It grows stronger when you flex it. And you must flex it. It does not usually put itself into action. It awaits the will. Imagination is also contagious. When you are around someone (alive or dead) who uses it a lot, you tend to catch it. So I suggest that you hang out with some people (mainly dead poets) who are full of imagination, and that you exert yourself to think up a new way to say an old truth. God is worthy. "Oh sing to the LORD a new song" - or picture, or poem, or figure of speech.