DEVOTION - MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

“FORGETTING THE PAST”

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

Philippians 3:13.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

The key word I want to have you focus on today is forgetting. I want you to understand the importance of forgetting the past so you can move forward.

Some people—perhaps you—cannot reach forward because they are continually looking backwards. Their focus is on their past sins, their past mistakes, their past failures, their past hurts.

God does not want you to live in the past, but rather focus on the future.

A while back I was visiting a friend who had a great impact on my life as a young believer. As I was sitting at a meal with him and his wife, he began to share with me a great personal failure.

About ten years earlier, when he was pioneering a church, he fell into an adulterous relationship. It rocked the foundation of his marriage; but he repented, got out of the relationship, and over time, God healed his marriage. But he has not been in ministry since.

As he told me, tears began to stream down his face. He got up from the table, went to the bathroom, and his wife looked at me and said, "Bayless, if you can help him, please do. My husband has lived a holy life for the last ten years. God has forgiven him, I have forgiven him, but he hasn't forgiven himself."

This man chained himself to this one past failure, and he can't get on with what God had called him to do.

Bury your past so you can uncover your future.

DEVOTION - SATURIDAY, JULY 30, 2011

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011

“Carnality by Choice”

BY

TONY EVANS

Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin”(Hebrews 3:12-13).

When God saved us, He saved us to serve Christ. Occasional lapses into sin do not imply carnality. Everyone sins. Carnality is the state where the person has the mindset of seeking to gratify themselves rather than please Christ.

No Christian has to be carnal. Being carnal is a decision of the will. Carnal Christians have grown up physically and should be able to feed themselves. But they can’t. That is because a carnal Christian is a person who has developed a mindset of disobedience. They willfully live in sin, controlled by the old person they used to be. They are saved and the Holy Spirit is in them, but they are not allowing the Holy Spirit to grow them.

There is a difference between a baby Christian and a carnal Christian. Baby Christians are young in the Lord and do not yet have the capacity to eat on their own. Someone else has to feed them—to give them the Word. A young Christian desires the milk of the Word of God. “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).

One Minute Please

Have you become hardened to sin in your life? Are you a carnal Christian?

DEVOTION - FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

“ONE Burning Focus”

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Do you know what the problem with many of us is? Our faith is something tacked onto our lives. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters…” (Matthew 6:24). Do you believe that? You are to have but one goal in your life, and that is to know Jesus Christ personally, powerfully, passionately, and preeminently. Everything else will flow out of that.

You say, “But wait a minute. I’ve got other things to do! I’ve got a job. I’ve got to rest. I’ve got to have recreation. I’ve got to have friends. I can’t just narrow my interests to one.” When you bring your life into a burning focus, all of these other things will contribute to the main thing.

What is the burning focus of your life? Make it Jesus, and you’ve made it!

DEVOTION - THURSDAY JULY 28, 1941

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

“HONOR YOUR EMPLOYER”

BY

BOB COY

He who waits on his master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18 (NKJV)

God cares about every aspect of our daily lives. Nothing is off limits when it comes to His involvement or expectations. Unfortunately, there’s a large chunk of life where this truth is often forgotten and neglected…work.

“My work? Well that’s where I have to be. If I had my choice I’d be busy doing things I’m really interested in, or I’d find some way to serve God. But work, that’s where I put my faith on hold.”

If that’s your attitude, you need to know that nothing could be more opposite of what God wants. The Bible is incredibly clear on this point: Our light is supposed to shine at our job and in our work. We do this by raising the bar and being exemplary employees (Colossians 3:22, Ephesians 6:5, 1 Timothy 6:1).

We ought to not only meet but also exceed our job description. There shouldn’t be any hesitation when our boss is asked what kind of worker we are. We should work in such a way that they want ten more employees just like us.

Now notice the promise here in Proverbs 27:18: Those who wait on their master will be honored. If you’re faithful in the realm of your employment, you’re the one who will benefit. The Lord may show you supernatural favor. You may earn the respect and appreciation of your coworkers. Somehow, somewhere, you will be honored.

Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking our workplace is incompatible with our Christian faith. Or, we just don’t see it as a place where our spiritual obedience is on the line. It is, and when we make it a point to honor God by honoring our employer, it’s sure to come back to us.

Think About It…

DEVOTION - WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

“YOUTH AND OLD AGE”

BY

BAPTIST BIBLE HOUR

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one– 1 John 2:14

It is a myth that many young people perpetuate in their mind, that they cannot be strong or mature or successful in their Christian walk until they are older. But Paul writes here to young people who have successfully overcome Satan’s attacks.

How did they do it? They were strong; they stood their ground, even against the prevailing spirit and trends of their day. They refused to be intimidated, or enticed, by the constant bombardment of sin and sinful influences.

How could they be so strong? Where did they find the courage and wisdom to stand for truth and purity and goodness? The word of God had taken up residence in their hearts. It was not merely an occasional visitor to their minds, but a settled and constant inhabitant of their souls.

There is no shortcut to spiritual strength. A holy life is always the product of a holy reverence and love for God and His Word. Sadly, it is true, many young people do not experience the abundant life that is found in the way of Jesus Christ, because they are unwilling to exercise spiritual discipline.

However, spiritual apathy and weakness is not inevitable in early life. Young person, when your spirit and your will are controlled by the constant presence and application of God’s Word, you too can be strong; you too can overcome the wickedness of your culture and your generation.

DEVOTION - TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011

“WINNING WALK”

BY

DR ED YOUNG

Follow us on Facebook

Recommend this article to your f

How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Psalm 119:1

“Freedom is obedience to the law,” read an inscription on a courthouse. “That quotation is incorrect!” said a visiting judge. He knew the 16^th century British theologian was the source, and that what Hooker really said was, “Of Law there can be no less acknowledged than that her seat is the bosom of God, her voice the harmony of the world.” Two-bit tyrants will force people into compliance with their ever-changing laws. Happiness is the result of setting personal and social behavior in alignment with God’s law

DEVOTION - MONDAY, JULY 25, 2011

MONDAY, JULY 25, 2011

“CONSTRAINED ON ALL SIDES”

BY

ALISTAIR BEGG

Exodus 14:13

These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master's word to him is, "Stand firm." It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions.

Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage and even in our worst times rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part-it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles." But however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine decree has bid you go from strength to strength, and so you shall, and neither death nor hell shall turn you from your course. Even if you are called to stand firm for a while, this is in order to renew your strength for some greater advance in due time.

Precipitancy cries, "Do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once-we must do it, so we think-instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything. Presumption boasts, "If the sea is before you, march into it and expect a miracle."

But faith listens neither to presumption, nor to despair, nor to cowardice, nor to precipitancy, but it hears God say, "Stand firm," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand firm"-keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long before God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."

DEVOTION - SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2011

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2011

“HOW TO LEAD YOUR CHILDREN TO CHRIST”

BY

JACK GRAHAM

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

You and I live in a microwave generation. So when it comes to anything, we want to have it quickly and instantly. Now, I’m no exception. I’ll often stand in front of the microwave and think, “When is this thing ever going to get done?”

But the problem arises when we try to raise our kids like that. It just doesn’t work that way. There’s no cheap and convenient way to pass along your faith and put into your children’s lives what God wants put in their lives.

You see, parents can have children, but their responsibility doesn’t end at birth. That means day after day, they have to make it a priority to train them in the way they should go. Your career is not your priority. Your success in the eyes of the world is not your priority. Your priority is the family that God has given you.

Your kids are looking for leadership. And you know what? They’re going to find it whether it’s from you or from someone else. So be the greatest influence you can on your children as you raise them to love God and follow Christ all the days of their lives

DEVOTION - FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2011

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2011

“THE POWER PATIENCE”

BY

DR CHARLES STANLEY

Hebrews 6:9-15

Picture yourself waiting in a checkout line that hasn’t moved for ten minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated. We live in a generation that expects instant results.

Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience. We’re born with this trait—think about a three-month-old who wants milk in the middle of the night. The inborn reaction is to fuss at the first hint of discomfort and to keep at it until the need is met. Patterns from our old “flesh” nature make this a continual battle for most people, but one that is very worthwhile to fight.

Let’s consider the biblical definition of
patience. It can mean both longsufferingand perseverance, or not giving up and yielding under pressure. In either case, it reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing
some strong desire. In other words, we accept difficult situations without giving God deadlines. What’s more, patience means accepting what the Lord gives, on Histimetable—or what He chooses not to give. This quality results in inner peace and lack of stress. Meanwhile, we should pray, obey, and persist as we seek God’s direction.

The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord’s perfect plan and His blessing. Only when we trust our Father’s will and timing can we rest peacefully.

What causes you stress? Carefully examine whether you are taking matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God. Listen to Psalm 37:7, which says, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Seek His way and His timing. Anything else can be destructive.

DEVOTION - THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011

THURRSDAY, JULY 21, 2011

“EXPERIENCING LIFE”

BY

PETE BRISCOE

“Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks.” –Isaac Watts

Jesus loves the Father and lived His entire earthly life fully dependent on the Spirit who dwelt within Him—and He calls us to do the same. Our love for God should lead to dependency on God. That dependency leads naturally to obedience.

Our love for Him => dependency on Him => obedience to Him.

But we tend to skip that second part. We tend to say, “I love God, thusI must obey!” “I want to please God, soI will obey Him.” We skip the middle part—the dependency, the faith, the trust—and try to do it in our own strength in order to please God rather than by faith in God.

Check out Noah in Hebrews 11:7:

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

How do we know this guy had faith? We see Noah’s faith because he built a boat. Likewise, our faith leads to action as Christ lives His life through us. The Christian life is not lived on the couch flicking through the channels with a spiritual remote. Christian faith leads to action in the power of Christ through us as we trust in Him.

James put it to us this way:

But someone will say,” You have faith, I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (2:18)

The bottom line is this: Our identity in Christ is not determined by our deeds. Our identity in Christ is displayed by our deeds.

True faith will display itself!

Dear God, I love You! Break the independent desires of my flesh. Give me the wisdom and faith to depend on You with increasing trust. Then, God, I ask that You would enable me to follow You in joyful obedience into any work that You have prepared for me to do.

DEVOTION - WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2011

WEDNESDAY, July 20, 2011

“WHY GOD DOESN’T ANSWER PRAYERS”

BY

JOHN BARNETT

No one ever said as much about prayer as Jesus. And, no one can impact our lives more to pray and be heard by our Father in Heaven -- than Jesus.

No one else but Jesus can put through our prayers to be heard by our Father in Heaven. Jesus is the intercessor, the operator that connects us, and puts our calls through.

Today Jesus warns us that there are some prayers He can’t put through for us.

Prayers are like phone calls, both are about talking to someone you believe is there but you just can’t see them. The telephone, invented in 1877, by Scottish born inventor -- Alexander Graham Bell, was a big hit.

In the olden days, many years ago, long before cell phones, wireless handsets, and a phone in every room, were the days of telephone operators. These ladies (did you ever get a man back then?) would say “Operator” and then you would say “I would like to place a call to …” and then they would proceeded to try put that connection in place.

Some of the most dreaded words back then for all of us helpless and dependent telephone users were, “I am sorry I can’t put that call through for you”. Then would come the reasons – we had given an incorrect sequence of numbers, or the lines there were not functioning, or the party was not answering, or that party was not even accepting calls, or we had not been able to settle the whole matter of paying for this event.

But back to the dreadful words, “I am sorry, I can’t put that call through for you.”

When you and I pray we always go through the One and ONLY OPERATOR. He always answers the call, but doesn’t always put that call through for us. Today we need to consider why our Operator Jesus Christ the Son of God would ever have to say -- “I am sorry, I can’t put that call through for you.” And if you listen carefully to Him speak through His word; you will never have to get those dreadful words again. The rules for placing a call, and being put through are VERY CLEAR, right here in the COMMUNICATIONS GUIDE that Jesus our OPERATOR left us.

Lets listen to Jesus in Matthew 6 and then go from cover to cover and see all the calls that won’t go through and why! So what stops and or hinders prayers from getting put through to our Heavenly Father?

 

DEVOTION - TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011

TUESDAY, July 19, 2011

“YOUR WEAKNESS, GOD’S POWER”

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

2 Corinthians 12:9 is a powerful reminder of God's provision for you and me when we reach the end of our strength.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

When Paul wrote these words, he was being harassed everywhere he went by an evil spirit that he referred to as "a thorn in the flesh." It was a messenger sent from Satan to buffet him, to constantly harass him.

The constant harassment of this spirit finally got to him, and he begged God three times to take it away. Paul was clearly at the end of his rope.

But, even though Paul prayed for God's intervention three times, the spirit did not depart. And God's response to Paul was the verse we read above. His strength is made perfect in weakness.

What does perfect mean? It means that His power comes to full maturity…it blossoms…it is fully expressed in our weakness.

What was Paul's response? He went on to say in verses 9-10 of that same chapter,

Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions and distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It seems that sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves before we will look fully to God. But when we do, we find that He is more than enough. If you are there today or close to that point, take hold of God's strength.

Put your trust in Him. He will bring you to the place of your breakthrough, and you will find the strength and direction you need.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways

DEVOTION - MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011

MONDAY, July 18, 2011

“THE PERSON OF THE  HOLY SPIRIT”

BY

TONY EVANS

In His Presence: John 14:16-29

Our God is a triune Being, three Persons in One. The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Spirit. They are distinct from one another in Their personhood, but They are one in their essence. They are like pretzels, which have three holes but are all tied together by the same dough. The Three are distinct in their functions, but They are essentially one God.

Watch Online Videos of Dr. Tony Evans and The Urban Alternative at LightSource.com

DEVOTION - SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011

SATURDAY, July 16, 2011

“what has worth?”

BY

Pastor Bob Coy

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble. Proverbs 15:16 (NKJV)

How do you define what you’re worth? Is it predicated on what this world deems as valuable, or do you base your definition of value on something else, something more spiritual and supernatural?

We know how Solomon, the man who penned Proverbs 15:16, would answer this question. He tells us point-blank that it’s better to have “a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.”

When he refers to “the fear of the Lord,” he’s speaking of a human heart being in right relationship with God. There’s humility and respect for Him, and along with that comes a nearness to Him. It describes a close connection and communion with the Lord.

Notice that having that with little else is better than great treasure with trouble. Solomon, who was the wealthiest man in the world, says that no amount of worldly wealth can compare to being in a right relationship with God. There’s a double-edged application that goes along with this.

First, those who lack in money are free from the world’s definition of wealth. But if they’re in a right relationship with the Lord, they’re wealthy in a way that far exceeds any amount of money or treasure. That’s liberating!

Secondly, for those who have earthly wealth, there’s a purifying perspective. They learn their earthly wealth isn’t the “be all, end all” in life. Although the world may value and venerate them because of their riches, their truest value can only come from being right with God. That’s sobering!

Regardless of where you find yourself financially, remember what’s truly valuable in life…your relationship with God. So let that define what you’re worth.

Think About It…

What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?

DEVOTION - FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011

FRIDAY, July 15, 2011

“THE STOREHOUSE”

BY

DR ED YOUNG

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes," says the LORD of hosts. All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts. - Malachi 3:10-12

Blessed nations are giving nations. The tithe is the first tenth of one’s income. The “firstfruits” principle is all through the Bible, from Abel and his gift of the first and best of his harvest, to God’s command to the Promised Land-bound Hebrews to set apart their firstborn son, to the Proverbs admonition to honor the Lord with the firstfruits. The “storehouse” in Malachi’s day was the Temple. Now, it is the local church. When God’s people honor Him with firstfruits giving, there is a radiating effect outward to society itself, resulting in generosity and blessing.

DEVOTION - THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011

THURSDAY, July 14, 2011

“Dentists and Coca-Cola”

BY

Ryan Duncan, TheFish.com Editor

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." – Genesis 4:7

I really like drinking Coca-Cola. The habit started when I went overseas my junior year of college. None of us could drink the water because we might get parasites, so I ended up drinking Coke with most of my meals. I thought I’d kick the habit once I got back to the United States, but if anything it only made my addiction worse. I suddenly became aware of how easy it was to find a nice, cold Coke.

They were so cheap and so accessible that I barely needed an excuse to buy one. Sure, I knew drinking too much was bad for me, but I figured as long as I exercised and brushed my teeth there wasn’t any harm in having one a day. Then I had my dentist appointment. I think most people would agree that going to the dentist would not be the highlight of their week. Well, imagine going to the dentist and being told you have three cavities that will require fillings. Sure, on the upside I did get to chat with a cute receptionist, but when the dentist began jabbing around in my mouth trying to find a good place to inject the Novocain, it dawned on me that maybe I should start watching how much I drank.

All joking aside, I think sin works in the same fashion. Each day we are tempted, and it’s remarkably easy to find an excuse to justify our behavior. We tell ourselves it’s not that bad, that as long as we read our Bible and go to church we’ll be balancing the scales, but that’s not how it works. Sin will slowly corrode your character until one day you’ll find yourself with a serious problem. Because of the cross, we have received the grace of Jesus and are now free from sin, but the battle is not over.

Every day we will be tempted, and every day Jesus will call us to turn from sin and live a life according to his word. There cannot be any compromises with sin; it will only devour us.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Take a moment to consider where you are being tempted

DEVOTION - WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2011

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2011

“LETTING YOUR LIGHT SHINE IN THE DARKNESS”

BY

DR JACK GRAHAM

Letting your light shine in the darkness

July 12, 2011

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5

Have you ever noticed that when you’re in the dark, everything is confusing? Some things may look closer or farther away than they may be. And many things can’t be distinguished at all. That’s why, when you’re in the darkness, the most instinctive thing to want to do is turn on the light.

And you know, that’s the way so many people are living today in this dark world. They’re stumbling and falling and failing because they’re living in a dark and decaying world and barely managing to get around. And that’s exactly why Jesus told us as his people, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

Jesus has given his people the unique privilege of being his light in the world. But the light that we shine in the darkness is not our own. We, like the moon, reflect the light of a power much greater than ourselves.

As God’s people, you and I are to simply be reflections of God’s light to a dark world. So shine God’s light by living a Christ-filled life to a watching and waiting world. When you do that, you’ll make a significant impact for Christ on the people around you!

SHINE GOD’S LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD BY LETTING OTHERS SEE CHRIST’S CHARACTER IN YOU!

---

For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.org

DEVOTION - TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011

TUESDAY,  JULY 12, 2011

“FACING THE UNKNOWN”

BY

DR CHARLES STANLEY

Hebrews 11:23-29

Tucked into Hebrews 11 is a short phrase that indicates Moses’ approach to life: “for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen” (v. 27). There was no shortage of uncertainty in Moses’ life. How could someone “slow of speech” address Pharaoh (Ex. 4:10)? How could a murderer become God’s chosen man? How would anyone lead these stiff-necked Israelites? And how would they cross the Red Sea, conquer Canaan, or survive 40 years in the desert?

Moses knew what the Lord expected of him, but he didn’t have supernatural vision into the future. So he couldn’t see the outcome of his obedient actions. The Israelite leader moved forward by faith—confident in the Lord’s power to guide, protect, and overcome. Moses derived security solely from God, who consistently kept His promises.

Life hasn’t gotten more certain in the millennia since Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land. Modern believers wonder about things too. Will I ever marry? Is my job safe? What happens to my kids if I get sick? How can I accomplish all I have to do? Thankfully, the source of security hasn’t changed in all that time. God is still the only certainty in this life. You can count on the one who is faithful (2 Tim.2:13), just (Ps. 89:14), and loving (Eph. 2:4).

The lesson from Moses’ life is to cling tenaciously to the Lord. Even situations that look hopeless are cupped in God’s sovereign hand. Moreover, though the way looks dark and the road seems untraveled, He walks before us. Continue forward in confidence, as seeing Him who is unseen.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved

DEVOTION - SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2011

SATURDAY,  JULY 9, 2011

“DONE!!”

BY

GREG LAURIE

For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. —Romans 5:10

What separates the Christian faith from all other belief systems in the world today is that you can go to the tombs of the prophets and the gurus and pay your respects, but if you go to the tomb of Jesus Christ, you will find that it is empty. He has risen again.

When a man who was trying to start his own religion contacted a well-known diplomat and asked for advice about how to get more people to join his religion, the statesman answered, “Well, I recommend that you get yourself crucified and then die, but be sure to rise again on the third day.”

If you were to sum up all other religions of the world, one word would suffice: “do.” Do this, and you will find peace of mind . . . do that, and maybe you will get to heaven. But the word that sums up Christianity is “done.” It was done for us at the cross—paid for, completed. Jesus died and rose again.

Why did Jesus have to die—and die in the way that He did? There was no other way to meet the righteous demands of God, because the Bible says, “According to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22), and “the person who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:20).

It was at the cross that God and man were reconciled once again. At the cross, that which was lost in the Garden was regained. At the cross, the righteous demands of God were satisfied. At the cross, Jesus dealt a decisive blow against Satan and his minions. At the cross, our salvation was purchased.

Summary sentence: If you were to sum up all religions of the world, one word would suffice: “do.” What one word would suffice for Christianity?

Copyright © 2011 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 - FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011

FRIDAY,  JULY 8, 2011

“Only One Life Ever Lived to Perfection”

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8

There has never been a man like the Lord Jesus. I was deeply stirred by these words, written by John Phillips about Jesus:

“He never uttered a hasty, unkind, untrue, or frivolous word. He never entertained an impure thought. His talents never debased for selfish ends. His influence, never bad. His judgment, never wrong. He never had to apologize for anything that He did or retract a single word He said. He was never too late or too soon, never upset, never insipid, never shallow or afraid. . . He had absolute victory from the moment He drew his first breath in that Bethlehem barn until the moment He closed His eyes in death on the cross of Calvary.”

If you’re looking for a hero, let me suggest mine. His name is Jesus.

DEVOTION - THURSDY, JULY 7, 2011

THURSDAY, JULY 7. 2011

“A BUG’S LIFE”

BY

PASTOR BOB COY

A bug’s life

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise… Proverbs 6:6 (NKJV)

God often says a lot with a little, and that’s the case as we come to Proverbs 6:6. Notice that He uses an ant, one of the smallest and most insignificant creatures you’ll ever come across, to deliver a powerful and impacting message.

The message is this: Look how the ant is constantly preparing and planning ahead. At one time or another, all of us have seen this industrious insect diligently carrying a crumb, a kernel, or some spec of food in its tiny pincers. If you follow the ant, you’ll find that he’s taking that minute morsel to his colony, where it will be stored and eaten at a time when there’s no food to be found.

What is that ant doing? It’s doing what it can do today in order to prepare for tomorrow, and it’s an example that God wants us to follow.

“But wait! Didn’t Jesus tell us not to concern ourselves about the future and to have faith that our Heavenly Father will take care of everything? Should we hoard—or simply trust our needs will be met tomorrow?”

It’s true that the Lord doesn’t want us to have an anxious attitude about what’s to come. Therefore, this should never be the motivation that moves us, which is why we need to rest in His faithfulness regarding our future. At the same time, there’s an expectation and responsibility to plan ahead as best as we can—not out of fear, but out of faith in the fact that our hard work honors God’s divine design for our lives.

We have an active part to play in life. When we do our part, we can rest assured that God is always going to do His part to meet our needs and make up for any lack. That’s an awfully big lesson we can learn from an awfully small insect.

Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?