DEVOTION - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

DEVOTION, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Our Growth as Christians

B Y

DR CHARLES STANLEY

Galatians 2:20

There's a goal to the Christian life, which God expresses this way: "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). This refining process is called sanctification. And there are several identifiable stages en route to this goal, but sadly, most believers are unfamiliar with them. Let me offer some definitions so you can identify where you are on the journey and understand what to expect.

Salvation is the first stage of the Christian life. This describes our redemption from sinfulness through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. What results is forgiveness of sin, which lets us have a relationship with Almighty God.

Next, God gives us opportunity to serve (Eph. 2:10). We were created to do good works in Jesus' name.

But at some point, we notice something isn't working. This is the start to stage three: frustrated inadequacy. This unpleasant but necessary part of the journey can last varying amounts of time. Without it, we'd undoubtedly experience self-sufficiency and pride. But we should recognize this difficult phase as beautiful because it leads us into the best part of our spiritual lives: total dependency upon Jesus as Lord of our life. And we will be fulfilling our ultimate goal: becoming a reflection of Christ.

Sadly, many Christians don't reach a point of complete reliance on the Lord. Pride, discouragement, and distraction can ruin focus and perseverance. Paul reminds us to fix our eyes on the goal of maturity in Christ (Phil. 3:14). Learning to die to self is painful, but ironically, it's the only true way to life.

DEVOTION - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

DEVOTION, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Let God Cover It

BY

GREG LAURIE

But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6)

When Moses saw one of his fellow Hebrews being beaten by an Egyptian, the Bible tells us that “he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand” (Exodus 2:12). The problem with sand, especially in Egypt, is the wind blows around. Moses should have looked up instead of to the right and to the left.

When we sin, it is always our inclination to try and cover it up.

That was the case with Adam and Eve. When they did what God told them not to do, they tried to hide their sin: “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings” (Genesis 3:7).

We may chuckle a little at the thought of trying to use fig leaves for clothing, but we do the same thing when we try to cover our sin. It’s our natural tendency.

The most common covering of choice for sin are good works. We’ll think, I know that I have sinned, but I am going to do some good things for God. I will attend church twice this week. I will put a little more money in the offering. I will read a couple more chapters from the Bible. I will do this for God. . . .

That is like trying to live in the real world with Monopoly money. You can have your hotels on Broadway and Park Place, but in the end, that money isn’t real. It is not going to work in the real world.

The Bible says that our righteousness is like filthy rags to God (see Isaiah 64:6). God is the one who must do the covering—not us.

DEVOTION - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

DEVOTION, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 26:3

BY

DR ED YOUNG

Some types of anchors are designed with sturdy hooks to dig into a sea bottom, or latch on to a big rock. They halt a boat’s drag, caused by wind and waves. The soul needs to be anchored. Paul wrote that we are “tossed” about by winds and waves of differing beliefs (Ephesians 4:14). James describes the doubt that sometimes causes us to be driven on the surf of unbelief, and carried along with whatever wind may be blowing (James 1:6). But faith in God anchors the soul, stops the drift and drag, enabling us to rest, even in stormy seas

DEVOTION - MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012

DEVOTION, MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012

Obedience in Marriage

BY

BAYLESS CONLEY

Ephesians 5:22-24  gives an important area of obedience.  While this is not popular in our society today, it is biblical, but is also often misunderstood.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

It is important to make clear that before God there is an absolute equality between men and women, between husbands and wives.  In fact, this passage does not say, "Women submit to men."  It is purely a domestic situation.

Even with that understanding, the Bible says that husbands and wives are heirs together of the grace of life.  There is an equality before God between men and women and husband and wife.

What this passage teaches is that God has set up a system of authority in the home that needs to be followed, if it is going to be well with us.  In fact, this is even a military term.  To submit or to obey means to put yourself in rank under.

Friend, we are in a spiritual warfare, and there are spiritual forces that have been unleashed against homes and against marriages that would love to tear marriages apart.

God has designed a way for the home to function, and that is for the man to take the responsibility of leadership and for the wife to come under that authority.  When a husband truly loves his wife, and cares for her like Christ does the church, and the wife respects her husband, things will be well in the home.  That couple and that family will be magnets for the blessings of God.

DEVOTION- SUNDAY, OCTOER 28, 2012

DEVOTION, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012

Make God Your Reference Point

BY

TONY EVANS

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:28-33

God has assigned every believer a divine reason for being, including you.  Your purpose is to fulfill God's purpose.  And if you are not fulfilling His purpose, it's just another day gone by, filled with everything but real meaning. You will be floating around with no destination when you're disconnected from the purposes of God.

You cannot discover your purpose until God is your reference point.

I encourage you to pray, "Help me to grasp what it means to have a life of purpose, meaning and destiny and not to meander and waste another day on things that really don't matter."