2 Corinthians 12:7-10
To the human mind, the word "brokenness" can mean something needs to be fixed, is not as good as it was, or is no longer usable. In God's kingdom, the word refers to a key element of the sanctification process—one that is beneficial for us.
At salvation, we received a new nature that desires to please God, but we still have our old selfish ways. These ingrained habits, attitudes, and values are based on a common theme—an inward desire to act independently of the Lord.
To become effective servants for God, we must let go of our self-righteousness that says, "I know what is right," our self-will that claims, "I know what is best for me," and our self-centeredness that declares, "What I want is most important." Brokenness is one of the Lord's tools for replacing self-serving attitudes with Christlike ones. During this difficult but vitally important process, the Holy Spirit works to remove every obstacle that prevents our complete surrender to Christ's lordship and obedience to Him.
Why do we resist letting go of our own plan and embracing God's? Sometimes we're wrapped up in worldly entanglements and don't want to release them. At other times we may fear what will happen if we follow God's way.
When we resist the Holy Spirit's leading, our relationship with the heavenly Father will suffer, and our influence and service will be negatively affected. But if we cooperate with the transformation process, we'll discover that God's power to change lives will be visible in our brokenness.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Wages of Sin
Romans 6:21-23
God sent His Son to take your punishment by dying in your place. Unless believers understand this provision, they will doubt their salvation. We can't be good enough to earn heaven. Man is born with a corrupted nature; therefore, we will at times sin, no matter how hard we try not to. The Bible compares our attempts at righteous deeds to filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).
On its own, mankind has but one option with regard to sin: to die in it and spend eternity separated from God. But the Father so loved the world that He chose to punish His Son in our place (John 3:16). It was a severe price to pay. Holy God cannot look upon the filth of sin, so when Jesus became sin for all mankind, the Father had to turn away (2 Cor. 5:21). The physical suffering of crucifixion was terrible, but nothing compared to Jesus' wrenching horror when the Father turned His back. The devastated Messiah cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34).
Throughout eternity past, the Father and Son had never been separated. Jesus accepted this ultimate punishment so we wouldn't have to. When Paul said that the wages of sin was death, he was referring
to eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). We are saved and live forever with the Lord because of what Jesus has done.
The Savior took our place and accepted humanity's punishment for sin. He and the Father have done the hard work of salvation so we can reap the benefits and rewards of faith. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died for your sins, then you are saved.
God sent His Son to take your punishment by dying in your place. Unless believers understand this provision, they will doubt their salvation. We can't be good enough to earn heaven. Man is born with a corrupted nature; therefore, we will at times sin, no matter how hard we try not to. The Bible compares our attempts at righteous deeds to filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).
On its own, mankind has but one option with regard to sin: to die in it and spend eternity separated from God. But the Father so loved the world that He chose to punish His Son in our place (John 3:16). It was a severe price to pay. Holy God cannot look upon the filth of sin, so when Jesus became sin for all mankind, the Father had to turn away (2 Cor. 5:21). The physical suffering of crucifixion was terrible, but nothing compared to Jesus' wrenching horror when the Father turned His back. The devastated Messiah cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34).
Throughout eternity past, the Father and Son had never been separated. Jesus accepted this ultimate punishment so we wouldn't have to. When Paul said that the wages of sin was death, he was referring
to eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). We are saved and live forever with the Lord because of what Jesus has done.
The Savior took our place and accepted humanity's punishment for sin. He and the Father have done the hard work of salvation so we can reap the benefits and rewards of faith. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died for your sins, then you are saved.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Assurance of Salvation
1 John 5:10-13
Today's devotion is a three-part salvation assessment. Answer yes to every question, and you can be sure that you are in God's family and destined for an eternity in His presence. Answer no, and you'll know exactly what issue to talk over with your pastor or a spiritual mentor.
1. Do I trust Scripture? Salvation is a simple process: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). Either we trust that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world (including ours), or we don't (John 3:16).
2. Do I accept the witness of the Holy Spirit? Anyone who believes in Jesus has the witness dwelling within his or her being. That is, the Spirit testifies to our identity as God's children (Rom. 8:16). It's not about whether we feel saved; God's Spirit offers an abiding conviction that we are.
3. Do I walk like a follower of Jesus? Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). If we have been transformed, there are going to be changes in our life. Simply put, true believers are creatures who seek the things of God—they desire to read and understand His Word, they want to gather with His people, etc.
Confirmed Christ-followers still sin. Some even backslide for a time. No matter how crooked our walk of faith, the Holy Spirit continues to convict. He cannot allow us to be satisfied with wrongdoing. That tug of guilt over sin is yet another assurance that you have placed yourself in God's grip.
Today's devotion is a three-part salvation assessment. Answer yes to every question, and you can be sure that you are in God's family and destined for an eternity in His presence. Answer no, and you'll know exactly what issue to talk over with your pastor or a spiritual mentor.
1. Do I trust Scripture? Salvation is a simple process: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). Either we trust that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world (including ours), or we don't (John 3:16).
2. Do I accept the witness of the Holy Spirit? Anyone who believes in Jesus has the witness dwelling within his or her being. That is, the Spirit testifies to our identity as God's children (Rom. 8:16). It's not about whether we feel saved; God's Spirit offers an abiding conviction that we are.
3. Do I walk like a follower of Jesus? Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). If we have been transformed, there are going to be changes in our life. Simply put, true believers are creatures who seek the things of God—they desire to read and understand His Word, they want to gather with His people, etc.
Confirmed Christ-followers still sin. Some even backslide for a time. No matter how crooked our walk of faith, the Holy Spirit continues to convict. He cannot allow us to be satisfied with wrongdoing. That tug of guilt over sin is yet another assurance that you have placed yourself in God's grip.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Instruction from the Lord
Matthew 16:21-24
At times we may struggle with directions we receive from the Lord. We question whether they are from Him because they . . .
Clash with our personal desires. The mother of James and John asked that her sons sit beside Jesus in heaven. The Lord said no to her selfish ambition and called her sons to a life of humble service to others (Matt. 20:20-28).
Conflict with our human reasoning. Some of the disciples expected Jesus to rule as the long-prophesied King. When He told them He was going to be killed by the religious leaders, His words didn't line up with their thinking about the future.
Challenge our faith. Christ told the disciples that He would be resurrected on the third day (Matt. 16:21). Peter and the others had to accept Jesus' words even though many people of the day—including some religious leaders—did not believe in the resurrection of the body (Matt. 22:23).
God's direction may call for courage as well. We see this clearly in Joshua's life. The Lord appointed him as the leader who would take Israel into the Promised Land (Josh. 1:1-6). Our heavenly Father may ask us to become a leader in our local church, to participate in a missions trip, or to serve those who are hard to love. He wants us to step forward bravely and obey.
Following God shouldn't involve guesswork. Scripture is a good source for confirming divine direction, as our Father won't give any guidance that is contrary to biblical principles. Receiving godly counsel from a pastor or mature believer can also reassure us that we've heard correctly (Prov. 15:22).
At times we may struggle with directions we receive from the Lord. We question whether they are from Him because they . . .
Clash with our personal desires. The mother of James and John asked that her sons sit beside Jesus in heaven. The Lord said no to her selfish ambition and called her sons to a life of humble service to others (Matt. 20:20-28).
Conflict with our human reasoning. Some of the disciples expected Jesus to rule as the long-prophesied King. When He told them He was going to be killed by the religious leaders, His words didn't line up with their thinking about the future.
Challenge our faith. Christ told the disciples that He would be resurrected on the third day (Matt. 16:21). Peter and the others had to accept Jesus' words even though many people of the day—including some religious leaders—did not believe in the resurrection of the body (Matt. 22:23).
God's direction may call for courage as well. We see this clearly in Joshua's life. The Lord appointed him as the leader who would take Israel into the Promised Land (Josh. 1:1-6). Our heavenly Father may ask us to become a leader in our local church, to participate in a missions trip, or to serve those who are hard to love. He wants us to step forward bravely and obey.
Following God shouldn't involve guesswork. Scripture is a good source for confirming divine direction, as our Father won't give any guidance that is contrary to biblical principles. Receiving godly counsel from a pastor or mature believer can also reassure us that we've heard correctly (Prov. 15:22).
Monday, November 8, 2010
Recognizing God's Voice
JOHN 10:14-16
Children seem to have special hearing when it comes to their parents' voices. They recognize when their mother or father is talking, regardless of how many other people are around.
In a similar way, Jesus assures us that we will be able to distinguish His voice among the insistent cries and conflicting opinions of our world (John 10:27). He promises we will be able to "hear" Him, even though He doesn't speak in audible words—one reason is that He has given us His Holy Spirit, who knows exactly what Christ is saying and will provide us with the wisdom to understand.
Have you ever noticed the way some children pretend not to hear their parents so they won't have to obey? Sometimes we can be like that—we might fail to recognize the heavenly Father's direction because of our own self-centeredness. We intently focus on what we want and ignore any opposing instruction.
There is another obstacle to hearing the Lord: impatience. Just like the culture we live in, we want answers right now. This tendency can cause us to listen to the wrong speaker. Surrendering our personal desires and fixing our attention on what matters to God will make it easier for us to discern His voice.
When Peter acted on his own ideas, he encountered difficulty. But when he gave up his way and listened to Jesus, he became a disciple to whom Christ could entrust kingdom work (John 21:17). Have you learned to distinguish the Lord's voice from the noise around you?
Children seem to have special hearing when it comes to their parents' voices. They recognize when their mother or father is talking, regardless of how many other people are around.
In a similar way, Jesus assures us that we will be able to distinguish His voice among the insistent cries and conflicting opinions of our world (John 10:27). He promises we will be able to "hear" Him, even though He doesn't speak in audible words—one reason is that He has given us His Holy Spirit, who knows exactly what Christ is saying and will provide us with the wisdom to understand.
Have you ever noticed the way some children pretend not to hear their parents so they won't have to obey? Sometimes we can be like that—we might fail to recognize the heavenly Father's direction because of our own self-centeredness. We intently focus on what we want and ignore any opposing instruction.
There is another obstacle to hearing the Lord: impatience. Just like the culture we live in, we want answers right now. This tendency can cause us to listen to the wrong speaker. Surrendering our personal desires and fixing our attention on what matters to God will make it easier for us to discern His voice.
When Peter acted on his own ideas, he encountered difficulty. But when he gave up his way and listened to Jesus, he became a disciple to whom Christ could entrust kingdom work (John 21:17). Have you learned to distinguish the Lord's voice from the noise around you?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
When Faith Falters
Mark 9:17-29
James 1:5 tells us that God offers wisdom to anyone who asks. However, he goes on to warn that if we doubt, our prayers will not be answered. But at times, don't all of us struggle with some degree of doubt?
Let's explore some reasons for our disbelief. First, faith usually defies human reasoning. For example, when we are in financial difficulty, logic says to save every penny, whereas God says He will bless the generous giver. Second, feelings of fear, inadequacy, or guilt can interfere with trusting biblical truth. Third, we often focus on the circumstance rather than our heavenly Father. He is at work, yet we fail to notice His hand. And finally, uncertainty about God's will can lead us to doubt Him.
Wavering faith has severe consequences: missed blessings, lack of peace and joy, and a heart that is easily thrown off course when difficulty arises. How, then, can we avoid faltering in our faith?
In Mark 9, a man pleaded with Jesus to rebuke the spirit possessing his son. When Christ replied that "all things are possible to him who believes," the father said, "I do believe; help my unbelief" (vv. 23-24). And Jesus granted his request. Like that man, we can ask the Lord to increase our faith. But we should also spend time reading God's Word and meditating on His promises.
From the story in Luke, we know that doubt is common—and that God is patient and understanding. Faith comes from Him. So when you are at a crossroads and the right response requires faith, or when you pray and notice doubt, ask Him to help you believe.
James 1:5 tells us that God offers wisdom to anyone who asks. However, he goes on to warn that if we doubt, our prayers will not be answered. But at times, don't all of us struggle with some degree of doubt?
Let's explore some reasons for our disbelief. First, faith usually defies human reasoning. For example, when we are in financial difficulty, logic says to save every penny, whereas God says He will bless the generous giver. Second, feelings of fear, inadequacy, or guilt can interfere with trusting biblical truth. Third, we often focus on the circumstance rather than our heavenly Father. He is at work, yet we fail to notice His hand. And finally, uncertainty about God's will can lead us to doubt Him.
Wavering faith has severe consequences: missed blessings, lack of peace and joy, and a heart that is easily thrown off course when difficulty arises. How, then, can we avoid faltering in our faith?
In Mark 9, a man pleaded with Jesus to rebuke the spirit possessing his son. When Christ replied that "all things are possible to him who believes," the father said, "I do believe; help my unbelief" (vv. 23-24). And Jesus granted his request. Like that man, we can ask the Lord to increase our faith. But we should also spend time reading God's Word and meditating on His promises.
From the story in Luke, we know that doubt is common—and that God is patient and understanding. Faith comes from Him. So when you are at a crossroads and the right response requires faith, or when you pray and notice doubt, ask Him to help you believe.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
How to Develop Unwavering Faith
1 Peter 1:6-7
On occasion, every one of us will go through troubling times, and when that happens, it's easy to get disheartened. But the Bible indicates that even during periods of challenge and adversity, God expects His children to respond correctly. And His word equips us to do so.
What does a right response look like? Today's passage teaches us to rejoice during difficulty. Of course, this does not mean that we must be glad about the hardship. But we can be joyful because we know that God is using the circumstances to prepare and grow us. Even though having a positive attitude during something so negative does not seem logical, it actually makes sense for several reasons.
First of all, through difficult experiences, the Lord teaches us endurance. Our natural reaction to pain is oftentimes to run in the opposite direction—and as fast as possible. However, God wants us to "hang in there" so that we can derive the full benefit of whatever lesson He has for us.
Second, the heavenly Father uses trials as a refining fire to purify His children and bring them to greater spiritual maturity. He has a plan for each believer, and hardship is one of the tools necessary to prepare us to do His will. In the process, we will find that our faith has been strengthened.
As we realize God brings benefit from our adversities, we'll begin to face challenging times with confidence that He always has our best interest in mind. This leads to joy, because we know He is building our endurance, purifying our hearts, and making us people with unshakeable trust in Him.
On occasion, every one of us will go through troubling times, and when that happens, it's easy to get disheartened. But the Bible indicates that even during periods of challenge and adversity, God expects His children to respond correctly. And His word equips us to do so.
What does a right response look like? Today's passage teaches us to rejoice during difficulty. Of course, this does not mean that we must be glad about the hardship. But we can be joyful because we know that God is using the circumstances to prepare and grow us. Even though having a positive attitude during something so negative does not seem logical, it actually makes sense for several reasons.
First of all, through difficult experiences, the Lord teaches us endurance. Our natural reaction to pain is oftentimes to run in the opposite direction—and as fast as possible. However, God wants us to "hang in there" so that we can derive the full benefit of whatever lesson He has for us.
Second, the heavenly Father uses trials as a refining fire to purify His children and bring them to greater spiritual maturity. He has a plan for each believer, and hardship is one of the tools necessary to prepare us to do His will. In the process, we will find that our faith has been strengthened.
As we realize God brings benefit from our adversities, we'll begin to face challenging times with confidence that He always has our best interest in mind. This leads to joy, because we know He is building our endurance, purifying our hearts, and making us people with unshakeable trust in Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)