ir a principal |
Ir a lateral
On Sunday I shared about a local friend and pastor who was informed on Saturday that his 22 year-old son lost his life serving our country in Afghanistan. When I heard the news I was very deeply moved and felt a sincere compassion for them, their other two children, and all of their extended family and friends. Romans 12:15 says, "weep with those who weep." It's a verse that I've remembered many times before when consoling a family after the loss of a loved one. Words just don't come easy in those times of grief. Often the best comfort I offer is to cry with them, love them, and simply be there for them.
Perspective is an amazing thing. One moment we can view our lives as happy, blessed, and good. And a few moments later we're depressed, discouraged, and ready to quit. Yesterday I talked about how regularly looking up to God in prayer clears our perspective. Our view is bad. God's view is much more clear and accurate. I've learned in life that the more time I spend focusing on my problem, the greater my problem seems. I've also learned the that the more time I spend focusing on God, the smaller my problems seems compared to the greatness of God. In most cases, my problems doesn't change at all but the way I view it does.
As you approach this week I'd like to challenge you to do a few things.
- Look Up to God in prayer more often than you usually do. You need it!
- Keep things in perspective. Don't let minor things become major.
- Be THANKFUL! Recognize just how blessed you are! Choose to focus on the good in your life. Do you get to hug your loved ones tonight? You are richly blessed!
I would also ask you to remember Pastor Ron & Debbie Ross in your prayers this week and in weeks to come as they mourn the loss of their son.
Have a GREAT week!
Regardless of the topic or the discussion a common phrase I hear at the beginning of most sentences is, "I believe....", then you will hear the person's opinion about a specific topic. In Wisconsin that opinion has centered most recently on the Budget Repair Bill; and the opinions are strong. Worldwide the opinion is focused on the tragedy in Japan. And our prayers go out to those affected. In the Christian world the most recent focus has been centered on a book written by a prominent pastor that is presumed to promote the theology of universalism. Part of the universalism teaching is that a loving God would never send someone to hell, if in fact hell actually exists. And the articles, attacks, etc. has ensued. Right? Wrong? I don't know haven't read the book and wouldn't want to make that judgment until I had.
My greater concern is the number of people I hear making statements that begin with "I Believe...", but when asked they can't tell you the foundation upon which they are establishing their beliefs. Typically it's either strictly based on their personal opinion or it's founded in some Biblical truth or fact but they can't substantiate their beliefs. Let me be clear, just because "you believe" something doesn't make it accurate or morally right. Especially if it contradicts the ultimate measure of wrong & right; the Bible. Before we give our opinions about how what someone's beliefs are wrong, why not begin by first solidifying what we believe first. Instead of standing against everything (which at times it is necessary to stand against something) why not start by declaring what you stand for! For me, here is my starting point; my declaration of what I firmly believe in, as supported by God's Word.
I BELIEVE.......
- The Bible is the divine, infallible, inspired Word of God.
- In the Trinity of God (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit).
- Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God born of a virgin.
- Every person is born with a sinful nature and in need of a Savior.
- Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone and he paid the price of our sins on the cross.
- In a literal heaven prepared for those who have accepted Christ & a literal hell for those who have rejected Christ.
This I believe! Why? Because the Bible says every one of these statements are true and statement #1 means I must believe it as well. Before we declare our beliefs about marginal things, we should first know what foundation our faith is built upon. I encourage every Christian to stand on what God's Word believes first and then compare your opinions to the truth of God's before you share them with others. Don't position yourself to believe something that God's Word does not.
You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result. Genesis 50:20 (NASB)
Joseph’s life was anything but peaceful. He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and thrown into prison on false charges. Yet, he remained free of bitterness or regret and saw God as the “Great Engineer” behind even the worst of circumstances.
In a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously noted, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.”
“God meant it for good” says:
You can accept the past. No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle or too big to be worked out for good (Romans 8:28). Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his brothers who ended up relying on him for their survival.
You can embrace the present. There’s no need to play the “what if” game. The past is forgiven and gone, and the future is in God’s omnipotent hands; so you’re free to focus on the present: “Wherever you are, be all there,” says Jim Elliot. God wants you in the present because that’s where his grace will flow.
You can look expectantly toward the future. Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, without fear of making mistakes that take you out of God’s control. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is still working out his divine plan for your life.
This devotional is by Jon Walker, editor of the Daily Hope Devotionals and author of Costly Grace.
