Living In An Unstable World Part 2
Keep A Soft Heart
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Do you notice how easy it is to get a hard heart? God’s value system is so often in direct contrast to the values of our world.
God knows that our hearts will be pulled in directions away from Him. He also knows that when we go with that pull we will find our hearts hardening. We will become aware of a nagging sense of dissatisfaction and impatience with life and with those around us. He cautions us…
“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3: 12 & 13).
Many times we don’t even notice the hard crust that settles around our hearts.
We compromise in “little” things and think it won’t matter. Yet for the believer, there is inner frustration when we allow things into our hearts and minds that we know are in contrast to God. When we ignore that we find our heart moving toward unbelief. God calls us to be vigilant about keeping our heart soft. It’s not always easy but it is always worth it.
1) Keep tabs on sin in your life. It slows down your reflex to God.
Be sensitive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit in your life. Don’t cancel out the warning when your conscience bothers you. It’s easy to justify “small” wrong doings as we live in this world’s economy. Yet the toll it takes on a believer’s heart is simply not worth the momentary satisfaction.
2) Guard your heart against unbelief.
If you find yourself justifying wrong doing and telling yourself it’s just small or it’s justified because of someone else’s actions toward you … be careful. This path will take you down a road of unbelief. The joy and blessing comes in the obedience to the ways of God. He warns us that these compromises are deceitful and the end is a hard heart.
3) Don’t blame God in the midst of hard times.
Run to God when the storms of life come. Let His arms of comfort enfold you. Let His Spirit empower you with wisdom and help from God as you ask Him about each step in the midst of difficult days.
4) Give encouragement daily and seek it as well.
We sharpen each other’s faith as we share together.
Father God,
Keep my heart soft. Don’t let me allow sin to slow down my reflex to You. I need You in my life. Increase my faith and help me to encourage someone else today to stay firm in their faith too. Guide me and hold me close to Your heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Questions: What steps can you take you keep your heart soft to God’s leading? What happens in ones life that causes one’s heart to become insensitive to God’s guidance?
About the Author Gail Rogers
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Praising God for Answered Prayer, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Praise God for Answered Prayer!
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Praise God for Answered Prayer [2:53m]:
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Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for October 30th, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.
“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart” Psalm 9:1
Praise should always follow answered prayer, just like the mist of earth’s gratitude rises when the sun of heaven’s love warms the ground. Has the Lord been gracious to you, and heard your voice as your earnestly pray? Then praise Him as long as you live! Don’t deny a song to Him who has answered your prayer and given you the desire of your heart.
To be silent over God’s mercies is to incur the guilt of ingratitude. It is to act as ungratefully as the nine lepers. After they were cured of their leprosy, they did not even bother to return to give thanks to the Lord who healed them. (Luke 17:11-19)
To forget to praise God is to refuse to benefit ourselves. Praise, like prayer, is one great means of growing our spiritual life. It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, and to increase our faith. It is a healthy and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer, and nerves us for fresh enterprises in our Master’s service.
To bless God for His mercy is also a way to benefit our fellow brothers and sisters: “My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.” (Psalm 34:2) Others who have been in similar circumstances will take comfort if we say, “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:3-4) Weak hearts will be strengthened, and weak souls will be revived as they listen to our “songs of deliverance.” Their doubts and fears will be assuaged, as we teach and encourage one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Then they too will “sing in the ways of the Lord” when they hear us praising His holy name.
Praise is the most heavenly of Christian duties. The angels do not pray, but they never cease to praise both day and night. And we the redeemed, clothed in white robes, with palm-branches in our hands, should never grow tired of singing the new song, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
Question: Has your prayer been answered lately? Please share it with us, or a story about how God has answered your prayer in the past.
About this Author: Charles Spurgeon
Wise Men Came
Who or what are you following this New year? Would you like to talk to someone about how you can follow Christ more closely?
Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea…Magi came from the East…” (Matthew 1:1).
They came to our door every January 6th during our 15 years in Germany. Three boys dressed in robes to resemble a regal status, paper crowns with somewhat tarnished gilt edges, a tall staff in one hand and a tin cup in the other. They sang a traditional song which told of the visit’s purpose: collecting money for the less fortunate.
These kings came to collect. Their forebears traveled far to give. The original Wise Men—likely pagan astrologers or magicians—made a long trek to find and worship One about whom they knew little, just that he was to be king.
Although they figure prominently in every Christmas scene, we know so little about them. Only that they followed a star, were undeterred in their quest, gave extravagant gifts and worshipped the Christ.
What about us at the beginning of this New Year? What or whom am I following? How faithful is my search for truth? What gifts am I prepared to give as symbols of my worship of the Christ? Will I one day be called a Wise Woman?
The Christmas tree is down, the decorations packed away, the candles extinguished. But the call to follow the Star of Bethlehem, to worship the King is ever present. Help me,God, to not only search for you but be confident in the truth that You can be found.
Questions: What search have I been on in recent months? What new discoveries have I made about God?
About the Author Marilyn Ehle
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Religion Renewed, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Religion Renewed
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Religion Renewed [2:43m]:
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Please open your Bible and read John 2:1-11.
What’s the significance of Jesus’ miracle of turning water to wine? It’s easy to understand His healing miracles and multiplying bread and fishes to feed the multitudes. But why water to wine?
Was Jesus just showing off? I don’t think so. Let’s carefully consider the details of what happened at that famous wedding in Cana. The problem: The wedding guests are out of wine. (Clearly the party is getting late!) Jesus’ mother tells him about this (which would have been quite embarrassing to the wedding party) and he decides to do something about it.
Verse 6 carefully notes the type of jars Jesus instructed the servants to fill with water: “six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing”. Why is this important? Even though there would’ve been plenty of empty wine containers around he could have used Jesus instead instructed them to use the jars which were specifically intended for Jewish religious cleansing rituals! Imagine the indignity of the Jewish leaders: He’s desecrated their sacred jars! He had done nothing morally wrong or against God’s word, but he had, on purpose, offended their self-righteous religious traditions.
There’s other important messages that we could draw from Jesus’ water to wine miracle, but an important one is this: Jesus came to offer us not just new life, but life “to the full” (John 10:10). Jesus was never about religion for the sake of religion, and never wanted us to be constrained by trite ritual and dreary religious routine.
If your spiritual life seems trite and dreary lately, it could be time to re-read the gospels keeping an eye out for the scandal of Jesus’ ministry. We often miss the scandal because we’re so used to hearing it! You might also examine your church to identify the traditions that are honoring to God and inspiring to God’s people … and on the other hand any traditions that are merely legalistic religious jars, just begging to be emptied out and filled with fantastic new wine!
Question: Are there religious traditions in your life (or church) that have become mere rituals, and need to be renewed for the glory of God?
About this Author: Darren Hewer
[Thanks goes to pastor Bruxy Cavey of The Meeting House church whose writing inspired this devotional.]
Joy Every Day
Is your life full of pain and you have lost your joy a long time ago? We care and want to pray for you.
While a prisoner in Rome, Paul wrote the Philippians a letter that sounds like a shout of victory. Its theme is joy and rejoicing in the Lord.
Paul knew the secret of victory over anxiety and depression. After telling the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, he advised them not to worry about anything, but to bring everything in prayer to the Lord with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Thus, instead of being worried and depressed, the Christian would have God’s peace (4:7).
Paul was well acquainted with victory through rejoicing in the Lord. When he and Silas were evangelizing in Philippi, they were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned.
In chains in the rat-infested dungeon, they prayed and sang praises to the Lord. Suddenly an earthquake shook the prison’s foundations. The doors flew open; the prisoners were loosed from their shackles.
Similarly, we are loosed from the shackles of depression, anxiety, fears, and worries as we pray and rejoice in the Lord. For how can the flesh keep us down when we are up in the Spirit?
If you rejoice in the Lord every morning, think what a difference it would make in your life. Practice this when you awaken. Tell the Lord you love Him. Then thank and praise Him for every blessing you can think of. Thank Him for who He is. Rejoicing in the Lord will soon be a habit.
The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say I again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
Heavenly Father,
When rejoicing feels foreign in my circumstances I ask that Your Holy Spirit would remind me to choose thankfulness. Help me to focus on who You are and on Your strength and might and wisdom that is available to me. Today I WILL rejoice in You, my God and my Savior. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Questions: What difficult circumstances are keeping you from rejoicing in the Lord today? How can you turn from feeling downhearted to rejoicing even though the circumstances have not changed?
About the Author Dr Muriel Larson
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Package, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
The Package
Having trouble trusting God lately? Sometimes talking to someone about it can help. Our mentors are available online to listen, confidentially.
Recently I got a package notice from the post office. Because I was not expecting a package, I thought, “Oh no, it’s probably a package from some company that I will not want, so I will have to go to the trouble of sending it back …”
Later that day a good friend mentioned to me that I should be getting something in the mail from him. Well, my attitude about the package waiting for me at the post office changed immediately because I now knew who had sent it! I was excited to see what it was, so I went expectantly to the post office as soon as I could. I was delighted to get a set of stainless steel pots for backpacking as a thank you from some friends I had recently taken on a backpacking trip! I fired off a thank you note that night.
Later that evening I had a thought … In life there are many unexpected packages. Some I like and others I don’t. I have come to realize that no matter what comes, God is in control.
Even in moments of bewilderment or despair in the past, when I would have loved to have written, “RETURN TO SENDER”, I have survived and even come to a point of anticipating the future because I chose to focus on the Sender, and on the knowledge that God does love me and really does know and care about my life’s circumstances. Sometimes I have doubted but in those moments I always come back to the cross as the ultimate proof of God’s love. Jesus died for me, he proved his love. The words of Romans 8:28 are profound: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
What are the packages you hold today? Can you trust that God does have a plan? The nation of Israel was dealing with the reality of being in captivity, and in Jeremiah 29:11 God reassures them by saying, “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
Questions: Can you trust him? What about writing Him a thank you note?
About this Author: Mike Woodard
Gentle and Humble
Would you like to be more gentle and humble? Here is an Online Bible Study about knowing Jesus better and learning to be more like Him.
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29, NLT).
If anyone has the right to NOT be humble, it’s Jesus. This is the guy who fed thousands with just a loaf of bread and a fish, turned water into wine, walked on water, and raised people from the dead. Not a good enough resume? How about this: Through Him all things were made, and from Him all the light that shines emanates! (John 1)
Jesus is God, but nevertheless He “gave up his divine privileges” and “took the humble position of a slave” (Philippians 2:7).
Jesus also has the right to NOT be gentle as he looks around and sees such immorality and lack of faith in the world. Jesus sighed in exasperation at the lack of faith that he saw around him. (Mark 8:12) Yet Jesus is rightly described as being “gentle and humble in heart”. (Matthew 11:29)
We may have many reasons to be proud. Perhaps we have a successful business, or have been blessed with a wonderful family, or have been gifted with a special talent in music or art. Despite this we must remain humble, because “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
And we may have many reasons to be ruthless. Maybe someone treated us unfairly, or we’ve had a really bad day. But “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).
The path to humility and gentleness is clear. The signs all point in the same direction: Allow Jesus to teach us to become more like Him. “I have set you an example,” says Jesus, “that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). It may not happen overnight… or over many nights. But by diligently remaining focused on God’s Word and patiently pondering the life of Christ, it will certainly, perhaps little by little, begin to happen. You too can become humble and gentle at heart.
Father God,
Teach me to be more like you. May I be humble and gentle today in my dealings with others. Amen.
Questions: What does “being humble at heart” mean to you?
About this Author Darren Hewer
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Help That’s Really Help, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Help That’s Really Help
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Help That's Really Help [3:16m]:
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“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” Galatians 6:1, NLT
Because I am so good at it, and because it is so wrong and yet so easy to do, I talk a lot about all the subtle ways we sit in judgment over one another. As I do this, I am often asked about how we hold each other accountable to the truth if we are not supposed to judge. This verse is what that’s all about, but even this verse is often misconstrued into judging someone without any attempt to really do what it says. Let me show you what I mean:
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should be happy about your relative godliness, because you haven’t fallen like this person has.
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should find out as many details as you can about what this person is up to so you can make it a matter of prayer with all your mutual friends.
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should ostracize that person from your fellowship.
Dear brothers and sisters … if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should avoid bringing anything up about it at all.
No, it says to restore that person, humbly and gently, and that means getting involved personally, and it means sharing you own life and your own vulnerabilities. Which might look something like this:
You go to that person and tell them what they are doing is wrong. Use scripture, not your opinion. Perhaps ask them to read a portion that applies to their situation and talk about what they think it means. Tell them of your own struggles with sin, what your hardest battle is at the moment, and how they might be able to help you. Ask them if they want help and make yourself available to help them be accountable. Help them get help from someone more qualified if it’s beyond you. Tell them that you love them and they can’t shake you whatever they do. Tell them that you are sticking by them regardless, so that if they decide to sin again, they are dragging you in with them.
And do be careful, because no one is so godly that they are beyond falling into the same temptation as well, and knowing this is what will keep you humble, and not judgmental, as you seek to help.
Question: Is there someone you know who needs godly guidance? How can you approach them in a way that will be winsome to their understanding while still honoring to God?
About this Author: John Fischer
What Really Matters in Life?
Are you hurting? Feeling sad, lonely or desperate? Do you struggle with thoughts of suicide?
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that was devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months.
Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as has the book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. Sadly, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer a few weeks ago, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all, for generations to come.
As I read his book, I found it inspiring and causing me to think about what I would say under a similar assignment. Throughout history people have tried to determine what really matters in life. Socrates said it was knowledge; Aristotle said self realization and Epicurus said it was pleasure. I know that for me it is a moving target. What mattered to be in my younger years and especially before I became a Christian are totally different from what matters now.
Years back, I would focus on the material things….Power, position and possessions. But now my focus is on family, faith friends and relationships. As Paul said to the church at Corinth, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Randy’s last lecture was like that. It was a one of a kind lecture that made the world stop and pay attention. Knowing he had only weeks to live, he said ““We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
As I read his book I thought, what wisdom would I impart to the world if I knew it was my last chance? If I knew I was going to vanish tomorrow, what would I want as my legacy? Randy’s lecture was not about dying; it was about living…. living a life that really leaves a legacy and one that makes a difference for the better in the lives of people left behind. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment because “time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think.” It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.
The older I get, the more I realize that it’s the little things that count, but little things can move mountains when they inspire and motivate people.
Lord, help me to focus less on this life and more on the life to come.
Questions: What is priority in your life today? Does God fit into your dreams for the future?
About the Author John Grant
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The One and Only, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
The One and Only
An interactive Bible study can help you focus your eyes more specifically on God and help you appreciate His glory … try one today!
The One and Only [2:32m]:
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Two of our three daughters were born in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We lived in the North Zone, separated from our doctor’s office and hospital by a tunnel-pierced mountain range. During Denalyn’s many months of pregnancy, we made the drive often.
We didn’t complain. Signs of life do a samba on every street corner. Copacabana and her bathers. Ipanema and her coffee bars. Gavea and her glamour. We never begrudged the South Zone forays. But they sure did bewilder me. I kept getting lost. I’m directionally challenged anyway, prone to take a wrong turn between the bedroom and the bathroom. Complicate my disorientation with randomly mapped three-hundred-year-old streets, and I don’t stand a chance.
I had one salvation. Jesus. Literally, Jesus. The Christ the Redeemer statue. The figure stands guard over the city, one hundred twenty-five feet tall with an arm span of nearly a hundred feet. More than a thousand tons of reinforced steel. The head alone measures ten feet from chin to scalp. Perched a mile and a half above sea level on Corcovado Mountain, the elevated Jesus is always visible. Especially to those who are looking for it. Since I was often lost, I was often looking. As a sailor seeks land, I searched for the statue, peering between the phone lines and rooftops for the familiar face. Find him and find my bearings.
John 3:16 offers you an identical promise. The verse elevates Christ to thin-air loftiness, crowning him with the most regal of titles: “One and Only Son.”
Do what I did in Rio. Seek him out. Lift up your eyes, and set your sights on Jesus. No passing glances or occasional glimpses. Enroll in his school. Make him your polestar, your point of reference. Search the crowded streets and shadow-casting roofs until you spot his face, and then set your sights on him.
You’ll find more than a hospital.
You’ll find the Only One and Only.
From 3:16, the Numbers of Hope
Copyright 2007, Max Lucado
Used by permission
Question: Where do your eyes turn when you need guidance?
About this Author: Max Lucado
