You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘God’s love’ tag.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
What are the marks of Spiritual power? For some it may be doing some great miracle or seeing the signs of the Holy Spirit being manifest. We admire those people who can stand up strong and oppose the false values and the lies of the enemy. We dream of being able to dump the whole dump truck of the Gospel on people, denouncing their sin, warning them of their eternal damnation and showing them, in no uncertain terms, that they are the devil’s tool!
Others may say that spiritual power is seen in ‘spiritual disciplines’ of prayer, Bible Study and living a holy, set-apart lifestyle. These are the prayer warriors and the scholars of our day. They spend hours and hours in study and prayer and draw insights from God’s Word that we marvel at.
Is one of these better than the other? Shall we strive for one above the other? In some ways they seem opposites. One (power) is openly visible and extrovert-ish. But power, taken to extremes, tears apart, destroys and loses its regard for human feelings and emotion.
The other (self-discipline) can be taken to the extreme and become withdrawn and loses touch with society. In its extreme it can lead to legalism and a judgmental spirit.
But Paul adds the perfect ingredient to bring power and discipline together: Love.
It is love that helps us to realize that God’s word is true and that His Son Jesus is the only way to peace and forgiveness while here on earth and eternal life with Him after we die.
It’s love that reminds us that we are His most special creation. We are made in His image for His glory so that we can reach out to those around us that are in pain and despair.
It’s the love of the Father that caused Him to send His Son, Jesus, to the Cross to take the penalty for my sin, to offer me forgiveness, and to give me the power of the Holy Spirit for daily living.
It’s love that helps me to be patient and gentle with those who continue to follow their own destructive ways. It keeps me from attacking them through constant reminders of their sin and drives me to my knees to pray that God will lead them to repentance.
Love. The perfect cement that binds the truth of God’s word and the power of His Spirit to show the world that Jesus is the answer to the pain that they bear.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. I thank you today for the many blessings you have given me. I thank you that through your Holy Spirit I can be brave in my speaking out for you. I thank you for your Word that gives me the wisdom to see the lies of the enemy and the truth of Your word. I ask that you would help me to add the cement of love to my life so that I can reach out to my friends and neighbors and show them the unspeakable blessing of knowing Jesus. Amen.
So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. Proverbs 24:6 (NLT)
What do you do when you have a tough decision to make? Here are twelve suggestions to guide you along the way. Remember that God loves you and has exciting things in store for you if you follow His direction.
- God wants you to win. He’ll give you the tools, the strategy and the opportunities to be victorious over any obstacle you encounter or dream you may have. But He will not do the work for you. You must take action steps of faith to start the process.
- Don’t discount the ‘wisdom and advice’ of those who do not know Jesus. God can and has used unspiritual men to speak His wisdom. However, be very careful when following this advice that is does not contradict scripture for God will never lead you to disobedience.
- Don’t automatically assume that all advice from ‘Godly’ men is wise advice from God. Even pastors will be guilty of saying things to win you to their perspective. Weigh all the advice you receive before taking action
- Stretch yourself. God will rarely call you to something that you don’t enjoy or don’t have the gifts to accomplish. He may, however, call you to do things that you’d never thought of before and that are completely out of your comfort zone. Keep yourself open to new opportunities for ministry.
- God isn’t a fan of tradition. Jesus was a radical in His day although He never went against the wishes of His father. The way you dress, the music you listen to, the activities you engage in may draw unwanted ‘advice’ from people. Evaluate what they are saying to see if their concerns have merit. Prepare to adjust your life accordingly. But remember, you are answerable to God alone.
- Too many counselors/advisors can be counterproductive. Choose two or three of your closest and most trusted friends. Listen to their words. Allow them the freedom to be critical in the evaluation sense. Don’t allow yourself to be sensitive.
- Watch and listen for God’s confirmation. There are times when people completely out your circle of influence will make statements that will verify what you have been feeling all along.
- Pray. Pray. Pray. Not just the daily, routine prayers. Bring your thoughts constantly before God and allow Him to steer you in the way he wants you to go.
- Fast. Fasting has become misunderstood and forgotten. A fast doesn’t have to be painful or even that long. Skip lunch a few days and spend the time in prayer.
- Personal Retreats. Many times God will speak to us when we are removed from all distractions. Consider adding a personal retreat to your decision making process and the words of your advisors. Many Bible Camps and Christian Retreat Centers will have rooms/cabins available for you to stay in for a day or two for a nominal cost, or even free. Take nothing along but a bible, a journaling notebook and personal items. Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible.
- Read your Bible daily. It doesn’t have to take long. 15-20 minutes a day of bible reading can make a huge impact on how you think.
- Count the Cost. Make sure you are willing to give up everything you have to follow Christ. God will not always call you away or ask you to give up everything you have to follow Him. He may, however test you to see if you are willing to give up all for him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. I thank you today that you have told me I can call you ‘daddy’ and that you love me as a loving father who wants to be actively involved in my life. Right now you know that I have many decisions to make in life. I ask that you would help me to seek the wise, Godly counsel that will help me seek your will. Amen.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Charles Swindoll once wrote, “Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.” How we feel about ourselves and how we feel about God are the two main ingredients that determine if we will be happy with life or frustrated and living under the circumstances of our existence.
If we see God as being weak, apathetic or unconcerned about us, or if we see Him as being angry and vengeful towards us we will approach life in fear and hopelessness. If we see ourselves as worthless failures doomed because our past or present circumstances, life is full of despair and we don’t really believe God is who He says He is.
The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that we need to avoid thinking the way the world thinks. People around us measure everything by what is seen, what can be held and what they see as important. Tradition, religious dogmas and society rules can affect our drive to succeed. Some will tell us that a certain type of music is wrong, or that we need to eat certain foods or act certain ways or go to certain churches and be involved in this religious act or that religious act. But who we are has nothing to do with what we have done, do or want to do.
God created each of us with talents and abilities that are unique to us. God, through His Holy Spirit, wants to change your way of thinking. He wants to help each of us see our potential through His eyes and not the eyes of people. The customs, behaviors and practices of people without Christ will lead us to lives which are empty and wanting more. A life built on realizing we are God’s special creations leads us to lives that are content and fulfilled regardless of our social or financial position.
Be free to be you! Don’t let the world tell you how you should be or what you should think. Believe God to be who He says He is; the Almighty, All-Powerful, All-Knowing, Loving God of the Universe.
As a Christ-follower, ask God change the way you think about yourself. Ask Him to let you see yourself as He sees you. Let His Spirit work through you so that the love of Jesus will be evident in your life to those around you.
You are a child of God! Don’t let the thoughts and actions of others keep you down. With the help of His Holy Spirit you can be empowered to change the world around you.
PRAYER: Holy God, I confess to you that there are many areas of my life where I allow other people to control how I feel about You and how I feel about myself. They use my past, my present and their own ideas to keep me from living the full, joyful life you have for me. I am made in your image O God! I am your Child! Empower me with Your Spirit to show Jesus’ love to those around me. Amen.
You prepare a feast for me, in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
Sometimes we feel completely overwhelmed with life. It seems like all of our enemies are crouching at our door, waiting for an opportune time to attack and conquer us. Enemies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are emotional enemies like worry, fear, our past sins, hidden sins and the fear of being found out or feeling like we are a failure and we will never be successful.
Sometimes those enemies are physical enemies such as illness, debt, abusive relationships or critics. Enemies can be consequences of poor decisions in the past. We know we are forgiven. We know God loves us, but we can’t shake the guilt. We can’t get past the realization of hindered and destroyed dreams. We are so imprisoned by ‘what could have been’ that we are fail to see ‘what could be’.
The Psalmist paints a beautiful picture for those of us hounded by emotional and physical enemies in our lives. In the midst of the battlefield, our Heavenly Father places a great feast and you are the guest of honor! The only way you can eat a feast in the midst of your enemies is if the person putting on the feast is stronger than all the enemies that surround you. It’s as if you are able to eat and celebrate in complete safety while your enemies sit just outside the door rendered completely helpless and unable to attack.
This is no small meal that God has prepared for you. This is a feast! Everything at a feast is for your pleasure and comfort. You have servants to wait on you and bring you what your heart desires. The atmosphere is festive and safe. Although there are problems just outside the door, they have no affect on you.
As guest of honor, the master himself anoints you with oil. Anointing of oil was done in the Psalmists day to honored guests. It was aromatic oil that smelled good and refreshed your soul after a hot dusty day.
During those times when the enemies lurking at your door seem ready to break the walls down; in those quiet moments when fear and worry are relentless in their pursuit of you, remember that even in the mist of trial and turmoil your Heavenly Father has the power and desire to provide for you.
Draw close to God during the fearful times. He is passionate in His desire for you as a passionate lover desires the one he loves. When you rely on Him for protection and wisdom the enemies lurking at the door will have no power over you.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. I thank you for the picture I have in my mind right now. A picture of a table, a great feast where I sit in the midst of a huge celebration. Although there are enemies at my door I sit in peace and comfort knowing that you will protect me. The fragrant oil of your love relaxes me in your presence. Help me today to live as the guest of honor. No enemy can attack when you are near. I praise you for your love and protection. Amen.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
God is my refuge. A refuge isn’t a zoo where life is sterile and everything I need is handed to me by some ‘celestial zoo keeper’. I don’t exist to be put on show so that people can scrutinize my movements. I’m not here to be free of all enemies and hardship. I’m not in a cage that keeps me from being the real me.
God is my refuge. He didn’t send His son, Jesus, to die for me and then leave me to fend for myself in a world where I need protection from spiritual forces. He’s not a distant, apathetic or angry old man that is wringing His hands wondering what will happen next and how He can endure the struggle of keeping me alive.
He is my refuge. A refuge is a place set up for animals to thrive in their natural environment. Natural hardships still occur but they are there to help me grow stronger. I am free to roam. Free to be myself. Some refuges have no fences. They are simply areas set aside where unnatural enemies (man) can’t enter to kill, harm or maim. The animals inside are free to leave, but most realize that it is to their benefit to stay.
As Christ-follower our enemy is an unnatural one. Satan wants to harm us, to keep us bound, to lead us to a path of destruction. He tempts us by trying to get us to believe that true freedom rests beyond the boundaries of the refuge we have in Jesus. He lures us outside so that he can attack and destroy.
When we stay safe within the bounds of God’s love and learn to walk with Him in obedience we are protected from Satan. That doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t encounter hardship. In fact, we can almost be guaranteed there WILL be hardship. But that hardship is there to make us stronger and so that we can be free to live life the way we were intended to live it.
PRAYER: Holy Father. Thank you that you are my refuge. Thank you for providing a place in life where I can live life to the fullest. I acknowledge that when I am walking with you, you offer protection that I can’t find anywhere else. Help me to learn to live within the safety of your refuge. Thank you for the forgiveness you offer when I stray. Amen
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 