Faith Walk

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference: Romans 2 Psalm 51-53

Robbed

Psalms 51–53, Romans 2
Key Verse: Psalm 51:12

We have a constitutionally guaranteed right to the pursuit of happiness. Notice, however, that the right is not to happiness but to the pursuit of it. Many people seem to miss that fine line of distinction. They live as if happiness is a right and nothing should ever stand in the way of their having it.

What God gives us is not temporary happiness, something dependent upon the current situation, experiences, possessions, activities or feelings. He gives us joy, an abiding inner sense of well-being that is not dependent upon anything other than our relationship with Him. The biggest difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is temporary and dependent on other things, while joy is permanent, coming from our relationship with God. The one comes and goes while the other stays—unless we allow ourselves to be robbed of our joy.

David was robbed and wanted his joy restored. The robber was himself—specifically, his sin. Covering up his sin instead of confessing it brought pain into his life, the result of God at work bringing David to the point of repentance.

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance. Finally, he confessed. Now he would find relief and joy.

Joy is not a right but a blessing. It is not fleeting like happiness, but we can be robbed of it. Joy can be restored, however, when we repent before God, crying out like David, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (v. 12).

Do you have joy? If something in your life has robbed you of it, follow the example of David. Read again Psalm 51, praying it as your own prayer before God.

Lessons on Living

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Moses
Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:12

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Honor Your Parents

On her 80th birthday, a woman from Brooklyn decided to prepare her last will and testament. She went to her pastor to make two final requests. First, she insisted on cremation.

"What is your second request?" the pastor asked.

"I want my ashes scattered over Bloomingdale’s."

"Why Bloomingdale’s?"

"Then I’ll be sure that my daughters will visit me twice a week."

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of truth in that humor. In Japan, for instance, a company is offering actors to play the part of family members. The actors will visit elderly parents as surrogates for the real family members. In Oakland, California, a 62-year-old man who could neither walk nor talk was found abandoned on a flight from El Paso, Texas. A note was pinned to his clothing saying he needed medical attention.

Such disregard for one’s parents is directly contrary to God’s instructions. He exhorts us to show respect and concern for our parents and even attaches promises of longevity for those willing to obey.

As life becomes crowded with a multitude of commitments—at school, at church and at home—don’t forget that the ones who gave you life may now require your attention as well. Check to see if they have needs that are going unmet; if they live close by, invite them to join you in your family’s activities. Most of all, demonstrate your love and respect for them by simply taking time to be with them and listen to them. If you can’t do that, pick up the telephone and call them often. Let them talk as long as they want. Their days may not be long now, but God promises that your days will be long upon the land if you honor your father and mother. Don’t allow this treasure to pass by your life unenjoyed.

Honor your parents and the Lord will honor you.

An excellent essay about honoring your parents can be found here.

Desperate for Answers

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 18:9-14

When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. —Deuteronomy 18:9

A popular afternoon television program a few years ago was hosted by a self-proclaimed medium. He supposedly received messages from spirits of the dead to give to their family members in his studio audience. His readings prompted many people to believe in this occultic practice.

We live in a culture where people are desperate to know their future, and they’ll turn to psychics and mediums for answers—a practice expressly forbidden in the Scriptures.

The ancient Israelites were desperate to know their future, and God knew that they would be tempted to consult ungodly sources for answers. So He warned them to stay away from mediums and those who contact the dead (Lev. 19:26,31; 20:27; Deut. 18:9-14).

God knew that these practices would prevent ancient Israel from being a holy, set-apart people who would be a blessing to all nations. The future for Israel was determined by their faithfulness to God’s covenant, not the words of soothsayers and psychics. Reliance on these evil practices indicated a failure to trust the Lord with their lives.

When you are desperate for information about your future, turn to the sovereign God of heaven. He is the only One who holds the answers you seek.

The what of our future is determined by the who of eternity.

**Taken from http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml.**
To see the original, click here.

Devotional

In the daily trials that you face, you begin learning more about yourself and your desires. You learn how much you can handle without God at your side. Soon, you will learn how to let him take control of your entire life. He has given free will to choose and dream like everyone else in the world. However, he is waiting for you to choose him and allow him to know your innermost desires. By allowing him to guide you, he can deliver the things of which you never dreamed.

The first memory verse is Psalms 23:1"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."(KJV)

Your spiritual father knows exactly what you want, even when you aren't sure yourself. However, you must believe that he is capable of fulfilling your needs. So, rely on your faith and he will give you all of your dreams and desires. But, he will provide them in his own time and in his own way, which means you must stay faithful to him. Just allow your faith to grow and become stronger, by leaning on him throughout the daily trials in your life.

No matter what you want, you will be able to achieve it with faith and belief in God's promises. He is there holding you, throughout your life changing lessons. However, rely on him to pull you through, as he promised that he would if you just believe. He will never forsake you or leave, so let home take over and hold steadfast to your faith. Life is a struggle each day, as you try to manage work and personal responsibilities.

The second memory verse is: 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (KJV)

Recite this verse everyday and believe it, because you are fighting the good fight. You must keep your faith, in order to finish your journey here on earth. Once you have finished, you will be given your reward by God himself. So, slow down and enjoy what your life has to offer and continue fighting for what you believe. Always remember to take time for your spiritual father and he will gently guide you through the obstacles in your life.

**Click here to view the original.**

Lessons on Living

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Moses
Scripture Reference: Exodus 18:22 Galatians 6:2 1 Peter 5:7

Exodus 18:22

And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.

Burden Bearers

Andrew C. Davison wrote about an encounter with Dr. Albert Schweitzer at Lambarene, on the banks of the Ogowe River. It was about noon and the sun was beating down mercilessly as a group walked up a hill with Dr. Schweitzer. Suddenly the doctor strode across the slope to where an African woman was struggling with a load of wood for the cooking fires. The 85-year-old doctor took the entire burden and carried it up the hill for the relieved woman. When they reached the top of the hill, someone asked Dr. Schweitzer why he did things like that, implying that in that heat and at his age he should not. Albert Schweitzer pointed to the woman and said simply, "No one should have to carry a burden like that alone."

That was Moses’ problem—he was trying to carry his burden alone. It took the wise insight of his father-in-law, Jethro, to point out the fact that others "will bear the burden with you."

God’s people were never meant to carry their burdens alone. That’s why we have the privilege of prayer. Peter urged us to cast "all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7). Bearing burdens is also the role of the Church. Paul instructed believers, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).

Are you willing to help others bear their burdens? Perhaps even today there is someone who needs you to pray with him, cook a meal or provide transportation for him. It’s not hard to spot burdens that need to be borne when you are looking for them. Our responsibility is to do whatever it takes to make a burden lighter. That’s a responsibility that brings great satisfaction now and eternal reward in the future.

A burden shared is a lighter load.

Life Lessons from the Inspirational Study Bible

Do not be ashamed to serve others because of your love for Jesus Christ, or to appear poor in the world's eyes.

Do not count on your own strength; trust God. Do what you can, and God will supply the difference...

Take glory neither in money, if you have some, nor in influential friends, but in God who gives you everything and above all wants to give himself.

Avoid boasting about the size or the beauty of your body, which a little illness can disfigure or destroy.

Have no pride in your native wit and talent; that would displease God who gave you every good thing you naturally possess.

Reject the thought that you are better than anyone else. If you think such haughty thoughts, God (who knows what is in you) will consider you worse than they.

Pride about our own good deeds is pointless. God has his own ideas regarding what is good, and he does not always agree with us. If there is anything good about you, believe better things of others. This will keep you humble.

It will not hurt you at all to consider yourself less righteous than others, but it will be disastrous for you to consider yourself better than even one person.

The humble are always at peace; the proud are often envious and angry.

(From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis)

APPLICATION:

Pride and ambition may creep in and sweep away our devotion to God. Success often tries to squeeze God out of our mind. Check your attitudes. Resist pride. Focus on Christ.

EXPLORATION:

Pride--Numbers 16:8-10; Judges 8:1-3; Judges 17:6; Mark 9:34; Luke 18:11-14; Ephesians 2:11-13

Click here for an article about pride.


**Taken from The Inspirational Study Bible edited by Max Lucado.**

Rabbi believes he has unveiled a secret of God

This rabbi believes he has discovered a new way to read the unreadable Hebrew name of God, and it means the Creator is a dual-gendered entity. After reading the article, I hope that you will realize that this man is, simply put, a fool. God is not and cannot be assigned any gender, and it is only someone who refuses to acknowledge the truth that will see it as such. In the Bible, God is referred to throughout as "He" and "Father", thus embodying the qualities He has--like loving and caring for His children and chastising them when necessary---but not implying that He is in fact a man. A more logical thought to be pursued is:

Since we were made in God's image, does that mean each gender reflects a certain portion of the attributes of God? If so, what Biblical proof is there to help substantiate that claim?

Take that, rabbi!

Read the article here

Faith Walk

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference: Acts 23:16-35 Psalm 31-32

The Path

Psalms 31–32, Acts 23:16–35
Key Verse: Psalm 32:5

Someone once said, “Better the world on the shoulder like Atlas, than God’s hand on the heart like David.” This statement was in reference to Psalm 32:4, where David wrote, “Your hand was heavy upon me.” He described that experience with words of pain—bones wasting away, groaning all day long, strength sapped. All of these phrases contrast sharply with the opening verses of the psalm, which describe the pleasure of forgiveness. David could write personally about both the pleasure and the pain. He also could write of the path that takes one from God’s heavy hand to His blessing.

David had sinned, covered it up and experienced the pain that results. God sent his prophet Nathan to confront David and put him on the path to forgiveness. David took the needed steps. He acknowledged his sin to God.

We, too, must admit our sins to ourselves and to God. David confessed his transgressions, which goes beyond saying, “Yeah, I did wrong,” to saying, “I see that I sinned.” There is a difference in attitude between admission and confession. The difference is seen especially in the outcome. God forgives the one who truly confesses.

To the reader David says, “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding” (v. 9). To state it bluntly, “Don’t be like a dumb animal.” At times God does put the bit and bridle in our mouths, but it is far better to heed His Word than wait for His rebuke. Choose to take the path that takes you out of the pain of unforgiven sin and returns you to the pleasure of forgiveness.

David hid his sin for a long time, a time he described in painful terms. Are you experiencing God’s hand heavy upon you? Right now you can confess your sin, receive forgiveness and know again the pleasure of forgiveness.

Faith Walk

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference: Acts 22 Psalm 26-28

Blessing of a Blameless Life

Psalms 26–28, Acts 22
Key Verses: Psalms 26:2–3

Test me, O Lord, and try me,
Examine my heart and my mind,

For your love is ever before me,
And I walk continually in your truth.

A candidate stepped out of the race and another stepped in to take his place. What was called a battle of titans now took on a different flavor. A relatively unknown candidate was now on the ballot against the well-known one. Unfair? Not really, the political analysts speculated. In fact, it became a much more difficult campaign for the well-known person. You see, there was plenty of mud to sling about the previous opponent, but nothing bad was known about the newcomer. Oh, the value of a blameless life when in a race for office!

Of far greater value is the blessing of a life that is considered blameless by God. David knew that blessing when he wrote this psalm. He even invited examination by the deity Himself. His actions, he was confident, would withstand the scrutiny.

The list in Psalm 26:4–8 is not exhaustive but is representative of the actions found—or not found—in the blameless life. They are good to review, reflect upon, remember and emulate. We should desire to be blameless in the sight of God and man. Lists like this help us evaluate ourselves.

Of course, David was not without sin. But the intent of his heart was to do the will of God, whom he trusted without wavering.

We do sin, but our lives must be focused on living to please God. Make no excuses. Repent. Change. Seek to live a blameless life.

If you were running for office, what mud would your opponent find to sling at you? When you answer that question, you will have a list of the areas in which you are not blameless. Determine to remove all such things from your life.

The Misery of Halfway Christianity

“There is only one way to live: all-out, go-for-broke, risk-taking, pedal-to-the-metal, ferociously joyful and grateful enthusiasm for the Lord Jesus Christ. "Halfway Christianity is the most miserable existence of all. Halfway Christians know enough to feel guilty about themselves but haven’t gone far enough to get happy in Christ. Wholehearted Christianity is very happy.”




Ray Ortlund, Sr.

Click Here to view the original.

Closet Christians--Are You One of Them?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

A businessman gave his heart to Jesus as a result of a Billy Graham evangelistic event. When he told his co-workers, his Christian business partner was elated. But the new believer hadn't known about his faith, and said, "You know, you're one reason I resisted becoming a Christian for several years. I figured that if someone like you could live a good life and not be a Christian, there was no need for me to become one."

A friend of mine and I were doing business in a local bank. He needed to change a $100 bill. By mistake the teller counted out six $20 bills. When my friend discovered the error, he walked back into the bank and quietly told her what had happened. The teller said, "I can't thank you enough. I would have had to make up the difference. Obviously, you are an honest man." He replied, "The reason I am honest is that I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Giving you back the money is something He would want me to do."

Christians should lead exemplary lives, as shown by James 2:26, in which it is postulated that "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." But it's also important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

It's the life behind the words that makes your testimony effective.

**Taken from http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2004/11/22/devotion.aspx.

Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture

This is an inspirational video, one that can be applicable to everyone's life--including Christians. A clear-cut message whose nuggets of wisdom should be accepted by all, Randy Pausch helps to give an eye-opening perspective on life while on the threshold of death.

Enjoy! :)

Life Lessons from The Inspirational Study Bible

What poses the greatest risk to not continuing in Christ? The greatest risk is the crisis of values which inexorably comes when we follow hollow and deceptive philosophy. It may not come until we have traveled for many years down the road of self-deceit, but it will come.

The crisis of values is no less than a bad case of the -ism's--materialism, relativism, humanism, legalism, secularism, and so on. I doubt few of us ever set out to become a materialist or a relativist or whatever. It is more that without self-examination we atrophy from the Christian value system into something less. Not that we abandon the spiritual connection, but slowly, almost imperceptibly, we undo the moral knowledge to which we pledged ourselves. When once we redraw the line, there is less pressure against redrawing it, and less and less each time thereafter...

God wants us to make a comeback. He wants us to make a comeback more than we do...

How can someone start a comeback? From the belly of the great fish Jonah cried out, "When my life was ebbing away I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols [the -ism's] forfeit the grace that could be theirs" (Jonah 2:7-8). Jonah could not know it, but when he humbled himself, God initiated his comeback. when we humble ourselves and turn back, God initiates our comeback.

At the point Jonah turned back, how did God respond? Did he call for a celebration? No, He did not. Once we have been swallowed up, the first step back is merely to make it back to dry land. "And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land" (Jonah 2:10).

When we start on the comeback, we start from where we have been--in the belly of the world which swallowed us up. God spits us up onto the shore by His grace; it is an inauspicious starting point from which to make a comeback.

The comeback will be embarrassing. The odor of where we have been remains until we have cleansed ourselves. The people we hurt will not trust us at first. We must still work through the human consequences of having untied the moral knot--of being taken captive b y hollow and deceptive philosophy. Painful and embarrassing it may be, but He does let us come back.

Do you have a case of the -ism's? Have you been taken captive, swallowed up into the belly of the world? If you have been swallowed up, are you ready yet to humble yourself? Are you ready to start your comeback? If you are willing, he is willing.

(From Walking with Christ in the Details of Life by Patrick Morely)

APPLICATION: Have you developed any habits or attitudes that stand between you and God? Are you noticing any of society's immoral values infiltrating your faith? If you have been gradually easing away from God, what can you change to head back in the right direction?

EXPLORATION: Repentance--2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51:17; Psalm 107:10-14; Joel 2:13; Acts 8:22; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9