“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…”
Are you looking for something new from God? So many of us spend so much time running through life looking to God for something new when we already have this promise.
We already have everything we need to live life and be godly. When you think about it, that’s pretty deep. God has given us, through his “divine power,” everything we need to live in a godly manner.
When did He do that? What are these things? What does this even mean?
First, as a believer, you have the Holy Spirit. That alone is enough to live in a godly manner. We have God within us. That’s amazing. Second, He has given us His word, which instructs us in God’s ways and His paths. Thirdly, He’s given us the church, of which we are a part, to give us community where we can help and be helped in turn. Last, but definitely not least, He has given us salvation. In this there is truly life.
This is all we need to live and to be godly. Really.
Usually, our issue with looking for something new from God is a matter of contentment or pride. We don’t think what we’ve been given is glamorous enough, or exciting enough. We aren’t content, or worse, we aren’t grateful for what we do have.
Take a look at the second part of this verse. These things that God has given us are for His glory and excellence. That means a lot to me. God’s not giving us these things for us, but rather for Him to be glorified in the world and amongst His creation.
Remember, the next time you go looking for something new from God, He’s already given us everything we need for life and godliness.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God has given us everything that we need, and He has given it to us for His glory and excellence.
Here are some verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 2:1-10
Prayer: Father, help me to be content with what You have given me. Help me to remember you’ve given me everything I need. In Christ’s name, amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Day 46: Philippians 1:9-11
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
We don’t think much about the word “love,” probably because we use it in so many ways. You love cheeseburgers, you love this movie, you love (fill in the blank). We’ve kind of lost the meaning of love in all the usage of it. At the very least, we have perverted it’s meaning and lost the real power behind the term.
Look closely at this passage from Philippians and see the power behind God’s love: through love, when coupled with knowledge and discernment, you can see what is excellent, and bear fruit for the kingdom of God. Now that’s a powerful love.
So what does one have to do with the other? What does love have to do with approving what is excellent? Our answer is best illustrated by the opposite of love: selfishness.
When we are selfish, we approve of the things that benefit us. We don’t bear fruit for the Kingdom of God when we are concerned with ourselves, nor can we be pure and blameless when we are thinking only of ourselves.
Love, the kind of love that we learn from Christ’s love for us, is so powerful that it overcomes our selfishness. True love puts self last, and thinks of everyone else first. With that attitude, it’s easy to see what’s right, instead of easy; beneficial to others, rather than beneficial to us; and what advances God’s kingdom, rather than our kingdom.
Love has this power, and it’s a tremendous power. It’s a world-changing power. It’s a power that only comes from God.
By this power we can see what is best, and take the right path that God has laid in front of us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader loves supremely. They love God and others in such a way that self is lost, and they can see what God approves and the path they should take.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Acts 26
Prayer: Father, consume me with Your love. Rid me of myself, and replace me with You. Amen.
We don’t think much about the word “love,” probably because we use it in so many ways. You love cheeseburgers, you love this movie, you love (fill in the blank). We’ve kind of lost the meaning of love in all the usage of it. At the very least, we have perverted it’s meaning and lost the real power behind the term.
Look closely at this passage from Philippians and see the power behind God’s love: through love, when coupled with knowledge and discernment, you can see what is excellent, and bear fruit for the kingdom of God. Now that’s a powerful love.
So what does one have to do with the other? What does love have to do with approving what is excellent? Our answer is best illustrated by the opposite of love: selfishness.
When we are selfish, we approve of the things that benefit us. We don’t bear fruit for the Kingdom of God when we are concerned with ourselves, nor can we be pure and blameless when we are thinking only of ourselves.
Love, the kind of love that we learn from Christ’s love for us, is so powerful that it overcomes our selfishness. True love puts self last, and thinks of everyone else first. With that attitude, it’s easy to see what’s right, instead of easy; beneficial to others, rather than beneficial to us; and what advances God’s kingdom, rather than our kingdom.
Love has this power, and it’s a tremendous power. It’s a world-changing power. It’s a power that only comes from God.
By this power we can see what is best, and take the right path that God has laid in front of us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader loves supremely. They love God and others in such a way that self is lost, and they can see what God approves and the path they should take.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Acts 26
Prayer: Father, consume me with Your love. Rid me of myself, and replace me with You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 45: Acts 4:19-20
“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
There are a lot of people who talk. Talk is cheap. There will be many people who will tell you things that are contrary to God. Get used to it; you live in the world. Unfortunately, there will also be many times when you will be asked to do something that is contrary to your belief. Worse, when this happens, there are usually bad consequences for you if you do the godly thing.
It is easier to do things the way of the world. It is more accepted, the rewards of the world are plentiful, and no one will usually think the worse of you.
God does not call us into the easy way. He calls us into His way. His way is not the world’s way, and often the two clash.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish ruling counsel to stop talking about Jesus, they had a choice to make. This was the same council that had crucified Jesus. They were more than capable of killing Peter and John.
Peter and John, rather than carrying on their obedience to God in secret, let the Sanhedrin know right away what kind of behavior they could expect.
Many times you are going to be in a tight spot where there is a clear choice between God and the world. It is in these times that the world is watching you the closest. They are waiting to see what you decide, because they will deduce how much you truly believe God by your decision.
In these tough times, we have to take our stand and declare our allegiance. It is to none but God. Any other allegiance fails us; any other path leads us astray.
Tough times will come, and you will be forced to choose. Will you choose to speak of what you have “see n and heard?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Christian Leaders take their stand on Christ. When faced with obeying the world or following Christ, they follow Christ.
Here are some verses to meditate on Today: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer: Father, help me to choose Your way at all times. Help me to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. In Christ’s name, amen.
There are a lot of people who talk. Talk is cheap. There will be many people who will tell you things that are contrary to God. Get used to it; you live in the world. Unfortunately, there will also be many times when you will be asked to do something that is contrary to your belief. Worse, when this happens, there are usually bad consequences for you if you do the godly thing.
It is easier to do things the way of the world. It is more accepted, the rewards of the world are plentiful, and no one will usually think the worse of you.
God does not call us into the easy way. He calls us into His way. His way is not the world’s way, and often the two clash.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish ruling counsel to stop talking about Jesus, they had a choice to make. This was the same council that had crucified Jesus. They were more than capable of killing Peter and John.
Peter and John, rather than carrying on their obedience to God in secret, let the Sanhedrin know right away what kind of behavior they could expect.
Many times you are going to be in a tight spot where there is a clear choice between God and the world. It is in these times that the world is watching you the closest. They are waiting to see what you decide, because they will deduce how much you truly believe God by your decision.
In these tough times, we have to take our stand and declare our allegiance. It is to none but God. Any other allegiance fails us; any other path leads us astray.
Tough times will come, and you will be forced to choose. Will you choose to speak of what you have “see n and heard?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Christian Leaders take their stand on Christ. When faced with obeying the world or following Christ, they follow Christ.
Here are some verses to meditate on Today: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer: Father, help me to choose Your way at all times. Help me to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 44: James 1:6
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
Do you believe that God wants to give you good things? Do you believe the Bible when it says that God will answer prayers? Then why do we doubt?
Doubt is born of unbelief. It is a sure sign that there is still unbelief in us.
Remember the man who brought his son before Jesus for healing. Remember the man’s plea: “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
James is specifically referring here to asking for wisdom in prayer. He says that you should ask in complete confidence that it will be given to you. When we ask for things that are in God’s will, He will be faithful in giving them to us.
And always remember, God always answers our prayers. We may not get the answer we like, but there is always an answer. “No” is an answer. So is “not now.” We may not want those answers, but we often get them. When God seems silent to your prayer, have faith; He has answered.
James goes on to say that anyone who asks in doubt will not be answered. Why is this? Because God deals with us when we treat Him for who He is: God. The Creator of the universe. Doubting Him or His answer shows how much faith we have in Him. He answers the faithful.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When we pray, we should do so with complete faith. Pray knowing that God will answer.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: Matthew 7:7-11
Prayer: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Increase my faith, Lord. In Christ’s name, amen
Do you believe that God wants to give you good things? Do you believe the Bible when it says that God will answer prayers? Then why do we doubt?
Doubt is born of unbelief. It is a sure sign that there is still unbelief in us.
Remember the man who brought his son before Jesus for healing. Remember the man’s plea: “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
James is specifically referring here to asking for wisdom in prayer. He says that you should ask in complete confidence that it will be given to you. When we ask for things that are in God’s will, He will be faithful in giving them to us.
And always remember, God always answers our prayers. We may not get the answer we like, but there is always an answer. “No” is an answer. So is “not now.” We may not want those answers, but we often get them. When God seems silent to your prayer, have faith; He has answered.
James goes on to say that anyone who asks in doubt will not be answered. Why is this? Because God deals with us when we treat Him for who He is: God. The Creator of the universe. Doubting Him or His answer shows how much faith we have in Him. He answers the faithful.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When we pray, we should do so with complete faith. Pray knowing that God will answer.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: Matthew 7:7-11
Prayer: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Increase my faith, Lord. In Christ’s name, amen
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 43: 1 Corinthians 3:18
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.”
In Paul’s day, the big thing was wisdom. The Greeks had elevated philosophy above everything else. Their sophists were regarded as the smartest teachers around, and all who sat at their feet were considered to be wise. This wisdom conflicted greatly with the wisdom of God. As we know, God has ordered the universe and His kingdom to fly in the face of the world’s wisdom.
In this environment, these two very different kinds of wisdom were clashing. The Greeks, considering themselves wise, could not see the wisdom of God.
Paul says here that those who consider themselves wise in the world won’t be able to get the wisdom of God, so the worldy wise need to become what they would consider a fool, so that God may give them wisdom.
We are no different today than the Greeks in Paul’s day. We believe that we are the best educated, most ethically and morally advanced people in the world. We believe that we are at the pinnacle of civilization. And still, just as back then, God is calling us to be considered fools by the world’s standards so that God may give us His wisdom.
So many times we let things like science, logic, ethics, and religion get in the way of the wisdom of God. Because it is more accepted to do so, we try to reconcile the two (many people did that in Paul’s day, as well). The result is predictable, and sad. We miss the mark. Sometimes we miss the mark so far that we miss salvation.
The wisdom of God is not found in the world, it’s teachers, it’s schools, or it’s media. The wisdom of God is found in the gospel, and in the Bible. Learning this wisdom may make you seem like a fool to many, but in God and His people, you have found family.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom are not the same thing. In order to follow God’s wisdom, we will have to look like fools to the rest of the world.
Here is a set of Verses to meditate on today: Acts 27
Prayer: Father, help me to discern what is the world’s wisdom and what is yours. I denounce the wisdom of the world, no matter the consequences. I want your wisdom. Thank you for being faithful and giving it to me. In Christ’s name, amen.
In Paul’s day, the big thing was wisdom. The Greeks had elevated philosophy above everything else. Their sophists were regarded as the smartest teachers around, and all who sat at their feet were considered to be wise. This wisdom conflicted greatly with the wisdom of God. As we know, God has ordered the universe and His kingdom to fly in the face of the world’s wisdom.
In this environment, these two very different kinds of wisdom were clashing. The Greeks, considering themselves wise, could not see the wisdom of God.
Paul says here that those who consider themselves wise in the world won’t be able to get the wisdom of God, so the worldy wise need to become what they would consider a fool, so that God may give them wisdom.
We are no different today than the Greeks in Paul’s day. We believe that we are the best educated, most ethically and morally advanced people in the world. We believe that we are at the pinnacle of civilization. And still, just as back then, God is calling us to be considered fools by the world’s standards so that God may give us His wisdom.
So many times we let things like science, logic, ethics, and religion get in the way of the wisdom of God. Because it is more accepted to do so, we try to reconcile the two (many people did that in Paul’s day, as well). The result is predictable, and sad. We miss the mark. Sometimes we miss the mark so far that we miss salvation.
The wisdom of God is not found in the world, it’s teachers, it’s schools, or it’s media. The wisdom of God is found in the gospel, and in the Bible. Learning this wisdom may make you seem like a fool to many, but in God and His people, you have found family.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom are not the same thing. In order to follow God’s wisdom, we will have to look like fools to the rest of the world.
Here is a set of Verses to meditate on today: Acts 27
Prayer: Father, help me to discern what is the world’s wisdom and what is yours. I denounce the wisdom of the world, no matter the consequences. I want your wisdom. Thank you for being faithful and giving it to me. In Christ’s name, amen.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 42: James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”
We all lack wisdom; every one of us. There are a lot of things that we don’t understand, let alone know how to use in our daily life.
This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just the truth. So many of us, especially in leadership, think that we have to have all of the answers. We think that if we don’t, we have somehow failed ourselves, our education, and those people we serve. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Here’s the deal: God wants to give us wisdom. He spends a lot of time throughout the Bible talking about wisdom. It’s clear that with God it’s not enough just to know something, but to apply what you know in your life. Paul says as much in Romans 6.
James gives those of us who walk with Christ good news. James says “if you don’t have it, ask for it.” That’s pretty amazing, if you think about it. God wants to give us wisdom so much, that he’s just waiting for us to ask.
In fact, James says that God not only gives wisdom, but He gives it generously. That means God gives it. A lot of it. And he does so without belittling you for not having enough wisdom already. That’s cool.
He’s not like those people in your life who, when you ask for something, wonder out loud why you don’t already have it, or haven’t already sought it. God isn’t like that. He wants you to ask for wisdom, and when you do, He gives it in abundance.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: We do lack wisdom, so we should ask God for it.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on today: 1 Kings 3
Prayer: Father, thank you that I can come to you for things I don’t have. Please give me wisdom that I might walk in Your ways and lead Your people in righteousness and justice. In Christ’s name, amen.
We all lack wisdom; every one of us. There are a lot of things that we don’t understand, let alone know how to use in our daily life.
This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just the truth. So many of us, especially in leadership, think that we have to have all of the answers. We think that if we don’t, we have somehow failed ourselves, our education, and those people we serve. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Here’s the deal: God wants to give us wisdom. He spends a lot of time throughout the Bible talking about wisdom. It’s clear that with God it’s not enough just to know something, but to apply what you know in your life. Paul says as much in Romans 6.
James gives those of us who walk with Christ good news. James says “if you don’t have it, ask for it.” That’s pretty amazing, if you think about it. God wants to give us wisdom so much, that he’s just waiting for us to ask.
In fact, James says that God not only gives wisdom, but He gives it generously. That means God gives it. A lot of it. And he does so without belittling you for not having enough wisdom already. That’s cool.
He’s not like those people in your life who, when you ask for something, wonder out loud why you don’t already have it, or haven’t already sought it. God isn’t like that. He wants you to ask for wisdom, and when you do, He gives it in abundance.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: We do lack wisdom, so we should ask God for it.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on today: 1 Kings 3
Prayer: Father, thank you that I can come to you for things I don’t have. Please give me wisdom that I might walk in Your ways and lead Your people in righteousness and justice. In Christ’s name, amen.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 41: Colossians 1:9b
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”
Many of us go through life wanting to know God’s will for us. I have known people who will read books, go to conferences, and join groups in the hope that somehow God will speak some new revelation to them.
Maybe you are that person today. Maybe you are just completely tied up trying to figure out what God wants for you. If you are, then I have good news.
In this verse, Paul is telling the Colossians that he is praying for them constantly that they would have knowledge of God’s will. Then, with uncanny precision, Paul lays out what part of God’s will for them he wants for them: spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Here’s the good news for those of you who are searching for God’s will: God isn’t a God of secrets. He wants you to know His will for you. In fact, He wrote it down for you. That’s right. His word, the Bible, is a detailed plan of His will for you. Now, God may get even more detailed with you, and in that case, I promise you that He will let you know. He is not playing games with you, or keeping things from you. This is the God that set a bush on fire and then spoke out of it to get Moses attention. He can do the same thing for you.
Now, let’s get to this particular bit of God’s will for your life: God wants us to have spiritual wisdom and understanding. Remember way back when we started this devotion what we decided wisdom was: knowledge plus application. God is giving us both sides of this equation right here. This is what Paul is saying. He is praying that the Colossians are given spiritual understanding and wisdom. Remember that they have to have spiritual understanding before they can have wisdom. Paul is praying that God would give the Colossians knowledge plus application.
God wants you to have the same thing. Part of God’s will for your life is that you would understand spiritual things, and then apply them to your life. How do you do that? Read the Bible, and then go and do it.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader knows God’s word and applies it to their life. They understand that God’s Will is found in the Bible, not hidden from anybody.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Exodus Chapter 3 and 4
Prayer: Father, make me content to know Your word and apply it to my life. Give me spiritual knowledge and wisdom to live my life according to Your ways. In Christ’s name, amen.
Many of us go through life wanting to know God’s will for us. I have known people who will read books, go to conferences, and join groups in the hope that somehow God will speak some new revelation to them.
Maybe you are that person today. Maybe you are just completely tied up trying to figure out what God wants for you. If you are, then I have good news.
In this verse, Paul is telling the Colossians that he is praying for them constantly that they would have knowledge of God’s will. Then, with uncanny precision, Paul lays out what part of God’s will for them he wants for them: spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Here’s the good news for those of you who are searching for God’s will: God isn’t a God of secrets. He wants you to know His will for you. In fact, He wrote it down for you. That’s right. His word, the Bible, is a detailed plan of His will for you. Now, God may get even more detailed with you, and in that case, I promise you that He will let you know. He is not playing games with you, or keeping things from you. This is the God that set a bush on fire and then spoke out of it to get Moses attention. He can do the same thing for you.
Now, let’s get to this particular bit of God’s will for your life: God wants us to have spiritual wisdom and understanding. Remember way back when we started this devotion what we decided wisdom was: knowledge plus application. God is giving us both sides of this equation right here. This is what Paul is saying. He is praying that the Colossians are given spiritual understanding and wisdom. Remember that they have to have spiritual understanding before they can have wisdom. Paul is praying that God would give the Colossians knowledge plus application.
God wants you to have the same thing. Part of God’s will for your life is that you would understand spiritual things, and then apply them to your life. How do you do that? Read the Bible, and then go and do it.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader knows God’s word and applies it to their life. They understand that God’s Will is found in the Bible, not hidden from anybody.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Exodus Chapter 3 and 4
Prayer: Father, make me content to know Your word and apply it to my life. Give me spiritual knowledge and wisdom to live my life according to Your ways. In Christ’s name, amen.
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