Devotion By Dr. James MacDonald
We live in a culture that is selfish and self-absorbed maybe like no other culture in human history. A few years ago Barron’s Magazine ran an article entitled “We Have Too Much.” It talked about how more and more Americans want things that make them feel good—cruises, makeovers, golf lessons, etc. Recreational spending jumped 30% from 1993 to 1998, while the luxury segment of the economy rose 21% in 1996 alone. In short, people are spending a lot of money giving themselves grins.
Yet all of this material abundance has not resulted in an abundance of happiness. The January 1998 issue of Entrepreneur carried an article by a historian from UCLA, who wrote, “Although the gross domestic per capita product in the United States has more than doubled in the past fifty years, there has been absolutely no improvement in the percentage of happy people. The more we have, the more we want. The evidence shows that this is what the world thinks.”
Is this what you think? Do you think that showering yourself with luxuries will make you a happier and more fulfilled person? It won’t. You’ll end up glutted on goods just like everyone else. If you want to be really happy, if you want to experience true satisfaction in your life, then there is only one thing you can do: die to self and live for God.
Jesus taught about this in John 12:24-25, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” Jesus gives a little gardening lesson here to teach a profound truth: a plant doesn’t grow unless a seed dies first. And we don’t produce godly fruit in our lives unless we die to own goals, dreams, desires and ambitions.
It is a sad thing, but many people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ have not gotten very far on this matter of death to self. A world famous missionary who had scores of dedicated men and women passing through her mission said in one of her books, “Oh, the tragedy of it. More sad than seeing the heathen bowing down to their idols is the sight of Christian missionaries who have sacrificed so much: their country, their worldly goods, their homes, their loved ones—but have never given themselves to God.”
So let me ask you the question that the text forces us to ask ourselves: Do you love your life? Do you love your dreams for tomorrow? Do you love your plans for your own financial security? Do you love your little house and your car and your vacation plans? Do you love those things? Because the Scripture says if you love your life, you’re losing it! It is slipping away, bit by bit, like sand through an hourglass. You say, “Well how can I find my life?” Let it go. Lay it down. Spend yourself in fervent commitment to Christ, and then you will find your life.
One time I was preaching at a Bible conference. There was this sweet old woman sitting up front with two of her friends. They were talking kind of loud, and I could hear the one lady say to her friends, “Oh, I just love him!.” It would get me so fired up to preach. Then I learned that she was the wife of Howard Sugden, a wonderful pastor whom I had heard preach many times when I was younger. In fact, he had been my mom’s pastor before I was born, and had led her to Christ.
Mrs. Sugden was a widow now and in her nineties. For over fifty years she had been a Sunday school teacher in the same church. Yet, she listened all week and took notes. It was so humbling for me, because she should have been the teacher. When I told her the story about how her husband had led my mom to Christ, tears welled up in her eyes and started rolling down her cheeks. It was obvious how much she loved the Lord. There was a lady who has lost her life and found it.
I am calling upon you as a follower of Jesus Christ to give Him your all. Stop looking for things to give you that sense of happiness and satisfaction for which you long. It is only when you give up the search and turn it all over to Him that you find what you were looking for along. Dying to self can be a scary thought, but it’s the price of true happiness.
Showing posts with label Devotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotion. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
~Waiting For God's Answer~
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5
The Christian life would be easy if the space in time was small between when you first believe God's promises and when you receive what He promised. If you could read about it one day and get it the next, Wow - wouldn't that be great!?
But life's not like that.
The hard part is in the waiting between God's promise and His answer; and even harder, when the waiting comes with uncertainties.
Where's this going? Where am I going to end up? What's my future look like?
The reality is, we just don't know how circumstances will play out and it's this not-knowing that crushes us. We doubt because we don't know. We worry and despair because we don't know. We falter and sometimes fail - all because we don't know. If only we knew how this trial was going to end, we would be okay. But we don't.
We all have areas of uncertainty where we need to hold tightly onto what God has said while we wait for Him to work. I couldn't go forward another day if I didn't believe what He told me. So here's what we each must do: We must review His promises all the time. We must remind ourselves that our faith is in God and not in what He does for us. He knows what He has promised, He can't lie, and He can't forget. He will deliver on time, all the time. Who else can make promises like that?
God knows that it's hard for us to walk by faith. So He assures us, I'm not going to leave you wondering what I'm going to do. I don't want you to be overcome by fear. So I'm going to make some promises to you so that you can get through the difficult days. You don't have to take your view of life only from what you can see happening right in front of you. You're not imprisoned by the crazy talk someone is putting into your head that you know isn't true. Hang onto the things that I told you.
And while we wait, God builds our faith.
by: James McDonald
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Cheryl
The Christian life would be easy if the space in time was small between when you first believe God's promises and when you receive what He promised. If you could read about it one day and get it the next, Wow - wouldn't that be great!?
But life's not like that.
The hard part is in the waiting between God's promise and His answer; and even harder, when the waiting comes with uncertainties.
Where's this going? Where am I going to end up? What's my future look like?
The reality is, we just don't know how circumstances will play out and it's this not-knowing that crushes us. We doubt because we don't know. We worry and despair because we don't know. We falter and sometimes fail - all because we don't know. If only we knew how this trial was going to end, we would be okay. But we don't.
We all have areas of uncertainty where we need to hold tightly onto what God has said while we wait for Him to work. I couldn't go forward another day if I didn't believe what He told me. So here's what we each must do: We must review His promises all the time. We must remind ourselves that our faith is in God and not in what He does for us. He knows what He has promised, He can't lie, and He can't forget. He will deliver on time, all the time. Who else can make promises like that?
God knows that it's hard for us to walk by faith. So He assures us, I'm not going to leave you wondering what I'm going to do. I don't want you to be overcome by fear. So I'm going to make some promises to you so that you can get through the difficult days. You don't have to take your view of life only from what you can see happening right in front of you. You're not imprisoned by the crazy talk someone is putting into your head that you know isn't true. Hang onto the things that I told you.
And while we wait, God builds our faith.
by: James McDonald
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Cheryl
Monday, December 8, 2008
~The Sustainer of All Things~
[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. - Colossians 1:15-20
Did you know that there are forces in nature that science can’t explain? Forces such as gravity, centrifugal force, and others. Scientists can study them; they can analyze them; they can even measure them, but they don’t know why they are there.
One of the physicists who developed the Big Bang Theory puzzled over how we could live in a world in which practically every object was a potential nuclear explosion, and yet not be blown to bits. Carl Darrow, a physicist at Bell Laboratories, wrote that these particles have no right to be alive at all—they never should have been created and, if created, they should have blown up instantly. Yet there is something that relentlessly holds them together.
What is this force that keeps the universe intact? Where does the power come from to keep us from instantly dissolving into one massive nuclear explosion? The answer is found in Colossians 1:17, "[Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Not only did He create all things (verse v. 16), but by His hand we are held together. Jesus Christ is the power behind every mysterious force in the universe.
Someday at the time of His Father’s choosing and as 2 Peter 3:10-12 teaches, Jesus will withdraw His sustaining influence and there will be a blowout such as none of us has ever imagined.
Then, after our old universe has passed away, He will create a new heaven and a new earth, where we will live with Him forever (2 Peter 3:13).
By just a word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), Jesus holds all things together. He is the relentless force in the universe, and although unbelieving men and women turn away from Him, we worship Him as the central figure in all time and space. He is supreme; He is eternal; He is the Sustainer of all things. By James McDonald
There is no burden He could not carry for you.
Have a GREAT Tuesday!
Cheryl
~Balance In Life~
MARK 6:31 NIV ~ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary or permitted, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.
Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.
Seeking Balance,
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary or permitted, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.
Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.
Seeking Balance,
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
~Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?~
"Is anything Too Hard for the Lord?" Genesis 18:14
This is God's loving challenge to you and me each day. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, and worthiest desires and longings of our hearts. He wants us to think of those things that perhaps were desires for ourselves or someone dear to us, yet have gone unfulfilled for so long that we now see them as simply lost desires. And God urges us to think of even the one thing that we once saw as possible, but have given up all hope of seeing fulfilled in this life.
That very thing, as long as it aligns with what we know to be His expressed will--as a son was to Abraham and Sarah--God intends to do for us. Yes, if we will let Him. God will do that very thing, even if we know it is such an utter impossibility that we would simply laugh at the absurdity of anyone every suggesting it could come to pass.
Is anything too hard for the Lord?" No, nothing is too difficult when we believe in Him enough to go forward, doing His will and letting Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.
The only thing "too hard for the Lord" is our deliberate and continual disbelief in His love and power, and our ultimate rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is impossible for Jehovah to do for those who trust Him. Taken from Messages for the Morning Watch (Streams in the Desert)
Janet had her MRI this evening. Tomorrow will be: Blood work, oncology appointment and endocrinology appointment. They have a full day. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR THIS DESIRE FOR WONDERFUL ASTOUNDING RESULTS ON MRI, BLOOD WORK AND ENDOCRINE APPOINTMENT.
NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR OUR GOD!
This is God's loving challenge to you and me each day. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, and worthiest desires and longings of our hearts. He wants us to think of those things that perhaps were desires for ourselves or someone dear to us, yet have gone unfulfilled for so long that we now see them as simply lost desires. And God urges us to think of even the one thing that we once saw as possible, but have given up all hope of seeing fulfilled in this life.
That very thing, as long as it aligns with what we know to be His expressed will--as a son was to Abraham and Sarah--God intends to do for us. Yes, if we will let Him. God will do that very thing, even if we know it is such an utter impossibility that we would simply laugh at the absurdity of anyone every suggesting it could come to pass.
Is anything too hard for the Lord?" No, nothing is too difficult when we believe in Him enough to go forward, doing His will and letting Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.
The only thing "too hard for the Lord" is our deliberate and continual disbelief in His love and power, and our ultimate rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is impossible for Jehovah to do for those who trust Him. Taken from Messages for the Morning Watch (Streams in the Desert)
Janet had her MRI this evening. Tomorrow will be: Blood work, oncology appointment and endocrinology appointment. They have a full day. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR THIS DESIRE FOR WONDERFUL ASTOUNDING RESULTS ON MRI, BLOOD WORK AND ENDOCRINE APPOINTMENT.
NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR OUR GOD!
Monday, November 3, 2008
~The Antidote to Fear~Prayer~Testing
John 14:1 ~ Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me."
Jesus commanded His disciples to "trust God; trust also in me." The antidote to fear is faith.
When I toss and turn in the middle of the night, worried and fearful over something that is impending in my life or the life of someone I love, I am comforted and calmed as I meditate on Who God is. It helps me plant my faith in Someone Who is bigger than my fears. I just fall back on Who God is and rest in Him. He cannot be less than Himself! And my God is God!
Next time you feel afraid, make up a list--not of your fears, but of the characteristics of God. Find a Scripture verse or passage to substantiate each one as you reconsider your situation in light of Who God is. Then, if you feel it would be helpful to list your fears, make sure beside each one you write down the attribute of God that applies. The secret to peace lies in your focus.
From: My Hearts Cry ~ Anne Graham Lotz
The Scripture I'm claiming tonight is, Romans 8:18 ~ "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us."
God is bigger than any cancer, any problem, any fear....the list could go on and on.
Tomorrow Janet/Gerald leave for MD Anderson. God already knows the results. He is in control. Ten days (10) days from today, Tuesday, November 3, will mark a 1 year anniversary since we were so rudely slapped in the face by the sound of that ugly word cancer. I know it has not been an easy year for Janet. There is a reason for this. What, we have no clue. We have to place our trust in God. Please pray for a GREAT RESULTS.
Her schedule this time will be:
MRI ~ 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night.
Blood Testing ~ Wednesday morning.
Oncologist appointment ~ following blood work.
Endocrinologist appointment - following oncology appointment.
Here is a recent picture of Annie.
Thanks for your prayers. We cannot tell you how much they mean to us.
Jesus commanded His disciples to "trust God; trust also in me." The antidote to fear is faith.
When I toss and turn in the middle of the night, worried and fearful over something that is impending in my life or the life of someone I love, I am comforted and calmed as I meditate on Who God is. It helps me plant my faith in Someone Who is bigger than my fears. I just fall back on Who God is and rest in Him. He cannot be less than Himself! And my God is God!
Next time you feel afraid, make up a list--not of your fears, but of the characteristics of God. Find a Scripture verse or passage to substantiate each one as you reconsider your situation in light of Who God is. Then, if you feel it would be helpful to list your fears, make sure beside each one you write down the attribute of God that applies. The secret to peace lies in your focus.
From: My Hearts Cry ~ Anne Graham Lotz
The Scripture I'm claiming tonight is, Romans 8:18 ~ "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us."
God is bigger than any cancer, any problem, any fear....the list could go on and on.
Tomorrow Janet/Gerald leave for MD Anderson. God already knows the results. He is in control. Ten days (10) days from today, Tuesday, November 3, will mark a 1 year anniversary since we were so rudely slapped in the face by the sound of that ugly word cancer. I know it has not been an easy year for Janet. There is a reason for this. What, we have no clue. We have to place our trust in God. Please pray for a GREAT RESULTS.
Her schedule this time will be:
MRI ~ 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night.
Blood Testing ~ Wednesday morning.
Oncologist appointment ~ following blood work.
Endocrinologist appointment - following oncology appointment.
Janet has a cold/allergy problems right now. So, has not felt good the last couple of days. Pray, she feels better in this regard. She is also seeing the endocrinologist because her thyroid is "overactive." Pray this is something that is just being thrown off from the chemo, and can be remedied easily.
We were saddened today to learn that they also lost their 1 1/2 year old Boston Terrier, Annie. They do not know why. Janet said Bosley their other Boston Terrier was just lost today. Ripley loves Annie and when we were there Sunday evening, she was fine.
"Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious." By Andrew Murray
Here is a recent picture of Annie.Thanks for your prayers. We cannot tell you how much they mean to us.
Have a blessed Tuesday~
Cheryl
Monday, October 27, 2008
~Four Words to Transform Your Family — Part 1~
Portion of Devotion by ~ James McDonald
As we head into the most intense family time of year. New schedules, new routines, new opportunities to start doing what’s right. I’ll warn you right now---blink, and they’ll be putting out Christmas stuff in the stores.
Christmas? You might be thinking, “James, you’re way ahead of yourself.” Not so fast. The holidays surprise us every year—both in their timing and with all the family baggage that spills out. I want to talk to you about some preventative steps you can take now that will prepare you for a new season in your family’s life.
I want us to focus on one word that focuses on a principle from God’s Word that can transform your family. That is not an empty promise. I believe you’ll see from the Word of God some of the transformation that you long to see in your family by thinking God’s thoughts on family issues.
As difficult as it may be, forgiveness is the place to start.
We wish that our families were as perfect as the dreams that we dream---but they’re not. There is hurt and disappointment. There are things that we wish would happen that have not happened. There are things that we wish would have never happened, but they did. As we stand over the milk that has been spilt and plans that have gone south, we need a plan from God and we need the strength and courage to act upon His truth.
I want you to pull all the unresolved pain of your family past right up on the table and ask you to unpack it, look at, remember it, feel it, and deal with it God’s way.
We tend to look at families across town, on the television, or across the aisle from us in church and think, “If only we could have a family like that family.” You just don’t know some of the details about them like you know about your own family. Looking for that perfect, model family in the Bible? You’re not going to find it. All families are sinful families. Every single family in the whole Bible had some good parts, but also some serious problems.
So, the first thing I want you to remember is : All families are sinful families.
Isaiah 53:6 says, "We all have wandered away like sheep;each of us has gone his own way. But the Lord has put on him the punishment for all the evil we have done." Each ONE of us has turned to his own way. All of us. When we begin to face up to that, this next point from Ephesians 4:31 will be obvious: Sin produces pain.
When you grow up in a family where all the people are sinful people, guess what? Along with the joys, celebrations, and good things, there is going to be some hurt, disappointment, injury, fall-out, and some consequences. That’s what makes Ephesians 4:31 so necessary. "Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil." Those six things are destructive emotions that, if left unresolved, will hit your home like a tornado hits a Kansas farmhouse. Those emotions destroy your family.
Here’s the third thing: Pain requires forgiveness.
The next verse, Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ." You say, “yes, that’s what I need to do. But how?” The How To Do It is in the last part, “Forgive one another even as God in Christ forgave you.” Forgiveness is the cure to family pain. Nothing else will heal family pain:
Not time...
Those of you who have invested decades in the time solution know that, as raw as ever, time heals nothing;
Not psychotherapy...
I’m totally for counseling but I’m not for worldly solutions to spiritual problems;
Not revenge...
Getting even. Making someone pay. You are the one that pays;
Not moving away . . . and
Not changing your name . . .
Forgiveness is an act of my will. It is a choice I make. It’s like getting out of bed in the morning when I don’t feel like it! I must. Forgiveness is an act of my will. Forgiveness is not “Oh, you’re so cute, I think I’ll kiss you.” Forgiveness is “I want to kiss you. You are beautiful.” Forgiveness isn’t something you feel and want to do. Forgiveness is “You have made a mess. OK. I’ll clean it up.” That’s forgiveness. It’s a choice. Forgiveness is the choice to release a person from the obligation that resulted when they took something from you. Somebody takes something from you, forgiveness is the choice to release them from that.
This is where you say, “Lord, I know there are people I need to forgive, some I can remember and some I can’t remember. Would You bring to my mind all of the people I need to forgive?” Get a piece of paper ready. As God brings to your mind all of the people, jot their names down. In this crisis I do two things: I name the person; and I name the pain. I say, “God, I forgive Bill for . . . ” and I say it right before the Lord. God hears and He answers. In that crisis I say, “God, I forgive Robert for. . . God, I forgive Sue for . . . God, I forgive my dad for . . . God, I forgive my sister for . . . ” In the crisis of that moment incredible healing happens. I have seen people freed. This can be your day. Name the person and name the pain. And then forgive them.
You may be saying, “James, I can’t do that. It’s too hard.” Do you think God would ever command you to do something that was beyond your ability? Sure---it is too hard for you, you must do it through Christ who has forgiven you. Do it today, Loved One. (The holidays are just around the corner.)
As we head into the most intense family time of year. New schedules, new routines, new opportunities to start doing what’s right. I’ll warn you right now---blink, and they’ll be putting out Christmas stuff in the stores.
Christmas? You might be thinking, “James, you’re way ahead of yourself.” Not so fast. The holidays surprise us every year—both in their timing and with all the family baggage that spills out. I want to talk to you about some preventative steps you can take now that will prepare you for a new season in your family’s life.
I want us to focus on one word that focuses on a principle from God’s Word that can transform your family. That is not an empty promise. I believe you’ll see from the Word of God some of the transformation that you long to see in your family by thinking God’s thoughts on family issues.
As difficult as it may be, forgiveness is the place to start.
We wish that our families were as perfect as the dreams that we dream---but they’re not. There is hurt and disappointment. There are things that we wish would happen that have not happened. There are things that we wish would have never happened, but they did. As we stand over the milk that has been spilt and plans that have gone south, we need a plan from God and we need the strength and courage to act upon His truth.
I want you to pull all the unresolved pain of your family past right up on the table and ask you to unpack it, look at, remember it, feel it, and deal with it God’s way.
We tend to look at families across town, on the television, or across the aisle from us in church and think, “If only we could have a family like that family.” You just don’t know some of the details about them like you know about your own family. Looking for that perfect, model family in the Bible? You’re not going to find it. All families are sinful families. Every single family in the whole Bible had some good parts, but also some serious problems.
So, the first thing I want you to remember is : All families are sinful families.
Isaiah 53:6 says, "We all have wandered away like sheep;each of us has gone his own way. But the Lord has put on him the punishment for all the evil we have done." Each ONE of us has turned to his own way. All of us. When we begin to face up to that, this next point from Ephesians 4:31 will be obvious: Sin produces pain.
When you grow up in a family where all the people are sinful people, guess what? Along with the joys, celebrations, and good things, there is going to be some hurt, disappointment, injury, fall-out, and some consequences. That’s what makes Ephesians 4:31 so necessary. "Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil." Those six things are destructive emotions that, if left unresolved, will hit your home like a tornado hits a Kansas farmhouse. Those emotions destroy your family.
Here’s the third thing: Pain requires forgiveness.
The next verse, Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ." You say, “yes, that’s what I need to do. But how?” The How To Do It is in the last part, “Forgive one another even as God in Christ forgave you.” Forgiveness is the cure to family pain. Nothing else will heal family pain:
Not time...
Those of you who have invested decades in the time solution know that, as raw as ever, time heals nothing;
Not psychotherapy...
I’m totally for counseling but I’m not for worldly solutions to spiritual problems;
Not revenge...
Getting even. Making someone pay. You are the one that pays;
Not moving away . . . and
Not changing your name . . .
Forgiveness is an act of my will. It is a choice I make. It’s like getting out of bed in the morning when I don’t feel like it! I must. Forgiveness is an act of my will. Forgiveness is not “Oh, you’re so cute, I think I’ll kiss you.” Forgiveness is “I want to kiss you. You are beautiful.” Forgiveness isn’t something you feel and want to do. Forgiveness is “You have made a mess. OK. I’ll clean it up.” That’s forgiveness. It’s a choice. Forgiveness is the choice to release a person from the obligation that resulted when they took something from you. Somebody takes something from you, forgiveness is the choice to release them from that.
This is where you say, “Lord, I know there are people I need to forgive, some I can remember and some I can’t remember. Would You bring to my mind all of the people I need to forgive?” Get a piece of paper ready. As God brings to your mind all of the people, jot their names down. In this crisis I do two things: I name the person; and I name the pain. I say, “God, I forgive Bill for . . . ” and I say it right before the Lord. God hears and He answers. In that crisis I say, “God, I forgive Robert for. . . God, I forgive Sue for . . . God, I forgive my dad for . . . God, I forgive my sister for . . . ” In the crisis of that moment incredible healing happens. I have seen people freed. This can be your day. Name the person and name the pain. And then forgive them.
You may be saying, “James, I can’t do that. It’s too hard.” Do you think God would ever command you to do something that was beyond your ability? Sure---it is too hard for you, you must do it through Christ who has forgiven you. Do it today, Loved One. (The holidays are just around the corner.)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
~I'm Changing~
"In the Lord's name, I tell you this. Do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives. They have lost all feeling of shame, and they use their lives for doing evil. They continually want to do all kinds of evil. But what you learned in Christ was not like this." ~ Ephesians 4:17-20
Do you believe that God changes people?
In principle it’s easy to say that God can work on anyone, but it gets risky to say He can transform the people you know. Then it’s personal. Can God change people in your family and in your church? Have you ever met up with someone you hadn’t seen in a while, and they seem different—in a good way? That’s God at work.
Is God changing you? Are you the same person you were 2 or 5 or 10 years ago? Think about a habit or a character issue that used to be a serious struggle. Is it still a battle, or have you seen victory over it? If you can point to something specific and say, "That used to be a problem for me, but it’s not anymore," then praise God! He’s changing you!
The apostle Paul offered the same encouragement to the followers of Christ at Ephesus. He drew a line and said, "Do not continue living like those who do not believe. . . .But what you learned in Christ was not like this!" (Ephesians 4:17, 20). In your days before salvation, you had no choice but to "walk the way Gentiles do." You may have been involved in any number of dark things. But, according to Ephesians 4:17, your life shouldn’t be like that anymore. Once you’ve come to Christ, you’re on a different road.
I believe that people change first when they admit their need to change and then when they identify and articulate specific areas on which to focus. Let me ask you to do this: Name three things that God is working on in you right now. Ready?
Do you have an answer? If you had to make up a scenario, or couldn’t think of anything specific, then you’re not taking seriously God’s offer to make you more godly. Change is not some mystical something that descends on you while you’re eating breakfast. Change happens because you see your sinful tendencies and allow God access to your will. Then you can yield to His Spirit when you come to those forks in the road when that inclination in your old nature is to do wrong. You can choose to turn around and act differently.
It is the grace of our long-suffering God at work in you and me that transforms us day by day. It’s an amazing testimony to His mercy that He keeps coming after us, pointing out the things that keep us from knowing the fullness of His joy. Ephesians 4:22-24 continues the process, "You were taught to leave your old self—to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy." That’s the goal we’re going after—changed to be more like Him.
Do you believe that God changes people?
In principle it’s easy to say that God can work on anyone, but it gets risky to say He can transform the people you know. Then it’s personal. Can God change people in your family and in your church? Have you ever met up with someone you hadn’t seen in a while, and they seem different—in a good way? That’s God at work.
Is God changing you? Are you the same person you were 2 or 5 or 10 years ago? Think about a habit or a character issue that used to be a serious struggle. Is it still a battle, or have you seen victory over it? If you can point to something specific and say, "That used to be a problem for me, but it’s not anymore," then praise God! He’s changing you!
The apostle Paul offered the same encouragement to the followers of Christ at Ephesus. He drew a line and said, "Do not continue living like those who do not believe. . . .But what you learned in Christ was not like this!" (Ephesians 4:17, 20). In your days before salvation, you had no choice but to "walk the way Gentiles do." You may have been involved in any number of dark things. But, according to Ephesians 4:17, your life shouldn’t be like that anymore. Once you’ve come to Christ, you’re on a different road.
I believe that people change first when they admit their need to change and then when they identify and articulate specific areas on which to focus. Let me ask you to do this: Name three things that God is working on in you right now. Ready?
Do you have an answer? If you had to make up a scenario, or couldn’t think of anything specific, then you’re not taking seriously God’s offer to make you more godly. Change is not some mystical something that descends on you while you’re eating breakfast. Change happens because you see your sinful tendencies and allow God access to your will. Then you can yield to His Spirit when you come to those forks in the road when that inclination in your old nature is to do wrong. You can choose to turn around and act differently.
It is the grace of our long-suffering God at work in you and me that transforms us day by day. It’s an amazing testimony to His mercy that He keeps coming after us, pointing out the things that keep us from knowing the fullness of His joy. Ephesians 4:22-24 continues the process, "You were taught to leave your old self—to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy." That’s the goal we’re going after—changed to be more like Him.
Devotion ~ Dr. James McDonald
Hope you all had a blessed, restful Sunday!
Monday, October 6, 2008
~God's Demonstration~
ROMANS 5:8 NKJ ~
But God shows his great love for us in this way:
Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
There is no reason to say, "If God loves me, let Him prove it!"
He already has.
God gave a demonstration proving He loves you at Calvary --
where Jesus died a cruel death on a cross. He died, in your
place, suffering punishment you deserved, to set you free.
By dying for you, God proved He loved you supremely. How could
He love you more?
Jesus showed that He loves you more than He loves Himself.
JOHN 15:13 ~ The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends
Jesus gave His life for you. What more could He do?
1 JOHN 3:16a ~ By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.
Many people have a distorted view of God. The true picture of
God's nature is that He loves all the people of the world so
much, He was willing to suffer for their freedom.
Taken from Daily Devotion
If you remember, please say a prayer for my cousin's family today as they lay their love one to rest. And, tomorrow for Anita, and her immediate family as they lay my uncle to rest. Because of my job, I didn't feel like I could take off both days, and so I had to make a choice, and will be going to the funeral of my uncle. Anita has a big task ahead of her in getting her Mom settled where she will be closer to her. Her parents have insisted in the past to live independently. This has been approximately 3 hours from where Anita lives. My Aunt is unable to live independently by herself, so this has and will be a chore.
Then Wednesday, my cousin Sheila will be leaving to return to home. I haven't really been able to spend that much time with her since she has been here, but will tomorrow after the funeral. Please pray for safe travels for Sheila. She is also returning home to continue in the daily task of caring for her mother. So, please pray for Sheila, her sister and brother as they continue to care for their mother. It has been extremely difficult for them to watch their Mom become less aware of her surroundings, being confused, upset and not understanding at times what is going on. I don't think until you've been there, you could imagine how difficult it is, like in so many circumstances.
Jan/Gerald will also be leaving Tuesday to return to MD Anderson. She will NOT have an MRI this visit. It is her, as they put it, WELL-BABY visit. But, she will have an EKG, blood work and see her oncologist. Jan has been feeling good, except for some stomach issues. She is having problems with her vision and will be seeing the ophthalmologist soon to see if she can get this straightened out. This has been an ongoing problem, since even before she was diagnosed with GBM!
There is also a young lady at Mom/Jan's church who was diagnosed with cancer. She just turned 31. She has a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old. Her chemo is every other week, and it has really been hard on her. It is the highest possible dosing of chemo she can have. Yet, she still remains positive.
Update: My cousin's last blood/lab testing her blood counts were improved. We are extremely thankful for that. Pray they continue to improve.
As for Joyce, who has lung cancer, her doctors are very pleased because they were seeing improvement in her. She will be testing soon, but they were unable to feel her lymph nodes and felt the chemo/radiation was working.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. They are so very appreciated.
Have a great day!
But God shows his great love for us in this way:
Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
There is no reason to say, "If God loves me, let Him prove it!"
He already has.
God gave a demonstration proving He loves you at Calvary --
where Jesus died a cruel death on a cross. He died, in your
place, suffering punishment you deserved, to set you free.
By dying for you, God proved He loved you supremely. How could
He love you more?
Jesus showed that He loves you more than He loves Himself.
JOHN 15:13 ~ The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends
Jesus gave His life for you. What more could He do?
1 JOHN 3:16a ~ By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.
Many people have a distorted view of God. The true picture of
God's nature is that He loves all the people of the world so
much, He was willing to suffer for their freedom.
Taken from Daily Devotion
If you remember, please say a prayer for my cousin's family today as they lay their love one to rest. And, tomorrow for Anita, and her immediate family as they lay my uncle to rest. Because of my job, I didn't feel like I could take off both days, and so I had to make a choice, and will be going to the funeral of my uncle. Anita has a big task ahead of her in getting her Mom settled where she will be closer to her. Her parents have insisted in the past to live independently. This has been approximately 3 hours from where Anita lives. My Aunt is unable to live independently by herself, so this has and will be a chore.
Then Wednesday, my cousin Sheila will be leaving to return to home. I haven't really been able to spend that much time with her since she has been here, but will tomorrow after the funeral. Please pray for safe travels for Sheila. She is also returning home to continue in the daily task of caring for her mother. So, please pray for Sheila, her sister and brother as they continue to care for their mother. It has been extremely difficult for them to watch their Mom become less aware of her surroundings, being confused, upset and not understanding at times what is going on. I don't think until you've been there, you could imagine how difficult it is, like in so many circumstances.
Jan/Gerald will also be leaving Tuesday to return to MD Anderson. She will NOT have an MRI this visit. It is her, as they put it, WELL-BABY visit. But, she will have an EKG, blood work and see her oncologist. Jan has been feeling good, except for some stomach issues. She is having problems with her vision and will be seeing the ophthalmologist soon to see if she can get this straightened out. This has been an ongoing problem, since even before she was diagnosed with GBM!
There is also a young lady at Mom/Jan's church who was diagnosed with cancer. She just turned 31. She has a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old. Her chemo is every other week, and it has really been hard on her. It is the highest possible dosing of chemo she can have. Yet, she still remains positive.
Update: My cousin's last blood/lab testing her blood counts were improved. We are extremely thankful for that. Pray they continue to improve.
As for Joyce, who has lung cancer, her doctors are very pleased because they were seeing improvement in her. She will be testing soon, but they were unable to feel her lymph nodes and felt the chemo/radiation was working.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. They are so very appreciated.
Have a great day!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
~Get Out Of Your Cave~
1 KINGS 19:9 NCV ~ There Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night.
Then the Lord spoke his word to him: "Elijah! Why are you here?"
Elijah was hiding in a cave, fearful, discouraged, and
confused.
Why?
Elijah knew God and had seen God do mighty things, even in
answer to his own prayers. Yet he was human, just like the rest
of us.
JAMES 5:17 NCV ~ Elijah was a human being just like us. He prayed
that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three
and a half years!
Elijah had only one real problem, and it was not the
adversaries he faced. It was that he got his focus off of God
and onto himself.
To me, God seems amazed at Elijah's hiding. I picture Him
thinking, "Doesn't Elijah know that I am greater than all his
adversaries? Doesn't Elijah know that I will help him?"
I would paraphrase the verse above as, "What in the world are
you doing here, Elijah? Have you forgotten who your God is?
Have you forgotten who you are, a servant of Almighty God?"
Elijah was human -- just like us -- and we face the same
difficulties in life. But just like Elijah, our real problem is
not the problems we face -- but our focus.
We can focus on our inability and lack, or we can focus on
God's ability and abundant provision.
Are you hiding in a "cave" today, afraid to venture forth and
face life? Are you afraid of failure and rejection? Are you
discouraged because things haven't worked out like you thought
they would?
What are you doing?! Get out of your "cave!"
God is on your side. The Greater One is in you. The Lord is
your helper. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Taken from Daily Devotion
Blessings!
Then the Lord spoke his word to him: "Elijah! Why are you here?"
Elijah was hiding in a cave, fearful, discouraged, and
confused.
Why?
Elijah knew God and had seen God do mighty things, even in
answer to his own prayers. Yet he was human, just like the rest
of us.
JAMES 5:17 NCV ~ Elijah was a human being just like us. He prayed
that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three
and a half years!
Elijah had only one real problem, and it was not the
adversaries he faced. It was that he got his focus off of God
and onto himself.
To me, God seems amazed at Elijah's hiding. I picture Him
thinking, "Doesn't Elijah know that I am greater than all his
adversaries? Doesn't Elijah know that I will help him?"
I would paraphrase the verse above as, "What in the world are
you doing here, Elijah? Have you forgotten who your God is?
Have you forgotten who you are, a servant of Almighty God?"
Elijah was human -- just like us -- and we face the same
difficulties in life. But just like Elijah, our real problem is
not the problems we face -- but our focus.
We can focus on our inability and lack, or we can focus on
God's ability and abundant provision.
Are you hiding in a "cave" today, afraid to venture forth and
face life? Are you afraid of failure and rejection? Are you
discouraged because things haven't worked out like you thought
they would?
What are you doing?! Get out of your "cave!"
God is on your side. The Greater One is in you. The Lord is
your helper. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Taken from Daily Devotion
Blessings!
Friday, September 26, 2008
~You Don't Face Life All Alone~
JOHN 14:18 NCV ~ "I will not leave you all alone like orphans;
I will come back to you.
Being alone -- with no help -- is a horrible feeling. One the
devil would love for you to believe is your lot.
You are NOT alone! Jesus promised!
When you feel alone, desolate, and helpless -- remember the
promises of Jesus.
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV ~ ...God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."
Your feelings are not the true test of reality. God cannot lie.
He is with you now, whether you feel like it, or whether it
looks like it, or not.
Since God is always with you, it would be rude to always ignore
Him. So call on Him and discuss things with Him. Let God be
your friend. That's His plan.
Taken from Daily Devotion.
Blessings!
I will come back to you.
Being alone -- with no help -- is a horrible feeling. One the
devil would love for you to believe is your lot.
You are NOT alone! Jesus promised!
When you feel alone, desolate, and helpless -- remember the
promises of Jesus.
HEBREWS 13:5 NIV ~ ...God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."
Your feelings are not the true test of reality. God cannot lie.
He is with you now, whether you feel like it, or whether it
looks like it, or not.
Since God is always with you, it would be rude to always ignore
Him. So call on Him and discuss things with Him. Let God be
your friend. That's His plan.
Taken from Daily Devotion.
Blessings!
Monday, September 15, 2008
~Love Never Fails~
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
-- 1 Corinthians 8-13
In the last sentence of the Bible's well known "love" chapter, 1 Corinthians 13 is a beautiful profile of love itself: "Love never fails" (v.8, NKJV). Have you ever asked the obvious question--Love never fails what? Here it is in summary: Love never fails to win. Let me point out two ways love can conquer what might be ailing your relationships.
1: Love never fails to conquer selfishness.
I am selfish and so are you. We never have to work at putting ourselves first--we've got that one down. But notice how:
"Love is patient and kind"(v. 4) Selfishness is mean and demanding but love overflows with kindness.
"Love does not envy or boast" (v. 4c). Love is not arrogant because it's not selfish.
"Love is not . . . rude" (v. 5a). Selfishness insists on the spotlight but love is not demanding or unreasonable.
"It does not insist on its own way" (v. 5b), because it's not selfish.
"It is not irritable or resentful" (v. 5c) because it's not selfish.
So love conquers the biggest obstacle in me, selfishness.
2: Love never fails to conquer skepticism.
Over time, it's easy to doubt that anyone is ever going to change. Your family disappoints you and you want to bail but love holds on. Like no one else, our family members can hurt and disappoint us. They do foolish things, and say wicked or hurtful words. In those moments, you want to run. But love does not sell out in the crisis. Love still believes the best; it doesn't keep score. Love trusts again. Love finds a way to give an opportunity for God to work. Love waits for God's agenda to be accomplished in their life. Love is being used by God to transform that person.
When I choose not to love, I'm in God's way but when I choose to love, God's helping me, and I'm part of the solution. In our wounded moments we think, we sometimes forget how desperately we hope others will give us another chance when we fail them.
Love never fails? Yes, love is part of the solution. Love is a tool in God's hands to work through you and transform your relationships.
Read 1 John 3:11-24.
This is taken from James McDonald's weekly devotion.
Blessings!
-- 1 Corinthians 8-13
In the last sentence of the Bible's well known "love" chapter, 1 Corinthians 13 is a beautiful profile of love itself: "Love never fails" (v.8, NKJV). Have you ever asked the obvious question--Love never fails what? Here it is in summary: Love never fails to win. Let me point out two ways love can conquer what might be ailing your relationships.
1: Love never fails to conquer selfishness.
I am selfish and so are you. We never have to work at putting ourselves first--we've got that one down. But notice how:
"Love is patient and kind"(v. 4) Selfishness is mean and demanding but love overflows with kindness.
"Love does not envy or boast" (v. 4c). Love is not arrogant because it's not selfish.
"Love is not . . . rude" (v. 5a). Selfishness insists on the spotlight but love is not demanding or unreasonable.
"It does not insist on its own way" (v. 5b), because it's not selfish.
"It is not irritable or resentful" (v. 5c) because it's not selfish.
So love conquers the biggest obstacle in me, selfishness.
2: Love never fails to conquer skepticism.
Over time, it's easy to doubt that anyone is ever going to change. Your family disappoints you and you want to bail but love holds on. Like no one else, our family members can hurt and disappoint us. They do foolish things, and say wicked or hurtful words. In those moments, you want to run. But love does not sell out in the crisis. Love still believes the best; it doesn't keep score. Love trusts again. Love finds a way to give an opportunity for God to work. Love waits for God's agenda to be accomplished in their life. Love is being used by God to transform that person.
When I choose not to love, I'm in God's way but when I choose to love, God's helping me, and I'm part of the solution. In our wounded moments we think, we sometimes forget how desperately we hope others will give us another chance when we fail them.
Love never fails? Yes, love is part of the solution. Love is a tool in God's hands to work through you and transform your relationships.
Read 1 John 3:11-24.
This is taken from James McDonald's weekly devotion.
Blessings!
Friday, September 5, 2008
~I Cannot Please Everyone~
So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:6-9I become like a circus juggler when I try to keep everyone's opinions of me high in the air. One person thinks I should be like this; another scrutinizes me for something else. Do you get it too? Before long, all the expectations of other people come crashing down around our feet. Playing to the demands of others runs in opposition to authenticity.
Jesus lived with that kind of pressure. In His Sermon on the Mount, He focused primarily on the Pharisees, the Bible-thumpers of His day. On the positive side, the Pharisees took the Bible very seriously. They confronted error, they separated themselves from the world, they were hypersensitive to the application of God's Word. So what's wrong with that? Nothing--that's all fine. But Jesus identified their acute internal problem in Matthew 15:8, "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Ouch! Furthermore, Jesus was simply quoting His Father, recorded back in Isaiah centuries before, when He gave the same spiritual diagnosis to the people of his time.
The Pharisees put on a good show, but Jesus saw right through it. They wanted to look like they had it all together with God, but hadn't privately done the heart business with Him. Looking the part was all they cared about. As Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them . . ." When Jesus used the term righteousness here, He was talking about practical righteousness, the things you do as a believer to outwardly express your heart before God read your Bible, pray, share your faith, be in a small group, work for the Lord, give to the poor. Don't do these to impress others, He warns. Pay attention, be on guard, He cautions. Play to an audience of One.
Notice He didn't say you should hide your spiritual disciplines from people or enter a monastery. Some people have misunderstood His point. The issue isn't location, it's motive. People are going to see you live your life; that's not the problem. You don't have to keep secret the fact that you go to church, raise your hands in worship, and get on your knees to pray. You don't have to shield your Bible when you open it because you have written personal notes all through it. But when you do all those things so that people will see you--that's the problem. Doing spiritual things so other people notice goes right to motive. If you're acting godly with the desire to get attention, affirmation, or strokes from folks--you just got all the reward you deserve and lost God's approval in the process. When you get that pat on the back from your neighbor, then God is like, If that's what you were going for, man, you got it! There's your reward, buddy.
We are called to be living for a higher reward--a reward from the Lord Himself.
Taken from James McDonald's Weekly Devotion
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
~Outward Appearances~
The following is a copy of James McDonald's devotion for this week:
"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself . . . It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (1 Corinthians 4: 3–5).
I grew up in a good church with good people. But one issue I noticed even as a young person was a constant struggle with an outward focus. Folks were obsessive about appearances. The external was put under the microscope. The outward appearances were scrutinized. You couldn't walk in the church foyer without everyone inspecting everyone else. It took me a long time to shake that in ministry.
I've felt the pressure of looking the part. In 1987, I went on the game show The $25,000 Pyramid (you can watch a clip of it at www.jamesmacdonald.com/classics_gameshow.aspx). You remember how the game goes; I partnered with a celebrity in getting through a list of words. In this specific case, I had to get the celebrity to say the word revolution.
Now, if I had been brought up in the States, I would have given the clue, "In 1776 we fought a war called the American ____________." But under pressure, all I could think to give as a clue was the Beatles' song, "Revolution" (You say you want a rev-o-lution . . .). My game partner didn't get my clue, and so we moved on. At the end of that round, Dick Clark looked at me, a young pastor, and said, "You must be a real Beatles fan, huh?"
First came the authentic response--I pumped my fist in the air, implying "Yes!" But then I remembered all the people in my church who would watch the show, and I quickly changed my expression and shook my head, "Nah."
To me this is such a portrait of a person struggling to be authentic but then giving in to the immense pressure to perform for people's expectations. What an awful way to live your life. If it's wrong, it's wrong. If it's not wrong, it's not wrong. It's one or the other. But it's crucial for you and me to recognize we feel the constant pressure to measure up to people's scrutiny based on the little list of things they've labeled appropriate. When that shows up in the body of Christ, it is death to authenticity. The pressure to conform and to look the part kills sincerity, and so much of it comes from the trap of trying to please other people.
I preached a message this last weekend at our church called, "Freedom from People Pleasing," that met with huge response--a clear indication that a lot of us have lived our lives on the exhaustive treadmill of trying to please others. We need an exit ramp off this endless highway. The message is based on 1 Corinthians 4, in which Paul said, "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself . . . It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (vv. 3–5). Notice that Paul said, "I do not even judge myself": I can't even trust myself to assess my own sincerity, let alone you who don't know what I'm thinking or feeling.
I cannot please everyone. You can't either. The attempt on our part to keep trying leads first to a crease, then a crevice, then a canyon of distance between who we are and who we try to appear to be. Let's be done right now with people-pleasing. I dream a better dream for us than allowing petty people, majoring on silly things about which the Bible does not even explicitly speak, to control our hearts and lives. Let's not allow even our brothers and sisters in Christ who have such strong opinions to pressure us into external conformity that doesn't reflect our hearts and doesn't please or satisfy God. No doubt about it, hypocrisy has to go. It's destructive to us and despised by God.
"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself . . . It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (1 Corinthians 4: 3–5).
I grew up in a good church with good people. But one issue I noticed even as a young person was a constant struggle with an outward focus. Folks were obsessive about appearances. The external was put under the microscope. The outward appearances were scrutinized. You couldn't walk in the church foyer without everyone inspecting everyone else. It took me a long time to shake that in ministry.
I've felt the pressure of looking the part. In 1987, I went on the game show The $25,000 Pyramid (you can watch a clip of it at www.jamesmacdonald.com/classics_gameshow.aspx). You remember how the game goes; I partnered with a celebrity in getting through a list of words. In this specific case, I had to get the celebrity to say the word revolution.
Now, if I had been brought up in the States, I would have given the clue, "In 1776 we fought a war called the American ____________." But under pressure, all I could think to give as a clue was the Beatles' song, "Revolution" (You say you want a rev-o-lution . . .). My game partner didn't get my clue, and so we moved on. At the end of that round, Dick Clark looked at me, a young pastor, and said, "You must be a real Beatles fan, huh?"
First came the authentic response--I pumped my fist in the air, implying "Yes!" But then I remembered all the people in my church who would watch the show, and I quickly changed my expression and shook my head, "Nah."
To me this is such a portrait of a person struggling to be authentic but then giving in to the immense pressure to perform for people's expectations. What an awful way to live your life. If it's wrong, it's wrong. If it's not wrong, it's not wrong. It's one or the other. But it's crucial for you and me to recognize we feel the constant pressure to measure up to people's scrutiny based on the little list of things they've labeled appropriate. When that shows up in the body of Christ, it is death to authenticity. The pressure to conform and to look the part kills sincerity, and so much of it comes from the trap of trying to please other people.
I preached a message this last weekend at our church called, "Freedom from People Pleasing," that met with huge response--a clear indication that a lot of us have lived our lives on the exhaustive treadmill of trying to please others. We need an exit ramp off this endless highway. The message is based on 1 Corinthians 4, in which Paul said, "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself . . . It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (vv. 3–5). Notice that Paul said, "I do not even judge myself": I can't even trust myself to assess my own sincerity, let alone you who don't know what I'm thinking or feeling.
I cannot please everyone. You can't either. The attempt on our part to keep trying leads first to a crease, then a crevice, then a canyon of distance between who we are and who we try to appear to be. Let's be done right now with people-pleasing. I dream a better dream for us than allowing petty people, majoring on silly things about which the Bible does not even explicitly speak, to control our hearts and lives. Let's not allow even our brothers and sisters in Christ who have such strong opinions to pressure us into external conformity that doesn't reflect our hearts and doesn't please or satisfy God. No doubt about it, hypocrisy has to go. It's destructive to us and despised by God.
So, what are your thoughts on this?
Blessings!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
~The Love Of Christ Is Beyond Comprehension~
EPHESIANS 3:18-19 NLT ~ And may you have the power to understand, as all God's
people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his
love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great
you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled
with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
How can words describe, or humans fully understand, something
that is as deep as God Himself? God's love is greater than
words have the ability to communicate. It is impossible to put
into language.
How can we explain the unexplainable? How can we know
something that is beyond the ability of human knowledge to
comprehend? We would have to be God Himself to fully
understand why He loves us the way He does. Don't expect to
ever understand it. But we can accept it. We can believe it.
We can experience it and enjoy it.
God's love for us was demonstrated in redemption. God took
our place and suffered what we deserved, so we could be
forgiven and go free. God proved that He loved us more than He
loves Himself. He did not spare Himself to help us.
God's love for us is also evident in creation. Not just in
abundant provision, but also in all the beauty He created for
our enjoyment. What a wonderful display of the loving and
giving nature of God. Not only did He make everything we need,
but He made it in abundance -- and with great variety.
Every good thing in life was created by God for you and me because of
His great love for us.
You won't find anyone that comes even close to loving you the
way that Christ does. It is hard to grasp when you really think about it.
But, isn't it awesome that someone loves us that much. He isn't like anyone else.
Blessings!
people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his
love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great
you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled
with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
How can words describe, or humans fully understand, something
that is as deep as God Himself? God's love is greater than
words have the ability to communicate. It is impossible to put
into language.
How can we explain the unexplainable? How can we know
something that is beyond the ability of human knowledge to
comprehend? We would have to be God Himself to fully
understand why He loves us the way He does. Don't expect to
ever understand it. But we can accept it. We can believe it.
We can experience it and enjoy it.
God's love for us was demonstrated in redemption. God took
our place and suffered what we deserved, so we could be
forgiven and go free. God proved that He loved us more than He
loves Himself. He did not spare Himself to help us.
God's love for us is also evident in creation. Not just in
abundant provision, but also in all the beauty He created for
our enjoyment. What a wonderful display of the loving and
giving nature of God. Not only did He make everything we need,
but He made it in abundance -- and with great variety.
Every good thing in life was created by God for you and me because of
His great love for us.
You won't find anyone that comes even close to loving you the
way that Christ does. It is hard to grasp when you really think about it.
But, isn't it awesome that someone loves us that much. He isn't like anyone else.
Blessings!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
~Understanding God's Word~
Have you ever totally misunderstood God's Word?
When He said, "Love one another,"
did you think He meant for you to tolerate sin?
When He said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged,"
did you think He meant for you not to take a stand against unrighteous behavior?
When He said, "In all things God works for the good,"
did you think He meant every story would have a happy ending?
When He said, "I will surely bless you,"
did you think He meant that He would make you healthy, wealthy, happy, and problem free?
Isn't it amazing how we can misinterpret what He says? Taken from "Why" by Anne Graham Lotz.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
We all have the opportunity to 'One day' have a happy ending to our life. We will be PROBLEM FREE. But, for now, we may not always have a happy ending, we may have health problems, we may not be wealthy or always happy, and we are sure to encounter problems. In the end, it will all be worth it, if we choose Christ!
On a lighter note, we are thrilled with Jan's latest test results. Our hearts are lighter. I would ask you to continue to pray for Jan and our cousin, along with our family. We know God will provide for all our needs. He will help us in each and every circumstance. It is our hearts desire, that they both are healed on this earth of cancer.
I got a call late last night about Joyce. They are running an MRI today because they do not think the chemo is working, and in fact it may be spreading. This is very hard for the family to hear. We've been there and it is extremely difficult. Please pray for Joyce and her family. Pray that if this is not the treatment she needs to be on, they will find the correct treatment or dose of treatment. But, pray for her salvation. This has been a difficult journey for her so far, not only physically, but mentally.
Thanks for all your prayers.
When He said, "Love one another,"
did you think He meant for you to tolerate sin?
When He said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged,"
did you think He meant for you not to take a stand against unrighteous behavior?
When He said, "In all things God works for the good,"
did you think He meant every story would have a happy ending?
When He said, "I will surely bless you,"
did you think He meant that He would make you healthy, wealthy, happy, and problem free?
Isn't it amazing how we can misinterpret what He says? Taken from "Why" by Anne Graham Lotz.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
We all have the opportunity to 'One day' have a happy ending to our life. We will be PROBLEM FREE. But, for now, we may not always have a happy ending, we may have health problems, we may not be wealthy or always happy, and we are sure to encounter problems. In the end, it will all be worth it, if we choose Christ!
On a lighter note, we are thrilled with Jan's latest test results. Our hearts are lighter. I would ask you to continue to pray for Jan and our cousin, along with our family. We know God will provide for all our needs. He will help us in each and every circumstance. It is our hearts desire, that they both are healed on this earth of cancer.
I got a call late last night about Joyce. They are running an MRI today because they do not think the chemo is working, and in fact it may be spreading. This is very hard for the family to hear. We've been there and it is extremely difficult. Please pray for Joyce and her family. Pray that if this is not the treatment she needs to be on, they will find the correct treatment or dose of treatment. But, pray for her salvation. This has been a difficult journey for her so far, not only physically, but mentally.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Blessings!
Monday, August 11, 2008
~Give Attention To My Words~
Here is a portion of one of the devotions that I get."
PROVERBS 4:20-22 NKJ ~ "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh."
"Giving attention to God's Word is not as easy as it once was. Today we have a multitude of distractions. Busyness seems to be a disease shared by everyone. We all have more than we can do.
Yet . . .
God doesn't change. His Word doesn't change. It still says the same thing it did a thousand years ago -- and it will still say the same thing a thousand years from now.
"Give attention to my words...."
We are confronted with a choice. What is most important? To what shall we give our limited time? God, or....?
God makes promises no one else does -- or can. He created, so He knows how things work.
Life. Life in its fullness. Life as God intended it to be. And health. Isn't that what everyone would like? That is the written guarantee offered by God to the human race -- for paying attention to what He has said."
It does seem that in today's time, we are running nonstop and we have more things that need to be accomplished each day than is humanly possible. I choose to pay attention to God's Word. I choose life and health. I choose God.
I will update with Jan's results. She had her testing and is currently in with her doctor.
PROVERBS 4:20-22 NKJ ~ "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh."
"Giving attention to God's Word is not as easy as it once was. Today we have a multitude of distractions. Busyness seems to be a disease shared by everyone. We all have more than we can do.
Yet . . .
God doesn't change. His Word doesn't change. It still says the same thing it did a thousand years ago -- and it will still say the same thing a thousand years from now.
"Give attention to my words...."
We are confronted with a choice. What is most important? To what shall we give our limited time? God, or....?
God makes promises no one else does -- or can. He created, so He knows how things work.
Life. Life in its fullness. Life as God intended it to be. And health. Isn't that what everyone would like? That is the written guarantee offered by God to the human race -- for paying attention to what He has said."
It does seem that in today's time, we are running nonstop and we have more things that need to be accomplished each day than is humanly possible. I choose to pay attention to God's Word. I choose life and health. I choose God.
I will update with Jan's results. She had her testing and is currently in with her doctor.
Blessings!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
~Out of the Ashes~
At church our current topic series has been "Movies that Move." I would like to share with you what our Pastor shared with us this last Sunday. With all the pain and suffering in the world at this time, I hope this speaks to you, as it did me:
"We all experience suffering, pain, loss, and grief. These experiences always take us to a crossroads."
1. We live on a broken planet.
In Romans 8:20, 21 (NLT): "Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay."
2. What do you do when things go bad? Two choices: (1) You move on. (2) You stop loving.
In Philippians 3:13b, 14 (NLT): "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
3. It's easy to rally to a vision, but very difficult to carry it out.
In Numbers 11:20 (NLT): "For you have rejected the Lord, who is here among you, and you have whined to him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’”
4. Victory is ultimately certain for the faithful.
A. You receive strength for today.
In Isaiah 40:31 (NLT): "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
B. You will receive eternal life somday.
In John 3:16 (KJV): "....that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
"We all experience suffering, pain, loss, and grief. These experiences always take us to a crossroads."
1. We live on a broken planet.
In Romans 8:20, 21 (NLT): "Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay."
2. What do you do when things go bad? Two choices: (1) You move on. (2) You stop loving.
In Philippians 3:13b, 14 (NLT): "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
3. It's easy to rally to a vision, but very difficult to carry it out.
In Numbers 11:20 (NLT): "For you have rejected the Lord, who is here among you, and you have whined to him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’”
4. Victory is ultimately certain for the faithful.
A. You receive strength for today.
In Isaiah 40:31 (NLT): "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
B. You will receive eternal life somday.
In John 3:16 (KJV): "....that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
There were excerpts from the movie "Out of the Ashes" that we saw.
I'm so grateful that our time here on earth is "just the journey." When the time is right, we have a home waiting for us where there will be no more pain, sickness, problems, NOTHING BAD WILL EVER HAPPEN THERE. We will get to see our family and loved ones again. But, most importantly, we will get to see Jesus and live with Him in Heaven for eternity. I can't even begin to imagine how wonderful it will be.
Life here on earth seems to become more difficult as time goes by. As the verses above point out, we have choices. I'm going to press on. In Isaiah 40:31, I've highlighted 3 words, "trust and new strength. This is available to us daily.
Have a great week and I hope you will press on, trust and you will be given new strength, daily, if you will ask.
Monday, July 28, 2008
~Overcome!~
1 JOHN 5:4 NKJ ~ "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
"All of us have a choice: we can either make excuses, or make progress in life.
Most people have an excuse. They are too young or old, short or tall, educated or uneducated -- whatever. We all have some reason to justify our failure.
But when we focus on God and His ability and willingness to help us in every way -- all our excuses become insignificant.
God's intention is not for His children to be defeated by the problems of life. No! The problems of life are opportunities for us to experience God's help and provision.
God plans for His children to overcome.
How?
By faith!
And faith is available to anyone who will feed on the Bible. Faith comes from God's Word like physical energy comes from eating physical food.
So, if your faith is weak, take in more of God's Word. Then your faith will grow strong. Then you can overcome the problems you face. Then God will be glorified in you.
With the help of God, I(we) will overcome!"
We can accomplish/overcome anything with the help of God. In this devotion I'm sharing today in 1 John it says if we believe Jesus is the Son of Man, we will overcome the world. How? By Faith. Our Faith will grow if we spend more time in God's Word.
I have several things I would ask you join me in prayer:
1. Jan returns to M.D. Anderson on 8/5/08 for lab work and MRI to see how this new chemo is working. Please pray the chemo is shrinking the tumor. Please also pray for minimal side effects, if any.
2. My cousin sees her oncologist tomorrow. This is an appt. to discuss the possibility of changing her chemo from oral to drip. She has a lot of questions and concerns regarding this. Please pray for peace, good results on her blood work and answers needed to make a decision.
3. I took my Mom to the doctor today for a follow up. She is having further testing to "rule out" a few others possibilities. Pray that her tests will return normal.
4. The last time I talked with Brianna about Joyce, she was struggling with the chemo and radiation. Pray the chemo/radiation is working.
5. Last week I came to you with an unspoken prayer request. Would you continue to pray.
6. As I briefly posted last week, I did get a job. Today, I worked with Tech Support to get all the programs downloaded. I'm supposed to begin training tomorrow, but this depends if I get a delivery in time to get this going. Thank you for all your prayers for me regarding a job. I feel really good about this change. And, I know you will rejoice with our family as tonight my brother-in-law and Jan's step-son, David returned home after being away for 6 months. He is in the Air Force Reserves. We praise God for keeping him safe while he has been gone.
Have a BLESSED week!
"All of us have a choice: we can either make excuses, or make progress in life.
Most people have an excuse. They are too young or old, short or tall, educated or uneducated -- whatever. We all have some reason to justify our failure.
But when we focus on God and His ability and willingness to help us in every way -- all our excuses become insignificant.
God's intention is not for His children to be defeated by the problems of life. No! The problems of life are opportunities for us to experience God's help and provision.
God plans for His children to overcome.
How?
By faith!
And faith is available to anyone who will feed on the Bible. Faith comes from God's Word like physical energy comes from eating physical food.
So, if your faith is weak, take in more of God's Word. Then your faith will grow strong. Then you can overcome the problems you face. Then God will be glorified in you.
With the help of God, I(we) will overcome!"
We can accomplish/overcome anything with the help of God. In this devotion I'm sharing today in 1 John it says if we believe Jesus is the Son of Man, we will overcome the world. How? By Faith. Our Faith will grow if we spend more time in God's Word.
I have several things I would ask you join me in prayer:
1. Jan returns to M.D. Anderson on 8/5/08 for lab work and MRI to see how this new chemo is working. Please pray the chemo is shrinking the tumor. Please also pray for minimal side effects, if any.
2. My cousin sees her oncologist tomorrow. This is an appt. to discuss the possibility of changing her chemo from oral to drip. She has a lot of questions and concerns regarding this. Please pray for peace, good results on her blood work and answers needed to make a decision.
3. I took my Mom to the doctor today for a follow up. She is having further testing to "rule out" a few others possibilities. Pray that her tests will return normal.
4. The last time I talked with Brianna about Joyce, she was struggling with the chemo and radiation. Pray the chemo/radiation is working.
5. Last week I came to you with an unspoken prayer request. Would you continue to pray.
6. As I briefly posted last week, I did get a job. Today, I worked with Tech Support to get all the programs downloaded. I'm supposed to begin training tomorrow, but this depends if I get a delivery in time to get this going. Thank you for all your prayers for me regarding a job. I feel really good about this change. And, I know you will rejoice with our family as tonight my brother-in-law and Jan's step-son, David returned home after being away for 6 months. He is in the Air Force Reserves. We praise God for keeping him safe while he has been gone.
Have a BLESSED week!
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