Strenght Through Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:7-11

Our culture values independence and personal ability but sees weakness as a failure. The biblical viewpoint, however, is the exact opposite: Scripture teaches that when we recognize our lack of strength, we become more keenly aware of our need for God.

As we know, everyone has shortcomings, and the apostle Paul was no exception. In today's passage, we read his acknowledgement of the "thorn" that was constantly harassing him. The Bible does not tell us whether this was a physical problem, a struggle with temptation, or some other weakness; all we know is that Paul prayed fervently for its removal. But the Lord chose to let the irritant remain.

Amazingly, the apostle responded with contentment concerning the very difficulty he had begged God to remove (v. 10). He realized that the Lord had changed a hindrance into a glorious revelation: Paul's deficiency became the pathway and showcase for God's magnificent power.

The thorn, it turns out, also had a second purpose--as an "immunization" to protect against pride.

The Holy Spirit impacted the world so greatly through Paul that he could easily have exalted himself. A lack of humility would have negatively impacted his ministry.

Would we prefer to have our "thorn" removed? Humanly speaking, of course we would! But we can trust that, regardless of our circumstances, our loving heavenly Father is working something beautiful into our lives. Our response to hardship and weakness should be, "Lord, what are You trying to teach me in this situation?"

Know What You Believe

1 Peter 3:13-16

Some people claim that it doesn't make a bit of difference what they believe. In fact, certain individuals go so far as to deny the existence of truth. Yet our belief system actually matters tremendously, because it is the foundation for our character, conduct, and decisions.

For instance, a person who concludes that there is no God and no eternity will live selfishly for the moment. On the other hand, someone who trusts in the Lord and His promise of heaven will have a completely different lifestyle and purpose. Obedience, faith, and responsibility will characterize him as he lives to please his heavenly Father.

Knowing what we believe is critical--first of all, because our salvation depends on it. In John 8: 24, Jesus made a powerful and unequivocal statement about this subject: "Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." The Bible is very clear that all people have sinned and in their natural state are separated from God (Rom. 3:23). The punishment for sin is death, which is eternal separation from the Lord. But the Father, in His love and mercy, sent His own Son to die in our place. As a result, everyone who believes in Jesus is forgiven and receives His free gift of salvation.

Believers are to share the good news of salvation, but the world's hostility can make us afraid. Today's passage encourages us not to fear. Telling others about Jesus doesn't require lofty words or long quotations of memorized Scripture. Simply be ready with an answer if you're asked about "the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

The Pathways of Faith

Isaiah 55:8-9
Looking at difficulties from a human perspective can make us panic. It may be ill health, a financial crisis, or a broken relationship that causes our hearts to tremble. But God calls us to view life with eyes of faith.

To live in this way means believing that through Christ, God will meet all of our needs--including love, security, and acceptance (Phil. 4:19). Divine love for us was demonstrated at the cross; there, Jesus died for our sins so we might be forgiven and reconciled to the Father. His affection for us is so deep that we can never reach the end of it (Jer. 31:3; Eph. 3:18).

Then, because of our position in God's family, we are eternally secure: all who believe in the Savior are adopted as children of the heavenly Father, with full rights and privileges of heirs (Rom. 8:17). And our adoption is permanent, since it is based on Jesus' atoning sacrifice (Heb. 7:27).

What's more, the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit is evidence that the Father has accepted us. His Spirit acts as a seal and guarantee of our position in Christ (Eph 1:13). Even though earthly relationships may crumble, our union with the Lord is forever. He is able to keep every one of His promises--and He will never let you down.

When we are convinced that God will provide for us, our approach to life changes. Then, we live not by sight (which tells us to worry) but rather by faith in the One who saved us (2 Cor. 5:7). The pathway of trust in the Lord is available to all who have received Christ as Savior. Are you walking on it today?

Overcoming Anxiety

Isaiah 41:10-14
Fear is a powerful emotion. It shows up without warning, tends to dominate our thoughts, and does not depart quickly. But as Christians, we have an even more powerful weapon to stop anxiety from overcoming us--the Word of God.

When anxiety strikes, key truths can help us stand firm. First, remember that God is sovereign over all circumstances and people (1 Chron. 29:11). When He decides to act, no leader, army, or nation can stand against Him. We may not understand why certain things happen, but we can know for sure that our Lord is still in control.

Next, keep in mind the promise that He causes all things to work for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). Just as the Father orchestrated the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to accomplish our salvation, He also works circumstances for our good and His glory. The disciples didn't comprehend what Jesus was telling them about the future; nor could they initially see how His dying was beneficial. But in the end, they understood that God had carried out His plan of redemption through the crucifixion and resurrection.

We may be in the midst of hard times and wondering where the good is. Do not lose hope. God is sovereign and true to every one of His promises (2 Cor. 1:20).

Verses that proclaim God's sovereignty can help us overcome fear (Ps. 22:27-28). Studying the lives of saints like Abraham, Joseph, and the apostle Paul will remind us that God is mighty and He can use difficulties to bring about gain. As we believe His Word, our anxiety will be replaced by His divine peace (Gal. 5:22).

Success and Money

Luke 12:13-21
The belief that wealth equals success is a common misconception. True success means becoming who God wants you to be and doing the work He has prepared for you to accomplish. Jesus said the man in Luke 12 was a fool because he spent his life pursuing wealth but was not rich toward the Lord.

An idolatrous attitude about money is revealed by an insatiable desire for more.
Materialism affects rich and poor alike. So whenever financial concerns have top priority in our thoughts and begin to dictate goals and desires, we can know we've succumbed to the foolishness of greed. Worrying about finances is actually a warning sign of misplaced priorities and displays a lack of trust in God.

Money is a vital part of our lives, but it should never come to have a higher place than the Lord intends. Everything belongs to God. We are merely stewards of all that He entrusts to us, and one day we'll give an account to Him of how we have used what He gave us to oversee. Our goal is not to become wealthy but to be found faithful.

In His great wisdom, the Lord has prescribed a remedy for our tendency to overvalue money. Giving it away breaks the grip of greed, teaches us to trust and obey God, and is the avenue through which treasure can be stored in heaven.

If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God, then you're climbing the wrong ladder of success. Genuine eternal blessing is measured in relationship with Jesus, not monetary accumulation. Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity.

The Holy Spirit--Giving New Life

Romans 6:3-11
"Lord, I have really messed up my life. I wish I could just start over." Have you ever felt this way? Maybe you are even wondering if life is worth living. Well, I have some bad news and some good news. First, you cannot change your past--it is firmly set in history. However, you can start over, no matter where you are right now.

The Holy Spirit specializes in giving new life. All who have believed in Christ and trusted in Him for salvation have His Spirit dwelling within them. New life begins immediately for all who choose to accept His offer of the forgiveness of their sins. There is no more condemnation, and they are set free to begin living for Christ.

How easy life would be if that were the only fresh start we'd ever need. But our old sinful tendencies--which the Bible calls "the flesh"--are not removed at salvation. Throughout life, there will be times when we will need to go back and make things right.

The Spirit is ever present, empowering us to say no to the flesh and yes to Christ. Stop and consider the strength of the One who lives within you. He has all the power of almighty God, who raised Jesus from the dead (Rom. 8:11). Is your situation more difficult than a resurrection?

By setting your mind on the things of the Spirit and living under His authority, you can put to death the sinful actions and habits that have made a mess of your life. The Lord wants to set you free from addicting pleasures and drives that lead only to pain and heartache. Begin today by letting the Holy Spirit lead you into new life.

Secure Hope (Psalm 42)

Secure Hope Psalm 42 God wants us to be people with desires and expectations that are motivating and enriching. But the disappointment of unrealized hopes is inevitable while living in this fallen world. How are we to determine where to place our hope--and how to respond if it is not fulfilled?

Hope is secure when it is aligned with the Lord's desires, which are revealed in Scripture. However, many of our expectations are based on wishes or feelings. We long for job promotions, good health, or quick solutions to our problems. Though these are things we want, we have no absolute promise from the Lord that they're part of His will for us.

Disappointment with God can occur whenever our expectations do not coincide with His plan.
Even when hope is based on a scriptural promise, the Lord may not fulfill it in the way or the time that we expect. Although God appears inactive, He is moving beneath the surface, preparing us for the future.

The key to contentment and joy lies in placing all subjective hopes under the umbrella of our ultimate hope in the Lord. God is sovereign and good. He always wants what is best for us and never makes a mistake. His ways are higher than ours and, in many ways, beyond human understanding.

From a limited and fallen perspective, we may be like a five-year-old who wants candy at every meal. Sometimes God has to dash our hopes in order to give us what He knows is best. Ask Him to clarify and direct your desires to coincide with His way. Then rest in His goodness and keep your hope in Him.

The Restorer of Lost Hopes

Romans 5:1-5

Not only is Christ the source of genuine hope; He is also the restorer of lost hope. Unless we're vigilant in guarding our perspective, many situations can erode opti-mism and trust. Biblical principles are the best defense against such discouragement.

Unchanging difficult circumstances can cause despair and rob life of meaning, but Romans 5:1-5 tells us that God has a much different view about the value of trials.We are eager for our Father to just fix the problem or relieve the suffering, but He has an eternal goal in mind. His purpose in trials is to produce proven character in us, which will result in hope, not disappointment.

Personal failure is another thief of hope. Sometimes discouragement is caused by a failure to meet our own expectations. This may be evidence that we have trusted in our own abilities and plans rather than in the Lord. Remember that "our adequacy is from God" (2 Cor. 3:5).

At other times we might lose hope because, despite all our efforts, we cannot live a victorious Christian life. Old flesh patterns may seem to be winning the battle. But just as the failure originates within us, so does the solution--with the indwelling Holy Spirit. If we surrender to His authority and live in dependence upon Him, He will begin to transform us from the inside out.

Hopelessness is a miserable trap that blinds a believer from seeing the Lord. The only way out is to deliberately focus on Christ through praise, prayer, and Scripture. This is probably the last thing a discouraged person wants to do, but hope awaits those who are willing to see life from God's perspective.

The Source of Hope

1 Peter 1:3-9
Hope can be defined as the desire for something good and the expectation of receiving it. Jesus Christ is the only genuine source of hope, because He alone knows what is best and has the sovereignty and power to secure its fulfillment. All other hopes are grounded on the shifting sands of circumstances beyond our control.

Each of us has expectations for the future, but these often pertain only to this earthly life. Christ promises us the "living hope" of an imperishable inheritance in heaven. Everyday desires will all fade away, but our home in heaven is eternal. This is our ultimate security and anchor when the storms of life are severe.
But how do we endure times of trial right now? Heaven can seem so far away when pain is present and there's no relief in sight. Hope anticipates a change of circumstances for the better.

And what about times when our situation is not improving--then, what is God doing that is "better"? Peter tells us He is refining our faith, which will result in praise and glory when Jesus returns. This is more valuable to us than gold or even relief from our distress. What a paradox! The difficulties which cause us to lose hope are the tools the Lord uses to increase our faith and hope in Him.

Christ promises us hope not only for eternity, but also for this life. Those times that God does not deliver us from difficulty, we can be sure He is doing a greater work within us. When we finally reach our eternal home, we'll recognize the immeasurable value of the faith He produced in us as we kept our hope in Him.

Making Changes to Fulfill God's Plan

Matthew 16:24-27
As God's adopted children, we have been given a new purpose: glorifying Him through righteous living. Yesterday we saw that this means making certain modifications in our life. Let's consider two more changes that may be necessary for followers of Jesus.

One potential adjustment has to do with our belief system: a Christian's thinking ought to match Jesus'. The world's influence is strong, and if we listened to the culture, we'd push ahead of others, take all the credit for our accomplishments, and keep material possessions for our own use. But students of Scripture know that the last shall be first (Mark 9:35), God is the one who deserves our praise (Psalm 96:4), and Christians are to be generous people (1 Tim. 6:18). What we believe needs to match what the Bible says is true.

Lastly, we may have to redefine our commitments to be sure the Lord comes first. His desires for us should take precedence over what we want and what others ask us to do. We must evaluate our choices in light of God's plan for us. This may mean letting go of a favorite activity, taking on a new responsibility, or remaining where we are despite yearning to leave. Our Father wants and deserves His children's full devotion (Matt. 22:37).

These changes do not all happen instantly at salvation; rather, they take place over a lifetime. Whenever the Holy Spirit reveals a deeper truth or calls us to a new work, we will have additional "alterations" to make. But such changes are accompanied by the confidence of knowing that God will use us to fulfill His plan

Adjusting to the Lord's Plan

Matthew 4:18-22
I have been a Christian for many years, and not once has God asked me, "Charles, what do you want to do?" The Lord doesn't change His plans to suit my purposes or yours. Instead, He asks us to adjust our lives to align with His will.
One change He often requires has to do with lifestyle. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen before they became Jesus' disciples. Their lives revolved around the details of their occupation--weather conditions, equipment repair, catching fish, and turning a profit. But when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they willingly and suddenly made a dramatic change.

In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away sad when he realized what he'd have to give up to follow Christ (Matt. 19:21-22). An invitation from the Lord usually means modifying our way of living. Whether this involves switching jobs or altering habits, God expects us to adapt to His plan.

At times the Lord may call for a shift in our relationships. Before being invited to travel in Jesus' company, James and John worked in the family business with their father. Saying yes to God meant seeing friends and relatives less frequently. Pursuing His plan may mean the same thing for us. But Christ promises a great return on any sacrifice we make (Matt. 19:29).

Our heavenly Father's plans are based upon His goodness, justice, and mercy. Because of His perfect character, we can trust the direction He gives us. Adjusting to God's design--accepting His will and making the needed changes in our circumstances and relationships--is always the wisest action we can take (Prov. 3:5-6).

Extra Column:
A hymn about following God's plan
Trust and Obey
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows and the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go--
Never fear, only trust and obey.

(Refrain)
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Words: John H. Sammis, 1887.
Music: Daniel B. Towner

The Stages of Our Christian Life

Philippians 1:5-7
Each Christian's journey is unique. Yet certain stages of growth should be common to all believers. For example:

• God wants to teach new followers basic principles as a foundation on which to build. He expresses these truths through other believers, His Word, and life circumstances.

• The Lord allows us to serve Him. We were created to do good works , and this becomes evident as growing Christians use their talents to glorify Jesus (Eph. 2:10).

• God lets us experience "frustrated inadequacy." Pride and self-confidence are threats to spiritual growth. Therefore, our Father brings us to the place where we realize we can achieve nothing of value without divine guidance and power.

• To make freedom a reality, the Father will bring His children face to face with whatever holds them captive. We often carry hurts, fears, or other "baggage" from childhood and on our own, have no idea how to gain victory. God allows us to struggle through such issues with His help. As we surrender the problem to Him and seek His perspective, He works to liberate us.

• The Lord teaches us how to live the "exchanged life" (Gal. 2:20). Our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, and the Savior's life is expressed through us as we surrender to the Holy Spirit's influence.

Do you recognize these stages as you look back over your walk with Christ? Perhaps you can identify an area where God still needs to work in your life. Is there anything standing in the way of allowing Him to live fully through you? Surrender to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to help you become more like Jesus.

How Long Will God Wait?

Nehemiah 9:29-31

Yesterday we saw that the Holy Spirit plays an essential role in salvation. Before a person can surrender to Jesus, he or she must be drawn by the Spirit (John 6:44). Often, God is at work in someone's life many years before that individual is saved.

Today's passage shows that God is longsuffering; He often waits an extended period of time for a person to come to faith. The Lord truly "is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). However, we must realize that God will at some point stop wooing an unbeliever and allow him to go his sinful way. For example, Pharaoh continually hardened his heart when Moses requested the Israelites' freedom (Ex. 8:15, 32; 9:34). But eventually, God hardened Pharaoh's heart (14:17), which means that He let the wicked ruler have his way.

We don't know when or why the Lord decides to stop working in a person's life. Sometimes, He's active to the very end--there are stories of people who receive the Savior on their deathbed. In such cases, the Holy Spirit was obviously at work in their final moments. But other people keep rejecting Christ or postpone thinking about salvation. Eventually, God may let them become desensitized so they see no need for Jesus. Continually rejecting the Lord is risky.

If you're not a believer but are nevertheless interested in spiritual things, your heart remains pliable, and the Lord is still at work in your life. Don't put off a decision about Jesus Christ. You don't know when God might stop drawing you to Himself. The wisest thing you can do is choose to follow Him today.

Crying Out to God - 1 Samuel 7:7-9

When we face a crisis, the Lord is willing and able to help. But before He will become involved and release His divine energy into our situation, He requires one thing: a righteous heart.

This, of course, is not an expectation that we live perfect lives, which our Father knows would be impossible. When a sinner turns to God for salvation, He cleanses the heart of iniquity and gives that person a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17). Yet even believers will follow old "flesh" patterns at times, so the Lord calls us to confess and repent when we miss the mark. Then He will "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Thankfully, He hears us in our imperfection as long as we desire to walk in His way. The problem arises, however, when a Christian knowingly lives in sin and chooses not to turn from it--the Lord will not hear an unrepentant heart.

The heavenly Father also desires that His children cry out to Him (Ps. 34:15-17). During trials, we tend to pray this way, with increased focus, passion, and sincerity. Hannah is a good example. Heartbroken over her barrenness, she went to the temple and beseeched the Lord with such emotion that the priest thought she was drunk! God answered her plea and opened her womb (1 Sam. 1:1-20).

When a crisis comes, cry out to our almighty God, but be sure you do so with a righteous heart. Then He will hear and answer--either fulfilling your hoped-for request or providing a different solution. Because He is omniscient, loving, and sovereign, you can fully trust that His answer is in your best interest.

Passing On a Legacy of Faith

2 Timothy 1:1-6
Paul admired the faith legacy that was passed down to Timothy by his mother and grandmother. Although Eunice and Lois could not bestow their belief as if it were a material heirloom, they certainly modeled the value of trusting in the Lord. Whatever Timothy's monetary birthright, his greatest inheritance was spiritual instruction from these influential women.

Mothers and fathers who desire to create a faith legacy will make the following values part of their lives:

Principles. You yourself must practice the Lord's principles. Parents can't teach what they don't know. But those who live according to God's Word and find His ways effective will eagerly share the lesson.

Pattern. You must go beyond simply talking about principles, and live them in front of your children. Lifestyle speaks so much louder than words. A consistent pattern of obedience to God inspires others to seek Him, whereas saying one thing but doing another can turn children off.

Persistence. You must be determined about gaining spiritual knowledge. I learned this wise habit from my mother, who set out to instill in me the values I'd need to become a godly adult. To teach a particular lesson, she'd keep telling and showing me until she was satisfied I'd gotten the message.

Timothy's mother and grandmother were not intent on merely raising a boy. Rather, they desired to train up a man of God. Judging from Paul's letters, they achieved that goal because they themselves were devoted to the Lord. Can you say the same of your life? It's never too late to begin crafting a faith legacy.