As Christians, even with the best of intentions, we can become distracted and easy prey to temptation. However, when our focus is on God, we can be unstoppable! God’s Word tells us to be single-minded in purpose, focusing our thoughts on what is good, and sticking with it!
As we peered out the window into the blackness of night, we could see the searchlights of a rescue helicopter that responded to our transponder. Once again, I realized that my salvation (both physical and spiritual) is was due to the mercy and grace of God Almighty.
Have you recently had one of those days? You know the kind. A day when it seems like it may have been better to have stayed in bed. These are the times when we feel alone and adrift. And yet we are not alone. Our Heavenly Father is there to help us ride out those tough times.
Joy is a deep inner peace and confidence in the Lord. Happiness on the other hand is fickle, dependent upon our circumstances. Joy recognizes that pain and suffering are part of life and therefore it is not contingent on circumstances. Because joy comes from Him who never changes, joy is ever available no matter what befalls us. It is a fruit of the Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit and following in His steps, we exude the joy that He freely gives.
In archery, shots go all over the place when our anchor point is inconsistent so our aim is off. As believers, Jesus is our anchor point, if we get away from our anchor point, we flounder and miss the mark. We may be “aiming” at the wrong things. Sometimes the worries of this life and the lure of power, prestige, fame, and fortune can get us off track. Whatever the reason, our anchor point is off. To correct the problem, we must return to Jesus and remain in Him.
Most children, especially boys, want to be like their daddy. Our children imitate us because they want to be like us. This is a very daunting responsibility to consider! But rather than fear the bad habits they might learn from us, there’s another way to look at this role we play in their young lives.
Do those words shock you? If we’re honest with ourselves there are probably days when every married man could admit to thinking those words. The true test of a good marriage is not how compatible a couple is, but how compatible or loving they choose to be despite conflict and differences.
As Jesus tells us, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” To be a disciple means to be a follower of Christ, a learner or apprentice of His, and a devoted believer in Him. A close review of Scripture reveals that a disciple must not only accept the promises of Christ by faith but must also be willing to apply those truths to his life.
In Scripture the Lord invites us to call upon Him. Don’t ever think that your issue is too insignificant or trivial for the Lord to address. He wants us to “cast all our cares on Him.” (1 Peter 5:7) And He delights in coming to our rescue.
Astronaut Col. Michael Anderson died in the Columbia space shuttle tragedy. Mike’s death was a great loss to His family, friends, and this nation. His family has not only been comforted, but over the years, they have used this tragedy and their great faith to comfort others. Tragedy is inevitable in our broken, sin-sick world. But God uses tragedy to draw us to Himself and He offers us comfort and encouragement.
On what basis do we live our lives, conduct business, or engage in ministry? Do we live as though we’re confined and limited by our circumstances or by others? Or do we live and work knowing that our Lord possesses all authority and all resources? When I write about “living large,” I’m not writing about a prosperity gospel. I’m writing about trusting a BIG God for BIG results.
