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And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Posted On 03/13/2007 14:07:32

It is not guided missles, but guided morals, that is our great
need today.

-- George W. Ford

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 13, 2007 – A Lesson in Obedience - Matthew 16:24-26

Jesus spoke frequently about obedience. But today’s followers sometimes misunderstand His lesson for the disciples in Matthew 16. Maybe this is because people naturally tend to avoid self-sacrifice and suffering???the frequent companions of obedience.

Self-service is the greatest enemy of obedience. Submitting to the Lord’s will requires a person to deny himself of anything that doesn’t fit God’s plan. That means refusing those things which are evil. And, on occasion, we may also have to give up a desire that isn’t in God’s will for us but is okay for someone else. Just because something isn’t sinful, that doesn’t make it right for everyone.

Self-denial that is carried out in service to the Lord can also be described as death to self. We need to be willing to forfeit our desires and ambitions so we can submit to God’s will. Then, we can surrender our selfishness and find a new existence as the Lord’s servant. This new life should be marked by obedience and the Christ-like attitude we see in Luke 22:42, “Father… not My will but Yours be done.”

A believer committed to an obedient lifestyle is determined to do God’s will, even when it causes pain or loss. Sometimes, that means we may tearfully obey. And, other times, we’ll beg Him for the strength to submit. But godly obedience causes our tears to dry and our hearts to know the peace that comes only from being a good and faithful servant to a loving Master.

March 13, 2007

VERSE:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
-- Colossians 1:17

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+1:17&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Before there was an earth, universe, or nature, there was Jesus!
He was before they were made. He will be after they are long gone.
In fact, his power and his presence are what hold our world, our
universe, and our nature together. He is the sustaining force, the
enabling power, and the generous preserver of life as we know it.
So since he could provide us these things and they are but a faint
anticipation of what is yet to be, won't it be great to see him,
just as he is, and share in his glory with him?!

PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for your gracious providence this day. Thank
you for creating this incredible world in which I live. You are
worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and thanks! I look forward to
the day, dear Lord, when I can worship you face to face, and give
thanks to our Father with you, for his wonderful love. To you, and
in your name, dear Jesus, I offer all my thanks and praise. Amen.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself
bringeth his mother to shame.

Proverbs 29:15, King James Version

Creative Spiritz

All we want in Christ, we shall find in Christ.

Posted On 03/12/2007 15:17:33

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 12, 2007 – The Strength to Obey – Mark 1:32-35

Jesus Christ was perfect and sinless. But still, He expects flawed and sinful people to follow His example of total obedience to the Father (Luke 14:27). The idea of perfection is intimidating. But Christ’s expectation is reasonable when we understand His example of how to have the strength to follow God.

Jesus learned obedience moment by moment, just like us (Hebrews 5:8). Each

day presented new opportunities to follow His Father’s plan. The Lord was fully God, but He was also fully man. Jesus had all the temptations and internal struggles that go along with being human. That’s why we read so often in the Bible about Jesus slipping away from the crowds to spend time alone with the Father. Talking with God and meditating on the Word were essential for Him to make right choices.

Jesus also had help from the Holy Spirit, who visibly came to Him at His baptism in Matthew 3:16. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:14 that, through the Spirit, Christ made Himself a sacrifice to God for mankind’s sin.

Jesus has a spotless record of obedience, even obedience unto death. He drew strength and wisdom from His Father and the Holy Spirit. We can do the same. We serve a living God who delights in meeting us to give instruction, direction, and warning. He provides a constant Companion to keep us safe and offer wisdom. When we experience daily fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, it will empower us to obey.

All we want in Christ, we shall find in Christ. If we want
little, we shall find little. If we want much, we shall find
much; but if, in utter helplessness, we cast our all on Christ,
He will be to us the whole treasury of God.

-- Henry Benjamin Whipple

March 12, 2007

VERSE:
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth
beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the
earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein
shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and
my righteousness shall not be abolished.
-- Isaiah 51:6

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Isaiah+51:6&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
I don't know about you, but it seems to me that sometimes the
Bible is so brutally honest it hurts! We consider our world, our
earth, to have been here a long time and assume it will be here a
long time more. But God reminds us that it is temporary! We are
even more temporary: just like flies, we're here for a short while,
and then we're gone. But not gone, gone! Christians are just gone
from the temporary existence of earth because our lives are caught
up with Christ in God's salvation which lasts forever and God's
righteousness that will never end or fail.

PRAYER:
O Righteous Father who hears my prayers and strengthens me for
the journey, thank you for the assurance that what I have as a
Christian with you goes beyond the boundaries of death, the
limitations of my humanity, and the vulnerabilities of my
weaknesses. Thank you that I am tied to you and your salvation and
that because of Jesus, you see me as your righteous and holy child.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed
after him.

Proverbs 20:7, King James Version

Creative Spiritz

Live to please God,

Posted On 03/11/2007 17:22:12

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh
well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil:
but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Proverbs 14:15-16, King James Version

March 11, 2007

VERSE:
Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my
supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for
thou wilt answer me.
-- Psalm 86:6-7

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+86:6-7&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
Sometimes there are no immediate answers. We have prayed and
cried and tried and gone sleepless and mourned and shouted. Still
there are no answers. The days roll by in an agonizing parade of
pain. Still there are no answers we can identify. What do we do? We
go to the Psalms. We let them raise up our heart's cry. We are
honest with the God of the entire universe and yet we can still
anticipate mercy from him. We are convinced that in our troubles,
he will not only hear us, but he will also care about what is
happening in our lives.

PRAYER:
Almighty God, the only true Healer of disease and Mender of
broken hearts, please hear the cry today of those I love who are in
such desperate situations. May your will be done in every one of
their lives with tenderness, grace, and a sense of your presence.
And Lord, please be near me, and help me see your answer to my
prayers. Forever yours in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Live to please God, and He will breathe on thee His peace. Seek
His glory, and He will make thy heart His home. Do His will, and
thereby good shall come to thee.

-- F. B. Meyer

Creative Spiritz

A Strange Time for Fear

Posted On 03/10/2007 21:19:32

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach
a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:9, King James Version

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 10-11, 2007 - A Strange Time for Fear - 1 Kings 19:1-4

Normally, we think of fear in terms of failure. We tend to become afraid when we experience a major setback and feel inadequate. Or, we may be shaken when we make a big mistake and think there’s something wrong with our judgment. These are the times when we would almost expect fear to strike, right?

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah demonstrated a radically different attitude when he experienced one of the most dynamic victories in all of Scripture. Armed with only his unflinching faith in the Lord, he faced down 850 false priests. God moved mightily and destroyed the idolaters, bringing glory to Himself throughout Israel.

But right after this confrontation, when his faith should have been at its strongest, Elijah became scared. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet learned that the evil queen Jezebel had called for his death. Apparently forgetting God’s mighty victory just moments before, Elijah ran away. How could this be?

Elijah’s story reminds us that our failures may not pose the greatest danger to spiritual growth after all. Potential for destruction may actually lie hidden within our successes. When our confidence is at its peak, we can sometimes turn our eyes away from the Giver of strength. Instead, we focus on ourselves.

Your victory is always in God’s hand. Don’t be fooled. He may work in, around, or through you to accomplish His purpose. But it’s always His victory. Have you been distracted by success? Turn your eyes back to God. All praise, glory, and freedom from fear are His.

Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with
God. And only he who sees takes off his shoes, the rest sit
round and pluck blackberries.

-- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

March 10, 2007

VERSE:
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God
hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and
Christ.
-- Acts 2:36

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Acts+2:36&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
More than titles, these two names of Jesus are the pillars
around which we can build our new lives in God's Kingdom. Jesus is
Lord! He is our Ruler and King. He is our Master and Teacher. Our
hearts are yielded to his will and open to his leading. We hold no
rival to Jesus in our hearts and lives. Jesus is the Christ! He is
the Messiah, the promised Savior of the Old Testament. He is the
one of whom the prophets spoke. Ruler and Savior, Master and
Messiah, Jesus is God's gift to bring us home. Jesus is the one who
went to the Cross to bring us forgiveness, redemption, and
salvation. The Crucified One is both Lord and Christ.

PRAYER:
We praise your mighty Name, O Lord, and thank you for your
gracious and sacrificial love. We praise you dear Father, for
sending your Son Jesus to die for our sins and to be raised for our
hope and salvation. Please help me, Sovereign God, to yield my
heart to Jesus my Lord as well as open my lips in praise to the
Christ of my salvation. In the mighty name Jesus and through the
intercession of the Spirit I pray. Amen.

How to Conquer Your Fears

Posted On 03/09/2007 15:24:38

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 9, 2007 – How to Conquer Your Fears – Psalm 27:1-3

Dr. Stanley has walked with the Lord for more than six decades. He’s read the Bible cover to cover many times, preached thousands of sermons, and written pages and pages of study material. But here’s something that may surprise you. In spite of all that, sometimes he’s afraid. And Dr. Stanley thinks you probably have similar experiences with fear. We live in a scary world!

You may feel frightened by failure, ridicule, loneliness, or something else entirely. Dr. Stanley says, sometimes out of nowhere, he begins to fear not being ready to preach an upcoming service. Early in the week, he may get a nagging feeling that he’s unprepared to deliver Sunday’s message. He says that uneasiness can continue throughout the week.

In response, he prays harder, studies longer, and reads his Bible more closely. Dr. Stanley is driven to do absolutely everything he can to succeed whenever he stands to proclaim God’s Word. Long ago, he decided not to let worry stop him from doing God’s will. But, before he takes his stand against fear, Dr. Stanley has to admit it’s there. That’s the key to conquering feelings of anxiety.

There’s no shame in admitting your fear. In Psalms, King David makes this confession several times (Psalm 34:4; 55:4-5). But, his confession is wrapped in prayer, acknowledging the Lord’s power over his fears and his enemies.

That same power is available to you today. God wants to cast out the fear and doubt in your life. Are you willing to go before Him today and admit your greatest fears?

God will be the covenant God of his people world without end.
There is no other God, we wish for no other, we would have no
other even if other there were. Throughout life, and to our
dying couch, he will lead us to the living fountains of waters.

-- Charles H. Spurgeon

March 9, 2007

VERSE:
   But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to
give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope
that is in you with meekness and fear:
    -- 1 Peter 3:15

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Peter+3:15&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
   Having Jesus as our Lord does not mean that we bulldoze over
others with this important eternal reality. Gentleness and respect
are the character traits of those who have Jesus as their Lord.
After all, Jesus loved others enough to die for them. Jesus even
asked for those who crucified him and those who mocked him as he
died to be forgiven. Having such a Lord means we have prepared a
response when we are given and opportunity to share the basis of
our hope in him. Those around us may not appear interested, but
many are seeking for something they have not yet identified. Let's
be ready when their time is right to meet Jesus!

PRAYER:
   Holy and gracious God, please give me wisdom to see the
opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around me. I
ask you to especially help me be able to share Jesus with several
of my friends that I now mention by name... Father, please give me
the gentleness to do this redemptively, showing them the same
respect Jesus did with those to whom he ministered. In the name of
the Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that
honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Proverbs 14:31, King James Version

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is

Posted On 03/08/2007 11:40:48

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is
cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Proverbs 11:17, King James Version

March 8, 2007

VERSE:
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve
thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
from this time forth, and even for evermore.
-- Psalm 121:7-8

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+121:7-8&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
One of my hardest challenges as a parent is knowing that I can't
ultimately protect my children from some hurts and heartbreaks.
Some of that pain is necessary to help them mature and grow. Some
of it is just the agonizing result of living in a fallen world.
But, we can be fully confident that if we share the Lord with them,
if they give their lives to his will, nothing can steal them from
his ultimate victory, care, and reunion with us and with him.
Knowing how we love them, imagine how much the Father loves us and
longs to bring us to that place of safety in his house! Until we
get home, isn't it comforting to know that he is watching over us
and those we love, now and forevermore?

PRAYER:
Watching and waiting Father, I too look forward to our first
face-to-face meeting. O Father, I know you see me and watch over
me, but sometimes I miss seeing you and find it hard to wait to be
comforted and blessed in your presence and my eternal home. Until
then, I recognize your watching care over all of my ways and thank
you now for everything I will one day receive. In Jesus' name.
Amen.

I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the
light.

-- Mary Gardiner Brainard

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 8, 2007 – How to Handle our Fear - Isaiah 41:10-13

A believer is captive to fear only when he or she chooses to be. Some people actually organize their life (or at least portions of it) around avoiding anxiety. But God’s children don’t have to live in that kind of bondage. His key to our shackles is trust.

At some time, fear enters the life of every believer. But it doesn’t need to remain long. To confront and overcome our concern, we must first acknowledge its presence. Ignoring anxiety, or trying to work around it, will likely cause us to step out of God’s will.

After we have admitted to being afraid, the next thing we must do is identify the nature of our fear. Sometimes, we feel anxious without knowing the reason. But the Holy Spirit can reveal why we are being held captive.

Next, we must begin the process of defeating fear’s hold on our lives. What better tool could there be for breaking chains than the Bible, the “sword of the Spirit” as it’s called in Ephesians 6:17. God’s Word speaks to our individual fears. Use a concordance to find specific practical help. Or, for more general encouragement, turn to Isaiah 41:10. Read and memorize this important promise.

When Dr. Stanley feels anxious, he takes Isaiah 41:10 back to God by praying, “Here’s what You said, and I believe You because You never lie. So I will trust You, Lord, to work in this situation.” Trusting God is the only way to be free from fear. Decide whether you are going to believe God and His promises or be chained by your emotions.

Creative Spiritz

Facing Our Fears

Posted On 03/07/2007 15:59:26

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 7, 2007 – Facing Our Fears – Psalm 26:1-6

Fear can creep into a person’s life and wraps itself around his mind and heart. This happens so subtly that he doesn’t recognize how anxiety has affected his decision-making, his health, and his spirit. Ultimately, many people miss God’s best. Their lack of faith keeps them from stepping out to do His will.

The fear may seem unimportant at first. But left unchecked, it can interfere with our lifestyle. Physically, tension may keep us from relaxing and enjoying the best each day has to offer. Constant anxiety can lead to health problems. Our mind can become clouded by fear, which can limit what we’re willing to think about and consider. Once that happens, our dreams and creativity will almost certainly be stifled.

Most dangerous to our spiritual lives is the mental paralysis that often accompanies unchecked fear. Unless it is submitted to God, a single anxiety can easily rule over us and color our attitude with a general sense of uneasiness. We become indecisive and worry that we will make poor decisions. This mindset entraps us, as we try to avoid anything that might cause fear. As a result, we stop growing as Christians, and our work and family life suffers.

This is a worst-case scenario. But, fear can affect you in many ways. When you attempt to ignore your anxiety or work around it, you aren’t placing complete trust in God and following Him wholeheartedly. Make an honest assessment of your life, and ask the Lord to reveal instances where fear is holding you back.

Take comfort, and recollect however little you and I may know,
God knows; He knows Himself and you and me and all things; and
His mercy is over all His works.

-- Charles Kingsley

March 7, 2007

VERSE:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that
are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or
dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by
him, and for him:
-- Colossians 1:16

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Colossians+1:16&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
"Jesus is Lord!" That doesn't just mean that we have yielded our
lives to his will and trusted in his grace. "Jesus is Lord!" This
means that everything that is created is his. All angels, demons,
and spirits are below him and their purpose is to honor and serve
him. Even though demons have chosen not to honor and serve him,
that decision does not change what their purpose should be or the
fact that Jesus showed his superiority over them in his crucifixion
and resurrection. It means the universe, with its vast expanse and
glory, was made by him and made to declare his glory. As God's
image to us, God's presence for us to know and see, he is our King,
Lord, and Savior. If our life is in his hands and our hearts are
yielded to his will, then no one and nothing can prevent his
ultimate victory for us and in us.

PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty God, thank you for revealing yourself in
Jesus. Thank you for triumphing over all powers and created beings.
Thank you for giving me the confidence that since I belong to you,
no outside force or any power of creation can have what belongs to
you. In the name of the Creator and King of all I pray. Amen.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that
which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 19:17, King James Version

A wise man seeks much counsel...a fool listens to all of it.

Posted On 03/06/2007 14:29:15

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

March 6, 2007 – The Priority of Obedience – 1 Samuel 15

Before leaving for work, a father says to his son, “Straighten your room, take out the garbage, and sweep the driveway.” When Dad comes home, the son explains his unique approach to the chore list: “Well, Dad, the garbage can was only half full. And, I figured nobody would see my room. But, I cleaned the driveway, just as you said.”

How many of us would say the son obeyed his father? Some of us treat God the same way. We approach Him with rationalizations and arguments, instead of submission. When Saul spared an enemy king and kept the best of the war plunder, He disobeyed God. The Lord commanded him to destroy everyone and everything, but Saul followed his own plan.

First, he argued that he followed the Lord’s command. With the exception of the rival king, everything had been wiped out (1 Sam. 15:13 & 15). When the prophet Samuel rebuked Saul for disobedience, the king passed the blame to the people. He also attempted to justify the sinful action by claiming he was planning to offer the choice plunder as a sacrifice. Persistent disobedience led the Lord to withdraw His blessing from Saul’s reign.

We might think our rationalizations sound convincing. But God isn’t fooled. He requires complete obedience. When we choose to follow only portions of His will, we are actually being disobedient ??? and there will be consequences. Anytime we step outside God’s will for our lives, we can expect consequences for not choosing the right path.

A wise man seeks much counsel...a fool listens to all of it.

-- Larry Burkett

March 6, 2007

VERSE:
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine
arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on
mine arm shall they trust.
-- Isaiah 51:5

http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Isaiah+51:5&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
God's promises stand through the ages. He has fulfilled them in
many different ways. He has punished evil nations, he has redeemed
Israel according to his promises, and he has sent Jesus as Savior
and redeemer. But most importantly of all, Jesus stands at the edge
of history waiting to return and bring full redemption for God's
people and salvation for those everywhere who long for his return.

PRAYER:
Sovereign Lord, I see so much injustice in the world and I long
for truth, righteousness, and justice to triumph. While I long for
the return of Jesus, my heart also breaks for the many that do not
know Jesus and for those who are in rebellion to your will. I don't
know what to ask other than that your will be done on earth as it
is in heaven and may the triumph of your will begin with me. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

Proverbs 11:16, King James Version