Monday, March 31 2008

"And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord." (2 Chronicles 20:3--4)

Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with Israel's other enemies and were coming to destroy him.

One day, someone came to King Jehoshaphat and warned him that a gigantic army was headed his way, bent on his destruction. It was hopeless. There was no way that he could meet this army with what he had. He was going to be destroyed.

What did Jehoshaphat do? The Bible says that he "set himself to seek the Lord." He prayed, "O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12).

The Lord told Jehoshaphat, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. . . . Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:15--17).

Jehoshaphat and his army went out to meet their enemies, but they put the worship team out front. The Bible says that when they began to sing and praise the Lord, the enemy started fighting among themselves and destroyed each other.

Maybe you are facing what seems like an impossible situation right now. You may not be able to see a way out. But God can. Call on Him. Then stand still and see what He will do.

Friday, March 28 2008

Exceeding Expectations

"She said to the king, 'The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard'" (1 Kings 10:6-8).

When people meet you, or experience your work life skills, would they say that you far exceeded their expectations? Do you undersell and over produce, or oversell and under produce? Solomon's wisdom far exceeded any man's wisdom and it was evident to others. When people come in contact with you do they come away with a sense of greater appreciation of you after meeting you?

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men" (Prov 22:29). Whenever we exceed the expectations of man, we bring glory to our Heavenly Father and He often elevates us among men.

Bezalel was a man who designed the ark of the covenant for Moses because God handpicked him to design it because of his exceptional skill. Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others" (Ex 35:30-35).

If there was a Kingdom project to be done would God recommend you for the job? God calls you to live our lives and do our work with excellence.

Thursday, March 27 2008

The University of Adversity

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).

The pathway to leadership almost always takes us through the valley of adversity. We see this principle not only in the story of Joseph, who endured thirteen years of adversity, but also in the lives of many other leaders in both the Old and New Testament.

Moses was raised in the royal splendor of Pharaoh's household in Egypt, but he was forced to flee and spend 40 years in desert exile before God spoke from a burning bush and called him to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery. Joshua spent the years of his youth as a slave in Egypt and his middle-aged years wandering in the desert at Moses' side. He was well acquainted with adversity when God called him to lead Israel's armies in the conquest of Canaan. The prophet Daniel had to pass through a fiery furnace and a den of hungry lions before he could reach a place of power and influence in the Babylonian courts. And we see this same pattern played out in the lives of David, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea and other Old Testament leaders.

Turning to the New Testament, we see that even Jesus had to face adversity in the desert, suffering hunger, thirst, temptation and opposition from Satan. Only then could He begin His public ministry. The Lord's disciples had to endure the loss of their Master, the failure of their own faith and character, and the dark days of despair between the cross and the empty tomb before they could become the founding leaders of the Lord's church.

It's hard to find anyone in Christian history who became a great leader without earning an advanced degree at the "University of Adversity."

Wednesday, March 26 2008

Isn't This Joseph's Son?

"All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. 'Isn't this Joseph's son?' they asked" (Luke 4:22).

Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in the view of religious leaders and the common people of his day. He was also becoming known as a rabbi who thought and did things "outside the box." He was an unusual mixture of the earthly common man who did daily work just like his other villagers in Nazareth. So, when the public ministry side of his life began to surface, the first observations were, "Isn't this Joseph, the carpenter's son?"

This is not unlike what happens when God calls you into a more public ministry. "Isn't that John, the CPA, or Bill the restaurant manager, or Susie the bank executive?" The first question among our critics is "Where did John, Bill, or Susie get religion?"

The religious spirit in the workplace reveals itself in many ways. The religious spirit can best be defined as an agent of Satan assigned to prevent change and maintain the status quo by using religious devices. The religious spirit seeks to distort a genuine move of God through deception, control and manipulation. It was the primary force against Jesus designed to intimidate and turn His relationship with God into a set of rules and regulations. Satan does not want Jesus in the workplace because that is where the authority lies to change a workplace and lives. God desires you to bring His presence with you into the workplace every day. Do not let the enemy of your soul shame you into alienating your faith from your work.

Today, ask Jesus to go into the workplace with you. The two of you just might be the team to bring someone out of slavery and bondage.

Tuesday, March 25 2008

But Master...

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5).

Have you ever argued with God? One of the first sermons Jesus ever gave was from a boat. It was Simon Peter's boat. Jesus used a businessman's business to preach the Gospel. However, Peter had to first make his business available to the Master. When he did, something wonderful happened to his business.

You see, Peter's fishing business was in a slump. They had just fished all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, Peter made his boat available to Jesus to use as He wished. Jesus used it to preach to the multitudes. After Jesus used Peter's boat for His purposes Jesus did something interesting for Peter. He blessed his business. However, Peter almost missed the blessing because he began to argue with Jesus. Peter was looking at the market conditions instead of the instruction of Jesus. Something inside of him made him reconsider Jesus' instruction. Jesus rewarded his obedience. "When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink?" (Luke 5:6-7).

We see a number of Kingdom principles we can apply in our work lives in this story. 1) We must be willing to let God use our work life for His purposes 2) We must not look at circumstances and argue with Jesus when His instruction seems to contradict what we have seen or experienced already, 3) We must obey the Lord.

When we obey the Lord we might just see Jesus use us for His glory and bless our obedience.

Monday, March 24 2008

Going Against Public Opinion

"On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, 'No! He is to be called John.' They said to her, 'There is no one among your relatives who has that name.'" (Luke 1:59-61).

Have you ever had to go against public opinion or advice from family members or peers? Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. It was time to name the child. Tradition said the name would be in honor of a family member. The family members were insistent. When Elizabeth didn't agree with them, they appealed to Zechariah who supported Elizabeth.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were told by the angel Gabriel the name was to be "John." They were being obedient to the Lord's command which went against tradition and public opinion.

We live in a day when leaders are often driven more by public opinion than what is right. We are each called to live a life based on obedience-based decisions, not public opinion. Living a life of obedience will often go against the tide of public opinion. Jesus lived a life based on a purity of purpose and mission. The Pharisees wanted Him to conform to the rules of religious tradition. The result was He died because He lived to obey an audience of One, not public opinion.

Are you challenged to live a life of conviction versus pleasing others? Be true to what God has called you to do no matter the cost.

Friday, March 21 2008

Absolute Needs

Phi. 4:19 – ‘My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’

From our first breath until our last, we have few truly essential needs. Without oxygen, we would perish in minutes. We must have food and water. Our bodies, when exhausted, require rest. And in harsh weather, we must seek shelter. So, while we are needy creatures, our basic needs are few.

When it comes to our wants, however, there seems to be no limit. Indeed, the entire advertising industry is devoted to expanding our ‘needs’.

But what about those basic needs we overlook? What about our need for the Bread of Life and the living water of God’s truth? What about our need for spiritual fellowship that gives strength, hope, peace, and comfort? The vague dissatisfaction so many people experience is really spiritual malnutrition and thirst.

Have we been ignoring the word of Jesus: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone’? Have we been failing to nourish our souls while pursuing our wants? ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’ (Mt. 6:33). (VG, ODB)

Thursday, March 20 2008

Designed by God

Ro. 12:4 – ‘We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.’

Bison are made in such a way that their natural inclination is to look down; the design of their necks makes it difficult for them to look up. In contrast, giraffes are designed in a way that makes looking up easy; the way their necks were made makes it difficult for them to look down. Two creatures created by the same God but with distinctively different body parts and purposes. Giraffes eat leaves from branches above. Bison eat grass from the field below. God provides food for both and neither has to become like the other to eat.

As we observe the animals and people around us, we’re reminded that God made each of us unique for a purpose. One person’s natural tendency is to look up and see the ‘big picture’, while another looks down and focuses on details. God gave us individual talents and spiritual gifts so that we can work together as a body.

Human beings are the crowning jewel of creation, and we shine the brightest not when we see our own likeness reflected in others but when each of us performs the unique functions that God designed us to do. ‘Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.’ (Ro. 12:6). (JAL, ODB)

Wednesday, March 19 2008

Armed and Extremely Effective

Eph. 6:12 – ‘We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…spiritual host of wickedness.’

Last January, the police officers in Tijuana, Mexico, had their guns confiscated. It was suspected that some of them had been in collusion with drug traffickers. At first, fearing for their safety, the police stopped patrolling. But eventually, some of them returned to work – carrying slingshots. Three weeks passed before their more effective weapons were returned to them.

Although we all remember a shepherd boy who used a sling and a single smooth stone with great success in his encounter with a giant (1 Sam. 17), few of us would have the courage to face violent threats armed with such puny protection. But every day, although we are often ill prepared, we do face a threat as Ephesians 6:12 tells us. The outcome of this battle is sure, however. Jesus is the victor. And using the armor and weapons He supplies, we are able ‘to stand’ (vs. 13). We fight in His power and strength.

Each day we mush put on the armor of God – the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, God’s word (vs. 13-17). Preparation and protection are the key to winning spiritual battles. (CHK, ODB)

Tuesday, March 18 2008

Jesus’ Difficult Words

Jn. 6:66 – ‘From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.’

Recently, a company advertised a ‘huggable, washable, and talking’ Jesus doll that recites ‘actual Scripture verses to introduce children of all ages to the wisdom of the Bible.’ Its sayings include, ‘I have an exciting plan for your life,’ and ‘Your life matters so much to Me.’ Who wouldn’t want to follow a Jesus like this?

Jesus does offer a wonderful plan for our lives. But He doesn’t serve as a cosmic genie or cuddly doll to meet our every whim. John 6 gives us a picture of Jesus who is not so cuddly – in fact, He’s often offensive. Instead of fulfilling the selfish desires of His followers, He disturbed their expectations. He offered himself as spiritual bread from heaven and said, ‘Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.’ (vs. 54)

This message was offensive and difficult. The image of eating flesh and drinking blood did not give His hearers ‘warm fuzzies’. Many stopped following Him. He wasn’t the conquering Messiah-King they had expected.

Sometimes we want a Jesus who meets our selfish needs. But the wonderful life He offers is found only in radical obedience to His commands. Let’s ask Jesus to show us what His words mean, and for the courage to act on His truth. (MW, ODB)

Monday, March 17 2008

The Most Depressing Day

Ex. 5:23 – ‘Since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.’

Scientists in UK have calculated that the most depressing day of the year comes in the 3rd week of January. Winter days are dark and cold, holiday excitement has worn off just as Christmas debts are coming due, and New Year’s resolutions have all been broken. The celebrations, gift-giving, and good intentions that once made us feel happy now press u down and leave us feeling hopeless.

Long ago in Egypt, the Hebrew people had high hopes that Moses would rescue them from slavery. But their hopes were dashed when Moses’ good intentions led to worse conditions for them. Instead of gaining freedom, the people were pressed even harder by slave drivers who demanded that they produce the same amount of bricks with fewer resources.

So Moses cried out to the Lord in Ex. 5:23. As Moses and the Hebrew people were about to learn, God’s rescue plans sometimes don’t kick in until all hope seems to be gone.

If the circumstances of your life seem to be going from bad to worse, sending you into depression and despair, remember that God always hears and answers our cries – but it’s in His time, not ours. (JAL, ODB)

Friday, March 14 2008

What Do You Think?

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)

When Jesus walked this earth, He blew the cover off the religious elite of the day: the Pharisees who smugly thought that if they did not commit certain sins, they were okay. But somehow, they had rationalized that they could do these things in their minds and it was not sinful. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). They didn't like that a whole lot.

What was Jesus pointing out to these men, and to us as well? He was emphasizing again and again the importance of our minds, our hearts, and our attitudes. That's because sin is not merely a matter of actions and deeds. It is something within the heart and the mind that leads to the action.

Sin deceives you into thinking that because you have not committed the act, you're okay. In reality, if you keep thinking about it, it may be only a matter of time until that thought becomes an action. Even if it doesn't, that thought is still spiritually destructive. So you need to go out of your way as a Christian to protect your mind and your thoughts. Satan recognizes the value of first getting a foothold in the realm of your thoughts and imaginations, because he knows this will prepare the way for that thought to eventually become an action.

As it has been said, "Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny." It all starts with a thought.

Thursday, March 13 2008

Filled with the Holy Spirit

"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit'"(Acts 9:1).

Billy Graham, the great evangelist, shared a personal story about the role of the Holy Spirit in his life-long ministry and how he came to see the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

In my own life there have been times when I have also had the sense of being filled with the Spirit, knowing that some special strength was added for some task I was being called to perform. We sailed for England in 1954 for a crusade that was to last for three months. While on the ship, I experienced a definite sense of oppression. Satan seemed to have assembled a formidable array of his artillery against me. Not only was I oppressed, I was overtaken by a sense of depression, accomplished by a frightening feeling of inadequacy for the task that lay ahead. Almost night and day I prayed. I knew in a new way what Paul was telling us when he spoke about 'praying without ceasing.' Then one day in a prayer meeting with my wife and colleagues, a break came. As I wept before the Lord, I was filled with deep assurance that power belonged to God and He was faithful. I had been baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ when I was saved, but I believe God gave me a special anointing on the way to England. From that moment on I was confident that God the Holy Sprit was in control for the tasks that lay ahead. That proved true*

As a believer, God has provided the Holy Spirit for you and I so that we can experience the power of the gospel that allows us to live the Christian life.

Today, if you have not done so, invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing so that you can be a witness in your workplace, your family, and your community.

Wednesday, March 12 2008

Walk as Jesus Did

"This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6).

The above verse is always found very intimidating. It says that if we are truly living in Christ, we must walk as Jesus did. How did Jesus walk? He healed the sick. He perceived the needs and situations of others supernaturally He spoke boldly into the lives of the unsaved. He met the needs of people by leading them to the Kingdom of God. Jesus says we must walk as He did. So, we can conclude from this verse that if we are each called to live this way, He will also equip us to live this way.

How did Jesus walk? He walked on earth as a human being, not as God, yet He was God. His miracles were done as a human being who tapped into the power of His Heavenly Father. This is why he can exhort us to live like He did not as deity, but as a human being who could appropriate all the Father had for him. This is what He means when He says "live as He lived." We are to exercise obedience and faith just as He did.

We live in a day that requires more than proclamation evangelism to break through in the workplace. We live and work in a skeptical society. It takes more than reasoning to see those in the workplace come to Christ. The workplace is trained to see past phonies. So, it will require the genuine love and power of Christ to be manifested to break through to a Muslim co-worker, a power-driven executive, or a foul-mouthed construction worker.

Jesus modeled a way of reaching the lost. He did not use reasoning to convince a person to follow him. He often operated in the supernatural revelation about a need in that person's life. Such was the case of the Samaritan woman. This encounter not only led to a woman placing her faith in the Messiah, but it led to the transformation of a city. Next time you have an encounter with an unsaved associate, find out about a need they have and ask God how you can meet it through His power.

Tuesday, March 11 2008

On the Offensive

"Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)

During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several hours, no word came from Baker Company. Finally, radio contact was made, and when asked for a report of their situation, Baker Company replied: "The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is to the north of us." Then, after a brief pause, the voice continued, "And this time, we're not going to let them escape."

It seems that way in the life of the believer. The enemy is at every turn. Yet some Christians don't realize that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. They are oblivious to the fact that a war is raging. And in this war, they are either winning or losing.

In a battle, it's always better to be an aggressor rather than of a defender, because the defender is simply waiting for the enemy's next attack, hoping he will survive. If we, as believers, are always defending, then the devil is in the superior position. But if we are attacking, then we are in the superior position. When the apostle Paul wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, he mentioned one offensive weapon: "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (v. 17).

Make no mistake about it: there is authority and power in the Word of God. God's Word sticks. God's Word breaks through. God's Word impacts. When the enemy has you surrounded, keep him on the defensive with the Word of God.

Monday, March 10 2008

John the Baptist was the Greatest

"I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt 11:11-12).

John the Baptist did no miracles. Elijah performed miracle after miracle. Daniel interpreted dreams for kings and he and his friends impacted an entire nation. Jeremiah and Isaiah were two of Israel's greatest prophetic voices. Jesus built his church through the twelve disciples. But Jesus made a profound declaration about this man who performed no miracles - He is the greatest among all the prophets.

Why did Jesus make such a claim? Because he did one very important thing - he fulfilled his purpose on earth in every way.

The disciples asked John the Baptist, "Are you the one we have been waiting for? John responded quickly, "No." Then he made a profound statement: "A man can receive only what God gives him" (John 3:27). He had a complete understanding of why he was placed on earth.

Jesus proclaimed John the Baptist was the greatest because he (John) knew and fulfilled his purpose. The angel Gabriel described John's purpose to his father: "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).

His purpose was absolutely necessary to be achieved in order to prepare the way for Jesus. Do you know why God made you? Are you fulfilling the destiny He has planned for you since the foundation of the earth?

Understanding your work life purpose is key to receiving your inheritance. Paul said no matter what kind of work you do, if God has called you to do it, you will receive an inheritance for doing it. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-25).

Friday, March 7 2008

Remedy for the heart

All week long, we’ve been reminded about the reality of the problem of the heart in our lives and that God takes seriously the condition of our hearts, because ultimately He sees our hearts as it is and He requires of it more than anything we can offer. But today, let’s take a moment to just linger in His presence and just meditate on His word for a while. Here are some of David’s words when he sinned against the Lord recorded in Psalm 51:10-12 and 17.

Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away from your presence,
And take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
And uphold me with a willing spirit…

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart, O God,
You will not despise.

Thursday, March 6 2008

Kingdom Standard

Mt. 5:20 – ‘For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’

I can imagine the stunning faces of the crowd who heard these words that came out from Jesus’ mouth. I mean the Scribes and the Pharisees were the top of the tops in terms of religious practices – if anybody that God had His eyes on and if anybody were the first ones qualified entering God’s kingdom – it’s got to be them! Well, not so said Jesus.

Jesus knew that external behavior is deceiving most of the times – especially in religious practices. We may act lovingly, but it doesn’t mean that we really love. We may abstain from any act of sexual immorality, but it doesn’t mean that we never lust in our hearts. Religion can help us act lovingly, but it can’t turn us into loving people.

Outward behavior and obedience may fool our friends, neighbors, and others, but what God requires is not simply more obedience, but rather a deeper obedience – obedience that comes from the heart. You do it because you have it inside, not because you have to or simply because someone told you to do it. We may need once in a while an encouragement or reminder, yet it is all up to our hearts – it serves as our fuel and the sustainer of what we really believe in and thus reflect what we do regardless, despite our circumstances, conditions, or even the kinds of people that we’re dealing with. Don’t be fooled, hearts are what God sees and what He requires of us.

Wednesday, March 5 2008

The Disease of the Heart – Part 2

Mt. 15:19 – ‘For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality…’

If yesterday we looked at ‘anger’ and ‘guilt’, today we’ll discover 2 more threats to our heart. And the third one is ‘jealousy’. ‘Jealousy’ says that, ‘God owes me…’ Often than not, we are so ‘eaten up’ either by others’ accomplishments, skills and talents, charisma, and we blame God for it. Jealousy imprisoned us by what others have. The only cure to jealousy is to celebrate what others have. To celebrate what others have is a scary thing, because it might mean that we acknowledge that others are better, more gifted, and more talented than us in certain areas. Yet to celebrate what others have frees us to move on and develop what we already have.

The last one is ‘greed’. And ‘greed’ says, ‘I owe me…’ This is very scary yet so subtle because no one right of the bet would ever admit having ‘greed’ in their hearts. Yet ‘greed’ creeps in so unnoticeably to our hearts that turns everything and anything to ourselves. And we say to ourselves, ‘I deserve this…’ or ‘I deserve more than this…’ This is dangerous because we’re all ultimately are rewarded by God whom alone is the ultimate judge and rewarder of all. And the remedy for greed is simply to give generously. Not just give, but give generously.

So what threatens your healthy heart? We all have to deal with issues that we rather not talk about or bring to the surface. But for the sake of our hearts, we have to come to grips with the reality of the real threats that could ruin our hearts before God.