Chosen People

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

Were you ever in a gym lineup waiting to be “chosen” by a team captain for one side or the other? Remember the terrible feeling when you wondered if the captains thought you were such a bad player neither would pick you until last?

To realize that you have been “chosen” by Jesus to be on His team has to be the greatest feeling in all the world! He not only chooses you, but He chooses you FIRST!

And “chosen” for what? “Chosen” to bring forth FRUIT! Like a healthy “green olive tree, “you have been planted in the house of the Lord to do exactly what you were created for. (See Psalm 52:8.) An olive tree is made to produce olives. It does not have to strain and struggle to push them out.

So it is in your Christian life. The fruit of LOVE, JOY, and PEACE will radiate freely from your life as you simply “abide” in the presence of your Creator.

Stay planted in His house, and you will receive His loving, caring attention.

PRAY: “Loving, caring Father, help me today to rest easy in my call. Let the fruit of my life be sweet and nourishing to those around me. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Power in the Last Days

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves… unthankful, unholy . . . lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” II Timothy 3:1-2, 4-5

In I Chronicles 13:32, the men of Issachar “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Likewise, Christians today must realize that these are the “last days” and what yet needs to be accomplished. It is no longer “business as usual.” The time of the Gentiles has been fulfilled since the 1967  War in Jerusalem. (See Luke 2 1:24.)

God is shaking all nations on the earth. The Berlin Wall is down; the Soviet Union has disbanded; South Africa is dealing with the aftermath of apartheid. He wants His people to have understanding and POWER to endure tribulations and minister to others.

POWER comes through overcoming, and overcoming comes through experience. Study Jesus’ example in Luke 4. In times of distress, you must say to the enemy: “It is written… .” Proclaim the promises of God.

Praise and worship releases POWER for miracles. (See Psalm 67.) Persistence in prayer releases POWER for answers. (See Luke 11:5-10 and 18:1-8.)

PRAY:
“Omnipotent Father, I need Your POWER to see me through these times. Help me to be a peacemaker and to lift up Jesus’ Name so that others can experience it, too.”

Don’t Ever Give Up

“And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, Ipray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” Judges 16:2

Mighty Samson found himself at the mercy of Delilah because he let down his guard by neglecting his devotion to God. He might have thought: “I’m God’s vessel of gifting and power, set apart for ministry, and nothing can defeat me!” Sadly, he had forgotten the Source of his power and did not notice when the Holy Spirit left him, even. (See Judges 16:20.)

Sin carries a high cost. Like with Samson, sin will always “blind” you; “bind” you; “grind” you. “Do not he misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ (I Corinthians 15:33, NIV)

Through repentance and obedience to the call of God on your life, there is always a second chance for the Spirit’s return. Samson was a liar and an adulterer; Jonah ran from God; Peter denied Christ; Moses murdered. Yet, God gave them another chance; and Samson is listed as a man who “obtained a good report through faith” in Hebrews 11:32,39. DON’T EVER GIVE UP!

“… be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. “(Ephesians 6:10-11)

PRAY:
“Merciful Father, thank You for a second chance! Make me a blessing to others today. Surround me with good companions, and may Your Spirit never leave me. Amen.”

Imperfect People

“And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.” Judges 13:24

God uses imperfect people. Judges 13-16 shows that Samson was a little rough around the edges. He had a weakness for women; he had a bad attitude; he had a temper; and he lied repeatedly. Yet, he was chosen of God to lead Israel for twenty years!

God had a specific purpose for Samson. God did not approve of his sin; yet, He does not discard imperfection! I)o not let the devil discourage you by pointing out your imperfections and tempting you in your weaknesses. God still has a plan for you to fulfill.

God provided Samson four things with which He also provides each believer today:

1) A CALLING (Judges 13:5,7). It was from birth until death, and it was without repentance. (Romans 11:29.)

2) A CHARISMA (Judges 13:25; 14:6,19; 15:14). Not carnal enthusiasm, but through the Holy Spirit moving on and in him.

3) A CONGREGATION (Judges 14:3,16). Samson knew who were his people—a nation belonging to God— in the world, but not of the world.

4) A CONFRONTATION (Judges 14:4). There were God-given battles to be won. Spiritual warfare is also part of your call today.

PRAY:
“Mighty One of Israel, thank You for not casting me aside because of my imperfections. Let my works be blessed of You so they bring glory to Your kingdom. Amen.”

Beaches, Trees and Things

“But l am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name.” Isaiah 51:15

Christian Retreat is located on the beautiful Manatee River which flows west into the Gulf of Mexico. There you can walk sandy beaches and listen to the pounding surf. The retreat grounds are framed and shaded by stately oaks and palms. The skies are almost always blue, and at night the stars are breathtaking.

These wondrous sights bring praise to their Creator. In fact, if people do not praise Him, the Bible says the very “stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40) Both Psalm 98 and Psalm 148 exhort all creatures and creation to praise the Lord.

Other Scriptures indicate how creation “speaks”:

Rivers clap hands, and mountains sing – Psalm 98:8 (NIV)

Earth trembles, and mountains smoke – Psalm 104:32 (NIV)

Trees sing – Psalm 96:12 and I Chronicles 16:33 (NIV)

Seas roar – I Chronicles 16:32 and Psalm 96:11; 98:7

Clouds are His chariot, and wind has wings – Psalm 104:3

Heavens declare God’s glory – Psalm 19:1 So the next time you are walking barefoot on a sandy beach, stop to “hear” God speaking through the waves.

PRAY:
 “Oh Lord, Your ‘name alone is excellent’; and Your ‘glory is above the earth and heaven.* I see Your handiwork all around and am overwhelmed. Thank You! Amen.”

*Psalm 148:13

God Made Mothers

God made Mothers
For every girl and boy,
To give them hugs and kisses
And fill their lives with joy,
To wipe their nose and change their clothes
And tuck them into bed,
To keep a watchful eye on them
And see that they are fed.

God made Mothers
So that fathers could enjoy
An evening home with children
And discovery of a toy.
To clean the house and make the beds
Is only the beginning;
She’s always there to care in prayer,
And she believes in winning!

God made Mothers
To be friends and givers, too;
To demonstrate the love of God
In everything they do.
It isn’t just by accident
That everyone can say,
“Of course I have a mother
And love her in a special way!”

A Beautiful Woman

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  I Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

This Scripture is not criticizing nicely coiffed hair or wearing beautiful clothing; it just is emphasizing you should not rely on those things to portray your beauty.

There was a woman in Jesus’ time who had all of those earthly things as well as the inner qualities of which Peter speaks. She was Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus—all close friends of Jesus. In fact, because of those inner qualities, more Scripture is devoted to her than to ten of the twelve male disciples!

1) A woman who LISTENS. (See Luke lO:3-42.) She was open and willing to he taught, not argumentative, and more concerned with the things of God than the societal role placed upon her.

2) A woman who FEELS. (See John 11:1-33.) She was tender, sensitive, and compassionate . . . not hard, independent, and self-centered.

3) A woman who GIVES. (See Mark 14:3-6.) She did not take all she could; instead, she poured on expensive perfume and used her hair to dry Jesus’ feet in an attitude of submission.

PRAY:
“Father, I delight myself wholly in You* today. I am glad Jesus feels my infirmities.* Show me where to give of myself and my possessions.* In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*psaIm 37:4, Hebrews 4:15, Proverbs 11:24-25 (paraphrased)