Date: May 20, 2012 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Begin with Prayer
Begin with Prayer
"O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." (Nehemiah 1:11)
Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 1:1-11
What's the first thing you do when starting something big for God? Some seek the aid of their pastor or church members. Others rally their family. Still others post it on a social website such as Facebook. Of course, we also pray, right? Typically, we tell others, enlist help, and then pray the Lord will bless our efforts.
Nehemiah faced a huge task. He had heard the reports from Jerusalem. The city was in bad shape, and the Jews there were in danger. Still, before he spoke with anyone else, he mourned, fasted, and prayed. He addressed God, first with praise, then in confession. He prayed God's words back to Him. Finally, he pleaded for favor before he spoke to the king.
When Jesus faced the cross - when His "hour had come" - He came to the Father in prayer. Everything His earthly ministry had led to would not move forward until He pleaded with and talked with His heavenly Father. Let's start, end, and bathe all we do in prayer. When we do, we find He has built something great through us.
Insight: When You Begin A New Work For God, Is Prayer Your First Step Or Your Last Resort? Begin With Prayer And Watch The Lord Work!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
+DEV+ Renounce the Ruins
Date: May 17, 2012 9:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Renounce the Ruins
Renounce the Ruins
"Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands' Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: 'Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho.'" (Joshua 6:2, 26)
Scripture Focus: Joshua 6:1-26
Joshua's first military victory in the Promised Land was at Jericho. There the Lord showed His people how they would achieve their victories: not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.
Joshua could have set up a monument to memorialize his victory. Instead, he obeyed God's command to dedicate the city and its contents to destruction. Then he moved on to the next task God had for him.
Sometimes we're so focused on past triumphs that we miss how God may want to use us today. The apostle Paul knew this and wrote, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" (Philippians 3:13). We often apply this verse to how we are to treat failure. But Paul was speaking of his successes (3:7-8). God does not want us building monuments to the past; He wants us to rely on Him for the future.
Some things are not meant to be rebuilt or revisited. Like Paul, we can forget what is behind - good or bad - and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us (3:12).
Insight: What Victory (Or Defeat) Do You Find Yourself Memorializing? Leave It Behind And Cling To What Jesus Christ Has Built For You!
Topic: +DEV+ Renounce the Ruins
Renounce the Ruins
"Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands' Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: 'Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho.'" (Joshua 6:2, 26)
Scripture Focus: Joshua 6:1-26
Joshua's first military victory in the Promised Land was at Jericho. There the Lord showed His people how they would achieve their victories: not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.
Joshua could have set up a monument to memorialize his victory. Instead, he obeyed God's command to dedicate the city and its contents to destruction. Then he moved on to the next task God had for him.
Sometimes we're so focused on past triumphs that we miss how God may want to use us today. The apostle Paul knew this and wrote, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" (Philippians 3:13). We often apply this verse to how we are to treat failure. But Paul was speaking of his successes (3:7-8). God does not want us building monuments to the past; He wants us to rely on Him for the future.
Some things are not meant to be rebuilt or revisited. Like Paul, we can forget what is behind - good or bad - and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us (3:12).
Insight: What Victory (Or Defeat) Do You Find Yourself Memorializing? Leave It Behind And Cling To What Jesus Christ Has Built For You!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
+DEV+ Demolition Experts
Date: May 16, 2012 11:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Demolition Experts
Demolition Experts
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated." (Proverbs 14:1, 17)
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 14:1-12
A popular television program builds a new home for a special family during each episode. Before they are able to construct a new house, they must first demolish the old one. The crew finds creative ways to tear down the original homes. They have run them over with monster trucks, blown them up, or crushed them with tanks.
Apart from television and the movies, demolition is rarely amusing. The Bible warns us of the danger of the "demolition" that can ruin our homes through resentment, lack of forgiveness, and foolishness. When we tear down each other with our anger, arrogance, or deceit, the results are damaging.
We can rush to demolish others or we can welcome the life-giving message of Jesus that creates clean hearts, heals the downcast, and makes all things grow. He gave His life for us so that we will be prepared to serve Him and to build up other believers (see Ephesians 4:12). As we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, He gives us His wisdom to build up others for His glory.
Insight: Do You Tear Down Others Instead Of Building Them Up? Ask God For Wisdom To Build Up Others As You've Been Built Up In Christ.
Topic: +DEV+ Demolition Experts
Demolition Experts
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated." (Proverbs 14:1, 17)
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 14:1-12
A popular television program builds a new home for a special family during each episode. Before they are able to construct a new house, they must first demolish the old one. The crew finds creative ways to tear down the original homes. They have run them over with monster trucks, blown them up, or crushed them with tanks.
Apart from television and the movies, demolition is rarely amusing. The Bible warns us of the danger of the "demolition" that can ruin our homes through resentment, lack of forgiveness, and foolishness. When we tear down each other with our anger, arrogance, or deceit, the results are damaging.
We can rush to demolish others or we can welcome the life-giving message of Jesus that creates clean hearts, heals the downcast, and makes all things grow. He gave His life for us so that we will be prepared to serve Him and to build up other believers (see Ephesians 4:12). As we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, He gives us His wisdom to build up others for His glory.
Insight: Do You Tear Down Others Instead Of Building Them Up? Ask God For Wisdom To Build Up Others As You've Been Built Up In Christ.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
+DEV+ Poor Construction
Date: May 15, 2012 11:17 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Poor Construction
Poor Construction
"Because they lead my people astray, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore it is going to fall." (Ezekiel 13:10-11)
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 13:1-16
Many homeowners live with the effects of toxic drywall. Over time, the inferior wallboard emits gases that corrode appliances and plumbing. Painting over it doesn't help. The only way to fix the problem is to gut the house and replace the drywall.
In Ezekiel's time, false prophets built their status with corrupt counsel. They claimed to speak for the Lord, but lied to the people. They spoke of peace, even as God prepared a nation to punish Israel. The people needed to confess and repent of their sin instead of relying on false promises. God rebuked and judged the false leaders.
Today people still rely on false promises rather than on God's Word. Our culture tells us that a loving God would not judge sin. It says truth is relative and there are many ways to God. But Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John14:6). No spiritual whitewash can cover our sin and enable us to stand before God. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can do that.
Insight: How Have You Fallen For The World's False Promises Instead Of Believing God's Truth? Follow The Truth Of Jesus Christ Today.
Topic: +DEV+ Poor Construction
Poor Construction
"Because they lead my people astray, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore it is going to fall." (Ezekiel 13:10-11)
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 13:1-16
Many homeowners live with the effects of toxic drywall. Over time, the inferior wallboard emits gases that corrode appliances and plumbing. Painting over it doesn't help. The only way to fix the problem is to gut the house and replace the drywall.
In Ezekiel's time, false prophets built their status with corrupt counsel. They claimed to speak for the Lord, but lied to the people. They spoke of peace, even as God prepared a nation to punish Israel. The people needed to confess and repent of their sin instead of relying on false promises. God rebuked and judged the false leaders.
Today people still rely on false promises rather than on God's Word. Our culture tells us that a loving God would not judge sin. It says truth is relative and there are many ways to God. But Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John14:6). No spiritual whitewash can cover our sin and enable us to stand before God. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can do that.
Insight: How Have You Fallen For The World's False Promises Instead Of Believing God's Truth? Follow The Truth Of Jesus Christ Today.
Monday, May 14, 2012
+DEV+ Why Do We Build?
Date: May 14, 2012 10:49 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Why Do We Build?
Why Do We Build?
"When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel." (Ezra 3:10)
Scripture Focus: Ezra 3:8-13
Why do we want to build great things? Is it to impress others with our abilities? Perhaps we want to impress God with what we are doing for Him.
When the Israelites returned to their land and rebuilt the temple, they started with the foundation. But it was not enough to use the right materials; they also had to build it the right way. Once they laid the foundation, the religious leaders came together to praise God for who He was and for how He loved His people. Their focus was not the building. Rather, it was the One for whom it was being constructed.
How we build the foundations of our lives is also important for Christians. Not only must we build solidly on Jesus Christ, we also need the right motive. Like the early Israelites, we are to build our lives on a foundation of praise and worship. If our focus is not on the Lord Himself, then everything else we do will deteriorate into empty ritual. Let's be established on praise for our great God who redeems us and builds our hope in Jesus.
Insight: How Can You Ensure That You Have The Right Motives When You Build? Praise God Today For What He Is Building In And Through You.
Topic: +DEV+ Why Do We Build?
Why Do We Build?
"When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by David king of Israel." (Ezra 3:10)
Scripture Focus: Ezra 3:8-13
Why do we want to build great things? Is it to impress others with our abilities? Perhaps we want to impress God with what we are doing for Him.
When the Israelites returned to their land and rebuilt the temple, they started with the foundation. But it was not enough to use the right materials; they also had to build it the right way. Once they laid the foundation, the religious leaders came together to praise God for who He was and for how He loved His people. Their focus was not the building. Rather, it was the One for whom it was being constructed.
How we build the foundations of our lives is also important for Christians. Not only must we build solidly on Jesus Christ, we also need the right motive. Like the early Israelites, we are to build our lives on a foundation of praise and worship. If our focus is not on the Lord Himself, then everything else we do will deteriorate into empty ritual. Let's be established on praise for our great God who redeems us and builds our hope in Jesus.
Insight: How Can You Ensure That You Have The Right Motives When You Build? Praise God Today For What He Is Building In And Through You.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
+DEV+ Solid Foundation
Date: May 13, 2012 11:27 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Solid Foundation
Solid Foundation
"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:25)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 7:24-29
The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stand 1,453 feet high. The towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1997 through 2003. They are also famous for their deep foundations. Bedrock in Kuala Lumpur is located far below the earth's surface, so builders were required to dig 394 feet to create a stable base for each of the skyscrapers.
Jesus taught us the importance of building our lives on a sure foundation. The world tells us to place a priority on pursuing our own interests. But Jesus said that when we build our lives on the solid rock of His Word, we gain a stable foundation for life.
As Christians, we might not think of rejecting the Word of God outright. Still, we often treat His commands as suggestions. We delay obedience or rationalize why we have chosen not to obey at all. Then we wonder why we lack the strength to withstand the temptations and trials of life. Rest solidly on Jesus Christ - He is the only foundation on which to build lives that will glorify Him.
Insight: Do You Receive God's Word As A Suggestion Or As Your Solid Foundation? Follow The Holy Spirit's Prompting To Obey His Word Today.
Topic: +DEV+ Solid Foundation
Solid Foundation
"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:25)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 7:24-29
The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stand 1,453 feet high. The towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1997 through 2003. They are also famous for their deep foundations. Bedrock in Kuala Lumpur is located far below the earth's surface, so builders were required to dig 394 feet to create a stable base for each of the skyscrapers.
Jesus taught us the importance of building our lives on a sure foundation. The world tells us to place a priority on pursuing our own interests. But Jesus said that when we build our lives on the solid rock of His Word, we gain a stable foundation for life.
As Christians, we might not think of rejecting the Word of God outright. Still, we often treat His commands as suggestions. We delay obedience or rationalize why we have chosen not to obey at all. Then we wonder why we lack the strength to withstand the temptations and trials of life. Rest solidly on Jesus Christ - He is the only foundation on which to build lives that will glorify Him.
Insight: Do You Receive God's Word As A Suggestion Or As Your Solid Foundation? Follow The Holy Spirit's Prompting To Obey His Word Today.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
+DEV+ Already Built
Date: May 10, 2012 10:44 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Already Built
Already Built
"When the Lord your God brings you into ‘a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build’ be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Deuteronomy 6:10, 12)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Have you ever walked into a blessing? You had no part in building it, yet you enjoyed the fruit of someone else's work.
The Israelites understood what it was to enjoy someone else's labor. After the nation spent hundreds of years in slavery and wandered in the desert for forty years, they finally entered the Promised Land. There they took over cities and houses others had developed and built.
This may not seem fair, but the Israelites had not been able to enjoy the work of their own hands during their time of slavery. Further, the Promised Land did not belong to the people who lived there, nor did it belong to Israel. It belonged to God, the sovereign Creator, and He could do as He wanted with it.
Jesus Christ is still sovereign, and He has welcomed us into the ultimate already-made haven: His Father's house. In John 14:2 He gave words of comfort, assuring His disciples and us that the home already prepared for us awaits when we put our trust in Him.
Insight: Do You Delight In Knowing That Jesus Already Built Your Foundation Of Faith In Him? Use Your Blessings To Bless Someone Else Today.
Topic: +DEV+ Already Built
Already Built
"When the Lord your God brings you into ‘a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build’ be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Deuteronomy 6:10, 12)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Have you ever walked into a blessing? You had no part in building it, yet you enjoyed the fruit of someone else's work.
The Israelites understood what it was to enjoy someone else's labor. After the nation spent hundreds of years in slavery and wandered in the desert for forty years, they finally entered the Promised Land. There they took over cities and houses others had developed and built.
This may not seem fair, but the Israelites had not been able to enjoy the work of their own hands during their time of slavery. Further, the Promised Land did not belong to the people who lived there, nor did it belong to Israel. It belonged to God, the sovereign Creator, and He could do as He wanted with it.
Jesus Christ is still sovereign, and He has welcomed us into the ultimate already-made haven: His Father's house. In John 14:2 He gave words of comfort, assuring His disciples and us that the home already prepared for us awaits when we put our trust in Him.
Insight: Do You Delight In Knowing That Jesus Already Built Your Foundation Of Faith In Him? Use Your Blessings To Bless Someone Else Today.
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