Date: May 10, 2012 12:04 AM
Topic: +DEV+ If You're Not the One
If You're Not the One
"This is what the LORD says: 'Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? ...I will raise up your offspring He is the one who will build a house for my Name.'" (2 Samuel 7:5, 12-13)
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 7:1-13
Do you dream of building great things for the Lord? Maybe you're an artist, hoping to be discovered. Perhaps you're a writer, crafting the next bestseller. But what if God does not intend for you to fulfill your goal? Might He want you to use your talents and resources to help someone else build for Him instead?
King David wanted to build a temple for Jehovah. Until then, the Ark of the Covenant had been housed in the tabernacle, a portable structure dating from the time of Moses. But David was not to build the temple. His son, Solomon, would be the one to do it. Still, David used the delay to prepare a notable supply of resources for Solomon's use.
Our culture insists that success comes from building something significant. However, our significance comes not from what we build or do. It comes because we have been purchased and freed by the blood of Christ, the One who is building us! As we rest in His salvation, the privilege is ours to help others along the way in Jesus' kingdom work.
Insight: Is There A Solomon In Your Life? Ask God What You Can Do To Help Him Or Her Build What God Has Assigned.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
+DEV+ Follow the Plan
Date: May 9, 2012 4:00 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Follow the Plan
Follow the Plan
"So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it" (Genesis 6:14-15)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 6:9-22
God gave Noah exact dimensions for the ark - measurements so precise that readers are often tempted to skip these seemingly boring details. Yet, each number was critical to the ark's ability to survive the massive flood that was to come. After the water receded, humanity once again flourished thanks to the Master Builder's plan and Noah's obedience.
Building something of lasting value requires not just reading good blueprints, but following them, too. No one would buy a house whose builder forgot to put in a door or placed the bathtub in the middle of the kitchen.
If we want to use our lives to build something of eternal value, we need to start with the right blueprints: God's Word. However, it is not enough for us to just read the Bible. We must obey it. God has enabled us to withstand the rising floodwater's of sin by giving us saving grace through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the "ark" in which we all can hide, and we are confident that when we pass through the waters, He will be there (Isaiah 43:2).
Insight: What Command In God's Word Are You Struggling To Obey? Determine To Obey What He Says Today Without Further Hesitation.
Topic: +DEV+ Follow the Plan
Follow the Plan
"So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it" (Genesis 6:14-15)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 6:9-22
God gave Noah exact dimensions for the ark - measurements so precise that readers are often tempted to skip these seemingly boring details. Yet, each number was critical to the ark's ability to survive the massive flood that was to come. After the water receded, humanity once again flourished thanks to the Master Builder's plan and Noah's obedience.
Building something of lasting value requires not just reading good blueprints, but following them, too. No one would buy a house whose builder forgot to put in a door or placed the bathtub in the middle of the kitchen.
If we want to use our lives to build something of eternal value, we need to start with the right blueprints: God's Word. However, it is not enough for us to just read the Bible. We must obey it. God has enabled us to withstand the rising floodwater's of sin by giving us saving grace through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the "ark" in which we all can hide, and we are confident that when we pass through the waters, He will be there (Isaiah 43:2).
Insight: What Command In God's Word Are You Struggling To Obey? Determine To Obey What He Says Today Without Further Hesitation.
Monday, May 7, 2012
+DEV+ Priorities
Date: May 7, 2012 10:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Priorities
Priorities
"Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 'Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?'" (Haggai 1:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Haggai 1:1-15
In what areas do you cut back when money is tight? Dining out? Movies? Vacations? While some financial obligations like rent or mortgage payments are fixed, we may reduce other expenses and spending to ensure that we make ends meet.
The work of the Lord does not stop during economic slumps. More people turn to the church for help with food, bills, or counseling when times are tough. Yet, giving to the church is often one of the first items to drop from the family budget.
After the Persians allowed the Israelites to return to their land, the people were more concerned with building their own homes than with rebuilding the temple. God rebuked their priorities and challenged them to put Him first.
We, too, may allow the economy, to affect our giving to build Christ's kingdom. When we fail to trust God's care, we cheat ourselves out of seeing Him meet our needs as only He can. Since our greatest need has already been met in Jesus, we can trust Him to see us through.
Insight: How does your financial situation affect your giving? Give God what is His, then rest in his care as you work for his kingdom.
Topic: +DEV+ Priorities
Priorities
"Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 'Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?'" (Haggai 1:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Haggai 1:1-15
In what areas do you cut back when money is tight? Dining out? Movies? Vacations? While some financial obligations like rent or mortgage payments are fixed, we may reduce other expenses and spending to ensure that we make ends meet.
The work of the Lord does not stop during economic slumps. More people turn to the church for help with food, bills, or counseling when times are tough. Yet, giving to the church is often one of the first items to drop from the family budget.
After the Persians allowed the Israelites to return to their land, the people were more concerned with building their own homes than with rebuilding the temple. God rebuked their priorities and challenged them to put Him first.
We, too, may allow the economy, to affect our giving to build Christ's kingdom. When we fail to trust God's care, we cheat ourselves out of seeing Him meet our needs as only He can. Since our greatest need has already been met in Jesus, we can trust Him to see us through.
Insight: How does your financial situation affect your giving? Give God what is His, then rest in his care as you work for his kingdom.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
+DEV+ Skills and Abilities
Date: May 6, 2012 11:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Skills and Abilities
Skills and Abilities
"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them master craftsmen and designers." (Exodus 35:35)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 36:1-7
Constructing a building requires a greater range of skills than we may first realize. Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are needed, but so are masons and roofers. And don't forget the glaziers, drywall hangers, and metal workers.
The building of the tabernacle also required a variety of laborers. When God told Moses to direct the process, He gave the people all of the skills they needed for their tasks. They were to adorn the simple frame structure with fine fabric, embroidery, and metal work to honor the Lord.
Do you have a special skill? You may sing, repair cars, or have a green thumb. Even if you are not sure of your skills, God has given you gifts to fulfill His plan for your life. Perhaps you have an ability to encourage, teach, or lead others. You may have a gift of hospitality or a desire to serve behind the scenes. Whatever our gifts and skills may be, let's use them to help build up His Church and point others to Jesus, just as the beauty of the tabernacle pointed to Him.
Insight: What Skills Have You Used For Jesus This Week? Find A Need In Your Church And Glorify God With The Skills He Has Given You.
Topic: +DEV+ Skills and Abilities
Skills and Abilities
"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them master craftsmen and designers." (Exodus 35:35)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 36:1-7
Constructing a building requires a greater range of skills than we may first realize. Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are needed, but so are masons and roofers. And don't forget the glaziers, drywall hangers, and metal workers.
The building of the tabernacle also required a variety of laborers. When God told Moses to direct the process, He gave the people all of the skills they needed for their tasks. They were to adorn the simple frame structure with fine fabric, embroidery, and metal work to honor the Lord.
Do you have a special skill? You may sing, repair cars, or have a green thumb. Even if you are not sure of your skills, God has given you gifts to fulfill His plan for your life. Perhaps you have an ability to encourage, teach, or lead others. You may have a gift of hospitality or a desire to serve behind the scenes. Whatever our gifts and skills may be, let's use them to help build up His Church and point others to Jesus, just as the beauty of the tabernacle pointed to Him.
Insight: What Skills Have You Used For Jesus This Week? Find A Need In Your Church And Glorify God With The Skills He Has Given You.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
+DEV+ Is Your Altar Pretty?
Date: May 3, 2012 10:27 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Is Your Altar Pretty?
Is Your Altar Pretty?
"If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it." (Exodus 20:25)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:21-26
What is your church's altar like? Is it wood, metal, engraved, or covered with fine linen? Altars in the Old Testament were used for sacrifices. Some were made of earth, others of stone. Later, when God told the people to build the tabernacle, He told them to fashion a bronze altar befitting His purposes for them.
In this passage, God directed Moses to build an altar of earth. He also said they could make altars of uncut stones. These altars were not built to be pretty. Their forms were rough, since tools could not be used to shape precise stones. Why would God require this?
First, the altar would not resemble a created thing, so it would not become an idol. The people also would not admire the altar as a work of art, which might distract them from its purpose. The focus was always the sacrifice that lay upon it.
Does what you do distract from what Christ did for you? Know that Jesus' sacrifice alone makes us acceptable to God.
Insight: Does What You Do Distract From What Christ Did For You? Know That Jesus' Sacrifice Alone Makes Us Acceptable To God.
Topic: +DEV+ Is Your Altar Pretty?
Is Your Altar Pretty?
"If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it." (Exodus 20:25)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:21-26
What is your church's altar like? Is it wood, metal, engraved, or covered with fine linen? Altars in the Old Testament were used for sacrifices. Some were made of earth, others of stone. Later, when God told the people to build the tabernacle, He told them to fashion a bronze altar befitting His purposes for them.
In this passage, God directed Moses to build an altar of earth. He also said they could make altars of uncut stones. These altars were not built to be pretty. Their forms were rough, since tools could not be used to shape precise stones. Why would God require this?
First, the altar would not resemble a created thing, so it would not become an idol. The people also would not admire the altar as a work of art, which might distract them from its purpose. The focus was always the sacrifice that lay upon it.
Does what you do distract from what Christ did for you? Know that Jesus' sacrifice alone makes us acceptable to God.
Insight: Does What You Do Distract From What Christ Did For You? Know That Jesus' Sacrifice Alone Makes Us Acceptable To God.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
+DEV+ The Desire to Build
Date: May 2, 2012 10:29 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Desire to Build
The Desire to Build
"'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'" (Genesis 11:4)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 11:1-8
Can you name the tallest building in the world? It changes every few years. The Empire State Building in New York held the title from 1931 to 1972. New York's World Trade Center was tallest for a while. Taipei 101 in Taiwan was tallest from 2004 until the Burj Khalifa opened in 2010 in Dubai.
Beginning with the Tower of Babel, people have been eager to leave their mark on the world. But these structures don't last. The hands of time and the sands of history wear away what at first seemed permanent. Even if buildings survive time's passage, they can be brought to rubble in an instant by those bent on destruction.
God created us to be His workmanship to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). But not just any good works. The only works that last are those God prepared for us to do. The most lasting work built in us was done by Jesus, our strong tower, not atop a building, but upon a cross. What God builds in us through the sanctifying work of His Son will be for our ultimate good and for His glory.
Insight: Will You Replace Good Works With The Better Works God Planned For You? Listen For The Holy Spirit's Prompting To Build Something Of Eternal Value.
Topic: +DEV+ The Desire to Build
The Desire to Build
"'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'" (Genesis 11:4)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 11:1-8
Can you name the tallest building in the world? It changes every few years. The Empire State Building in New York held the title from 1931 to 1972. New York's World Trade Center was tallest for a while. Taipei 101 in Taiwan was tallest from 2004 until the Burj Khalifa opened in 2010 in Dubai.
Beginning with the Tower of Babel, people have been eager to leave their mark on the world. But these structures don't last. The hands of time and the sands of history wear away what at first seemed permanent. Even if buildings survive time's passage, they can be brought to rubble in an instant by those bent on destruction.
God created us to be His workmanship to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). But not just any good works. The only works that last are those God prepared for us to do. The most lasting work built in us was done by Jesus, our strong tower, not atop a building, but upon a cross. What God builds in us through the sanctifying work of His Son will be for our ultimate good and for His glory.
Insight: Will You Replace Good Works With The Better Works God Planned For You? Listen For The Holy Spirit's Prompting To Build Something Of Eternal Value.
+DEV+ Accountability
Date: May 2, 2012 12:13 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Accountability
Accountability
"The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 2:4-25
Building processes begin long before the land is cleared or the first brick is laid. Architects rely on input from engineers, surveyors, and others. Permits are filed to meet building codes. Then the concrete is poured and the frame erected. At each stage, the builder must comply with the architect's plans to meet standards for quality and safety.
The Bible tells us of another kind of accountability. God made man and woman for His glory and honor. Whether we admit it or not, we will answer to the Lord. Those who reject the creation account in Genesis deny the reality of a creator. If we are not accountable to God, then our thoughts, words, and deeds do not need to meet His holy standards.
Just as a builder answers to an architect, we are accountable to the Architect of our lives, Jesus Christ. We may not like all of His standards, but we cannot ignore them. Still, we can rejoice that He has met every standard and kept perfect accountability for us so that we can spend eternity with Him.
Insight: How Does Your Life Reflect Your Accountability To God? Determine To Use God's Word Daily As Your Standard Of Righteousness.
Topic: +DEV+ Accountability
Accountability
"The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 2:4-25
Building processes begin long before the land is cleared or the first brick is laid. Architects rely on input from engineers, surveyors, and others. Permits are filed to meet building codes. Then the concrete is poured and the frame erected. At each stage, the builder must comply with the architect's plans to meet standards for quality and safety.
The Bible tells us of another kind of accountability. God made man and woman for His glory and honor. Whether we admit it or not, we will answer to the Lord. Those who reject the creation account in Genesis deny the reality of a creator. If we are not accountable to God, then our thoughts, words, and deeds do not need to meet His holy standards.
Just as a builder answers to an architect, we are accountable to the Architect of our lives, Jesus Christ. We may not like all of His standards, but we cannot ignore them. Still, we can rejoice that He has met every standard and kept perfect accountability for us so that we can spend eternity with Him.
Insight: How Does Your Life Reflect Your Accountability To God? Determine To Use God's Word Daily As Your Standard Of Righteousness.
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