2017-11-03
Judges 5:6 NIV
When Shamgar picked up his ox goad and slew six hundred Philistines, he made a decision that if he was going to go down, he was going to go down fighting (See Judges 3:31). And that’s the key to deliverance, whether it’s from the Philistines, or pride, or prejudice, or pornography, or any other stubborn problem in your life. You’ve got to go on the offensive. There comes a point when you say, “Enough is enough.” You know you cannot continue down the path you are on because it’s a dead end relationally, physically, or spiritually. It may not kill you, but it will eat you alive. You know you cannot keep doing what you’ve always done. Not if you want to get into shape, or get out of debt. Not if you want to recapture the romance, or reach the goal. Not if you want to leave a legacy worth living up to. And the good news is this: You are only one decision away from a totally different life. But you’ve got to grab your ox goad and go for it. Cut up that credit card. Apply for the graduate program. Take the mission trip. Set up the counselling appointment. William A. Lawrence wrote, “On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting – died!” Stop being a procrastinator. Stop being a perfectionist. Spiritual growth is about progress, not perfection. When it comes to going after your goals, your greatest adversary is inertia. We have a tendency to keep doing what we’ve always done, hoping that somehow things will change. They won’t, so be a Shamgar and take action!
Soul food: Isa 42-44; John 7:1-13; Ps 86; Prov 28:21-24
2017-11-02
Judges 3:31 NIV
Shamgar is mentioned only twice in Scripture, and his story takes up three lines and two verses. But his impact was amazing. And it’s a challenge to all those who think, “God would never use someone like me.” He may have been the least qualified person to deliver Israel from the Philistines. For starters, he likely wasn’t even an Israelite. His name is Hurrian in the original. He could have rationalized inaction in a dozen different ways. “I don’t have the right weapon. I can’t do this by myself. These aren’t even my people.” If you look for an excuse you will always find one. If you don’t, you won’t. When it comes to making excuses, we are infinitely creative. What if we channelled that creativity into finding solutions instead of finding excuses? If we did, God could use us as an instrument to fulfil His purposes just as He used Shamgar. When God stirs your spirit or moves your heart, you cannot sit back, you’ve got to step up and step in. And when you do, it can become a defining moment in your life. Don’t worry about the results. If it’s the right thing, the results are God’s responsibility. Focus on doing right things for the right reason, and don’t buy into the lie that it can’t be done! Yes, it will take all-out effort, but you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (See Philippians 4:13). A failed attempt is not failing. Failing is not trying. If you are trying, in God’s eyes you are succeeding. So grab your ox goad – and go for it.
Soul food: Isa 38-41; John 6:60-71; Ps 96; Prov 28:17-20
2017-11-01
Hebrews 9:26 CEV
There were many pieces of furniture in the tabernacle, and each served a different purpose. But there wasn’t a single seat. Do you know why? Because the priest’s work was never finished! The people sinned constantly, so lambs had to be constantly sacrificed to atone for their sins. However, when Jesus died, rose again and went back to heaven, the first thing He did was sit down (See Hebrews 10:12). That’s because the work of salvation was finished! The Bible says: “Christ did not have to offer himself many times. He wasn’t like a high priest who goes into the most holy place each year to offer the blood of an animal …instead…he offered himself once and for all, so that he could be a sacrifice that does away with sin” (Hebrews 9:25-26 CEV). And because of Christ’s “once and for all” sacrifice on the cross, you have direct access to God at any time. The moment you say, “Father, I come in the name of Jesus,” you’re made welcome and all your needs are met. There’s a story from Civil War days about a soldier sitting on a bench outside the White House looking depressed. A little boy passing by stopped and asked what was wrong. The soldier told him he needed to see President Lincoln but the guards wouldn’t let him in. Hearing this, the boy took him by the hand and led him directly into the president’s office. “Father,” he said, “this man really needs to speak with you.” That boy was the president’s son; he had direct and continuous access to his father. And because you belong to Jesus, you do too!
Soul food: Heb 11:4-12:3; 1 Chr 17:1-20; Ps 18:20-29; Prov 4:18
2017-10-31
Psalm 89:16 NKJV
Yes, segments of our culture have grown hostile to the Christian faith. But the popularity of faith-based films has caught Hollywood by surprise during the last few years. Meanwhile, popular Bible teachers get as much traction on social media as secular celebrities like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. The amount of Christian content on YouTube is staggering. Let’s stay informed and engaged with the culture around us so we can answer their questions. And let’s keep in mind that Jesus said, “I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 KJV). God is still on the throne. The last book of the Bible reminds us that when it’s time for Jesus to come back, He will return victorious. All His enemies will bow down and acknowledge His lordship. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV). God has called you to walk in supernatural peace, love, and joy. As His redeemed child, you are the citizen of a different kingdom: God’s kingdom on earth. Do you want to know how it all ends? “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15 NKJV). Do you want to know your destiny? Picture the excitement of fans whose team just won the soccer World Cup or the Super Bowl – that’s us!
Soul food: Deut 18:9-18; Dan 2; Isa 47:5-15; Acts 16:16-34
2017-10-30
Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV
When Nehemiah wrote, “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” God’s people were rebuilding Jerusalem after returning from seventy years of captivity in Babylon. They were surrounded, outnumbered, and threatened each day by hostile nations. Similarly, there’s bad news today. But there’s also good news. (1) We are in a church-planting boom. Church expert Ed Stetzer says new churches are actually being planted in the United States more quickly than old ones are dying – and research shows that 60 to 80 percent of people who join new churches are from unchurched backgrounds. This is true in other nations too. That means more people are being reached with the gospel today than when dead religious churches talked about evangelism but failed to do it. (2) Latin America is experiencing a political and spiritual awakening. Political change in Venezuela is one more indication that leftist governments are losing power. Similar movements against corruption are occurring in Argentina, Brazil, and other Latin American countries – at a time when evangelical churches are growing at unprecedented rates. (3) The Bible is still the most popular book ever. It’s also the best-selling and most widely distributed book. Nearly four billion copies were printed and sold globally in the last five decades – far exceeding any other book. Don’t let the bad news steal your joy. If you have become negative and fearful because of what’s going on in the world, push your rejoice button and reset your spiritual life. God is moving, and all who trust in Him have something to celebrate.
Soul food: Isa 34-37; John 6:52-59; Ps 9; Prov 28:13-16
2017-10-29
John 15:11 NKJV
Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” If you think things are bad today, consider the world Jesus and His disciples lived and ministered in. The Roman Empire ruled over every nation, including Israel. Taxes were through the roof. Freedom of speech and religion was so restricted that you could be imprisoned or killed for being a Christian. Immorality and perversion were not only tolerated, but promoted. Eventually Christ’s disciples would be put to death for their faith. Yet He promised them that His joy would “remain in them,” and that their joy would be “full.” So don’t let what’s going on in the world around you today dictate your attitude as a redeemed child of God. Yes, there’s bad news. But there’s also good news. For the next few days let’s look at some of it. (1) Muslims are coming to Christ faster than ever before. In his book A Wind in the House of Islam, author David Garrison says that something unprecedented is stirring in the Muslim world. “We are living in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in history.” He cites evidence of powerful Christian movements that have started among Muslims since the year 2000. (2) The gospel is transforming China. A few years ago, The Telegraph reported that Christianity is growing so fast in China that it will most likely be considered a Christian nation by 2030. Given China’s economic power, this has huge implications. So rejoice, and don’t let the bad news steal your joy.
Soul food: 2 Ki 6:8-23; Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36
