Strength in Weakness

Monday, March 9 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 2 Corinthians 13:4 Recommended Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Southern California’s Imperial Valley was originally desert; growers depend on irrigation to bring water. The Imperial Irrigation District includes more than 1,400 miles of irrigation canals and 1,100 miles of irrigation pipeline. Canals and pipes are simply channels—a means for getting water from one place to another. In a similar sense, weak human beings are channels for God’s power. God wants to demonstrate His power to the world. To do so, He does mighty works through those who have no power of their own. Paul wrote that he was glad to be found weak, for then God’s strength in Christ could be revealed through him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). He told the Corinthians that God chooses to use the weak and foolish things of this world to shame the powerful (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). When God displays His power or wisdom or mercy or strength through a weak person, there is no question about the source. If you find yourself in a place of weakness today, tell God you are willing to be used to display His power. The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God. A. W. Tozer

A New Concept?

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Friday, January 16 Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. Mark 10:43-44 Recommended Reading Mark 10:35-45 Researchers at Arizona State University released a study showing that while arrogance and self-importance impress outsiders, it’s bosses with humility who impress their employees. When a CEO displays a humble spirit, he or she gains the long-term respect of coworkers. The Arizona researchers called this kind of attitude: “Servant Leadership.” Management expert Ken Blanchard points out that Jesus Christ not only taught servant leadership; He modeled it perfectly. One of the indications we’re following His example, says Blanchard, is how we respond to feedback. When self-serving leaders get feedback, they tend to become defensive or resentful. They’re interested in protecting their status, their turf, and their system. But servant leaders welcome feedback, for it’s how they learn, change, respond to the thoughts and needs of others, and show respect to the one speaking to them. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. As we humble ourselves and serve others, God will increase our influence and extend our effectiveness in arenas both large and small. Christians have more in Jesus than just a great spiritual leader; we have a practical and effective leadership model for all organizations, for all people, for all situations. Ken Blanchard, in Servant Leader

How to Avoid Disappointment

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Wednesday, December 12 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  Romans 5:5 Recommended Reading Psalm 119:16 Scientists have finally discovered a guaranteed way to avoid disappointment in life. First, unplug the phone, the television, the Internet, and don't answer the door. In short, have no interactions with other human beings. Second, get rid of all appliances (anything that might break). Third, expect the worst of everyone and you'll never have reason for disappointment. Okay, that's a little extreme. The truth is that disappointment can't be avoided for those who live a normal life. People will fail us, things will break, plans will change, and disasters will happen. Surely Jesus was disappointed with His disciples on occasion, especially Peter and Judas, so we will experience disappointment as well. But the very fact that we seek perfection in life is an indication of our longing for something beyond what this world provides. And that is the love of God that gives us hope that never disappoints. If you experience disappointment today or this week, focus your hope and expectations on the God who never disappoints.

Three Words to Fight Temptation

Thursday, November 15 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 Recommended Reading Luke 4:1-12 When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He faced it head-on with the Word of God, quoting it to silence Satan: "It is written," "It is written," "It is written" (Luke 4:4, 8, 10). If Jesus triumphed over temptation with God's Holy Word, how could anyone think they could live a life of holiness and purity apart from the Bible? Just as He has created a physical immune system to equip our bodies to ward off diseases, God has provided a way of overcoming temptation. Rooting His Word in our hearts, God implants His spiritual immune system that empowers us to live healthy, righteous, godly lives. Jesus Himself models the best spiritual antioxidants for strengthening ourselves against temptation -- the godly discipline of reading and obeying God's Word. Are you polluting your spiritual immune system with junk food -- the pollutants of the world's system? Let's commit to daily filling our hearts with God's Word and fighting temptation like Jesus did: It is written... The Lord in his suffering... provided a path of triumph which we can walk. The Word, watchfulness, prayerfulness. That's it. No magic. That's how you deal with [temptation]. Pour the Word in. Stay alert.

John MacArthur

Flirting With Fire

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Wednesday, November 14 And don't give the devil a chance. Ephesians 4:27 (CEV) Recommended Reading James 1:12-14 The age-old question "Why did Eve go near the tree of knowledge of good and evil?" hits closer to home than most of us might care to admit. If asked, "Do you flirt with temptation?" We may answer "No," But do we prove it in our daily pursuits by showing discernment as we use the Internet, choose movies, and prioritize our time with God? How close do we allow ourselves to get to temptation? Temptation reveals what's in our hearts. When we walk away from a tempting scenario -- and you probably know your weaknesses -- our hearts reveal what we truly believe. Each time we flee from temptation, it's not just a single victory. That victory is one step toward more victories because resisting temptation builds spiritual muscles. When temptation strikes again -- and it will -- we'll be stronger in dealing with it because we're becoming more like Christ. The daily habits of holiness built through reading the Word and prayer are the best ways to guard ourselves against temptation. The temptation itself has a way of strengthening us through the process to be holy and righteous people. Are you stepping toward temptation? Or away from it? Every time we say yes to temptation, we make it harder to say no the next time. Jerry Bridges

It is true that instead of insisting temptation, we usually come close to the "apple!" Instead of obeying the warning of the Holy Spirit, we rather listen to the voice of temptation. Actually we are set free from the power of Satan who has no authority over us. Thus, we don't need to listen to Satan's command. 

Only are we the servant of the most high God! Let's read the Bible and meditate it. Let's also communicate with God in prayer that we may experience his presence in our life.Knowing the presence of God in our life the source of peace, a fresh start and hope.