Life With a Purpose

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go." - Joshua 1:7 (NIV).

Motivational speaker, Mark Victor Hansen, said, "Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do to guarantee your personal, professional and financial success. Goals are like a road map to your target destination. Each goal accomplished is another mile behind you on the way to where you want to be."

Years ago another speaker said, "Success is the ability to embrace a worthwhile goal and employ all of your powers for the achievement of that goal."

A life without goals is like a ship without a rudder drifting where the winds and waves of chance direct. However, even more important than setting goals is to first discover one's God-given life purpose and then establish goals to fulfill that purpose.

This is exactly what Joshua did. And as long as he and the people of Israel lived by God's laws and followed God's plan, God assured them that they would have good success. God will do the same for you and me too as we live in harmony with his will and follow God's plan and purpose for our life.

The Best Investment You will Ever Make

"The future reward is unlimited - Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." - (John 6:68 NIV) 

In the world of investing, a contrarion is someone who invests in what is currently out of favour. When a valuable commodity or an industry becomes unpopular, contrarion investors buy, and then wait patiently for their investment to pay off, as the world situation changes. They buy based upon their faith in the underlying value of the investment.


Could there be a better time for us to buy as much stock as possible in Jesus Christ, even if it takes everything we have, even though he may be "out of favour" in this wicked world? Sure, I know he wasn't the kind of king mankind expected, and most people only put faith in what is powerful here and now, but let's consider some of the underlying value that makes Jesus, God's "suffering servant", the investment opportunity of our lifetime.


The future reward is unlimited - Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:68 NIV) 

This investment pays great dividends - "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields -- and with them persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life". (Mark 10:29-30 NIV)


This investment will humble every rival - Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-10 NIV)


Security in insecure times - On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive at what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your
salvation is drawing near. (Luke 21:25-28 NIV)


Only available for a limited time - In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV)


No one is too poor to invest - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV)


I don't mean to make light of our Saviour by comparing him to an investment, but in reality, Jesus Christ is an investment choice that every one of us must make. Let us not be deceived, for there is not another name under heaven by which we can receive salvation and everlasting life. If we have not done so already, we must make our investment today, while there is still time.

Temptation

"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust." - James 1:14 (NASB). 

Temptation. It befalls all of us. It can come directly from the devil, a devil's advocate, through a friend, or from my own self.


We are all open to temptation for, like a lawn bowl that has a bias (weight) on one side that causes it to curve away from the goal, we have a bias that, unless guarded, causes us go astray and miss the mark of God's goal for us. The bias is our sin nature that we are all born with.


So how do we defend against temptation?


First and foremost, as author Max Lucado suggests in his book, On the Anvil, there are two very simple strategies for protecting ourselves from sin and temptation. The first is to recognize Satan. So often, we are lured into a sin because it looks so attractive, so fulfilling, so right at the time. So we find ways to rationalize our actions and make excuses for our attitudes. Instead, we must be like Jesus in the desert and call Satan by name. No more sugar-coating the truth. Don't try to water down the power of sin. Call it what it is.


Second, we can guard against some temptations by making sure we get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways. For instance, after fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry. This is when Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. Satan always has a way to tempt us at our weakest and/or neediest point. For another example, many singles when they are lonely, instead of getting their companionship needs met in healthy ways, turn to sex as a poor substitute for love.


Third, realize that God's salvation begins at the point where we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord of our life—and as we grow in wholeness and maturity. As Jesus often asked, "Do you want to be made whole?" Wholeness is a requirement for wholesome living, for only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, our actions, our thoughts (the beginning point of temptation), our behavior, and our relationships be wholesome.


Fourth, walk with God. Growing in wholeness is a life-long process, so in the meantime to avoid giving in to temptation, we need not only to make sure we get our needs met in healthy ways, but also to walk with God. That is, we need to know what his Word teaches by reading and studying it faithfully, and we need to commit and trust our life to God every day, and seek his guidance and help to live a life that will glorify him in all that we are and do.


Fifth, be filled with God's Spirit who gives us the insight to recognize temptation for what it is and the power to overcome its onslaughts.


Sixth, pray. Sometimes a simple prayer such as, "Help, God, Help," can be the best antidote against falling pray to temptation's alluring charms.


Lastly, when we do give in to temptation and sin, remember that God says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (NKJV). The important thing is to get up, put things right where needed and possible, and go on.

 

You perhaps recall the story of the blacksmith who gave his heart to Jesus. Though living a more Godly life, still he was not prospering materially. In fact, it seems that from the time of his conversion more trouble, affliction and loss were sustained than ever before. Everything seemed to be going wrong. One day a friend who was not a Christian stopped by to talk to him awhile. Sympathizing with him in some of his trials, the friend said "It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass over you just at the time when you have become an earnest Christian. Of course, I don't want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that. But here you are, with God's help and guidance, and yet things seem to be getting steadily worse. I can't help wondering why that is." The blacksmith did not answer immediately, and it was evident that he had thought the same question before. But finally, he said, "You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse's shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And this I do until it is finished." "But sometimes I find a piece of iron that won't stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it. I don't know why it fails in the process, but I know it will never make a good horse's shoe." He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was near the door of his shop. "When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything." He went on, "I know that God has been holding me in the fires of affliction and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don't mind, if only He can bring me to what I should be. And so, in all these hard things my prayer is simply this: Try me in any way you wish, Lord, only don't throw me on the scrap heap."

Life Is a Gift

"Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NIV). 


"There was a blind girl [or so the story goes] who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.


"One day someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything—including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said, 'Just take care of my eyes dear.'


"Too often we change when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there when times were painfully unbearable.


"Life is a gift, so today: Before you think of saying an unkind word, think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife, think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion. Before you complain about your life, think of someone who went too early to heaven.


Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children but is barren. Before you argue about your dirty house that someone didn't clean or sweep, think of the people who are living in the streets. Before whining about the distance you drive, think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.


"And before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin and all will answer to one Maker. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, try to put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around. Life is a gift, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.


"Enjoy the moment. It may not come around again."

Will Jesus Come to Earth Again?

"Jesus said, "In my Father's home [heaven] there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me." - John 14:2-3 (NIV). 


Year after year with "tireless regularity and eternal patience," God reminds the world every Christmas that he sent his Son, Jesus, to save lost mankind. Christmas is also God's reminder that Jesus is coming back to earth for all who have accepted him as their personal Lord and Savior.


His first coming is an indisputable fact of history. His second coming to end this world age is just as certain. According to Bible scholars, there are 1,845 references in the Old Testament and 318 in the New Testament about Christ's second coming to earth. This means for every prophecy in the Bible about Christ's first coming—every one of which was fulfilled in minute detail—there are eight about his second coming!


Jesus is coming again. God has promised this in his Word, the Bible. Jesus himself promised it as well. And all the signs that Jesus and the Bible said would immediately precede his return are evident today, also reminding us that Christ's return could be very soon. If it were today, would you be ready?


This festive season is also a reminder to all Christians that Jesus has commissioned all of us to spread his message of salvation to everyone everywhere. - Mark 16:15. Jesus said that, "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."- Matthew 24:14 (NIV). Never has this been more possible than it is today because our generation has the greatest means of worldwide communications the world has ever seen.

The Enemy Surrounds Us: Don't Let..

"But if we walk in the light as He [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - I John 1:7-8 (NKJV). 

Dr. Vance Havner, 1901 - 1986 was a very popular "revivalist" and Bible conference speaker and authored over 30 books of sermons and devotionals. Vance Havner was known for his fascinating "salt and pepper" statements, one of which was, "The enemy surrounds us. Don't let one escape!" 


True, there are external forces for good and evil surrounding us. Both are continually competing for our mind's and heart's allegiance. However, the greatest enemy we have is not that which surrounds us, but that which lies within us—that is, our own nature—which bears both the image of God for good and our conflicting sin nature with its bias towards sin and evil.


Tragically, it is our sin nature that is the cause of our spiritual death, and in time, will cause our physical death. When God said to our first parents that if they disobeyed him and sinned by eating the forbidden fruit "you will surely die," - Genesis 2: 17 (NIV). It didn't mean immediate physical death, but rather that they would implant within themselves the seed of death that would cause them to die physically. However, it did mean immediate spiritual death which is not separation from physical life, but eternal separation from a God of absolute holiness in whose presence no sinner can survive. Just as some germs or bacteria cannot survive in light neither can sinners survive in the all-consuming Light and Holiness of God.


So here's the conflict for us. We are all sinners and the seed of death is within us at the moment of our conception. We are not only going to die physically, but because of our sin nature are doomed to eternal separation from God—a God of absolute holiness—in the place God's Word, the Bible, calls hell. 


Furthermore, because God is also a God of absolute justice, all sin must be judged and, as we have seen from the beginning, God's just judgment of sin is death. 


But herein lies our salvation. God is not only a God of absolute holiness and justice, but also a God of perfect love and mercy.


However, God is also a God of perfect love and in his everlasting love and mercy provided the penalty to meet the demands of his justice by giving his own Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay the penalty and ransom price for our sins. This was so we could be totally forgiven and cleansed from all sin and made holy so we would be able to dwell in the House of the Lord (God) forever and ever!


What a God we have. What a Savior. And what a wonderful gift of forgiveness and eternal salvation God offers to "whosoever will may come."


If you have never accepted God's forgiveness and his gift of eternal life, be sure to do that today.

Problem Solving

"If anyone lacks wisdom, ask God who gives to all generously ... and it will be given to you." - James 1:5 (NIV). 


The following formula for resolving problems, I believe, came from Norman Vincent Peale. He said to visualize ... prayerize ... actualize.


Visualize. We need to see a problem for what it is, and usually what we see isn't the real problem at all. Often it is the symptom of a deeper, hidden problem, the fruit of a hidden root! As somebody else said, "God is merciful. When we have unresolved personal problems, he gives us symptoms." Only as we see the cause of any problem can we ever resolve it. Once we do this, we need to visualize (see) what we need to do to overcome the problem as well as visualizing or seeing the final outcome.


Prayerize. We also need to ask God to give us the wisdom and courage to see and confront the real cause of our problem. Then pray realistically, not only by committing our problem to God and asking for his guidance to help to find a solution, but also to give us the courage to do our part.


Actualize. Finally, we need to realize that we are responsible for resolving our problems. No matter what happens to us, we are always responsible for our reactions, feelings, and what we do about resolving our problems. God will give us wisdom if we ask for it, insight if we desire it, and courage if we need it, but he won't do for us what we can and need to do for ourselves. If he did, it would keep us over-dependent and immature.


Accepting responsibility for our problems, emotions, behavior, and our life is the heart of adult maturity. As we do our part to overcome our difficulties, God will do his part. As another has said, "God feeds the sparrows but he doesn't throw the food into their nests." 

Simple Words & A Big Box

"So you must also be ready, because the Son of man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." - Matthew 24:44 (NIV). 

Sometimes my mind comes to a screeching halt, and I spend time thinking about a word or two. It never fails that God shows me volumes just through a word. For instance, I believe God reveals Himself and His love every day. If we don't see Him, it is our fault, not His. There are two words, "expect" and "look", that describe how we can choose to see God.


According to Webster's Dictionary, to look means "to use or direct one's eyes in order to see or search or examine", referring to something defined and concrete. To expect means "to think or believe that (a thing) will happen". This definition is a little less precise, a little more abstract.


It seems to me that if we look for God, we limit Him and what He can do. It is like placing Him in our box. If we just expect Him to walk with us and reveal Himself each day, in the way He chooses, then we jump right into His box, which is much bigger and certainly more exciting. Today we can remind ourselves not to look for God, but to just expect Him to be there. How He chooses to be there is up to Him.


Some days, He hides subtly. He might be in the urging to say a kind word to someone who seems unhappy, or He might be in the hug we need at just the right moment. Other days He is blatant and bold, like the incredible sunset I saw the other night, one I would have missed if He had not quietly said, "Go outside for a minute."


Each day is different, except for the expectancy. We learn that God is faithful and will be there. We learn to let Him show up, how and where He wants to. We learn not to look for Him, but just to expect Him to surprise us.

Giving From the Heart

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" - (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV). 


I recall reading about a missionary in Africa who taught the nationals that Christians gave each other gifts on Christ's birthday as an expression of their joy. This is ideal but it often isn't true. Being a Christian doesn't guarantee pure motives.


A student of the missionary mentioned above gave his teacher a beautiful seashell as a gift. When asked where he had discovered such an extraordinary shell, the native said he had walked many miles to a certain bay, the only place where these shells could be found.


The missionary was deeply moved and told the young man how much he appreciated his gift, to which the native replied, "Long walk, part of gift."


This indeed is a gift from the heart with a pure motive. I'm not sure all our giving (including mine) is with pure motives as there are all sorts of reasons why we give. However, the only true giving is that which comes from the heart with a pure motive. Too much of some people's giving, I'm afraid,is manipulative; that is, it's giving to get which isn't giving at all. For instance, if I keep giving gifts to my boss as a means to get a promotion,that's not giving. It's manipulative.


It is reported that an English nobleman just before his death said, "What I spent, I had. What I kept, I lost. What I gave, I have." When motives are pure this is true.

Where Is God?

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ... From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind ... [and] considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength...But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." - Psalm 33:12-19 (NIV). 




I recall having read in a college newspaper about a student who painted in big white letters right across the side of a garbage truck, "Where is God?" Perhaps he was thinking at some level, why does God allow garbage to happen?


It's an age-old question, as old as Job and as fresh as today: "Where is God when tragedy strikes ... when a loved one dies and the heart is torn with grief ... when innocent children are kidnapped, sexually abused, and murdered? And where was he on September 11, 2001? And again, when terrorist bombs blasted in many areas? Or when a sniper in the Washington, D.C. area was shooting and killing innocent people at random?"


I don't want to sound callous by any means but we are asking the wrong question because God is where he always was and always is. The Apostle Paul said it best, in that God "is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'" See Acts 17:24, 26-28.


So the question needs to be, "Where is man?"


Our problem lies in the fact that we as nations have left God—or are fast leaving him. As God's Word, the Bible, says, "Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord." - Psalm 33:12. And what of those nations whose God is not the Lord? Perhaps history can best answer that question.


But the great tragedy is, as Friedrich Hegel said, "The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history."

The Enemy is a Liar

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; - 2 Corinthians 10:5.


Most of the time, our outward appearance doesn't give away the thoughts in our mind. Perhaps we look like we own the world, but the thoughts in our mind are to the contrary! We may have thoughts of depression or suicide. We may feel so unloved, we just want to crawl under a rug some place and forget we are living.  Life can be so hard, at times, and the enemy uses our thoughts to make it feel seem as though we will never get out from under our troubles.


Well, the enemy is a liar. We can obsess with our thoughts! The enemy is good at putting things  in our minds that aren't true. We need to learn how to combat the devil, and destroy 'his testimony' in our lives! Yes, he has a testimony; every time we look at our faults and obsessions instead of looking to GOD for the help to get us out of our problems! That testimony shows to others. Oh, perhaps it's not the testimony we want to show in our lives, but it's there, nonetheless!


But, GOD is able to replace that 'testimony' with a testimony of victory! Those thoughts can come under subjection to the Holy Spirit and be removed from our minds. Nothing is impossible with GOD!


(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) - 2 Corinthians 10:4.


We do walk in the flesh, but we don't have to walk 'after the flesh'. We need to get our minds in line with the Word of God and know that HE is able to give us the knowledge of the Word that will help us through every situation in our lives. When the thoughts of the enemy begin to penetrate your being, pick up the WORD! Concentrate on the Words of God - the TRUTH in the Word! God can bring down those thoughts of depression and suicide. He can remove all those worldly thoughts that keep you under bondage. He is able to do 'exceeding abundantly above' [Ephesians 3:20] anything we ask or receive! The enemy will get you down, but God can bring you back up! Life may feel heavy, but GOD, the God of enough, can make life a joy! The enemy will attack your faith with lies, but God can build your faith through your obedience to Him.


For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: - 2 Corinthians 10:3 .


Is your 'shoulder' heavy with the weight of the enemy and his lies? Why not take those lies to God, for His Word says that 'the cares of this world' [Mark 4:19]  will choke the Word, and it will become unfruitful. Let God get you back on track through His Holy Word today, so that you might walk in victory and your thoughts be on Him.

Ready to Give a Defense

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV). 




Alan Smith tells the story about a carpenter who was giving evidence about an accident he had witnessed. The judge asked him how far away he was from the accident.


The carpenter replied, "Twenty-seven feet, six-and-one-half inches."


"How can you be so sure of that distance?" asked the judge.


"Well, I knew some idiot would ask me. So I measured it!" replied the carpenter.


Oops ... not a good way to answer a judge!


As Christians we need to be prepared to give a reasonable answer to everyone who asks about our Christian faith—and to do this in a spirit of "gentleness and respect."


Remember too, that our life speaks much louder than any words we ever say. Furthermore, people who know we are Christians will be constantly reading and hearing the messages our life broadcasts. May we, like the early Christians, be known by our love for one another and for our gentle spirit and respectful, courteous manner.

Drifting Away From God

"When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men." So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." - Luke 15:17-20 (NIV). 

I love going outside on a clear night and looking through my telescope at the beautiful planets, and out beyond into the endless creation that our wonderful Creator has designed. Knowing that the things we can view through telescopes and the vast distances to the stars are just a small, minute part of His wonderful creation puts things into perspective. It shows us just how little we really are --compared to Him and his awesome power, wisdom, and might.


When we view these far-away stars and galaxies over the millions of miles, we realize that God is right there, and, at the same time, He is here in our hearts. He is everywhere in His creation. We can't fully understand how that's possible, but we will someday.


Even though God is able to be everywhere at the same time, we can drift away from Him and not even realize it. We can completely separate ourselves from Him.


Yet, if we've been drifting away for years and years, once we turn back, it doesn't take years and years to get back to Him. He's there, waiting with open arms to accept us back. He forgets all the hurt we've done to Him. He completely forgives us for everything.


The prodigal, or lost son, who had gone away, had lost contact with his father and had lost everything his father had given him. He finally came to his senses and realized how much he needed his father, so he started back home.


But it didn't take him long to reach his father. His father came running out to him with open arms and met him before he reached home, and hugged him, and forgave him.

That's how God is. When He sees us turn around, He runs out to meet us. His speed is limitless. He's there instantly to meet us, to hug us, and to forgive us for whatever we've done. What a wonderful God we serve!

A War Time Prayer

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). 




Ravi Zacharias shares how, "At the historic Amsterdam Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in 1986, a renowned Korean speaker, Billy Kim, told the story of an American soldier hiding in a bunker during the Korean War. When his commander ordered him to rescue some of his fallen mates on the front lines, the soldier nodded his head, took a covert glance at his watch, stalled till his commanding officer was out of sight, and simply made no move. Several minutes went by, and a colleague reminded him of his rescue assignment. Again he looked at his watch and delayed. Finally, he leaped out of the bunker and fearlessly began carrying his compatriots to safety.


"At the end of the day, a friend asked him to explain his actions. The soldier said, 'I was afraid because I knew I was not ready to die. I waited until my fear would be overcome—remembering that at a certain time every hour my mother had said she would pray for me. Then I knew that no matter what awaited me, I could face it.'"


Prayer does matter. Prayer does change things. Prayer is a powerful means of connecting to God of the eternal.

And as wars and acts of terrorism continue, and as Christians in various parts of the world are being persecuted and killed, let us pray faithfully for God's care for all his children, and that the day of Christ's return will hasten so that in God's time all wars, suffering, sickness and starvation, will finally be ended forever. Pray, too, that everyone in the world will have the opportunity to hear the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and accept God's forgiveness and eternal life.