11.06.09
Know What You Believe
All people have a belief system, whether they realize it or not. Even those who claim there is no God have faith that He does not exist. What we believe affects every area of our lives and shapes every decision we make, yet few of us take the time to really think about what we accept as true.
All belief systems have a foundation. Some people base their convictions on what fits their lifestyle, reasoning, and desires. However, Jesus calls His followers to adapt life to their faith in Him and the authority of His Word.
Anytime we add other philosophies or ideas to Scripture or pick and choose which parts of the Bible to believe, we create our own version of faith based on personal reasoning. God’s Word is the only true and reliable foundation for belief, because it contains the recorded thoughts of an eternal, all-knowing God. All other concepts must be measured against it
to determine their validity.
Knowing what the Bible says is essential for developing a sound system of beliefs founded on the truth and wisdom of God. This world will offer you a variety of philosophies which sound good but are laced with lies. A faith anchored in the Scriptures is your protection against deception.
Each time you face a problem or decision, search for the answer in Scripture. Begin your day by reading the Word and asking God to help you understand what He is saying. He loves communicating with you, and as you spend time with Him, He’ll open your mind to know His thoughts.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
Psalm 19 – A psalm of David
Psalm 19 is one of the most beautiful Psalms. It will touch your heart and make you think about the great splendor, and absolute wonderful glory of God’s creation. Read the words slowly and let them sink into your very soul.
Psalm 19. For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. [a]
4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
11.03.09
Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in 2008. To do so, Cell Phones for Soldiers expects to collect 50,000 cell phones each month through a network of more than 3,000 collection sites across the country.
The phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.
“Americans will replace an estimated 130 million cell phones this year,” says Mike Newman, vice president of ReCellular, “with the majority of phones either discarded or stuffed in a drawer. Most people don’t realize that the small sacrifice of donating their unwanted phones can have a tremendous benefit for a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soldiers.” Read more…
11.02.09
The Lord, Our Shepherd
John 10:7-15
In the ancient world, the man who held the lowest position in the household was given charge of the flocks. The shepherd had responsibility to lead the sheep to new pastures and fresh water, defend them from predators, and find the lost ones when they strayed. But it was a humble job because it was dirty. The shepherd lived amongst the flock and slept across the doorway of the fold to keep the sheep in and the wolves out. This was filthy, smelly, and thankless work.
Yet Jesus sat among His followers in the thick of ancient culture and said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14). The modern church misses the impact of those words. We have a rustic but rosy view of Jesus as a shepherd. The Sovereign of the universe humbled Himself and got His hands dirty working directly with errant, willful, and sometimes dumb humans.
Remember you read a moment ago that the shepherd lay across the doorway of the sheep pen? Well, Jesus did exactly that—He became the door for us. He sacrificed His life for the great flock of humanity so that anyone who chooses to believe in Him may enter God’s fold (John 3:16). And once inside, we are provided for, sought when we wander, and protected from enemies.
Jesus sees Himself as mankind’s Shepherd. Thankfully, we are more than just a herd to Him. He knows everything about each one of us—our name, character, and flaws—and loves us with all of our imperfections. What better way to show love in return than to know His voice and follow where He leads?
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
10.31.09
I want you to truly be God in my life
Almighty God, I want you to truly be God in my life.
I renounce any attempt on my part to try to manipulate or use your grace and kindness for my benefit.
I submit my will to yours.
But Holy Father, I confess that I struggle at times with my own selfish and evil desires that lead me astray.
Please forgive me when my heart is cold and my ears are deaf to your will.
Please, take control of my life today.
Through Jesus my Lord, I ask you to assert your will as God in my life. Amen.
