I read the following meditation and thought it would be good for you. It is from my brother, Andy Clark.
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-29
In this passage three nations come together as a “vast army” to make war against King Jehoshaphat and Judah. Jehoshaphat’s and God’s response to this crisis offer insight into how we can respond to crisis in our lives.
The first thing Jehoshaphat did was he “resolved to inquire of the Lord.” The New King James says “he feared” and “he set himself to seek the Lord.” Satan likes to use shock and awe. He causes unexpected things to suddenly happen in our lives that bring dismay, fear and discouragement. But like Jehoshaphat, despite the fear that may try to arise, we need to quiet our hearts and purposefully resolve to seek the Lord until we get an answer. Not just a quick prayer and then run off to try to resolve the problem, but to truly persist in prayer until we have an answer.
Secondly, Jehoshaphat “proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” This attack was not just against him but the nation. We are part of the body of Christ. When one part of the body is under attack, we are all under attack. Satan loves to isolate us with our crisis. Don’t just try to deal with the problem on your own. Reach out to those around you in the body and get them involved. When you involve others in the battle, you all share in the victory as a testimony to God and the world.
In Jehoshaphat’s prayer in verses 5-12, he declares three things. He begins by reminding God of His promises, then states the problem, and concludes by stating his full dependency upon God. “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." People often ask me why there are so many miracles in Africa. One of the reasons is because so often they have no other resources but God. When God becomes your source, you will begin to see God intervene on your behalf.
After they had finished fasting and praying, the prophetic word came forth from God as to what they were to do. The first thing God said was, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” God said, I can handle this, no problem! Your problem may look insurmountable to you but it is no problem to God. Secondly, God said, “Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Position yourself, posture yourself for victory. Your posture and attitude in the midst of a crisis has a huge influence on others and on God’s response.
Judah’s response to the prophetic word was “all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, fell down in worship before the Lord,” and the Levites “praised the Lord with a very loud voice (or shout).” They are having a shouting celebration of victory even before the battle has started because of faith in the prophetic word. Then Jehoshpahat stands up and declares, “Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” Then “the Lord set ambushes” and completely destroyed the enemy without Judah even lifting a sword.
Just like with Jehoshaphat and Judah, God wants to give us victory over the challenges we face in life, if we position ourselves as Judah did, so that God can respond and bring us deliverance. How big is your God? May the God you serve be bigger than the problem that you face.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
You Are Treasured By God
I have been reading the book of Daniel a phrase really struck me. Three times in the HCSB version of the Bible an angel says to Daniel, "you are a man treasured by God". (Daniel 9:23; 10:11,19) Wow! I thought to my self, I would sure love God to say that to me. In the NIV, it says, "highly esteemed one".
Why was Daniel treasured or highly esteemed by God? If I could understand this, then I could seek to be highly esteemed by God. I could then know if I am treasured by God.
In general, Daniel was treasured by God because he well represented God. The Bible says we are God's ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20) One of Daniel's great godly qualities is he would not compromise God principles, but live a holy life. (Daniel 1:8) Even in the midst of severe persecution and possible death, Daniel and his three friends would not compromise their faith. (Daniel 3:17,18) I like to use the word quality because in my mind it denotes something that is developed while characteristic denotes something inherent. A second quality of Daniel that God defintely approved was his loyality to God. Daniel would take no credit for himself, but gave God all the glory. (Daniel 2:27-28,30) Another reason I believe that Daniel was treasured by God because God's Spirit was on him. (Daniel 4:9,18) A third quality that was pleasing to God is the courage Daniel had to speak the truth even when it might not be pleasing to others and may even mean death for him. (4:19,20) A fourth godly quality is that Daniel would call for people to repent, and give wise counsel. (Daniel 4:27) A fifth quality is that Daniel did not seek wealth or position, although he had much of both. (Daniel 5:16) Also, Daniel did not serve the Lord for wealth or postion. A sixth, and seventh quality of Daniel is that he was trustworthy and diligent. (Daniel 6:4) A eigth quality is that Daniel was a man of prayer and spent time in communion with God, and would allow nothing encroach or hinder him from spending this quality time with his Lord. (Daniel 6:10) A nineth attribute, Daniel was a man of the Word. (Daniel 9:2) A tenth attribute of Daniel is that he was a man of humility, recognized his own sinfulness, and identified with God's people. (Daniel 9:4-19)
Now many of us may lack these qualities in our lives, but we must not be discouraged. You are still treasured by God despite our lack. David had insight into this idea. (Psalms 83:3; 135:4) David understood that the people of Israel were treasured by God, and we know that it wasn't because of their godly qualities. They were soveregnly chosen by God to be his treasured possession. We to who are in Christ are God's treasured possession, but it has nothing to with us but the work of Christ on the cross. Postionally, all in Christ are treasured by Him.
Yet, let us not use this as an excuse to become lazy in our Christian character and qualities. We need to pursue God and seek to obtain the qualities that Daniel manifested. When we have these qualities, our realtionship with God has a new and greater dynamic. We will experince God in a greater way and He will be able to use us in a greater way.
Why was Daniel treasured or highly esteemed by God? If I could understand this, then I could seek to be highly esteemed by God. I could then know if I am treasured by God.
In general, Daniel was treasured by God because he well represented God. The Bible says we are God's ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20) One of Daniel's great godly qualities is he would not compromise God principles, but live a holy life. (Daniel 1:8) Even in the midst of severe persecution and possible death, Daniel and his three friends would not compromise their faith. (Daniel 3:17,18) I like to use the word quality because in my mind it denotes something that is developed while characteristic denotes something inherent. A second quality of Daniel that God defintely approved was his loyality to God. Daniel would take no credit for himself, but gave God all the glory. (Daniel 2:27-28,30) Another reason I believe that Daniel was treasured by God because God's Spirit was on him. (Daniel 4:9,18) A third quality that was pleasing to God is the courage Daniel had to speak the truth even when it might not be pleasing to others and may even mean death for him. (4:19,20) A fourth godly quality is that Daniel would call for people to repent, and give wise counsel. (Daniel 4:27) A fifth quality is that Daniel did not seek wealth or position, although he had much of both. (Daniel 5:16) Also, Daniel did not serve the Lord for wealth or postion. A sixth, and seventh quality of Daniel is that he was trustworthy and diligent. (Daniel 6:4) A eigth quality is that Daniel was a man of prayer and spent time in communion with God, and would allow nothing encroach or hinder him from spending this quality time with his Lord. (Daniel 6:10) A nineth attribute, Daniel was a man of the Word. (Daniel 9:2) A tenth attribute of Daniel is that he was a man of humility, recognized his own sinfulness, and identified with God's people. (Daniel 9:4-19)
Now many of us may lack these qualities in our lives, but we must not be discouraged. You are still treasured by God despite our lack. David had insight into this idea. (Psalms 83:3; 135:4) David understood that the people of Israel were treasured by God, and we know that it wasn't because of their godly qualities. They were soveregnly chosen by God to be his treasured possession. We to who are in Christ are God's treasured possession, but it has nothing to with us but the work of Christ on the cross. Postionally, all in Christ are treasured by Him.
Yet, let us not use this as an excuse to become lazy in our Christian character and qualities. We need to pursue God and seek to obtain the qualities that Daniel manifested. When we have these qualities, our realtionship with God has a new and greater dynamic. We will experince God in a greater way and He will be able to use us in a greater way.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
God's Shaking is Redemptive
Luke 21:10-11
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:28
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
God’s shakings are always redemptive in nature. When the world is shaken and our lives shaken don't be dismayed because God's salvation is near. At the worst time in the history of the world, this is when Christ will show up. This is often true in our own lives. Often the best things that happen come out of our worst situations. I know that a lot of good things have come about in my life and our ministry as result of the Haiti earthquake.
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
When things are shaken, don’t be afraid, His deliverance is at hand. Paul and Silas were beaten and through into a dark prison cell chained one to another. Yet, their spirits were strong and they were not discouraged. Their hope and joy was in the Lord. They prayed and worship the Lord. Then God broke forth on their situation and delivered them from their situation. Not only did God deliver them, but Cornelius's whole family.
Next time you are in a difficult situation, don't be discouraged, but put your hope and trust in God. You will then see His glory and deliverance, not only for you but others. Therefore, be strong and very courageous. God is our deliverer.
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:28
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
God’s shakings are always redemptive in nature. When the world is shaken and our lives shaken don't be dismayed because God's salvation is near. At the worst time in the history of the world, this is when Christ will show up. This is often true in our own lives. Often the best things that happen come out of our worst situations. I know that a lot of good things have come about in my life and our ministry as result of the Haiti earthquake.
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
When things are shaken, don’t be afraid, His deliverance is at hand. Paul and Silas were beaten and through into a dark prison cell chained one to another. Yet, their spirits were strong and they were not discouraged. Their hope and joy was in the Lord. They prayed and worship the Lord. Then God broke forth on their situation and delivered them from their situation. Not only did God deliver them, but Cornelius's whole family.
Next time you are in a difficult situation, don't be discouraged, but put your hope and trust in God. You will then see His glory and deliverance, not only for you but others. Therefore, be strong and very courageous. God is our deliverer.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
God is our Refuge
PSALMS 46:1-3,10-11
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
I write this article today in hopes that it will encourage and strengthen you. I know that I need these words instruction and encouragement as much as you. My wife and I have and are going through hard times, and this scripture has come alive to us.
The Psalmist said, we will not fear. How many of you know this is easier said than done. We all struggle with fears and anxieties in our lives. The opposite to fear is faith. We are able to combat fear and anxieties through faith. Faith that God will protect us. Faith that God loves us. Faith that God knows what is best for us. Faith that God is in controll.
God says, be still and know that I am God. Be still means, don't be anxious. Be still means, not worrying. Be still mean, not having all the answers, but trusting God. Be still means, not trying to do things on your own, but waiting on God.
We can be still when:
- we know God is in control.
- we trust Him, knowing He will do what is best for us.
- we know he will accomplish His purpose in us and through us.
- we have faith that the Lord almighty is with us.
THE LORD WILL BE EXALTED & HIS PURPOSES WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Peace
Dear readers, I thought the following teaching would be approriate for all of you at this time. It was sent to me by Tom Brazel our international director.
Recently Chris Leidlein brought the devotional at our weekly EF Staff devotions. It was an excellent encouragement regarding the maintaining of personal peace in the midst of stress, pressure, and even, chaos. Chris stated, “The enemy of our souls wants to rob us of our peace. If he (our enemy) can get us to operate outside of the peace of God, then he can use us to cause others to lose their peace as well. If he can do this, he wins!
Chris presented four simple points to help us maintain our peace. I wanted to share them with you, because I know that there is pressure and stress all around you, and this can be helpful.
1) Remember who is ultimately in charge. (Let go of carnal striving.)
1 Sam 2:6-9 “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.”
When we forget that the Lord is the One Who watches over His word to perform it; when we forget that the Lord will perfect that which concerns us; when we forget that the Lord is our rock, fortress, strength and defender, we must go to the fallback position of self-defense, self-preservation, and self-accomplishment. This is a very stressful position.
2) Keep an eternal perspective. (Get out of the smallness of your own mind.)
Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
We do not see things the way that God sees them, unless He reveals Himself to us. We cannot know the mind of God unless He reveals His mind to us. Knowing His thoughts on something changes our behavior and our attitude regarding that situation.
3) Know that you are not alone.
Heb 13:5-6 “…for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
We all know the feeling of being alone and isolated. But, in faith, we can determine to trust that He will be with us in the midst of trial, trouble and difficulty. Receiving “grace of grace” is often where we must begin. I have found that one of the most useful prayers I can pray is, “Lord, help me.”
4) Do what you can – then leave the results with the Lord.
Ps 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God…”
Eph 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
There are positive and constructive things that we can do in every circumstance and these ought to be done. However, once you have done all there is to do, it is time to stand. You don’t have to push your way through; you need to stand, and trust Him to bring you through to His desired end.
I doubt that I am the only one who is tempted to let the pressures of life and ministry steal my peace. I doubt that I am the only one among us who can become “stressed out.” God’s answer to stress is faith in Him. Faith that He is in control, so that I don’t have to be. Faith in God’s eternal perspective regarding everything, even things in temporal settings. Faith that I am not alone, ever. He is always with me. And faith that after I have done all I can do, God will bring me through.
If you’re feeling the stress of ministry, I would encourage you to put this note down, and simply pray, acknowledging to the Lord that you know He is in control, acknowledging that everything that is happening has an eternal consequence, and acknowledging and welcoming His abiding presence, knowing that He will bring the victory.
Recently Chris Leidlein brought the devotional at our weekly EF Staff devotions. It was an excellent encouragement regarding the maintaining of personal peace in the midst of stress, pressure, and even, chaos. Chris stated, “The enemy of our souls wants to rob us of our peace. If he (our enemy) can get us to operate outside of the peace of God, then he can use us to cause others to lose their peace as well. If he can do this, he wins!
Chris presented four simple points to help us maintain our peace. I wanted to share them with you, because I know that there is pressure and stress all around you, and this can be helpful.
1) Remember who is ultimately in charge. (Let go of carnal striving.)
1 Sam 2:6-9 “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.”
When we forget that the Lord is the One Who watches over His word to perform it; when we forget that the Lord will perfect that which concerns us; when we forget that the Lord is our rock, fortress, strength and defender, we must go to the fallback position of self-defense, self-preservation, and self-accomplishment. This is a very stressful position.
2) Keep an eternal perspective. (Get out of the smallness of your own mind.)
Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
We do not see things the way that God sees them, unless He reveals Himself to us. We cannot know the mind of God unless He reveals His mind to us. Knowing His thoughts on something changes our behavior and our attitude regarding that situation.
3) Know that you are not alone.
Heb 13:5-6 “…for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
We all know the feeling of being alone and isolated. But, in faith, we can determine to trust that He will be with us in the midst of trial, trouble and difficulty. Receiving “grace of grace” is often where we must begin. I have found that one of the most useful prayers I can pray is, “Lord, help me.”
4) Do what you can – then leave the results with the Lord.
Ps 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God…”
Eph 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
There are positive and constructive things that we can do in every circumstance and these ought to be done. However, once you have done all there is to do, it is time to stand. You don’t have to push your way through; you need to stand, and trust Him to bring you through to His desired end.
I doubt that I am the only one who is tempted to let the pressures of life and ministry steal my peace. I doubt that I am the only one among us who can become “stressed out.” God’s answer to stress is faith in Him. Faith that He is in control, so that I don’t have to be. Faith in God’s eternal perspective regarding everything, even things in temporal settings. Faith that I am not alone, ever. He is always with me. And faith that after I have done all I can do, God will bring me through.
If you’re feeling the stress of ministry, I would encourage you to put this note down, and simply pray, acknowledging to the Lord that you know He is in control, acknowledging that everything that is happening has an eternal consequence, and acknowledging and welcoming His abiding presence, knowing that He will bring the victory.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
THE SHAKEN LAND
Psalms 60:1-3
1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us;
you have been angry-now restore us!
2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
3 You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow. Selah
5 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
In this Psalm, David is speaking of God’s judgment bursting forth upon them. I believe the quake was God’s judgment for both the wicked and His people that all people may bow down before the Lord and call upon His name and turn from their own way, as many have already done.
Now we are to pray as David prayed, “….now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fracture, for it is quaking.” “Save and help us with your right hand that those you love may be delivered.”
As believers, what should be our stance? Should we be blaming others for our trouble? NO! Should we be blaming God? NO Should we be wallowing in self-pity and/or focused on our own needs? NO
Our first stance is to position ourselves in prayer for the land and its people, including the government and the wicked. The second stance is to make every effort to mend its fractures. We must not only call upon God to mend the land, and help us. We must act to mend the land and bring help to all that come across our path. The church of Haiti has a great opportunity to show the love of Christ, and the way to Christ. It is in the darkest times that His people shine the brightest if they are truly His people.
In order to accomplish this, we must have the same faith as David and declare, “you have raised a banner”. When David speaks of a banner here, he is speaking of God’s great might. He is speaking of victory. Praise the Lord! Those who fear Him are victorious.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey
I was thinking today about the people of Isreal and how God promised them a land flowing with milk and honey.
Exodus 3:8 - "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites."
God promised to deliver them from captivity and suffering and bring them into a good and spacious land. Yet, there were two requirements for them to enter the promised land. The first was to have faith in God. They had to believe that God was great enough to defeat the giants in the land and their enemies. They had to believe in God's strength and provision for them. The second requirement was that they needed to obey his command to go into the promise land. We see that the people who were brought up out of Egypt failed in both requirements for their success and blessing. As result, they had to walk around in the desert for forty years. It was the new generation who believed God and obeyed him who ended up possessing the land of milk and honey.
You today may be in a difficult situation. You may be suffering. You may be wandering in the desert, not seeing the blessing of God. God has promised those who put their trust in Him and obey His commands blessing, protection, and prosperity.
Psalms 1:1-3 -"1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. "
There will be times of suffering, and difficulty. There will be desert experiences. yet, God does not intend to leave us there. He wants to bless us. He does seek our good.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Yet, we are often in the desert and remain in the desert due to our lack of trust and obedience in Him. Let us be the new generation of people, not like our forefathers, and step out in faith and obedience. There is no situation to great for God. he wants to see you prosper and live in peace.
Exodus 3:8 - "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites."
God promised to deliver them from captivity and suffering and bring them into a good and spacious land. Yet, there were two requirements for them to enter the promised land. The first was to have faith in God. They had to believe that God was great enough to defeat the giants in the land and their enemies. They had to believe in God's strength and provision for them. The second requirement was that they needed to obey his command to go into the promise land. We see that the people who were brought up out of Egypt failed in both requirements for their success and blessing. As result, they had to walk around in the desert for forty years. It was the new generation who believed God and obeyed him who ended up possessing the land of milk and honey.
You today may be in a difficult situation. You may be suffering. You may be wandering in the desert, not seeing the blessing of God. God has promised those who put their trust in Him and obey His commands blessing, protection, and prosperity.
Psalms 1:1-3 -"1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. "
There will be times of suffering, and difficulty. There will be desert experiences. yet, God does not intend to leave us there. He wants to bless us. He does seek our good.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Yet, we are often in the desert and remain in the desert due to our lack of trust and obedience in Him. Let us be the new generation of people, not like our forefathers, and step out in faith and obedience. There is no situation to great for God. he wants to see you prosper and live in peace.
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