Do Not Lose Heart

Do Not Lose Heart: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 wp.me/p29yfQ-gi

The Throne of Glory

The Throne of Glory – Dr. Charles Stanley

1 John 1:1-4

When you pray, how do you approach God? Numerous Christians visualize a holy, righteous being and approach Him with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and reluctance. On the other hand, many believers picture the Lord as a pal and talk to Him with little reverence.

Neither approach is healthy. Our finite minds cannot fully grasp that God is both loving and holy. Let’s first explore the holy, fear-provoking side of the Lord. As you read today’s passage, visualize the incredible power around heaven’s throne. It fills my heart with awe and wonder.

Before Jesus walked on earth, the temple contained an area called the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. Only the priest could enter—and just on specified days, after ritual cleansing and preparation. If he did not get himself ready exactly according to scriptural rules, he would be struck dead. To be in God’s presence requires obedience. In fact, because of the Almighty’s absolute holiness and perfection, He is unable to commune with sinfulness, which is the condition of all mankind (Rom. 3:9). Therefore, every one of us is guilty and deserving of condemnation. Thankfully, though, God did not leave us helpless, but out of His grace and love, sent His Son to be our Redeemer.

Every page of Scripture can deepen our understanding of God’s greatness. Are you amazed at His presence and deeds? To understand more about His character, discipline yourself to read and meditate on the Word. Then take time to praise Him, for He alone is worthy of our adoration.

 

Sid Stewart

Executive Director
864 226-6193
www.havenofrest.cc

He Knows

He Knows: "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer...." 1 Peter3:12 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-gd

 

The Reality of Eternity – Dr. Tony Evans

Make Him the Source, the Center, and the One who encompasses every delight of your soul.
Charles Spurgeon

 

The Reality of Eternity – Dr. Tony Evans

In His Presence: Abraham said, "Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony" (Luke 16:25).

At the end of time, we will all face the Lord and He will want to know how we used our time on earth to get ready for eternity. If we only live for earth, all we will receive is earth. But once we start living for heaven, earth is just a bonus to the eternal existence we will enjoy.

It is foolish to try to run from death. Instead, we must decide to be creatures of eternity. Paul said to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). If you are in Christ you have no reason to fear death because when you die, you will instantly be with God.

Since we were made for eternity, what are we doing in light of what we were made for? Paul set the example when he said: "Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2). Paul's mind was on heaven, but he was still functioning for the Lord here on earth. He was heavenly minded but still did earthly good. Because he lived in light of His eternal purpose, he made his life decisions in light of the reference point of eternity.

Everybody you know is headed toward eternity; nobody has any other choice. This life is not all there is, so we share Jesus Christ with our unsaved neighbors. We live for God's glory because this life is not all there is.

One Minute Please

"Lord, clarify our eternal perspective and help us to see Your purpose for our lives because we don't know when we will leave this world."

Soft Clay

Soft Clay: “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”  Isaiah 64:8   http://wp.me/p29yfQ-g9

 

God-Centered or Me-Centered

God-Centered or Me-Centered – Dr. David Jeremiah

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NIV 84)

Wake up ... commute ... work ... commute ... sleep -- repeat. It's a schedule replayed daily around the globe. With such a predictable existence, all mankind must have the same outlook on life, right? But nothing could be further from the truth. There's great diversity in how each of us approaches life.

King Solomon, a true achiever with no equal on earth, minced no words penning the Book of Ecclesiastes. He called the cycles of life futile. Glaring statistics show the absence of meaning and purpose in many people's lives -- with the high rates of substance abuse, promiscuity, and suicide. But Solomon's observation does not leave us despondent. It concludes with a positive challenge to uphold a Christian worldview: fear God and keep His commandments.

True, our days can be filled with frustrations, and life at times is puzzling. But for the believer, lasting happiness is discovered when we center our lives on God. That worldview gives your morning alarm purpose. It changes your commute into communion as you ready yourself to glorify God in your work. Yes, work is man's crowning achievement on earth -- when you focus on God and not on yourself.

God judges what we give by what we keep.
George Muller

Recommended Reading 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

 

 

 

 

The Benefits of Purpose – Dr. Tony Evans

The Benefits of Purpose – Dr. Tony Evans

In His Presence: Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

When you are living out God's purpose for your life, your attitude towards time will change. You will find that you no longer waste time. We are only given so much time on earth; the average lifespan today is 75 years. We are all running out of time. But if you are operating in your purpose, you are utilizing your time rather than just going through the motions. Your purpose clarifies your use of time. Ephesians 5:16 says: "[Make] the most of time, because the days are evil." We are to redeem, or buy back, our time. We can't reverse the clock, but we can purchase time back. How do we do this? You can change the speed in which you are operating; you can pick up the pace to buy up the time you lost.

When you live out your purpose, you will live with passion. One of the ways you can recognize your purpose is that it will enflame you, ignite you, and stir up your heart. God's purpose for you isn't some dull, empty thing that makes you dread getting up every morning. It is a fire within the soul.

When you are living out your purpose, you will live with direction. Paul said: "I box in such a way, as not beating the air" (1 Corinthians 9:26). In other words, he's not punching at nothing; his efforts are not just for show or out of obligation. Rather, he has direction, clarity, and focus that allow him to strike the target.

One Minute Please

Are you ready to kick your purposeful living into second gear to make up for lost time?

 

Sid Stewart

Executive Director
864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

Our Comforter

Our Comforter: “Let us then approach the throne of grace..., so that we may receive mercy....” Hebrews 4:16 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-g4

 

We are ALIVE

We are ALIVE: “...Because I live, you also will live.” John 14:19 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-fv

A HIGHER PRIORITY – Dr. Neil Anderson

“With eternal investments there is never a loss of principle or principal.” - David Jeremiah

 

A HIGHER PRIORITY – Dr. Neil Anderson

Romans 8:14

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God

Two significant events in my life brought into clear focus the priority of relationship over achievement. Before being called into the ministry, I worked as an aerospace engineer on the Apollo program. I will never forget the day the lunar lander touched down on the moon. This bold headline dominated the front page of the Minneapolis Star : "Neil Armstrong Lands on the Moon." It was an achievement I was proud to be part of.

But the really big news came months earlier on page 7 in the third section: "Heidi Jo Anderson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Neil Anderson, Northwestern Hospital, March 12, 1969." That may not sound like big news to you, but it was to her mother and me. Heidi totally took over my den and captured an entire shelf in the refrigerator. She altered our sleeping pattern and restricted our social calendar. But she was ours to hold, to hug and to care for.

What does God care about moon shots? They are deeds to be outdone. Somebody will always come along and do it better, faster and higher. What God cares about is little people like Heidi Jo Anderson because they will be with Him forever.

The second significant event in my life was receiving my first doctoral degree. But it turned out to be one of the most anticlimactic days of my life. I heard no applause from heaven, and I don't believe my achievement added so much as an asterisk to my name in the Lamb's Book of Life. I was a child of God before that day and I was still a child of God afterward.

But what happens in heaven when one sinner repents? Applause! Why? Because a relationship with God is eternal, while earthly achievements last only for time. Have you sacrificed the eternal to gain the temporal? Have you ignored personal and spiritual relationships in your pursuit of human achievements? Relationships must always have a higher priority than temporal achievements.

Prayer: Lord, amidst the busyness of my schedule and clutter of my possessions, help me cherish and nurture my relationships today

 

 

The Importance of Focus – Bill Bright

“We are controlled more by what we believe about ourselves than by actual limitations.”

 

The Importance of Focus – Bill Bright

I am focusing all my energies on this one thing . . . (Philippians 3:13, NLT).

Dear friends:

One of the most important qualities of a servant of God involved with helping to fulfill the Great Commission is that of focus. Many Christians become sidetracked with the cares and consequences of materialism and other selfish interests.

The story of two missionary families who settled in the Oregon Territory in 1836 to evangelize the Cayuse and Nez Perce Indians offers a poignant example.

Heading for Oregon in the spring of 1836, they eagerly looked forward to converting the American Indians. Once in Oregon, the Whitmans settled in a lush green valley and home of the Cayuse tribe. The Spauldings located among the Nez Perce tribe, in a bleak and dry mountainous area.

Once settled, the Whitmans and Spauldings began their missions work. In time, however, the Whitmans neglected their calling and became prosperous farmers. The well-cultivated fields of their plantation lay in stark contrast to the humble mission of the Spauldings.

Consumed by the needs of white immigrants, Marcus Whitman sold produce to them as they passed through. His wife, Narcissa, lost the excitement and zeal she initially had for Indian missions and became moody and depressed. Although Marcus worked sacrificially among the Indians as minister and doctor, they resented his prosperity. Even when he tried to help the Cayuse when a plague ravished their villages, they believed he was purposely poisoning them.

Finally, one dreary November afternoon in 1847 the Indians attacked the Whitman plantation and massacred 14 of the 72 people living there. Marcus and Narcissa were among the casualties.

Henry Spaulding, meanwhile, had established a thriving church among the Nez Perce. His wife, Eliza, ran a school for the children and made hand-painted books and translated hymns into their language. Despite opposition to their ministry, they reaped a harvest of souls.

As a result of the massacre, however, American troops ordered all missionaries out of the territory. Henry Spaulding was unable to return to his mission until 24 years later. But his labors among the Indians began to bear fruit, soon resulting in revival. A training school was established and eventually the Nez Perce began evangelizing other Indian tribes.

A faithful steward will not stray from his call. Instead, he will invest the resources God has given him wisely and generously for the expansion of the kingdom.

Yours for fulfilling the Great Commission each year until our Lord returns,

Bill Bright

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Let Me bless you with My grace and Peace. Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you. Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace.

It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together. Your attempts to look good can fool most people. But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being. There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me. Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood. Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Little by little, I will transform your weaknesses into strengths. Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace. Therefore, nothing that you do or don’t do can separate you from My Presence.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. 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

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:38–39

A Cathedral

A Cathedral: “I will instruct you & teach you in the way you should go....” Ps 32:8 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-f6

 

Our Essential Identity

“We are controlled more by what we believe about ourselves than by actual limitations.’ – Unknown

 

OUR ESSENTIAL IDENTITY – Neil Anderson

Genesis 1:26

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness"

Adam was created physically and spiritually alive. He possessed eternal life from his first breath and enjoyed God's abiding presence in the Garden of Eden.

Furthermore, unlike the animal kingdom that operated by divine instinct, Adam was created in the likeness of God with a mind, emotions and will, giving him the ability to think, feel and choose. No other created being can make that claim.

After creating Adam, God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). So He created a suitable helper for him: Eve. They both enjoyed a sense of belonging to God and each other. Not only that, God gave them a purpose: to "rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth" (Genesis 1:26). Adam and Eve didn't have to search for significance; they had it in their relationship with God. And because God was present with them, they lived in perpetual safety and security.

Eternal life, identity, purpose, significance, security and a sense of belonging are all attributes of mankind created in the image of God. Adam and Eve experienced these attributes in full measure, and we were destined to enjoy them too. But when Adam sinned, he died spiritually and forfeited everything God had provided. Being separated from God, Adam's glowing attributes became glaring needs.

As children of Adam born separated from God, we come into the world with these same glaring needs. We wander though life striving to make a name of ourselves, looking for security in temporal things, and searching for significance apart from God. Is it a hopeless quest? No! We are able to fulfill these needs by establishing a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Everything Adam enjoyed in the garden before he sinned is now at our disposal.

Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sin so I may have eternal life. And thank You that in Christ my need for identity, significance, security and a sense of belonging can be met

Engraved

ENGRAVED: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Is 49:16 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-fc

 

 

Theresa C. Allen, M.A., LPC-I

Women's Ministry Director

864.226.8514 / 864.231.9874 (fax)

www.havenofrest.cc

The Secret of Self-government

The Secret Of Self-government

When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us . . . self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT).

Dear friends:

Founding Father and second U.S. President, John Adams, made a most astonishing statement that is so relevant today. He said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."

What is the basis of such an extreme statement?

America has been a great experiment in self-government. Self-government, of course, requires "government of self." Government of one's self requires control over one's selfish, carnal drives that can harm others. The early Americans knew this spiritual principle from the Bible -- that self-control is a fruit and outer working of the Holy Spirit in one's life, and that the indwelling and influence of the Holy Spirit comes when one receives, trusts and obeys Christ.

In 1852, statesman, Congressman and Senator Robert C. Winthrop said it this way: "All societies must be governed in some way or other. The less they may have stringent state government, the more they must have individual self-government ... Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them, or by a power without them... "

This is how America was born: (1) commitment to God, (2) commitment to one another, and (3) self-control. This is the fledgling nation birthed by our Founding Fathers in 1776. This is what caused them to lay their lives on the line, sacrificing everything, to declare our independence and form our first national government. It is what birthed the greatest missionary sending nation in history, enabling us in just the last few years alone to communicate the gospel to literally billions of people worldwide.

But back to President John Adam's statement about our Constitution made only for a moral and religious people. As America has abandoned our spiritual roots and has become increasingly morally degenerate, we can already see the truth of that statement. The wicked are taking advantage of our Constitution and with the help of the anti-Christian lawyers are using it against us and in their favor. Even foreign terrorists and drug dealers are trying to exploit our constitutional rights, provided by the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers.

America desperately needs a spiritual awakening and revival. Let us continue to fast and pray to that end.

Yours for fulfilling the Great Commission

each year until our Lord returns,

Bill Bright

 

Grace

GRACE: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God..." Eph 2:8-9. http://wp.me/p29yfQ-eN

 

 

Theresa C. Allen, M.A., LPC-I

Women's Ministry Director

864.226.8514 / 864.231.9874 (fax)

Identifying A Christian Leader

IDENTIFYING A CHRISTIAN LEADER – Dr. Neil Anderson

2 Peter 2:1

There will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves

What comes to mind when you hear the terms false prophets and false teachers ? Many people tend to thing of Eastern mystics and gurus, the spokespersons for nonbiblical religions or dynamic cult leaders--people who are recognizably outside the boundaries of the Christian church. But the apostle Peter devoted an entire chapter in one of his letters (2 Peter 2) to false prophets and teachers who operate within the church. False teachers may operate in our churches disguised as workers of righteousness.

Notice that the lure of false teachers is not primarily their doctrine: "And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned" (verse 2). What does Peter mean by "follow their sensuality"? He is talking about Christians who evaluate a ministry based on the outward appearance and charm of its leaders. We say, "He's such a nice guy"; "She's a very charismatic person"; "He's a real dynamic speaker"; "She's so sweet and sounds so sincere." But is physical attractiveness or a syrupy personality a biblical criterion for validating a ministry or a teacher? Of course not! The issue is always truth and righteousness . A Christian leader should be identified by his commitment to the truth, his righteous life and his servant's heart.

Prayer: Dear God, keep me from playing to the grandstand; I want only to live for You. Keep me accountable as a person of truth, righteousness, and love, ever fearful of discrediting Your name.

 

Understand your Spiritual Resources -John MacArthur

Understand your Spiritual Resources -John MacArthur

"God...has blessed us with every spiritual blessing" (Eph. 1:3, emphasis added).

The story is told of a wealthy London businessman who searched many years for his runaway son. One afternoon he was preparing to board a train to London when he spotted a man in ragged, dirty clothing begging money from passengers along the station platform. His first impulse was to avoid the beggar but there was something strangely familiar about him.

When the beggar approached and asked if he could spare a few shillings, the businessman realized he had found his long-lost son. With tears in his eyes and joy in his voice he embraced his son, crying, "A few shillings? You are my son--everything I have is yours!"

That pictures many Christians who are ignorant or negligent of their spiritual resources. They are children of the King, yet live like spiritual paupers.

Paul repeatedly emphasized our sufficiency as believers. In Colossians 2:10 he declares that in Christ "you have been made complete." In Philippians 4:13 and19 he says, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" and "my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Peter added that God's "divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

The word translated "spiritual" in Ephesians 1:3 speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit. Every blessing you receive, whether material or immaterial, has God as its source.

As a Christian, you possess every spiritual resource you need to fulfill God's will for your life. You needn't pray for more love, for example, because His love is already poured out in your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). The same is true of joy (John 15:11), peace (John 14:27), strength (Phil. 4:13)--and every other resource you need. The key to spiritual progress and victory is learning to apply what you already have, not seeking more.

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Praise God for His abundant spiritual resources.
• Ask Him to help you apply them with wisdom and consistency.

From Jesus Calling- Sarah Young

From Jesus Calling - Sarah Young

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace.

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
—Psalm 31:19–20 nasb

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”
—John 16:33 amp