THINK UPWARD

 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col3:2 wp.me/p29yfQ-wz #joy #purpose #eyesonChrist #can #life

How to End Well – Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Many people think about the last years of life as an opportunity to just relax. But this does not align with God's purpose for us; He wants us to serve Him all the days of our lives.

Let's look at the apostle Paul's journey and explore what it means to finish well. He spent time pouring into others until the very end of his life. Consider the letters he wrote to Timothy from a prison cell prior to being executed. In every season of life, God calls us to serve others.

And notice how, when writing about his life, the apostle chose words descriptive of a battle. He understood the human struggle against sin as well as the challenges of pain and persecution in the trials we all face--even in doing kingdom work like preaching Christ to a fiercely resistant society.

This godly servant's life was also marked by surrender. His mindset is obvious in these words: "present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Rom. 12:1). He was not afraid of Nero, nor was he struggling to stay alive. Paul trusted God to determine everything about his life, including where he would go, what he would do, and when he would die. Death did not scare him, because he knew he would dwell with Jesus forever.

God doesn't require our lives to be perfect in order to finish strong. We can live life fully and be ready to meet our Maker by surrendering, walking victoriously with Christ, and serving others. If Jesus called you home today, would you--like Paul--be confident that you lived well until the end?

Remember God’s Promises-by Charles R. Swindoll

Psalm 137:4–6

After relating the anguish of lingering consequences in Psalm 137:1–3, the writer does a little self-analysis. His perspective shifts from looking outward to searching within. He asks a reasonable question in verse 4: "How can we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?"

The question touches on two issues. First, the Jews understood their occupation of Canaan as a necessary part of God's covenant with Abraham. How could they legitimately sing about the faithfulness of God if their covenant no longer existed? But they failed to understand that their exile was temporary; seventy years, as predicted. God had said all along that their hold on the land depended upon their obedience (Deuteronomy 28). So, to answer their question, "Keep My laws, and I'll restore your land to you."

The second issue has to do with sincerity. Genuine singing is spontaneous; it cannot be forced. Nor will it joyfully burst forth from a rebellious heart or a guilty conscience. The captive Jews couldn't sing for joy naturally; they needed supernatural help. The same is true of all people. We are totally unable to experience joy as long as we're enslaved to sin. But when freed by the power of Christ . . .

Paul and Silas were chained in the Philippian jail, but the Christian melodies and songs rang out nonetheless. Physically, they were captives; spiritually, however, they were free. Consequently, they could sincerely sing with joy despite their dismal surroundings (Acts 16:25–26).

Song 137 continues with a refusal to give up hope. While their chastisement was severe, the composer would not stop trusting that God would fulfill His promises. With the zeal of a Jewish patriot, the psalmist declares his devotion to his Lord and to the capital city of his homeland, the land unconditionally promised to Abraham's Hebrew descendants.

How can we sing the LORD's song
In a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
May my right hand forget her skill.
May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
If I do not remember you,
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy. (137:4–6)

Notice that the pronouns change from "we" and "our" to "I" and "my." He says that he will never, ever forget the blessings and benefits of being a citizen of Judah. He says that his song would be forever silenced—he would not skillfully play ("my right hand") or spontaneously sing ("my tongue")—should he forget the marvelous benefits of home. While the composer speaks for himself, let us not forget that he wrote this hymn to be sung by the faithful of Judah. As they joined their voices, each person pledged to remember God's promise regardless of the circumstances.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, nothing can break your bond with God (John 10:28–29; Romans 8:28–39; 2 Timothy 1:12). The lingering consequences of wrongdoing can, however, cause you to feel like God has abandoned you. The people of Judah refused to accept this falsehood and encouraged themselves with the promises of God. They focused on His unfailing goodness despite their faltering devotion

THE POWER OF SUBMISSION

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, & he will flee from you.” Jam4:7 wp.me/p29yfQ-wD #God

SIGN SEEKERS:

The Pharisees came...seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.... Mk8:11-12 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-wu  #test #faith

OUR RELATIONSHIP TO SIN

Romans 6:11 

Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus

Even though you are dead to sin, sin's strong appeal may still cause you to struggle with feeling that you are more alive to sin than you are to Christ. But Romans 6:1-11 teaches us that what is true of the Lord Jesus Christ is true of us in terms of our relationship to sin and death. God the Father allowed His Son to "be sin" in order that all the sins of the world--past, present and future--would fall on Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). When He died on the cross, our sins were on Him. But when He rose from the grave, there was no sin on Him. When He ascended to the Father, there was no sin on Him. And today, as He sits at the Father's right hand, there is no sin on Him. Since we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ, we too have died to sin.

Christ already died to sin, and because you are in Him, you have died to sin too. Sin is still strong and appealing, but your relationship with sin has ended. I've met many Christians who are still trying to die to sin, and their lives are miserable and fruitless as a result because they are struggling to do something that has already been done. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death" (Romans 8:2).

Romans 6:11 summarizes what we are to believe about our relationship to sin because of our position in Christ. It doesn't matter whether you feel dead to sin or not; you are to consider it so because it is so. People wrongly wonder, "What experience must I have in order for this to be true?" The only necessary experience is that of Christ on the cross, which has already happened. When we choose to believe what is true about ourselves and sin, and walk on the basis of what we believe, our right relationship with sin will work out in our experience. But as long as we put our experience before our belief, we will never fully know the freedom that Christ purchased for us on the cross.

Prayer: Lord, teach me not always to believe what I feel about my relationship to sin, but to believe the truth that I am dead to it

“We are dead to sin but sin is not dead to us”

When life is too hard

INNOCENT:

INNOCENT: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom8:1 wp.me/s29yfQ-innocent #forgiven #free #cross

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God" (Rom. 5:1), and even our consciences no longer accuse us. (See Rom. 2:15.) Judgment and justice now find in favor of the sinner instead of against him. Our memories look back on past sins with deep sorrow but without any dread of penalty to come, for Christ has paid the debt of His people to "the smallest letter" and "the least stroke of a pen" (Matt. 5:18). He has obtained a paid-in-full receipt, and unless God were so unjust as to demand double payment for the same debt, no soul for whom Jesus died as a substitute can ever be cast into hell.

 

One of the primary beliefs of our new nature is that God is just. At first this belief brings us great fear, but isn't it wonderful that this same belief in God's justice later becomes the very pillar of our confidence and peace! If God is just, a sinner without a substitutionary sacrifice must be punished, but Jesus stood in my place and has been punished for me. And now, if God is just, I--a sinner who stands in Christ--can never be punished. In fact, God would have to change His nature before one soul for whom Jesus died could suffer even one lash of the law.

 

Thus, since Jesus has taken the place of the believer--having received the full penalty for God's divine wrath and having suffered all that His people should have suffered as a result of their sin--believers can shout in glorious triumph, "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" (Rom. 8:33). Certainly not God, for He has justified believers. Certainly not Christ, for He died to pay the price--and "He has risen from the dead" (Matt. 28:7).

 

My hope is alive not because I am not a sinner but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died. My trust lives not because I am holy but because, being unholy, He is my righteousness. My faith rests not on what I am or will be, or on what I feel or know, but on who Christ is, on what He has done, and on what He is still doing for me.

The fair maiden of hope rides as a queen on the lion of justice.

GOD IS THERE:

GOD IS THERE: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence...."Ps139:7-8 wp.me/p29yfQ-wk #fear #alone

Satan's Strategy – Dr. Charles Stanley

Satan's Strategy – Dr. Charles Stanley
 
Luke 22:31-62

All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. The question is, How are you going to respond? Plenty of people give up and exchange a vibrant kingdom-serving life for a defeated existence. But failure need not be an end. It's a chance for a new beginning living in Christ's strength.

Peter had a life-altering failure. Jesus warned that Satan had asked permission to "sift" the disciple like wheat (Luke 22:31)—vigorous shaking is required to separate wheat kernels from debris. The Enemy wanted to shake Peter's faith hard in hopes that he'd fall away from Jesus like chaff.

Peter fervently believed the promise he'd made to Jesus: "Even though all may fall away, yet I will not" (Mark 14:29). But Satan knows a few things about the power of fear. What's more, he realized that the disciple would be wounded by his own disloyalty. A man with tattered pride can't help but question his usefulness.

When Satan sifts believers, his goal is to damage our faith so much that we're useless to God. He wants us shelved far from the action of the Lord's kingdom. Therefore, he goes for our strengths—the areas where we believe ourselves to be invincible, or at least very well protected. And when the Devil succeeds, we are disappointed and demoralized. But we don't have to stay that way.

If we are willing, God can use failure to do spiritual housecleaning. Peter laid down his pride and instead put on the Holy Spirit's courage. Thereafter, he risked humiliation, persecution, and death to proclaim the gospel. Failure was the catalyst that brought forth greater faith and true servanthood.

"The existence of the Devil is so clearly taught in the Bible that to doubt it is to doubt the Bible itself."
—Archibald G. Brown

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

GOD IS AT WORK IN ME

GOD IS AT WORK IN ME: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me....Do not forsake the work of your hands.”Ps138:8 wp.me/p29yfQ-wg #me

Everyone’s plate is a different size – Shana Schutte

Everyone’s plate is a different size – Shana Schutte / blueprintforlife.com

Recently, while on a long hike, I listened to a series of sermons on living a balanced lifestyle. During this audio marathon, I scrolled through a list of articles on my phone by the same topic and came across a quote from a pastor which said, “Everyone’s plate is a different size.”

This simple thought was intriguing and liberating. Here’s why. . .

Uniquely Designed

Because everyone’s plate is a different size, God hasn’t put on my plate what He has put on yours. So, you may be able to carry a load I can’t. Or, I may be able to master a particular task you are unable to, because it’s not how you have been created.

Because my plate is a particular size, it means I been uniquely designed to carry out a particular mission. Therefore, I do not beat myself up that I am not doing what you are doing. I know I uniquely fill a particular role in God’s Kingdom.

How wonderful that we can all be exactly who God has created us to be! Therefore, we never have to fret and try to live someone else’s life.

Celebrating You, Celebrating Me

The minute I agree that God has, in His sovereignty, placed on my plate what He hasn’t placed on yours, is the minute I can celebrate your accomplishments–and I can be content with mine. The word “comparison” is no longer in my vocabulary. I do not criticize you for doing too much or not enough.  And I am not jealous or wish I could do what you are doing. Instead, I rejoice in what you accomplish. And, I am equally grateful for what God is doing through me for His glory (Thessalonians 1:12).

I see myself in the context of a greater whole with each one of God’s children uniquely serving Him with their gifts and talents. I agree with 1 Peter 4:10 which says, ”. . . each has received a gift. . . as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Empowered by God

When I realize that what is on my plate has been placed there by my Creator, I also know He will empower me to do what He has called me to (Philippians 4:13). For this reason, I can always be successful. I must remember that He will not empower me to do what someone else is doing if that is not my assignment.

All these things are why it’s important to ask God what we should be doing and not compare ourselves to what others are doing.

Everyone’s plate is a different size.

Digging Deeper: Have you ever thought your plate should be the same size as someone else’s? If so, what was the result? What does Psalm 139 say about how long God has known you and how He has designed you? Take a moment and thank God for how He has uniquely made you to fill a specific role in His Kingdom.

SECURITY IN ETERNITY – Dr. Neil Anderson

Psalm 18:2 

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold

The key to experiencing security in your life is to depend on things that are eternal, not temporal. Christians often feel insecure because they are depending on temporal things they have no right or ability to control. For example, some people rely on their money for material security instead of relying on God's promise to supply all our needs. The safest place to keep money a few years ago was a savings and loan institution. But many have failed and the security people had placed in them was shattered. Only eternal investments are secure.

I believe God is shaking the foundations of the world. Natural disasters are on the increase, kingdoms are being toppled, political boundaries are being redrawn, and anarchy reigns in many poor countries. Scripture warns us that such conditions would precede the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24). This shouldn't alarm us; we should be excited. Christ's return will be the day of the church for those who have stored up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Security only comes from relating to that which is anchored in eternity. Jesus said that we have eternal life and that no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:27-29). Paul declared that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35-39) and that we are sealed in Him by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 14). How much more secure can you get than that? When your ultimate trust is in temporal values and relationships, you are always subject to insecurity because these things are subject to failure and can be lost. The greatest sense of security you can experience is the byproduct of taking a firm grip on values and relationships which will endure as long as God Himself.

ARROWS:

ARROWS: “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Ps127:4 wp.me/s29yfQ-arrows #children #blessed #train

Freedom – Alistair Begg

Freedom – Alistair Begg

Galatians 5:1

This "freedom" is established in heaven's charter–the Bible. Here is a choice passage, believer: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."¹ Here is another: "The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you."²

These Scriptures set you free in believing. You are a welcome guest at this table of promises. Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace. It is the bank of heaven; you may draw from it as much as you wish, without any hindrance.

Come in faith; you are welcome to all the covenant blessings. There is not a promise in the Word that will be withheld. In the deepest tribulations let this freedom comfort you; overwhelmed by waves of distress let it cheer you; when sorrows surround you let it be your solace. This is your Father's love-token; you are free in it at all times.

You are also given free access to the throne of grace. It is the believer's privilege to have access at all times to his heavenly Father. Whatever our desires, our difficulties, our wants, we are at liberty to spread them all before Him. It does not matter how much we may have sinned, we can ask and expect pardon. No matter how poor we are, we may plead His promise that He will provide everything we need. We have permission to approach His throne at all times–in midnight's darkest hour or in noontide's most burning heat.

Exercise your right, believer, and enjoy this privilege. You are set free to all that is treasured up in Christ–wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It does not matter what your need is, for there is abundant supply in Christ, and it is there for you. What a "freedom" is yours! Freedom from condemnation, freedom to the promises, freedom to the throne of grace, and at last freedom to enter heaven!

THE SINLESS CHRIST:

THE SINLESS CHRIST: “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”1Pt2:22 wp.me/p29yfQ-w6 #savior #Jesus #testimonial

STRONGHOLDS:

STRONGHOLDS: “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God….”1Cor10:5 contemplationsoftheword.com/strongholds/

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. "[We] are not [our] own; [we] were bought at a price" (1 Cor. 6:19-20)--so let us recognize the rights of Him whose blood redeemed us. A soldier follows his captain and a servant obeys his master. How much more should we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a "purchased possession" (Eph. 1:14 KJV).

We are untrue to our confession of being a Christian, if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty, and trivial objections our folly. Our Lord has every right to say to us, as He did to Peter, "What is that to you? You must follow me" (John 21:22). And wherever Jesus may lead us, He goes before us, so even if we do not know where we are going, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who should fear the perils of the road? The journey may be long, but His "everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27) will carry us to the end. The presence of Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, for "because [He] live[s], [we] also will live" (John 14:19).

We should follow Christ in simplicity and faith, because every path in which He leads will end in glory and immortality. It is true His paths may not be smooth, for they may be covered with painfully difficult trials, but they ultimately lead to "the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Heb. 11:10). "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant" (Ps. 25:10 ESV).

So let us put our full trust in our Leader, since we know that whether we experience prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, His purpose will be accomplished, and that purpose will be pure, unmitigated good to every heir of His mercy. May we find it a blessing to go up the unsheltered side of the hill with Christ, and when the rain and snow blow in our faces, may His dear love make us far more blessed than those who sit at home, warming their hands by the world's fire. To "the crest of Amana," (Song 4:8) we will follow our Beloved!

Shhhh!

Shhhh!

WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - SEP• 17•13

Psalm 46:10 (NIV): “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

We are busy people! We are chatty people! Often, we start our day with what we call our“quiet time with God,” and it is anything but quiet. We fill those 20 or 30 minutes with constant chatter about what we want God to do…who to bless, who to heal, what to fix, and how to fix it. Imagine God with His finger to His lips saying, “Shhhh! It is my turn to speak.” If God has a plan and a purpose for our lives (Jeremiah 28:11), and He is the One who orders our steps throughout the day (Proverbs 16:9), shouldn’t we start our day coming to Him with open ears and closed mouths? We need to invite the Lord to speak into our hearts and our minds. His voice gives direction, comfort, and strength. God does invite us to bring the petitions of our hearts to Him, but it is far more important for us to hear what God has to say than for Him to hear what we have to say. Take time to be still before the Lord. It is never time wasted. When we do, we will find that He is all knowing and His ways are best.

Listen to the voice of God today!

God Acts On Our Behalf

God Acts On Our Behalf 
Philippians 4:6-7

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we'll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: "Trust Me." And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, "I don't trust You."

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can't see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God examines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible consequences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

BORROWED FAITH:

9/16/13, 5:23 AM

BORROWED FAITH: “And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’” Mat25:8 wp.me/p29yfQ-vU

THE VIEW FROM THE CROSS – Dr. Neil Anderson

THE VIEW FROM THE CROSS – Dr. Neil Anderson

Matthew 16:25, 26 

Whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?

Three guidelines from these verses summarize the view from the cross, which we must adopt to counteract the self-centered worldview promoted by the god of this world.

First, we must sacrifice the lower life to gain the higher life. If you want to save your natural life (i.e., find your identity and sense of self-worth in positions, titles, accomplishments and possessions and seek only worldly well-being), you will lose it. At best you can only possess these temporal values for a lifetime, only to lose everything for eternity.

Furthermore, in all your efforts to possess these earthly treasures, you will fail to gain all that can be yours in Christ. Shoot for this world and that's all you'll get, and eventually you will lose even that. But shoot for the next world and God will throw in the benefits of knowing Him in this present life as well. Paul put it this way: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:7, 8).

Second, sacrifice the pleasure of things to gain the pleasure of life. What would you accept in trade for the fruit of the Spirit in your life? What material possession, what amount of money, what position or title would you exchange for the love, joy, peace and patience that you enjoy in Christ? "Nothing," we all probably agree. Victory over self comes as we learn to love people and use things instead of using people and loving things.

Third, sacrifice the temporal to gain the eternal. Possibly the greatest sign of spiritual maturity is the ability to postpone rewards. It is far better to know that we are the children of God than to gain anything that the world calls valuable. Even if following Christ results in hardships in this life, He will make it right in eternity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You alone are God. Help me to choose the higher life today instead of seeking the pleasures of this world.  

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.
C. S. Lewis

CHOICES

 "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it....'" Is30:21 wp.me/s29yfQ-choices #decisions

DENYING SELF- Dr. Neil Anderson

Matthew 16:24 

If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself

A primary reason why we struggle to fulfill Christ's Great Commission is because we are guilty of a great omission : We fail to deny ourselves.

Denying yourself is not the same as self-denial. Students, athletes and cult members practice self-denial, restricting themselves from substances and activities which keep them from reaching their goals. But the ultimate purpose of self-denial is self-glorification. The ultimate purpose of denying self is to glorify God.

Jesus was talking about denying yourself in the essential battle of life: the scramble for the throne, the struggle over who is going to be God. Jesus doesn't enter into that battle; He's already won it. He occupies the throne and graciously offers to share it with us. But we want to be king in our lives by ourselves. Until we deny ourselves that which was never meant to be ours--the role of being God in our lives--we will never be at peace with ourselves or God, and we will never be free.

You were not designed to function independently of God, nor was your soul designed to function as master. You will either serve God and His kingdom or Satan and his kingdom. Self-seeking, self-serving, self-justifying, self-glorifying, self-centered and self-confident living is in actuality living and serving the world, the flesh and the devil. On the other hand, denying yourself is not self-mortification. God is not trying to annihilate you; He is trying to restore you.

When you deny yourself, you invite God to take the throne of your life, to occupy what is rightfully His, so that you may function as a person who is spiritually alive in Christ. Denying yourself is essential to spiritual freedom. 

Prayer: Lord, too many times I have tried to live independently of You. I deny myself today and yield the throne of my life to You

NOW I SEE

 “...Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” Jn9:25 wp.me/p29yfQ-vL

Trust and Obey – Dr. Charles Stanley

Joshua 6:1-5

One of my favorite songs is "Trust and Obey" because it sums up God's purpose for our lives. When we practice these two commands, a beautiful cycle begins. Trusting the Lord makes obedience easier, and obedience produces ever-increasing trust. Can you recall facing a challenge that was difficult or perplexing? If so, you know how important these two commands are.

When the Lord calls you to a task that seems unreasonable, you have two options. You can obey Him even though you don't understand what will happen, or you can become fearful and attempt to find a way out. Joshua chose the first option. Because he trusted the Lord, he disregarded all his military experience and adopted God's bizarre battle plan. Over the years, he had learned that the Lord is trustworthy.

The way we respond to God's challenging assignments reveals our level of commitment. We may feel as if we're right in step with Him--until He proposes a change of direction. That's when our resistance kicks in, and with it, the realization we aren't as close to Him as we thought. At that point, our decision determines whether the Lord will be able to use us as He desires. Because Joshua never lost his commitment, he continued to serve the Lord for the remainder of his life.

At times obedience is a struggle, as your mind runs through all the reasons God's path is illogical. Fear dominates and your will battles to comply when everything within is screaming to run the other way. But obedience is always the best choice, because the Lord is trustworthy and wise.

WORRY LESS, PRAY MORE

 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Is26:3 wp.me/p29yfQ-vG

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH – Neil Anderson

John 16:13 

When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth

It's not hard to know the truth if You are the truth, and speaking with authority would come quite naturally if you're God! Discernment is also easier if you know, as Jesus does, what's in the hearts of men (John 2:24, 25). Though we don't possess those attributes, we do have the Holy Spirit. If we are going to continue the work of Jesus, we must yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to control and guide us. Then we can know the truth, speak with authority, and discern good and evil.

We have as our guide the Spirit of truth. When Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, He said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . . He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you" (John 16:13, 14). This promise has primary reference to the apostles, but its application extends to all Spirit-filled believers (1 John 2:20-27). The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the Spirit of truth, and He will lead us into all truth.

When Jesus prayed, He requested, "I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth" (John 17:15, 17). Truth is what keeps us from the evil one. John wrote, "The whole world lies in the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), because Satan "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). The only way to overcome the father of lies is by revelation, not research or reasoning. Many in higher education lean on their own understanding and believe only in what can be validated by research. Truth is God's will made known through His Word. The Holy Spirit's role is to enable us to understand the Word of God from God's perspective. Jesus says, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).

Prayer: Father, forgive me for leaning on my own understanding. Fill me with Your Spirit and lead me into all truth today.

SHOO IT AWAY!:

SHOO IT AWAY!: “Let the words of my mouth & the meditation of my heart be acceptable in ur sight, O Lord.....”Ps19:14 wp.me/p29yfQ-vC

Worshiping in Everyday Occasions

When you were under the fig tree, I saw you —John 1:48

Worshiping in Everyday Occasions. We presume that we would be ready for battle if confronted with a great crisis, but it is not the crisis that builds something within us— it simply reveals what we are made of already. Do you find yourself saying, “If God calls me to battle, of course I will rise to the occasion”? Yet you won’t rise to the occasion unless you have done so on God’s training ground. If you are not doing the task that is closest to you now, which God has engineered into your life, when the crisis comes, instead of being fit for battle, you will be revealed as being unfit. Crises always reveal a person’s true character.

A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness. The time will come, as Nathanael experienced in this passage, that a private “fig-tree” life will no longer be possible. Everything will be out in the open, and you will find yourself to be of no value there if you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions in your own home. If your worship is right in your private relationship with God, then when He sets you free, you will be ready. It is in the unseen life, which only God saw, that you have become perfectly fit. And when the strain of the crisis comes, you can be relied upon by God.

Are you saying, “But I can’t be expected to live a sanctified life in my present circumstances; I have no time for prayer or Bible study right now; besides, my opportunity for battle hasn’t come yet, but when it does, of course I will be ready”? No, you will not. If you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions, when you get involved in God’s work, you will not only be useless yourself but also a hindrance to those around you.

God’s training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint.

By Oswald Chambers

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

CAUGHT!...NOW WHAT?

CAUGHT!...NOW WHAT?: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery...." Jn8:3-5 wp.me/p29yfQ-vx

PERSEVERING TRIBULATIONS

PERSEVERING TRIBULATIONS – Dr. Neil Anderson

James 1:2, 3
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance

There certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas which come along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at being God's person.

But Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar encouragement: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).

Maybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape tribulations. But God's goal for you is maturity in Christ, becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway. That's why Paul says we exult--meaning to express heightened joy--in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations is the doorway to proven character, which is God's goal for us.

Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable circumstances nor in the manipulation of others. Neither circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for bringing about His goal for your life.

Prayer: Lord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles. Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.

The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.
Dwight L. Moody

A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY:

A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY: “... And he divided the two fish among them all.” Mk6:41 wp.me/p29yfQ-vs #God #morethan #need #hope

The Burden of Inadequacy

The Burden of Inadequacy –Charles Stanley
Deuteronomy 1:19-36

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.

Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.

As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

TASTE AND SEE:

	Daily Devotional (@ContemplationsW)
9/5/13, 5:34 AM TASTE AND SEE: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Ps34:8 wp.me/p29yfQ-vo #Jesus

THAT'S NOT FUNNY:

	Daily Devotional (@ContemplationsW)
9/4/13, 5:41 AM THAT'S NOT FUNNY: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts...” Prov12:18 wp.me/p29yfQ-vk #kindwords #humor #love #uplift

God's Clear Instructions

God's Clear Instructions – Charles Stanley
Joshua 6

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.

Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:

• Faith to believe the Lord
• Courage to obey Him
• Patience to wait for His timing.

When God gives us clear instruction through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His promises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.

Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.

How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

LIFE ON THE CUTTING EDGE

LIFE ON THE CUTTING EDGE

Hebrews 11:33, 34
. . . Who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong

Is faith a risk? Of course. But failing to step out in faith is to risk missing real life. I have been challenged by the following thought from an unknown author.

Risk

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To place our ideas, our dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love . . . live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave; he has forfeited freedom.

What a privilege for us to be able to walk by faith in God Himself, armed with all the promises of His Word. I suppose we all desire the security of the solid tree trunk, but the fruit is out on the limb. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The timid soul asks, "What do I stand to lose if I do it?" The fruit-bearing Christians asks, "What do I stand to lose if I don't do it?" Real life is lived on the cutting edge.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me stand up for what is right, to reach out and love others, and to dare to believe.