"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written."
John says that the whole world could not contain the books that would be written if every single thing Jesus did were written down. (Talk about a life of significance!) Yet despite all that could have been said about Jesus and his deeds, we have only four Gospels, and many of Jesus' actions are repeatedly reported. The Gospels, then, contain the nectar—the distillation of what is most important about Jesus. How might this knowledge shape the way you read the Gospels from now on?
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
2 Samuel 19:7–8
"[Joab said,] 'Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before.'
So the king went out and took his seat at the town gate, and as the news spread throughout the town that he was there, everyone went to him."
Despite David's grief over Absalom's death, he was teachable. He listened to Joab's point of view and responded. David, who was personally devastated and whose kingdom was in political disarray, needed to lean not on his own wisdom or feelings but on his advisor. He needed to put aside his own grief and pain to serve. We too are sometimes called to lay aside our own issues so we can deal with our responsibilities. We must lean on God to strengthen us at such times and be willing to sacrifice our own needs.
So the king went out and took his seat at the town gate, and as the news spread throughout the town that he was there, everyone went to him."
Despite David's grief over Absalom's death, he was teachable. He listened to Joab's point of view and responded. David, who was personally devastated and whose kingdom was in political disarray, needed to lean not on his own wisdom or feelings but on his advisor. He needed to put aside his own grief and pain to serve. We too are sometimes called to lay aside our own issues so we can deal with our responsibilities. We must lean on God to strengthen us at such times and be willing to sacrifice our own needs.
Matthew 7:7
"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you"
(Matthew 7:7, NLT)
Is there something you are believing God for today? Does it seem like it's taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged because the Bible says that through faith and patience you will inherit His promises! If you'll stay in faith, if you'll keep on seeking Him, it won't be long until you see that breakthrough!
The problem is that most people give up just before they get their miracle. They stop when things get hard or when they don't get the answer they want the first time. But today's verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn't mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise!
Today, submit your prayers to the Lord and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is working behind the scenes. He perfecting whatever concerns you. Don't give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him!
from Joel and Victoria Osteen
(Matthew 7:7, NLT)
Is there something you are believing God for today? Does it seem like it's taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged because the Bible says that through faith and patience you will inherit His promises! If you'll stay in faith, if you'll keep on seeking Him, it won't be long until you see that breakthrough!
The problem is that most people give up just before they get their miracle. They stop when things get hard or when they don't get the answer they want the first time. But today's verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn't mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise!
Today, submit your prayers to the Lord and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is working behind the scenes. He perfecting whatever concerns you. Don't give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him!
from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Psalm 119:138, 140, 143
"Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands."
and completely trustworthy.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands."
God's Word is entirely worthy of our trust. It's been tested and found true, again and again. There are few things in which we can absolutely trust; this is one of them. The promises and commands foster joy, even during times of pressure and stress. Possessing truth and the promises of God surpasses any negative thing we can experience.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Mark Batterson Quote
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