“He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert” (Psalm 105:41)

November 5, 2011

Water is life. When we go through desert times in our lives, Jesus is our Rock. There are seasons of dryness that test us. They teach us to go to the Rock. Even when all looks to be desert, go to Jesus and drink. Why do you thirst? Is it not to remind you that you need Him above all else?

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone” (Ezekiel 11:19)

November 4, 2011

In the midst of Ezekiel’s vision of God’s Spirit leaving the Temple, he hears this prophecy. It points to the coming of the Christ who will die for us and put His Spirit within us, so that we become the temple of God.

“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28)

November 3, 2011

We underestimate the power of the tongue. Poor communication is often the core of disunity in the home, the church and in the workplace. Ask God to tame your tongue (James 3). Ask yourself whether your words are Spirit-filled or from the flesh. Words have power.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7)

November 2, 2011

If God stirs your heart, yet you do not obey, your heart becomes increasingly hardened. Each time you deny Him the callous thickens. Eventually, your heart will be so insulated from God’s call that you’ll think He no longer speaks. The antidote? Start saying “Yes!” when you hear His voice.

“I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Abib near the Kebar River. I sat among them for seven days—overwhelmed” (Ezekiel 1:14-15)

November 1, 2011

Sometimes God teaches us something we don’t want to hear, something overwhelming. He is looking for one who will obey Him even in this.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2)

October 31, 2011

David knew how to encourage himself in the Lord. Here he invites his own soul to number the blessings of serving the Lord. Focusing on the benefits rather than the worries of the day results in a heart of thanksgiving. It helps us experience the joy of the Lord. Let’s start counting now …

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

October 30, 2011

Jesus is the final and supreme revelation. All Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Him. He is the Incarnate Word of God. He is the complete communication of God’s love for us. Listen to Him.

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (Philemon 6)

October 29, 2011

Growing to maturity and faith sharing are connected. Too many Christians sit and soak. They think their learning equals maturity. It doesn’t. It only puffs up. Start making disciples and watch your faith grow in maturity.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5)

October 28, 2011

Are you striving and falling short of your own spiritual expectations? Remember that it was because of God’s love and mercy that we are saved. Have you learned to rest in this truth? Stop your self-effort and learn to lean.

“So that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10)

October 27, 2011

Work for those who employ us in such a way that it makes them want to know about Jesus. Remember, we are servants of Christ, so everything we do, we do for Him. The excellence of your work should be a platform for preaching the gospel.