Turning Losses into Gains

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 29

2 Chronicles 15:7 ESV NASB

“But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”

Turning Losses into Gains

One of the tremendous privileges I’ve had as a believer in Jesus was serving as an official chaplain for athletes competing in the Olympic Games. Ministering inside the Olympic Village was exciting, but it presented unique challenges. Many times I struggled to find the right words to say as I sat with medal contenders who—away from the glare of spectators and cameras—broke down in tears following disappointing performances.

Losing is difficult. No one wants to experience defeat, especially when we’ve made great sacrifices and exerted strenuous effort to excel. Ultimately, however, we can respond to loss by seeking God’s wisdom and courage to proceed in a manner that brings Him glory. The bitter alternative is to blame God and go our own separate way. (Personally, I’ve responded both ways on different occasions and can attest, the latter is a miserable way to go.)

In 2 Chronicles 14–17, there’s a gripping tale of a father and son, King Asa and King Jehoshaphat, and their respective walks with God. The father, Asa, had run a remarkable race for the Lord until the final 2 years of his 41-year-reign. Sadly, within sight of the finish line, Asa’s faith faltered. At that point, even when he developed a serious foot disease, the king who had once walked with God “did not seek the Lord’s help” (16:12).

King Jehoshaphat chose not to repeat his father’s grievous mistakes. Instead, Jehoshaphat was “deeply committed to the ways of the Lord” all the days of his life (17:6). And “the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years” (v.3).

How about you? Will you let losses prompt you to turn your back on God, or will you choose to seek Him even in your disappointment? —Roxanne Robbins

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Vipers

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 28M

Luke 3:8 ESV NASB

“Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.

Vipers

Last year, Tiger Woods’ public persona unraveled as one moral failure after another rushed to light. While this sad occasion offers us another opportunity to critique the feeding frenzy of pop journalism as well as the idol status we offer our celebrities (a status they could never live up to), it also provides each of us a sober reminder. If we’re honest, the image we present to others is often at odds with the life we actually live.

When John the Baptist appeared, traipsing around in the wild in camel-hair clothes and eating a strange diet, he preached one steady refrain. Change your behavior—Jesus is coming (v.4). For their entire history, Israel had looked for the Messiah to come and rescue them. Now, John announced that it was actually happening—the Rescuer was on His way. Israel, however, was in bad shape. They had forgotten God; and if Israel wanted to be ready for Jesus, they had a lot of cleaning up to do.

John wasn’t one to mince words. In one instance, he called the gathered crowd a “brood of vipers” (v.7 NIV). A viper was a dangerous, poisonous snake, and John wanted the people to hear plainly that the path they were on (spurning God), was a dangerous way to live.

Many heard John’s sobering words and asked the most sensible question: “What should we do?” (v.10). John’s response was direct: • If you have extra coats or food, give to those in need (v.11). • If you’re a tax collector, don’t cheat anyone (v.13). • If you’re a soldier, don’t use your power unjustly (v.14).

John spoke to everyone, from the common person to those with power, and told them to live truthfully, honestly, justly. God is coming, and He is bringing justice with Him. Are we ready? —Winn Collier

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PURENRG Song - Hands & Feet

PURENRG DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 27

Posted to 1 Timothy 4:12 on Oct 26, 2010 at 02:00 PM

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV NASB

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

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Hands & Feet

We are so inspired by a song originally recorded by Audio Adrenalin. It challenges us to be Christ’s hands and feet every day in the world

You can be the hands and feet of God, even at a young age as long as you spread Gods love through your actions.

We talk about this verse a lot. It’s 1 Timothy 4:12 and it says, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young but set the example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Let that verse be a word of encouragement to you. God will use whoever He wants to fulfill His calling.

Sometimes its helping out with your church, helping other people around you or with your family.

Take some time today and pray and see how you can be the hands and feet for Christ in the world today.

Once you think of ways, go out and be his hands and feet! Come back and join us next week!

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Single or married?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 21

Posted to 1 Corinthians 7:35 on Oct 20, 2010 at 01:23 PM

1 Corinthians 7:35 ESV NASB

This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.

single or married?

As a single woman, for years my view of marriage was based more on what it takes from a life than what it can add to it. But over time, I’ve been able to better understand marriage by studying God’s Word.

In 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, Paul’s general advice is that it’s better to stay unmarried because of the opportunities it provides to serve Christ without distraction. The reasons given are: (1) Single people will not have to deal with the unique problems that married people face (vv.25-28). (2) Because the end is near, Christians shouldn’t let marriage and the things of the world become their dominant concerns. Their primary focus should be Jesus and eternity (vv.29-31). (3) Since marriage brings earthly responsibilities, singles will be able to devote their lives more fully to serving God (vv.32-35).

But if marriage comes with so many disadvantages, why did God institute this covenant relationship? Here’s where the whole counsel of God’s Word is vital! While singles may have fewer everyday concerns than married couples, it’s also true that two is better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9). We can see God’s blueprint for marriage in Genesis 2:18-25. This passage reveals that, in marriage, the man and wife complement each other in His service.

There’s also a selflessness in marriage that one can never attain alone. It’s a relationship in which living for another’s best interest is put to the test, and yet—at the same time—can be extremely rewarding. A God-honoring marriage is also a strong witness of Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Our primary concern should always be our relationship with Jesus— regardless of marital status (Luke 14:26). So whether you’re single or married, keep seeking Him and rest in what He deems best for you. —Poh Fang Chia

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Rod Handley - Team Studies on Character

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 19

Posted to Philippians 1:11 on Oct 18, 2010 at 11:34 AM

Philippians 1:11 ESV NASB

having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

character that counts

Rod Handley, director of the ministry Character That Counts, has devoted his life’s work to helping people grow in character. He encourages people to, as Merriam-Webster’s puts it, exude “moral excellence and firmness.”

In his book Team Studies on Character, Handley lists traits embedded in the essence of 1 Timothy 4:16, which exhorts us to “Keep a close watch on how you live. . . . Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”

Here are some of the traits and what they mean:
Alertness: Being keenly aware of the events taking place around me so that I can properly respond to them.
Benevolence: Giving to others’ basic needs without expectations of personal reward.
Forgiveness: Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding past offenses against them.
Generosity: Realizing that all I have belongs to God and freely giving to benefit others.
Holiness: Having no blemish or stain. Being whole with no trace of regret or remorse.
Loyalty: Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to others or to what is right.
Responsibility: Knowing and doing what’s expected of me.
Self-Control: Bringing my thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes into constant obedience in order to benefit others.
Worship: Honoring God reverently.

Today, consider how you can increasingly implement these character qualities into your life, to the glory of God (Philippians 1:11). —Roxanne Robbins

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inconvenient compassion

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 14

Matthew 14:14 ESV NASB

When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.

inconvenient compassion

Unlike us sometimes, Jesus didn’t allow circumstances to dictate whether or not He chose to act compassionately. We need to take that to heart, for unchurched people are looking for reasons to attend a church and associate with believers in Christ. Nearly 60 percent of non-church-attenders say they would be more likely to step inside if they felt the church “cared for them as a person” (2009 Lifeway survey).

Jesus cared for individuals even when He faced bitter times. John the Baptist, the man God used to “prepare the way” for Jesus and who had baptized Him, was brutally executed by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee (Matthew 14:6-11). When Jesus “heard the news,” He experienced sadness and grief and left on a boat to go to a remote place (v.13). His heart was heavy as He dealt with the death of John and perhaps considered His own future sacrifice. During His moments alone on the boat, per His consistent pattern, it’s likely He prayed—calling out to His heavenly Father. When Jesus stepped from the boat, He was greeted by thousands of people. They had left their homes and towns to follow Him. But now they were in the wilderness without food.

Though still grieving, “Jesus . . . had compassion on them and healed their sick” (v.14). What’s more, He provided for their physical needs by giving them all a miraculous meal (vv.20-21).

To show compassion will often require us to leave convenience far behind. The times we’re called to display it may be when our own hearts are heavy or when we’re tired. That’s the perfect time to call out to our heavenly Father, seeking His comfort and counsel. Then we can pour out Christlike compassion on the people around us who are looking for the reality of Jesus in our words and actions. —Tom Felten

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Perspective

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 12

Matthew 23:28 ESV NASB

“So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Perspective

Still half asleep, I gradually found my way to the bathroom to begin my morning routine. Grabbing my toothbrush, I coated it with toothpaste and sat down on the edge of the bathtub. Because I don’t normally sit and brush my teeth, my position afforded me a new perspective of the bathroom sink. Previously hidden from view by the faucet’s spout, a fine layer of unidentifiable matter coated the edge where the faucet met the white porcelain. I realized my “working mom” style of cleaning needed some modifications.

Like the unseen grime on a sink, sin thrives in places beyond the view of others. So when we wage war against spiritual enemies, we need help. For our hearts can deceive us (Jeremiah 17:9). Surrounding ourselves with godly people who can speak the wisdom of God’s Word into our lives heightens our advantage in the battle (Proverbs 24:6). When we withhold information or spin the truth to make ourselves look good, however, the good counsel we receive can become sullied. Before long, one speck of grime adds to another until our hearts become a musty grave of hidden thoughts and desires.

Sadly, in the past I’ve whitewashed the tomb of my heart by pushing undesirable responses below others’ perceptions. Then, not so strangely, I’ve wondered why I felt like I could never be good enough. I hadn’t yet learned that coating the outside doesn’t change the heart. Dressed in layers of self-righteousness, I was naked and blind (Revelation 3:17-18)—desperately needing God’s perspective.

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love your enemies

DAILY DEVOTIOANAL, OCTOBER 11

Luke 6:27 ESV NASB

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

love your enemies

I may not love God as I should, but I’m determined to get a handle on it. I may not love my family the way I should, but I intend to work at it. I may not love my neighbor as I should—but I’ll keep trying. But love my enemy? Wow. That seems impossible!

Here’s why it’s so difficult. Enemies scheme, backstab, subject you to mental distress, and can even cause you bodily harm. If you could truly love them, they wouldn’t be your enemies anymore, would they? But in Luke 6, Jesus says, “Love your enemies” by doing good to them (vv.27,35).

Love is not mere emotion—it’s the decision to do what’s right and good for another person. It means blessing those who are against you, praying for them, and responding to their evil with good. And it means helping them even when they don’t deserve it. The three motivations for this kind of love are: • “Your reward from heaven will be very great” (v.35). Jesus doesn’t expand on this statement here, but it’s clearly a promise. If we choose to honor Him by loving our enemies, He will reward us. • “You will truly be acting as children of the Most High” (v.35). As children of the Most High, we can say along with the martyrs throughout the ages, “You can’t take my true wealth because it’s stored up in heaven. You can’t take my real life because it’s eternal in Jesus Christ.” • “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” We are called to imitate our Father, who is kind even to the “unthankful and wicked” (vv.35-36).

Let’s choose love over hatred. No occasion justifies evil for evil; no injustice warrants unjust behavior. Instead, we can follow God’s leading by choosing to love our enemies. —Poh Fang Chia

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radical change

DAILY DEVOTIOANAL, OCTOBER 8

Ezekiel 11:19 ESV NASB

“And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,

radical change

In a world where we so easily create virtual identities, we’re often tempted to paint ourselves in the best (exaggerated) light and to make ourselves appear as though we’re more accomplished or popular than we actually are. And if we want to start over from scratch, we can do so with just a few keystrokes. For instance, Seppukoo.com (with a nod to the ancient Japanese samurai tradition of ritual suicide) allows you to kill off your old Facebook identity. Then, whenever you wish, you can just begin again. Of course, in the real world, true change requires far more work than clicking a few options on a Web site— and requires much more time (a lifetime usually) to see full fruit.

The prophet Ezekiel wrote to Israel while they were in exile—estranged from their homeland with no power, minimal resources, and little hope for a meaningful future. Spiritually, they were destitute. Even the empire occupying their land saw what had happened. “Those people are far away from the Lord,” they said, “so now He has given their land to us!” (11:15). The entire nation of Israel groveled in a losing life they were desperate to change.

But they couldn’t enact the transformation they needed. They couldn’t pull themselves out of their mess. Left to themselves, nothing would change. Ever. This was true for them, and it’s true for us. Locked in cycles of selfdestruction and impotent attempts to make ourselves over, we know that we can’t bring about the type of renovation we need.

Mercifully, God promised that He would gather His scattered people back together, and that He would “put a new spirit in them” (v.19). God does what we can never do—He takes our old, withered life and gives us new life, full of joy and promise. —Winn Collier

The joy of sex

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 7

Proverbs 5:15 ESV NASB

Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well.

the joy of sex

The women’s fashion and lifestyle magazine in my mechanic’s office flaunted numerous articles about sex. One story, meant to be especially titillating, recounted the exploits of men who made love to multiple partners at once. The article left me sad. These hollow thrill seekers are not just looking for love in all the wrong places, they’re looking for love in too many places.

The best sex is exclusive. The oneness between a husband and wife—“two are united into one” (Genesis 2:18,24)—is a reflection of the ultimate spiritual oneness shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is a selfgiving community of love: Three in One who exist in a perfect relationship. Theologians base our understanding of the mutual indwelling of the Trinity on Jesus’ words: “You are in Me, Father, and I am in You” (John 17:21). When we become one with another body, we reflect the God who made us in His image as male and female (Genesis 1:27). Some popular love songs seem to get it right. Sex can be “almost paradise.” It is “knocking on heaven’s door,” because the companionship and intimacy of marriage echo the love of our triune God. This is why Proverbs instructs married couples to “reserve [sex] for yourselves.

Never share it with strangers” (5:17). When we selfishly use another person for our own physical pleasure—stealing from their body rather than owning and being owned by them—the true joy of sex (that only comes through giving ourselves completely to the one person who has given him or herself to us) is lost. Any animal can mate. Only humans can know the bliss of being loved by one other—of being naked and vulnerable and still embraced. And that is simply divine. —Mike Wittmer

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PURENRG - It's All About You

PURENRG DAILY DEVOTIONAL , OCTOBER 6

Posted to 1 Corinthians 10:31 on Oct 5, 2010 at 11:41 AM

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV NASB

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

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It's All About You

Do people ever ask you where your joy comes from? Or do you want to share Gods love with other people and don’t know what to say? Well, you share the love everyday through your words and actions.

Our song, “It’s All About You” reminds us that although making music and performing our songs on stage is so much fun, we don’t do it for our own glory. We sing and dance for the Lord.

Its important to keep this in the front of our minds, because no matter how much fun we are having we gotta remember our purpose is to bring glory to God.

Lets take a look at 1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all this for the glory of God

This is a short and simple reminder to live our lives for the one who gave His for us. We keep this in mind with our lyrics. They say, “I just wanna sing and dance like every day don’t wanna stop turn it down, is that okay? And when they ask just whats got me going so crazy, I let ‘em know it’s all about you.”

When we live for the glory of God it gives us a chance to share with others where our hope comes from. Take this chance today to tell a friend about Jesus.

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sacred sickness

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 4

Isaiah 38:15 ESV NASB

“What shall I say? For He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done it; I will wander about all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.

sacred sickness

So here I sit in my sweatpants. Not exactly the corporate casual attire we’re supposed to wear in the office. That’s because—due to sickness—I’ve been out of the office the past two days. I picked up a “bug” that my body has been battling. It’s not a big deal—far from what I experienced during the three times I’ve gone toe-to-toe with cancer. Any type of sickness, however, is an unwelcome guest.

But it can also be just the bitter visitor we need. King Hezekiah was afflicted with a sickness that made him “deathly ill” (Isaiah 38:1). Though he had been a good, godly king in Judah for many of his years (2 Kings 18:1-5), he failed by seeking help from Egypt instead of God Himself (Isaiah 31). God brought some sacred sickness into Hezekiah’s life to help him get well spiritually.

The steps the king took to get well were just what the doctor ordered: • Prayer. His first response was to pray (38:2). He spent some time with God, pouring out his heart before Him. • Humility. Hezekiah experienced a wake-up call—one that allowed him to see the brevity of life (2 Corinthians 5:1) and his own humble state (Isaiah 38:15).

He dropped to his knees before his holy, sovereign God. • Acceptance. He acknowledged that his good God had allowed his illness as a means of pointing him toward renewed service and life (v.16). • Praise. He praised God for His faithfulness, placing his focus and faith firmly on the Great Healer of hearts and bodies (vv.17-20).

God allows sickness in our lives for our good (Romans 8:28). We can grow in our relationship with Him as we call out to Him in prayer, acknowledge our human frailty, accept what He has allowed to take place, and praise Him even in our suffering (Job 1:21). —Tom Felten

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