......paradigm

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.' Acts 10:19-20

Peter had never preached to the Gentiles. In fact, he believed it was against Jewish law to associate with the Gentiles. God needed to change Peter's attitude about this, so during the night God gave Peter a vision that showed him it was permissible to preach to the Gentiles. 

The Spirit came to Peter and informed him that some men were about to come visit him, and he was to go with them. He went with them, and the Lord did great miracles in the lives of Gentiles through Peter.

Sometimes we are so bent on our particular belief that the Holy Spirit must do something miraculous to change our paradigm.

I was once asked to attend a conference overseas. At the time, finances were such that the very idea was ridiculous to me. The very next day a man I had met only once before informed me of this event and asked if I would come if my expenses were covered. I was dumbfounded! The Lord had sent a messenger to change my paradigm because He knew I didn't have the faith to think of the possibility. He knew I needed help.

Do you need a paradigm shift in some area of belief? The Lord still intervenes in the lives of His people every day. Don't be surprised when God begins to change your paradigm by giving you a vision or sending you a messenger of His choosing.

-os hillman

....reaction

Look at how Mary and Zechariah reacted to God's work in their lives, they immediately praised God. You may think that was the natural thing to do, but take a closer look.

Mary knew she would be ridiculed for being pregnant and unmarried... she faced the reality that her fiance, Joseph, could break their engagement... and she understood that the penalty if she was found guilty of adultery was death. And yet in the midst of that, out of her heart came praises to her Lord Luke 1:46!

Zechariah had just regained his ability to speak after being mute for over 9 months. He didn't express bitterness against God... nor did he question God's methods... he immediately began praising His Lord, the God of Israel Luke 1:68.

What is your reaction to difficult situations? Do you complain? Question God? Become bitter? Withdraw from people? Try to escape from your problems? The next time you're in a predicament, try following Mary and Zechariah's example...  turn your eyes toward God and praise Him for who He is!

-dave langerfeld

.....knowledge

The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. 1 Chronicles 13:10

A business friend of mine confessed that he did not like to read. He found it a difficult discipline. I replied, "If you do not commit yourself to knowing what is in God's Word and following it, you will fail to know and experience God. God's Word is life to our souls. It provides knowledge that leads to life." The prophet Hosea tells us, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children" Hos. 4:6.

God has given us His Word that has specific laws and principles that must be followed if we expect His blessing. King David forgot to follow one of those laws related to the ark. "...But they must not touch the holy things or they will die..." Num. 4:15. 

When they were transporting the ark, Uzzah innocently reached to steady the ark but was immediately stricken dead when his hands touched the ark of God. Did David know this law or did he simply forget? Did Uzzah know this law? If so, did he really believe it? David thought it was okay to carry the ark the way Uzzah did. A man lost his life for his presumption.

Many workplace believers I know take God's Word lightly. They believe they can violate His Word without consequence. This is not true; the Lord stands by to uphold His Word. It can be life, or it can bring death. When God provides instructions, we need to follow them.

Knowing this about God brings a healthy fear of the Lord. "David was afraid of God that day and asked, 'How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?' " 1 Chron. 13:12 

We must all have a fearful respect of God's Word. For truly, it is life or death. 

Do you take God's Word seriously? Is it life or death for you? 

Do you feed upon His Word daily so that you might know Him and know His precepts? 

Feed upon this knowledge and be blessed of God.

-os hillman

purpose

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Many of us begin our careers with the goal of achieving success. If we haven't entered our work as a result of God's calling, we will eventually face a chasm of deep frustration and emptiness. Success flatters but does not provide a lasting sense of purpose and fulfillment. So often we enter careers with wrong motives-money, prestige, and even pressure from parents or peers. Failing to match our work with our giftedness and calling is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. If that happens over an extended period, a person crashes.

At this time, many make another mistake. Workplace believers think that beginning a new career in "full-time Christian work" will fill the emptiness they feel.

However, this only exacerbates the problem because they are again trying to put another square peg into a round hole. The problem is not whether we should be in "Christian work" or "secular work," but rather what work is inspired by gifts and calling. If there is one phrase I wish I could remove from the English language it is "full-time Christian work." 

If you are a Christian, you are in full-time Christian work, whether you are driving nails or preaching the gospel. The question must be, are you achieving the God-given calling for your life? God has called people into business to fulfill His purposes just as much as He has called people to be pastors or missionaries.

It is time for workplace believers to stop feeling like second-class citizens for being in business. It is time workplace believers stop working toward financial independence so that they can concentrate on their "true spiritual calling." This is the great deception for those called to business.

Significance comes from fulfilling the God-given purpose for which you were made. Ask Him to confirm this in your own life.

desert

 I have become an alien in a foreign land. Exodus 2:22

God's preparation of a leader involves training, extended times of waiting, pain, rejection, and isolation. Are you ready to sign up?

Moses was brought up in Pharaoh's court. He had the very best of everything-education, clothing, food, and personal care. But there came a time when the man God would use to free an entire people from slavery was going to have to learn to be the leader God wanted. At age 40, when most of us want to be thinking about winding down instead of beginning a new career, Moses was forced to flee to the desert.

Like Joseph and Abraham, Moses had to endure some difficult years of preparation that first involved removal from his current situation. He went from 

- notoriety to obscurity, 

- limitless resources to no resources, 

- activity and action to inactivity and solitude. 

And, most importantly, waiting. And waiting. And waiting. He probably thought he would die in the land of Midian

Then one day, a full 40 years from the day he arrived, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. Everything changed. God said, "It is time." The years had seasoned the vessel to prepare him to accomplish the work

God is preparing many workplace believers today. The circumstances may be different. The time frames may not be quite as long. But the characteristics of the training are still the same. Embrace them, so that He can use your life for something extraordinary.

-os hillman

owner

So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Luke 16:11.

 

Although he was an innovator in the reclamation of silver in the photographic process, Stanley Tam of Lima, Ohio, is best known for his commitment to Jesus Christ. A large sign adorning the home of United States Plastic Corporation proclaims "Christ Is the Answer," and Tam's widely read book, God Owns My Business, describes how he arrived at the conviction that he should legally make God the literal owner of his business.

 

Tam, who has traveled throughout the country and world to testify about his Christian faith, is one who is willing to "put his money where his mouth is." Although his business success could have made him a millionaire many times over, he and his wife, Juanita, draw only modest salaries from U.S. Plastics. All profits are channeled through the Stanita Foundation, with those funds designated for a variety of Christian ministries, primarily overseas missions.

 

In the fall of 1954, Tam was speaking at a revival meeting in Medellin, Colombia when God confronted him in a supernatural way. God let him know He wanted him to turn the business over to Him completely and become His employee. So, on January 15, 1955, Stanley Tam ceased being a stockholder in either of his companies, States Smelting and Refining Corporation or United States Plastic Corporation.

 

In order to do this God had to deal with one area in his life. "I have always enjoyed making money, and God knew that. Had He left me undisturbed in this area, I could have become a proud, materialistic, self-centered spiritual misfit. In asking of me the submission of the greatest drive of my life, He removed a blighting influence and replaced it with an inner peace and satisfaction such as I could never have known otherwise.

 

I don't think there is such a thing as a part-time Christian; we are all in full-time ministry. We each need to ask God to take our vocation and make it a ministry. And if we ask Him, He will do it."

 

Does God own your business or your work life? 

If not, why not make that decision today and let Him use your work life for His glory.

-os hillman

wait

Waiting is the bane of my existence.  If there are two lines at the movie theater, the one I choose will grind to a halt while the other glides by.  Don't get behind me at a toll booth; the driver in front of me will be searching his seat cushions for quarters while the other lines whiz through. Bank tellers go on break when I get near the front of their line; supermarket checkout computers go on strike when I draw near.

Someone said that life is what happens to you while you're making other plans.  Slowly I'm learning that there is redemption in every moment, as God uses each minute for his glory and our good.  

It's hard to think of a biblical hero who didn't take a detour on the way to his or her destination. 

Noah spent 100 years building his ark before the rains finally came; 

Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac; 

Joseph journeyed through Potiphar's prison on the way to Pharaoh's palace.

Moses spent decades running from Pharaoh before the Lord sent him back to free his people.  

God told David he would be king long before Saul gave up the throne.  

John had to go to Patmos to meet his glorified Friend and Lord.

Are you waiting on God this morning?

Perhaps you're praying without seeing answers, or waiting on a job that hasn't come or health the Lord has not restored.  You need direction or provision from God, but he doesn't seem to be working on your timeline.  

One of the most frustrating reminders in Scripture is this statement from God: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9.

God redeems all he allows.  

If you're waiting on him this morning, there's a reason.  He wants to use this delay to draw you closer to him, or prepare you for what comes next, or help you trust him in hard times. 

Remember that your Father never makes a mistake.  

His will is "good, pleasing and perfect" Romans 12:2.  

His timing is always right. 

-jim denison

....guilty

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. - Revelation 5:10

The Bible describes two distinct roles in the Old Testament-kings and priests. Kings were the rulers; priests were the religious leaders. The New Testament reveals we all are kings and priests because of the redemptive work of Christ.

Today, kings are most often represented by business and political leaders, while pastors represent the priestly roles. God calls each of us to fulfill both roles in our lives today. However, our vocational roles often create a division that is misunderstood by both workplace believers and pastors. These misunderstandings have led to a weakened and less effective Church.

Pastors have been guilty of viewing their workplace believers as dollar signs. They sometimes see them for what they can contribute to their ministries instead of equipping them to use their gifts and talents to impact the workplace believer's mission field-their workplace.

Workplace believers have tried to get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the work of the ministry.

This is a grievous sin that exists in the Body of Christ, and it requires repentance from both groups. Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.

Are you a pastor who has failed to see the calling that workplace believers have received to the workplace? If so, ask God to forgive you for viewing your workplace believers as those to be used for your own purposes.

Are you a workplace believer who sees your church as another business to be run based on worldly measurements? Do you see the pastor's role as one who is primarily responsible for the work of the ministry? If so, you must repent and ask God to forgive you of this unbiblical view. 

God has called both of you to fulfill His purposes together through your gifts and talents.

-os hillman 

.....glory

In the 400 meter hurdles at recent Tokyo Olympics, Sydney McLaughlin made history by breaking not only the Olympic record but the world record - a world record she had previously set. She gave honor and glory to Christ.  She also honored her teammate, Dalilah Muhammed, for being the "iron that sharpens iron."

On August 5, McLaughlin wrote this reflection:  "Let me start off by saying, what and honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don't have in life.

I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn't make sense, even when it doesn't seem possible. He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory.

I have never seen God fail in my life. In anyone's life for that matter. Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart's desires, does not mean God had failed. His will is PERFECT. And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him."

What an amazing display of humility and her desire to use her athletic ability to glorify and honor Jesus Christ, her Lord.  Today, I pray that you will honor God with your time, your talents, your gifts, your abilities, your resources - your very lives - in everything you do. 

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:31

To God be the Glory! 

-dave langerfeld 

....repentance

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

What does it mean to repent? When you or I wrong another person, or we sin against God, do we simply say we are sorry and move on?

A few years ago I was involved in a business situation that taught me a great lesson. A client severely wronged me and ultimately took our company for $160,000. In a court of law, I probably would have won the dispute. However, after I had already filed suit against the man, I realized that there was one aspect of the matter that I was wrong about, involving a third party that could no longer be held accountable. I could not effectively resolve the matter without taking the first step in owning the responsibility for my part in the matter. 

I made a decision to drop the lawsuit. However, after calling my attorney, I discovered the client had already filed a counter suit. This made the situation even scarier. I was completely exposed if I dropped my suit.

I was unable to reach the business owner because he would not return my calls. I got his secretary on the line. "I want you to take this message down and give it to your boss, word for word. Please do not change the words at all. 'I have sinned against you. I know I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I ask your forgiveness for filing the lawsuit against you. You are no longer obligated to pay the balance you owe me if you feel you do not owe it.' " The secretary knew me and the gravity of what I was saying. She began to weep. She could not believe what she was hearing. 

A few hours later I received a call from this client. He said, "I received your message. I accept your request and I forgive you." He dropped his counter suit. A few days later, I went to see the man and had dinner with him. He did not offer to pay any of the balance. It took three years to pay the vendors related to this situation. It was difficult because I knew he was not taking any responsibility for his contribution to the problem. However, I knew I was to let go of it. The Lord was glorified in this situation and He provided for my needs.

Is there anyone you need to seek forgiveness from? 

Acknowledging our sin is the first step. 

Humbling ourselves and taking actions to restore is the next step.

-os hillman

....learning

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Psalm 19:21

As many people have learned by experience, "There is no failure except in no longer trying."

A young man had just been appointed President of the bank. He had never dreamed he would be President, much less at such a young age. So he approached the distinguished Chairman of the Board and said, "You know, I've just been appointed President. I was wondering if you could give me some advice."

The old man came back with just two words: "Right decisions!"

The young man had hoped for more than that, so he said, "That's really helpful, and I appreciate it, but can you be more specific? How do I make right decisions?"

The wise old man simply responded, "Experience!"

The young man said, "Well, that's just the point of my being here. I don't have the kind of experience I need. How do I get it?" Came the terse reply, "Wrong decisions!"

Wrong decisions, mistakes....    we all make them. Do you learn from your mistakes, and then move on to new challenges? Or do you take mistakes personally, and form a negative attitude toward yourself and life?

"Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently." Those words are from Henry Ford, the famous automobile maker. Most people don't know it today, but Ford saw his plans collapse around him, and he went broke five times before finally succeeding.

Are there failures in your life that bother you? Ford refused to let failures make him a failure - remember his approach. Also remember the Apostle Peter, who denied Christ three times but through faith, was restored by Jesus and went on to serve God in many effective ways.

Most importantly, ask God what He wants for your life. Then obey what you learn. You see, when all is said and done, it is not your plans, but God's purpose, that is going to prevail.

-rich mclawhorn 

....moment

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Acts 9:3

For Moses, it was the burning bush.

For Peter, it may have been, walking on water.

For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, it was walking through the burning furnace untouched.

For Paul, it was being blinded and spoken to by Jesus on the Damascus road. 

For Daniel, it was deliverance from the lions' den.

For Joshua, it was parting the Jordan River and crossing into the Promised Land.

There have been many defining moments in the lives of human beings that changed their lives forever.

These defining moments often set the course for the balance of their lives.

We could go on and on. Each of these servants had years of preparation leading up to their defining moment. These moments forced the servants to be involved in something beyond their human experiences. It took them outside their own paradigms of life. God had to move them outside their own boxes. And when He did, their lives were never the same.

You may be in one of three stages of life: 

1. You may not have had your "defining moment" yet - God may be preparing you with many important life experiences. 
2. You may have had your defining moment and you are living out your call. Or, 
3. you may be toward the end of your journey and you have already experienced what I speak of. 

We are all called to a relationship with God; and we are all called vocationally, which is often ushered in by a defining moment. And there can be more than one defining moment, each pointing you down a path that God foreordained from the foundation of the world. 

The secret of a great life is often a man's ability to discern the defining moments given to him, understanding them, and learning to walk in the path that leads him to his ultimate destination. Once you have had a defining moment, you are never the same.

 

Pray that you have eyes to see and ears to hear when your Master brings a defining moment into your life.

-os hillman

....gps

That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. — Ecclesiastes 12:13

I have a love-hate relationship with my GPS because sometimes I think it takes me the wrong way. In fact, I’ve read some interesting stories about people who followed a GPS and ended up in some pretty strange places.

When the Israelites left Egypt, their GPS system was very simple: they moved when the Lord told them to move, and they went where the Lord told them to go.

Today, God directs us through His Word. It’s our GPS system, so to speak, confirmed to us by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We can find everything we need to know about God and about life in the pages of the Bible.

Psalm 1 summarizes this for us: “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers” verse 1.

The psalmist goes on to say, “But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” verses 2–3.

God has laid out His parameters for our own protection, for our own good. And as we get older, we start seeing the repercussions of the decisions people made when they were younger.

Solomon, the king of Israel, was renowned for his wisdom. With his unlimited resources, he decided to see for himself everything this world had to offer. Eventually, he came to this conclusion: “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” Ecclesiastes 12:13.

It comes down to this: God’s way is the right way.

-greg laurie

.....flow

"But the whole assembly talked about stoning them." Numbers 14:10

Have you ever had to stand up against the majority for a cause that wasn't popular? God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and promised He would lead them into a land of milk and honey. The process of moving out of Egypt was difficult. They could no longer do things the old way, for the old ways didn't work in the desert. God provided for them during this journey. But there came a point in which the people forgot what God had said. Their discomfort changed their belief about God.

Whenever God is slow to answer our prayers, what we believe about God is revealed. Do we change our plans and move in a different direction when pressure mounts? Or do we continue on the path God has directed for us? Four men believed what God said and were willing to stand; however, the crowd wanted to stone them.

Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites Numbers 14:5-10.

Notice Joshua and Caleb's response to the situation. They had spied the land. They believed God. They challenged the crowd. They seemed to know that if the Lord was not pleased with them they would not enter into the Promised Land. Those who grumbled did not enter the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb and a new generation saw the fulfillment of God's promise.

Has God called you to stand for a cause bigger than yourself? You will have opposition to His call; sometimes it even comes from those in your own camp. But if God has called you, then you can be sure He will make a way. He has already opened the way before you. But you must walk in faith, joined with Him to take the land. 

"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9

-os hillman

......status

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

You are .. holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.  Deuteronomy 14:2

Everybody’s a celebrity in somebody’s eyes.

The high-profile, obvious ones might be athletes, olympians, singers, or movie stars.  It could be a mom or dad to a young child, or perhaps an older sibling.  Maybe a student would have a teacher filling that role, or a ball player, a coach.

Perhaps someone you don’t even know thinks of you as some sort of celebrity.  Your smile might light up the day for a weary check-out person at the market, and buoy up his outlook. Or the elderly receptionist handling the front desk in the office may think of you as a celebrity-type, because each day you take an interest and ask how the family’s doing.  Or maybe you are the only person in months who has thanked the hardworking person who’s cleaning the turnpike restroom.

Whether you’re aware of it or not, YOU are a celebrity in God’s eyes:

     - He made you.  Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image.'"

     - He loves you.  John 16: 27  the Father himself loves you

     - He paid a high price to have a relationship with you.  1 Corinthians 7:23  You were bought at a price

    - And, you are always on His mind Isaiah 49:15-16  “I would not forget you. See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

Enjoy your celebrity status today.  Walk in it, knowing that in somebody’s eyes, and especially in God's eyes, YOU ARE a celebrity.

- sally i. kennedy

.....call

..."Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Mark 10:49

Do you recall the circumstances when God first called you into relationship with Him? Were you in need of something? Were you in a crisis situation? Every day God calls someone into relationship with Him through different circumstances. More often than not, the circumstances relate to a need in their life that only God can meet.

Bartimaeus had the need to see again. He was a poor blind beggar, who had heard about Jesus and the miracles He had done. The crowds rebuked him for seeking Jesus, yet he continued to cry out. "Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'...Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus" Mk. 10:48,50. That day, Bartimaeus saw for the first time. But more than that, he saw with spiritual eyes for the first time.

Each workday, we rub shoulders with someone who has not met this Jesus we know personally. God uses needs to draw us to Himself. What need has He placed in a coworker that only Christ can meet? 

Perhaps you are the instrument He wants to use to introduce that person to Himself. It requires availability and a willingness to look for people with needs, then point them to Christ to meet their needs. Pray for divine appointments today. 

-os hillman

....plans

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever heard of someone who spent years of preparation for one vocation only to end up doing something completely different? Perhaps this could be said of you. Quite often we have in our minds what we believe we want to do only to have a course correction. Often the course correction comes through a major crisis that forces us into an area that we would never have considered.

Such was the case for Samuel Morse. Born in 1791, Morse grew up desiring to be an artist, and he eventually became very talented and internationally known. However, it was difficult to make a living as an artist in America during that time. A series of crises further complicated his vocational desire when his wife died; then his mother and father also died soon after. 

He went to Europe to paint and reflect on his life. On his return trip aboard a ship, he was captivated by discussions at dinner about new experiments in electromagnetism. During that important occasion, Morse made the following comment, "If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted by electricity." In the face of many difficulties and disappointments, he determinedly perfected a new invention, and, in 1837, applied for a patent that became what we know today as the telegraph. He also created Morse code. It was only later, after many more setbacks and disappointments, that his projects received funding.

Samuel Morse later commented, "The only gleam of hope, and I cannot underrate it, is from confidence in God. When I look upward it calms any apprehension for the future, and I seem to hear a voice saying: 'If I clothe the lilies of the field, shall I not also clothe you?' Here is my strong confidence, and I will wait patiently for the direction of Providence." Morse went on to create several other inventions and can be recognized today as the father of faxes, modems, e-mail, the internet and other electronic communication. ["Glimpses," Issue #99 (Worcester, Pennsylvania: Christian History Institute, 1998).]

God's plans may not always seem to follow our natural inclination. Perhaps God has you taking a path that may not lead to His ultimate destination for you. Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all you do, and He shall direct your path Prov. 3:5-6.

-os hillman

...repentance

When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. 2 Chronicles 34:19

Josiah was a godly king in Israel. However, before he came to power, the nation had fallen into all kinds of evil. One man, Manasseh, had brought the nation to a condition of inexorable evil. God finally had enough.

"Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down" 2 Kings 21:12-13.

Josiah came into power just before this judgment. He began to clean up the evil by burning all the idolatrous temples, ridding prostitution and homosexuality from the streets, and destroying occult shrines. He did this without the benefit of even reading God's Word, but through the Holy Spirit working in his heart. Then one day the ancient Scriptures were discovered in the temple that had lain dormant for years. They had a profound impact on King Josiah. 

When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: 

Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book 2 Chronicles 34:19-21.

Josiah was broken. He tore his robes in repentance. He fell to his knees and repented for the wickedness of his nation. He stood in the gap, and God honored Josiah; however, it wasn't enough. God still had to judge the nation for its previous wickedness under the reign of Manasseh.

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what He spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before Me and tore your robes and wept in My presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here." ... 2 Chronicles 34:27-28. 

God spared Josiah during his reign, but after he died judgment came upon the nation.

No nation is immune from God's judgment. 

Pray for your nation today. 

Pray that your nation will have a repentant heart among the leaders and the people. 

-os hillman 

contentment

There was a father who was known by his family to be a chronic growler. He complained about everything.  He was sitting one day with his family in the presence of a guest in the living room when the subject of food came up.

One of the children, a little girl, was telling the guest what food each member of the family liked best.

Finally, it came to the father's turn to be described.  "And what do I like, Nancy?" he asked.

"You," said the little girl slowly, "well, what you like most is anything we haven't got."

There are some people like that, who simply are never content.  If they're served one food, they want something else.  If it's hot outside, they want it to be cold.  If it's cold, they want it to be hot.  And they'd rather be ANYWHERE else other than where they're living right now!

To the young man Timothy, Paul wrote, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, we shall be content." I Timothy 6:6-8.  Since most of us seem to need far more than that to be content, we are challenged by Paul's words!

But, to Paul, they weren't just words to be spoken and discussed.  They were words to be lived out.  Despite the fact that Paul was writing from prison, he was able to say, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Philippians 4:11.  In the next verse, he said that he had learned to be content with a lot, but he was also content with little.  The reason he could be content because he had Jesus Christ, and that was all he needed to bring contentment.

Do you have food?  

Do you have clothing?  

More importantly, do you have Jesus?

-dave langerfeld

recruitment

Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing." Acts 9:8

When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.

Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.

Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.

Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.

Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.

It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.

In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.

God may take us through times when we will question His love for us. In such times, we must cling to His coattail so that we may see His purposes in it. 

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him'" Hebrews 10:36-38

-os hillman