The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#246: Love is more than words Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

There are a lot of common, ordinary sayings that are not in the Bible. We hear people mistakenly attributing these phrases to the Word of God, but they are simply not there. We hear people saying…

Cleanliness is next to Godliness
God works in mysterious ways
Money is the root of all evil
Once saved always saved
Moderation in all things
God helps those who help themselves

This last one has bothered me for years and whenever I hear someone use the phrase typically it’s a justification for not serving or helping those in need. Actually, the opposite is true: God helps those who can’t help themselves.

Today in our world there are millions who can’t help themselves.

Those who can’t help themselves spiritually. This is why God calls all believers to be a part of the Great Commission.
Those who can’t help themselves physically. Millions lack the basic necessities of life life food and water.
Those who struggle to help themselves because of societal difficulties. These are people who are finding it difficult to help themselves because of: lack of education, lack of family support, physical and mental health issues, homelessness, lack of nutrition, no job training, and no opportunity.

We know that God calls us to love one another. But what does that love look like? Love is more than a feeling. It is more than words. Love is proven when it is demonstrated by action. Jesus has shown us what love looks like by his sacrificial death. As believes we are called to love others with this same selfless love.

Rationales to not help…

I work hard. earn what I have, so should they.
I have needs in my own family. I can’t help other families.
Isn’t it the government’s job to take care of the poor?
If you give to the poor, they will become dependent on the support.
Someday when my ship comes in, then I’ll help.
There is so much poverty in the world, how could I possibly make a difference.

I’m not sure if you have ever thought of, or used these rationales before, but I know I have. But then God has a way of getting through to your heart.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18 NIV)

Did you know there are over 550 bible verses that deal specifically with God’s heart for the poor?

Listen to some of these verses….

Proverbs 19:17 - “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

Proverbs 21:13 - “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

Notice that this is a biblical mandate, not a political agenda, a humanitarian philosophy, or even a social gospel. It’s a biblical mandate. It’s about developing in each one of us a heart that represents God’s heart in this world. So, as Christian people, we are to be standing up for those who are helpless, giving a voice to those who have no voice, reaching out to those in need, both spiritually and physically.

Our goal is to love like Jesus. In doing so it must be genuine, sacrificial, and without any expectation of return.

Today’s Challenge: Ask God to fill your heart with his love for others. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to meet practical needs around you. As you do, look for opportunities to meet spiritual needs by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

#245: God's Power to Restore Broken Relationships Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

The couple sat in our living room. Tears flowed as they shared their story. The pain was real. Their story included infidelity, lies, coverup, brokenness, separation, and the very real possibility of divorce.

My wife Linda and I cried with them, prayed with them, shared scripture and hope that God could restore their brokenness.

The journey was not a short one, but we saw God do something that only he could do. Piece by piece God put their marriage back together. Today the couple is happier and healthier than ever before. Their story has become a testimony to the power of God to restore broken relationships.

It reminds me of something Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 - “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I want to speak to those of you who have broken relationships in your life. Maybe the brokenness is in your marriage, or with your children, or with a friend, or even with a co-worker. Regardless, I want to encourage you to believe that with God, no relationship is too broken.

We know that a relationship can break down from neglect. It can break down from conflict. A relationship can break down from misunderstanding. The world is literally filled with broken relationships. We see it all around us. It’s likely you have a broken relationship in your life too.

You might be asking the question: Why? The answer is because we live in a fallen world. We make mistakes. We sin. Other people sin. We all make mistakes. We hurt each other intentionally, and sometimes, unintentionally. Relationships do break down. Some of you are feeling the pain of them right now. Even as we begin to talk about this subject, you thought about that person in your mind. There is a strain between you and that person. Maybe there is a total breakdown. For one reason or another, there was a breakdown in the relationship.

It’s true there are times that we come to a point where we have done all that we can do. It’s in those times that we completely give the matter to God and ask that God will bring the healing needed. Nothing’s too hard for God.

But often times, we haven’t done all that we can do, according to what the Bible says. There are things that God will ask of us. Let me share some biblical principles:

We must forgive. If God has forgiven me, I should forgive other people.

Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

2. We must pursue God’s peace.

Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

3. We must make amends. To make amends is to put back together, to restore, to reconcile, and to say I am sorry. Why? Because it leads to healthy relationships and healthy living. Usually, we want the other person to make amends, but it takes maturity to go first and to take the initiative.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

Today’s Challenge: The restoration of broken relationships begins with believing that all things are possible with God. As long as we refuse to believe God can do it, it’s not likely it will happen. Let’s believe God to do it, and let’s ask him for the courage to take the necessary steps.

#244: Seeking God's Wisdom Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

My wife, Linda and I have three daughters. A while back one of them called to talk with me about her search for a new apartment. She called and for an hour we talked about her finances, and her options. She genuinely asked for my wisdom. As a Dad it made me proud and happy to share with her the wisdom I have gained.

After the call I thought, if this is how I feel as a Dad, how much more does it bring joy to the heart of our Heavenly Father when we recognize we don’t know it all, and that we desperately need his wisdom.

Do you know what happens when we ask God for his wisdom? He generously gives it to us.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

Wise people understand that God’s wisdom is superior to the wisdom of the world. God’s wisdom is available to us but we must seek for it. As we make wisdom our lifetime pursuit we will make decisions that honor the Lord and lead to a blessed life.

Wisdom - “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God's perspective and respond according to scriptural principles.” - Charles Stanley

Wisdom comes from the Lord and it begins when we look to God and His Word with awe, respect, and reverence. When God’s Word becomes the final authority of your life., you’ll begin to live in wisdom.

But here’s the thing about wisdom…you have to pursue it.

I have sometimes wondered…If wisdom has so many benefits to my life why don’t we live more wisely? The answer is it’s harder. It’s quite easy to make foolish decisions. It’s more difficult to make wise decisions.

We are not wise people by nature. You don’t come out of the womb automatically being wise. Wisdom has to be learned. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s viewpoint…and to do this is a choice.

My tendency is to think I know what is best for my life.

America buys self-help books by the millions each year and those books promise a better, happier, more successful you - how to love yourself more, control your destiny, make more money, look and feel better.

They are not all bad, but if we only look to this world for wisdom we are making a huge mistake.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:19 - “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”

We need the wisdom of God in our lives. Again, this is not just knowledge about God and His word…it’s follow through. It’s putting God’s Word into action. It living it out on a daily basis.

As Christ followers, we are to seek God’s wisdom.

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. (Proverbs 1:5)

King Solomon is telling us that wise people seek God’s wisdom.

To pursue wisdom, we do two things: We initiate and we implement. First, we have to initiate? We ask, how can I grow closer to God? How can I gain God’s wisdom for my life?

To pursue wisdom you have to implement. James 1:22 - “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Implementation is where knowledge becomes wisdom.

Today’s Challenge: As we seek wisdom it’s so important that we listen to the right source. Who are you listening to? Your own wisdom? The wisdom of your friends? The wisdom of our culture? The wisdom of God?

#243: Persecuted for Christ Apr 11, 2021

Show notes

There are a number of verses in the New Testament that talks about the persecution of believers in Jesus. For those of you listening from here in America, we know that by and large, this has not been our experience. Many Americans are concerned about our eroding Christian freedoms, but our experiences have been nothing compared to other believers around the world.

Consider these statistics reported from the Open Doors organization. Last year, in 2020, 260 million followers of Jesus were persecuted for their faith. Every day, an average of eight Christians were killed for their faith and 23 Christians were raped or sexually harassed for faith-related reasons. Every week, an average of 182 Churches or Christian buildings were attacked, and 102 Christian homes, shops or businesses attacked, burned or destroyed. Every month, an average of 309 Christians were unjustly imprisoned for their faith.

The most dangerous countries in the world for Christians in order are: North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Lybia, Pakistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, and India.

Why did you not know this? This is not reported by the mainstream American news media.

A May 3, 2019 article by the BBC reported that Christian persecution is at near genocide levels.

Sadly, the persecution is not lessoning, it’s increasing. We are now seeing increased restrictions and persecutions on Christians in western cultures.

Mathew 5:11-12 - “ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”

There are the three types of persecution Christ lists that believers will at times experience?

“Insult” literally refers to people negatively talking about believers to their faces. This is direct confrontation.

“Persecute,” in the context of verse 11, refers to physical abuse, such as imprisonment.

“Falsely say all kinds of evil against you” refers to being talked about behind their backs.

Jesus gave two reasons: “for righteousness” in verse 10 and “on account of me” in verse 11.

Why this persecution against Christians? It is because of our faith in Jesus. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 10:22 - “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

2 Timothy 3:12 - “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

It may seem strange that Jesus said those who are persecuted are actually blessed, but he clarifies his meaning when he says “great is their reward in Heaven.”

Today you and and I can pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted. Here are five ways:

Pray that persecuted believers will have the courage to remain strong in their faith.
Pray they would experience God’s presence, his peace, his power, and his protection.
Pray for comfort and provision for the family members of those who are imprisoned for their faith.
Pray that persecuted believers would boldly share their faith in Christ.
Pray that God would provide for the physical needs of persecuted believers.

Today’s Challenge: Let’s be faithful to lift up the persecuted church in prayer and let’s use the freedom God has given us to fearlessly share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

#242: Coming To God With Confidence Apr 10, 2021

Show notes

Let me ask you a question. Do you have confidence in God when you pray? I have talked with people who told me they hoped God heard their prayers. They hoped he would answer their prayers. When I asked a guy if I could pray for him, his response was, “Go ahead. It can’t hurt.” That doesn't really demonstrate confidence, does it?

I want to remind you today that our God can be trusted. He keeps his word. He fulfills his promises. You can come to God with your needs and with your prayers, and you can do so with confidence that not only does he hear, but he cares. God always answers prayer.

He may not answer when you want him to. His response may not be the answer you are looking for, but God always answers prayer. Like a good Father, he knows and does what is best for his children.

Hebrews 10:35 says, “do not throw away your confidence in God; it will be richly rewarded.”

Let this verse inspire you today…whatever you are going through. Do not throw away your confidence in God.

We all know we should pray frequently. We know the people who make the biggest impact for the Kingdom of God are those who pray the most fervently. We know prayer is the key to intimacy with God. That said, we must confess that prayer is often a struggle.

Do you ever wonder why we struggle so with prayer? Is it because,

•We don’t feel adequate; of we feel like we are doing “it” wrong?

•Is it because this is the area where Satan attacks us knowing if he can keep us from praying, we will have a limited faith in God?

•Is it because we feel like our prayers don’t do any good?

•Or is it because we resist the idea of being dependent on God?

Let me share some great verses with you from 1 John.

1 John 5:13-15 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

First God hears us. Sometimes we feel like a husband or wife who is talking to a spouse who isn’t listening. We pray but wonder if God is hearing our prayer. John says, the child of God can know that God is paying attention.

It is said sometimes in the political arena, that a person “has the ear of the President”. It means the President listens attentively to what these people say. In much the same way, John is telling us that we have “the ear” of God. He is listening.

Second, John tells us that we not only can know he hears us but we can know that we have what we have asked of him. That’s quite a statement. There are other passages in the New Testament that say, “If you ask, you will receive”. It is straightforward and seems to guarantee that we will receive whatever we ask to receive.

John mentions that we must pray according to God’s will. Practically this means that we are praying with a true heart of God. We are to pray with His perspective. But how do we gain that perspective? We gain it from God’s Word and from God’s Spirit that resides within us.

Our focus should not be on whether or not we are praying as much as someone else. This is not a contest; it is a relationship. We should delight in prayer because it is time spent with the Father who loves us. We should delight in prayer because God is listening to us. Our goal in prayer is not to get what WE want but to become what HE wants.

Today’s Challenge: Remember this truth: God wants you to approach him with confidence. We don’t pray with arrogance ordering God around, but we do come to him with a humble confidence knowing that we are loved by our Heavenly Father. He delights in blessing his children.

#241: Faith in the Midst of the Storm Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

Not long ago, I watch a movie called Twister. The film, which came out in 1996 was about a team of storm chasers in Oklahoma. The team was trying to deploy a storm research device up into a tornado.

If you search for storm chasers on YouTube there are some crazy videos of people who actually chase tornadoes trying to get as close as possible for photos and video coverage.

I have to admit that storm chasing is not for me. In fact, sometimes I feel like storms are chasing me. Do you ever feel that way? Storms of stress, sickness, financial difficulties, relationship problems, and work issues seem to be chasing us. Do you ever ask yourself, “Why does life have to be so hard?”

There’s a story in the New Testament that encourages me. In Mark 4 Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. After a long day of teaching, Jesus was tired and was asleep in the boat. A terrible storm came upon the sea and the boat nearly sank.

Mark 4:38-41 says, The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Jesus was asleep, the disciples were awake. But in terms of faith – the disciples were the ones asleep. Asleep to the reality of who Jesus was. Asleep to what they already knew about Jesus. Asleep to what they had already seen Jesus do. Their faith was asleep. What happens in this story is that the faith in Jesus wakes up. “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

This story reminds us that as long as Jesus is in your life you’re going to be okay. He’ll either calm the storm around you, or he’ll calm the storm inside you. Either way, Jesus is the one who provides the peace you need.

Sometimes the storms of life are confusing, so here’s some truth about storms:

•Everyone faces storms in their life.

Some of you right now feel as if the storm clouds are gathering. Others of you may be, right now, in the worst storm of your life. What we often forget is that everyone has storms. Jesus said in Matthew 5, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Storms, problems, difficulties, and trials come to all of us. There is no exclusion. No exception. Just because you are a Christian, does not mean you will be excluded from the storms of life.

•Some storms come because we are outside of God’s will. We can create storms because of our sins, our mistakes, and our poor choices.

•Some storms come because we are in God’s will

Just because you are encountering a storm in your life, does not mean necessarily that you are out of the will of God or willfully disobeying him.

Every storm comes with a purpose. God’s objectives. Lessons learned. Spiritual growth to be obtained. Faith to be strengthened.

Here’s what I love about the story of Jesus and the disciples in the boat.….Jesus rebuked the storm….not the disciples. To them he simply asked, “Why are you so afraid?

If we allow them to, the storms of life provide us with opportunities to develop a deeper faith in God. There is no doubt that the experience on the sea caused the disciples to trust Jesus more than they ever had before. After all, the wind and the waves obey him.

Today’s Challenge: Are you in a storm right now? Does it feel as if the waves will crash over your boat. Recognize that you can trust Jesus. He is with you. Let this experience cause your faith to grow even more.

#240: Is God Unfair? Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

This afternoon I had an interesting discussion with my two teenage daughters. I asked them the question: Is God unfair? This is an important question for them to wrestle with as they work out their faith in God. But what about you?

Have you ever wondered about the fairness of God? The same week you get laid of of your job, your friend gets a promotion on his job. Your Dad receives a doctor’s report that his cancer has returned, but someone else you know get’s a good report. Maybe your child is struggling in school, but someone else’s child in on the honor roll.

Sometimes we pray and God doesn’t respond the way we think he should. So, we might be tempted to think God is not fair. Maybe you’ve been tempted to think God loves some people but he doesn’t love you. He answers some people’s prayers, but he doesn’t answer yours.

So what does the Bible say? Is God unfair?

Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11 both say God shows no partiality. 1 Peter 1:17 says, “God judges impartially according to each one's deeds.”

I know, I know…you might be thinking. We’ll that’s what the Bible says, but I’m not sure that’s what I am experiencing. I’ve had those same feelings, but here’s what helps me.

We cannot interpret God through the circumstances we see in this life. It is not our place to evaluate God. We are not his judge.

We must remember that we have such a limited perspective. Our finite minds cannot completely understand an infinite God.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It’s so important to understand our frailty. He is God. We are not. He see it all and understands it all. We do not. This is why we have faith. If you knew everything about God, you wouldn’t need faith. Knowledge would be sufficient. But since we are incapable of knowing it all, we trust. We put our faith in a God who does know it all.

This life will not always make sense to us. If you are wrestling today with the idea of fairness, you are sure to be disappointed. From our perspective sickness isn’t fair. Loss isn’t fair. Depression isn’t fair. Being in debt isn’t fair.

Job had it right when he expressed in Job 1:21, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

What I must do when I am challenged with the idea of fairness is to make a decision. Not everything is within my power, but to make a decision, that is something I can do.

I can choose to focus on what I perceive to be unfair. I can choose to focus on what I don’t have and what I don’t like. I can choose to be discouraged about what I don’t understand about God. All that is within my power.

Or, I can make a different choice. I can choose to focus on what I know to be true about God. I can focus on his attributes. I can remember that he is holy, he is powerful, he is loving, he is good, he is faithful, and he will never leave me or forsake me.

I can also choose to be grateful. Gratitude produces a tremendous power to reframe our focus and perspective. It changes not only what we see, but it also changes how we feel.

Today, you may be in the midst of a difficult season, in which life, and God don’t seem to make sense. I don’t discount your feelings. But here’s my hope for you. Choose today to let go of the unanswered questions and focus on what you know to be true about God. He is good. He is faithful. And he loves you with an eternal love.

Today’s Challenge: Recognize you are incapable of understanding why and how God does what he does. Choose to believe that his love for you is unending and that his presence and power will sustain you through anything life brings your way.

#239: Why We Worship Apr 07, 2021

Show notes

I’ve been a Christian since I was a young boy. Over the years, I have worshipped God is many different settings. I have worshipped in churches, worshipped in classes, camps, conferences, and conventions. I have worshipped on camping trips, worshipped in the mountains, and worshipped at the beach. I have worshipped on high school campuses and college campuses. I have worshipped with large groups and small groups. I have worshipped in community and I have worshipped all alone.

Each and every setting is meaningful if the focus of my worship is God. Worship is not about me, my desires, or my preferences. It’s not about a song, a lyric, or a style of music. Worship is about God, his greatness, and his worthiness.

Today, I have been reflecting on the question: Why do we worship?

I believe everyone worships something. We may not realize what we are doing, but we all worship. While we all worship, we do not all worship God. We can worship ourselves, worship success, worship money and material things. We can worship celebrities, sports stars, and music artists. We can worship anything that we deem worthy.

As a Christian we want to be careful to only worship God. Why? He is the only one worthy of our worship. His name is above every name. There is no one like God. No one compares to him.

J.I. Packer wrote, “To worship God is to recognize his worth or worthiness; to look God-ward, and to acknowledge in all appropriate ways the value of what we see. The Bible calls this activity "glorifying God" or "giving glory to God," and views it as the ultimate end, and from one point of view, the whole duty of man.”

The dictionary defines worship as the act of reverence or adoration for God. That doesn’t tell us much does it. Let me expound. Worship is bringing glory and honor to God. When we live for God’s glory and honor, we are living a life of worship. I want everything I do to be an act of worship to God

Hebrews 13:15-16 tells us there are two primary ways we worship. Here’s what it says…

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Here we see two ways to worship. The first is to vocally, verbally give God praise. We can do this by declaring praise, expressing love, gratitude, and adoration. We can also do this by singing praise to God, which is something we see throughout scripture.

I’ve heard people say they don’t like worship. Often they are talking about a particular style of music they don’t enjoy. But there are two things to remember. Worship is not for you. It’s for Jesus. Second, worship is more than a song.

Second, Hebrews 13 tells us we worship God by doing good and sharing with others. In fact, the scripture says this pleases God. So, we learn that we can bring God worship by how we live our lives.

I believe worship is an essential spiritual discipline. This fallen world is constantly pulling us away from God…away from the things that fan the flames of faith and encourage our spiritual growth. The only antidote is CONSTANT RENEWAL of our relationship with God and this happens as we worship Him.

I once read about Billy Graham’s wife. She kept a sign above her kitchen sink that read “Worship services held here three times a day.” She saw washing dishes after each meal as worship and she was right. Worship is a lifestyle. When we do what we do for the Lord.

Today’s Challenge: Make sure that worship is a part of your day. Through worship God is glorified by your praise and by your life. In doing so, you are encouraged and strengthened in your faith.

#238: Our Weakness, God's Strength Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

Here’s an important biblical principal…in our weakness we experience God’s strength.

Weakness is not celebrated by our culture. It is not praised. It is not valued. You won’t get your face on the cover of a magazine for being the weakest person. But God doesn’t evaluate us the way the world does.

Our weakness opens the door for you and I to experience the strength of God in ways we never have before.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - “ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

What was Paul’s weakness? We’re not exactly sure. Regardless of what it was, Paul was impressed by the fact that God could use a weakness to make him strong. There is power in weakness Paul learned; a power that cannot be made available in any other way. Paul is the great expert on weakness. Out of 33 references to weakness in the New Testament, Jesus used the word once, Peter used it once, and all the rest are from the pen of Paul.

Every one of us has weaknesses. Weakness can be defined as any limitation we cannot change. Our weaknesses may be circumstantial. Perhaps you were born with them. Your weakness may be financial, or relational, or emotional. You have a tendency to depression, fear or worry. It could be that your weakness is a lack of ability. Or, it could be that your weakness is physical - a handicap of some kind. Your weakness could also be your past.

What do we do with our weaknesses? Normally we deny them. Sometimes we try to defend them. Or, we may excuse them or hide them. God, however, wants to use them.

Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, knew the secret of strength through weakness. Complimented once by a friend on the impact of the mission, Hudson answered, “It seemed to me that God looked over the whole world to find a man who was weak enough to do His work, and when He at last found me, He said, ‘He is weak enough-he’ll do.’” All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.”

Here’s an interesting question: Are you weak enough for God to use you? As long as we are independent, self-reliant, and self-absorbed, God cannot use us. But when we turn to him and say, God I’m weak and I’m desperate for your presence and power, it’s then that God can use your life.

All of us are clearly inadequate, and have fewer gifts than we wish we had. None of us are all that we want to be, and so we think we can do very little for the kingdom of God.

Yet, the facts of Scripture and history tell us that all of us can do great things for God; not because we are able to, but just because we are not able. It is not ability, but availability that God wants. Remember, his power is made perfect in our weakness.

If you take inventory of all the Bible characters, each and every one of them were flawed. But through their stories we learn that God uses weak people to show his power.

Today’s Challenge: What’s the weakness in your life you want to hide the most?

It’s time you give it to God to use for his greater purpose. God can and will use anyone who doesn’t hold anything back—even their greatest weakness.

#237: Jesus Has Overcome the World Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

I was reading this week about students are training to become commercial airplane pilots. They spend many hours in flight simulators. These simulators give the students a chance to experience the challenges and dangers of flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots don’t have to leave the ground, and if they crash in the simulation, they can safely walk away.

But while simulators are wonderful teaching tools to help prepare the pilot in training, the devices have a shortcoming. They create an artificial experience in which the real pressures of handling a cockpit cannot be fully replicated.

Isn’t that what real life is like? It cannot be simulated. There is no safe, risk-free environment in which we can experience life’s ups and downs unharmed. The risks and dangers of living in a broken world are inescapable.

The Bible teaches us that believers do not get to escape the difficulties of life. It rains on the just and the unjust.

But there is an encouraging verse of scripture found in John 16:33. Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In John 16 Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death and resurrection. Soon he will be arrested. In fact, as Jesus is talking to his followers, Judas is plotting with the religious leaders in how to betray Jesus.

Jesus is letting his disciples know that the days ahead will not be easy one. They will have trouble. They will be persecuted. There will be days when they feel overwhelmed. But Jesus encourages them by letting them know, they will not be alone.

Listen again to Jesus’ words… “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Three truths from this verse:

•Peace is only found in Jesus.

•In this life everyone will have problems.

•We find encouragement in the knowledge Jesus has overcome the world.

Hold onto this powerful truth today…Peace is found as we stay close to Jesus.

We overcome as we focus on God’s presence in our lives. This is something we must do daily.

Jesus said we would find peace in him. If we are not daily cultivating a close relationship with Him, there is no wonder we feel overwhelmed by our struggles.

-If we have no consistent prayer…

-If we have no consistent time in God’s word…

-If we aren’t connected with other believers

-Then, instead of being an overcomer, we will be certainly be overwhelmed.

As a Christian we have the opportunity to draw closer to God. Yes, we have trouble. Yes, we experience stress. Yes, we have uncertainty, but the presence of God gives us a peace that the world cannot take away.

And although we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can have peace through a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate victory.

Today’s Challenge: Despite what you may be feeling or experiencing today, be intentional about pursing Jesus. Listen to praise and worship music. Take time for prayer and the Word. No matter what you are going through, I believe you can experience God’s peace because Jesus has overcome the world.

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