Bow Down - Shout Out
Bow Down - Shout Out
Pressures on Perspective
“She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. “ (Luke 10:39)
There are many pressures that we all face which can cause us to lose perspective. One great pressure comes from what others think we ought to be doing. Mary had the right perspective. But her sister, Martha, thought Mary should be up, folding napkins, getting the dinnerware in place, getting the drinks poured, etc. After all, there was so much to do. The things that Martha wanted Mary to do were good things. Good things! Martha even complained that Mary was not doing the good things. But Mary kept the right perspective. Jesus was in the house. Mary had opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus for a little while. There was a choice to be made for that moment...good things or best thing. Which was the best thing for that moment? Mary saw the best thing was to put Jesus first...to love on Him...to learn from Him. Mary exemplified, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” She chose the best thing over good things, even when she was pressured by her sister to do the good things. Mary handled very well the pressures on perspective.
Today is February 17. Be prepared to handle the pressures on perspective.
Blessings,
Jim
There are many pressures that we all face which can cause us to lose perspective. One great pressure comes from what others think we ought to be doing. Mary had the right perspective. But her sister, Martha, thought Mary should be up, folding napkins, getting the dinnerware in place, getting the drinks poured, etc. After all, there was so much to do. The things that Martha wanted Mary to do were good things. Good things! Martha even complained that Mary was not doing the good things. But Mary kept the right perspective. Jesus was in the house. Mary had opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus for a little while. There was a choice to be made for that moment...good things or best thing. Which was the best thing for that moment? Mary saw the best thing was to put Jesus first...to love on Him...to learn from Him. Mary exemplified, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” She chose the best thing over good things, even when she was pressured by her sister to do the good things. Mary handled very well the pressures on perspective.
Today is February 17. Be prepared to handle the pressures on perspective.
Blessings,
Jim
Perspective on Perspective
“My sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." (Luke 10:40)
Perspective! Oh no! You certainly did not think we would exit the subject so soon! It has been two days since the last devotional. Several have responded to the need on this subject. O.K. It’s Monday morning. How is your perspective today? You may be thinking, or better yet, speaking to me through your monitor, “Come on! You just do not understand my situation. You just do not understand the people who are around me. You just don’t understand....” No, I do not. But I encourage you to look at the above text if this is your mind-set. Who is speaking? Martha. Remember the “Martha perspective?” To whom is she speaking? The LORD. On whom is she placing blame? Mary, her sister. Do you see the problem here? “Only if Mary would do her part. Only if Mary would help. Only if Mary would not leave me to this alone”. Only if. Martha was blaming her lack of perspective on Mary! It is hard hitting. How well I know. But the truth is, Jesus laid the solution for perspective right back into the lap of Martha. There was no one to blame but herself. Ouch!
Today is February 16. We must have the right perspective on perspective.
Blessings,
Jim
Perspective! Oh no! You certainly did not think we would exit the subject so soon! It has been two days since the last devotional. Several have responded to the need on this subject. O.K. It’s Monday morning. How is your perspective today? You may be thinking, or better yet, speaking to me through your monitor, “Come on! You just do not understand my situation. You just do not understand the people who are around me. You just don’t understand....” No, I do not. But I encourage you to look at the above text if this is your mind-set. Who is speaking? Martha. Remember the “Martha perspective?” To whom is she speaking? The LORD. On whom is she placing blame? Mary, her sister. Do you see the problem here? “Only if Mary would do her part. Only if Mary would help. Only if Mary would not leave me to this alone”. Only if. Martha was blaming her lack of perspective on Mary! It is hard hitting. How well I know. But the truth is, Jesus laid the solution for perspective right back into the lap of Martha. There was no one to blame but herself. Ouch!
Today is February 16. We must have the right perspective on perspective.
Blessings,
Jim
The Martha Perspective
“But Martha was distracted with all her preparations...the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary.” (Luke 10:40-42)
How is your perspective today? Did you really slow down enough to consider the Jesus perspective from yesterday or do you find yourself in the same trap with the wrong perspective? Sometimes we are so close to right perspective but refuse to apply. Such was the case for Martha. Jesus was in her home, right there with her. But she was “distracted.” While her desire was commendable, her inner person was stressed. The text says she was “worried and bothered.” Worried here means “to be pulled in different directions.” Bothered comes from a word meaning “noise or trouble.” Why was she experiencing such? Jesus says she was attempting to do “so many things!” Ahhhh! There it is. One who attempts to do “so many things” ends up with “troubled noise” in the inner man and the feeling of being “pulled in different directions.” Sound familiar? Jesus was right there but Martha had the wrong perspective. Her “so many things” distracted her from the most important - Jesus.
Today is February 13. Beware of the Martha perspective!
Blessings,
Jim
How is your perspective today? Did you really slow down enough to consider the Jesus perspective from yesterday or do you find yourself in the same trap with the wrong perspective? Sometimes we are so close to right perspective but refuse to apply. Such was the case for Martha. Jesus was in her home, right there with her. But she was “distracted.” While her desire was commendable, her inner person was stressed. The text says she was “worried and bothered.” Worried here means “to be pulled in different directions.” Bothered comes from a word meaning “noise or trouble.” Why was she experiencing such? Jesus says she was attempting to do “so many things!” Ahhhh! There it is. One who attempts to do “so many things” ends up with “troubled noise” in the inner man and the feeling of being “pulled in different directions.” Sound familiar? Jesus was right there but Martha had the wrong perspective. Her “so many things” distracted her from the most important - Jesus.
Today is February 13. Beware of the Martha perspective!
Blessings,
Jim
The Jesus Perspective
“I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4)
Perspective. We must get it right. Failure to do so creates undo stress and worry. Let’s think about the perspective of Jesus and learn a valuable truth. Look at His words in the above text. Examine them. Think of where He was in His life, Who He was speaking to, what He said. Go slow or you may lose perspective. Jesus’ earthly life was coming to a close. He was speaking to the Father in prayer. In simple terms He said, “mission accomplished.” Interesting! He said He accomplished the work the Father had given Him to do. Really? Think of the culture. Move abroad. Ask the questions. What about people in Jerusalem who had yet to follow Him? What about those in Judea? How about the lost Samaritans? Goodness, He never went to Rome? Yet, He stated “mission accomplished.” How could Jesus say this in light of all there was to do? Because He had accomplished the work the Father had given Him to do! What about you? What are you seeking to accomplish? How many needs are you attempting to meet? Going beyond what the Father has intended for you to do will cause you to lose perspective and be overwhelmed by stress and worry. Slow down a minute this morning. Ask the question. “Father, what would You have me to do?” Then do THAT! That is perspective.
Today is February 12. Always remember the Jesus perspective!
Blessings,
Jim
Perspective. We must get it right. Failure to do so creates undo stress and worry. Let’s think about the perspective of Jesus and learn a valuable truth. Look at His words in the above text. Examine them. Think of where He was in His life, Who He was speaking to, what He said. Go slow or you may lose perspective. Jesus’ earthly life was coming to a close. He was speaking to the Father in prayer. In simple terms He said, “mission accomplished.” Interesting! He said He accomplished the work the Father had given Him to do. Really? Think of the culture. Move abroad. Ask the questions. What about people in Jerusalem who had yet to follow Him? What about those in Judea? How about the lost Samaritans? Goodness, He never went to Rome? Yet, He stated “mission accomplished.” How could Jesus say this in light of all there was to do? Because He had accomplished the work the Father had given Him to do! What about you? What are you seeking to accomplish? How many needs are you attempting to meet? Going beyond what the Father has intended for you to do will cause you to lose perspective and be overwhelmed by stress and worry. Slow down a minute this morning. Ask the question. “Father, what would You have me to do?” Then do THAT! That is perspective.
Today is February 12. Always remember the Jesus perspective!
Blessings,
Jim
The Right Perspective
“O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)
Difficulty, discouragement, doubt, uncertainty, stress, fear...The current situations in our nation and world offer opportunity for such a climate. The ability to not be trapped in such strongholds is a matter of perspective. We must look to the LORD through His Word to maintain a proper perspective. Charles Shultz, who wrote the “Peanuts” comic strip, helps us with this truth. In one such strip Lucy and Linus are staring out a window and the rain is pouring down.
Lucy speaks, “Boy, look at it rain! What if it floods the whole world?”
Linus answers, “It will never do that. In the ninth chapter of Genesis, God promised Noah that would never happen again, and the sign of the promise is the rainbow.
Lucy is looking right at him as he is speaking. She turns back toward the window, smiles big and announces: “You’ve taken a great load off my mind.”
Linus responds: “Sound theology has a way of doing that!”
Today is February 11. The right perspective has a way of taking a load off of our mind!
Blessings,
Jim
Difficulty, discouragement, doubt, uncertainty, stress, fear...The current situations in our nation and world offer opportunity for such a climate. The ability to not be trapped in such strongholds is a matter of perspective. We must look to the LORD through His Word to maintain a proper perspective. Charles Shultz, who wrote the “Peanuts” comic strip, helps us with this truth. In one such strip Lucy and Linus are staring out a window and the rain is pouring down.
Lucy speaks, “Boy, look at it rain! What if it floods the whole world?”
Linus answers, “It will never do that. In the ninth chapter of Genesis, God promised Noah that would never happen again, and the sign of the promise is the rainbow.
Lucy is looking right at him as he is speaking. She turns back toward the window, smiles big and announces: “You’ve taken a great load off my mind.”
Linus responds: “Sound theology has a way of doing that!”
Today is February 11. The right perspective has a way of taking a load off of our mind!
Blessings,
Jim
Opportunities Abound!
“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
Difficult times offer wonderful opportunities. The Apostle Paul wrote the above words as he was chained to a guard while in prison. Many worried about him and the progress of the gospel during his imprisonment. But Paul saw this as a wondrous instead of a hindering opportunity. His circumstances allowed him to share the glorious gospel with those whom he would never have the opportunity apart from such circumstances. We find ourselves with such opportunity in these days. Economic times are hard. Many are worried. Lifestyles are changing.out of necessity. Lives are “slowing down” due to finances. This is a moment of opportunity for the souls of men! The Scripture tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Look for the opportunity to let others know the love of God while they are still.
Today is February 10. Opportunities Abound!
Blessings,
Jim
Difficult times offer wonderful opportunities. The Apostle Paul wrote the above words as he was chained to a guard while in prison. Many worried about him and the progress of the gospel during his imprisonment. But Paul saw this as a wondrous instead of a hindering opportunity. His circumstances allowed him to share the glorious gospel with those whom he would never have the opportunity apart from such circumstances. We find ourselves with such opportunity in these days. Economic times are hard. Many are worried. Lifestyles are changing.out of necessity. Lives are “slowing down” due to finances. This is a moment of opportunity for the souls of men! The Scripture tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Look for the opportunity to let others know the love of God while they are still.
Today is February 10. Opportunities Abound!
Blessings,
Jim
Sorry for the Interruption
We have had an overwhelming response to the blog and web site being unavailable. We have corrected the problem finally and should not have any more interruptions. Thanks for all the comments showing your concern and again we are sorry for the interruption.
Trusting in God,
webmaster
Trusting in God,
webmaster
Sand Traps
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” (James 1:2)
I had a time in my life when I attempted to play golf. Early on I was taken to a course in Tennessee where one of the holes had a 145 yard sand trap right in front of the tee box. Needless to say I spend a lot of time in the sand trap that day. I found myself in sand traps a lot during my golfing days that lead to much aggravation. Now I think, what if I had spent more time practicing getting out of sand traps? Knowing how to escape one changes the approach of the game. The only way you learn to handle the sand trap is to get in the sand trap. The same is true for trials of life. Notice that James did not say “if you encounter various trials.” He said, “when you encounter various trials.” Like sand traps, your life is going to land in trials. How do learn to deal with trials? By going through trials! What good are trials? They strengthen your character. They mature you in the faith. They help you to experience the victory of the LORD. So when you find yourself in a “sand trap” of life simply square up, take the correct form, take the swing, and come through it with a victory shot.
Today is January 16. There is much joy in conquering the sand traps!
Blessings,
Jim
I had a time in my life when I attempted to play golf. Early on I was taken to a course in Tennessee where one of the holes had a 145 yard sand trap right in front of the tee box. Needless to say I spend a lot of time in the sand trap that day. I found myself in sand traps a lot during my golfing days that lead to much aggravation. Now I think, what if I had spent more time practicing getting out of sand traps? Knowing how to escape one changes the approach of the game. The only way you learn to handle the sand trap is to get in the sand trap. The same is true for trials of life. Notice that James did not say “if you encounter various trials.” He said, “when you encounter various trials.” Like sand traps, your life is going to land in trials. How do learn to deal with trials? By going through trials! What good are trials? They strengthen your character. They mature you in the faith. They help you to experience the victory of the LORD. So when you find yourself in a “sand trap” of life simply square up, take the correct form, take the swing, and come through it with a victory shot.
Today is January 16. There is much joy in conquering the sand traps!
Blessings,
Jim
Love Control
“For the love of Christ controls us...” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
The Apostle Paul was accused by many of his contemporaries for being a mad man. He was so driven to please Christ that he seemed abnormal to most. His drive to win others to Christ made him appear reckless to many. Some felt Paul needed to get control of himself. And that was the whole issue. Paul did not have control of himself. He was controlled by “the love of Christ.” This does not refer to Paul’s love for Christ, even though there is truth to that statement. It actually refers to Christ’s love for Paul. Paul remained overwhelmed by how much Christ loved him. He was a man who was so depraved before Christ saved him. His life was formally controlled by his own hatred for Christ and Christ loved him anyway! Christ called him to the glorious relationship with Himself. Paul’s wretched sin had been forgiven. His empty soul had been filled. He knew Jesus personally. And it was all due to the love Christ had for him in spite of himself. Simply put, Paul never got over being saved! Do we understand the depth of the love of Christ? Do we understand that there has never been, nor will there ever be anything we can do that will cause Christ to love us less? Such love should control us. Amazing love!
Today is January 13. What controls you?
Blessings,
Jim
The Apostle Paul was accused by many of his contemporaries for being a mad man. He was so driven to please Christ that he seemed abnormal to most. His drive to win others to Christ made him appear reckless to many. Some felt Paul needed to get control of himself. And that was the whole issue. Paul did not have control of himself. He was controlled by “the love of Christ.” This does not refer to Paul’s love for Christ, even though there is truth to that statement. It actually refers to Christ’s love for Paul. Paul remained overwhelmed by how much Christ loved him. He was a man who was so depraved before Christ saved him. His life was formally controlled by his own hatred for Christ and Christ loved him anyway! Christ called him to the glorious relationship with Himself. Paul’s wretched sin had been forgiven. His empty soul had been filled. He knew Jesus personally. And it was all due to the love Christ had for him in spite of himself. Simply put, Paul never got over being saved! Do we understand the depth of the love of Christ? Do we understand that there has never been, nor will there ever be anything we can do that will cause Christ to love us less? Such love should control us. Amazing love!
Today is January 13. What controls you?
Blessings,
Jim
Ambitious Aim
“Therefore we also have as our ambition...to be pleasing to Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)
It has been said that if one aims at nothing he will hit it every time. What is your aim today? What will determine how you make choices that come your way? What are you ambitious about today? What are you aiming to accomplish? Is Christ in the picture? To be pleasing to Christ should be the aim of every believer. Our ambition is to be pleasing to Him! We should long to hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” What differences will come in your life today if you seriously consider this aim? It could be that temptation will be overcome, or some unhappy soul is encouraged, or some lost soul is saved, or the job is performed with excellence, or what the LORD has been calling you to will be obeyed in faith. Do not wait until choices come your way and react. Be proactive. Aim at pleasing Christ! Make Him your ambition.
Today is January 12. Where is your aim?
Blessings,
Jim
It has been said that if one aims at nothing he will hit it every time. What is your aim today? What will determine how you make choices that come your way? What are you ambitious about today? What are you aiming to accomplish? Is Christ in the picture? To be pleasing to Christ should be the aim of every believer. Our ambition is to be pleasing to Him! We should long to hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” What differences will come in your life today if you seriously consider this aim? It could be that temptation will be overcome, or some unhappy soul is encouraged, or some lost soul is saved, or the job is performed with excellence, or what the LORD has been calling you to will be obeyed in faith. Do not wait until choices come your way and react. Be proactive. Aim at pleasing Christ! Make Him your ambition.
Today is January 12. Where is your aim?
Blessings,
Jim