Jim George's Blog, page 10
June 20, 2014
Handling Riches
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty,
nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Today you and I get to sit in the front row at the apostle Paul’s money management seminar and learn firsthand how to handle what God has blessed us with… God’s way. What principles does Paul promote?
Principle 1: Avoid the temptations of the wealthy. Do not become arrogant and place your trust in earthly riches instead of in the living God.
Principle 2: Engage in the duties for those of means. Be rich in good works, be prepared to give, and be willing to share.
Principle 3: Resist laying up treasures for yourself. Share earthly treasures and remember — the fruit of your salvation will be seen in your attitude toward others.
Principle 4: Lay hold of good works. Giving doesn’t require money. You can give to others with your attitude and actions.
There’s a lot to learn about how you relate to money by taking a good look at your bank statement and your credit card statement. Your attitude and priorities are there in black and white. Are you a spender? A giver? A hoarder? A saver?
God may not be asking you to sell or give away all your possessions and wealth. But He is definitely asking you to prayerfully consider how you handle the riches He’s given you. So become a cheerful and generous giver. Give in His name — your heart will reap the rewards of joyously giving!
nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Today you and I get to sit in the front row at the apostle Paul’s money management seminar and learn firsthand how to handle what God has blessed us with… God’s way. What principles does Paul promote?
Principle 1: Avoid the temptations of the wealthy. Do not become arrogant and place your trust in earthly riches instead of in the living God.
Principle 2: Engage in the duties for those of means. Be rich in good works, be prepared to give, and be willing to share.
Principle 3: Resist laying up treasures for yourself. Share earthly treasures and remember — the fruit of your salvation will be seen in your attitude toward others.
Principle 4: Lay hold of good works. Giving doesn’t require money. You can give to others with your attitude and actions.
There’s a lot to learn about how you relate to money by taking a good look at your bank statement and your credit card statement. Your attitude and priorities are there in black and white. Are you a spender? A giver? A hoarder? A saver?
God may not be asking you to sell or give away all your possessions and wealth. But He is definitely asking you to prayerfully consider how you handle the riches He’s given you. So become a cheerful and generous giver. Give in His name — your heart will reap the rewards of joyously giving!
June 17, 2014
Overcoming Anxiety
When we think of all we want in life, joy ranks high. So does peace. And here, in the God-breathed, inspired Word that comes straight from the mind and heart of God, we have the source of both joy and peace. To enjoy these two qualities of life, you must…
Rejoice. This is a command, my friend. It’s an exhortation to cheerfulness. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). We are to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what is happening to us.
Pray. This too is not optional… it’s a command. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Rather than suffering from anxiety, you are to present your needs to the Lord and trust Him to provide for you and yours.
And the results? The sweet, sweet results? First, you will experience “the peace of God” — the peace that is characteristic of God Himself. Even when your difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.
And second, God’s peace will stand guard over you, like a soldier or a sentinel, protecting you against the anxieties and worries that want to attack your heart and mind. Through prayer you will truly experience God’s peace that surpasses all human comprehension.
Rejoice. This is a command, my friend. It’s an exhortation to cheerfulness. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). We are to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what is happening to us.
Pray. This too is not optional… it’s a command. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Rather than suffering from anxiety, you are to present your needs to the Lord and trust Him to provide for you and yours.
And the results? The sweet, sweet results? First, you will experience “the peace of God” — the peace that is characteristic of God Himself. Even when your difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.
And second, God’s peace will stand guard over you, like a soldier or a sentinel, protecting you against the anxieties and worries that want to attack your heart and mind. Through prayer you will truly experience God’s peace that surpasses all human comprehension.
June 13, 2014
From Jim’s Heart — Equipping Yourself to Lead
The best way you can help lead your family is to make sure you are growing spiritually. This growth will give you the wisdom and strength you need for leading your children. You can make this happen by.
-Reading the Bible daily so you are “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).
-Finding role models to emulate. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 niv).
-Avoiding negative influences. “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
-Avoiding tempting situations. “Flee.youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22 ).
-Abiding in Christ so you can bear much fruit (John 15:1-8). This means praying to God, depending upon Him, and actively obeying Christ.
God, please transform my family by transforming me.
Speak to me through Your Word, through Your Spirit, and through godly people.
Make me the parent my family needs. Amen.
-Reading the Bible daily so you are “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).
-Finding role models to emulate. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 niv).
-Avoiding negative influences. “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
-Avoiding tempting situations. “Flee.youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22 ).
-Abiding in Christ so you can bear much fruit (John 15:1-8). This means praying to God, depending upon Him, and actively obeying Christ.
God, please transform my family by transforming me.
Speak to me through Your Word, through Your Spirit, and through godly people.
Make me the parent my family needs. Amen.
June 10, 2014
Sharing the Wealth
Learn firsthand how to handle what God has blessed you with by reading these verses from Paul and practicing the principles he presents:
BREAK VERSES
17. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19. storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Principle 1: Avoid the temptations of the wealthy. Don’t become arrogant and place your trust in earthly riches instead of in the living God.
Principle 2: Engage in selfless service to other. Be rich in good works, be prepared to give, and be willing to share.
Principle 3: Resist the temptation to lay up treasures for yourself. Share your earthly treasures with others. Your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life will be seen in your gracious attitude toward others.
Principle 4: Lay hold of good works. Giving doesn’t require money. Many of the men and women of the Bible who gave were poor. Even if you have little to give, follow in the footsteps of their good works.
Prayerfully consider how you handle the riches God has given you. You are so blessed, and now you can bless others.
BREAK VERSES
17. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19. storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Principle 1: Avoid the temptations of the wealthy. Don’t become arrogant and place your trust in earthly riches instead of in the living God.
Principle 2: Engage in selfless service to other. Be rich in good works, be prepared to give, and be willing to share.
Principle 3: Resist the temptation to lay up treasures for yourself. Share your earthly treasures with others. Your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life will be seen in your gracious attitude toward others.
Principle 4: Lay hold of good works. Giving doesn’t require money. Many of the men and women of the Bible who gave were poor. Even if you have little to give, follow in the footsteps of their good works.
Prayerfully consider how you handle the riches God has given you. You are so blessed, and now you can bless others.
June 5, 2014
From Jim’s Heart — Yielding to God
When you consider the extraordinary ways God worked through men such as Moses and Paul, you may think, I can’t measure up to people like them. I don’t have what they had.
But you must realize that these “heroes” of the faith were just common, ordinary people. It was their obedience-their complete yieldedness to God-that gave them uncommon strength and faith. They submitted their lives to God, and God worked mightily through them.
I don’t know about you, but their examples inspire me to re-evaluate my own obedience, and I’m hoping the same for you. Are you reluctant to listen to God because you think He is asking the impossible? Are you failing to make yourself available to Him because you’re doubtful or afraid? Your part is to simply obey, and God will do His part.
Lord, I see now that You can do anything through me
if I will simply yield myself to You.
Help me to make myself more available to You today. Amen
But you must realize that these “heroes” of the faith were just common, ordinary people. It was their obedience-their complete yieldedness to God-that gave them uncommon strength and faith. They submitted their lives to God, and God worked mightily through them.
I don’t know about you, but their examples inspire me to re-evaluate my own obedience, and I’m hoping the same for you. Are you reluctant to listen to God because you think He is asking the impossible? Are you failing to make yourself available to Him because you’re doubtful or afraid? Your part is to simply obey, and God will do His part.
Lord, I see now that You can do anything through me
if I will simply yield myself to You.
Help me to make myself more available to You today. Amen
June 3, 2014
Spiritual Insights
I also, after I heard of your faith in
the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
do not cease to give thanks for you,
making mention of you in my prayers.
-Ephesians 1:15
Did you know that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote these words with such conviction about compassionate prayer for others? You would expect an innocent prisoner to rant, rave, blame others, question God, and sink into depression. But not Paul. He praised God! His outbursts of worship and lists of blessings run through his entire letter to the believers in Philippi. The overflow of Paul’s heart is evidence that he spent his time meditating on God’s sovereign plan, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, Jesus’s supremacy, and the shining effects of God’s grace.
Pray as Paul did! No matter your circumstances or your troubles, ask God to help you and the people in your life develop “spiritual eyes” for seeing and understanding your riches and blessings in Jesus Christ. Tell Him you want to.
--know Him better
--look with great hope and anticipation to His upward calling
--understand your special relationship as His child and heir
--experience His power moment by moment
What are your difficult circumstances today? You might be limited by a life situation, but God is never hampered. Praise Him! Then write a few words of hope and comfort to a loved one who needs encouragement. Or call and pray with someone who needs God’s peace.
Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers for my friends and loved ones. Help me be an example of Your love and grace and share spiritual insights from God’s Word. May we all give You praise, honor, and glory. Amen.
the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
do not cease to give thanks for you,
making mention of you in my prayers.
-Ephesians 1:15
Did you know that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote these words with such conviction about compassionate prayer for others? You would expect an innocent prisoner to rant, rave, blame others, question God, and sink into depression. But not Paul. He praised God! His outbursts of worship and lists of blessings run through his entire letter to the believers in Philippi. The overflow of Paul’s heart is evidence that he spent his time meditating on God’s sovereign plan, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, Jesus’s supremacy, and the shining effects of God’s grace.
Pray as Paul did! No matter your circumstances or your troubles, ask God to help you and the people in your life develop “spiritual eyes” for seeing and understanding your riches and blessings in Jesus Christ. Tell Him you want to.
--know Him better
--look with great hope and anticipation to His upward calling
--understand your special relationship as His child and heir
--experience His power moment by moment
What are your difficult circumstances today? You might be limited by a life situation, but God is never hampered. Praise Him! Then write a few words of hope and comfort to a loved one who needs encouragement. Or call and pray with someone who needs God’s peace.
Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers for my friends and loved ones. Help me be an example of Your love and grace and share spiritual insights from God’s Word. May we all give You praise, honor, and glory. Amen.
May 29, 2014
From Jim’s Heart — God’s Promises & Your Character
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could count on people to come through on their promises? Most likely you’ve been burned and disappointed by people who failed to keep their word. Contrast that disappointing experience with the trustworthiness of God’s Word and His promises to us. Remember that the power of a promise depends on the one making the promise.
God always keeps His promises to us, and God cannot lie or be unfaithful. Therefore…
-You can always count on God.
-You can always believe in God’s Word.
-You can always depend on God’s nature.
-You can always rely on God’s power.
Here’s the challenge: You mirror God’s nature or character when you keep your word and your promises to others. If you are going to make a promise, whether that promise is made to your marriage partner, your children, a fellow church member, your boss, a workmate, or anyone else, be sure you keep it. Your character is at stake!
God always keeps His promises to us, and God cannot lie or be unfaithful. Therefore…
-You can always count on God.
-You can always believe in God’s Word.
-You can always depend on God’s nature.
-You can always rely on God’s power.
Here’s the challenge: You mirror God’s nature or character when you keep your word and your promises to others. If you are going to make a promise, whether that promise is made to your marriage partner, your children, a fellow church member, your boss, a workmate, or anyone else, be sure you keep it. Your character is at stake!
May 27, 2014
Fulfilling God’s Will
God never makes a mistake. And He certainly didn’t make one when He chose the humble Mary to be the mother of His Son! The responsibility of raising Jesus, the Righteous Branch of David, called for righteous parents who followed God’s law. And, as the Scriptures tell us, Mary and Joseph clearly met that criterion.
-Jesus was circumcised exactly eight days after His birth, just as God’s law required.
-At this time, the child’s name was given. The name commanded by the angel was then officially given to the infant, just as God instructed.
-Mary’s purification after childbirth took place exactly 40 days after the birth of her male child, just as God’s law required.
-Mary presented Jesus, her firstborn son, to the Lord, just as God’s law required.
In Mary we see the kind of woman God delights in — a woman after His own heart, a woman willing to do all His will to do just as He says. Only a woman intent on nurturing a heart of humility would even attempt the kind of obedience we see in Mary!
Because of Jesus Christ’s perfect fulfillment of God’s law, we live in the age of God’s marvelous grace. However, our obedience and wholehearted commitment to walking humbly in the ways of the Lord are still essential. Are you one who follows after God by walking in His ways? Spend time with the Lord now and affirm your desire to be like Mary, to be a woman after God’s own heart, a woman who fulfills all His will.
-Jesus was circumcised exactly eight days after His birth, just as God’s law required.
-At this time, the child’s name was given. The name commanded by the angel was then officially given to the infant, just as God instructed.
-Mary’s purification after childbirth took place exactly 40 days after the birth of her male child, just as God’s law required.
-Mary presented Jesus, her firstborn son, to the Lord, just as God’s law required.
In Mary we see the kind of woman God delights in — a woman after His own heart, a woman willing to do all His will to do just as He says. Only a woman intent on nurturing a heart of humility would even attempt the kind of obedience we see in Mary!
Because of Jesus Christ’s perfect fulfillment of God’s law, we live in the age of God’s marvelous grace. However, our obedience and wholehearted commitment to walking humbly in the ways of the Lord are still essential. Are you one who follows after God by walking in His ways? Spend time with the Lord now and affirm your desire to be like Mary, to be a woman after God’s own heart, a woman who fulfills all His will.
May 22, 2014
Love with the Heart of Jesus
All creation yearns for that wonderful day when Jesus returns to right all wrongs and heal the ravages of sin. We’re on our way to eternity, but until then, you and I face all the challenges of being in the world today. So how do we best live in the shadow of eternity? How should the nearness of Jesus Christ’s return affect our daily lives?
God reminds us in 1 Peter 4:8 that His number-one priority for His people is to love: “Above all things, have fervent love for one another.” This leaves no doubt about who you are and what you’re to focus on and do. And the only way we can love beyond human limits is by loving with the heart of Jesus.
With the heart of Christ, be aware of your responsibilities to God’s People. Love as a good steward of the amazing grace God has given to you. God wants your life and love to be centered on Him and His people, not on things of this world. His call is to love, to lodge, and to look out for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
God reminds us in 1 Peter 4:8 that His number-one priority for His people is to love: “Above all things, have fervent love for one another.” This leaves no doubt about who you are and what you’re to focus on and do. And the only way we can love beyond human limits is by loving with the heart of Jesus.
With the heart of Christ, be aware of your responsibilities to God’s People. Love as a good steward of the amazing grace God has given to you. God wants your life and love to be centered on Him and His people, not on things of this world. His call is to love, to lodge, and to look out for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
May 20, 2014
An Attitude Adjustment
The world is full of people who have a low “self-image” or have a “poor me” attitude. You, too, have probably been tempted to give in to such thinking. But God gives you a sure remedy. Through His Word, God’s message to your heart is to constantly remember what He’s done for you through and in His Son, Jesus Christ. Here are some of the riches your heavenly Father bestows on you:
-God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
-Jesus “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4).
-“God predestined you… to adoption as sons… by Jesus Christ to Himself… according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ephesians 1:5).
And here is more wonderful news:
-You’ve been crowned with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
-You blessings are spiritual, not material ones that fade and deteriorate. Your riches in Christ are everlasting.
-You have vast spiritual wealth in Christ. You have all the benefits that come from having God for your heavenly Father. And you have everything you need to grow spiritually.
-God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
-Jesus “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4).
-“God predestined you… to adoption as sons… by Jesus Christ to Himself… according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ephesians 1:5).
And here is more wonderful news:
-You’ve been crowned with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
-You blessings are spiritual, not material ones that fade and deteriorate. Your riches in Christ are everlasting.
-You have vast spiritual wealth in Christ. You have all the benefits that come from having God for your heavenly Father. And you have everything you need to grow spiritually.
