Jim George's Blog, page 12
April 10, 2014
A Remarkable Husband-Wife Team
In the Bible, we first meet Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:2. The year is AD 50, and the city is Corinth: Paul “found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla… and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers” (Acts 18:2-3).
Because Priscilla and Aquila were believers in Christ, it was easy for them to work with Paul in their mutual profession and to minister right alongside him as well. They did this for a year and a half, supporting and helping Paul while he preached the gospel. And when Paul decided to go to Ephesus, he “took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him” (Acts 18:18). This dynamic duo continued to be faithful in ministry. They used their home as a church in Ephesus and also in Rome. Paul even described them as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3).
Aquila and Priscilla were a phenomenal husband-wife team who accomplished effective ministry and faithful service behind the scenes for many years, and they show you exactly what a couple after God’s own heart looks like. This remarkable couple provides a perfect portrait of mutual love centered on God and each other. They give you a divine glimpse of how a marriage can and should function.
Like them, you and your spouse each bring a different personality and set of abilities into your marriage. You will spend the rest of your lives working together to live out God’s will for you as a husband and as a wife. With His help, you will grow to be “of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2 NASB).
Because Priscilla and Aquila were believers in Christ, it was easy for them to work with Paul in their mutual profession and to minister right alongside him as well. They did this for a year and a half, supporting and helping Paul while he preached the gospel. And when Paul decided to go to Ephesus, he “took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him” (Acts 18:18). This dynamic duo continued to be faithful in ministry. They used their home as a church in Ephesus and also in Rome. Paul even described them as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3).
Aquila and Priscilla were a phenomenal husband-wife team who accomplished effective ministry and faithful service behind the scenes for many years, and they show you exactly what a couple after God’s own heart looks like. This remarkable couple provides a perfect portrait of mutual love centered on God and each other. They give you a divine glimpse of how a marriage can and should function.
Like them, you and your spouse each bring a different personality and set of abilities into your marriage. You will spend the rest of your lives working together to live out God’s will for you as a husband and as a wife. With His help, you will grow to be “of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2 NASB).
April 8, 2014
The Highest Calling
You have a calling. Did you realize that? God’s first and highest calling on your life is to Himself. So seek to draw close to Him in all ways and seek His transforming love. What’s in your heart affects your behavior, and God asks that your actions represent your relationship with Him.
The Bible says to “be reverent in behavior” (Titus 2:3). Even though that verse is addressed to older women, it wraps its arms around every woman of every age and circumstance. Why? Because it calls all of God’s women to be holy and godly. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Be a woman who walks with God every day. Love the Lord. Follow Him. Honor Him in the way you live. There is no greater calling.
Lord, Your calling and love bring worth and wonder to my life. My daily pursuit of Your heart and Your Word leads me to serve this high calling of Christ-like conduct. May all that I do and all that I become reflect my relationship with You.
The Bible says to “be reverent in behavior” (Titus 2:3). Even though that verse is addressed to older women, it wraps its arms around every woman of every age and circumstance. Why? Because it calls all of God’s women to be holy and godly. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Be a woman who walks with God every day. Love the Lord. Follow Him. Honor Him in the way you live. There is no greater calling.
Lord, Your calling and love bring worth and wonder to my life. My daily pursuit of Your heart and Your Word leads me to serve this high calling of Christ-like conduct. May all that I do and all that I become reflect my relationship with You.
April 3, 2014
From Jim’s Heart — Faithful to the Finish
Do you ever feel like you’re not making much progress in your spiritual life? That you seem to take two steps forward in your growth only to fall back one? Are you getting discouraged by shortcomings and slow growth? Do you feel unfinished? Incomplete? Lacking in spiritual maturity?
Well, take heart and be encouraged. When God starts a project (that’s you!), He completes it. God has promised that He will help each and all who embrace His Son as Savior to grow in His grace until He has completed — yes, completed! — His work in their lives.
That’s what this present promise is all about. When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the believers in the Philippian church, he expressed excitement because he had heard that his friends there were maturing in their Christian faith. As he wrote to his comrades-in-Christ, Paul shared his confidence that God would be faithful to continue the spiritual growth process in their lives.
And, friend, God will continue that process until it is completed in you as well. That’s His promise! Read it for yourself. Read Paul’s powerful, encouraging, and comforting words of confidence to his friends… and to you!
For I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you
will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Well, take heart and be encouraged. When God starts a project (that’s you!), He completes it. God has promised that He will help each and all who embrace His Son as Savior to grow in His grace until He has completed — yes, completed! — His work in their lives.
That’s what this present promise is all about. When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the believers in the Philippian church, he expressed excitement because he had heard that his friends there were maturing in their Christian faith. As he wrote to his comrades-in-Christ, Paul shared his confidence that God would be faithful to continue the spiritual growth process in their lives.
And, friend, God will continue that process until it is completed in you as well. That’s His promise! Read it for yourself. Read Paul’s powerful, encouraging, and comforting words of confidence to his friends… and to you!
For I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you
will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
April 1, 2014
Pray Through Your Priorities
Deciding what to say yes to and what to say no to is not a simple thing. I’m as social as the next person, but when I had children and home and was deep into raising my kids with God’s priorities in mind, I had to determine where other activities, commitments, and people fit within the big picture.
Your family is the masterpiece you’re assigned by God to create and preserve. Beyond that, you’ve got to be very discerning. When opportunities or events come up, each one has to be weighed against God’s best for your family. And that, my friend, takes wisdom.
So turn to the Father of your time. Go to Him and ask Him how much time should be spent on social activities and friendships. Ask Him to spell out what the need of the moment is. Then follow His leading.
Father, what must I do today to accomplish Your will? What must I let go of or decline in order to preserve my family as a priority? Give me a discerning heart that measures every opportunity against Your will for my family’s health and well-being.
Your family is the masterpiece you’re assigned by God to create and preserve. Beyond that, you’ve got to be very discerning. When opportunities or events come up, each one has to be weighed against God’s best for your family. And that, my friend, takes wisdom.
So turn to the Father of your time. Go to Him and ask Him how much time should be spent on social activities and friendships. Ask Him to spell out what the need of the moment is. Then follow His leading.
Father, what must I do today to accomplish Your will? What must I let go of or decline in order to preserve my family as a priority? Give me a discerning heart that measures every opportunity against Your will for my family’s health and well-being.
March 27, 2014
My Sun and Shield
For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
Psalm 84:11
I thank God that even when we don’t see the physical sun, we have the Lord God as a sun! Here are a few of the benefits of the sun and how God, as your sun, provides for you spiritually:
-The sun brings joy, warmth, and energy. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Like the sun, the Lord’s presence in your life brings great joy.
-The sun brings routine. You can set your watch by the morning sunrise. You can also depend on God, who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).
-The sun brings light to guide you. David said, “You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29). Even in the dark, you have the glory of the Lord to light your path.
-The sun brings relief from the darkness. Darkness causes fear and brings great anguish for many who are fearful of the dark, the unseen, and the unknown. The psalmist says, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You (Psalm 139:11-12).
-The sun brings healing. Malachi 4:2 says, “The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” Not only is physical healing promoted by the sun, but there is spiritual healing in the Messiah’s righteousness.
-The sun brings emotional well-being. States that have a lot of cloudy, gray, wet weather (like Washington!) often see large populations leaving to winter in warmer, drier climates. With or without the sun, and with or without sun breaks, Psalm 30:11 tells you that God can turn your gloom into gladness: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
Psalm 84:11
I thank God that even when we don’t see the physical sun, we have the Lord God as a sun! Here are a few of the benefits of the sun and how God, as your sun, provides for you spiritually:
-The sun brings joy, warmth, and energy. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Like the sun, the Lord’s presence in your life brings great joy.
-The sun brings routine. You can set your watch by the morning sunrise. You can also depend on God, who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).
-The sun brings light to guide you. David said, “You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29). Even in the dark, you have the glory of the Lord to light your path.
-The sun brings relief from the darkness. Darkness causes fear and brings great anguish for many who are fearful of the dark, the unseen, and the unknown. The psalmist says, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You (Psalm 139:11-12).
-The sun brings healing. Malachi 4:2 says, “The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” Not only is physical healing promoted by the sun, but there is spiritual healing in the Messiah’s righteousness.
-The sun brings emotional well-being. States that have a lot of cloudy, gray, wet weather (like Washington!) often see large populations leaving to winter in warmer, drier climates. With or without the sun, and with or without sun breaks, Psalm 30:11 tells you that God can turn your gloom into gladness: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
March 25, 2014
From Jim’s Heart — The Promise to Forgive
When you receive God’s gift of Jesus, you also receive the promise of forgiveness:
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
God is bigger than your biggest sin, and He’s aware of even your smallest ones. Unconfessed sins have consequences. They hinder your fellowship with a holy and just God. Although God forgives sin, He overlooks none. Whether your sins are big or small in your estimation, you need to experience God’s promise of forgiveness for them. To better understand this, read on.
God’s forgiveness is complete. When you receive Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven once and for all. When Jesus uttered, “It is finished” on the cross, He was speaking of His work of redemption (John 19:30). Jesus died for your sins. Every sin that you will ever commit is covered by Jesus’ death. As God’s child, His forgiveness is complete because Jesus’ work is complete.
God’s forgiveness is permanent. When God forgives, He also forgets. You can’t use up God’s forgiveness. Whether your sins are few or many, private or public, God is always faithful to forgive.
God’s forgiveness changes you. After asking God for forgiveness, go one step further and also ask Him for the wisdom to avoid sin in the future. Constantly seek advice from God’s Word and godly Christian friends to learn how to change, how to avoid sin, and how to grow in your walk with God.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
God is bigger than your biggest sin, and He’s aware of even your smallest ones. Unconfessed sins have consequences. They hinder your fellowship with a holy and just God. Although God forgives sin, He overlooks none. Whether your sins are big or small in your estimation, you need to experience God’s promise of forgiveness for them. To better understand this, read on.
God’s forgiveness is complete. When you receive Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven once and for all. When Jesus uttered, “It is finished” on the cross, He was speaking of His work of redemption (John 19:30). Jesus died for your sins. Every sin that you will ever commit is covered by Jesus’ death. As God’s child, His forgiveness is complete because Jesus’ work is complete.
God’s forgiveness is permanent. When God forgives, He also forgets. You can’t use up God’s forgiveness. Whether your sins are few or many, private or public, God is always faithful to forgive.
God’s forgiveness changes you. After asking God for forgiveness, go one step further and also ask Him for the wisdom to avoid sin in the future. Constantly seek advice from God’s Word and godly Christian friends to learn how to change, how to avoid sin, and how to grow in your walk with God.
March 18, 2014
Be Strong
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
God says, “Be strong.” What pops into your mind when you hear or read the word “strong”? Weightlifters, wrestlers, fighters, and soldiers? Rocks and stones? Steel? Inner strength is that something in the character of a person who
--stands in adversity,
--who acts and speaks up because it’s the right thing to do,
--who moves forward toward a goal of purpose regardless of the cost or obstacles,
--who endures through harsh and trying times and treatment.
When God told Joshua to “be strong,” it was an order, something Joshua was to do. God was commanding Joshua to strengthen himself, to encourage himself, to harden himself, and to behave valiantly. God was telling Joshua that he is to move out in battle and conquer the land on the other side of the Jordan River… whether he wants to or not, whether he feels like doing it or not, whether he thinks he can win or not. Joshua is not to be feeble, fragile, or frightened about this command. He is to be strong and move forward.
You and I have to do the same. When everything in you chafes or shies away from doing what must be done, endured, or finished, you have to stand up, buck up, look up, and just do it. You have to step up to the challenge, stare it in the face, and boldly step into it. Power, valor, and victory come as you draw upon God’s grace and obediently press on by faith.
Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
God says, “Be strong.” What pops into your mind when you hear or read the word “strong”? Weightlifters, wrestlers, fighters, and soldiers? Rocks and stones? Steel? Inner strength is that something in the character of a person who
--stands in adversity,
--who acts and speaks up because it’s the right thing to do,
--who moves forward toward a goal of purpose regardless of the cost or obstacles,
--who endures through harsh and trying times and treatment.
When God told Joshua to “be strong,” it was an order, something Joshua was to do. God was commanding Joshua to strengthen himself, to encourage himself, to harden himself, and to behave valiantly. God was telling Joshua that he is to move out in battle and conquer the land on the other side of the Jordan River… whether he wants to or not, whether he feels like doing it or not, whether he thinks he can win or not. Joshua is not to be feeble, fragile, or frightened about this command. He is to be strong and move forward.
You and I have to do the same. When everything in you chafes or shies away from doing what must be done, endured, or finished, you have to stand up, buck up, look up, and just do it. You have to step up to the challenge, stare it in the face, and boldly step into it. Power, valor, and victory come as you draw upon God’s grace and obediently press on by faith.
March 13, 2014
God’s Songbird
Have you noticed in your church, your Bible study, your circle of Christian friends, that women who love God tend to sing? Miriam, Moses’ sister, sang when God gloriously delivered His people (Exodus 15:21).
Fanny Crosby was an American hymn writer who lived from 1820 until 1915. That’s 95 years — and Fanny Crosby spent all but six weeks of those 95 years in complete blindness. When she was six weeks old, a doctor unwittingly caused Fanny’s blindness. Yet Fanny, through the eyes of her Christian faith, saw that doctor’s apparent mistake as “no mistake of God’s.” She wrote, “I verily believe it was [God's] intention that I should live my days in physical darkness, so as to be better prepared to sing His praises and incite others to do so.” Note the path Fanny Crosby’s life of singing in the darkness took:
* At age 8, Fanny Crosby began writing poetry.
* When she was 11, one of her poems was published.
* When Fanny was 24, she published her first book of poems.
* Throughout her life, Fanny wrote a large number of religious poems, cantatas, and many songs.
* At the time of her death, the total number of her hymns and poems of praise to her God exceeded 8000!
Truly, Fanny Crosby was a woman who loved God and trusted in His wisdom and His ways (Romans 11:33). Rather than succumb to bitterness or resentment, self-pity or regret, Fanny sang. She became God’s songbird. Like the nightingale, she sang in the darkness… for 95 years.
Today, if you are facing what seems to be a tragedy, look up, even through your tears, and lift a song of praise to God in that darkness. Worship Him while you wander in the fog of uncertainty. And bless God despite the blindness of your incomprehension. Your song of faith gives clear tribute to the goodness and greatness of God.
Fanny Crosby was an American hymn writer who lived from 1820 until 1915. That’s 95 years — and Fanny Crosby spent all but six weeks of those 95 years in complete blindness. When she was six weeks old, a doctor unwittingly caused Fanny’s blindness. Yet Fanny, through the eyes of her Christian faith, saw that doctor’s apparent mistake as “no mistake of God’s.” She wrote, “I verily believe it was [God's] intention that I should live my days in physical darkness, so as to be better prepared to sing His praises and incite others to do so.” Note the path Fanny Crosby’s life of singing in the darkness took:
* At age 8, Fanny Crosby began writing poetry.
* When she was 11, one of her poems was published.
* When Fanny was 24, she published her first book of poems.
* Throughout her life, Fanny wrote a large number of religious poems, cantatas, and many songs.
* At the time of her death, the total number of her hymns and poems of praise to her God exceeded 8000!
Truly, Fanny Crosby was a woman who loved God and trusted in His wisdom and His ways (Romans 11:33). Rather than succumb to bitterness or resentment, self-pity or regret, Fanny sang. She became God’s songbird. Like the nightingale, she sang in the darkness… for 95 years.
Today, if you are facing what seems to be a tragedy, look up, even through your tears, and lift a song of praise to God in that darkness. Worship Him while you wander in the fog of uncertainty. And bless God despite the blindness of your incomprehension. Your song of faith gives clear tribute to the goodness and greatness of God.
March 11, 2014
From Jim’s Heart — Deliver Us
Temptation comes into every believer’s life — not one of us is immune. So how would you like a fantastic promise for victory over temptation? Read on. Here it is!
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;
and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,
but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also,
that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
In these reassuring words, God promises you deliverance from sin. He promises an exit. There is no need to view temptation as a bad thing. It is simply an opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm your faith and trust in God. Facing temptation and staying strong strengthens and adds maturity to your Christian life.
When a temptation comes your way, realize that you are never left alone. By His very nature, God will not leave you alone. He is present with you as you face temptation. By His grace, you will be able to resist it.
Although God doesn’t always remove the temptation, He does promise to keep the temptation from becoming too strong for you to handle. Temptation can be resisted because God says you can “endure it.” And God also promises to “provide the way of escape.”
Whether you endure or escape, you are to be actively resisting temptation, on the lookout for His deliverance… and counting on it!
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;
and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,
but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also,
that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
In these reassuring words, God promises you deliverance from sin. He promises an exit. There is no need to view temptation as a bad thing. It is simply an opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm your faith and trust in God. Facing temptation and staying strong strengthens and adds maturity to your Christian life.
When a temptation comes your way, realize that you are never left alone. By His very nature, God will not leave you alone. He is present with you as you face temptation. By His grace, you will be able to resist it.
Although God doesn’t always remove the temptation, He does promise to keep the temptation from becoming too strong for you to handle. Temptation can be resisted because God says you can “endure it.” And God also promises to “provide the way of escape.”
Whether you endure or escape, you are to be actively resisting temptation, on the lookout for His deliverance… and counting on it!
March 6, 2014
The Velvet Side of Strength
Discover this new kind of power — humility. In 1 Peter 5:5-6, Peter says:
Be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
As Saint Augustine noted, “If you plan to build a tall house of virtues, you must first lay deep foundations of humility.” Humility is an attitude which is nurtured in the heart and mind. According to Peter, three actions build a foundation and, in time, characterize humility in a Christian. First, choose to defer to others. The goal of submission is to fit in with someone else’s plans or direction. It includes adapting your way to another’s way, deliberately subordinating yourself and giving the other person more authority or grace.
Next, choose to submit yourself. Peter said, “Be submissive to one another.” Deferring to others is an attitude, so make it your practice to always be ready to willingly submit and serve others. And finally, choose to rank yourself under others. Just as a soldier chooses to put himself in subjection to the commands of officers, you are to choose to voluntarily rank yourself beneath other people.
Be willing to bend and flex and submit to God’s commands… and to the people He places in your path and asks you to defer to. Learn from your gentle, humble, wonderful, perfect Lord Jesus.
Be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
As Saint Augustine noted, “If you plan to build a tall house of virtues, you must first lay deep foundations of humility.” Humility is an attitude which is nurtured in the heart and mind. According to Peter, three actions build a foundation and, in time, characterize humility in a Christian. First, choose to defer to others. The goal of submission is to fit in with someone else’s plans or direction. It includes adapting your way to another’s way, deliberately subordinating yourself and giving the other person more authority or grace.
Next, choose to submit yourself. Peter said, “Be submissive to one another.” Deferring to others is an attitude, so make it your practice to always be ready to willingly submit and serve others. And finally, choose to rank yourself under others. Just as a soldier chooses to put himself in subjection to the commands of officers, you are to choose to voluntarily rank yourself beneath other people.
Be willing to bend and flex and submit to God’s commands… and to the people He places in your path and asks you to defer to. Learn from your gentle, humble, wonderful, perfect Lord Jesus.
