And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin….
— John 16:8

Do you remember the first time you were convicted that you were a sinner? The first time I really knew I was a sinner is etched in my mind forever. For me, it was when a guest evangelist came to preach a week of meetings at our church. On one of those nights, he delivered a riveting message about hell. Although I was only five years old at the time, it shook me to my bones. By the time he finished preaching, the Holy Spirit had caused me to know that I was born a sinner and that if I didn’t receive Christ, I would spend an eternity in hell.

My five young years had been spent largely in the church. From the time I was eight days old, I was in church. I remember the church nursery, graduating to the next little Sunday school room, and so on. From the earliest age, my parents were teaching me that Jesus and church should be the center of my life — and for that, I am forever thankful.

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Although I attended Sunday school where my teachers taught me about Jesus, it was when that guest evangelist delivered his message about hell that the Holy Spirit reached deep into my five-year-old heart and convicted me that I was born a sinner and that I would spend an eternity in hell if I didn’t repent and commit my life to Christ. I occasionally hear people say children are too young to comprehend such things. But I assure you that at the age of five, I knew I was a sinner and that if I didn’t repent and make Jesus the Lord of my life, I would be eternally lost. It wasn’t the horrible sins I had committed that condemned me; I was too young to have committed horrible sins. Nevertheless, I understood that I was born a sinner and my condition separated me from God.

I wanted to walk the aisle to repent, but my parents were concerned that I was too young to really understand what I was doing. They didn’t want me to simply fill out a card at the altar without truly coming to Christ. But from that day on, every night when it was time to go to bed, I would tremble with fear that if I died in the middle of my sleep, I would slip into an eternity without God. Each night as I fell asleep, my mother would lay at my side and speak to me about salvation to determine if I really understood sin, its consequences, and repentance. But the Holy Spirit had used that evangelist’s message to drive truth into my heart, and I was utterly convicted that I was lost. Although I was young, I understood, and therefore I became accountable to God for that knowledge.

In John 16:8, Jesus explained that one of the works of the Holy Spirit is to convict the lost of sin. Jesus said, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin….” According to Jesus, a significant part of the Holy Spirit’s work is to reprove the world of sin. That reproving work is what I experienced at the age of five when I heard that evangelist preach about hell. In that moment, my eyes were supernaturally opened and I knew I was lost.

If you know Jesus Christ, I am certain you can also remember a time in your life when you experienced this reproving work of the Holy Spirit and you knew that you were a sinner. The word “reprove” used in John 16:8 is from the Greek word elegcho. It means to expose or to convict, such as to convict someone of a crime or a sin. This word was used technically in a court of law to describe legal proceedings during which a person was examined and cross-examined by a prosecuting attorney. After a thorough examination, if the person was found guilty of the accusations brought against him, the court convicted him of the crime and issued a corresponding judgment. It was a conviction that led to condemnation.

Jesus used this word elegcho to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8, when He said that the Spirit would “reprove” the world of sin. This means one of the significant works of the Holy Spirit is to cross-examine a sinner’s heart until that sinner is utterly convicted that he is lost. But unlike a prosecuting attorney and court judge in the example given above, the Holy Spirit’s goal is not to condemn a person, but to escort that person from his sin to the forgiveness, freedom, and life offered to him in Jesus Christ.

When a sinner’s eyes are opened and he really grasps the fact that he is spiritually lost and therefore deserving of judgment, it triggers that moment when from his heart, he cries out to God for salvation. This is precisely the purpose of conviction! In Romans 2:4, Paul told us that it is “the goodness of God that leads us to salvation.”

The word “leads” is the Greek word ago, which gives the picture of God graciously leading us where we could never go by ourselves. Because we are lost, we could never find the way on our own, so God lovingly steps in to escort us to a crucial point of knowledge — where we understand that we are sinners in need of salvation and that we need His help.

This is the reason the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin! It is not to make a person feel badly, but to help each person become aware of his or her profound need. His purpose is to cause the sinner’s heart to cry out for God and to steer that sinner to the Cross of Jesus Christ, where forgiveness and release from judgment is available.

That awakening moment came for me when I heard an evangelist preach about hell. But by studying the different scriptures where the word elegcho is used in the New Testament, it is clear that the conviction of sin comes to people in a variety of ways. For example:

• In Matthew 18:15, the word elegcho is used to depict the personal witness of a friend, family member, or acquaintance, and how that personal witness can bring a person to a point of conviction about his sinful condition. We must never forget that we are anointed to take the Good News to people who are unsaved. When we speak to them, it triggers that divine moment when they really see and understand their need for Jesus. It brings conviction that leads them to repentance.
• In Luke 3:19, the word elegcho is used to illustrate how the preaching of John the Baptist brought Herod to a point of conviction about his sinful lifestyle. Herod refused to repent, but because of John’s bold and straightforward preaching, Herod could not escape knowing that he was a sinner. This is an example of how Holy Spirit-anointed preaching can bring a person to a place of conviction about his sinful condition.
• In John 3:20, the word elegcho is used to demonstrate how the Light — the truth of God’s Word — produces conviction in people who are in darkness and When the Holy Spirit shines His truth into unbelievers’ darkness through one of His many amazing avenues — such as through preaching, a believer’s personal witness, the printed page, or a television broadcast — it brings unbelievers to a place of conviction about their sin. At that moment, they have a choice: to run to the light and be changed or to run from the light and continue in darkness. Those who run to the light are gloriously saved, whereas others knowledgeably run from the light because they do not want to change. However, although they try to escape the light, it is too late, for the light of truth has already shone into their darkness and convicted them that their deeds are wrong. Truth brings conviction of sin!
• In First Corinthians 14:24, the word elegcho is used in the context of a sinner who comes into a church service where the presence of God is so strong that he is stricken with his unholiness in light of the holiness of God. The result is that he becomes convicted of sin and falls on his face in repentance. Here we find a reason why we should make every effort and do our part to build a strong presence of God in our church services. This environment unleashes His power to convict the sinner of his need to be saved, and it convicts the saint of his need for sanctification and surrender. A strong presence of God brings conviction of sin!
• In James 2:9, the word elegcho is used to denote how knowing God’s law makes a sinner conscious of the fact that he is a sinner and a lawbreaker. Romans 3:20 tells us that “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” When people have a knowledge of God’s law, such as the Ten Commandments, that knowledge makes them aware that they have fallen short of the glory of God and are therefore lawbreakers and sinners. The law of God is a major instrument by which the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. Could this be the reason why the devil has worked so hard to remove the Ten Commandments from today’s society?

The fact is, if the Holy Spirit doesn’t direct a person’s eyes to see the truth about his sinful condition, he will never see it. It is a miracle when a man or woman sees that he is lost — and only the Holy Spirit can reveal this to a lost man (see Sparkling Gems 1, February 20, for more on this subject).

The wonderful news is that the Holy Spirit has come “to reprove the world of sin.…” He knows exactly how to bring every person to a point of conviction. He has the key to every person’s heart. He longs to lovingly escort every lost sinner to repentance and to a new life in Jesus Christ which is precisely what happened to me at the age of five when I heard that evangelist preach his fiery message about hell.  There was no escaping from the truth — the Holy Spirit made me to know that I was a sinner. The only remedy was to repent and commit my life to Jesus Christ.

So today I ask you: Are you available for the Holy Spirit to use you to shine His light into the hearts of spiritually lost people you know? The Holy Spirit knows how to reach them, but He needs someone like you through whom He can work. Are you available to Him? You may hesitate at first, but think how thankful you are that others allowed God to use them to reach you. Now it’s your time to let the Holy Spirit work through you to help lost people find their way to the truth that will turn their lives around and change their eternal destiny!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit to produce conviction and change in our hearts and lives. I remember when I first became convicted of my own sin, and it eventually led me to salvation. Now I know that You want to use me to shine the Light of Your Word to others who are in darkness as I used to be in darkness. Forgive me for hesitating and being fearful to take this bold step of faith to act on the love of God in my heart for those who need You. Today I am rejecting that spirit of fear, and I am asking You to release Your power in me so I can help lead others to a place of repentance and lasting change. Help me do this for others just as others once helped me!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am a bold witness for Jesus Christ. There are people I know — friends, relatives, acquaintances, and coworkers — who need to know Jesus Christ. I declare by faith that I am not selfishly holding back what I know to be life-giving truth. I will lovingly tell others the Good News that Jesus can save them and change their lives. I am a mighty vessel that the Holy Spirit can work through. Because I am available for His use, people in my life who need Jesus are coming to know Him and the freedom He brings!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you remember when you first became aware that you were a sinner and you needed to repent? What were the circumstances, and what exactly happened to you to let you know you were lost and without God?
2. Can you think of specific individuals in your life who you know are lost and you have sensed the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart to speak to them about Jesus? Have you been resisting this tug of the Spirit in your heart? If so, what is stopping you from telling them the most important news in the universe?
3. How long has it been since you’ve reached out to someone who is lost to tell that person about Jesus? A year from now when you look back, will you have a better answer to that question because of the decision you made today to be a bold witness for Him?

Are You Wearing Your Killer Shoes?

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
— Ephesians 6:14,15

If you had seen the shoes of a Roman soldier, you’d have wanted to make sure you didn’t fall in front of him or get in his way where he might accidentally step on you. Those weren’t normal shoes — they were killer shoes!

Paul refers to these killer shoes in Ephesians 6:15 as he talks about the spiritual weapons God has given to the Church. Just as God has given each believer a sword (see February 22), He has also clothed every believer with the shoes of peace.

Now, I realize that these shoes may sound like a passive, peaceful part of our spiritual armor. However, these are actually killer shoes, such as those worn by a Roman soldier.

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The shoes of a Roman soldier were vicious weapons. They began at the top of the legs near the knees and extended down to the feet. The portions that covered the knees to the feet were called the “greaves.” They were made of metal and were specially shaped to wrap around the calves of a soldier’s legs. The greaves were uncomfortable but essential for the safekeeping of a soldier’s legs.

The shoe itself was made of heavy pieces of leather or metal, tied together with leather straps that were intermingled with bits of metal. The bottoms were manufactured of heavy leather or pieces of metal. The bottom of the shoes were affixed with sharp, dangerous, protruding spikes. These spikes had several purposes, which we will get to in just a moment. In addition, two sharply pointed spikes extended beyond the front of each shoe.

Let me explain to you the reasons for all this gear on a soldier’s legs and feet. First, the greaves — the metal that covered the Roman soldier’s legs from his knees to the top of his feet — were designed to protect the soldier’s calves when he was required to march through rocky and thorny terrain. If he’d had no protection on his legs, he would have surely been gashed and cut by the environment.

Thus, the greaves gave the soldier protection so he could keep walking, regardless of the obstacles he encountered. The metal barriers also gave him defensive protection in those moments when an adversary kicked him in the shins, trying to break his legs. Because the soldier’s calves were covered with these greaves, his legs could not be broken and the enemy’s attacks were in vain.

Now let’s talk about the spikes on the bottom of the soldier’s shoes. These were intended to hold him “in place” when in battle. His opponent might try to push him around, but the spikes on the bottom of his shoes helped keep him in his place, making the soldier virtually immovable. Additionally, those spikes on the bottom and front of the shoes served as weapons of brutality and murder. One good kick with those shoes, and an enemy would be dead. Just a few seconds of stomping on a fallen adversary would have eradicated that foe forever!

When Paul writes about these shoes in Ephesians 6:15, he says, “…And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Notice that he connects peace with these killer weapons! In just a moment, you’ll understand why.

The word “shod” is derived from the word hupodeomai — a compound of the words hupo and deo. The word hupo means under, and deo means to bind. Taken together as one word, it conveys the idea of binding something very tightly on the bottom of one’s feet. Therefore, this is not the picture of a loosely fitting shoe but of a shoe that has been tied onto the bottom of the foot extremely tightly.

Just as the greaves of a Roman soldier protected him from the environment and from the blows of his enemy, the peace of God — when it is operating in your life — protects and defends you from the hassles and assaults of the devil. The enemy may try to disrupt you, distract you, and steal your attention by causing negative events to whirl all around you, but his attempts will fail because the peace of God, like a protective greave, stops you from being hurt and enables you to keep marching forward!

Just as those spikes held a Roman soldier securely in place when his enemy tried to push him around, the peace of God will hold you in place when the devil tries to push you around! And as the soldier used those spikes to kick and to kill his opponent, there is no need for you to ever stop moving ahead just because the devil tries to block your path. If he is foolish enough to try to get in front of you, just keep walking! Stomp all along the way! By the time you’re finished using your shoes of peace, you won’t have much of a devil problem to deal with anymore!

Paul uses this illustration to tell us that we must firmly tie God’s peace onto our lives (see January 1 to read more about the supernatural peace of God). If we only give peace a loosely fitting position in our lives, it won’t be long before the affairs of life knock our peace out of place. Hence, we must bind peace onto our minds and emotions in the same way Roman soldiers made sure to bind their shoes very tightly onto their feet.

But wait — there’s one more important point. Paul continued, “And your feet shod with the preparation….” The word “preparation” is the Greek word etoimasin, and it presents the idea of readiness or preparation. When used in connection with Roman soldiers, the word etoimasin portrayed men of war who had their shoes tied on very tightly to ensure a firm footing. Once they had the assurance that their shoes were going to stay in place, they were ready to march out onto the battlefield and confront the enemy.

When peace is in place in your life, it gives you the assurance you need to step out in faith and make the moves God is leading you to make. But before you take those steps, you need to be sure His peace is operating in your life. This mighty and powerful piece of your spiritual weaponry is essential because, without it, the devil can try to kick, punch, pull, and distract you. But with that conquering peace firmly tied to your mind and emotions, you will be empowered to keep marching ahead, impervious to the devil’s attempts to take you down!

My Prayer for Today

Lord, I thank You for the peace You have placed in my life. This powerful spiritual weapon protects me from the assaults of life, enabling me to stand fixed, even in the face of the occasional storms that try to blow into my life, my family, my church, my friendships, and my business. How can I ever express how much I need this peace or how grateful I am to You for covering me with this protective shield that fortifies me and makes me strong? When adverse situations arise against me, help me remember to immediately release this divine force to safeguard my life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

My Confession for Today

I confess that God’s peace rules my mind and emotions, protecting me from the ups and downs of life. When storms are trying to rage against me and situations are hostile toward me, God’s peace covers and safeguards me from all harm. Because divine peace is operating in me, I am not easily moved, quickly shaken, or terrified by any events that occur around about me. This mighty and powerful piece of spiritual weaponry is mine to use day and night. Therefore, although the devil may try to kick, punch, pull, and distract me, that conquering peace empowers me to keep marching ahead, oblivious to the devil’s attempts to take me down!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

Questions to Answer

1. Have there been some very difficult times in your life when the peace of God protected you from the turmoil that was happening around you?

2. Do you recall how you felt when you were enveloped in this supernatural peace? Think about it.

3. If the devil is trying to shove you around emotionally right now, what can you do to stay in the peace of God?

And his feet like unto fine brass [bronze]…
— Revelation 1:15

In our TV room, we have a large coffee table that sits in the middle of the room. It is covered with large coffee-table-sized books, and right on top of them is a rather large-sized bronze statue of a Russian bear, which, of course, is the symbol of Russia. Often when we are watching television, Denise will ask, “Rick, will you move that bear so I can see the TV screen?” I’m happy to move it, but moving it is a task because it’s bronze — and that means it’s very heavy. Moving an item made of bronze doesn’t happen quickly because of the weight of the object. It takes all my strength to pick it up and move it.

When Denise asks me to move that bronze bear, it often makes me think of Jesus, because Revelation 1:15 says that Jesus’ feet are “like unto fine brass” — actually it’s the Greek word chalkolibanos — a strange word for “bronze.” We’ll look at why it’s a strange word in just a minute. But moving that bronze bear in our TV room, and how much energy and strength it takes to move it, always makes me think how slowly Jesus moves when He takes actions toward judgment.

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Bronze in Scripture represents judgment. This image of Jesus with feet “like unto fine brass [bronze]” tells us that those who resist Jesus’ commands will discover that He will ultimately trample down every plan and purpose of man that stands against the character of God.

However, bronze is heavy, and it is difficult to quickly move an object made of this metal. The fact that Jesus’ feet were like bronze sends the message that when Christ does move to bring judgment, He does so slowly. Even in Revelation 2:21, where Christ is threatening judgment to a woman named Jezebel, He moves slowly because he wants to give her “space to repent.” Christ always prefers repentance to judgment. But if repentance does not occur, He moves in the direction of the offender to bring correction and judgment where it is needed — yet He moves slowly with the hope that repentance will occur before He has to apply his bronze feet of judgment. This is why the symbolism of bronze feet is so important in this vision.

But when John wrote about Jesus’ feet, he further noted that they looked “as if they burned in a furnace.” This tells us the metal had not yet set; in other words, the decision-making process was still being “forged in the crucible.” The metal had been heated and poured forth, but because it still glowed brightly, we know that the hardening process was not yet complete. Lifting one foot at a time, Jesus was moving slowly enough to give each person an opportunity to avoid judgment by repenting before suffering the consequences of continued error or sin.

Let’s consider why chalkolibanos is such a strange word for “bronze.” The first part of the word chalkos means bronze. But it’s the second part of the word that is so unusual, for it is the word libanos — the word for frankincense. It tells us that Christ’s feet carry the golden hue of frankincense because He lives in the atmosphere of prayer, where He intercedes as the Great High Priest for every person He has ever washed in His blood. Although He is poised with potential correction and judgment if necessary, Jesus is, has been, and always will be interceding for the Church — pleading for His people to hear Him and repent before He arrives with judgment.

Just think for a moment of Christians you know who lived wrong for a long time before correction was brought into their lives. Christ did not rush to judge them; rather, He gave them a lot of time to repent and self-correct before He had to do something more radical about it. Jesus always prefers repentance to judgment. That’s why His feet are like bronze — slow-moving. That’s also the reason they are covered in frankincense, because He has prayed for every person to respond to His pleadings so He doesn’t have to bring a stricter form of correction.

Are you a witness to the longsuffering of God in your own life?

If you know someone who is a Christian but is deliberately living in sin, pray for that person to respond to Jesus’ tender mercies that are giving him or her time to self-correct and repent. The fact that Jesus’ bronze feet are covered with the hue of intercessory prayer means He doesn’t want to carry out stronger action. He is therefore moving slowly enough to give him or her time to self-correct before He arrives to apply stronger action. If you know believers who are in this situation, join in prayer for them to hear and repent before stronger action is needed to bring them back to where they ought to be in their walk with God.

That’s what I think of every time Denise asks me to pick up the bronze bear and move it from the top of our coffee-table books. It is a reminder of the tender patience of Jesus — but it is also a stern reminder that a day eventually comes when He arrives to deal with the issues that we haven’t dealt with on our own initiative!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I am deeply moved by what I have read today, and I know that it is the truth. I know that what I have read today is absolutely the way You deal with those whom You love. Today I pray for my Christian friends who are living wrong and just assume that You don’t notice. Now I understand that in Your mercy, You are giving them time to self-correct. Please speak to their hearts and bring them to a place of self-correction and repentance before they must be dealt with in another way. I pray this for myself as well today.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am quick to respond when the Holy Spirit corrects me. I serve God faithfully. I do those things that please Him. When I am inwardly made to know that I am doing something wrong — or if I have intentionally or unintentionally done something that requires correction — I am quick to admit it and to repent. If I must repent to someone else for something I have done wrong to them, I am also quick to do that. The Holy Spirit makes me sensitive to sin and gives me the desire to live a life of holiness.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you think of any Christians who lived in flagrant sin for a long time, and it seemed like it took forever before God arrived on the scene to deal with it? Do you now understand that Christ prefers repentance to judgment and that He was giving them time to self-correct so that a strong form of discipline wouldn’t have to be used?
2. What examples can you think of in the Old or New Testament where God gave someone time to repent before He had to deal with him or her more strongly?
3. Have you been a recipient of God’s longsuffering as He waited for you to make a change in your life? Are you in that situation right now? What is God giving you time to change before He has to take stronger measures to help you? Why are you waiting to make the change He requires of you?

Jesus wept.
— John 11:35

When I was a teenager, we played games in our youth group that helped us memorize Bible verses. Often our Sunday school teacher or youth leader would ask us Bible questions to see how well we really knew God’s Word. A question often asked, and one that nearly everyone in the group could answer, was this: “What is the shortest verse in the Bible?”

Everyone in the group would simultaneously yell out, “I know, I know!” So the teacher would ask, “All right, what is it?” Almost in chorus, the teenagers would shout, “Jesus wept!” Everyone in the group knew the answer to that one!

*[If you started reading this from your email, begin reading here.]

This little verse is found in John 11, where Jesus had just received information that Lazarus, one of His dearest friends, had died. Several days later, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the city where Lazarus lived with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. As Jesus approached the city, Mary and other friends who had gathered met Him. John 11:33 tells us, “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.”

The Greek New Testament makes it clear that Jesus was deeply troubled when He arrived in Bethany. Perhaps He was troubled because of the disbelief of those who were present or because of what Satan had attempted to do to His dear friend. But one thing is sure: What Jesus was experiencing wasn’t just a matter of human emotions, for the Bible says He “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.”

The word “troubled” comes from the Greek word taresso, which depicts one who is deeply stirred. This describes a deep, inward form of prayer when Jesus’ spirit hooked up with the Holy Spirit in a powerful, supernatural expression of the Father’s will and released the anointing required to meet the need of that moment. I understand this type of deep stirring even from my own prayer life. There are times when prayer is too deep for words, and it may be expressed as groanings or with tears as the Holy Spirit takes hold together with me and helps me pray from my spirit what my mind cannot articulate (see Romans 8:26). It was in this state of being that Jesus said, “…Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.”

Immediately John 11:35 states: “Jesus wept.”

The word “wept” is the Greek word dakruo, which refers to an abrupt release of tears. So when the Bible says Jesus wept, it means He actually burst into tears and sobbed. It was a torrent of tears. His emotions were gripped by the moment as He looked upon the unbelief of attenders and realized that death that seized His friend. But in that moment, Jesus pushed beyond it all, lifted His voice, and declared, “Lazarus, come forth” (v. 43)!

The Greek here is a command with no hint of a suggestion or any option. What He was commanding, He expected to take place. An interpretive translation of this verse could read: “Lazarus, come out — now!” And just as Jesus had commanded, it came to pass. John 11:44 tells us, “And he that was dead came forth….”

That day was quite revealing about Jesus. It let us know that Jesus was not always stoic about the issues that He faced in His earthly ministry. There were several episodes in the four gospels where Jesus demonstrated emotion: anger with merchants in the temple (see John 2:14-16), sadness that His disciples did not believe (see Matthew 8:26), and joy when His disciples got it right (see Matthew 16:17). We also see that Jesus experienced fleeting moments when He was tempted to be troubled. But rather than give in to that unproductive moment of emotion, Jesus rose above it, took authority over the situation, and turned the moment around for the glory of God. What could have ended in tears ended in victory because Jesus lifted His voice and gave a command!

What are you facing right now? Do you feel the temptation to be gripped with paralyzing emotions? This story lets us know that Jesus was tempted with that too. Do you feel tugged by tears? Tears tugged Jesus’ emotions too. Is your voice of authority needed to bring a change to the situation you have found yourself in right now? Jesus’ voice was needed too. He understands completely when you cry, and He knows what it means when you need to push beyond the emotion in order to release faith into a situation.

If you have been gripped by emotion in a particular challenge you’re currently facing, I urge you to spend some time today with the Lord and pour out your heart to Him. Once you’ve worked that emotion out of your soul, it will be time for you to lift your voice and take action. Let the authority embedded in your spirit speak! And when your voice releases that authority that is yours by right as a child of God, don’t budge an inch! Speak, as Christ spoke, giving no hint of suggestion or a different option. Command in the name of Jesus what you expect to take place! Just as Jesus rose to the moment, took authority over the situation, and turned it around for the glory of God, this can become your moment to rise to victory. What could have ended in tears can end in victory!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I give You my emotions. I confess that at times they have tried to dominate me and steal my joy. I’ve allowed others to affect me, and I’ve permitted bad situations to impact me. I’m tired of living the way I’ve lived, Father. You have called me to live above defeat, and today I am making the choice to let the power of the Holy Spirit within lift me to a new place of victory I’ve never known before. Rather than just throw in the towel and quit in defeat, I will lift my voice and speak to the need, and I will see the power of God work on my behalf!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I’m not conquered by my emotions or by the situations I am facing in life right now. Jesus is Lord of all in my life! He is Lord over me, my family, my health, my business, my money, my relationships — absolutely everything. I refuse to allow my emotions to dominate my faith and my responses to life. With the Holy Spirit reigning in my spirit, I rise to the moment by the power of God! I speak powerful words of victory that turn potentially bad situations into glorious moments.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. I’m sure you’ve had moments when you felt your emotions trying to take over. How does it affect you to know that Jesus had to face and overcome those same types of challenges with His emotions?
2. After reading today’s Sparkling Gem, what new insights did you gain from John 11 and the words “Jesus wept”?
3. What would you say to someone who is caught in a maze of emotions and needs to rise to a moment of decision?

Payday Is on the Way

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
— Hebrews 10:35

If you have ever invested time, money, energy, and commitment into God’s Kingdom that no one knew about except you and the Lord, it did not go unnoticed. The Lord saw it all. And according to Hebrews 10:35, He plans on reimbursing you in full!

The phrase “recompense of reward” is from the Greek word misthapodosia, and it carries the idea of being reimbursed for an expense that a person has paid out of his own pocket in order to get his job done. Here’s a situation that is an example of this definition: A company sends an employee on a business trip. Because the company gives the employee no credit card or cash for the journey, the employee uses his own credit cards and puts his own money on the table. He willingly uses his own resources, at least temporarily, to cover these costs and needs for the organization. (For more on the word misthapodosia, see February 10.)

Of course, it’s always nice when an employee can use a company credit card or corporate cash to handle these travel needs. But because neither cash nor a credit card was available at the time, the employee has no choice but to cover the cost himself and then expect the company to reimburse him later for these expenses. Once the trip is over, it’s time for him to tally up the total amount owed. Then he can be recompensed for what he willingly contributed at a difficult or inconvenient moment.

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Now the Greek word misthapodosia — which essentially conveys the ideas described above — is brought into play in Hebrews 10:35, where the Bible declares: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”

The word “confidence” is the Greek word parresia, which refers to bold, frank, forthright speech. This bold kind of speech is often translated in the New Testament as the word “confidence.” Indeed, it does depict a confident kind of speaking — a daring to speak exactly what one believes or thinks with no hesitation or intimidation. Because this kind of speech is so bold, it frequently incites a volatile reaction.

An example of this can be found in First Thessalonians 2:2, where Paul writes, “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” The phrase “bold in our God to speak” is from the word parresia. Paul inserts the words “in our God” to let us know he was so bold that only God could have enabled him to be that audacious. His preaching caused a great stir; therefore, the verse could be translated, “…we were emboldened in God to publicly speak the Gospel and to be very outspoken and forthright in the way we proclaimed it, even though we were thrown into a serious fight with opposing forces that were very hostile to what we were doing and saying.”

Similarly, the word “confidence” used in Hebrews 10:35 also refers to very bold, frank speech — communication that is so strong, listeners may perceive the speaker to be arrogant, haughty, or overconfident. So apparently the believers to whom Hebrews 10:35 was written were speaking something that was very bold and extraordinarily frank. What words were they speaking? They were speaking words of faith!

Apparently these Hebrew Christians had been speaking those words a long time — and they had been waiting and waiting for those faith-filled words to come to pass. After investing their lives, their time, their energy, and their faith into their walk with God, they wanted to see some action! Because their answers hadn’t come yet, they were tempted to throw it all away as though the manifestation was never going to come to pass. That’s why the verse screams at them, “Cast not away your confidence….” God was saying to them, “Don’t throw away your bold confessions of faith!”

Why did they need to hang on and continue believing and speaking words of faith? The verse tells us why: because their confidence — their bold confessions of faith — had great recompense of reward. As discussed above, the word “recompense” is misthapodosia.

God wanted these Hebrew Christians to know:

“…I know what you’ve done to serve Me. I am aware of the time, energy, effort, work, and money you have spent to do the job I sent you to do. Go ahead and tally up what is owed you, and boldly declare that you will be reimbursed. I will see to it that you recoup everything you spent along the way. You’ll get everything that you’ve spent and that you’ve been declaring by faith!”

You may be tempted to feel like you’ve wasted years waiting for your calling or your dream to come to pass. The devil may try to beguile you into thinking your bold confessions of faith are mere fantasies that are never going to happen. But God’s Word promises He will reward you for all you’ve sacrificed and invested along the way. He has heard every faith declaration you have made, and He will reward you and reimburse you for all the time, energy, commitment, and money you’ve given over the years!

My Prayer for Today

Lord, I am so thankful that You are always mindful of the time, money, and talents — as well as the blood, sweat, and tears — that I’ve poured into my life assignment. Sometimes when it gets hard or when I get physically or emotionally exhausted, I am tempted to think no one sees or appreciates what I have done. But You have seen it all, and You are going to be faithful to see that I am rewarded for what I have done. I thank You for being so steadfast and faithful and for promising that I will be recompensed for everything I’ve done with a right heart!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

My Confession for Today

I boldly declare that God is going to reward me! God’s Word promises that He sees what I have done and that He will see to it that I am fully recompensed for all I have done in His name. Because I am convinced that God will take care of me, I boldly, frankly, and confidently declare that my payday is on the way! He knows about everything I have done in faith, and He will reward and reimburse me for all the time, energy, commitment, and money I’ve given to His work over the years!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

Questions to Answer

1. What are some of the desires of your heart that you’ve recently been boldly confessing by faith so God can bring them to pass in your life?

2. What is the biggest manifestation of faith you’ve ever experienced in your own life?

3. How long did you have to wait before it came to pass?

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
— Matthew 5:15

In yesterday’s Sparkling Gem, we looked at different ways to shine our light into the darkness and positively influence the world around us. God wants you to be a positive influence in all areas of your life. However, to have the kind of colossal effect that God wants you to have on other people, you cannot hide your God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. Instead you must put them on full display so you can be the blessing God intends for you to be!

With this truth in mind, I want us to look at Matthew 5:15 where Jesus said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick….” At first glance, the word “candlestick” in this verse might give the impression of a candle or candlestick like we use today, but these kinds of candles and candlesticks didn’t exist in New Testament times. Rather, the word “candlestick” in Matthew 5:15 is the Greek word luchnia, which refers to an elevated stand on which an oil lamp is placed. These oil lamps were exactly the kind of lamps described in yesterday’s Sparkling Gem.

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The word luchnia, or “candlestick” is used 12 times in the New Testament to depict this kind of elevated lamp stand. In fact, it is precisely the word John used in Revelation 1:12 and 13 to describe the “seven golden candlesticks” he saw during his vision of Jesus. When John recorded that he saw Jesus standing in the “midst of the seven golden candlesticks” (v. 13), it meant that Jesus was standing in the middle of seven golden elevated stands that had oil lamps resting on top of them. Some scholars suggest that these seven golden lamps may be a reference to a Jewish menorah. Whether this is true or not is not verifiable by Scripture, but one thing is sure — the Greek word luchnia means these oil-burning lamps were sitting on some kind of elevated stand so they could give maximum light.

During the time of the New Testament, it was customary for homes, palaces, businesses, and public buildings to place brightly burning lamps on pedestals because a higher position provided superior light that could illuminate the entire environment. The higher the lamp, the less darkness in a room. Thus, when Jesus said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick…,” He was telling us that we must lift our lamps — our gifts, talents, and personal influence — as high as possible. When they are elevated in a highly visible position, God can use us to “give light unto all that are in the house.”

If you keep your light at table level, you’ll illuminate the people around the table. If you keep it in the corner, you’ll illuminate people who are in the corner. But if you lift that same light high, elevate it, put it on a pedestal, and make it visible, it will illuminate everyone in the room where it previously touched only a handful. The amount of light given is the same, but the elevated position of the light makes the light much more effective.

Allow me to share an example from my own life that is integrally tied to the very book you are reading right now. Years ago, I knew God wanted me to write books that would be read around the world. I thought and dreamt about it constantly, but I would also second-guess myself. I would think, Who am I to think people would read something I wrote? Instead of developing my gift and writing books that would shine light into the lives of other people, I only dreamt about it. But one day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and told me that it was time to quit dreaming and to start actually using my gifts — elevating them and believing in them — so they could become a blessing to people.

If I had never dared to write or to elevate and promote what I had written, it is doubtful that you would have ever discovered the book you are holding in your hands right now. For my dream to come to pass, I had to accept that my light was needed in the lives of other people, and then I had to elevate it out of the shadows and allow God to use it in His perfect timing to edify and bless others.

The truth is that there are many people who are more talented writers than I, but they’re not known because their gifts are still hidden under a bushel and they therefore have not reached a larger audience. Although their skills are tremendous and loaded with power, they remain unknown and will remain unknown until they are willing to do whatever is required according to the Lord’s instruction to elevate those gifts and put them on a lamp stand where they will be seen and appreciated. Only then will they begin to affect more than the small handful gathered around the table or the few who are sitting in their corner, metaphorically speaking.

If your light is going to be a blessing to the world, then you must dare to lift your light high and put in on a pedestal where people will see it and be affected by it. Once you’ve silenced intimidation and made that bold decision, you begin to fulfill your dream of reaching and illuminating a larger audience.

The believers who have influence in the world — such as those who write the songs you sing, the books you read, or the sermons you hear preached on TV — are not necessarily the most gifted, talented, or anointed people. The truth is that they had the nerve to step out by faith to elevate their abilities, regardless of how good or inferior their abilities were, and today they are renowned and influential. They had the guts and gumption to get their light out from under a bushel and let it shine — and that’s why they have influence and not someone else. A great part of their success is due to their willingness to step out from obscurity to let their light begin to shine.

Jesus said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:15). Are your gifts, talents, abilities, and influence giving light to the people around you in all spheres of your life, such as your home, your work, your school, or your church? Think of how deeply satisfying it would be for you to know that people were blessed because you let your light shine!

God has given you everything you need to make that kind of difference in the lives of other people. He has given you the oil and the fire of the Spirit, but you are the only one who can decide to put that light out on a lamp stand where it will be a blessing to others. No one can make that decision for you.

So what are you going to do — keep your gifts, talents, and potential influence a secret, or put your light on a pedestal so it can give light to everyone in the house? There’s one thing for sure — a part of the success in God that you dream about will come as a result of your willingness to step out from obscurity and let your light begin to shine!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I know it’s time for me to quit thinking about what I’m going to do and to start doing it. I’ve prayed, dreamed, talked, and thought about stepping out in faith — and now You are telling me that it’s my time to step up and get started. Your Spirit has been tugging at my heart, trying to get me to come out of hiding and into the light, but I’ve been afraid of what would happen if I took a step of faith. It’s time for me to put my fear aside, put my trust in You, and begin to let my light shine. Holy Spirit, help me have the guts and gumption I need to bring my light out from under the bushel so I can begin to shine brighter and further for You!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I will no longer hide in the shadows and conceal the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given to me. I’ve hidden them for too long — and now I am willingly making the decision to step out of the shadows and put my light in a place where it will be the blessing God intended it to be. God has gifted me and anointed me, and the Holy Spirit is now telling me that it is my time to rise up and shine. The day of timidity and complacency has passed! I now have the guts, gumption, and boldness needed to use my gifts and abilities to God’s glory and to let them illuminate and influence the largest audience possible!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. What are the unique gifts, talents, and special abilities God has given you? What kind of positive impact have you seen when you’ve been bold enough to allow these gifts, talents, and abilities to freely operate?
2. Can you think of any individuals whose gifts and talents are not as great as some other people you might know, but because they were daring and bold, they became well-known and influential? What attitudes do they possess that caused them to rise to the top while others remain in obscurity?
3. If you keep doing exactly what you’re doing right now, where will you be one year from now? Will your progress be any different? Will your influence have grown if you keep doing exactly what you are doing right now? What do you need to do differently in order to gain more ground?

Who Said You Had to Deserve what God Gives You?

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
— 2 Timothy 2:1

Timothy was the pastor of the world’s largest church of that time — the church of Ephesus. It was also the most famous church in the world. Started by Paul, this illustrious congregation included the apostle John as a church member. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also a member of the church in her old age. It was a church like none other before or after it.

What a privilege it was for Timothy to become the pastor of this well-known and powerful congregation! After working side by side with the apostle Paul for many years, he had finally become the leader of his own work. It was a huge assignment for a young man, but after working with Paul all those years, Timothy was ready to step into his own pulpit as the senior pastor of the cherished Ephesian church. As far as we know, it was the first time in his life he served in such a position.

By the time Paul wrote the book of Second Timothy, however, things weren’t going so well in the city of Ephesus. Nero was persecuting the church, and, as a result, church members were deserting the Lord in order to save their lives. Leaders in the church were waging war with each other over doctrinal issues; others didn’t like Timothy and consequently rebelled against his leadership. This young pastor must have felt like he had a mess on his hands! After receiving the honor of becoming senior pastor of the world’s largest church, he may have felt like he was failing at his job.

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Have you ever felt like you were failing with an assignment that was given to you? Or perhaps you feel like you were dealt an unfair hand — that a major assignment was transferred to you just at the point when all hell was about to break loose. Maybe you believe that there was nothing you could have done to change the negative developments that followed. But even if you can logically explain why everything fell apart under your guard, do you still feel responsible for this failure?

It is quite possible that this is how Timothy felt as he presided over the huge church of Ephesus and watched the developing internal problems, such as the defections and the decline in attendance. Many of these things would have occurred regardless of who was senior pastor, but I’m certain Timothy struggled with feeling like he was a dismal failure. He needed a touch from God! He needed strength to stay there and to do what God wanted him to do.

That is why Paul wrote, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). The word “strong” is the Greek word endunamao, and it means to be empowered or to be made strong. If you refer to the January 12 Sparkling Gem, you will see that this is a compound of the words en and dunamis. The word en means in. The word dunamis means explosive strength, ability, and power. It’s where we get the word dynamite.

Thus, this word endunamao presents the picture of an explosive power being deposited into some type of container or vessel, or some other form of receptacle. In this case, the destination of this power was Timothy! He needed power, so Paul told him, “Be strong.” It’s almost as though Paul was saying, “Timothy, it’s time for you to receive the supernatural, dynamic, explosive power that you need! You were designed for this power.…”

Because Timothy was struggling with feelings of failure, he probably didn’t feel worthy to receive a supernatural touch. This is why Paul said, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

The supernatural strengthening you need doesn’t come because you deserve it. God makes His supernatural power available to you and me for free! That is why Paul goes on to say, “…Be strong in the grace….” The phrase “in the grace” is important, because it could be translated, “…Be strong BY MEANS OF the grace that is in Christ Jesus….”

God’s grace makes this strength available to every Christian soldier! This is good news! God’s grace never runs out! His power is available to anyone who releases his or her faith to receive it. And because it’s available by grace — for free — a person doesn’t have to feel worthy to receive it!

As long as there is still grace, there is still a free, supernatural, empowering, inner strengthening available to you — if you reach out and take it. You have to receive a new touch of God’s power freely — by means of God’s grace. The devil will always be around to tell you that you’re not good enough, not worthy enough, not faithful enough to deserve anything from God. But who said you have to deserve anything God gives you? Because Jesus died for you and washed you with His blood, you are a candidate for everything that God possesses!

So quit beating yourself over the head, telling yourself how bad you are and how terribly you’ve failed. If you really did mess up the assignment God gave you, just repent! Then open your heart and ask the Lord to give you a new touch of power so you can get up and start moving again! And if the devil tells you that you’re not worthy to receive a new touch, just answer him: “Devil, I’m going to lay hold of the steady current of God’s power that comes to me as a result of His grace, and there’s not a thing you can do to stop it!”

My Prayer for Today

Lord, I have been made worthy by the blood of Jesus Christ to receive every good thing You have planned and prepared for me. Forgive me for the times I have placed limitations on Your ability to bless me because I thought I wasn’t good enough. It is clear that You want to bless me IN SPITE of me! You are so good to do all the wonderful things You do in my life. Today I thank You for choosing to bless me with the extra strength I so desperately need in my life right now. Thank You for making this power completely available for free!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

My Confession for Today

I declare that thoughts of unworthiness have no place in me. What Jesus does for me, He does for free — just because He loves me. I do not have to worry that I’m not good enough to receive of His goodness, because my feelings don’t have a thing to do with His good pleasure to bless my life. He wants to bless me regardless of anything I do, because it is God’s nature to bless and to do good in my life. Today I receive the power God wants to give me by His grace. I receive it without hesitation, knowing that this is His good pleasure for me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

Questions to Answer

1. Name ten things God has done for you that you don’t feel you deserved. Write them down and really meditate on the grace of God that has been demonstrated in your life.

2. Did the Lord bless you in spite of your feelings of unworthiness?

3. If you need a touch from the Lord today, why don’t you take a few minutes right now to open your heart and let Him fill you to overflowing?

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
— Matthew 5:15

Once while in Israel, I took a break from the speaking schedule at a conference we were conducting to enjoy a quick visit to a local archeologist’s office and take a look at ancient oil lamps he had collected throughout the years. I eagerly waited for him to pull those rare lamps out of a box so I could examine them, but I had no idea how many of them he had collected. There were scores of them — and he let me know that this was just the tip of the iceberg compared to the large collection he had put away in storage.

When he saw the surprised look on my face, he immediately began to explain how the soil of Israel is loaded with archeological relics, including ancient oil lamps. “There are so many of these in the ground that you can just about dig anywhere and find an oil lamp,” he said.

*[If you started reading this from your email, begin reading here.]

I asked, “After thousands of years have passed, I thought these would be pretty rare, so why are there still so many of them still being found?”

He answered, “These lamps were the only source of light in the ancient world. As you can see, these lamps aren’t very large. If a person really wanted to light his house or building, he had to use a lot of these lamps. That’s why there are still so many of them scattered in the dirt throughout the land of Israel.”

I reached out to take one of the lamps in my hand. The archeologist told me, “That’s a Herodian lamp that dates to the time of Jesus.” It was small, formed of clay, shaped to hold oil, and had a small opening at the end of the spout where a wick could be inserted into the base of the lamp to soak up oil. In ancient days when it was time to light the lamp, fire was put to the wick. As long as oil was supplied to the base of the lamp, it would keep burning and giving light.

Today that Herodian lamp sits on my desk in Moscow — and every time I stop to look at it, my mind goes to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:15. He said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”

The word “candle” in this verse gives the impression of a wax candle like we use today, but during the days when Jesus walked the earth, there were no wax candles such as the ones we use. This word “candle” is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word luchnos, a word that refers to an oil lamp exactly like the ones I just described. A literal translation of this verse should read, “Neither do men light an oil lamp and put it under a bushel.…”

In this text, Jesus was exhorting the disciples — and us — to let our light shine before men so we can influence the world around us. He used the example of an oil lamp to make His point, so before we proceed any further, I believe we should delve deeper to see why Jesus used an oil lamp and why this imagery is such a perfect illustration of us!

Oil lamps were made of clay and were very fragile. In fact, they were so fragile that they could be broken by a mere squeeze of the hand holding them. Even in Jesus’ day, these oil lamps had to be handled carefully lest they break, the oil spill out, and the light be lost.

Now do you see why Jesus used oil lamps to depict you and me? Although our bodies are a miracle created by God, like the oil lamps in this illustration, we are made from the clay of the earth and we are very fragile. The real miracle is that God would choose to put His Spirit inside us. That is why the apostle Paul wrote about it with such wonder in Second Corinthians 4:7. In that verse, he said, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels….”

The example Paul gave in this verse is not exactly the same as the oil lamps in Jesus’ illustration, but the point is precisely the same. In this verse, Paul used the Greek word ostrakinos when he referred to us as being “earthen vessels.” The word ostrakinos describes easily broken pottery made of inferior materials. Shoddy, deficient, substandard pottery is exactly the kind of “earthen vessels” Paul had in mind when he wrote Second Corinthians 4:7. He used the illustration of cheaply made pottery to epitomize us. That explains his amazement that God would place His Spirit in us! Think of what a miracle it is that God would place His Spirit inside you and me!

The lamps in Jesus’ illustration were fragile oil lamps, yet they contained oil that empowered the light. In the Old and New Testaments, oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. Just like the oil in the lamps to which Jesus referred, God has placed His Spirit in us. Although at times we feel fragile, as long as we yield to the Lord, He continually resupplies us with enough of the Holy Spirit’s oil to keep us burning through the night so we can give light to those who are in darkness around us. We have a continual supply of the oil and the fire of the Holy Spirit!

But in Matthew 5:15, Jesus told us, “Neither do men light a candle [i.e., an oil lamp], and put it under a bushel.…” What did He mean when He spoke about putting a lamp under a “bushel,” and what is a “bushel”?

The word “bushel” is the Greek word modios. It refers to a jar or container that was used to measure grain. To put a lamp under a jar or container where there is no oxygen would obviously put out the light. Do you see what a powerful statement Jesus was making? He was driving the point home that it makes no sense to light a lamp and then put it under a bushel where no one can see it. Why would anyone want to do that? Furthermore, putting a lamp under a bushel where there is no oxygen would be sure to smother the light.

By using this example, Jesus strongly admonished us to keep our gifts, talents, and influence out in the open where they can be seen, where they can grow, and where they can provide light to other people.

Why would God give you gifts to benefit others and then have you hide them where no one can see them or appreciate them? God never intended for you to conceal your gifts or to hide your influence. He wants your light to shine brightly!

Maybe you’ve seen yourself as being inferior, or maybe the devil has assaulted your self-image and tempted you to wrongly believe that you have nothing to offer. Perhaps you have felt that you fall short in comparison to others whose gifts and talents shine especially bright. But if you’ve kept your gifts and talents under wraps, you may be shocked to discover how gifted and talented you really are and how much potential influence is inside you just waiting to be tapped. You just have to give yourself the opportunity to shine!

It’s time for you to quit hiding in the shadows! God put His Spirit and supernatural abilities inside you — and that truth alone should bring you out into the open! His Spirit in you is a rich reservoir of oil that will burn long and burn brightly. You have what it takes to be a success!

But for you to be the phenomenal success and influence God knows that you can be, you have to be willing to quit putting yourself down. And then you have to choose to step out of the shadows! It’s time for you to come out from under that bushel where you’ve been hiding and let the Holy Spirit light your wick with a fire that will make you shine for Him! As long as you are willing to keep yielding to the Holy Spirit, He will keep filling and supplying you with enough oil to burn long and burn strong so you can be a source of light and illumination to many people all the days of your life on this earth.

What a waste of time it is for you to buy into the devil’s lies and badger yourself with thoughts that you have nothing to offer! God’s Spirit lives in you, and if you’ll dare to let Him do it, He will burn so brightly in your life that you will become an illuminating force to people all around you. But if you refuse to bring your gifts and talents out from under wraps, no one will ever know what God has put in you. And if you neglect those God-given endowments too long, eventually they will begin to diminish, just like a fire that eventually goes out for lack of oxygen.

So why don’t you make the decision today to get out of the box of insecurity and complacency that has contained you? Stop telling yourself you’re not as good or talented as others, and start using what God has given you for His glory! As you press into Him and put your wick down deep into the oil of the Holy Spirit, you’ll become so saturated with His presence that you’ll begin to burn brighter and brighter for Jesus. Just let your gifts flow, and become the influence He intended you to be! Believe me, friend, you’ve got everything it takes!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, my heart is filled with gratitude today for Your Spirit inside me. What a miracle it is that You would place Your richest treasure in me! Today I want to surrender to You anew, and I ask You to refill me with a full supply of the Holy Spirit’s oil so I may burn long and bright in this life. You have called me, equipped me, and anointed me to do great things in this life. I know I have been guilty of putting my light under a bushel, but I’ll do it no more! I’m making the decision to step out of the shadows and allow God to release my gifts and talents when and how He desires. I choose to shine my light where it will be a benefit to someone else. Jesus, I thank You for helping me realize that it’s time for me to step up and step out so that I can be the godly influence You want me to be in someone else’s life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am stepping out of the shadows. I am releasing my gifts, and I am making the decision to let my light shine so I can be the blessing to others God intends me to be. I am finished badgering myself and putting myself down. I will no longer hide my light and life under a bushel. I am filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit’s oil. His fire is burning brightly in me, and very soon it will be evident for all to see!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you truthfully say that you are using all the gifts and talents that God has given you, or have you been reluctant to step out in faith and let those gifts and talents work? What is stopping you from being all that God has planned for you to be?
2. Think just for a moment about your life, and assess the various ways you are using the gifts and talents God gave you. Where are you using them, how are you using them, and are you using them to your maximum potential? Have you ever considered how your life would change if you actually let God’s gifts fully operate in you?
3. Have you sought the Lord to discover where He might want to position you so your gifts can operate for His purposes? What is the lampstand where your gifts could be best utilized for His glory in this season of your life?

You Are One Of God’s Pillars

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord….
—1 Corinthians 15:58

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, Wow, that person is such a rock! What does it mean to you when you think of someone as a “rock”? That’s a strong statement, so it would be well worth your time to think it through and decide what characteristic makes a person a “rock” to you, to someone else, or to a church, business, or organization. Even more importantly, would others call you a “rock”?

In First Corinthians 15:58, Paul writes, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord….” I want you to look at the word “stedfast” in this verse, because it illustrates what kind of person God considers to be a “rock” in His family.

What does it mean to be steadfast? This word “steadfast” is the Greek word edraios, which has several meanings:

•  It means to be stationary, such as something that sits in one place for a long, long time.
•  It describes something that is firm and steady.
•  It was frequently used in connection with foundations or support structures in buildings.
•  It portrays something that is strong, unbendable, unbreakable, and permanent, such as a well-built foundation for a large building or a strong column that holds up a roof.

*[If you started reading this from your email, begin reading here.]

So when Paul urges us to be “steadfast,” he’s calling on us to be totally reliable — not shaky or undependable. We should be stationary in the roles God has called us to fulfill in the Body of Christ. We shouldn’t be quickly shaken or easily lured to some other place or some other task. We must be like pillars, foundations, or supports in the house of God.

When you take the Greek word edraios into consideration, it means First Corinthians 15:58 could be interpreted:

“…Be reliable; dependable; not easily excited, shaken, or affected….”

What is the purpose of a huge stone pillar in a building? Its purpose is to support the roof or some other important section of the building, correct? What would happen if you suddenly jerked that pillar out of its place? You’d find out very quickly that the pillar had been essential to holding up the place! Remove that pillar, and the entire building would collapse into a heap of rubble, creating a horrible, terrible mess!

When God tells you to be “steadfast,” He is asking you to be a “rock” in His house — like a pillar that faithfully stands in its place and helps to hold things together. He wants you to be so dependable that people lean on you, counting on the fact that you’ll always be there to help keep things together. And when events occur that shake up everyone’s world a bit, God wants people to look to you as one who isn’t easily excited, shaken, or affected.

Now that you know the kind of “rock” God needs you to be, would you say that you qualify to be called a “rock” today? Would others call you a “rock,” or would they say you are up again, down again; easily excited; and not too dependable? If you got real honest with yourself, would you judge yourself to be steady, sturdy, and reliable — or unpredictable and undependable?

Don’t view yourself as small, insignificant, or unimportant. God needs you, and other people are depending on you. It’s time for you to realize that God meant for you to be a part of the foundation of the Body of Christ! You can be a “rock” in His family and a person on whom others can lean and depend.

If you’re thinking differently than this, you need to change your thinking. Instead of focusing on how insignificant you are in God’s great plan for these last days, start focusing on becoming steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work the Lord has assigned to you!

My Prayer for Today

Lord, I want to be the person You and others can depend on. Forgive me for any instability in my life, and help me overcome every weakness in my character. Just as I have looked for others to be “rocks” in my life, I want to be a “rock” to other people. I have a lot of room for development in my life, but I am willing to be changed. I want to be taught, corrected, and taken to a higher level. Today I ask You to do whatever is necessary to make me the strong and reliable kind of person You want me to be! Please do Your special work inside me!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

My Confession for Today

I confess that God’s Word overcomes the weaknesses in my personality and character. God calls me to be “steadfast” — and I AM steadfast. God and people see me like a pillar that stands in its place and helps to hold things together. I am so dependable that people can lean on me, counting on the fact that I will always be there to help keep things together. When events occur that shake up the world around me, I am not easily excited, shaken, or affected. Praise God, I am becoming more and more dependable all the time! When people hear my name, they think of someone on whom they can rely!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

Questions to Answer

1. Can you think of five people who have been “rocks” in your life? Why not go out of your way to let those people know how much you appreciate them?

2. What strengths did those people exhibit that made you think so highly of them?

3. Is there anyone who needs your strength right now? What can you do to be a “rock” to that person in his time of need?

Why Not Bring Others Into the Project

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
— Romans 12:3

When a person is a brand-new leader, he often mistakenly assumes that being a leader means he has to know it all. As a result, he puts himself under unnecessary stress, trying to project himself as one who knows everything. His need to appear as an “expert” at everything reveals an immature understanding of what true leadership is all about.

When a leader keeps everything in his own hands and doesn’t allow anyone else to do anything, this leads to frustration for the team members working with him. It is especially frustrating when there are people surrounding the leader who know the answers, who are experts in their fields, and who really could help. But they have to silently sit by and just watch the leader struggle as he tries to be “Mr. Super Leader,” never asking his team for help.

No one has all the answers! The smartest leaders in the world are those who realize both their gifts and their limitations. A leader is being wise when he recognizes his need for gifted, talented, willing-minded people to chip in and help him effectively do what he is called to do. No one can do it all alone.

If you will open your eyes and look around, you’ll find that God has graciously surrounded you with the very people you need. They are just waiting for your invitation to help you nurture your God-given dreams, visions, and projects and bring them to fulfillment.

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In Romans 12:3, Paul spoke about our need for others in our lives. He said, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

If anyone could have thought highly of himself, it was Paul — and he would have been correct! He formerly had been a lawyer, politician, and Pharisee. No doubt he was also once very wealthy. Now Paul could claim that he had seen Jesus and had been taught by Him (Galatians 1:12). In regard to his own apostleship, he acknowledged that his apostleship to the Gentiles was “mighty” (Galatians 2:8). In fact, it was so mighty that when those who were appointed as apostles before Paul saw the great grace in his life, they extended to him the right hand of fellowship and invited him into their inner sanctum. In Second Peter 3:16, Peter writes that the profound nature of Paul’s revelation was so extraordinary that even he wrestled to comprehend it all.

Yet Paul is the one who admonishes us not to think too highly of ourselves but to learn to view ourselves “soberly.” The word “soberly” is the Greek word sophroneo, and it means to be of sound mind; to be reasonable; to be balanced and levelheaded in the way one thinks; to maintain a proper appraisal, measurement, or value; to think clearly about one’s limitations. In other words, we are not to pretend to be more than we are!

Although Paul stood in a class by himself and could boast of unprecedented accomplishments, he recognized his need for other members of the team. That’s why he leaned so heavily on Timothy, Titus, Luke, Barnabas, Silas, Sosthenes, and others. The understanding of his own limitations is the reason Paul could rejoice that others were on his team. Thus, he could write with no sense of being threatened by someone else, “I planted, but Apollos watered….” Apollos contributed a part that Paul would never have brought into the project. Paul was a dynamic planter, but Apollos was an excellent nurturer. Paul needed all his team members to bring his job to maturity.

Of course, you need to recognize your own God-given abilities and use them. God wants you to develop your gifts and use your talents to become the very best you can be. But when you come to the edge of your limitations, realize that it’s all right for you to say:

•  “This is too much for me!”
•  “This is a project that I’m not anointed to do!”
•  “This demands gifts and talents that I don’t possess!”
•  “This is a time for someone else to take the lead!”
•  “This assignment is going to take teamwork, because I can’t do it by myself.”

God intended for you to be a part of a team! If you try to act like you can do everything on your own, you’re going to find it quite humiliating when you fail miserably in front of everyone.

Trying to tackle a huge project all by yourself is the surest way to end up embarrassed in front of others. When you fail and fall flat on your face, you’ll regret that you didn’t say, “I think someone else can do this job better than I can. This is simply not where I’m most gifted. Who can help me out with this project?”

So instead of thinking too highly of yourself and attempting to go it alone with every project you undertake, be smart! Develop a team mentality. Bring others into the project with you as the Lord leads. Recognize your limitations, and seek out those who have the gifts and talents you need. Rather than try to figure everything out by yourself, let the people around you contribute their thoughts, views, and insights. Let them use the talents and abilities God gave them. You can accomplish a whole lot more as a team than you can do by yourself.

The next time you set out to accomplish a task God has assigned to you, remember — there are other members of the Body of Christ too! You’re not the only one who is called and has faith. God has gifted His entire Body with faith and spiritual gifts. Rather than trying to do it all by yourself, think “soberly.” Recognize your limitations, and allow other people to be used by God too!

My Prayer for Today

Lord, give me the grace to recognize both my abilities and limitations. Help me be unafraid to admit when I’ve overstepped my bounds and tried to tackle something bigger than my abilities. In those moments, please enable me to ask others to join the project and to help me do what I cannot accomplish by myself. I really need You to help me overcome my weaknesses and my fears that others may be better gifted than I am. I know You have placed people all around me to be blessings in my life, so today I am turning to You. Help me recognize these people and receive them as the blessings You intend for them to be.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

My Confession for Today

I confess that I am part of a team as God intended for me to be! I don’t think too highly of myself, nor do I attempt to go it alone with every project I undertake. I have a team mentality. I recognize my limitations and seek out those who have the gifts and talents I need. Rather than try to figure out everything by myself, I let the people around me contribute their thoughts, views, and insights. I want them to use the talents and abilities God gave them, because we can do a whole lot more as a team than I can do by myself. 

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

Questions to Answer

1. Do you feel secure enough to say, “This project is too big for me; I need someone else to step in and help me”?

2. If you were really honest with yourself, would you have to confess that at times you’ve put a lot of pressure on yourself to do everything when there were others who could have pitched in and helped?

3. Are you the kind of person who includes others, or do you shut out other people, giving them no chance to contribute their gifts, talents, or ideas?