Chuck’s World

by Micca Monda Campbell

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

Tomorrow, November 4^th, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to elect new leaders of government. If you live in the United States, I encourage you to be among them and exercise your right to vote. I encourage you to vote for both your national and your local leaders.

While the Bible does not command us to vote, it does command us to be good citizens wherever we live. One way we can be a good citizen, honor God, and assist in guiding our nation is by voting.

As a woman, I’m honored to take part in determining the direction of our nation. Before the 1900’s, women in America were not allowed the privilege to vote, and in some countries they still cannot. I look at voting for our leaders not only as my citizen’s duty, but also as a privilege millions of people in the world do not have.

I take my right to vote so seriously that in 1992, while nine months pregnant and restricted to bed rest, I had my mother drive me forty-five minutes to vote in the presidential election. I allowed nothing to stand in my way of exercising my right to vote. Eight days later, I gave birth to a healthy little girl - to whom I hope to pass on my political passion for voting.

There’s no doubt about it, voting is both a duty and a privilege. However, I realize that some people won’t take the time and trouble to vote because they don’t believe their ballot will make much of a difference. That’s not true. Statistics show that many elections have come down to only a handful of votes.

What would happen if most people felt that their vote didn’t really matter and didn’t bother to vote? It would mean that our country’s future would be decided by only a few of its citizens— who perhaps don’t hold the same convictions as yours.

Deciding whom to vote for can seem a daunting task. But voting is easier once you and I pray about it, and seek out good information about the candidates and the issues they address. The fact that there is moral haziness in politics these days indicates our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance when examining the issues as well as the candidates.

November 4^th is a day of opportunity for America. It’s a day to stand up for what we believe in. It’s a day to voice those beliefs and be heard. It’s a day to take the time to vote as we honor our Christian heritage, and bring glory to God. For “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!”

by Robin Dugall

“I Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…” — Romans 1:1

One of the things that I love about reading the letters of the Apostle Paul is that I get a chance to see someone who was very clear about his identity.  There wasn’t much confusion in how Paul saw himself.  There wasn’t a lack of clarity on how God has taken a hold of him and molded him into who he was.  My experience tells me that many people are confused these days.  We don’t know who we really are. We don’t understand the core of our identity.  Below are some statements that might help you reclaim what God has done and is doing in your life.  As you read the following, make it your own.  Understand that these are not just hopes for whom we would like to become, but realities of how God has reshaped and transformed you into His likeness.  They are already part of who you are!  Know them and live them!

“I am a follower of Christ.” When the disciples were first called Christians, it was because they were “like Christ.” Their belief was more than intellectual. It was worked out in the actions of their lives. They joined Jesus on a journey.  Believe that God has called you to this journey as well…to a life-long process of being conformed to His image.

“I am a regular guy/gal.” Many of us struggle with thinking we are the center of the universe.  The reality is that we are no different than any other follower of Christ. We experience the same joys and struggles as everyone else.  We are all in need of the moment-by-moment covering of the grace of God. There’s only one star in the Kingdom of God - and it’s not you or me. His name is Jesus.

“I am called to be a difference-maker in my world.” Jesus’ plan was to make His love real to people through us, His followers. The truth is, you can either influence or be influenced.  What do you think Jesus had in mind for you?

“I am a lover of life.” In light of eternity, we are given a small amount of time on this planet. Jesus said that He has come to give us life to the full, not some dull imitation. During our time here, live so as to finish the race, fighting the good fight, and keeping the faith.

“I am not finished…not even close.” Everyday, if we open our eyes, we can see the work of God in our lives.  We are continually working out this gift that God has given us.  As Paul says, “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” (Philippians 1:6).  Pray for more of Jesus…more of His love…more of His power in your life…more of His nature living in and through you.

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Exodus 3:11
But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?”

Have you ever thought about how Moses felt after he murdered an Egyptian and, fearing for his life, fled into the wilderness? For 40 years Moses lived in the desert, undoubtedly hounded by a host of condemning voices.

So when God appeared to him in the burning bush, Moses was struggling with an identity problem-the result of failure and rejection. Just look at how Moses responds to God in Exodus 3 and 4. God told Moses that He was going to send him to free the Israelites, but Moses replied, “Who am I?” God simply said, “I will be with you.” Above all, Moses needed God’s reassuring presence. Without Him, Moses could never stand before Pharaoh; left alone, he would certainly fail.

But Moses continued to question God, even after repeated assurances and demonstrations that God would work miracles to free His people. Finally he said, in essence, “I can’t do what you’ve asked. Please choose someone else” (see Exod. 4:14). Rather than focusing on God, Moses focused on himself. He was like the little boy in the school play whose one line was, “It is I, be not afraid.” But on the night of the play, the boy came out on stage and exclaimed, “It’s me, and I’m scared!”

Only when Moses saw that there was no way out did he submit to God’s call. He was so convinced of his own worthlessness that it took time for God to convince him otherwise.

Likewise, your mate also may have a difficult time believing God and you. Note that in this chapter of Moses’ life, part of God’s solution to Moses’ crisis of confidence was a companion-Aaron. The two brothers became a team. Undoubtedly, Aaron frequently reminded Moses of the truth: He was God’s man for the assignment, and God would be faithful to His promises. Just as Moses needed Aaron, your mate needs you.

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Ephesisans 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Someone once asked, “Did you know the longer you carry a grudge the heavier it gets?” Refusing to forgive those who wrong us can be a wearying weight on the soul.

On the other hand, when we choose to forgive, we shed a huge burden we simply don’t need to carry through life. It can make us absolutely “lighthearted” to put down the burden of a grudge.

What can you do to keep from carrying grudges and an unforgiving spirit through life?

For one thing, clarify your “inner occupation.” Do you want to make judging others your spiritual career path? Jesus said, “Do not judge lest you be judged” (Matt. 7:1), indicating that pursuing the occupation of judge will boomerang on you.

Judging, just like taking vengeance, belongs to God, not to people: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19, KJV). Even after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed, he said to God, “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned” (Ps. 51:4).

Since God makes the rules, He is the only true Judge. People who wrong others really wrong God more than others. Relieve yourself of the responsibility that actually belongs only to God.

Giving up the judgeship means you also relieve yourself of the responsibility of punishment. Forgiving someone doesn’t necessarily mean we forget immediately or even completely, but it does mean we no longer hold a private grudge that desires to punish, or to see them punished.

We can also avoid carrying grudges by resolving conflicts as they occur. “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph. 4:26). Which would you rather face-the short-term, emotional pain of asking another to forgive you for your anger, or carrying the cancerous feelings of bitterness for a lifetime? It’s your choice.

by Susanne Scheppmann

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law,” -Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Devotion:

Autumn harvests laden our table with fresh fruits and vegetables. We decorate our homes with a hollow, horn-shaped wicker basket called a cornucopia, or the “Horn of Plenty.” Apples, oranges, bright gourds, and multi-colored Indian corn spill from the basket as reminders of the abundance of God’s blessings in our lives.

The apostle Paul speaks of another kind of fruit – the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).” We do not need to worry about over indulging this type of fruit. God desires us to be so full that we absolutely overflow with His Spirit.

However, in order to harvest the fruit of Spirit we must sow it in our lives. Galatians 5:25 gives us a tip on how to begin to reap this crop, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” As a farmer labors to produce his crop, so we must work hard, too. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, we choose to react in a godly manner when people annoy us and circumstances move beyond our control. We must determine to keep in step with and surrender to the Holy Spirit rather than allow our human nature to overtake us. Think about the following circumstances in which we could allow the Spirit to take control of our attitudes and emotions:

·        A fight with our spouse

·        Parenting teens

·        Neighbors who annoy us

·        An unappreciative boss

·        A fender-bender in a parking lot

·        The dishwasher overflowing

·        An uncaring doctor

What would you add to the list? Whatever creates irritability, impatience, or discontent could be added. Of course, the key to any type of adversity is to remember the words of Jesus, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7, NASB).” The Helper is the Holy Spirit. He will help us produce the fruit of the Spirit if we allow it. With the Spirit’s help, we can obtain an overflowing abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and of course, self-control.

Will you join me in a harvesting the fruit of the Spirit this autumn?

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  (NIV)

Friend to Friend
Patience is not one of my greatest strengths. In fact, I tend to live each day with a schedule in mind, an agenda by which to live that day and several goals I need to meet before the day’s end.  God does have a sense of humor.  I can’t tell you how many times my schedule falls apart, the agenda is completely forgotten and I have to move today’s goals to tomorrow.  I am learning that when God wants to build a certain quality in my life, He puts me in the opposite circumstance.  For example, if God wants me to be more patient, He arranges the hours and minutes of my day in ways that demand patience.

What is patience?  To be patient is to have the ability to endure, but it doesn’t stop there.  Patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate.  In other words, patience is love persevering and love waiting.  We are not only to be patient in the way we face difficult situations but in our relationships as well.  That just about covers life, doesn’t it?

One of the most powerful bible passages on patience and perseverance is found in the book of James.  “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  Do you want to be blessed?  Stand firm in your trial.  Do you want to be rewarded?  Stand firm in that tough circumstance.  Be patient – because patience really does pay off.  God promises blessings and rewards to those who persevere and stand firm in hard times, but the reason we can stand firm is because He loves us unconditionally and promises to walk with us through every dark moment life will bring.  Nothing touches our life that does not pass through God’s hand, with His permission.

Remember the bible story of the man named Job?  Job was a faithful servant of God, strong in his faith and unwavering in his obedience to God.  Satan didn’t like it.  In fact, he went to God and asked permission to test Job.  I love that truth!  The devil had to go to God like an errand boy in order to get permission to touch His child, Job.  Satan was convinced that if Job lost everything God had given him - his health, his family, his possessions - if Job lost everything, he would curse God and follow Satan.  God told the serpent to give it his best shot, convinced that Job would persevere.  Satan stripped Job of his health, his possessions, his wealth and his family – everything Job held dear.  Job stood firm.

Every trial must come through His love but every trial has a purpose.  Every pain has a purpose, every ordeal contains a seed of victory and there is a promise for every problem you and I will ever face.  The psalmist writes, “The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.”  (Psalm 28:7)

Patience pays off in many ways, but one of the greatest rewards of patience is joy, a deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control.  Warren Wiersbe writes, “when God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat!”  God will never let us face more than we can handle with His help.  Hebrews 12:12 says it so well, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.” I have been there, done that and can relate to a weary heart and shaky legs.  Can’t you?

Patsy Clairmont shares the true story about her son, Jason.  When he was seven, she sent him off to school one day.  After a little while, there was a knock at the door and when Patsy opened the door, it was Jason.  “What are you doing here?” she asked.  “I’ve quit school” he said.  “Why have you quit school, Jason?” she demanded.  Jason said, “Well, it was too long, it was too hard and it was too boring.  And I didn’t like a lot of it!”  Patsy responded, “Jason, you have just described life.  Get back on the bus!”  When God sees patience at work in your life, He is pleased by your choice to “get back on the bus” in obedience and in faith.

An evangelist told the story of his friend who, during the depression, lost a job, a fortune, a wife and a home, but he held onto his faith because it was all he had left.  One day, he stopped to watch some men building a stone church.  One of the workers was chiseling a triangular piece of rock.  “What are you going to do with that?” asked the friend.  The workman said, “Do you see that little opening way up there near the spire?  Well, I’m shaping this down here so that it will fit up there.” Tears filled the eyes of the broken man as he walked away.  It seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the trials of his life.”  God is using the trials here on earth to refine and purify us.  In Colossians 1:11, the apostle Paul writes, “God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient!”

No matter where you are today, where you have been or what you are facing tomorrow, be patient, knowing your God will strengthen you to stand firm.

by Os Hillman

2 Samuel 16:11-12
…”Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.”

As David’s enemies were increasing and he was fleeing the city from his son who was seeking to take his throne, a man named Shimei began heaving rocks and cursing him as he passed by. Cursing the king was against the law, so David had every right to cut off the man’s head-as his generals were encouraging him to do. Here we see the difference between Saul and David in their response to those who would seek to do them harm. This is the defining difference between a leader who seeks to lead through a vertical dimension with God versus a horizontal fix-it mode. God knew David as a man after His own heart. Yet, David was a murderer, adulterer, and had failed in many areas of his life. But one thing separated this leader from all the rest: He had a heart that sought to please God and be in His will. When David blew it, he repented.

What is the purpose God desires to accomplish with the estranged relationship you may have with someone? Has He brought this affront to find out what is in your heart today? Will you seek revenge and solve the problem yourself? Or will you find the grace to allow God to carry out vengeance in His time if it is needed? When I learned this lesson to stay vertical with God and avoid the trap of fixing things in my own energies, it was a day of freedom. No longer was it my problem. We must examine our own heart in these matters. But if we are clean, then this affront is for character building. It is the only way God builds the deepest level of character in His saints. A.W. Tozer tells us, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.” God actually raises up storms of conflict in relationships at times in order to accomplish that deeper work in our character. We cannot love our enemies in our own strength. This is graduate-level grace. Are you willing to enter this school? Are you willing to take the test? If you pass, you can expect to be elevated to a new level in the Kingdom. For He brings us through these tests as preparation for greater use in the Kingdom. You must pass the test first.

by Jim Liebelt

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

I came upon a touching story from the book, The Best of Bits and Pieces that was published by the Economic Press and I’m passing it along to you.

“Although Henri Matisse was nearly 28 years younger than Auguste Renoir, the two great artists were dear friends and frequent companions. When Renoir was confined to his home during the last decade of his life, Matisse visited him daily. Renoir, almost paralyzed by arthritis, continued to paint in spite of his infirmities using a brush strapped to his arm.

One day as Matisse watched the elder painter working in his studio, fighting torturous pain with each brush stroke, he blurted out: “Auguste, why do you continue to paint when you are in such agony?” Renoir answered simply: “The beauty remains, the pain passes.”

And so, almost to his dying day, Renoir put paint to canvas. One of his most famous paintings, Bathers, was completed just two years before his passing, 14 years after he was stricken by this disabling disease.”

Renoir could have easily put away his brush and canvas years before when the disease grew worse. He could have become bitter about his life’s situation and given up. He didn’t. Renoir saw beyond the pain to the beauty.

Like the beautiful painting that was created from pained hands, I believe that God wants to take the painful experiences of our lives and create something beautiful in us. This does not minimize, trivialize or spiritualize the pain. Renoir’s arthritis was real. You and I experience real pain in life. Sometimes that pain is physical, but most often emotional. Still, if we allow God to work in us, He will use our painful experiences to shape our lives and form us into something more beautiful–ultimately into the image of Jesus.

Today, when you encounter pain, look beyond the situation and its cause and seek to persevere. Look for God at work to bring beauty beyond the pain.

by Leslie Snyder

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Standing thirty feet above me, the young girl was seized with fear.  The Ropes Course at camp was one of the highlights of the week for many campers, and this particular camper came ready to conquer the course.  However, fear crept in at thirty feet and literally immobilized her.  It didn’t matter that she was securely fastened to a harness, or that she was wearing a helmet, or that many others had successfully gone before her.  All she knew is that she was balancing thirty feet above the ground on a wire that was no more than 3 inches in diameter.  Her legs locked up, her muscles began to shake and she began repeating the words, “I can’t do this, I can’t do this.”

Fear has incredible power.  It can literally overtake people and stop them in their tracks, both in the body and in the mind.  Blood vessels constrict, heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow and our senses are enhanced.  But, when fear is given permission to overtake a person, it often causes us to stop short of something amazing.

Looking back up at the young camper standing, she had made it to the final challenge, the zip line.  On the platform, fear began creeping back in.  The only way down now was to jump, but everything in her body screamed just the opposite.  With words of encouragement from the Ropes leaders, fellow campers, and adult sponsors she finally closed her eyes and jumped!  It was an exhilarating moment.  She flew down the zip line, exhausted, challenged, yet victorious.

Scripture is full of examples of individuals and groups of people who had to face tremendous obstacles.  In the above passage, Joshua was leading the people of God across the Jordan River.  Moses, his mentor, was gone and now Joshua would take the cloak of leadership of the Israelites.  His fear was justified.  But read again how this is paraphrased in The Message: “Haven’t I commanded you?  Strength!  Courage!  Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

by Kelly McFadden

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

The Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.  Although this rule was first applied in Italy when Pareto was looking at the dispersal of wealth, it has since become a rule of thumb for many businesses.  It has been said that 20% of your workforce does 80% of the work, or 80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients.  I think this law comes into play in our lives as well.  Life is 20% what happens to you and 80% what you make of it.

There are tons of stories about people who come out of difficult situations – gang life, in and out of jail, drug addiction, broken families, abuse – yet still seem to rise to the top.  And of course, there are many stories of those who have been given everything they would need to succeed, only to wind up in the depths of a broken life.  How you choose to respond to what life hands you not only says a lot about you, but has a huge impact on your life.  You can choose to either spend your life blaming your circumstances for misfortune or heartache, or you can learn from those things and move on.

When James writes his letter, he tells the people to “consider it joy when they face trials.”  This is so contrary!  Joy?  How can you consider it joy when you are robbed, raped, lied to, fired, are having marriage difficulties or friendship problems?  James is not saying to pretend to be happy about a painful situation, but simply to have a positive outlook and know you can learn from it and not let it drag you down. The only thing we have control over in this life is how we choose to respond.  And how you choose to respond, especially under pressure, shows the depth of your character.  Instead of complaining about your struggles or blaming your trials for the bad choices you make, look at them as opportunities to grow, not opportunities to assign blame for your misfortune.

If life is truly 20% what happens to you and 80% what you make of it, be thoughtful each time you react to something that has happened or each time you make a decision.