“There is a greater power with us than with him.” 2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV 

     David was bringing food to his brothers at the battlefront when he saw Goliath. He wasn’t thinking of becoming a hero, he just seized an opportunity other soldiers only dream about. Opportunities will catch you by surprise, and if you’re not alert and ready, you’ll miss them. What others discovered in David that day—had been there all along! If you’re a leader, you already possess the talent necessary to lead. But courage is what will establish you as a leader before others. The people we revere most, demonstrate courage —courage on the battlefield and in the boardroom, courage to defend the defenseless, or simply to attempt what nobody else thought possible. You say, “But I don’t have the money.” Don’t worry, capital follows courage. What always precedes how. Don’t be intimidated by the numbers. God is not moved by spreadsheets and market conditions, He’s moved by faith. Don’t let how intimidate you. It’s because how is so challenging that it provides you with great opportunity. If the pathway to success were well lit it would already be crowded. If how wasn’t a problem, someone else would already have figured it out. All progress begins with one question: “What needs to be done?” And somebody needs to be asking that question—why not you? The future belongs to those who have the courage to ask that question and the faith to hang on until they discover the answer. When the obstacles look too big and opposition seems too strong, stand on this Scripture: “Do not be afraid or discouraged…for there is a greater power with us than with him.” 

“Rise up; this matter is in your hands…take courage and do it.” Ezra 10:4 NIV

     Pastor Andy Stanley writes: “I keep a little card in my desk that reads: ‘Dream no small dreams, for they stir not the hearts of men.’ More than once that simple statement has kept me from retreating from my dreams. I know from experience that it’s impossible to lead without a dream. When leaders are no longer willing to dream, it’s only a short time before followers are unwilling to follow. So dream! Dream big. Dream often. Somewhere in those random ideas that flood your mind, is one that will capture your heart and imagination. And that seemingly random idea may very well evolve into a vision for your life.” Every great accomplishment begins as a dream in someone’s heart. All things are created twice: first in your mind, and then in your life. Dreamers allow their minds to wander outside the boundaries of what is, creating a mental picture of what can be. They are not always the most talented or best educated—just the ones who refuse to put brackets around their thinking or limit themselves to what others have done. Doing this requires courage, lots of it! On the heels of every dream there’s a demon of doubt. No sooner is your dream conceived than your mind is suddenly filled with all the reasons why it may not work. And there will be folks around you who‘ll be quick to confirm those fears. In spite of that, you must forge ahead and dream; otherwise you’ll spend the rest of your life fulfilling the dreams of others. “Rise up; this matter is in your hands…take courage and do it.” 

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 NIV      

     If you want to experience God’s blessing in a new way, get ready to leave your comfort zone. When Jesus called His disciples they were on familiar turf, doing what they knew best: fishing. But they couldn’t stay there and follow Him. Neither can you. The Bible records: “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net…for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (vv. 16-18 NIV). Notice, they had to leave the security of the familiar in order to fulfill their destiny. And in case you think you are too old to try something new, Abraham was seventy-five when he left the comforts of home to go out and establish a new nation. Your age is not the issue, your faith is. Understand this: today you are just one step of obedience away from the next truth God wants you to learn about Him, so you can’t afford to stay where you are. We all have a tendency to cling to the “tried and true.” The trouble with that is, when you are no longer being stretched you begin to shrink, you become complacent, you think you can handle things on your own, and you stop growing. That’s a dangerous place to be. If you feel restless at heart today and believe that God has more for you than you’ve been settling for, then it’s time to confront your fears, walk through them and launch out into a new experience with Him. 

“You desire truth in the inward parts.” Psalms 51:6 NKJV  

     If we’re brutally honest, we’d have to admit that sometimes the truth seems inadequate to do what we need done. We want our bosses to like us, so we flatter. We want our friends to admire us, so we exaggerate. We want people to respect us, so we live in houses we can’t afford and charge bills we can’t pay. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and gave a portion of the money to the church. But they lied, claiming the land sold for the amount of money they gave (See Acts 5). Their sin was not in holding back some money for themselves; it was in misrepresenting the truth. And their deceit resulted in their deaths. You say, “I’m glad God doesn’t strike people dead today for lying.” Don’t be so sure. Lying results in the death of: (1) A marriage. Falsehoods are termites in the trunk of the family tree. (2) A conscience. The tragedy of the second lie is that it’s always easier to tell than the first. (3) A career. Just ask the employee who got fired for embezzlement. (4) Faith. Think: How can God use us if we won’t tell the truth? Every football team has a player assigned to carry the play from the coach to the huddle. But what if the player doesn’t tell the truth? What if the coach calls for a pass but the player says the coach calls for a run? The coach won’t call on him very long. God says if you are honest in small things He will trust you with greater things (See Matthew 25:21). So, can God trust you? 

“You desire truth in the inward parts.” Psalms 51:6 NKJV

     According to Psychology Today, more people say they have cheated on their marriage partners than on their income tax returns or expense accounts. Nearly half say that if they scratched another car in the parking lot they would drive away without leaving a note, although 89 percent agree that it would be wrong. Perhaps the question shouldn’t be, “Why does God demand such honesty of us?”, but rather, “Why do we tolerate such dishonesty?” Jeremiah weighs in: “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV). For many of us, our credo is, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you squirm.” At the age of three, when Mom asked, “Did you hit your little brother?” we knew that honesty had its consequences. So we learned to say, “Uhhhh, well, it’s not really lying.” We learned to cover things up. “Did I hit my baby brother? That all depends on how you interpret the word hit. I mean, sure, I made contact with him, but would a jury consider it a hit? Everything is relative, you know.” We say, “Did I hit my baby brother? Yes, Mom, I did. But it’s not my fault. Had I been born with nonaggressive chromosomes and had you not permitted me to watch television, it would never have happened. So I can say I hit my brother, but the fault isn’t mine. I’m a victim of nurture and nature.” We smile, but the Psalmist said, “You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” And that’s the truth about the truth. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23 NKJV 

     In Discipleship Journal Paul Thigpen writes: “I remember coming home one afternoon to discover that the kitchen I had worked so hard to clean only a few hours before, was now a terrible wreck. My young daughter had obviously been busy ‘cooking’ and the ingredients were scattered, along with dirty bowls and utensils, across the counters and floor. I was not happy with the situation. Then, as I looked a little more closely at the mess I spied a tiny note on the table, clumsily written and smeared with chocolaty fingerprints. The message was short—‘I’m makin somethin 4 you, dad’—and it was signed, ‘your angel.’ In the midst of that disarray, and despite my irritation, joy suddenly sprang up in my heart, sweet and pure. My attention had been redirected from the problem to the little girl I loved. As I encountered her in that brief note, I delighted in her. With her simple goodness in focus, I could take pleasure in seeing her hand at work in the situation that seemed otherwise disastrous.” In the parable of the talents, Jesus pointed out that the two servants who invested and multiplied what had been entrusted to them received the Master’s highest commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” On the other hand, the servant who buried his gifts rather than risk and lose, received the Master’s harshest condemnation: “You wicked and lazy servant” (v. 26 NKJV). Commendation or condemnation: which will you receive? God doesn’t say, “If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.” No, He’s pleased when you try, make mistakes, learn from them and grow. So keep trying! 

“Remember those…who are mistreated.” Hebrews 13:3 NIV

     Do you ever pray for persecuted Christians in other countries? You should, because they are your spiritual family. John writes: “I saw…those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained” (Revelation 6:9 NIV). Increasingly, believers around the world are giving their lives for the cause of Christ and the testimony they’ve maintained in the face of hostility. “Are you trying to make me feel bad?” you ask. No, just: (1) More prayerful. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Next time you hit your thumb with a hammer and your whole body aches, remember this truth and pray for the great big worldwide body of believers, many of whom are still being mistreated, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed in Christ’s name. (2) More grateful. You say, “Grateful for what?” That your faith is so effective that you’re on Satan’s hit list; that he considers you a threat to his kingdom and his agenda in the earth. (3) More faithful. Richard Wurmbrand, who wrote Tortured For Christ, said, “What a person really believes is not what he says in his creeds, but what he’s willing to die for.” Now, the odds are that you will never be called upon to die for Jesus. But the question is, if you’re not willing to die for Him, what are the chances you’ll really live for Him? Before you can answer that question you must ask yourself, “How much of my time, my treasure and my talents am I investing into His kingdom?” 

“I will…tell you…things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

     In tough times we’ve a tendency to lower our expectations. As a result we end up settling for less than God wants. The Bible asks, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14 NKJV). Now it’s easy to answer, “No!” But what you do next proves whether or not you actually believe that. Jesus said: “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17 NKJV). To walk in God’s blessing every day you must do what He tells you. And He may tell you to do something different! The problem is, we get attached to methods which worked in the past and keep going back to them. But by always looking to the familiar, you limit God. He’s much greater than any proven method, and He’s never predictable. His Word says, “Call to me and I will…tell you…things you do not know.” The Living Bible says, “I will tell you some remarkable secrets about what is going to happen.” What an offer! When God decided that Moses would lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses never questioned God’s ability, he just questioned whether God could do it through him. What was God’s answer when Moses complained that he wasn’t an articulate speaker? “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:12 NIV). God is neither enhanced by your strengths nor inhibited by your struggles. There’s more He wants to do through you than what you’ve experienced so far. So have high expectations of God and respond in faith to whatever He tells you. 

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV   

     Never forget, you’re not home yet. The story’s told of an old steamship that pulled into Southampton harbor and the passengers got off. Helium-filled balloons rose into the air and the crowd went wild as a young Hollywood starlet walked down the gangplank to be greeted by her family and friends. The last person off the ship was an elderly man who had spent more than fifty years of his life as a missionary in India. All his earthly possessions were in a tattered suitcase he carried by his side. After getting to his room in a cheap boarding house, he knelt by his bed and prayed: “Lord, I’ve served you all my life. I’ve sacrificed everything to tell others the good news of the gospel and brought many to you. Yet there was no one to celebrate my arrival or welcome me home.” As he knelt there the voice of God spoke to him softly and said, “Son, you’re not home yet!” And redeemed child of God, neither are you! If God has blessed you with a nice house, thank Him and enjoy it. But don’t get too settled. At best, it’s only temporary accommodation. Paul thought often of heaven: “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24 NKJV). God has something “far better” in mind for you. A great preacher once said: “It is our main business in this world, to secure an interest in the next one.” 

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV 

     Never withhold because times are hard. The Bible teaches that those who set their mind on “getting” always lose, whereas those who set their mind on “giving” always win. The story’s told of a dog walking across a bridge with a bone in his mouth. When he looked down into the river and saw his reflection, he thought it was another dog with a bigger bone. So he jumped in to get it—and drowned. Paul dedicates two entire chapters in the Bible to the subject of money. Perhaps that’s a good answer to those who say, “All the church ever talks about is money.” Since money is congealed sweat, coined time, coined talent, negotiable you, it’s one way in which you can give yourself to God. It’s not the only way, but it’s a very important way. So Paul writes: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others…Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT). Unless you practice generosity there’s no point asking God for more money. He doesn’t pour His blessing into pots, but into pipes; not into reservoirs, but into rivers that let it flow out. Getting the idea? 

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

     Never forget the law of sowing and reaping. God set in motion certain laws and they never change. One is the law of gravity. Another is the law of sowing and reaping. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest…shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22 NKJV). This law works both negatively and positively. If you sow good things you will reap good things; if you sow bad things you will reap bad things. Consider parenting. Eli the high priest was not only called to be a role model to the nation, but also to his two sons. Now, he may have been a great success in ministry but he failed badly on the home front. His sons, who were also priests, enriched themselves by taking bribes. They even slept with women in the temple courts. Pretty shocking, eh? So what did God say? “I will judge his house…for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them” (1 Samuel 3:13 NKJV). As a result Eli’s sons were killed at the hands of their enemies, and when the news of it reached Eli he dropped dead. That’s the harvest law working negatively. But thank God it also works positively. Paul writes about it: “Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:7 NKJV). You say, “What does that mean?” It means that whatever good you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. So whether it’s a smile, a prayer, a gift or a helping hand, start sowing good seeds and you will reap harvests of blessing.

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

     Never allow life’s disappointments to make you cynical. If you live long enough people will disappoint you, including your family. Even spiritual leaders will let you down! Paul wrote: “We wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us” (1 Thessalonians 2:18 NKJV). Did you think Satan was going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you decided to serve the Lord? Not a chance! The walk of faith is one of delight—and difficulty. When you signed on for the first, you signed on for the second. Paul was on a sixteen-month missionary journey—one of miracles and church building. But he ended up in prison on trumped-up charges and was left to rot there. How did he respond? “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NKJV). You say, “How can somebody rejoice in prison?” When you see your disappointment as God’s appointment, you start to understand its purpose. Paul had books to write that would change the world, so God needed to get him “off the road.” Listen to what he wrote from prison: “I want you to know…that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14 NLT). Hidden in some of your biggest disappointments, you will find treasures of truth that literally transform your life and your future. 

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV 

     Never take God for granted. Don’t become overly familiar with spiritual things. Samson did that and he paid dearly. After discovering the secret of his strength: “[Delilah] lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head…and his strength left him. And she said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson!’ So he awoke from his sleep, and said, ‘I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!’ But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. Then the Philistines took him” (Judges 16:19-21 NKJV). It’s a story of tragedy. Samson was born to lead Israel to victory. But instead he gave in to his lowest impulses, consorted with the enemy and thought he could get away with it. Listen to him: “I will go out as before, at other times.” But this was one time too many. His disobedience hadn’t robbed him of his supernatural strength before, but it did this time. He crossed a line and ended up losing his sight, his strength, his liberty, his credibility, and his usefulness. Eventually he died a prisoner of the Philistines. You say, “Today’s devotion sounds a bit harsh.” No, it’s protective! The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). When you persist in disobeying what you know God has told you to do and think you can escape the consequences, you’re headed for trouble. Repent, get right with God and get back on track while you still can. 

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Samuel 20:9 NKJV

     The principles of God’s Word work like spiritual vitamins. For the next few days let’s look at some: Never excuse in yourself what you accuse in others. King David did that. In confronting him over his sin with Bathsheba, Nathan the prophet told David a story about two men. One had many cattle; the other had only one lamb. When a guest came to the rich man’s house for dinner, he took the poor man’s lamb. “David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said…‘the man who has done this shall surely die! And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb…because he had no pity.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” (2 Samuel 12:5-7 NKJV). Nathan continued: “Thus says the Lord God of Israel…I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives…And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more!…You have killed Uriah [Bathsheba’s husband]…with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife…Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house’” (vv. 7-10 NKJV). David didn’t know it, but he pronounced his punishment with his own lips: “He shall restore fourfold.” And David did. First, the child he fathered with Bathsheba died. Second, his son raped his daughter, and he didn’t have the moral authority to deal with it. Third, Absalom, the beloved son destined to inherit his throne, fomented war and died at the hands of his own people. Fourth, civil war broke out in Israel and thousands of people died as a result. The lesson is clear: never accuse in another what you excuse in yourself. 

WAIT AND YOU’LL EXPERIENCE GOD’S BEST

     If you’ve been praying for God to send you the right partner, or for a better job, or to change the heart of a rebellious kid, remember, whether He changes the situation or changes you, He “will fulfill his purpose for [you].” God sees the big picture, and He loves you so much that He works out “all things for good in your life.” (See Romans 8:28). One author writes: “It’s hard to make sense of life’s challenges when you’re in the middle…you’re too tired, your perspective’s limited…you don’t have the strength or vision to do this on your own…’Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding’ (Proverbs 3:5 GWT) means letting go of floundering attempts to manipulate people, circumstances, or timing…and returning to the reins to the One who knows the way. Think about it; if you knew what you were doing, would you be in this mess? We talk about waiting on God. But He also waits on us…until we’re ready to receive…until we appreciate what we’re asking for…until we’ve made sufficient preparations in our heart…until we’re free from resentment and discontent…until our maturity level is appropriate and our understanding elevated…Sometimes He waits until we think He’s forgotten us just to test and grow our faith…Remember, ‘With the Lord a day is like a thousand years’ (2 Peter 3:8 NIV). Eternity is His backdrop…and He can solve a problem in a minute, or in two generations.” Isaiah says, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you…Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18 NIV). Wait! Don’t get ahead of God and you’ll experience His best.