The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 27
“He knew what was in a man.” Jn 2:25 NIV
HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS (1)

Jesus saw the best in people and worked to bring it out. But He wasn’t naïve; He understood
human frailty. When people disappointed Him, He didn’t retaliate in anger, or
distance from them. What did He do? “Many people saw the miraculous signs he was
doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew
all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man”
(vv. 23-25 NIV). Jesus constantly called people to a higher standard, but He understood
that their best would still be imperfect. And you need to understand that about your loved
ones too, and handle them accordingly. The perfect relationship, the perfect job, the perfect
church, and the perfect neighborhood don’t exist! God knows that, so He gave us instructions
on how to deal with people who disappoint us: “Bear (endure, carry) one
another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe…
the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2 AMP). You say, “What is the law of Christ?” Jesus said, “I give you
a new commandment…Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another”
(Jn 13:34 AMP). To love as Jesus loved, you must love without condition and without
pressure. It’s easier to talk about how to treat the irritating people in your life than it is to
do it. But the Lord never commands you to do something that He won’t give you the
grace to carry out. And the great thing is, in the process of carrying it out you become
more like Him.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28
“He knew what was in a man.” Jn 2:25 NIV
HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS (2)

Here are three areas in which you must learn to have realistic expectations: (1) You
must have realistic expectations of yourself. When you do things poorly you usually
feel bad. That sets in motion a never-ending cycle of reaching for things that are out of
reach, hoping to prove something you don’t have to prove in the first place. You think you
should be able to do what others do, yet if you are not similarly gifted you cannot excel
in it. You don’t need to prove anything! Just obey God, and allow Him to take care of your
reputation. As long as you expect to excel outside your gifting and calling, you will always
end up disappointed. (2) You must have realistic expectations in your relationships with
others. To make yourself responsible for someone else’s happiness, or them for yours,
leads to a life of frustration. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most people are about as happy as they
make up their minds to be.” If people don’t have the right outlook in life, you, and a hundred
others like you, won’t make them happy. (3) You must have realistic expectations
concerning life. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33 NKJV). As long as you’re in this world you’ll have
problems. Nobody gets a free pass. But don’t worry, the Lord’s got everything under control.
Just learn to be realistic. You will always have to deal with unpleasant situations,
stubborn problems and difficult people. But your attitude (not theirs) is what determines
whether or not you enjoy life.

FRIDAY MARCH 1

“Forgiving each other, just as…God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 NIV
THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS (1) The power of forgiveness is an awesome thing. No relationship can survive without it,
much less thrive. Whatever the issue, forgiveness sets both sides free, takes a weapon out of Satan’s hands, and opens the door for God to go to work in the situation. This is never more so than in your family. The truth is, it’s easier to forgive an enemy you seldom see than a loved one you have to live with every day. But you must do it. George Herbert said, “He who cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.” Paul writes: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love” (Col 3:12-14 NIV). Teach your children how to forgive. If you expose them to your
anger, make sure that they’re around when you show grace. Teach them how to deal withthe issue, without attacking the person. Let them know that a difference of opinion can lead
to a decision that makes things better for everyone, and that as a family member you can be “wrong” and still be treated right. This may mean teaching them things you were never taught. If so, learn from the mistakes of your parents and pass it on to your children. “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:26 NIV). In other words, forgive when you are hurt, and don’t take your resentments to bed.

I'll be out of town on Saturday and I will put Saturdays Devotional On....


SATURDAY MARCH 2
“Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.”
Col 3:13 NIV
THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS (2)

In Restoring Your Spiritual Passion, Gordon MacDonald writes: “One memory that burns
deep within is that of a plane flight on which I was headed toward a meeting that would
determine a major decision in my ministry. I knew I was in desperate need of a spiritual
passion that would provide wisdom and submission to God’s purposes. But the passion
was missing because I was steeped in resentment toward a colleague. For days I had
tried everything to rid myself of vindictive thoughts toward that person. But try as I might,
I would even wake in the night thinking of ways to subtly get back at him. I wanted to embarrass
him for what he had done, to damage his credibility before his peers. My resentment
was beginning to dominate me, and on that plane trip I came to a realization of
how bad things really were…As the plane entered the landing pattern, I found myself
crying silently to God for the power both to forgive and to experience liberation from my
poisoned spirit. Suddenly it was as if an invisible knife cut a hole in my chest and I literally
felt a thick substance oozing from within. Moments later I felt as if I’d been flushed out.
I’d lost negative spiritual weight, the kind I needed to lose. I was free. I fairly bounced off
that plane and soon entered a meeting that did in fact change the entire direction of my
life.” Forgiveness: (1) frees you from the grip of a negative force; (2) positions you where
God can bless you; (3) teaches little people how to be big people.

SUNDAY MARCH 3
“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves.”
Mt 14:24 NKJV
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS (1)

Jesus had accompanied His disciples in a previous storm and calmed it. But now He was
up on a mountain praying, and they were alone, “tossed by the waves.” Why? Because
sometimes the teacher has to step back in order to see how much the pupil has learned.
Is that what’s happening in your life right now? The Sea of Galilee was only about thirteen
miles long and seven and a half miles wide. But when the wind sweeps down from the
Golan Heights it can churn those waters into a blender for two or three days, and it could
sink a fishing boat like the one the disciples were in. Note the words, “tossed by the waves.”
Is that where you are today? In the middle of a divorce, tossed by guilt. In the middle of
a home foreclosure, tossed by creditors. In the middle of an illness, tossed by pain, and
an even more painful prognosis. “Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to
them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him…they were troubled, saying,
‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,
‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid’” (vv. 25-27 NKJV). Here are words worth writing
down and recalling often: “Take courage. I am here!” (v. 27 NLT). You will never go
where Jesus cannot reach you. Look over your shoulder; that’s Him following you. Look
into the storm; that’s Him coming toward you. Today, open your eyes and recognize Him.

MONDAY MARCH 4
“Jesus…went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed
by the devil.” Ac 10:38 NKJV
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS (2)

The Bible says: “Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come
to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the
boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,
he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately
Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little
faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those
who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’”
(Mt14:28-33 NKJV). The major message for you in this story is—where to stare in a storm.
Whether or not storms come, we cannot choose. But where we stare during a storm, that
we can choose. When you are staring into the face of cancer, heart disease, or some other
life-threatening illness, some of the first questions that come to mind are: “Who is the
doctor? What is his experience? Is he able? Is he available?” Yes, He is! Jesus’ résumé
reads: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went
about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with
Him.” Note the word “all.” He can meet all your needs. So keep your eyes on Jesus and
draw strength from Him. The One who “went about doing good and healing all” is on
your side today.

TUESDAY MARCH 5
“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you.”
Job 22:28 NKJV
CHANGE YOUR SELF-TALK

It’s not what others say to you or about you that determines your future; it’s what you
say to yourself after others get through talking! The Bible says, “Death and life are in the
power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Pr 18:21 NKJV). You say, “I’d
love to have a better relationship, but I’m afraid if I make the first move and they don’t respond
I’ll feel rejected.” Or, “I’d like to pursue my education, but I’m afraid if I register for
classes and can’t do the work I’ll feel stupid.” Such words become self-fulfilling prophecies.
Until you replace your negative self-talk with faith-talk you’ll always live in fear. Your mind
is like the womb of your spirit; it nurtures each seed you sow until the time of delivery. If
you don’t want what a seed will ultimately produce you must stop sowing it and feeding
it. Your first step in breaking fear’s hold over you is in recognizing the self-talk that got you
into trouble in the first place. This is not easy to do. It takes vigilance, self-awareness, discipline
and scriptural reprogramming. But by changing your thoughts you’ll begin to
change your life. Job says, “You will…declare a thing, and it will be established for you.”
And the amazing part is, at times you may not feel like you believe the particular Scripture
you’re standing on. That’s okay; your inner self accepts what it’s consistently fed and begins
to act accordingly. So starting today, serve an eviction notice to every negative thought
that’s holding you back and begin feeding your mind with God’s Word.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6
“From one degree of glory to another.” 2Co 3:18 AMP
SPIRITUAL MATURITY COMES BY DEGREES

How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? Leonard Wedel says: “A mature person does not take himself too seriously…keeps himself alert in mind …does not always view with alarm every adverse situation that arises…Is too big to be little…never feels too great to do little things, and is never too proud to do humble things …never accepts either success or failure in themselves as permanent…is one who is able to control his or her impulses…is not afraid to make mistakes…has faith in themselves which becomes stronger as it is fortified by their faith in God.” So, measured by that standard, how well are you doing? Are you able to evaluate your progress, without getting discouraged or feeling condemned? Can you look at how far you still have to go, yet be able to appreciate and celebrate how far you have already come? The Bible says we are changed “from one degree of glory to another.” Notice, spiritual maturity takes place by degrees. In small steps, not giant leaps. You must learn to live by God’s Word, not by how you feel, for His Word states that as long as you believe, God is working in you: “The Word of God…is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]” (1Th 2:13 AMP). There is a direct connection between your daily intake of God’s Word and your maturity level. And the good news is, God hasn’t left us to do it on our own. “We…are being transformed…from glory to glory…by the Spirit” (2Co 3:18 NKJV).

THURSDAY MARCH 7
“They gather gossip, and…spread it.” Ps 41:6 NLT
CONFIDENTIALITY

Aman approached Socrates one day to share some gossip. The wise philosopher asked,
“First, are you certain it’s true? Second, is it something good? Third, is it something useful?”
When the man said, “Not really,” Socrates replied, “Well, if it’s not true, good or useful,
why talk about it?” Gossip can feel like a form of intimacy, but it’s actually a false bond
motivated by the desire to diminish another person and make yourself look good. David
said, “They visit…as if they were my friends, but…they gather gossip, and…spread it.”
Solomon said, “Gossip separates…best…friends” (Pr 16:28 NLT), and it can cause you to
lose “your good reputation” (Pr 25:10 NLT). Kevin Miller says: “A challenge in ministry is
confidentiality—how open can you be? The following questions can help you decide: Are
you telling someone who can do something about the problem by helping, or offering discipline
or correction? Are you talking to someone wise enough to help you process your
feelings and courageous enough to make you do the right thing by confronting the other
person, or confessing where you’re at fault? Is this news approved for sharing? Are you
breaking a confidence, and if so, is it strictly because the person is endangering someone’s
life, including their own? Are you willing to divulge your source so it can be checked?
When you say this, does it break your heart? Have you examined your own life and confessed
where you’ve sinned in similar areas? Are you praying for the person? Would you
be comfortable if someone was saying this about you?”

FRIDAY MARCH 8
“Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.” Isa 42:16 NIV
ADAPTING TO CHANGE

Change forces us out of the comfort of the familiar and into the discomfort of the unfamiliar. And while it can turn your world upside down, it makes you face your greatest fears and deal with the things that steal your joy, peace, and confidence. Change can be your friend or foe, depending on how you use it. Running away turns it into an enemy;embracing and learning from it makes it one of your greatest allies. C. Neil Strait said:“Change is always hardest for the man who’s in a rut for he has scaled down his living to that which he can handle comfortably, and welcomes no change or challenge that would lift him up.” When you are facing the unknown, instead of automatically going into resistance mode, “Fix your eyes on what lies before you…stay on the safe path” (Pr 4:25-26 NLT). Ask yourself: What is God trying to teach me? How can I become stronger and wiser? What opportunities does it hold? John Mason says: “Correction and change always result in fruit…One change makes way for the next, giving you the opportunity to grow. Every time you think you’re ready to graduate from the school of experience, somebody thinks up a new course…If you can figure out when to stand firm and when to bend, you’ve got it made.” You don’t have to fear what lies ahead. “Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth…I will not forsake them.” God never closes a door without opening another one—but you must be willing to walk through it.

SATURDAY MARCH 9
“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Am 3:3 NKJV
E-V-A-L-U-A-T-E

Asuccessful marriage is based on two things: “finding” the right person, and “becoming”
the right person. And the second thing is harder than the first. Just because two
people share the same bed and the same name, doesn’t guarantee harmony. Here are
some practical suggestions based on the word E-V-A-L-U-A-T-E:
Enjoy. Do you enjoy the same things? Maybe it’s no big deal now, but later when
your husband is glued to the ballgame on TV and you want a little conversation, it will be.
Values. The Bible asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Are you able to
agree on major issues such as intimacy, child rearing, finances, in-laws, goals, and your
relationship with God? You may disagree over many things, but these are make-orbreak
issues. Accessibility. Are you both emotionally accessible, or is he the strong silent
type who doesn’t communicate—or understand your need to? Love. Do you really love
each other? Not the Hollywood version but the kind that listens to your spouse’s opinions
and concerns, overlooks their faults and failings, values them, and expresses itself
through kindness? Understanding. As surely as God doesn’t make two snowflakes alike,
He doesn’t make two people alike. So, can you understand and handle each other’s differences?
Appreciation. Your mate can’t read your mind, so get into the habit of expressing
your appreciation for one another. Temperament. If you’re naturally upbeat but they’re
moody and introverted, you may have an oil-and-water mix. How will you handle this?
Environment. If you’re from different backgrounds, are you comfortable in the same social
and spiritual settings? If you want a happy marriage, E-V-A-L-U-A-T-E these things.

SUNDAY MARCH 10
“Given to hospitality.” Ro12:13
SHOW HOSPITALITY

Making others feel loved and valued is a hallmark of discipleship (See Jn 13:34-35).
Welcoming newcomers was important in the early church, and it’s just as important
today. Social customs may change, but God’s Word doesn’t. Jesus said, “Anyone who
receives you receives me” (Mt 10:40 NLT). As a follower of Christ it’s your job to make
new people feel like part of “the household of faith” (Gal 6:10). Established friendships
within churches can easily become religious cliques where we smile and speak to newcomers,
but spend all our time with a select group of people we already know. Most of us
are satisfied with our existing circle of friends, so we need to be looking for ways to include
others. People come to church hoping for love and acceptance, and if they don’t find it
within a month or two they move on. So keep your spiritual antennae tuned to people who
seem uncomfortable and out of place. Most folks have had at least one negative experience
in church, so they need extra T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care). The Bible says, “Carry each
other’s burdens” (Gal 6:2 NIV). Genuine warmth and caring attract people. First impressions
count. Church should be a place where our love for people who are hurting is evident the
minute they walk in the door. And remember, God doesn’t just use these relationships to
meet the needs of those coming out of bad situations—He uses them to mature us too.

MONDAY MARCH 11
“No matter how fast you run, you won’t escape. No matter how strong
you are, you will lose your strength.” Am 2:14 CEV
DEAL WITH IT NOW

Sorry, problems don’t magically solve themselves because you refuse to deal with them.
Actually, they multiply, and “no matter how fast you run, you will not escape.” Kristin
Armstrong says: “We become…adept at running…We try to flee from our pain, our past
and our issues. The problem is, we can’t run or hide or push things away forever. Eventually
we’ll tire…and have to slow down. And when we do, all our junk will come rolling behind…
headed straight for us at top speed. All the time we’ve been fleeing, our junk has
been snowballing…picking up size and momentum. If we aren’t brave enough to face it
when it’s ‘small,’ it’ll run us over later. Now’s the time to…deal with it…as fast and as
strong as you are, you can’t keep this up much longer.” So what problem are you running
from today? What issues are causing you to “lose your strength?” Make up your mind to
stop right now and deal with them. “Do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:27 NIV) by
spending one more day on the run. It doesn’t matter how badly you’ve failed in the past,
“The blood of Jesus…cleanses us from all sin” (1Jn 1:7 NLT). Whether it’s a stubborn habit,
or someone you fear confronting, “step up to the plate.” The thing that’s chasing you will
lose its power when you face it down in the name of Jesus. Paul says, “Having done all…
stand” (Eph 6:13). And you do that through the power of God, not in your own strength.

TUESDAY MARCH 12
“The believers met together in the Temple every day.” Ac 2:46 NCV
GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT GOD (1)

It’s estimated that there are over half a billion practicing Christians in the world. But the
church wouldn’t even exist today if it hadn’t been for a small group of disciples who
were sold out to Christ. The things of God were not a part-time interest or a conveniencebased
commitment to those early Christians, but their highest priority. If you want to get
serious about God, stop and reflect on what they took seriously.
They took church seriously. “The believers met together in the Temple every day.”
Question: Are you a hit-and-miss churchgoer? Do you get upset if the service exceeds an
hour or the preacher takes an extra ten minutes? Is once-a-week your limit? Not for these
New Testament Christians! So what drew them? The temple’s orchestra and choir? Cuttingedge
media or youth programs? Did they have more time and less responsibility than we
have? No, everything about their life was harder, took longer, and was less convenient.
Yet their encounter with Jesus so transformed their priorities that, “Every day they continued
to meet” (v. 46 NIV). They hungered to gather in the presence of the Lord, believing
His promise, “Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among
them” (Mt18:20 NLT). Taking God seriously requires regular involvement with other Christians,
experiencing this unique aspect of His presence, hearing His Word together, and encouraging
one another (See Heb 10:25). You need that special dimension of fellowship
with God that happens only when His family gathers together with Him.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 13
“The believers met together…and shared everything.” Ac 2:44 NLT
GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT GOD (2)

They took fellowship seriously. We are more than a common-interest-based social club.
We’re a family—birth-children of our heavenly Father, blood relatives. The cross made
it so. “We have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit” (1Co12:13 NLT). Those early
disciples valued their relationship. It went beyond merely singing hymns and hearing
sermons. They “met together…shared everything they had…sold their property and
possessions and shared the money with those in need” (Ac 2:44-45 NLT). Do we have
such selfless love, caring enough to share everything we own with our brother and sister
in need? How many of them shared what they had? “All the believers.” How much did they
share? “Everything they had.” God’s Word describes His church as a body. Its members
exist individually but they can only function properly in connection with one another.
Arms, hands, legs, shoulders, etc. cannot live separately; they must be joined to a body
with a head to accomplish their purpose. The early church survived incredible persecution
and achieved amazing things. Why? Because they understood the need to value each
other, and to sacrifice personal interest for the sake of the whole. As isolated, self-reliant,
self-promoting individuals they would have been destroyed by the overwhelming force of
their enemies. As a believer you may survive apart from the church, but you can’t thrive.
Your God-given potential will never be realized until you commit wholeheartedly to a local
fellowship and invest yourself in serving God’s vision for that church.