Archive for September 2010

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Forward by Faith | Matthew 17:20 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 30, 2010

Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

In his amazing life of faith, George Mueller watched God supply the needs of his orphan ministry time and time again. He simply prayed and believed that God would provide all that was needed. And God did. Mueller said that his faith was the same kind of faith that all Christians have. His faith, however, had “been a little more developed by exercise.” Here is Mueller’s instruction on how a Christian can develop his or her faith.

Now, my beloved brothers and sisters, begin in a little way. At first I was able to trust the Lord for ten dollars, then for a hundred dollars, then for a thousand dollars, then for one hundred thousand dollars, and now, with the greatest of ease, I could trust Him for millions of dollars if there were occasion for it. But first, I should quietly, carefully, deliberately examine and see whether what I was trusting for, was something in accordance with His promises in His written Word. If I found it was, the amount of difficulties would be no hindrance to my trust.

…God has never failed me! Trust Him for yourselves and find how true to His Word He is.


Father, please help us to trust you enough to take you at your Word. Please develop our faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Shortcut: The Dead End Trail of Religion (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Forward by Faith | 2 Corinthians 5:7 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 29, 2010

2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by faith, not by sight.

We live by faith, and not by sight. No man has seen the eternal God. Such an experience would cause certain death. Yet our faith is not blind, for we see in the night sky and the colors of fall and in the miracle of life clear evidence of an all-powerful God. We are amazed that this great Creator cares for man and has “crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5). We come to God believing “that he exists and rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

We live by faith and not by sight. No man has seen the eternal God. Yet our faith is not blind, for Jesus has made God known by becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:1-18). While we cannot see God, we experience the change that God the Son causes in our lives. Through Jesus we are a new creation; “the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Augustine lived the early part of his life in pursuit of world pleasure. He was on a quest to try everything and find anything that would fill the void in his heart. Nothing satisfied. Augustine said, “The reason was that inside me there was famine of inward food. I was starving for You, my God.” We live by faith and not by sight, but our faith is not blind. We were empty and hungry, starving for God. Now, through Jesus, we are completely satisfied.

Dear Father, thank you for revealing yourself to us through the heavens and throughout the earth. Most of all, thank you for Jesus who has made you known to us in a personal way. Thank you for satisfying our famine of inward food. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Shortcut: Dead End Trail – Judgmental Moralist (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Forward by Faith | Hebrews 11:1 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 28, 2010

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.


George Mueller was a man of great faith. During his life, which spanned most of the 19th century, Mueller pastored the same church for sixty-six years, read the Bible from cover to cover over 200 times, and was influential in the ministries of D. L. Moody, C. H. Spurgeon, and Hudson Taylor. While his accomplishments were significant, he was most known for his orphan ministry. He built five large orphan houses and cared for 10,024 orphans during his lifetime.

Mueller said, “The orphan houses exist to display that God can be trusted and encourage believers to take him at his word.” Mueller was grieved that “so many believers…were harassed and distressed in mind, or brought guilt on their consciences, on account of not trusting the Lord.” Mueller said that the supreme passion of his life was to “display with open proofs that God could be trusted with the practical affairs of life.”

Mueller made it a point to never ask people for money to support the orphanages; he only asked God. While this is certainly not the only way funds can be raised in a biblical manner, it is estimated that over $40 million, by today’s standards, were given to the orphanages. Mueller said, “My faith is the same kind of faith that all God’s children have had…though there may be more of it because my faith has been a little more developed by exercise.”

Father, help us to exercise our faith. Help us to put our faith in action. Drive out the fear that causes spiritual retreat and help us to step out with confidence that you will provide everything we need to do all that you have called us to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Shortcutting the Journey of Grace: Dead End (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Forward by Faith | Joshua 3:13 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 27, 2010

Joshua 3:13
“And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD– the Lord of all the earth– set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”

Picture the scene. You are standing beside the Jordan River. On the other side is the land of promise. The river, now at flood stage, is impossible to cross on foot. But you are leading two million Israelites to the other side. You are told that all you have to do is put your foot in the water, start walking and the river will quit flowing. A nation depends on your faith. What will you do?

Picture the scene. You are standing beside your car, still numbed by the news that your job went away. The challenges before you seem impossible. You are told to trust God one step at a time. A family is watching, depending on your faith. What will you do?

Picture the scene. You are standing beside the grave of a loved one. The days of grief that lie before you seem impossible. You so desire God’s strength and comfort. You need to take slow steps of faith. What will you do?

Picture the scene. You are standing beside the doctor as he points out areas of concern on the x-rays. The days ahead will be some of the most challenging of your life. You are desperately trying to trust God…one painful step at a time. You know faith will be the only thing that gets you through. What will you do?

Father, I know that many reading this today can relate to the challenge of the priests in Joshua 2. Stepping out into your promises before they come true is a difficult assignment. Give us the strength to take one step of faith at a time. In Jesus name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: The Wrath of God – Evidence of Love (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Fear Not | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 24, 2010

2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Why can we get so fired up about sports (Go Sooners!!) and become so quiet about the Savior?

Why do we so readily share our political views, but hit the mute button when it comes to sharing Jesus?

Why do we call all our friends to tell them about a great restaurant we found and don’t make the call to tell them about the Redeemer we know?

Why do we show more passion about the new diet, new golf club, new car, new purchase, new hobby, new vacation spot, new movie, new iPhone app, new whatever…than a relationship with Christ?

Why is it easier to talk about anything else…than Jesus?

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power…!” If this is true, why do we often feel so wimpy and powerless when it comes to sharing the most important message in time and eternity?

I usually write a prayer in this spot. But I am leaving this prayer to you. Ask God to evaluate your heart. Ask him to reveal your passion points. Admit that you are timid and often feel powerless. Ask him to change that. Ask him to give you an opportunity to talk to someone about him…today.

Today on The Journey: Grace: Unrestricted (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Fear Not | Luke 7:9 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 23, 2010

Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

The man was no wimp. He had risen in the ranks by hard work, skill, and valor. More than once he had risked his life in the heat of battle. His character and leadership had been observed and rewarded. He was a commander of one hundred Roman soldiers in the world’s most powerful army. But now the strong leader was helpless. A loved and valued servant was sick and about to die. The man who could overpower countries couldn’t save his friend. In his time of trail, he turned to Jesus.

Before Jesus reached his house, the commander sent friends to say to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” The man understood what it meant to trust others in battle; now he transfers a learned trust to Jesus. “Say the word,” he told Jesus, “and my servant will be healed.” Jesus was amazed at the man’s trust. He said to those with him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

Some people conclude that either you have faith or you don’t. That is simply not true. Trusting God is something we develop throughout our life. George Mueller, the great man of faith, said,

“We must allow [God] to educate us through trials….It is through trials that faith is exercised and developed more and more.”

Mueller said that he would gladly pass through the trials of faith,

“if [God] might be glorified, and His church and the world benefited.”

So, here’s the question: When the trial comes, what will you do? Give way to fear? Or gladly pass through the trial of faith in order to glorify God?

Lord, we do believe. Please speak to our unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Grace: Unfair! (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Fear Not | Luke 12:28 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 22, 2010

Luke 12:28
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you eat; or about your body, what you wear.” He said that all the worrying in the world cannot add a single hour to a person’s life. “Since you cannot do this very little thing,” Jesus asked, “why do you worry about the rest?” If God takes care of the grass in the field, don’t you think he’ll take care of you?

Worry is a tormenting emotion that focuses on things that have not yet happened and may never happen. It robs us of time, energy, and even our health. It causes self-focus; even self-absorption. Worst of all, worry draws the false conclusion that God is not concerned with me and even if he were could do nothing about my situation.

Jesus makes the opposite point. God cares enough about the grass of the field to clothe it with rich colors and flowers and at the end of the day it is thrown into the fire. How much more does he care for you; the very person he sent his son to die for? If God “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

Father, thank you for your love and care for us. May we trust in you a whole lot more; and worry a whole lot less. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Grace: Unconditional! (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Fear Not | Mark 4:4 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 21, 2010

Mark 4:4
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The storm was so strong and furious that the seasoned fishermen were sure the boat was going down and that they were going down with it. As the storm raged, Jesus slept. Finally, the panicked disciples woke him up and asked, “Don’t you care if we drown?”

I am struck by the disciples question to Jesus. “Don’t you care?” is often our “storm” question as well. “Don’t you care that I just lost my job?” “Don’t you care that my marriage is on the rocks?” “Don’t you care that I’m single?” “Don’t you care that I’m sick?” “Why did he have to die so young, don’t you care?” But Jesus always gets to the heart of the matter and answers our question with a question, “Why are you so afraid?” “Do you still have no faith?” Jesus knows that a heart absent of faith is full of fear.

So, believers, in the midst of our storms we have two options. Knowing that Jesus is always with us we can fear he won’t help us…OR…knowing that Jesus is always with us we can depend on him for strength in the midst of the storm. I know it’s easier said than done but those are our choices—Fear or Faith. It’s an easy answer; it’s a hard application. Let’s pray for his help.

Lord Jesus, storms are frightening. Like the disciples, we panic and question your care. We know you died for our sins. Please forgive us for questioning your care. But we are weak and need your help. It’s easy to talk about faith but live in fear. So, please speak calmness to our hearts just like you did to the wind and the waves. Thank you for the promise that you will always be with us. In your name we pray. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Grace: Undeserved! (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Fear Not | Joshua 2:24 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 20, 2010

Joshua 2:24
They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”

Years prior to our passage today, Moses sent twelve spies to scope out the Promised Land. Two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, came back and said, “Let’s take it! God will give it to us!” But the other ten said, “Not so fast. It is a great land but it is occupied with giants! We felt like grasshoppers compared to them.” The people gave into the fear, grumbled against God, and, as a result of their faithlessness, were sentenced to die in the desert.

Now, almost four decades later, things have changed. Joshua, Moses’ successor, sent his own team of spies into the land. After the report from Moses’ spies the Israelites were terrified of the people in the Promised Land. Now, the people in the Promised Land are “melting in fear” because of the Israelites.

When you are ready to step out in faith, God will provide all you need. The faithless will be vocal in their grumbling and emotional in their fear but in the end will die in their spiritual desert. But the faithful will take hold of God’s plan and enjoy the spiritual elation of experiencing God do amazing things. You just have to decide how you want to live— faithless or faithful?

Father, we don’t want to die in our personal spiritual desert and miss the great promises you have for us. Help us to step into your plan and give us strength and courage to continue follow you in faith. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Today on The Journey: The Journey of Grace (Journey of Grace). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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Strong and Courageous | Ephesians 6:10 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on September 17, 2010

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

The Apostle Paul wraps up his letter to the believers in Ephesus with the charge found in today’s passage. His exhortation to “be strong” involves the believer putting on the “full armor of God” in order to stand “against the devil’s schemes.”

So, believers, let’s get dressed for battle (Ephesians 6:10-18)

  • Belt of Truth—We go forth with integrity and faithfulness.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness—We have been made righteous by Christ (our position) and we are to live upright before God and man (our practice).
  • Feet fitted with the Gospel—Our stability and surefootedness come from the peace we have in Christ
  • Shield of Faith—We trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Helmet of Salvation—We are confident that Christ we deliver us today and in the future.
  • Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God—Scripture is our offensive weapon to combat the enemies assaults.
  • Pray—Hearing the Commanders instruction is critical
  • Be Alert—Never drop your guard.

 
Buckle up! Following hard after Christ is not for wimps!

Father, please don’t let us go through one day of our lives unprepared for battle. Lay out our armor in front of us every day and by your Spirit prompt us to put it on. In Jesus name. Amen.

Today on The Journey: Gambling: What’s at Stake (The Thin Gray Line). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s new book–Ignite.

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