Wayne Stiles Podcast: Recent Episodes
Wayne Stiles
Part 18 - “Route 66”
Book of Job
In times of suffering, God reveals Himself to us not by answering our questions and accusations but by affirming His total control. We don’t have to understand all that goes on behind the scenes in the spiritual and moral realm of God’s plans for us. God calls us instead to trust and obey.
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Part 17 - “Route 66”
Esther 4
Esther found herself in a place of influence, providentially placed to do what was right in a wrong-headed culture. Like Esther, we must realize that God has placed us where we are for such a time as this, and we must say and do what is right . . . even if we stand all alone.
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Part 16 - “Route 66”
Nehemiah 10; 13Israel’s great national return and repentance was short-lived. Once committed to changing, they failed to keep the change and backslid toward the sins that caused their original undoing. Learning from their mistakes, how can we cooperate with the Spirit of God and enjoy positive change without regression?
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Part 15 - “Route 66” (A message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Ezra 1; 1 Timothy 2:1-8
The Book of Ezra reveals that the Lord, being sovereign over all kingdoms, moved the heart of unbelieving Cyrus to fulfill God’s will. God also stirred the hearts of His people to respond and return to the Promised Land. Today, we should pray to God on behalf of unbelieving rulers so that political circumstances may become favorable for the message of the gospel . . . and the living of its commands.
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Part 14 - “Route 66” (A series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
2 Chronicles 34
Josiah’s great reforms for Israel began when he heard, as if for the first time, the Word of God. Israel’s inevitable exile was temporarily delayed because of the repentance of Josiah and Israel under him. We must renew our devotion to the Word of God, for God’s iron hand of love will draw us back to Him through discipline if we ignore the Scriptures.
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Part 13 - “Route 66” (A series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
1 Chronicles 17The books of Chronicles, written to God’s weary people returning from exile, present a reason for hope in the Lord. In spite of all the faults of the kings from David’s line (including David himself), God will not renege on His promises to David. We too can take courage that God will fulfill His unconditional promises toward us . . . in spite of our sins. This shows the magnitude of God’s grace.
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Part 12 - “Route 66” (A series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
2 Kings 5
The leper Naaman initially felt insulted that all he must do to be healed was dip in the Jordan River. God’s grace often comes off as offensive to unbelievers. Gehazi, on the other hand, felt shocked that his master Elisha took no money from Naaman for his healing. So Gehazi took some money in secret and thus later suffered discipline. God’s grace has problems, as it were—offensive to unbelievers and abused by believers.
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Part 11 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
1 Kings 6, 9, 11 http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6559961329458171864&postID=7515726099358635412
How could the wisest man in the world blow it so badly? Solomon told God he wanted wisdom to govern God’s people, and he received it. But he should have also asked for a heart to obey God. Solomon’s priorities reveal a man with good intentions who forsook his own advice through compromise. We should commit not only to obtaining wisdom . . . but also to applying it.
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Part 10 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
2 Samuel 11-12
The secret sins of lust and adultery cratered the man after God’s own heart and made his walk with God miserable. The entire book of 2 Samuel pivots on one fateful evening in King David’s life. Only in repentance did David discover restoration and joy. We too should guard against the allure of adultery, for it jeopardizes our relationship with God and our joy in living.
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Part 9 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
1 Samuel 13-15
King Saul experienced pressure to disobey God from extreme circumstances, from his own pride, and from people’s desires-- all of which he responded to poorly. We can learn a lesson, as we travel back with personal interviews with King Saul, how to respond to pressure God's way.
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Part 8 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Ruth 1; 4
Bitterness blurs your vision, exaggerates your emotions, and takes a healthy, balanced perspective of life and twists it out of proportion. You can be riding along with a full tank, and bitterness will show you a gauge almost empty. How often do we beg and plead for God to give us something—a mate, a child, riches, healing—when already we may be fuller than we would be if God gave us what we wanted? Could not God’s withholding our request (which to us leaves us “empty”) actually be God giving us more than our desires?
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Part 7 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Judges 6:33-7:18
Gideon’s fearful heart prevented him from trusting the promise God gave about delivering Israel from the Midianites. So God uniquely worked to overcome Gideon’s deficiency and to bring him to a point of worship and faith. Only then could Gideon lead in victory. We also must face our fears and lack of trust in God’s Word and God’s power if we ever want to lead a victorious spiritual life.
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Part 6 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Joshua 24
After settling in the Promised Land, Joshua challenged the nation to renew their devotion to God and abandon their culture's and their ancestors' idols. He told them that everyone must “Choose today whom you will serve.” Seeing how God has faithfully worked in our lives in the past spurs us to reaffirm: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
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Part 5 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Deuteronomy 6:1-15
Holidays remind us to remember. And as we consider our relationship with God, Moses' message to the Hebrews remains true: When you prosper, remember that it’s all of God, and when you disobey, expect the Father to exact His perfect discipline because He loves you. For Israel, conditional blessing stemmed from obedience. But for those believers in Jesus Christ, whom God has already blessed with every spiritual blessing, obedience should come as we remember our deliverance.
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Part 3 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Leviticus 16
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) served as the most important day of the Hebrew calendar. This one day per year offered God’s children to regain and sustain fellowship with God—because of the death of a substitute. This practical picture points us to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the one through whom we have forgiveness from sins and fellowship with God today.
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Part 2 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Exodus 12
The Exodus of Israel through the blood of the Passover lamb displays God's gracious provision of redemption. The Exodus is the most important event of the Old Testament--just as the cross is for the New Testament.
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Part 1 - “Route 66” (a series with a message from each of the 66 books of the Bible)
Genesis 3; 12:1-3; 15:1-6
Genesis demonstrates how God’s right to rule through man is challenged by the sin of man. So God, in His grace, chose to bless the whole of mankind through one man's descendants. The problem of sin is met with the promise of gracious redemption.
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“To Do: Fear God and Love People” --
Matthew 22:35-39; Ecclesiastes 12:13 --
The application of the greatest command in the Bible can release us from our dependence on people. Solomon concluded after a meaningless life of chasing idols: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
“Delight in Your Powerful God” --
Isaiah 6 --
The person who fears the Lord fears nothing else. The fear of the Lord is awe, trust, devotion, and worship. We can loosen our grip on people when we grow to understand that God is more loving and more powerful than we can possibly imagine.(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
"Big Needs and a Little God" --
Matthew 6:9-13 --
We hear: "I need a vacation." "I need sex." "I need my husband to listen to me.” “I need a better job." Needs are sometimes greeds cloaked in good intentions, or at best, elevated godly desires. The Bible reveals our true needs for God and people are not often what we think. So what do you need?(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Jeremiah 17:5-8 -- We live in a world that looks to people to fulfill what only God can give: assurance, security, and love. Whom you need you worship, and people have become our idol of choice. Jeremiah shows that such fear of man leads to desolation, but fearing God leads to life and fulfillment.(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
“The Curse of Self-Esteem”--
Genesis 2:25-3:11--
We usually see our low esteem as a problem between us and people, rather than between us and God. But low self-esteem usually betrays a thwarted pride. It's only when we face our nakedness before God that He covers our shame—in fact He removes it.(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Part 12 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 5:8-14 -
The clear source of suffering is an enemy we can’t see and yet who’s on the prowl for those unprepared. So be prepared! Stand firm in your faith, knowing you’re not alone in the struggle, and the struggle is only a temporary state before an eternal glory.
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Part 11 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 5:1-7 -
To those in authority over others, the goal is humility. To those under the authority of others, the goal is also . . . humility. God honors humility, but humbles the proud. We can choose to receive God’s grace by resisting that natural impulse of pride.
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Part 10 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 4:12-19 -
Peter argues that suffering is part of God’s plan for every believer; the variable remains how we will suffer. The best way to suffer is to rejoice in the knowledge that trials are normal, but temporary, and rejoicing at what’s eternal will cause extraordinary rejoicing in eternity. The best way to suffer as a Christian is to suffer unjustly, entrusting yourself to God—for in so doing “for the name of Christ, you are blessed.”
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Part 9 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 4:7-11 -
What if the end was near? I mean, really. What should each person focus on? This passage reveals the answer: prayer, love, hospitality, and service. All these he should do for one main reason: “the end of all things is at hand.”
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Part 8 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 4:1-6 -
As those who know the futility of a life of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, and drinking parties, we should arm ourselves with the fact that those things caused the death of Jesus Christ. That knowledge should spur us to live the rest of our days for the wonderful will of God and no longer for the enfeebling lusts of men.
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Part 7 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -
If Christ is set apart as absolute Lord of our hearts, then we should be ready at any moment to give a reason for the hope of heaven. And once that reason is given, our good conscience and behavior—regardless of our suffering—should match the message we share. Christ exemplified this behavior of readiness amidst unjust suffering—even going so far as to proclaim, after His death, a message of victory to the damned.
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Part 6 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 3:7-12 -
Peace in the home stems from excellent behavior in the home. A practical command is given to every husband: know and honor your wife. Then an integral command is given to both spouses: return insults with a blessing—not retaliation.
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Part 5 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 3:1-6 -
Just as all believers are to submit to proper authority—even when it’s unjust—so that principle extends to the home. Peter offers practical advice to wives of unbelieving husbands, as to how excellent behavior can also be a tool through which God works on a husband’s heart. Peter also gives comfort to the weary woman who struggles with a husband who doesn’t love her.
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Part 4 – “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 2:11-25 -
Though citizens of a nation, in truth we are aliens and strangers in the world. And while living in the world, our behavior should reflect obedience to both governmental and vocational authority. This excellent behavior-- even when treated unjustly-- silences the unbelievers and pleases Christ who also unjustly suffered in this world.
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Part 3 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 1:22-2:10 -
Once the attitude of holiness has begun in an individual’s heart, he or she should display that holiness in selfless love for God’s people and in an unflagging desire for God Word. Only through Scripture will anyone grow in respect to salvation, and only through love displayed will that salvation be shared with others. Only two things last forever--God’s Word and God’s people. So love what lasts.
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Part 2 - “Faith in Times Like These”
- 1 Peter 1:13-21 -We could sum up most sermons in two words: “Be good.” But why be good? Why does the Bible tells us that? The answer lies in God’s character.
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Part 4 - “Good and Angry”
- Psalm 13 -
Anger often stems from unmet “needs,” such as a desire for respect, admiration, or affirmation. There must be a balance between legitimate needs and codependency. One major way we attempt to have these needs met is by trying to control others. The Bible gives the better alternative—freedom in choices and freedom from dependencies. (Wayne recommends The Anger Workbook by Les Carter, an essential resource used in this series.)
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Part 3 - “Good and Angry”
Selected Scripture
Anger often stems from unmet “needs,” such as a desire for respect, admiration, or affirmation. There must be a balance between legitimate needs and codependency. One major way we attempt to have these needs met is by trying to control others. The Bible gives the better alternative—freedom in choices and freedom from dependencies. (Wayne recommends The Anger Workbook by Les Carter, an essential resource used in this series.)
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Part 2 - “Good and Angry”
Selected Scripture
Anger often stems from unmet “needs,” such as a desire for respect, admiration, or affirmation. There must be a balance between legitimate needs and codependency. One major way we attempt to have these needs met is by trying to control others. The Bible gives the better alternative—freedom in choices and freedom from dependencies. (Wayne recommends The Anger Workbook by Les Carter, an essential resource used in this series.)
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Go to Wayne's Web site(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Part 1 - “Good and Angry”
Ephesians 4:25-32
Anger is more than losing your temper; it surfaces and is dealt with in many ways—most often, inappropriately! The Bible reveals the purpose for anger and the choices we have regarding its management—both for ourselves and toward others. (Wayne recommends The Anger Workbookby Les Carter, an essential resource used in this series.)
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Part 8 - (Commitment) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 8:3-14 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 7 - (Intimacy) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 7:1-8:4 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 6 - (Reconciliation) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 5:8-6:13 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 5 - (Conflict) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 5:2-8 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 4 - (Consummation) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 3:6-5:1 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 3 - (Courtship) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 2 - (Purity) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 1:12-2:7 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Part 1 - (Attraction) “Love: The Greatest of Songs”
- Song of Solomon 1:1-11 -
In this intimate book, The Song of Solomon, we get to stare wide-eyed at love as God intended it to be. From its beginning in what makes one attractive to the struggle with that attraction in sexuality as a single. From the passion of physical intimacy given and blessed by God, to the passion of marital conflict and how it may be resolved. We shouldn’t be ashamed to study what God was not ashamed to reveal. In this practical book, we come to understand in a very practical way why the greatest of songs is love.
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Go to Wayne's Web site(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Luke 7:36-50 --
God’s grace is favor we didn't earn. The more we realize our sin, the more we appreciate God's grace. In truth, God's grace was bigger than you thought. When Jesus Christ died on the cross April 3, AD 33 He took all of your sins upon Himself-- all-- not most, not just the ones you confess, not just the ones that are socially acceptable, but all of your sins. The more you appreciate God's grace, the more love you show to God.
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John 13:1-17
The basis for unselfishness toward those whom you are around, those with whom you serve, and those with whom you live—all stem from Jesus’ example of serving when He had nothing to gain from it.
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Matthew 7:1-5
Our culture's favorite statement of Jesus is, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." This is not an excuse for tolerance, but it is an indictment against hypocrisy.
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John 11:1-44
God’s ways of working in our lives are often confusing. But in the end, we see that His confusing paths were the best after all.
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John 7:1-9
Waiting on God is one of the hardest parts of life. But it’s in the waiting that we are being prepared for a future only God can see.
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Matthew 3; 11:2-11
Doubt often seems to betray our faith. But in reality, doubt can be a catalyst for spiritual growth.
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- Malachi 4 -
The last word of the English Old Testament is “curse.” What began with a blessing in Genesis ends with a curse in Malachi. But before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes, God promised to send a messenger, an Elijah, who would turn the hearts of people to God. When John the Baptist came, he pointed to Jesus Christ. The central question that ends Malachi’s book remains the question Jesus asked when He came: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
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Matthew 14:14-21
Relying on our own strength yields nothing but failure. But through Jesus, we have the strength and adequacy necessary to live lives that both honor God and help others.
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John 4:1-29
Sometimes it seems we seek to find fulfillment in every place except the person who created us to find satisfaction in Him.
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Revelation 21-22 --
What will Heaven be like? In the rush of our lives we can forget that there is a hope that extends beyond this life.
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1 Peter 4:7-11 --
When many people think about serving God, they compare it to eating vegetables—something you do because you’re supposed to. But many have never discovered an area of passion or giftedness, and so each experience has been miserable. However, many also have discovered what every Christian can—that God has gifted each believer to make a unique contribution to eternity like no one else can.
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Matthew 6:24; Ephesians 5:15-17--
A lot of our worries are solved by admitting that we are more than recipients of God's gifts; we are stewards of them. Regarding our time and our money, God owns the rights and we have the responsibilities to use them for Him.
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Romans 12:1-2; Mark 12:28-31--
In an immediate situation, what can you do instead of react? What happens in the gap between the stimulus and the response? God defines love as obedience to His revealed will—in fact, obedience is an act of worship.
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Psalm 1--
We face two roads in this life. One is well-worn, common, and cozy. But it ends like flying off the end of the freeway. The other requires a machete and a tour guide but promises blessing in the end --and even along the way. The path to blessing begins through memorizing and meditating on Scripture.
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Deuteronomy 32:44-47; James 1:22-25 --
The Bible is meant to be more than coffee table décor or a museum relic. God meant for you to read and apply it to your life.
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1 Timothy 4:6-16 --
Spiritual disciplines sounds like an oxymoron—or legalism at best. But the path to godliness comes through faithful application of basic disciplines God has laid out in His Word.
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What about the so-called “lost” books of the Bible? How do we know that the Bibles we have are all that God wanted us to read? Is the Apocrypha part of Scripture? Why should we even care?
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Where did the devil come from? Is he real? How could God create him evil—or did He? Understanding Satan’s strategy against you equips you to be victorious in the battle, for you are in it.
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Who are angels—or what? Contemporary novels and blockbuster movies depict angelic beings as everything from glorified superhumans to wimpy old men trying to earn their wings. Fortunately, God’s Word tells us plenty about angels—and what difference they make in our everyday lives.
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Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27; 6:31--
God rested. What does that mean? Even Jesus made it a priority to take some down time. What a needed message to our busy lives.
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Ephesians 6:5-9; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-15--
Is your job secular or spiritual? Whether you’re a preacher or a plumber, a biblical view of work understands it as an essential element of life support and a platform for influence.
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Is God bi-partisan? An odd question, perhaps, but it puts a lot in perspective. Consider the idea that, at its root, abortion is not a political issue. Is the question the right to choose, or is the issue when does life begin?
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Genesis 49:29-50:26 --
The death of believers provides an incomparable opportunity to demonstrate faith in the unfulfilled promises of God. Not even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ, because the promises of God extend beyond this life.
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Genesis 49:1-28 --
Decisions we make have lasting effects on the lives of our children. Jacob's prophecies of his sons' descendants directly connected with his sons' actions. How essential it is that we be careful what we did.
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Genesis 47:28-48:22 --
God's ways are not always our ways. In fact, He sometimes does the opposite of human conventions! As Jacob was dying, he blessed Joseph's sons by crossing his hands, putting the younger above the older—in spite of the protest of Joseph.
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Genesis 46:31-47:27 --
Using wisdom in dealing with those in authority leads to a greater freedom for believers. Joseph wisely used his influence in and knowledge of Egyptian culture so as to both benefit the believing community and not to offend the one in authority.
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Genesis 45:16-46:30 --
Only the power of God can bring resolution to an absolute hopeless situation. We may be reassured to follow God's leading, even when it removes us from our perceived security, trusting that His leading brings more satisfaction in the end.
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Genesis 45:1-15 --
You’ve been wronged. Forgiving feels impossible. How was Joseph able to reconcile with his undeserving brothers? Forgiveness begins by recognizing God's sovereignty.
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A loyalty first to self once led Joseph's brothers to rid themselves of him. Joseph now provides the opportunity to once again abandon a favored son, thus testing their loyalty. God may test our willingness to put others first if in the past we failed to demonstrate this. A repentant heart will choose the right path given the second chance.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
I recently had the privilege of participating in an interview on Moody Radio's broadcast, The Land and the Book with Dr. Charlie Dyer. We discuss traveling to Israel, my Jerusalem Post articles, and my books about the lands and lessons of the Bible.
I have selected only my portion of the broadcast for this podcast. But you will find the entire broadcast interesting as well.(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
It’s tough when someone gets what we want. As jealousy had once enraged Joseph's brothers against him, he now tests their character again by favoring Benjamin above them. We shouldn't let jealousy mar our rejoicing in God's undeserved grace to us.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Genesis 42-
For Joseph's brothers, the oppressors became the oppressed, and the imprisoners became the imprisoned. God may use ironic reversals in our lives to convict ignored or unresolved guilt -- to test our willingness to come clean before God and man.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Genesis 41 -
Even when Joseph's dreams begin to come true, as he is elevated to leadership in Egypt, he still remains faithful-- now in spite of success-- by giving his children Hebrew names. Success should drive us to greater faithfulness, seeing that with promotion comes greater responsibility.
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Genesis 40 -
Feel like giving up? God tested Joseph to see if he had given up hope on his dreams by giving him two more dreams to interpret. Joseph interprets them correctly, thus God encourages him that his own dreams will come true in spite of his present circumstances. We too can find encouragement from God regarding our future-- in spite of today.
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Genesis 39 -
How can a person stay sexually pure in a world that cares nothing for purity? Joseph shows us.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Genesis 37 -
Even though God revealed to Joseph His will for the future, God didn't reveal how that will was to be accomplished. Joseph had to transfer his confidence away from understanding his circumstances to a confidence in the God of all circumstances. So it is with us.
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2 Corinthians 3 --
What good is it if we attend a bunch of Bible studies but never grow in maturity, or if we hear a thousand sermons but never improve our marriages and families? Knowledge alone isn't enough. Value transformation, not just information, as the basis of a successful ministry. It all comes down to life change.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 --
Usually when we think of excellence we think of giftedness; and partly this is true. But our attitude says as much about the quality of our work as our skills do, for it is the attitude God will judge. Excellence in ministry honors God and inspires people.
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Genesis 1-2 --
The more predictable we are the less of an impact we have; and this is nowhere more true than in our current culture. We need to look no further than the first chapters of the Bible to see that the most creative Person in the universe is God: from nothing He created everything. Creativity is an effective way to express sound doctrine.
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Titus 2:11-15 --
Should we obey God in order to get His favor? No. Believers obey the Lord because they already have His favor. God's grace in giving Jesus Christ provides the safe haven for learning to obey. Grace is the context in which God's standards are to be taught.
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John 4 - Our world offers drinks of water that never satisfy. Instead, we end up with a mouthful of gravel. God, on the other hand, offers living water. And God seeks from us the only thing we can truly offer.
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Luke 11:1-13 -
In any relationship, communication is essential. In our relationship with God, He communicates to us through His Word—and we communicate to Him through prayer. But what about when He doesn’t answer?
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Mark 6:35-52 -
God’s shaping of people into leaders puts them in places that require them to trust Him. That develops character. Although never on our resumes, character ranks most important in what makes quality leaders.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Acts 2:42 --
If we’re honest, we have to admit that we guard our privacy and isolation. We withdraw from transparency in relationships. What lethal commitments to the spiritual life! The example of Jesus and the early church was to live in relation—not isolation. To grow to full potential, every believer needs real relationships on levels beyond the surface.
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Matthew 28:18-20--
Finding God's will for your life often seems perplexing. However, God has made it clear to what every believer should devote himself or herself.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Mark 12:28-31; 1 John 3:13-18 --
Do you value love for God and people, expressed not only in word but also in deed? When someone asked Jesus to recite the greatest commandment, He spoke of love-- love for God and love for people. Love at its essence is a verb.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
John 14:6; Romans 1-2 --
This ranks as a “good question” because people commonly assume Jesus is just one among many gods or paths to God. A God who is loving would not send someone to hell who has never heard of Jesus, would He? This message examines Christianity’s excusive claim and the absolute necessity of fulfilling the Great Commission.
Visit www.waynestiles.com(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
2 Samuel 15:23; Psalm 63 -
God sometimes leads us through periods of confusion, sorrow, and struggle. King David illustrates how to let the worst bring out our best: he sought his satisfaction only in God. While other Psalms may match David's devotion, few surpass this one he sang in the wilderness.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51 -
Times of vulnerability can allow secret sin to penetrate our hearts. A song burst forth from David's blackest moment of self-realization. Thankfully, it explores not only the depths of guilt but also the depths of God's forgiveness. David's discovery remains our opportunity for forgiveness.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
1 Samuel 22:1-2; Psalms 57 and 142 -
In our lowest points of life, God calls us to pray to Him. Desperate for refuge, David cried out to God: "There is no one who regards me; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul." All alone—and with him, other desperate loners—David clings to God as the One who loves him and meets his every need.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
2 Samuel 16; Psalm 3-
How can we respond to criticism that’s unfair and even abusive? When it happened to David, his friend suggested striking back. But David's response was to place the critic in God's hands, a model from which we may learn. David sang in Psalm 3: "But Thou, O Lord, are a shield about me…" As it turned out, God vindicated David through providential circumstances and condemned the critic through the same.
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(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Revelation 2:1-7 -
When what was once a passion becomes a project, it's time to look at motives. Why do you stay so busy? Is it all about your own fulfillment or about your love for Jesus Christ? How can we reignite our first love for God?
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Book of Jude -
Are you willing to struggle for the truth of God's Word where truth is being distorted? With false teachers everywhere these days, Jude reminds us to remember the Bible and to rescue those who have been duped by error.(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Book of 3 John -
The shortest book in the Bible carries an essential reminder. Be hospitable and support to God's traveling ministers, as Gaius did. On the other hand, don’t be a person who refuses to get along with others because you crave all the attention. Using these two examples, the Apostle John urges us not to “imitate what is evil, but what is good.”(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles
Book of 2 John -
We never outgrow the basics. Anyone who abandons the essential truths in light of new revelation "has gone too far." While the Bible repeatedly tells believers to grow beyond the basics, it never says to abandon them. By all means, grow! But stay grounded in truth.(c) 2008 Wayne Stiles