Read: Psalm 31:14-24
You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. --- Psalm 31:22
The Bible In One Year:
Obadiah, Jonah
During Antarctica's 9-month winter, the continent is engulfed in darkness and the temperature sinks to -115º F [-82º C]. Flights are halted from late February to November, leaving workers at scattered research stations isolated and virtually cut off from outside help. Yet, during 2001, two daring rescue missions penetrated the polar winter and airlifted people with serious medical conditions to safety.
We all feel helpless and cut off at times. It may seem that not even God can hear or answer our cries for help. The psalmist David said in a time of trouble, "I am cut off from before Your eyes" [Psalm 31:22]. But David discovered that the Lord had not forgotten him, and he rejoiced, "You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You" [v.22].
What circumstances make you feel helpless or hopeless today? Poor health, broken relationships, a family member in great need? In Jesus Christ, God has pierced the dark winter of our world in a daring rescue through His redeeming love. He is therefore able to reach us and calm our fears in the most desperate circumstances.
We are never cut off from the mighty power and sustaining peace of God. --- David McCasland
The Lord is near to all who call;
He promised in His holy Word
That if we will draw near to Him,
Our faintest heartcry will be heard. --- Hess
GOD'S HELP IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
He Can Be Trusted
Read: Psalm 84
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! --- Psalm 84:12
The Bible In One Year:
Amos 7-9
I was sitting in my chair by the window, staring out through fir and spruce trees to the mountains beyond, lost in thought. I looked down and saw a young fox, staring up at my face. She was as still as a stone.
Days before, I had seen her at the edge of the woods, looking nervously over her shoulder at me. I went to the kitchen for an egg, and rolled it toward the place I had last seen her. Each day I put another egg on the lawn, and each day she ventured out of the trees just long enough to pick it up. Then she would dart back into the woods.
Now she had come on her own to my door to get an egg, convinced, I supposed, that I meant her no harm.
This incident reminded my wife of David's invitation: "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good" [Psalm 34:8]. How do we start doing that? By taking in His Word. As we read and reflect on His compassion and loving-kindness, we learn that He can be trusted [84:12]. We lose our dread of getting closer to Him. Our fear becomes a healthy respect and honor of Him.
You may at times distrust God, as the fox was wary of me at first. But give Him a chance to prove His love. Read about Jesus in the Gospels. Read the praises to God in the Psalms. Taste and see that He is good! --- David Roper
O taste and see that God is good
To all that seek His face;
Yea, blest the man that trusts in Him,
Confiding in His grace. --- Psalter
NO ONE IS BEYOND THE REACH OF GOD'S LOVE.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! --- Psalm 84:12
The Bible In One Year:
Amos 7-9
I was sitting in my chair by the window, staring out through fir and spruce trees to the mountains beyond, lost in thought. I looked down and saw a young fox, staring up at my face. She was as still as a stone.
Days before, I had seen her at the edge of the woods, looking nervously over her shoulder at me. I went to the kitchen for an egg, and rolled it toward the place I had last seen her. Each day I put another egg on the lawn, and each day she ventured out of the trees just long enough to pick it up. Then she would dart back into the woods.
Now she had come on her own to my door to get an egg, convinced, I supposed, that I meant her no harm.
This incident reminded my wife of David's invitation: "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good" [Psalm 34:8]. How do we start doing that? By taking in His Word. As we read and reflect on His compassion and loving-kindness, we learn that He can be trusted [84:12]. We lose our dread of getting closer to Him. Our fear becomes a healthy respect and honor of Him.
You may at times distrust God, as the fox was wary of me at first. But give Him a chance to prove His love. Read about Jesus in the Gospels. Read the praises to God in the Psalms. Taste and see that He is good! --- David Roper
O taste and see that God is good
To all that seek His face;
Yea, blest the man that trusts in Him,
Confiding in His grace. --- Psalter
NO ONE IS BEYOND THE REACH OF GOD'S LOVE.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
In Partnership With God
Read: Matthew 6:5-15
Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. --- Matthew 6:8
The Bible In One Year:
Amos 4-6
A man had transformed an overgrown plot of ground into a beautiful garden and was showing a friend what he had accomplished. Pointing to a bed of flowers, he said, "Look at what I did here." His companion corrected him, "You mean, 'Look at what God and I did here.'" The gardener replied, "I guess you're right. But you should have seen the shape this plot was in when He was taking care of it by Himself."
We chuckle at the man's reply, but it expresses a wonderful spiritual truth --- we are co-workers with God. This applies to every area of life, including prayer. It answers a question that naturally comes to mind when we reflect on Jesus' statements in Matthew 6. He said we don't need to pray on and on with vain repetitions like the pagans, because our Father knows what we need before we ask [Matthew 6:7-8].
The question is, then, why pray? The answer is simple and comforting. God had graciously chosen to give us the privilege of being His partners in both the physical and spiritual areas of life. Through prayer we work with Him in defeating the powers of evil and in bringing about the fulfillment of His loving purposes in the world. Partners with God --- what a privilege! What an incentive to pray! --- Herb Vander Lugt
Although God knows our every need,
His work He wants to share;
He takes us into partnership
By calling us to prayer. --- D. De Haan
GOD'S WORK IS DONE BY THOSE WHO PRAY.
Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. --- Matthew 6:8
The Bible In One Year:
Amos 4-6
A man had transformed an overgrown plot of ground into a beautiful garden and was showing a friend what he had accomplished. Pointing to a bed of flowers, he said, "Look at what I did here." His companion corrected him, "You mean, 'Look at what God and I did here.'" The gardener replied, "I guess you're right. But you should have seen the shape this plot was in when He was taking care of it by Himself."
We chuckle at the man's reply, but it expresses a wonderful spiritual truth --- we are co-workers with God. This applies to every area of life, including prayer. It answers a question that naturally comes to mind when we reflect on Jesus' statements in Matthew 6. He said we don't need to pray on and on with vain repetitions like the pagans, because our Father knows what we need before we ask [Matthew 6:7-8].
The question is, then, why pray? The answer is simple and comforting. God had graciously chosen to give us the privilege of being His partners in both the physical and spiritual areas of life. Through prayer we work with Him in defeating the powers of evil and in bringing about the fulfillment of His loving purposes in the world. Partners with God --- what a privilege! What an incentive to pray! --- Herb Vander Lugt
Although God knows our every need,
His work He wants to share;
He takes us into partnership
By calling us to prayer. --- D. De Haan
GOD'S WORK IS DONE BY THOSE WHO PRAY.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Windtalkers
Read: 2 Peter 1:19-21
Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. --- 2 Peter 1:21
The Bible In One Year:
Amos 1-3
Their contribution to victory in World War II was enormous, but few people even knew about them. In 1942, the US Army recruited and trained 29 young Navajo Indians and sent them to a base surrounded in secrecy. These people, who were called "windtalkers," had been asked to devise a special code in their native language that the enemy couldn't break. They succeeded, and the code was never broken. It secured and greatly speeded up war communications. For 23 years after the war, that secret code remained classified in case it might be needed again.
By contrast, the Bible was not sent down to us in some unbreakable code impossible to understand. Although it contains rich imagery, vivid metaphors, and the record of magnificent visions, it was written by human authors to give people the message of God's love and salvation.
That message is clear and unmistakable. The biblical writers were moved by God's Spirit to record exactly what He wanted us to know. For centuries people have been freed from their sin and guilt by believing His message.
We owe a great debt to the windtalkers. We owe an even greater debt to the writers of Scripture, who received God's Word and wrote it down. So let's read it often. --- Dave Egner
When reading God's Word, take special here;
To find the rich treasures hidden there;
Give thought to each line, each precept close,
Then practice it well with godly fear. --- Anon.
MANY WHO HAVE BEEN BLIND TO THE TRUTH HAVE FOUND THAT READING THE BIBLE IS A REAL EYE-OPENER.
Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. --- 2 Peter 1:21
The Bible In One Year:
Amos 1-3
Their contribution to victory in World War II was enormous, but few people even knew about them. In 1942, the US Army recruited and trained 29 young Navajo Indians and sent them to a base surrounded in secrecy. These people, who were called "windtalkers," had been asked to devise a special code in their native language that the enemy couldn't break. They succeeded, and the code was never broken. It secured and greatly speeded up war communications. For 23 years after the war, that secret code remained classified in case it might be needed again.
By contrast, the Bible was not sent down to us in some unbreakable code impossible to understand. Although it contains rich imagery, vivid metaphors, and the record of magnificent visions, it was written by human authors to give people the message of God's love and salvation.
That message is clear and unmistakable. The biblical writers were moved by God's Spirit to record exactly what He wanted us to know. For centuries people have been freed from their sin and guilt by believing His message.
We owe a great debt to the windtalkers. We owe an even greater debt to the writers of Scripture, who received God's Word and wrote it down. So let's read it often. --- Dave Egner
When reading God's Word, take special here;
To find the rich treasures hidden there;
Give thought to each line, each precept close,
Then practice it well with godly fear. --- Anon.
MANY WHO HAVE BEEN BLIND TO THE TRUTH HAVE FOUND THAT READING THE BIBLE IS A REAL EYE-OPENER.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Happy New Year!
Read: Joel 2:12-17
Rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful. --- Joel 2:13
The Bible In One Year:
Joel 1-3
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is regarded as the anniversary of the day that God created the world. The celebration begins with a blast of the shofar [ram's horn] to announce that the God who created the world is still the One ruling it. The blowing of the horn also begins a 10-day period of self-exclamation and repentance leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement [Leviticus 23:22-32; Numbers 29:1-6]
The prophet Joel urged people not to just go through the motions of repentance, but to turn from their sins and obey God [Joel 2:13]. In his day, tearing garments was a sign of sorrow for sin. It made a good show, but it didn't impress God. He was more concerned with their hearts.
Especially interesting is the basis for Joel's appeal. It wasn't only to avoid God's wrath, but also to enjoy God's grace, compassion, and love. Sometimes we think of God as being heavy-handed with punishment and tight-fisted with mercy. The words of Joel remind us that the opposite is true. The Lord is slow to punish and eager to forgive.
There's no better way to celebrate God's creation than to let Him re-create your heart through faith in Jesus the Messiah and turn your desires toward Him. --- Julie Link
When I tried to cover my sin,
My guilt I could not shake;
But when I sought Your mercy, Lord,
My sin I did forsake. --- Hess
CONFESSION IS THE KEY THAT OPENS THE DOOR TO FORGIVENESS.
Rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful. --- Joel 2:13
The Bible In One Year:
Joel 1-3
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is regarded as the anniversary of the day that God created the world. The celebration begins with a blast of the shofar [ram's horn] to announce that the God who created the world is still the One ruling it. The blowing of the horn also begins a 10-day period of self-exclamation and repentance leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement [Leviticus 23:22-32; Numbers 29:1-6]
The prophet Joel urged people not to just go through the motions of repentance, but to turn from their sins and obey God [Joel 2:13]. In his day, tearing garments was a sign of sorrow for sin. It made a good show, but it didn't impress God. He was more concerned with their hearts.
Especially interesting is the basis for Joel's appeal. It wasn't only to avoid God's wrath, but also to enjoy God's grace, compassion, and love. Sometimes we think of God as being heavy-handed with punishment and tight-fisted with mercy. The words of Joel remind us that the opposite is true. The Lord is slow to punish and eager to forgive.
There's no better way to celebrate God's creation than to let Him re-create your heart through faith in Jesus the Messiah and turn your desires toward Him. --- Julie Link
When I tried to cover my sin,
My guilt I could not shake;
But when I sought Your mercy, Lord,
My sin I did forsake. --- Hess
CONFESSION IS THE KEY THAT OPENS THE DOOR TO FORGIVENESS.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
People God Can Use
Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. --- 1 Timothy 6:18
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 11-14
Evangelist Franklin Graham wrote, "if we want to become the type of people that God can use anytime, anywhere, anyplace, we must offer ourselves, our homes, our kitchens, and our living rooms as outposts for the kingdom of God." People who practice these words are fulfilling Paul's challenge to "be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" [1 Timothy 6:18].
Years ago, our family sensed that the Lord was placing this same challenge before us. Believing that He desired greater access to our lives, our possessions, and our time, we prayerfully said yes to Him.
Soon we encountered a desperate drug addict and opened our home to him. Several families joined us in helping others who needed to come to Christ and come off drugs. Eventually we established a Christian rehabilitation center --- a ministry that continues today. To equip us for this ministry, God used our own painful experiences. Our own troubles helped us identify with others, and enabled us to guide them to depend on Jesus for salvation and every daily need.
God also wants to use you, your possessions, and even your pain, to equip you for a life that's rich in giving and sharing. Have you said yes to Him? --- Joanie Yoder
Give me a heart sympathetic and tender,
Jesus, like Thine, Jesus, like Thine,
Touched by the needs that are surging around me,
And filled with compassion divine. --- Anon.
COMPASSION IS NEEDED TO HEAL THE HURTS OF OTHERS.
Be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. --- 1 Timothy 6:18
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 11-14
Evangelist Franklin Graham wrote, "if we want to become the type of people that God can use anytime, anywhere, anyplace, we must offer ourselves, our homes, our kitchens, and our living rooms as outposts for the kingdom of God." People who practice these words are fulfilling Paul's challenge to "be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" [1 Timothy 6:18].
Years ago, our family sensed that the Lord was placing this same challenge before us. Believing that He desired greater access to our lives, our possessions, and our time, we prayerfully said yes to Him.
Soon we encountered a desperate drug addict and opened our home to him. Several families joined us in helping others who needed to come to Christ and come off drugs. Eventually we established a Christian rehabilitation center --- a ministry that continues today. To equip us for this ministry, God used our own painful experiences. Our own troubles helped us identify with others, and enabled us to guide them to depend on Jesus for salvation and every daily need.
God also wants to use you, your possessions, and even your pain, to equip you for a life that's rich in giving and sharing. Have you said yes to Him? --- Joanie Yoder
Give me a heart sympathetic and tender,
Jesus, like Thine, Jesus, like Thine,
Touched by the needs that are surging around me,
And filled with compassion divine. --- Anon.
COMPASSION IS NEEDED TO HEAL THE HURTS OF OTHERS.
Friday, September 24, 2004
It's Still Relevant
Read: Psalm 19:7-11
... having been born again ... through the Word of God which lives and abides forever. --- 1 Peter 1:23
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 8-10
It's estimated that every year 300,000 new books are published worldwide. What a torrent of print! Yet one volume, the Bible, stands out above all the others.
How do we explain the appeal of this ancient book? The answer is simple. It is God's Word, given in human language, and it tells us about our Creator and His purposes for the world. But it also gives us the most accurate understanding of mankind's perplexing nature and why we behave the way we do.
Harvard professor Robert Coles has interviewd hundreds of people in many different societies. When asked what he had learned from his research on human nature, Dr. Coles pointed to the Bible on his desk and said, "Nothing I have discovered about the makeup of human beings contradicts in any way what I learn from the Hebrew prophets ... and from Jesus and the lives of those He touched."
The writings of others and our own experience can teach us much about why we behave as we do. But only the Bible tells us tat our sinful heart is the heart of our problem, and that we can be changed from within by trusting Jesus.
Yes, the Bible is still relevant. Are you growing in your love for this ancient book? --- Vernon Grounds
Your heart and conscience cannot guide,
For they're deceived by sin inside;
But if you ant to see what's true,
The Word of God will mirror you. --- Hess
THE BIBLE IS A MIRROR THAT LETS US SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US.
... having been born again ... through the Word of God which lives and abides forever. --- 1 Peter 1:23
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 8-10
It's estimated that every year 300,000 new books are published worldwide. What a torrent of print! Yet one volume, the Bible, stands out above all the others.
How do we explain the appeal of this ancient book? The answer is simple. It is God's Word, given in human language, and it tells us about our Creator and His purposes for the world. But it also gives us the most accurate understanding of mankind's perplexing nature and why we behave the way we do.
Harvard professor Robert Coles has interviewd hundreds of people in many different societies. When asked what he had learned from his research on human nature, Dr. Coles pointed to the Bible on his desk and said, "Nothing I have discovered about the makeup of human beings contradicts in any way what I learn from the Hebrew prophets ... and from Jesus and the lives of those He touched."
The writings of others and our own experience can teach us much about why we behave as we do. But only the Bible tells us tat our sinful heart is the heart of our problem, and that we can be changed from within by trusting Jesus.
Yes, the Bible is still relevant. Are you growing in your love for this ancient book? --- Vernon Grounds
Your heart and conscience cannot guide,
For they're deceived by sin inside;
But if you ant to see what's true,
The Word of God will mirror you. --- Hess
THE BIBLE IS A MIRROR THAT LETS US SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
A Circle Of Compassion
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:1-4; Philippians 2:1-4
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. --- Romans 12:15
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 5-7
Following the death of our 17-year-old daughter in a car accident in June 2002, each member of our family handled the loss differently. For my wife, among the most helpful sources of comfort were visits from moms who had also lost a child in an accident.
Sue found strength in their stories, and she wanted them to tell her how God had been faithful in their lives, despite the deep sorrow that comes with losing a precious child.
Soon Sue became part of a circle of compassion, a small group of moms who could weep, pray, and seek God's help together. That cadre of grieving moms formed a bond of empathy and hope that provided encouragement in the face of her daily sorrow.
Each person grieves uniquely, yet we all need to share our hearts, our burdens, our questions, and our sadness with someone else. That's why it's vital that we find others with whom to discuss our pain and sorrow.
In our relationship with Christ, we find encouragement, consolation, love, fellowship, affection, and mercy [Philippians 2:1]. God comforts us so that we can comfort others [2 Corinthians 1:4]. So let's "rejoice with those who weep" [Romans 12:15]. Then others will find a circle of compassion too. --- Dave Branon
A heartfelt tear can show our love
As words can never do;
It says, "I want to share your pain ---
My heart goes out to you." --- D. De Haan
WE MUST LEARN TO WEEP BEFORE WE CAN DRY ANOTHER'S TEARS.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. --- Romans 12:15
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 5-7
Following the death of our 17-year-old daughter in a car accident in June 2002, each member of our family handled the loss differently. For my wife, among the most helpful sources of comfort were visits from moms who had also lost a child in an accident.
Sue found strength in their stories, and she wanted them to tell her how God had been faithful in their lives, despite the deep sorrow that comes with losing a precious child.
Soon Sue became part of a circle of compassion, a small group of moms who could weep, pray, and seek God's help together. That cadre of grieving moms formed a bond of empathy and hope that provided encouragement in the face of her daily sorrow.
Each person grieves uniquely, yet we all need to share our hearts, our burdens, our questions, and our sadness with someone else. That's why it's vital that we find others with whom to discuss our pain and sorrow.
In our relationship with Christ, we find encouragement, consolation, love, fellowship, affection, and mercy [Philippians 2:1]. God comforts us so that we can comfort others [2 Corinthians 1:4]. So let's "rejoice with those who weep" [Romans 12:15]. Then others will find a circle of compassion too. --- Dave Branon
A heartfelt tear can show our love
As words can never do;
It says, "I want to share your pain ---
My heart goes out to you." --- D. De Haan
WE MUST LEARN TO WEEP BEFORE WE CAN DRY ANOTHER'S TEARS.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Committed To Serve
Read: Ruth 1:1-18
Wherever you go, I will go; ... your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. --- Ruth 1:16
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 1-4
The best-known words of Ruth are most often heard at weddings, even though they were spoken by a grieving young widow to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth said, "Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" [Ruth 1:16].
Ruth had no legal or cultural responsibility to Naomi, who also was a widow and had no means of support. No one would have blamed Ruth for staying with her own people in Moab where the chances of remarriage were greater.
Naomi even urged Ruth to stay, but Ruth was determined to go with her to Judah, and to follow her God. Ruth's unselfish devotion was considered worthy of praise. Boaz, Ruth's future husband, told her, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband .... The LORD repay your work" [2:11-12].
Promises spoken at a wedding are full of hope and meaning, but Ruth's words have survived the centuries because of her unwavering commitment to God and a person in need. She points us to the value of loving sacrifice for the Lord, and to His rich blessing on all who give themselves unselfishly to others. --- David McCasland
Searching to know life's true meaning?
You'll find it in only one way:
Serving the Lord with commitment
And living for others each day. --- Branon
A LIFE FILLED WITH LOVE FOR THE LORD AND FOR OTHERS IS A FULFILLING LIFE.
Wherever you go, I will go; ... your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. --- Ruth 1:16
The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 1-4
The best-known words of Ruth are most often heard at weddings, even though they were spoken by a grieving young widow to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth said, "Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" [Ruth 1:16].
Ruth had no legal or cultural responsibility to Naomi, who also was a widow and had no means of support. No one would have blamed Ruth for staying with her own people in Moab where the chances of remarriage were greater.
Naomi even urged Ruth to stay, but Ruth was determined to go with her to Judah, and to follow her God. Ruth's unselfish devotion was considered worthy of praise. Boaz, Ruth's future husband, told her, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband .... The LORD repay your work" [2:11-12].
Promises spoken at a wedding are full of hope and meaning, but Ruth's words have survived the centuries because of her unwavering commitment to God and a person in need. She points us to the value of loving sacrifice for the Lord, and to His rich blessing on all who give themselves unselfishly to others. --- David McCasland
Searching to know life's true meaning?
You'll find it in only one way:
Serving the Lord with commitment
And living for others each day. --- Branon
A LIFE FILLED WITH LOVE FOR THE LORD AND FOR OTHERS IS A FULFILLING LIFE.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Silent Sermon
Read: Colossians 3:12-17; Hebrews 10:24-25
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another. --- Colossians 3:16
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 10-12
How important is our fellowship in the local church? Let me answer that question by telling a story.
A minister was concerned about the absence of a man who had normally attended services. After a few weeks, he decided to visit him. When the pastor arrived at the man's home, he found him all alone, sitting in front of a fireplace. The minister pulled up a chair and sat next to him. But after his initial greeting he said nothing more.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes while the minister stared at the flames in the fireplace. Then he took the tongs and carefully picked up one burning ember from the flames and placed it on the hearth. He sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched in quiet reflection as the ember flickered and faded. Before long it was cold and dead.
Th minister glanced at his watch and said he had to leave, but first he picked up the cold ember and placed it back in the fire. Immediately it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the minister rose to leave, his host stood with him and shook his hand. Then, with a smile on his face, the man said, "Thanks for the sermon, pastor. I'll see you in church on Sunday." --- David Roper
Lord, help us see how much we need each other
As we walk along the Christian way;
In fellowship with sister and with brother,
You will keep us growing day by day. --- Hess
THE WARM FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH WILL KEEP YOUR HEART FROM GROWING COLD.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another. --- Colossians 3:16
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 10-12
How important is our fellowship in the local church? Let me answer that question by telling a story.
A minister was concerned about the absence of a man who had normally attended services. After a few weeks, he decided to visit him. When the pastor arrived at the man's home, he found him all alone, sitting in front of a fireplace. The minister pulled up a chair and sat next to him. But after his initial greeting he said nothing more.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes while the minister stared at the flames in the fireplace. Then he took the tongs and carefully picked up one burning ember from the flames and placed it on the hearth. He sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched in quiet reflection as the ember flickered and faded. Before long it was cold and dead.
Th minister glanced at his watch and said he had to leave, but first he picked up the cold ember and placed it back in the fire. Immediately it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the minister rose to leave, his host stood with him and shook his hand. Then, with a smile on his face, the man said, "Thanks for the sermon, pastor. I'll see you in church on Sunday." --- David Roper
Lord, help us see how much we need each other
As we walk along the Christian way;
In fellowship with sister and with brother,
You will keep us growing day by day. --- Hess
THE WARM FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH WILL KEEP YOUR HEART FROM GROWING COLD.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Repenting And Rejoicing
Read: Psalm 51
Let the wicked forsake his way ... ; let him return to the LORD and He will have mercy on him. --- Isaiah 55:7
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 7-9
A Christian woman asked another believer how he was doing. With a broad smile he replied, "Repenting and rejoicing, sister!"
I believe this man was walking in a spirit of repentance --- daily confessing and turning from sins and rejoicing in God's forgiveness.
Because honest repentance involves sorrow, we may forget that repenting leads to rejoicing. When we first repent and become new believers, we experience great joy. But if we then choose to live with unconfessed sin, our joy is lost.
David believed his joy could be restored. After pouring out his prayer of repentance to God, he made this humble plea: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" [Psalm 51:12]. As David turned back to the Lord, his sense of purpose returned: "Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" [v.13]. Through his faith in a forgiving and merciful God, David began rejoicing again in his salvation [vv.14-15].
Do you sometimes lose the joy of your salvation because you fail to deal with your sins? If you'll confess them, God will forgive you [1 John 1:9]. He'll restore your joy and help you overcome sins that trouble you. That's what it means to be a "repenting and rejoicing" Christian. --- Joanie Yoder
When we confess our sins to God,
We're washed as white as snow,
And He keeps on forgiving us
Each time to Him we go. --- Sper
CONVICTION MAKES US SAD --- CONFESSION MAKES US GLAD.
Let the wicked forsake his way ... ; let him return to the LORD and He will have mercy on him. --- Isaiah 55:7
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 7-9
A Christian woman asked another believer how he was doing. With a broad smile he replied, "Repenting and rejoicing, sister!"
I believe this man was walking in a spirit of repentance --- daily confessing and turning from sins and rejoicing in God's forgiveness.
Because honest repentance involves sorrow, we may forget that repenting leads to rejoicing. When we first repent and become new believers, we experience great joy. But if we then choose to live with unconfessed sin, our joy is lost.
David believed his joy could be restored. After pouring out his prayer of repentance to God, he made this humble plea: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" [Psalm 51:12]. As David turned back to the Lord, his sense of purpose returned: "Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" [v.13]. Through his faith in a forgiving and merciful God, David began rejoicing again in his salvation [vv.14-15].
Do you sometimes lose the joy of your salvation because you fail to deal with your sins? If you'll confess them, God will forgive you [1 John 1:9]. He'll restore your joy and help you overcome sins that trouble you. That's what it means to be a "repenting and rejoicing" Christian. --- Joanie Yoder
When we confess our sins to God,
We're washed as white as snow,
And He keeps on forgiving us
Each time to Him we go. --- Sper
CONVICTION MAKES US SAD --- CONFESSION MAKES US GLAD.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Pigeon Walk
Read: Daniel 6:1-10
He knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom. --- Daniel 6:10
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 4-6
Have you ever wondered why a pigeon walks so funny? It's so it can see where it's going. A pigeon's eyes can't focus as it moves, so the bird actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus. It proceeds clumsily --- head forward, stop, head back, stop.
In our spiritual walk with the Lord, we have the same problem as the pigeon: We have a hard time seeing while we're on the go. We need to stop between steps --- to pause and refocus on the Word and the will of God. That's not to say we have to pray and meditate about every little decision in life. But certainly our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of stops that enable us to see more clearly before moving on.
Daniel's practice of praying three times a day was an essential part of his walk with God [Daniel 6:10]. He knew there's a certain kind of spiritual refocusing that we can't do without stopping. His stops gave him a very different kind of walk --- one that was obvious to those around him.
What about us? At the risk of being thought of as different, as Daniel was, let's learn this valuable lesson from the pigeon: "Looking good" isn't nearly as important as "seeing well." --- Mart De Haan
There is a blessed calm at eventide
That calls me from a world of toil and care;
How restful, then, to seem some quiet nook
Where I can spend a little time in prayer. --- Bullock
TIME IN CHRIST'S SERVICE REQUIRES TIME OUT FOR RENEWAL.
He knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom. --- Daniel 6:10
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 4-6
Have you ever wondered why a pigeon walks so funny? It's so it can see where it's going. A pigeon's eyes can't focus as it moves, so the bird actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus. It proceeds clumsily --- head forward, stop, head back, stop.
In our spiritual walk with the Lord, we have the same problem as the pigeon: We have a hard time seeing while we're on the go. We need to stop between steps --- to pause and refocus on the Word and the will of God. That's not to say we have to pray and meditate about every little decision in life. But certainly our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of stops that enable us to see more clearly before moving on.
Daniel's practice of praying three times a day was an essential part of his walk with God [Daniel 6:10]. He knew there's a certain kind of spiritual refocusing that we can't do without stopping. His stops gave him a very different kind of walk --- one that was obvious to those around him.
What about us? At the risk of being thought of as different, as Daniel was, let's learn this valuable lesson from the pigeon: "Looking good" isn't nearly as important as "seeing well." --- Mart De Haan
There is a blessed calm at eventide
That calls me from a world of toil and care;
How restful, then, to seem some quiet nook
Where I can spend a little time in prayer. --- Bullock
TIME IN CHRIST'S SERVICE REQUIRES TIME OUT FOR RENEWAL.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Tested And True
Read: Daniel 3:8-18
Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. --- Daniel 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 1-3
A young nurse was assisting a surgeon for the first time. As he was completing the operation, she told him he had used 12 sponges, but she could account for only 11. The doctor curtly replied that he had removed them all from inside the patient. The nurse insisted that one was missing, but the doctor declared he would proceed with sewing up the incision.
The nurse, her eyes blazing, said, "You can't do that! Think of the patient!" The doctor smiled and, lifting his foot, showed the nurse the twelfth sponge, which he had deliberately dropped on the floor. "You'll do fine!" he said. He had been testing her.
Daniel's three friends faced a different kind of test [Daniel 3], but they too would not budge. They knew their refusal to worship the image might result in their death, yet they never wavered. They proved they were true to God by standing firm.
The Lord still permits trials and temptations to enter the lives of His children. The challenge may come as an opportunity to gratify the lusts of the flesh, or as a series of disheartening circumstances. Whatever form it takes, we must not yield. Rather, we must stand for what is right and trust God to supply the grace we need [1 Corinthians 10:13].
Are you "tested and true"? --- Herb Vander Lugt
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin ---
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. --- Palmer
A GEM CANNOT BE POLISHED WITHOUT FRICTION, NOR CAN WE BE PERFECTED WITHOUT TRIAL.
Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. --- Daniel 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 1-3
A young nurse was assisting a surgeon for the first time. As he was completing the operation, she told him he had used 12 sponges, but she could account for only 11. The doctor curtly replied that he had removed them all from inside the patient. The nurse insisted that one was missing, but the doctor declared he would proceed with sewing up the incision.
The nurse, her eyes blazing, said, "You can't do that! Think of the patient!" The doctor smiled and, lifting his foot, showed the nurse the twelfth sponge, which he had deliberately dropped on the floor. "You'll do fine!" he said. He had been testing her.
Daniel's three friends faced a different kind of test [Daniel 3], but they too would not budge. They knew their refusal to worship the image might result in their death, yet they never wavered. They proved they were true to God by standing firm.
The Lord still permits trials and temptations to enter the lives of His children. The challenge may come as an opportunity to gratify the lusts of the flesh, or as a series of disheartening circumstances. Whatever form it takes, we must not yield. Rather, we must stand for what is right and trust God to supply the grace we need [1 Corinthians 10:13].
Are you "tested and true"? --- Herb Vander Lugt
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin ---
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. --- Palmer
A GEM CANNOT BE POLISHED WITHOUT FRICTION, NOR CAN WE BE PERFECTED WITHOUT TRIAL.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Truth Is Liberating
Read: John 8:28-36
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. --- John 8:32
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 46-48
A Christian friend shared several problems with me over the phone. He was particularly concerned about his frustration and anger. But talking seemed to help. The next day he e-mailed this message to me: "After our talk, I read my Bible notes and found several pages that spoke to me. But what helped me most was the realization that Christianity really is the truth. I suppose that for a Christian this should be obvious. But for me it was a fresh reminder that Jesus in fact is the Son of God and He loves me." He added, "Just knowing the truth was very liberating. Suddenly, all the frustration and anger left me."
Writer Os Guinness tells about a young, searching Christian who exclaimed, "I always knew the Christian faith was true, but I never realized it was this true!"
As these believers searched for greater understanding of the gospel, they rediscovered what Jesus promised: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" [John 8:32].
Do you need a fresh realization of truth in your life? Then spend time searching the Scriptures [the written truth], and earnestly seek Jesus Christ [the living truth]. Soon the old, familiar truth of Jesus and His love will become refreshingly new to you and will make you free indeed. --- Joanie Yoder
Our selfish ways imprison us ---
We cry out to be free;
But if we will obey God's Word,
We'll find true liberty. --- Sper
THE TRUTH OF CHRIST IS THE ONLY PATH TO FREEDOM.
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. --- John 8:32
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 46-48
A Christian friend shared several problems with me over the phone. He was particularly concerned about his frustration and anger. But talking seemed to help. The next day he e-mailed this message to me: "After our talk, I read my Bible notes and found several pages that spoke to me. But what helped me most was the realization that Christianity really is the truth. I suppose that for a Christian this should be obvious. But for me it was a fresh reminder that Jesus in fact is the Son of God and He loves me." He added, "Just knowing the truth was very liberating. Suddenly, all the frustration and anger left me."
Writer Os Guinness tells about a young, searching Christian who exclaimed, "I always knew the Christian faith was true, but I never realized it was this true!"
As these believers searched for greater understanding of the gospel, they rediscovered what Jesus promised: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" [John 8:32].
Do you need a fresh realization of truth in your life? Then spend time searching the Scriptures [the written truth], and earnestly seek Jesus Christ [the living truth]. Soon the old, familiar truth of Jesus and His love will become refreshingly new to you and will make you free indeed. --- Joanie Yoder
Our selfish ways imprison us ---
We cry out to be free;
But if we will obey God's Word,
We'll find true liberty. --- Sper
THE TRUTH OF CHRIST IS THE ONLY PATH TO FREEDOM.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Learning To Give
Read: Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor." --- Luke 19:8
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 43-45
Many people in affluent countries have become burdened by the accumulation of material goods they no longer need or use. But they have a hard time getting rid of things that clog their homes and businesses. After five moves in four years, one woman said, "You know how much stuff I brought with me to each place? I've asked myself, 'Where was your brain when you moved all this stuff?'" She then hired a professional organizer to help her learn to let go of things.
People cling to their possessions for many different reasons. It seems that Zacchaeus struggled with this problem because he was greedy [Luke 19:1-10]. But the story of this wealthy tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus culminated in a complete change of heart when Zacchaeus said, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor" [v.8]. He then promised, "If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." Jesus responded by saying, "Today salvation has come to this house" [v.9].
The new spiritual freedom that Zacchaeus found could be observed as the turned from getting to giving. His relaxed grip revealed a renewed heart.
Is it true of us as well? --- David McCasland
Speak to us, Lord, till shamed by Thy great giving,
Our hands unclasp to set our treasures free;
Our wills, our love, our dear ones, our possessions
All gladly yielded, gracious Lord, to Thee. --- Anon.
WE HAVEN'T LEARNED TO LIVE UNTIL WE'VE LEARNED TO GIVE.
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor." --- Luke 19:8
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 43-45
Many people in affluent countries have become burdened by the accumulation of material goods they no longer need or use. But they have a hard time getting rid of things that clog their homes and businesses. After five moves in four years, one woman said, "You know how much stuff I brought with me to each place? I've asked myself, 'Where was your brain when you moved all this stuff?'" She then hired a professional organizer to help her learn to let go of things.
People cling to their possessions for many different reasons. It seems that Zacchaeus struggled with this problem because he was greedy [Luke 19:1-10]. But the story of this wealthy tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus culminated in a complete change of heart when Zacchaeus said, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor" [v.8]. He then promised, "If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." Jesus responded by saying, "Today salvation has come to this house" [v.9].
The new spiritual freedom that Zacchaeus found could be observed as the turned from getting to giving. His relaxed grip revealed a renewed heart.
Is it true of us as well? --- David McCasland
Speak to us, Lord, till shamed by Thy great giving,
Our hands unclasp to set our treasures free;
Our wills, our love, our dear ones, our possessions
All gladly yielded, gracious Lord, to Thee. --- Anon.
WE HAVEN'T LEARNED TO LIVE UNTIL WE'VE LEARNED TO GIVE.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
A Bad Habit
Read: Exodus 17:1-7
They tempted the LORD saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" --- Exodus 17:7
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 40-42
Most people have a bad habit or two. Some habits are just irritating, such as talking too much or too fast. Others are much more serious.
Consider, for example, the bad habit developed by the people of ancient Israel. They had just been delivered from slavery [Exodus 14:30], and they ought to have been thankful. Instead, they started to complain to Moses and Aaron, "Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt!" [16:3].
We read in Exodus 17 that their complaining escalated into a quarrel. In reality, their complaint was with God, but they picked a fight with Moses because he was the leader. They said, "Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" [v.3]. The people even began questioning if God was really with them [v.7]. Yet He always met their needs.
If we're honest, we would have to admit that we sometimes complain when God isn't coming through for us teh way we want. We accuse Him of being absent or disinterested. But when our heart is concerned with God's purposes rather than our own, we will be patient and trust Him to provide all that we need. Then we won't develop the bad habig of complaining. --- Albert Lee
Those Christians who with thankful hearts
Praise God throughout the day
Won't tend to grumble and complain
When things don't go their way. --- Branon
TO CONQUER THE HABIT OF COMPLAINING, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS.
They tempted the LORD saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" --- Exodus 17:7
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 40-42
Most people have a bad habit or two. Some habits are just irritating, such as talking too much or too fast. Others are much more serious.
Consider, for example, the bad habit developed by the people of ancient Israel. They had just been delivered from slavery [Exodus 14:30], and they ought to have been thankful. Instead, they started to complain to Moses and Aaron, "Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt!" [16:3].
We read in Exodus 17 that their complaining escalated into a quarrel. In reality, their complaint was with God, but they picked a fight with Moses because he was the leader. They said, "Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" [v.3]. The people even began questioning if God was really with them [v.7]. Yet He always met their needs.
If we're honest, we would have to admit that we sometimes complain when God isn't coming through for us teh way we want. We accuse Him of being absent or disinterested. But when our heart is concerned with God's purposes rather than our own, we will be patient and trust Him to provide all that we need. Then we won't develop the bad habig of complaining. --- Albert Lee
Those Christians who with thankful hearts
Praise God throughout the day
Won't tend to grumble and complain
When things don't go their way. --- Branon
TO CONQUER THE HABIT OF COMPLAINING, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Are You Weary?
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-10
Since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. --- 2 Corinthians 4:1
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 37-39
I read a story about a pastor of a small, rural church in Scotland. He had bee forced out by his elders, who claimed they saw no fruit from his ministry. The village in which the pastor served was a difficult place. People's hearts were cold and hostile to the truth. During the time the pastor served, there had been no conversations and no baptisms. But he did recall one positive response to his preaching.
When the offering plate was passed during a service, a young boy placed the plate on the floor, stood up, and stepped into it. When asked to explain, he replied that he had been deeply touched by the minister's life, and while he had no money to give he wanted to give himself wholly to God.
The boy who stepped into the plate was Bobby Moffat, who in 1817 became a pioneer missionary to South Africa. He was greatly used of God to touch many lives. And it all started with that small church and the faithful work of that unappreciated pastor.
Perhaps you see no fruit from your work for the Lord. Remain faithful! Do not lose heart, but ask God to strengthen you with His power [2 Corinthians 4:1,7]. In His time and in His way, He will produce a harvest if you do not give up [Galatians 6:9]. --- David Roper
Keep me faithful, keep me grateful,
This my earnest plea each day!
Keep me serving, keep me telling
Of His love while yet I may! --- Thiesen
A FRUITFUL HARVEST REQUIRES FAITHFUL SERVICE.
Since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. --- 2 Corinthians 4:1
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 37-39
I read a story about a pastor of a small, rural church in Scotland. He had bee forced out by his elders, who claimed they saw no fruit from his ministry. The village in which the pastor served was a difficult place. People's hearts were cold and hostile to the truth. During the time the pastor served, there had been no conversations and no baptisms. But he did recall one positive response to his preaching.
When the offering plate was passed during a service, a young boy placed the plate on the floor, stood up, and stepped into it. When asked to explain, he replied that he had been deeply touched by the minister's life, and while he had no money to give he wanted to give himself wholly to God.
The boy who stepped into the plate was Bobby Moffat, who in 1817 became a pioneer missionary to South Africa. He was greatly used of God to touch many lives. And it all started with that small church and the faithful work of that unappreciated pastor.
Perhaps you see no fruit from your work for the Lord. Remain faithful! Do not lose heart, but ask God to strengthen you with His power [2 Corinthians 4:1,7]. In His time and in His way, He will produce a harvest if you do not give up [Galatians 6:9]. --- David Roper
Keep me faithful, keep me grateful,
This my earnest plea each day!
Keep me serving, keep me telling
Of His love while yet I may! --- Thiesen
A FRUITFUL HARVEST REQUIRES FAITHFUL SERVICE.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Suffering's Reward
Read: Romans 5:1-5
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. --- Romans 5:3
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 34-36
A young Christian went to an older believer and asked, "Will you pray that I may be more patient?" So they knelt together and the man began to pray, "Lord, send this young man tribulation in the morning; send him tribulation in the afternoon; send him ---" Just then the young believer blurted out, "No, not tribulation! I asked for patience." "I know," said the wise Christian, "but it's through tribulation that we learn patience."
The word perseverance in today's Scripture can mean the ability to remain steadfast under difficulties without giving in. John A. Witmer wrote, "Only a believer who has faced distress can develop steadfastness. That in turn develops character."
When the apostle Paul told the Christians in Rome that "tribulation produces perseverance" [Romans 5:3], he was speaking from personal experience. He had suffered beatings, whippings, stoning, shipwreck, and persecution. Yet he remained steadfast in his faith and did not shrink from his responsibility to preach the gospel.
If you are facing a difficult test, praise God! Under His wise control, everything that happens to us --- whether pleasurable or painful --- is designed to develop Christlike character. That's why we can glory in tribulation. --- Richard De Haan
Looking back, I clearly see
All the grief that had to be
Left me when the pain was o'er
Richer than I'd bee before. --- Anon.
HE WHO WAITS ON THE LORD WILL NOT BE CRUSHED BY THE WEIGHTS OF ADVERSITY.
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. --- Romans 5:3
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 34-36
A young Christian went to an older believer and asked, "Will you pray that I may be more patient?" So they knelt together and the man began to pray, "Lord, send this young man tribulation in the morning; send him tribulation in the afternoon; send him ---" Just then the young believer blurted out, "No, not tribulation! I asked for patience." "I know," said the wise Christian, "but it's through tribulation that we learn patience."
The word perseverance in today's Scripture can mean the ability to remain steadfast under difficulties without giving in. John A. Witmer wrote, "Only a believer who has faced distress can develop steadfastness. That in turn develops character."
When the apostle Paul told the Christians in Rome that "tribulation produces perseverance" [Romans 5:3], he was speaking from personal experience. He had suffered beatings, whippings, stoning, shipwreck, and persecution. Yet he remained steadfast in his faith and did not shrink from his responsibility to preach the gospel.
If you are facing a difficult test, praise God! Under His wise control, everything that happens to us --- whether pleasurable or painful --- is designed to develop Christlike character. That's why we can glory in tribulation. --- Richard De Haan
Looking back, I clearly see
All the grief that had to be
Left me when the pain was o'er
Richer than I'd bee before. --- Anon.
HE WHO WAITS ON THE LORD WILL NOT BE CRUSHED BY THE WEIGHTS OF ADVERSITY.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
"God Makes No Mistakes"
Read: Romans 12:14-21
Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. --- Romans 12:21
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 31-33
A few days after arriving on the campus of Texas A&M University in 1984, Bruce Goodrich was awakened at 2 a.m. Upperclassmen roused him out of bed to initiate him into the Corps of Cadets, a military-style training program.
Bruce was forced to exercise and run several miles in hot and humid conditions. When he eventually collapsed, he was told to get up and keep going. He collapsed again, went into a coma, and died later that same day.
A short time after the tragedy, Bruce's father wrote a letter to the administration, faculty, and student body. He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great out-pouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A&M University and the community over the loss of our son Bruce .... I hope it will be some comfort to know that we harbor no ill will in the matter. We know our God makes no mistakes. Bruce had an appointment with his Lord and is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, 'Why did this happen?' perhaps one answer will be, 'So that many will consider where they will spend eternity.'"
Trusting in the sovereignty of God can turn outrage into compassion and hatred into concern. --- Haddon Robinson
The Lord can turn a tragedy
Into an opportunity
To show us that eternity
Must never be ignored. --- Sper
NO TRAGEDY IS BEYOND GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY.
Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. --- Romans 12:21
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 31-33
A few days after arriving on the campus of Texas A&M University in 1984, Bruce Goodrich was awakened at 2 a.m. Upperclassmen roused him out of bed to initiate him into the Corps of Cadets, a military-style training program.
Bruce was forced to exercise and run several miles in hot and humid conditions. When he eventually collapsed, he was told to get up and keep going. He collapsed again, went into a coma, and died later that same day.
A short time after the tragedy, Bruce's father wrote a letter to the administration, faculty, and student body. He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great out-pouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A&M University and the community over the loss of our son Bruce .... I hope it will be some comfort to know that we harbor no ill will in the matter. We know our God makes no mistakes. Bruce had an appointment with his Lord and is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, 'Why did this happen?' perhaps one answer will be, 'So that many will consider where they will spend eternity.'"
Trusting in the sovereignty of God can turn outrage into compassion and hatred into concern. --- Haddon Robinson
The Lord can turn a tragedy
Into an opportunity
To show us that eternity
Must never be ignored. --- Sper
NO TRAGEDY IS BEYOND GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Nice Is Not The Point
Read: Romans 3:21-28
... justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 28-30
Your two closest neighbors are Ernestine Quibbles and George Smiley. Ernestine has a sharp tongue and is quick to inform you when your kids' soccer ball goes into her yard. George, the nicest man you've ever met, is always friendly. He loves to play ball with your boys. He gives you vegetables from his garden, and he helps you whenever you need it.
Wouldn't it be nice if Mrs. Quibbles would become a believer in Christ? If God were to work in her life, she might become as nice as Mr. Smiley. It's obvious that she needs the Lord, so you pray for her. It never occurs to you to pray for Mr. Smiley too.
But could it be that we're missing something here? Jesus did not die on the cross merely to make difficult people nice. Every person, difficult or nice, needs salvation. He came to pay the penalty for our sins by His sacrificial death [Romans 5:6-8]. He offers forgiveness to all who place their trust in Him [3:28]. Once people are born again, they should become nicer people --- but that is not the Lord's primary purpose for saving them.
Mrs. Quibbles and Mr. Smiley both need the Lord. Without Him, they are lost and need His salvation [just as you and I do]. That's why Jesus came --- to offer us new life from above. --- Dave Egner
The goal was reached, the price was paid
To ransom all of Adam's race;
Our guilt and sin on Christ were laid,
And now He saves us by His grace. --- Anon.
WE ALL NEED SALVATION, WHETHER WE'RE NICE OR NOT.
... justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 28-30
Your two closest neighbors are Ernestine Quibbles and George Smiley. Ernestine has a sharp tongue and is quick to inform you when your kids' soccer ball goes into her yard. George, the nicest man you've ever met, is always friendly. He loves to play ball with your boys. He gives you vegetables from his garden, and he helps you whenever you need it.
Wouldn't it be nice if Mrs. Quibbles would become a believer in Christ? If God were to work in her life, she might become as nice as Mr. Smiley. It's obvious that she needs the Lord, so you pray for her. It never occurs to you to pray for Mr. Smiley too.
But could it be that we're missing something here? Jesus did not die on the cross merely to make difficult people nice. Every person, difficult or nice, needs salvation. He came to pay the penalty for our sins by His sacrificial death [Romans 5:6-8]. He offers forgiveness to all who place their trust in Him [3:28]. Once people are born again, they should become nicer people --- but that is not the Lord's primary purpose for saving them.
Mrs. Quibbles and Mr. Smiley both need the Lord. Without Him, they are lost and need His salvation [just as you and I do]. That's why Jesus came --- to offer us new life from above. --- Dave Egner
The goal was reached, the price was paid
To ransom all of Adam's race;
Our guilt and sin on Christ were laid,
And now He saves us by His grace. --- Anon.
WE ALL NEED SALVATION, WHETHER WE'RE NICE OR NOT.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Household Security
Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. --- Proverbs 29:25
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 25-27
After the United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001, President Bush called on Congress to create a Department of Homeland Security. The job of this agency is to do everything possible to keep citizens safe.
Our individual households also need a plan for "homeland security" if we are to keep others from endangering our children. But in a world of easy access to harmful outside forces, how do we do that? Here are suggestions for household security.
1. Take charge of the media. Instead of allowing makers of TV programs, movies, and CDs to dictate what you watch and hear, use biblical guidelines to evaluate the language and morality of what your children see and what they listen to.
2. Check out their friends. The standards of your children's friends may not match yours. Make your home a haven where their friends are welcome. It'll help you get to know them.
3. Build shields. By teaching your children biblical principles and encouraging their faith, you'll help them to be discerning and to build inner shields that will protect them from the dangers they face.
How good is your household security? --- Dave Branon
Our children need a home where love
Provides security,
Where what is taught is not confused
By what they hear and see. --- Sper
THE BEST SAFEGUARD FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS A GOOD EXAMPLE BY THE OLDER GENERATION.
Whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. --- Proverbs 29:25
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 25-27
After the United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001, President Bush called on Congress to create a Department of Homeland Security. The job of this agency is to do everything possible to keep citizens safe.
Our individual households also need a plan for "homeland security" if we are to keep others from endangering our children. But in a world of easy access to harmful outside forces, how do we do that? Here are suggestions for household security.
1. Take charge of the media. Instead of allowing makers of TV programs, movies, and CDs to dictate what you watch and hear, use biblical guidelines to evaluate the language and morality of what your children see and what they listen to.
2. Check out their friends. The standards of your children's friends may not match yours. Make your home a haven where their friends are welcome. It'll help you get to know them.
3. Build shields. By teaching your children biblical principles and encouraging their faith, you'll help them to be discerning and to build inner shields that will protect them from the dangers they face.
How good is your household security? --- Dave Branon
Our children need a home where love
Provides security,
Where what is taught is not confused
By what they hear and see. --- Sper
THE BEST SAFEGUARD FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS A GOOD EXAMPLE BY THE OLDER GENERATION.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
When It's Hard To Pray
Read: Romans 8:26-27
There is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. --- Psalm 139:4
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 22-24
The Bible tells us that God knows our every thought and every word on our tongue [Psalm 139:1-4]. And when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" [Romans 8:26].
These biblical truths assure us that we can have communicationj with God even without a word being spoken, because He knows the intentions and desires of our heart. What a comfort when we are perplexed or in deep distress! We don't have to worry if we can't find the words to express our thoughts and feelings. We don't have to feel embarrassed if sometimes our sentences break off half-finished. God knows what we were going to say. We don't have to feel guilty if our thougths wander and we have to struggle to keep our minds focused on the Lord.
And for that matter, we don't have to worry about a proper posture in prayer. If we are elderly or arthritic and can't kneel, that's okay. What God cares about is the posture of our heart.
What a wonderful God! No matter how much you falter and stumble in your praying, He hears you. His heart of infinite love responds to the needs and emotions of your own inarticulate heart. So keep on praying! --- Vernon Grounds
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Unuttered or expressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast. --- Montgomery
PRAYER DOES NOT REQUIRE ELOQUENCE BUT EARNESTNESS.
There is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. --- Psalm 139:4
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 22-24
The Bible tells us that God knows our every thought and every word on our tongue [Psalm 139:1-4]. And when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" [Romans 8:26].
These biblical truths assure us that we can have communicationj with God even without a word being spoken, because He knows the intentions and desires of our heart. What a comfort when we are perplexed or in deep distress! We don't have to worry if we can't find the words to express our thoughts and feelings. We don't have to feel embarrassed if sometimes our sentences break off half-finished. God knows what we were going to say. We don't have to feel guilty if our thougths wander and we have to struggle to keep our minds focused on the Lord.
And for that matter, we don't have to worry about a proper posture in prayer. If we are elderly or arthritic and can't kneel, that's okay. What God cares about is the posture of our heart.
What a wonderful God! No matter how much you falter and stumble in your praying, He hears you. His heart of infinite love responds to the needs and emotions of your own inarticulate heart. So keep on praying! --- Vernon Grounds
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Unuttered or expressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast. --- Montgomery
PRAYER DOES NOT REQUIRE ELOQUENCE BUT EARNESTNESS.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Living With Grace
Read: 1 Peter 5:5-11
Be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." --- 1 Peter 5:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 19-21
Kevin Rogers, pastor of a church in Canada, has likened the grace of God to an imaginary secretary who compels him to treat other people as God does. Rogers writes: "Grace is my secretary, but she won't let me obey my Day-Timer. She lets the strangest people into my workspace to interrupt me. Somehow she lets call get through that I would prefer to leave for a more convenient time. Doesn't Grace know that I have an agenda? Some days I wish that Grace weren't here. But Grace has an amazing way of covering my mistakes and turning the office into a holy place. Grace finds good in everything, even failures."
By God's grace --- His unmerited love and favor --- we have been forgiven in Christ. God tells us that instead of relating to others from a position of superiority, we must put others ahead of ourselves. We should wear the clothes of humility because He "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" [1 Peter 5:5].
When "the God of all grace" [v.10] controls our lives. He can transform interruptions into opportunities, mistakes into successes, pride into humility, and suffering into strength. That's the amazing power of God. That's the evidence of His grace! --- David McCasland
THINKING IT THROUGH
How have you seen grace at work in your life lately?
In what areas of life do you see a need for grace?
To whom can you demonstrate God's grace today?
WHEN YOU KNOW GOD'S GRACE, YOU'LL WANT TO SHOW GOD'S GRACE.
Be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." --- 1 Peter 5:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 19-21
Kevin Rogers, pastor of a church in Canada, has likened the grace of God to an imaginary secretary who compels him to treat other people as God does. Rogers writes: "Grace is my secretary, but she won't let me obey my Day-Timer. She lets the strangest people into my workspace to interrupt me. Somehow she lets call get through that I would prefer to leave for a more convenient time. Doesn't Grace know that I have an agenda? Some days I wish that Grace weren't here. But Grace has an amazing way of covering my mistakes and turning the office into a holy place. Grace finds good in everything, even failures."
By God's grace --- His unmerited love and favor --- we have been forgiven in Christ. God tells us that instead of relating to others from a position of superiority, we must put others ahead of ourselves. We should wear the clothes of humility because He "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" [1 Peter 5:5].
When "the God of all grace" [v.10] controls our lives. He can transform interruptions into opportunities, mistakes into successes, pride into humility, and suffering into strength. That's the amazing power of God. That's the evidence of His grace! --- David McCasland
THINKING IT THROUGH
How have you seen grace at work in your life lately?
In what areas of life do you see a need for grace?
To whom can you demonstrate God's grace today?
WHEN YOU KNOW GOD'S GRACE, YOU'LL WANT TO SHOW GOD'S GRACE.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
No More Excuses
Read: Ezekiel 18:1-18
The soul who sins shall die. --- Ezekiel 18:4
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 15-18
When salmon travel hundreds of miles up rivers and streams to spawn, they are acting on instinct. They are in a sense being driven by an uncontrollable force.
I read about a young convict who thinks that human conduct is similar to that of the salmon. Referring to the murders he committed and to his own fate, he said, "Things just happen." He thinks some kind of force was responsible for his pulling the trigger and killing two people. But he is wrong. Man is free and cannot blame his sinful actions on an uncontrollable force such as instinct.
More than 2,500 years ago, some Israelites were using a similar excuse for their sin. They quoted a well-known proverb that placed the blame for their sins on their ancestors [Ezekiel 18:2]. But God told them they were wrong. He said that a good man will not be punished for the sins of a wicked son. Nor will a godly son be punished for the sins of his evil father.
Make no mistake. No matter what your situation, you are responsible for what you do. Stop offering excuses for your sins. Instead, acknowledge your guilt to God and accept the forgiveness He offers [Psalm 32:5]. That's the first step in exercising your individual responsibility. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Our actions are accountable
In God's just court above,
So we must face this certain fact:
We need His pardoning love. --- Brown
THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR EXCUSING SIN.
The soul who sins shall die. --- Ezekiel 18:4
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 15-18
When salmon travel hundreds of miles up rivers and streams to spawn, they are acting on instinct. They are in a sense being driven by an uncontrollable force.
I read about a young convict who thinks that human conduct is similar to that of the salmon. Referring to the murders he committed and to his own fate, he said, "Things just happen." He thinks some kind of force was responsible for his pulling the trigger and killing two people. But he is wrong. Man is free and cannot blame his sinful actions on an uncontrollable force such as instinct.
More than 2,500 years ago, some Israelites were using a similar excuse for their sin. They quoted a well-known proverb that placed the blame for their sins on their ancestors [Ezekiel 18:2]. But God told them they were wrong. He said that a good man will not be punished for the sins of a wicked son. Nor will a godly son be punished for the sins of his evil father.
Make no mistake. No matter what your situation, you are responsible for what you do. Stop offering excuses for your sins. Instead, acknowledge your guilt to God and accept the forgiveness He offers [Psalm 32:5]. That's the first step in exercising your individual responsibility. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Our actions are accountable
In God's just court above,
So we must face this certain fact:
We need His pardoning love. --- Brown
THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR EXCUSING SIN.
Monday, September 06, 2004
Why They Are Grand
Read: Titus 2:1-5
Older women ... [are to] admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children. --- Titus 2:3-4
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 12-14
Grandparents are great bridge-builders. My grandparents, farmers on both sides of the family, were children of the 19th century and relayed an important heritage of both history and faith through the years.
Today, my children benefit from their grandparents' faith because they can see that my wife and I have personally accepted the faith modeled for us. And our children have seen and heard their grandparents' testimonies of faith for themselves.
In a sense, it seems strange that grandparents can have such far-reaching influence. After all, they can be separated in age from their grand-children by 40 to 70 years. Yet they have an uncanny ability to bridge that generation gap --- sometimes even better than parents can.
Older Christians, including grandparents, have a unique responsibility and opportunity --- that of example and instruction --- which either directly or indirectly keeps the heritage of faith alive from generation to generation.
Let's be thankful for the strong heritage of faith, love, and family that grandparents can leave to those who come after them. And grandparents should seize every opportunity of relating to their grandchildren, so that their faith will become the faith of their children's children. --- Dave Branon
I do not ask for mighty words
To leave them all impressed,
But grant my life may ring so true
My family will be blessed. --- Anon.
THE RICHEST INHERITANCE A GRANDPARENT CAN LEAVE IS A GODLY EXAMPLE.
Older women ... [are to] admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children. --- Titus 2:3-4
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 12-14
Grandparents are great bridge-builders. My grandparents, farmers on both sides of the family, were children of the 19th century and relayed an important heritage of both history and faith through the years.
Today, my children benefit from their grandparents' faith because they can see that my wife and I have personally accepted the faith modeled for us. And our children have seen and heard their grandparents' testimonies of faith for themselves.
In a sense, it seems strange that grandparents can have such far-reaching influence. After all, they can be separated in age from their grand-children by 40 to 70 years. Yet they have an uncanny ability to bridge that generation gap --- sometimes even better than parents can.
Older Christians, including grandparents, have a unique responsibility and opportunity --- that of example and instruction --- which either directly or indirectly keeps the heritage of faith alive from generation to generation.
Let's be thankful for the strong heritage of faith, love, and family that grandparents can leave to those who come after them. And grandparents should seize every opportunity of relating to their grandchildren, so that their faith will become the faith of their children's children. --- Dave Branon
I do not ask for mighty words
To leave them all impressed,
But grant my life may ring so true
My family will be blessed. --- Anon.
THE RICHEST INHERITANCE A GRANDPARENT CAN LEAVE IS A GODLY EXAMPLE.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
The Name
Read: Philippians 2:5-11
You shall call His name JESUS for He will save His people from their sins. --- Matthew 1:21
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 8-11
If you were to select some of the most influential figures in the whole sweep of the ages, men and women who have affected millions of lives, what names would be on your list? I think one name that would appear on all our lists, without exception, would be the name of Jesus.
Reynolds Price, writing about "Jesus of Nazareth" in Time magazine [December 1999], declared that "a serious argument can be made that no one else's life has proved remotely as powerful and enduring as that of Jesus." So when this Man, born in an obscure village two millennia ago, declared, "I am the light of the world" [John 8:12] and "My words will by no means pass away" [Luke 21:33], He was making predictions that history has verified.
Jesus has undeniably been the world's most influential Person, but has He impacted your life personally? Do you put Him in the same class as other influential figures, or has He transformed your life? Unlike all other notable people who eventually died, Jesus is still miraculously alive.
Is Jesus your Savior and constant companion? If He isn't, He can be. Call on His name in faith and invite Him into your life. Then the name of Jesus will become to you the most precious of names. --- Vernon Grounds
No other name can save me,
No other name beside,
But Jesus Christ the risen Lord,
The One they crucified. --- Brandt
WHAT YOU DECIDE ABOUT JESUS WILL DETERMINE YOUR DESTINY.
You shall call His name JESUS for He will save His people from their sins. --- Matthew 1:21
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 8-11
If you were to select some of the most influential figures in the whole sweep of the ages, men and women who have affected millions of lives, what names would be on your list? I think one name that would appear on all our lists, without exception, would be the name of Jesus.
Reynolds Price, writing about "Jesus of Nazareth" in Time magazine [December 1999], declared that "a serious argument can be made that no one else's life has proved remotely as powerful and enduring as that of Jesus." So when this Man, born in an obscure village two millennia ago, declared, "I am the light of the world" [John 8:12] and "My words will by no means pass away" [Luke 21:33], He was making predictions that history has verified.
Jesus has undeniably been the world's most influential Person, but has He impacted your life personally? Do you put Him in the same class as other influential figures, or has He transformed your life? Unlike all other notable people who eventually died, Jesus is still miraculously alive.
Is Jesus your Savior and constant companion? If He isn't, He can be. Call on His name in faith and invite Him into your life. Then the name of Jesus will become to you the most precious of names. --- Vernon Grounds
No other name can save me,
No other name beside,
But Jesus Christ the risen Lord,
The One they crucified. --- Brandt
WHAT YOU DECIDE ABOUT JESUS WILL DETERMINE YOUR DESTINY.
Becoming A Mentor
Read: 2 Timothy 1:13-2:2
The things that you have heard from me ..., commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. --- 2 Timothy 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 4-7
According to Homer's Odyssey, when King Odysseus went off to fight in the Trojan war, he left his son Telemachus in the hands of a wise old man named Mentor. Mentor was charged with the task of teaching the young man wisdom.
More than 2,000 years after Homer, a French scholar and theologian by the name of Francois Fenelon adapted the story of Telemachus in a novel titled Telemaque. In it he enlarged the character of Mentor. The word mentor soon came to mean "a wise and responsible tutor" --- an experienced person who advises, guides, teaches, inspires, challenges, corrects, and serves as a model.
Second Timothy 2:2 describes spiritual mentoring, and the Bible gives us many examples. Timothy had Paul; Mark had Barnabas; Joshua had Moses; Elisha had Elijah.
But what about today? Who will love and work with new Christians and help them grow spiritually strong? Who will encourage, guide, and model the truth for them? Who will call young believers to accountability and work with God to hlep mold their character?
Will you become oen whom God can use to impart wisdom and to help others grow toward maturity? --- David Roper
THINKING IT OVER
Who has helped you to grow in your faith?
How did that person help you? By teaching, example,
or friendship? To whom can you be a mentor?
GOD TEACHES US SO THAT WE CAN TEACH OTHERS.
The things that you have heard from me ..., commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. --- 2 Timothy 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 4-7
According to Homer's Odyssey, when King Odysseus went off to fight in the Trojan war, he left his son Telemachus in the hands of a wise old man named Mentor. Mentor was charged with the task of teaching the young man wisdom.
More than 2,000 years after Homer, a French scholar and theologian by the name of Francois Fenelon adapted the story of Telemachus in a novel titled Telemaque. In it he enlarged the character of Mentor. The word mentor soon came to mean "a wise and responsible tutor" --- an experienced person who advises, guides, teaches, inspires, challenges, corrects, and serves as a model.
Second Timothy 2:2 describes spiritual mentoring, and the Bible gives us many examples. Timothy had Paul; Mark had Barnabas; Joshua had Moses; Elisha had Elijah.
But what about today? Who will love and work with new Christians and help them grow spiritually strong? Who will encourage, guide, and model the truth for them? Who will call young believers to accountability and work with God to hlep mold their character?
Will you become oen whom God can use to impart wisdom and to help others grow toward maturity? --- David Roper
THINKING IT OVER
Who has helped you to grow in your faith?
How did that person help you? By teaching, example,
or friendship? To whom can you be a mentor?
GOD TEACHES US SO THAT WE CAN TEACH OTHERS.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Eating Words
Read: Ezekiel 2:7-3:4
Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. --- Ezekiel 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-3
I read about an Australian woman who developed a craving for paper. She began her unusual diet as a child, and as she grew older she ate as many as 10 tissues and a half page of the newspaper every day. The woman had also consumed small quantities of blotting paper, sheets from exercise books, and petty cash vouchers.
Of course, there's no relationship between that woman's strange habit and the symbolic actions of the prophet Ezekiel. His eating of a scroll was meant to illustrate a spiritual exercise that all of us should engage in. If we are to declare
God's truth with meaning and power, we must take time to let it fill our hearts. We need to feel the implications of what God has said. We are to let His Word become a vital part of us so that we can't talk about it glibly as uninvolved, detached students, but as those who have personally "tasted" it.
The actual words and thoughts of God are revealed in the Bible. Don't just read them and repeat them. Think them. Feel them. Ask the Lord to clarify them, to make them a part of your experience, and to teach you.
Yes, today's Bible reading contains a profound principle. We must "eat" the Word before we speak it. Maybe then we won't have to eat our own words later on. --- Mart De Haan
Lord, teach us from Your holy Word
The truth that we must know;
And helps us share the joyous news
Of blessings You bestow. --- D. De Haan
LET GOD'S WORD FILL YOUR MIND, RULE YOUR HEART, AND GUIDE YOUR TONGUE.
Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. --- Ezekiel 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-3
I read about an Australian woman who developed a craving for paper. She began her unusual diet as a child, and as she grew older she ate as many as 10 tissues and a half page of the newspaper every day. The woman had also consumed small quantities of blotting paper, sheets from exercise books, and petty cash vouchers.
Of course, there's no relationship between that woman's strange habit and the symbolic actions of the prophet Ezekiel. His eating of a scroll was meant to illustrate a spiritual exercise that all of us should engage in. If we are to declare
God's truth with meaning and power, we must take time to let it fill our hearts. We need to feel the implications of what God has said. We are to let His Word become a vital part of us so that we can't talk about it glibly as uninvolved, detached students, but as those who have personally "tasted" it.
The actual words and thoughts of God are revealed in the Bible. Don't just read them and repeat them. Think them. Feel them. Ask the Lord to clarify them, to make them a part of your experience, and to teach you.
Yes, today's Bible reading contains a profound principle. We must "eat" the Word before we speak it. Maybe then we won't have to eat our own words later on. --- Mart De Haan
Lord, teach us from Your holy Word
The truth that we must know;
And helps us share the joyous news
Of blessings You bestow. --- D. De Haan
LET GOD'S WORD FILL YOUR MIND, RULE YOUR HEART, AND GUIDE YOUR TONGUE.
Friday, September 03, 2004
A Reason For Hope
Read: Lamentations 3:1-9, 33
His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. --- Lamentations 3:22-23
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-5
It's one of the saddest stories of the Bible, yet it inspired one of the most hopeful hymns of the 20th century.
The prophet Jeremiah witnessed unimaginable horrors when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem in 586 BC. Solomon's temple was reduced to ruins, and with it went not only the center of worship but also the heart of the community. The people were left with no food, no rest, no peace, no leader. But in the midst of suffering and grief, one of their prophets found a reason for hope. "Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed," wrote Jeremiah, "because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great in Your faithfulness" [Lamentations 3:22-23].
Jeremiah's hope came from his personal experience of the Lord's faithfulness and from his knowledge of God's promises in the past. Without these, he would have been unable to comfort his people.
This hope of Lamentations 3 is echoed in a hymn by Thomas Chisholm [1866-1960]. Although suffering sickness and setbacks throughout his life, he wrote "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." It assures us that even in times of great fear, tragic loss, and intense suffering we can find comfort and confidence as we trust in God's great faithfulness. --- Julie Link
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning will Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. --- Chisholm
THE BEST REASON FOR HOPE IS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS.
His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. --- Lamentations 3:22-23
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-5
It's one of the saddest stories of the Bible, yet it inspired one of the most hopeful hymns of the 20th century.
The prophet Jeremiah witnessed unimaginable horrors when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem in 586 BC. Solomon's temple was reduced to ruins, and with it went not only the center of worship but also the heart of the community. The people were left with no food, no rest, no peace, no leader. But in the midst of suffering and grief, one of their prophets found a reason for hope. "Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed," wrote Jeremiah, "because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great in Your faithfulness" [Lamentations 3:22-23].
Jeremiah's hope came from his personal experience of the Lord's faithfulness and from his knowledge of God's promises in the past. Without these, he would have been unable to comfort his people.
This hope of Lamentations 3 is echoed in a hymn by Thomas Chisholm [1866-1960]. Although suffering sickness and setbacks throughout his life, he wrote "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." It assures us that even in times of great fear, tragic loss, and intense suffering we can find comfort and confidence as we trust in God's great faithfulness. --- Julie Link
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning will Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. --- Chisholm
THE BEST REASON FOR HOPE IS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
A Weeping World
Read: Lamentations 3:1-9, 24
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I hope in Him!" --- Lamentations 3:24
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 50-52
A mother was told that her son had been killed in an accident on the job. In that moment, her life was flooded with tears. In another family, a sudden heart attack snatched away a husband, leaving a wife to face life alone. More tears! We live in a weeping world.
The book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah, who is called the weeping prophet. The citizens of Judah had been taken into captivity [1:3]; Jerusalem lay in ruins [2:8-9]; the people were destitute [2:11-12]; their suffering was horrible beyond belief [2:20]; and the prophet wept continually [3:48-49]. Yet Jeremiah still affirmed the mercies, the compassions, and the faithfulness of God. From deep within him, his soul was saying, "The LORD is my portion, therefore I hope in Him!" [3:24].
What realism in those tear-saturated words! It's the reality that weeping and lamentations do not necessarily reflect a weak faith or a lack of trust in God. Some of us may think that a Christian must feel joyful even when the heart is breaking --- or at least try to appear that way. But Jeremiah's experience refutes that. Tears are a natural part of a Christian's life. But thank God, one day in Glory our blessed Savior will wipe them all away [Revelation 21:4]. --- Dennis De Haan
Christian, when your way seems darkest,
When your eyes with tears are dim,
Go to God your Father quickly,
Tell your troubles all to Him. --- Anon.
THE SOUL WOULD HAVE NO RAINBOW IF THE EYES HAD NO TEARS.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I hope in Him!" --- Lamentations 3:24
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 50-52
A mother was told that her son had been killed in an accident on the job. In that moment, her life was flooded with tears. In another family, a sudden heart attack snatched away a husband, leaving a wife to face life alone. More tears! We live in a weeping world.
The book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah, who is called the weeping prophet. The citizens of Judah had been taken into captivity [1:3]; Jerusalem lay in ruins [2:8-9]; the people were destitute [2:11-12]; their suffering was horrible beyond belief [2:20]; and the prophet wept continually [3:48-49]. Yet Jeremiah still affirmed the mercies, the compassions, and the faithfulness of God. From deep within him, his soul was saying, "The LORD is my portion, therefore I hope in Him!" [3:24].
What realism in those tear-saturated words! It's the reality that weeping and lamentations do not necessarily reflect a weak faith or a lack of trust in God. Some of us may think that a Christian must feel joyful even when the heart is breaking --- or at least try to appear that way. But Jeremiah's experience refutes that. Tears are a natural part of a Christian's life. But thank God, one day in Glory our blessed Savior will wipe them all away [Revelation 21:4]. --- Dennis De Haan
Christian, when your way seems darkest,
When your eyes with tears are dim,
Go to God your Father quickly,
Tell your troubles all to Him. --- Anon.
THE SOUL WOULD HAVE NO RAINBOW IF THE EYES HAD NO TEARS.
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