A Great Light

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. --- Isaiah 9:2

The Bible In One Year:
Galatians 1-3

I was driving through the mountains of western Maryland on a cold December night. As I topped a ridge near Rocky Gap State Park, a brilliant sea of lights caught my attention. What in the world is that? I wondered as the exit road flashed past. It so aroused my curiosity that 5 miles down the interstate I turned around and drove back to see what it was --- a local community's celebration in lights during the Christmas season. At noon, I wouldn't have noticed anything. But at night, the dazzling display couldn't be ignored.

Strange, isn't it, that we complain about the moral and spiritual darkness of our world, yet it is the perfect setting for the radiance of the Lord Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we often read these prophetic words: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined" [Isaiah 9:2].

Jesus said to Himself: "I am the light of the world" [John 8:12], and to His disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" [Matthew 5:14].

In a dark world, people don't see a great light without wondering why it's there and what it means. We get to tell them. --- David McCasland

O Holy One of glorious birth
Who lives within our heart,
May we to all men everywhere
Your wondrous love impart. --- Brandt

TO LEAD OTHERS OUT OF THE DARKNESS, LET THEM SEE YOUR LIGHT.

Unanswered Prayer

Read: Matthew 26:36-44

O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done. --- Matthew 26:42

The Bible In One Year:
2 Corinthians 10-13

Have you or a friend been afflicted with an illness for which there is no medical cure? Has God denied your repeated requests for healing? Has His refusal to say yes caused you to question His purpose?

An article by Carol Bradley tells us about the wisdom of Craig Satterlee, a seminary professor in Chicago. He has been legally blind since birth, with only 20 percent of normal vision. Does he complain, saying that God has not kept His promise to answer prayer? By no means! He believes wholeheartedly that God has given him something even better.

"I am whole," he testifies, "even though I am legally blind." If introduced as a believer in the power of prayer, he graciously explains, "I don't believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the power and presence of God, so I pray." He adds, "We know that God brings light out of darkness, life out of death, hope out of despair. That's what Scripture teaches us."

Prayer isn't the way to get God to do whatever we want. It's an expression of our trust in His power, wisdom, and grace. No matter what we ask God to do for us, we are to have the attitude of Jesus, who said, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" [Matthew 26:39]. --- Vernon Grounds

I know not by what methods rare,
But this I know --- God answers prayer;
I leave my prayers with Him alone,
Whose will is wiser than my own. --- Hickok

GOD'S ANSWERS ARE WISER THAN OUR PRAYERS.

Pain's Purpose

Read: Hebrews 12:7-11

No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. --- Hebrews 12:11

The Bible In One Year:
2 Corinthians 7-9

Affliction, when we accept it with patience and humility, can lead us to a deeper, fuller life. "Before I was afflicted I went astray," David wrote, "but not I keep Your Word" [Psalm 119:67]. And again, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes" [v.71].

Pain, far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, can actually be the pathway to it. If we allow pain to train us, it can lead us closer to God and into His Word. It is often the means by which our Father graciously shapes us to be like His Son, gradually giving us the courage, compassion, contentment, and tranquility we long and pray for. Without pain, God would not accomplish all that He desires to do in and through us.

Are you one whom God is instructing through suffering and pain? By His grace, you can endure His instruction patiently [2 Corinthians 12:9]. He can make the trial a blessing and use it to draw you into His heart and into His Word. He can also teach you the lessons He intends for you to learn, and give you His peace in the midst of your difficulties.

The Bible tells us, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" [James 1:2]. God is making more out of you than you ever thought possible. --- David Roper

Through trials we learn to overcome,
Through Christ our victories are won;
Come lay your burdens at His feet
And find this inner peace so sweet. --- Halsey

CHRIST CAN TRANSFORM PAINFUL TRIALS INTO GLORIOUS TRIUMPHS.

Ordinary Days

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

In all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. --- 2 Corinthians 6:4

The Bible In One Year:
2 Corinthians 4-6

Have you ever received an annual holiday letter from an acquaintance that recounts the ordinary events of the past year? Has anyone told you about cleaning the carpet or taking out the trash? Not likely.

An online publication called the Journal Of Mundane Behavior says these routine events fill most of our time. The managing editor, a sociologist, says everyday life is valuable, since we spend nearly 60 percent of our lives doing things like commuting to work and shopping for groceries.

We don't often consider the apostle Paul's ordinary days, but he wrote, "In all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God" [2 Corinthians 6:4]. "All things" included not only harsh persecution but also "needs, sleeplessness, purity, kindness, love" and other everyday experiences [vv. 4-10].

Oswald Chambers said that we tend to lose our enthusiasm "when there is no vision, no uplift, but just the common round, the trivial task. The thing that tells in the long run for God and for men is the steady persevering work in the unseen, and the only way to keep the life uncrushed is to live looking to God" [My Utmost For His Highest, March 6].

So let's live today to the fullest for the Lord, because it's such an important, ordinary day. --- David McCasland

If we commit ourselves to Christ
And follow in His way,
He'll give us life that satisfies
With purpose for each day. --- Sper

TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE, MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT FOR CHRIST.

The Music Of Joy

Read: Nehemiah 12:27-43

God had made them rejoice with great joy ..., so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off. --- Nehemiah 12:43

The Bible In One Year:
2 Corinthians 1-3

Several years ago, during a Christian men's conference in Boulder, Colorado, I stood with 50,000 men as we sang "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." The volume of the singing was incredible in the football stadium, and I've often wondered how it sounded outside. Could people hear it as they walked through a nearby park, sat on their patios, or drove by in cars? What impression did it leave with them?

That great sound of praise reminded me of what is described in today's Bible reading. The book of Nehemiah begins with a confession, continues with a construction project, and ends with a concert. The entire story is a study in God's faithfulness and power.

After years of hard work despite opposition, the wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt. At the dedication, two "thanksgiving choirs" stood on the wall to praise God. We are told that "the singers sang loudly .... God had made them rejoice with great joy ..., so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off" [Nehemiah 12:42-43].

Joy cannot be contained. It must break out in praise to God through songs of thanksgiving. Whether those who hear our outpouring of joy understand it or not, it will resound as a chorus that cannot be ignored --- the music of lives lived out in praise to God. --- David McCasland

Let us celebrate together,
Lift our voice in one accord,
Singing of God's grace and mercy
And the goodness of the Lord. --- Sper

EACH NEW DAY GIVES US NEW REASONS TO SING GOD'S PRAISE.

In His Presence

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Death is swallowed up in victory. --- 1 Corinthians 15:54

The Bible In One Year:
1 Corinthians 13-16

As the congregation around me sang the final verse of "Amazing Grace," I couldn't sing. I found myself instead wiping tears from my eyes as I stared at John Newton's words, "When we've been there 10,000 years, ... we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun."

At that moment I wasn't interested in 10,000 years in heaven. All I could think of was that my 17-year-old daughter was already there. Melissa, who just a few months earlier had been looking forward to her senior year of high school, was in heaven. She was already experiencing an eternity that we can only talk and sing about.

When Melissa was killed in a car accident in the spring of 2002, heaven took on new meaning for our family. Because our bright, beautiful teen had trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior, we knew she was there. As Paul said, "Death is swallowed up in victory" [1 Corinthians 15:54]. To us, heaven became even more real. We knew that as we talked with God, we were talking to Someone who had our Melissa in His presence.

The reality of heaven is one of the Bible's most glorious truths. It's a real place where our loved ones live in the presence of our great God, forever serving Him and singing His praises --- all because of His amazing grace! --- Dave Branon

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun. --- Newton

CHRISTIANS NEVER SAY GOODBYE TO EACH OTHER FOR THE LAST TIME.

Traveling Light

Read: Luke 12:13-21

Whose will those things be which you have provided? --- Luke 12:20

The Bible In One Year:
1 Corinthians 9-12
Many vacation travelers take along too much stuff. They pack more shoes, clothes, and gadgets than they will ever need. Their mindset is, "I better not forget anything because I can't go home and get it." They would be better off if they asked, "How much can I get along without?" They often end up dragging around heavier-than-necessary suitcases. Some people even purchase so many new items on vacation that they have to leave some of their other stuff behind in the hotel.

We're inclined to accumulate far too many possessions on our journey through life. We're bombarded with ads that urge us to purchase things we "just can't live without." So we buy more and more and more.

The rich man in Jesus' parable [Luke 12:13-21] may have been dreaming about all the good things he could acquire because he had a great crop. He said he would build bigger barns, and he would spend his time eating, drinking, and partying. But God told him, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" [v.20].

The principle is clear: Be "rich toward God," not rich in things [v.21]. Besides, you'll have to leave it all behind when it's time to go Home. --- Dave Egner

If we pursue mere earthly gain,
We choose a path that ends in pain;
But joy will stay within the soul
When we pursue a heavenly goal. --- D. De Haan

LIFE IS MORE THAN THE THINGS WE STORE.

People Pressure

Read: 1 Kings 12:1-17

Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. --- Proverbs 16:19

The Bible In One Year:
1 Corinthians 5-8

The desire for the approval of others makes us do strange things. We wear clothing that is fashionable whether we like it or not, we accept invitations we would rather decline, and we work much harder than we want to for a level of financial success we don't need. Most regrettably, however, we sometimes choose to follow a crowd that encourages us to do what is wrong.

In 1 Kings 12, we read about King Rehoboam, who also succumbed to people pressure. He rejected the good advice of older wise men who had known his father Solomon and the mistakes he had made as king. Rehoboam listened instead to the counsel of his peers, younger advisors with whom he had grown up. They were probably motivated by pride and a desire for power, and he was obviously swayed by their influence. How dearly he paid for his mistake!

People pressure --- we are all influenced by it. It bears down on us from all directions. But we can choose the path we will take. If we are swayed by the proud or by those who love money, live for pleasure, or long for power, people pressure will lead us down the path that ends in destruction. But if we heed the counsel of those who are humble, good, and godly, we will follow the way that pleases God. --- Herb Vander Lugt

"Seek ye first" not earth's aspirings,
Ceaseless longings, vain desirings,
But your precious soul's requirings ---
"Seek ye first!" --- Anon.

THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE CROWD SOON BECOME PART OF THE CROWD.

Thoughtful Praises

Read: Psalm 47

God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. --- Psalm 47:7

The Bible In One Year:
1 Corinthians 1-4

I wonder what God thinks about the way we sing at church. I'm not talking about the quality of our voices, but the honesty of our words. If we're being truthful, the following rewritten hymn titles might more accurately express what's in our hearts as we sing:

"Just As I Am" is "Just As I Pretend To Be."
"O How I Love Jesus" becomes "O How I Like Jesus."
"I Surrender All" is actually "I Surrender Some."
"He's Everything To Me" means "He's Quite A Bit To Me."

Jesus said that we are to worship Him in truth [John 4:24]. Singing sincerely and with understanding is a serious challenge [Psalm 47:7].

Let's take up the challenge by seeking God's help to make the original titles of these hymns true for us. In repentance and without pretense, let's turn to Him just as we are. In His forgiving presence, let's declare total love for Jesus by surrendering all to Him. As a result, Jesus truly will become everything to us. Then we will be able to sing honestly about Jesus Christ and our love for Him.

As we make melody in our hearts to the Lord [Ephesians 5:19], let's worship in spirit and in truth. --- Joanie Yoder

You are the chosen of the Lord
To sing His highest praise,
And through the melody of song
To show His wondrous ways. --- Anon.

TO SING GOD'S PRAISE, KEEP YOUR HEART IN TUNE WITH HIM.

A Life Observed

Read: Romans 12:3-8

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. --- Romans 12:6

The Bible In One Year:
Romans 12-16

The death of C.S. Lewis on November 22, 1963, has long been overshadowed by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on the same day. While the anniversary of Lewis' death rarely makes the headlines, the worldwide impact of this British scholar, teacher, and author continues to grow 40 years after his passing.

His books sell more than 3 million copies a year and the most famous, Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Chronicles of Narnia, have been reprinted scores of times.

Converted to Christ as an adult, Lewis put his keen mind and imagination to work in the service of God. As a well-known writer and speaker, he continued a simple lifestyle. Michael Nelson has written in the International Herald Tribune: "Two-thirds of his book royalties were earmarked for charities. He never traveled abroad, even when fame brought invitations to lecture from around the world."

Lewis gave us the incomparable gift of fresh, creative look at our fallen human condition and the timeless power of the gospel of Christ. He lived out the command to serve the body of believers through whatever gift God has given us by His grace [Romans 12:4-6]. His example can spur us on to use our God-given gifts for His glory. --- David McCasland

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
How has God gifted you to serve?
If you don't know, prayerfully seek godly counsel
and then reach out to build others up.

GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO CARRY OUT HIS EXTRAORDINARY PLAN.

Give Your Heart

Read: Romans 9:1-5

I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen. --- Romans 9:3

The Bible In One Year:
Romans 9-11

Felipe Garza was 15 when he gave away his heart. His girlfriend Donna Ashlock had become critically ill and needed a heart transplant. One day he told his mom, quite unexplainable, "I'm going to die, and I'm going to give my heart to my girlfriend." He died suddenly 3 weeks later when a blood vessel ruptured in his brain. Doctors then took Felipe's heart and gave it to Donna, saving her life.

That boy's love illustrates Paul's wish for his Jewish countrymen. He too spoke of giving his life so that others could live. Paul, though, was thinking of eternal life. He said that if it were possible [and he knew it wasn't], he would endure the loss of his eternal salvation if that would result in the salvation of the people he loved so much [Romans 9:3].

In spite of his desire to rescue the people he loved from an eternity apart from Christ, Paul couldn't endure hell for his countrymen. Yet his expression of love reminds us of what Jesus Christ did. He really did endure hell for us. He really did give His life so that we might live.

Lord, we know we can't die to gain the salvation of someone else. But by Your Spirit give us a love that cares more for the eternal well-being of others than our own temporary comfort. To You and to them, we give our heart. --- Mart De Haan

Help me to see the tragic plight
Of souls far off in sin;
Help me to love, to pray, and go
To bring the wandering in. --- Harrison

THOSE WHO LOVE CHRIST HAVE A HEART FOR THE LOST.

Take Action!

Read: Romans 8:12-16

If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. --- Matthew 5:29

The Bible In One Year:
Romans 5-8

Shameful behavior is being displayed in magazines, movies, and on television. Immorality is even joked about. The world is seeking to convince everyone that nothing is sinful anymore. So we must be on guard against any compromise in our hearts.

While I was in the military, I realized that I was becoming unmoved by the obscene words and conduct of some of my fellow soldiers. When I recognized what was happening, I asked the Lord to restore my sensitivity to the grievous nature of sin.

A permissive attitude toward evil will lead us to fall into sin. That's why we are to deal radically with every form of wickedness.

Jesus went so far as to say that we should pluck out our eye if it causes us to sin [Matthew 5:29]. He didn't mean we should maim our bodies, but rather we are to take strong action when tempted to sin. Books, magazines, or video images that arouse wrong desires must be deliberately avoided. This is also what Paul had in mind when he said we are to "put to death the deeds of the body" [Romans 8:13]. Someone who is indifferent to the sin around him or trifles with it in his own life is in grave danger.

We cannot ignore the seriousness of this issue. It's time to take action! --- Herb Vander Lugt

Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul,
Take every virtue, every grace,
And fortify the whole. --- Wesley

TO AVOID BEING TEMPTED BY FORBIDDEN FRUIT, STAY AWAY FROM THE DEVIL'S ORCHARD.

Fitness Training

Read: Psalm 119:97-104

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. --- Psalm 119:97

The Bible In One Year:
Romans 1-4

My wife is an avid exerciser. She walks, rollerblades, and bikes to keep in shape. Because of her interest in exercise, she has encouraged our children to participate in sports activities at school and to exercise along with her.

Why does she feel this is so important? It's simple: When she doesn't exercise several times a week, she doesn't feel physically fit. She feels sluggish and lethargic. She feels that her heart is not being strengthened as it should be.

But she doesn't stop with the physical part of her life. She also participates in spiritual exercise. She knows that in our walk with God we need "heart exercise" to stay fit.

The writer of Psalm 119 saw the importance of daily spiritual exercise. He loved the Word of God, meditated on it throughout the day, and obeyed it. His prayers were from his whole heart, and his hope for each new day came directly from God's Word.

How much more spiritually healthy we would be if we engaged in a godly fitness training program that matched that of the psalmist! Do you read the Bible, meditate on its truths, and pray each day? If not, begin spiritual fitness training today. --- Dave Branon

Increase your knowledge of God's Word,
For in it you will find
The wisdom that you need for life,
Which comes from God's own mind. --- Sper

SPIRITUAL STRENGTH REQUIRES A TRAINING PROGRAM OF BIBLE READING AND PRAYER.

Let's Go Higher!

Read: Acts 28:11-16

When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. --- Acts 28:15

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 27-28

Author Ragnar Arlander tells about the time he and some friends scaled Mt. Rainier. When they reached a plateau, the group decided they had gone far enough.

Arlander, however, continued the climb to find a person who had traveled on ahead. Eventually he found him resting, gazing at a beautiful glacier. The man was ready to go back, but when he saw Arlander approaching, he jumped up and exclaimed, "Since you've come, let's go higher!"

This experience makes me think of the events described in Acts 28. As the apostle Paul was traveling to Rome, he met some fellow believers, and "when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage" [v.15].

What better compliment could be offered us than to have someone say, "Talking to you has encouraged me to continue on in my spiritual walk." The world is filled with troubled and discouraged souls who are struggling along in the Christian life. Battle weary, they are almost ready to give up. When they see you, what influence do you have on them? Do you inspire them to more noble lives of service? Or does your example tend to drag them down?

May we influence others in such a way that they will take heart and say, "I want to go higher!" --- Richard De Haan

Oh, I would be to others
A cheering ray of light,
Inspiring them with courage
To climb some new-found height! --- Bosch

THE HUMAN SPIRIT SOARS WITH HOPE WHEN LIFTED BY AN ENCOURAGING WORD.

Routinely Fresh

Read: Ecclesiastes 1:1-9

That which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. --- Ecclesiastes 1:9

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 25-26

All of us are bound to repeat ourselves as we go about our daily routine. Time after time we eat, sleep, work, and clean up. We can lose our enthusiasm for life if "there is nothing new under the sun" [Ecclesiastes 1:9].

There is another way to view life, however. The world may be likened to a stage on which the drama of eternity is being unfolded. We are the actors. The sun rises and falls like a great curtain day after day, and every tiem we "repeat our lines" we make a decision. We either respond to the cues of our daily circumstances just to get our part over with, or we look at our role in life as a wonderful opportunity to know and enjoy the goodness and wisdom of the great Director [5:18-50; 12:13-14].

As we gladly participate in this repetitive activity, character is formed, faith is strengthened, hope is increased, and endurance is developed. Through the normal course events, God is saying to us that there is more to our earthly existence than the meaningless round of duties.

Part of God's plan for us is that we yield to His guidance in ordinary events that occur over and over again. Repeatedly trusting the Lord throughout this month, this week, this day, and this hour is by far the surest way to make life routinely fresh. --- Mart De Haan

I wonder what I did for God today:
How many times did I once pause and pray?
But I must find and serve Him in these ways,
For life is made of ordinary days. --- Macbeth

IF LIFE IS A GRIND, USE IT TO SHARPEN YOUR CHARACTER.

Handling Criticism

Read: Amos 7:7-15

The LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, "Go, prophesy to My people Israel." --- Amos 7:15

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 22-24

As we grow older, we sometimes become set in our ways and unwilling to admit when we are wrong. Worse yet, if we don't see eye-to-eye with others, we become critical of them and try to discredit their views.

Some people, for example, when they disagree with a pastor, seem to be quick to judge motives. They may even suggest that the preacher is only looking for a paycheck.

This type of criticism happened to Amos about 750 BC. The prophet had been preaching a tough message about God's judgment of Israel. Understandably, his message was unpopular. Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, was irritated and told Amos to go back to Judah. Amaziah accused Amos of being a prophet-for-hire, preaching just to make a living [7:12]. Amos responded by saying that he was prophesying only because God had told him to speak [v.15].

If we are preaching or leading, we must faithfully serve the Lord as Amos did, even if the task is unpleasant, unpopular, or rejected by our audience. And if we're in the congregation, we need to be sure that when we hear something we don't agree with, we're not actually resisting what the Lord wants us to hear and do.

That's how to handle criticism. --- Albert Lee

Lord, we can't see each wrong we do,
So send us help from Christians who
Will notice faults we do not see
And tell us of them tactfully. --- Branon

NEVER FEAR CRITICISM WHEN YOU'RE RIGHT; NEVER IGNORE IT WHEN YOU'RE WRONG.

Finding Our Way Home

Read: Philippians 2:1-4, 12-16

... you shine as lights in the world. --- Philippians 2:15

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 19-21

Author Anne Lamott tells about a 7-year-old girl who got lost in a big city. The girl frantically ran up and down several streets, looking for a familiar landmark. A policeman saw the girl, realized something was wrong, and offered to help. So she got in the car and he slowly drove through nearby neighborhoods. Suddenly the girl pointed to let her out. She assured him, "This is my church, and I can always find my way home from here."

Many people think the church is an archaic institution, no longer relevant in our modern world. Yet I am convinced that a church that faithfully teaches the Bible and proclaims the good news of salvation through Christ provides exactly what we all need to "find our way home."

When our churches are fulfilling their God-given function, believers humbly serve and care for one another, encouraging each other to follow Christ's example [Philippians 2:1-11]. Those groups of believers, by their words and lives, also paint a lost world to Jesus. They serve "as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life" [vv.15-16].

A church that teaches the truth about Christ is not only relevant desperately needed in our world. It can help people of all ages to find their way home. --- Vernon Grounds

Christ builds His church and makes it strong
By using you and me;
And if we all will do our part,
The world His love will see. -- Sper

A CHURCH HELPS THE LOST TO FIND THEIR WAY HOME WHEN ITS LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTLY.

Salmon Run

Read: Matthew 11:25-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. --- Matthew 11:28

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 17-18

Salmon fascinate me. Each August I drive a few miles north of my home in Idaho and watch them make their weary way through the last stages of their spawning run to the sandbars along Lake Creek. I always think of the long journey they've taken.

Some months earlier, they leave the Pacific Ocean and begin their run up the Columbia to the Snake River, then up the main fork of the Salmon River to the East Fork, up the Secesh River to Lake Creek --- more than 700 miles.

Driven by instinct, they swim against currents, up waterfalls, and around hydroelectric dams. Despite eagles, bears, and many other predators, they struggle to reach their ancestral spawning grounds to lay their eggs.

Their journey reminds me of the human journey. We too have a homing instinct. "There exists in the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, a sense of Deity," John Calvin said. We are born and we live for the express purpose of knowing and loving God. He is the source of our life, and our hearts are restless until they come to Him.

Are you restless today, driven by discontent and a longing for that elusive "something more"? Jesus Christ is the source and satisfaction of all you seek. Come to Him today and find rest for your soul [Matthew 11:28]. --- David Roper

Looking to Jesus, my spirit is blest,
The world is in turmoil, in Him I have rest;
The sea of my life around me may roar,
When I look to Jesus, I hear it no more. --- Anon.

OUR HEARTS ARE RESTLESS TILL THEY FIND THEIR REST IN CHRIST.

Our Place Of Refuge

Read: Psalm 57

In the shadow of Your wings I wil make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. --- Psalm 57:1

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 15-16

It is believed that David wrote Psalm 57 while fleeing from King Saul, who had hatred in his heart for the former shepherd boy. David ducked into a cave and barely escaped his pursuer. He was safe temporarily, but the threat was still there.

We've all been there. Maybe not in a cave, but pursued by something that strikes fear into our hearts. Perhaps it is the deep sorrow that follows the death of someone we love. Maybe it's the fear of an unknown future. Or it could be an oppressive physical illness that won't go away
In such circumstances, God does not always remove the difficulty, but He is present to help us. We wish that He would swoop in and whisk us to safety --- just as David may have wished for a quick end to Saul's pursuit. We plead with God to stop the pain and make the road to tomorrow smooth and straight. We beg Him to eliminated our struggle. But the difficulty remains. It is then that we have to take refuge in God as David did. While hiding in that cave, he said, "In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by" [Psalm 57:1].

Are you in the middle of trouble? Take refuge in the Most High God. --- Dave Branon

Christian, when your way seems darkest,
When your eyes with tears are dim,
Straight to God your Father hastening,
Tell your troubles all to Him. --- Anon.

WE LEARN THE LESSON OF TRUST IN THE SCHOOL OF TRIAL.

Parents Who Pray

Read: Matthew 19:13-15

Little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray. --- Matthew 19:13

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 13-14

A young mother sent these lines to a magazine: "I wish I could wrap my children in bubble wrap to protect them from the big, bad world outside."

Author Stormie Omartian understands how that mother feels. In her book The Power Of A Praying Parent, she writes, "One day I cried out to God, saying, 'Lord, this is too much for me. I can't keep a 24-hours-a-day, moment-by-moment watch on my son. How can I ever have peace?

God responded by leading Stormie and her husband to become praying parents. They began to intercede for their son daily, mentioning the details of his life in prayer.

The desire to wrap our children in bubble wrap to protect them is rooted in fear, a common tendency, especially among mothers. Wrapping them in prayer, as Jesus did [Matthew 19:13-15], is a powerful alternative. He cares more about our children than we do, so we can release them into His hands by praying for them. He doesn't promise us that nothing bad will happen to them. But as we pray, He will give us the peace we long for [Philippians 4:6-7].

This challenge is for all parents --- even those whose children have grown up: Don't ever stop wrapping your children in prayer! --- Joanie Yoder

If we but take the time to pray,
And seek God's guidance every day,
He'll give us strength and wisdom too,
To help our child grow strong and true. --- Garka

EVERY CHILD NEEDS A PRAYING PARENT.

The Storm

Read: Matthew 7:21-29

Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. --- Matthew 7:24

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 10-12

Neal Beidleman survived the ill-fated 1996 expedition in which eight climbers died on Mount Everest. Some of them had paid $65,000 for a chance to scale the world's highest peak. In assessing what went wrong, Beidleman said, "Tragedies and disasters ... are not the result of a single decision, a single event, or a single mistake. They are the culmination of things in your life. Something happens and it becomes a catalyst for all the things you've had at risk."

On Everest, that "something" was a raging blizzard. According to journalist Todd Burgess, "If not for the storm, the climbers may have gotten away with taking so many risks. But the storm exposed their weaknesses."

The things at risk in our lives today --- matters of spiritual indifference or disobedience --- can overwhelm us when the storms come. Jesus told a story of the wise and foolish builders to stress the importance of obedience to His words [Matthew 7:24-27]. He said, "Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock" [v.24].

Obedience to Christ doesn't eliminate the tempests of life, but it does determine whether we fall or stand in the storm. --- David McCasland

Living for the Lord, fearing Him each day,
Best prepares the soul for the stormy way;
Then as trials come, tempting to despair,
We can rest secure, safe within His care. --- D. De Haan

THE STORMS OF LIFE REVEAL THE STRENGTH OF OUR FAITH.

Copy The Master

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1

Be imitators of God as dear children. --- Ephesians 5:1

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 6-9

The Louvre in Paris is perhaps the most famous art museum in the world. It displays originals by such masters as Delacroix, Michaelangelo, Rubens, da Vinci, Ingres, Vermeer, and many others.

Since 1793, the Louvre has encouraged aspiring artists to come and copy the masters. Some of our most famous modern artists have done that and have become better painters by copying the best the world has ever known.

An article in Smithsonian magazine tells about Amal Dagher, a 63-year-old man who has been duplicating art at the Louvre for 30 years. Dagher remains in awe of the masters and continues to learn from them. He said, "If you're too satisfied with yourself, you can't improve."

Paul instructed us to be "imitators of God" [Ephesians 5:1]. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, he commended the believers because they were becoming like the Lord and setting an example for others [1 Thessalonians 1:6-10].

Like the Louvre copyists, we'll never reach perfection before we get to heaven. Even so, we must resist the temptation to be satisfied with our present imitation of Jesus. We need to keep looking to Him, learning from Him, and asking for His help. Let's copy the Master. --- Dave Egner

More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be. --- Gabriel

TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST, WE MUST LEARN FROM THE MASTER.

A Life-And-Death Issue

Read: Psalm 90:1-10

The days of our lives are seventy years; ... it is soon cut off, and we fly away. --- Psalm 90:10

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 3-5

By altering the gene that controls aging, scientists believe they can extend the average human lifespan to 100 by the end of this century. This would be well beyond the proverbial 70 years mentioned in Psalm 90:10. But even if people do live longer, life's final chapter will still read, "It is soon cut off" [v.10].

Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120. He saw death as inevitable in a world cursed by the effects of sin. Yet he didn't become pessimistic. He asked God to teach him to number his days so he could gain "a heart of wisdom" [v.12]. He wanted to be satisfied with God's mercy so he could rejoice and be glad [v.14]. He also asked God to show His glory to the next generation [v.16]. That's how Moses faced the reality of death thousands of years ago.

Like all people since Adam and Eve, we suffer the effects of sin, and death is certain [Romans 6:23]. Yet we can live with hope and joy, because God sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. And if we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God's forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life-and-death issue? --- Dennis De Haan

THINKING IT OVER
If you were to die today, would you be prepared to meet God? To be ready, embrace Jesus' promise to everyone who believes in Him [John 3:16; 11:25-26].

YOU'RE NOT READY TO LIVE UNTIL YOU'RE READY TO DIE.

He Lives!

Read: Acts 1:1-10

He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs. --- Acts 1:3

The Bible In One Year:
Acts 1-2

When the World Trade Center towers came crashing to the ground in a deafening roar of billowing debris, citizens of New York experienced what many people in other parts of the world had already known --- the fear of terrorism. Subsequent attacks in other countries have heightened the concern that mankind may be spiraling toward self-destruction.

All the unrest in the world might make us think that our future is very bleak. We might even conclude that this is not the kind of world in which to have children.

Yet one shining hope remains that can brighten our view of the future. Bill Gaither captured it in his song titled, "Because He Lives." The idea for it came to him in the late 1960s, a time of social unrest in the US and conflict in Southeast Asia. His wife Gloria was expecting a child, and they felt that it was a poor time to bring a child into the world. But when their son was born, Bill thought of the living Savior and these words came to mind: "This child can face uncertain days because He lives."

Two thousand years ago Jesus rose from the grave and gave, "many infallible proofs" that He was alive [Acts 1:3]. That's why we can keep going in the face of fear. Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow. --- Dave Branon

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign. --- Lowry

CHRIST'S EMPTY TOMB FILLS US WITH HOPE.

The Cure For Resentment

Read: John 21:18-25

Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." --- John 21:22

The Bible In One Year:
John 18-21

We may readily agree with the statement that "all men are created equal." But we don't have to live long before discovering that life treats some people better than others. This is something we must learn to accept without resentment.

Life's inequities show up on many levels. Cancer ravages the body of a child, while a hard-drinking chain-smoker lives to a ripe old age. Some people enjoy good health, others don't. Some have no physical disabilities, others have severe limitations. Some work hard and remain poor, while others are born to wealth or seem to get all the breaks.

When Jesus informed the apostle Peter that he was going to die as a martyr for his faith, Peter asked what would happen to his fellow disciple John. He seemed to think that it wouldn't be fair if John didn't die the same way. But Jesus told him that what would happen to John was not to be Peter's concern --- that was God's decision. Peter's responsibility was simple: He was to follow Christ.

When looking at others makes you resent the unfairness of life, change you focus. Look to Jesus and follow Him. Life's injustices are only for a little while. Perfect fairness will be ours to enjoy forever in heaven. --- Herb Vander Lugt

At times our path is rough and steep,
Our way is hard to see;
We ask God, "Why is life unfair?"
He answers, "Follow Me." ---D. De Haan

RESENTMENT COMES FROM LOOKING AT OTHERS; CONTENTMENT COMES FROM LOOKING TO GOD.

First Sight

Read: John 13:36-14:3

They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. --- Revelation 22:4

The Bible In One Year:
John 14-17

When I was flying from Chicago to Tampa, I noticed a famiy on the plane. And from the excitement of the two children, I assumed they had never been to Florida. As we neared our destination, clouds blocked our view of the ground. Only when we began our descent did the plane finally break through the clouds.

At the first sight of the land below, the mother exclaimed to the two little ones beside her, "Look, that must be Florida!" After a few moments of silence, the young boy said, "But Mom, where are the palm trees? I can't seem them!" His idea of Florida immediately brought to his mind those tropical trees, and he expected to see them first.

Christian, as you anticipate the day you will arrive in heaven, what do you want to see first? It will certainly be wonderful to greet our loved ones who have gone before. My, what a thrill to visit with the believers of the past, and how exciting to see the glorious sights of heaven! And yet, as delightful as all of this will be, our greatest joy will be to see the Lord Jesus Himself --- for He is the One who made it possible for us to go there.

Yes, in the words of the old hymn, "I long to meet my Savior first of all." --- Richard De Haan

I am living for the moment
When my Savior's face I see;
Oh, the thrill of that first meeting
When His glory shines on me. --- Christiansen

TO SEE JESUS WILL BE HEAVEN'S GREATEST JOY.

Digital Transmission

Read: John 13:1-17

I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. --- John 13:15

The Bible In One Year:
John 11-13

In 2000, a movie was digitally transmitted over the Internet from a studio in California to its world premiere in Atlanta, Georgia. It went from studio to theater screen without ever touching film. With digital distribution, electronic impulses are used instead of huge reels of celluloid.

In this age of electronics, often described as "high-tech, low-touch," it's good to remember that God is using another type of "digital transmission." In sharp contrast, though, His is a "high-touch" method to communicate His grace and love.

The English word digital comes from the word digit, which refers to a finger on our hand. As I think about the life and ministry of Jesus, I remember how He used His hands to bring hope and healing. He touched the sick, held little children, broke bread for hungry people, and allowed His hands to be nailed to the cross for our sins. In John 13 we read that Jesus, in a startling act of humility, washed the feet of His disciples and told them, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" [v.4].

When our hearts are humble and our hands are yielded to Him, the Lord still transmits His gospel of grace to others through our human touch of love. --- David McCasland

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love. --- Havergal

WE SHOW OUR LOVE FOR GOD WHEN WE SHARE HIS LOVE WITH OTHERS.

What Do You Fear?

Read: John 6:16-21

[Jesus] said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." --- John 6:20

The Bible In One Year:
John 7-10

One of Grimm's fairy tales is about a rather dimwitted young man who didn't understand what it meant to shudder in fear. People attempted to shock him by putting him in all sorts of terrifying situations --- but to no avail. He finally did shudder, though not out of fear. He was asleep when someone poured a bucket of cold water and wiggling fish on top of him.

Something is wrong with us if we're never afraid. Fear is the natural human reaction to any difficult or dangerous undertaking, and God doesn't condemn it. Neither does He want us to be crippled by fear. Jesus' words to His disciples on more than one occasion were, "Do not be afraid" [Luke 5:10; 12:4; John 6:20]. In each case He used a verb tense that suggests continuance. In other words, He told them, "Don't keep on fearing."

We need not be overcome by our fear, nor should we ever say no to doing what we know God wants us to do merely because we are fearful. God can turn our fear into fortitude. We can trust God and "not be afraid" [Psalm 56:11].

Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it. So let's resist our fear and meet it with faith in our Lord, for He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" [Hebrews 13:5]. --- David Roper

Do not fear the darkness that is gathering all around,
For the Lord is with you, and in Him true peace is found;
When you're facing trouble, or when tragedy seems near,
Jesus is the only one to drive away your fear. --- Hess

WE CAN FACE ANY FEAR WHEN WE KNOW THE LORD IS NEAR.

The Seeking Father

Read: John 4:21-24

When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek." --- Psalm 27:8

The Bible In One Year:
John 4-6

When I was a young man, a friend invited me to join him in establishing a "consistent quiet time," as he put it. I knew that regular Bible reading, prayer, and worship were essential, and I wanted to spend time with God. By my friend's plan never worked for me. I would stay with his routine for a week or two, rising early each morning to work my way through a regimen of reading and praying. It was a discipline I imposed on myself --- like doing 50 push-ups every day. But I couldn't sustain the effort. In time I gave up, not knowing how to satisfy my longings to spend time with God.

Then one day I stumbled across something Jesus said to the woman at the well: "The Father is seeking" those who will worship Him "in spirit and truth" [John 4:23]. That's when I realized that God was taking the initiative, putting in my heart those longings for time with Him.

The psalmist said he responded to the Lord's call to "seek My face" [Psalm 27:8]. It's the idea of God longing for fellowship with me that now draws me into His presence. My quiet times with God are no longer a dreary duty, but a response to my Father who yearns to spend time with me.

Do you hear your Father calling to you? --- David Roper

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me;
It was not I that found, O Savior true,
No, I was found of Thee. --- Anon.

TALK WITH GOD --- HE LONGS TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Looking For Love

Read: John 3:16-21

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. --- John 3:16

The Bible In One Year:
John 1-3

A computer virus known as "The Love Bug" spanned the globe by e-mail, infecting millions of computers in less than 24 hours. It seems that even wary people like top software engineers couldn't resist opening a message titled simply, "I Love You."

Some analysis have said that the success of the destructive computer virus reveals as much about the longings of the human heart as it does about the vulnerability of the machines in our cyber-society. Down deep, every person on planet earth is looking for love.

It's no accident that one of the best-known verses in the Bible is John 3:16. It says, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Could if be that the love we long for the most is God's love? Is Jesus Christ the special person we so eagerly seek to sweep us off our feet? If so, then accepting God's love in Christ could change our lives in remarkable ways. Hope, peace, and a zest for living --- they all spring from being in love with Jesus.

When God says, "I love you," it's the message we've all been looking for. It can change our lives.

How will you respond to Him today? --- David McCasland

If you're feeling alone and unworthy,
And wish for a kind, loving friend,
Remember that God longs to show you
A love that never will end. --- Hess

THE DEATH OF CHRIST IS THE MEASURE OF GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU.