Read: Psalm 118:14-24
This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. --- Psalm 118:24
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 132-134
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
In Edith Schaeffer's book called The Tapestry, she describes a summer when her husband Francis was away in Europe for 3 months. During that time of missing him greatly, Edith and her sister Janet took their children to live in a former schoolhouse on Cape Cod. On a shoestring budget they shared the rent, lived without a car, and created daily adventures for the five young children.
Looking back years later, Edith said of that summer: "Never again have I spent time of that sort with my own children or my sister and nephews. The sudden precious moments in life need to be recognized for the unique periods they are, not wasted by wishing for something else."
Edith's perspective offers us a key to applying the words of Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the LORD had made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." During difficult times, we are tempted to become passive while waiting for a storm of life to pass. But God invites us to actively pursue the opportunities at hand instead of lamenting over what we don't have.
Because the Lord has made this day, we can look past the closed doors to see people and opportunities we had previously overlooked. In celebrating their value, we will discover joy and gladness from God. --- David McCasland
The God who put us here on earth
Knows life is tinged with sadness,
And so He gives us many things
To fill our hearts with gladness. --- Hess
YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT EYESTRAIN FROM LOOKING ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Monday, August 29, 2005
Ground Squirrels
Read: Romans 8:27-39
I was at ease, but He has shattered me. --- Job 16:12
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 129-131
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Ground squirrels hibernate near our home during the winter, and they reappear when the snow melts in the spring. My wife Carolyn and I enjoy watching them scurry back and forth from one hole to another, while others stand like tiny sentries watching for predators.
In mid-May, a man from a nearby golf course arrives on a little green tractor with a tank loaded with lethal gas. The groundskeeper tells us that these little critters have to be eliminated because they dig holes in the fairways. Some survive, but most do not. It always makes us a little sad to see the tractor arrive.
If I could, I'd chase the little animals away. I'd destroy their holes and force them to settle someplace else. I'm sure they would resent my interference, but my actions would be solely for their good.
So it is with God. He may break up our comfortable nests now and then, but behind every difficult change lies His love and eternal purpose. He is not cruel or capricious; He is working for our ultimate good [Romans 8:28]. He wants us to "conformed to the image of His Son" [v.29] and to give us glorious enjoyment in heaven forever. How then can we fear change when it comes from Someone whose love for us never changes? [vv.38-39]. --- David Roper
What tenderness the Father shows
To sinners in their pain!
He grants to them His strength to bear
The hurt that brings them gain. --- D. De Haan
GOD'S LOVE CAN SEEM HARSH UNTIL WE VIEW IT WITH HINDSIGHT.
I was at ease, but He has shattered me. --- Job 16:12
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 129-131
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Ground squirrels hibernate near our home during the winter, and they reappear when the snow melts in the spring. My wife Carolyn and I enjoy watching them scurry back and forth from one hole to another, while others stand like tiny sentries watching for predators.
In mid-May, a man from a nearby golf course arrives on a little green tractor with a tank loaded with lethal gas. The groundskeeper tells us that these little critters have to be eliminated because they dig holes in the fairways. Some survive, but most do not. It always makes us a little sad to see the tractor arrive.
If I could, I'd chase the little animals away. I'd destroy their holes and force them to settle someplace else. I'm sure they would resent my interference, but my actions would be solely for their good.
So it is with God. He may break up our comfortable nests now and then, but behind every difficult change lies His love and eternal purpose. He is not cruel or capricious; He is working for our ultimate good [Romans 8:28]. He wants us to "conformed to the image of His Son" [v.29] and to give us glorious enjoyment in heaven forever. How then can we fear change when it comes from Someone whose love for us never changes? [vv.38-39]. --- David Roper
What tenderness the Father shows
To sinners in their pain!
He grants to them His strength to bear
The hurt that brings them gain. --- D. De Haan
GOD'S LOVE CAN SEEM HARSH UNTIL WE VIEW IT WITH HINDSIGHT.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Daily Bread
Read: Leviticus 24:1-9
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. --- John 6:51
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 126-128
1 Corinthians 10:19-33
Bread has come to be regarded as something less than what it was in Bible times. We don't usually think of it as a symbol of life's necessities. In Jesus' day, however, bread represented nourishment in all its many forms.
This helps us understand why the Lord told Israel to put bread in the Holy Place of the tabernacle --- His "house of symbols." There in that first room, 12 loaves were to be displayed on a golden talbe "before the LORD" [Leviticus 24:6]. Those loaves reminded Israel that God always provides for His own when they come to Him on His terms. The bread reflected God's promise to provide for all who hunger and thirst for righteousness [Matthew 5:6; 6:31-34].
For the believer in Christ, bread may represent the Bible, Jesus, Christian fellowship, or any of the provisions God has made for our spiritual needs. He cares for us and He's ready to feed us, but His offer is not unconditional. He promised to provide daily "bread" for those who in obedience have separated themselves to live and to eat from the hand of God.
The Lord cares for all who willingly and humbly receive their physical and spiritual food from Him. --- Mart De Haan
In You, O Lord, we take delight,
Our every need You can supply;
We long to do what's true and right,
So, Lord, on You we will rely. --- D. De Haan
ONLY CHRIST THE LIVING BREAD CAN SATISFY OUR SPIRITUAL HUNGER.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. --- John 6:51
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 126-128
1 Corinthians 10:19-33
Bread has come to be regarded as something less than what it was in Bible times. We don't usually think of it as a symbol of life's necessities. In Jesus' day, however, bread represented nourishment in all its many forms.
This helps us understand why the Lord told Israel to put bread in the Holy Place of the tabernacle --- His "house of symbols." There in that first room, 12 loaves were to be displayed on a golden talbe "before the LORD" [Leviticus 24:6]. Those loaves reminded Israel that God always provides for His own when they come to Him on His terms. The bread reflected God's promise to provide for all who hunger and thirst for righteousness [Matthew 5:6; 6:31-34].
For the believer in Christ, bread may represent the Bible, Jesus, Christian fellowship, or any of the provisions God has made for our spiritual needs. He cares for us and He's ready to feed us, but His offer is not unconditional. He promised to provide daily "bread" for those who in obedience have separated themselves to live and to eat from the hand of God.
The Lord cares for all who willingly and humbly receive their physical and spiritual food from Him. --- Mart De Haan
In You, O Lord, we take delight,
Our every need You can supply;
We long to do what's true and right,
So, Lord, on You we will rely. --- D. De Haan
ONLY CHRIST THE LIVING BREAD CAN SATISFY OUR SPIRITUAL HUNGER.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
A Time To Cry
Read: John 11:1-7, 32-36
Jesus wept. --- John 11:35
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 123-125
1 Corinthians 10:1-18
My father [Richard De Haan] had been battling a debilitating disease for many years. We asked the Lord to take him home. But as I knelt by his bed and watched him take that last breath, the tears I had choked back on other occasions came out like a flood. As my brothers and my mother hugged and prayed, the finality was overwhelming.
That event helped me understand the significance of the shortest verse in the Bible: "Jesus wept" [John 11:35]. God the Son wept! He knew the reality of heaven. He was the source of all hope of a future day of resurrection. And yet, Jesus cried. He loved His friends Mary and Martha and Lazarus so much that "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled" [v.33]. Jesus truly felt their heartache.
When someone we love dies, we struggle with a wide range of emotions. If a young person dies, we ask "Why?" When death comes after long-term suffering, we struggle to understand why the Lord waited so long to bring relief. We begin to think of God as distant, untouched by our sorrow. We may question His wisdom or His goodness. Then we read, "Jesus wept." God is deeply touched by our anguish.
When a painful situation invades your life, remember the Bible's shortest verse. Jesus shed tears too. --- Kurt De Haan
Two years ago today, Kurt De Haan,
managing editor of Our Daily Breadfor 13 years,
was reunited with his father when God called him Home.
[March 29, 1953 - August 28, 2003]
IF YOU DOUBT THAT JESUS CARES, REMEMBER HIS TEARS.
Jesus wept. --- John 11:35
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 123-125
1 Corinthians 10:1-18
My father [Richard De Haan] had been battling a debilitating disease for many years. We asked the Lord to take him home. But as I knelt by his bed and watched him take that last breath, the tears I had choked back on other occasions came out like a flood. As my brothers and my mother hugged and prayed, the finality was overwhelming.
That event helped me understand the significance of the shortest verse in the Bible: "Jesus wept" [John 11:35]. God the Son wept! He knew the reality of heaven. He was the source of all hope of a future day of resurrection. And yet, Jesus cried. He loved His friends Mary and Martha and Lazarus so much that "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled" [v.33]. Jesus truly felt their heartache.
When someone we love dies, we struggle with a wide range of emotions. If a young person dies, we ask "Why?" When death comes after long-term suffering, we struggle to understand why the Lord waited so long to bring relief. We begin to think of God as distant, untouched by our sorrow. We may question His wisdom or His goodness. Then we read, "Jesus wept." God is deeply touched by our anguish.
When a painful situation invades your life, remember the Bible's shortest verse. Jesus shed tears too. --- Kurt De Haan
Two years ago today, Kurt De Haan,
managing editor of Our Daily Breadfor 13 years,
was reunited with his father when God called him Home.
[March 29, 1953 - August 28, 2003]
IF YOU DOUBT THAT JESUS CARES, REMEMBER HIS TEARS.
A Sure Thing
Read: Genenis 2:8-17
It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. --- Hebrews 9:27
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 120-122
1 Corinthians 9
A man who was suffering from poor health decided to move to a warmer climate. Wanting to make sure he would choose the area best suited to his needs, he visited several locations. While in Arizona, he asked, "What's the average temperature?" "What about the humidity?" "How many days of sunshine are there?" When he asked, "What's the death rate?" he received this answer: "Same as where you come from, friend --- one death for every birth."
In spite of medical progress in prolonging life and improving its quality, the death rate remains unchanged. "It is appointed for men to die once" [Hebrews 9:27], because "all have sinned" [Romans 3:23] and "the wages of sin is death" [6:23].
It is therefore essential to live with the right perspective --- that death follows life, and that after death comes the judgment. Everyone who trusts Christ for salvation will come forth from the grave "to the resurrection of life," but everyone who rejects Him will "come forth ... to the resurrection of condemnation" [John 5:29]. For unbelievers, death seals their doom. But for believers, death leads to glory.
Wise is the person who faces up to the certainty of death. And wiser still is the one who prepares for it. --- Richard De Haan
As sure as setting of the sun
In evening's western sky,
This life's brief day will soon be done
And we will have to die. --- D. De Haan
DYING IS THE LAST PAGE OF TIME AND THE FIRST PAGE OF ETERNITY.
It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. --- Hebrews 9:27
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 120-122
1 Corinthians 9
A man who was suffering from poor health decided to move to a warmer climate. Wanting to make sure he would choose the area best suited to his needs, he visited several locations. While in Arizona, he asked, "What's the average temperature?" "What about the humidity?" "How many days of sunshine are there?" When he asked, "What's the death rate?" he received this answer: "Same as where you come from, friend --- one death for every birth."
In spite of medical progress in prolonging life and improving its quality, the death rate remains unchanged. "It is appointed for men to die once" [Hebrews 9:27], because "all have sinned" [Romans 3:23] and "the wages of sin is death" [6:23].
It is therefore essential to live with the right perspective --- that death follows life, and that after death comes the judgment. Everyone who trusts Christ for salvation will come forth from the grave "to the resurrection of life," but everyone who rejects Him will "come forth ... to the resurrection of condemnation" [John 5:29]. For unbelievers, death seals their doom. But for believers, death leads to glory.
Wise is the person who faces up to the certainty of death. And wiser still is the one who prepares for it. --- Richard De Haan
As sure as setting of the sun
In evening's western sky,
This life's brief day will soon be done
And we will have to die. --- D. De Haan
DYING IS THE LAST PAGE OF TIME AND THE FIRST PAGE OF ETERNITY.
Friday, August 26, 2005
A Faithful Friend
Read: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. --- Proverbs 17:17
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 119:89-176
1 Corinthians 8
After one of my relatives had a stroke, she needed help to get around and could no longer remember recent events. One day, my wife Ginny suggested taht we take her out to dinner. I wondered if we should, because afterwards she wouldn't even remember what we had done. Ginny responded, "While we are with her she will know we loe her." How true!
All of us need to know we are loved. I recall the answer I received when I asked a 90-year-old shut-in how his grandchildren were doing. He said, "I don't know. I never see them."
The apostle Paul was locked in a damp Roman dungeon, awaiting execution. He couldn't help but feel hurt that many former friends had deserted him. How grateful he was for the friendship of Onesiphorus!
This man left his family and an active ministry in Ephesus to befriend Paul. When he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently to find where Paul was imprisoned [2 Timothy 1:17]. And he courageously visited the apostle again and again. Paul said of Onesiphorus, "He often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain" [v.16].
Remember, "A friend loves at all time," especially in adversity [Proverbs 17:17]. Like Onesiphorus, let's commit ourselves to bring faithful to our friends. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Someday I hope with you to stand
Before the throne, at God's right hand,
And say to you at journey's end,
"Praise God, you've been to me a friend." --- Clark
ADVERSITY IS THE TEST OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. --- Proverbs 17:17
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 119:89-176
1 Corinthians 8
After one of my relatives had a stroke, she needed help to get around and could no longer remember recent events. One day, my wife Ginny suggested taht we take her out to dinner. I wondered if we should, because afterwards she wouldn't even remember what we had done. Ginny responded, "While we are with her she will know we loe her." How true!
All of us need to know we are loved. I recall the answer I received when I asked a 90-year-old shut-in how his grandchildren were doing. He said, "I don't know. I never see them."
The apostle Paul was locked in a damp Roman dungeon, awaiting execution. He couldn't help but feel hurt that many former friends had deserted him. How grateful he was for the friendship of Onesiphorus!
This man left his family and an active ministry in Ephesus to befriend Paul. When he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently to find where Paul was imprisoned [2 Timothy 1:17]. And he courageously visited the apostle again and again. Paul said of Onesiphorus, "He often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain" [v.16].
Remember, "A friend loves at all time," especially in adversity [Proverbs 17:17]. Like Onesiphorus, let's commit ourselves to bring faithful to our friends. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Someday I hope with you to stand
Before the throne, at God's right hand,
And say to you at journey's end,
"Praise God, you've been to me a friend." --- Clark
ADVERSITY IS THE TEST OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Half-Baked Christians
Read: Hosea 7
Ephraim is a cake unturned .... But they do not return to the LORD their God. --- Hosea 7:8,10
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 119:1-88
1 Corinthians 7:20-40
The prophet Hosea used the tribe of Ephraim as a poetic representation of the northern kingdom of Israel. In a colorful admonition, he wrote that Ephraim had become "a cake unturned" [Hosea 7:8].
In today's terminology, the prophet might have said that Ephraim was "half-baked." The people were like a pancake burned on one side but raw on the other. Although they took advantage of the Lord's goodness, they did not seek Him with their heart. When they needed help, they turned to other sources [vv.10-11, 14-16]. They had become tasteless and useless to God, so He was forced to judge them.
Jesus echoed the words of the prophet. Although He had gentle words for penitent sinners, He gave a scathing rebuke to the haughty and self-righteous who wanted to live as they pleased. He was furious at two-faced religious leaders who talked a good talk but turned around and exploited their followers [Matthew 23:13-30].
God is never soft on sin. He sent His only Son to redeem us from sin's penalty [John 3:16]. Let's not be half-baked Christians, claiming God's forgiveness but still living as we please. The only fitting response to God's mercy and grace is to serve Him in humility and love. --- Haddon Robinson
THINKING IT THROUGH
What is the basis of our salvation? [Ephesians 2:8-9].
How are we to respond to God's grace? [v.10].
How does God correct His children? [Hebrews 12:5-11].
GOD'S GRACE IS NOT LICENSE TO LIVE AS WE PLEASE --- IT'S LIBERTY TO PLEASE GOD.
Ephraim is a cake unturned .... But they do not return to the LORD their God. --- Hosea 7:8,10
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 119:1-88
1 Corinthians 7:20-40
The prophet Hosea used the tribe of Ephraim as a poetic representation of the northern kingdom of Israel. In a colorful admonition, he wrote that Ephraim had become "a cake unturned" [Hosea 7:8].
In today's terminology, the prophet might have said that Ephraim was "half-baked." The people were like a pancake burned on one side but raw on the other. Although they took advantage of the Lord's goodness, they did not seek Him with their heart. When they needed help, they turned to other sources [vv.10-11, 14-16]. They had become tasteless and useless to God, so He was forced to judge them.
Jesus echoed the words of the prophet. Although He had gentle words for penitent sinners, He gave a scathing rebuke to the haughty and self-righteous who wanted to live as they pleased. He was furious at two-faced religious leaders who talked a good talk but turned around and exploited their followers [Matthew 23:13-30].
God is never soft on sin. He sent His only Son to redeem us from sin's penalty [John 3:16]. Let's not be half-baked Christians, claiming God's forgiveness but still living as we please. The only fitting response to God's mercy and grace is to serve Him in humility and love. --- Haddon Robinson
THINKING IT THROUGH
What is the basis of our salvation? [Ephesians 2:8-9].
How are we to respond to God's grace? [v.10].
How does God correct His children? [Hebrews 12:5-11].
GOD'S GRACE IS NOT LICENSE TO LIVE AS WE PLEASE --- IT'S LIBERTY TO PLEASE GOD.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Lonely, But Not Alone
Read: John 16:25-33
You will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. --- John 16:32
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 116-118
1 Corinthians 7:1-19
Her brief not to me spoke volumes. "I am a handicapped person in a wheelchair," she wrote. "I am very lonely even though I know I'm never alone. God is always there. I don't have a lot of people to talk to."
Loneliness has been termed the most desolate word in the English language. It is not respecter of age, race, economic status, or intelligence. Albert Einstein said, "It is strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely."
God made us for intimacy and companionship with others. Even before sin entered the world. He declared that it is not good for man to be alone [Genesis 2:18]. That's why many people often feel so empty inside.
Jesus knew loneliness too. He surely must have felt it when His disciples deserted Him [Mark 14:50]. The Father's presence more than compensated for this, however. He said, "I am not alone, because the Father is with Me" [John 16:32]. That intimacy with the Lord is available to tall who put their trust in Him and His Word [14:16-23].
We can lessen our feelings of loneliness by reaching out to others. But even more important, we must reach out to the Lord. He is always with us, and He wants us to fellowship with Him throughout the day. --- Dennis De Haan
When we are feeling all alone
And no one seems to care,
We must remember: Jesus said
That He is always there. --- Sper
THOSE WHO KNOW JESUS ARE NEVER ALONE.
You will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. --- John 16:32
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 116-118
1 Corinthians 7:1-19
Her brief not to me spoke volumes. "I am a handicapped person in a wheelchair," she wrote. "I am very lonely even though I know I'm never alone. God is always there. I don't have a lot of people to talk to."
Loneliness has been termed the most desolate word in the English language. It is not respecter of age, race, economic status, or intelligence. Albert Einstein said, "It is strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely."
God made us for intimacy and companionship with others. Even before sin entered the world. He declared that it is not good for man to be alone [Genesis 2:18]. That's why many people often feel so empty inside.
Jesus knew loneliness too. He surely must have felt it when His disciples deserted Him [Mark 14:50]. The Father's presence more than compensated for this, however. He said, "I am not alone, because the Father is with Me" [John 16:32]. That intimacy with the Lord is available to tall who put their trust in Him and His Word [14:16-23].
We can lessen our feelings of loneliness by reaching out to others. But even more important, we must reach out to the Lord. He is always with us, and He wants us to fellowship with Him throughout the day. --- Dennis De Haan
When we are feeling all alone
And no one seems to care,
We must remember: Jesus said
That He is always there. --- Sper
THOSE WHO KNOW JESUS ARE NEVER ALONE.
Train To Finish Strong
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. --- 1 Corinthians 9:27
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 113-115
1 Corinthians 6
Eighty years ago, Eric Liddell electrified the world by capturing an Olympic gold medal in the 400 meters --- a race he was not expected to win. Liddell was the favorite at 100 meters, but he had withdrawn from that race after learning the qualifying heats would be on Sunday, a day he observed as one of worship and rest. Instead of lamenting his lost chance in the 100, he spent the next 6 months training for the 400 --- and set a new Olympic record.
Paul used a sports metaphor to emphasize the Christian's need for spiritual discipline. "Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things" [1 Corinthians 9:25], that is, goes into strict training. "Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." Paul longed to remain faithful to Christ because he wanted to bring the message of salvation to others [vv.19,27].
Throughout Liddell's life, he disciplined himself spiritual each day by spending time in God's Word and in prayer. He remained faithful until he died of a brain tumor in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Strengthened by the grace and power of God, Eric Liddell ran well and finished strong in the reace of life. And so can we. --- David McCasland
To win the race of life in Christ,
This must become our daily goal:
To trust in God for grace and strength,
For discipline and self-control. --- Sper
IN THE RACE OF LIFE, IT TAKES DISCIPLINE TO FINISH STRONG.
I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. --- 1 Corinthians 9:27
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 113-115
1 Corinthians 6
Eighty years ago, Eric Liddell electrified the world by capturing an Olympic gold medal in the 400 meters --- a race he was not expected to win. Liddell was the favorite at 100 meters, but he had withdrawn from that race after learning the qualifying heats would be on Sunday, a day he observed as one of worship and rest. Instead of lamenting his lost chance in the 100, he spent the next 6 months training for the 400 --- and set a new Olympic record.
Paul used a sports metaphor to emphasize the Christian's need for spiritual discipline. "Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things" [1 Corinthians 9:25], that is, goes into strict training. "Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." Paul longed to remain faithful to Christ because he wanted to bring the message of salvation to others [vv.19,27].
Throughout Liddell's life, he disciplined himself spiritual each day by spending time in God's Word and in prayer. He remained faithful until he died of a brain tumor in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Strengthened by the grace and power of God, Eric Liddell ran well and finished strong in the reace of life. And so can we. --- David McCasland
To win the race of life in Christ,
This must become our daily goal:
To trust in God for grace and strength,
For discipline and self-control. --- Sper
IN THE RACE OF LIFE, IT TAKES DISCIPLINE TO FINISH STRONG.
Monday, August 22, 2005
The Humanity Of Jesus
Read: Hebrews 2:9-18
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. --- Hebrews 4:15
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 110-112
1 Corinthians 5
I once overheard this comment about a person who was always critical: "The trouble with him is that he's forgotten what it's like to be human!" How easily we forget our past struggles and become unsympathetic toward those who are struggling today. But there's one who hasn't forgotten what it's like to be human --- Jesus.
In Hebrews 2:9-18, we "see" Jesus' humanity more fully. As a man, He was able by God's grace to experience death in our place. And during His earthly life Jesus was made perfect through His sufferings [v.10]. But there's more. "Both [Jesus] who sanctifies and [we] who are being sanctified are all of one." Because of this oneness, Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters [v. 11].
In a body like ours, Jesus lived, worked, and overcame every obstacle, so He knows what it's like to be one of us. Having passed through all these experiences without sinning. He then went to heaven and is now our approachable High Priest at the throne of grace [vv. 17-18; 4:14-16].
We all need someone who knows what it's like to be human yet has limitless power to help us overcome our human weaknesses. Jesus is that one. He longs to hear us speak His name and ask for His help. --- Joanie Yoder
God lived as man, as one of us,
And understands our need for grace;
He is not distant nor detached
From all the trials that we face. --- Sper
NO ONE UNDERSTANDS LIKE JESUS.
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. --- Hebrews 4:15
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 110-112
1 Corinthians 5
I once overheard this comment about a person who was always critical: "The trouble with him is that he's forgotten what it's like to be human!" How easily we forget our past struggles and become unsympathetic toward those who are struggling today. But there's one who hasn't forgotten what it's like to be human --- Jesus.
In Hebrews 2:9-18, we "see" Jesus' humanity more fully. As a man, He was able by God's grace to experience death in our place. And during His earthly life Jesus was made perfect through His sufferings [v.10]. But there's more. "Both [Jesus] who sanctifies and [we] who are being sanctified are all of one." Because of this oneness, Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters [v. 11].
In a body like ours, Jesus lived, worked, and overcame every obstacle, so He knows what it's like to be one of us. Having passed through all these experiences without sinning. He then went to heaven and is now our approachable High Priest at the throne of grace [vv. 17-18; 4:14-16].
We all need someone who knows what it's like to be human yet has limitless power to help us overcome our human weaknesses. Jesus is that one. He longs to hear us speak His name and ask for His help. --- Joanie Yoder
God lived as man, as one of us,
And understands our need for grace;
He is not distant nor detached
From all the trials that we face. --- Sper
NO ONE UNDERSTANDS LIKE JESUS.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
A New Song
Read: Psalm 33:1-5
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song. --- Psalm 33:2-3
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 107-109
1 Corinthians 4
I was walking in the park one morning, listening to a tape by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I had my ancient Walkman clipped to my belt and my headphones clamped over my ears, tuned in to another world. The music was joyous! Obviously to my surroundings, I began to sing and dance.
Then I spied my neighbor, leaning against a tree with a bemused look on her face. She couldn't hear my music, but she was delighted by my behavior. I wish she could have heard my song.
I thought afterward of the new song God has placed in our hearts, a song we hear from another worlds. It tells us that God loves us and always will, and that He has "delivered us from the power of darkness" [Colossians 1:13] and "made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" [Ephesians 2:6]. And someday He'll take us to be with Him forever.
In the meantime He has given us eternally useful things to do. Grace now and glory ahead! Is this not a reason to sing?
Next time you're down in the dumps, think about God's goodness. Tune in to the music of heaven and sing a new song with the angels. It may set your feet to dancing and cause great wonderment in those around you. Perhaps they'll want to hear the music too. --- David Roper
I'll sing with the ransomed a new song on high,
And all because Jesus my Savior is nigh;
The earth with its heartaches is all of the past,
For now I am home with my Savior at last. --- Johnson
GOD'S WORK IN OUR LIFE PUTS A NEW SONG IN OUR HEART.
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song. --- Psalm 33:2-3
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 107-109
1 Corinthians 4
I was walking in the park one morning, listening to a tape by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I had my ancient Walkman clipped to my belt and my headphones clamped over my ears, tuned in to another world. The music was joyous! Obviously to my surroundings, I began to sing and dance.
Then I spied my neighbor, leaning against a tree with a bemused look on her face. She couldn't hear my music, but she was delighted by my behavior. I wish she could have heard my song.
I thought afterward of the new song God has placed in our hearts, a song we hear from another worlds. It tells us that God loves us and always will, and that He has "delivered us from the power of darkness" [Colossians 1:13] and "made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" [Ephesians 2:6]. And someday He'll take us to be with Him forever.
In the meantime He has given us eternally useful things to do. Grace now and glory ahead! Is this not a reason to sing?
Next time you're down in the dumps, think about God's goodness. Tune in to the music of heaven and sing a new song with the angels. It may set your feet to dancing and cause great wonderment in those around you. Perhaps they'll want to hear the music too. --- David Roper
I'll sing with the ransomed a new song on high,
And all because Jesus my Savior is nigh;
The earth with its heartaches is all of the past,
For now I am home with my Savior at last. --- Johnson
GOD'S WORK IN OUR LIFE PUTS A NEW SONG IN OUR HEART.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Twice Is Once Too Many
Read: James 3:1-12
With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. --- James 3:9
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 105-106
1 Corinthians 3
When I begin to grade the papers from the students in my college freshman writing class, I'm rather lenient about correcting their mistakes, hoping I won't see the same errors again.
But when the next paper contains the identical mistakes, I begin to get a little irritated. I expect the students to learn from their errors and avoid them the next time. Usually, though, it doesn't quite work that way.
Sounds like our Christian life. The Lord patiently reminds us through the Holy Spirit's presence, for example, that we shouldn't say negative things about others. He tells us to be kind and compassionate instead of fault-finding and vindictive [Ephesians 4:31-32]. But we sometimes slip back into our old habit of letting both "fresh" and "bitter" words come from our lips in our conversations about others. [James 3:8-12].
With my students, I go back to the basics to erase old habits. We train. We review. We practice. We eliminate the errors.
The Lord patiently continues to work with us about the way we speak of other people. As we listen to His training, learn from our mistakes, and depend on His power, we'll grow and change. --- Dave Branon
To be like Jesus --- that's our goal,
Though it doesn't happen fast;
We trust the Spirit --- He's our Guide,
Till we're glorified at last. --- Branon
TO PUT FAILURE BEHIND YOU, FACE UP TO IT.
With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. --- James 3:9
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 105-106
1 Corinthians 3
When I begin to grade the papers from the students in my college freshman writing class, I'm rather lenient about correcting their mistakes, hoping I won't see the same errors again.
But when the next paper contains the identical mistakes, I begin to get a little irritated. I expect the students to learn from their errors and avoid them the next time. Usually, though, it doesn't quite work that way.
Sounds like our Christian life. The Lord patiently reminds us through the Holy Spirit's presence, for example, that we shouldn't say negative things about others. He tells us to be kind and compassionate instead of fault-finding and vindictive [Ephesians 4:31-32]. But we sometimes slip back into our old habit of letting both "fresh" and "bitter" words come from our lips in our conversations about others. [James 3:8-12].
With my students, I go back to the basics to erase old habits. We train. We review. We practice. We eliminate the errors.
The Lord patiently continues to work with us about the way we speak of other people. As we listen to His training, learn from our mistakes, and depend on His power, we'll grow and change. --- Dave Branon
To be like Jesus --- that's our goal,
Though it doesn't happen fast;
We trust the Spirit --- He's our Guide,
Till we're glorified at last. --- Branon
TO PUT FAILURE BEHIND YOU, FACE UP TO IT.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Grace And Glory
Read: Psalm 84:5-12
The LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. --- Psalm 84:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 103-104
1 Corinthians 2
There's a circular path in the park where I walk behind our home in Boise, Idaho. When I've walked three times around, I've gone 1 mile.
It's easy to lose count of the laps on my 3-mile walk. So each morning I pick up nine small stones and put them in my pocket, discarding one each time I finish a lap.
I always feel godo when there's one stone left in my pocket. It puts spring in my step. I pick up the pace.
It occurs to me that my walk through life is a lot like those daily walks. I've completed three-score and ten years and don't have far to go. That too puts spring in my step.
I'm in no hurry to leave this life, but my times are in God's hands. As the body is breaking down under the weight of the years, there is a grace within that sustains me. I go now "from strength to strength," and in good time I will appear "before God in Zion" [Psalm 84:7,11]. That will be glory for me.
Our Lord gives "grace and glory," the psalmist says --- grace for our earthly walk and glory when we have finished it. "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" [v.11].
Do you need grace today? God gives it with both hands. All you have to do is take it. --- David Roper
When all my labors and trials are o'er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me. --- Gabriel
GOD GIVES GRACE FOR THIS LIFE AND GLORY IN THE LIFE TO COME.
The LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. --- Psalm 84:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 103-104
1 Corinthians 2
There's a circular path in the park where I walk behind our home in Boise, Idaho. When I've walked three times around, I've gone 1 mile.
It's easy to lose count of the laps on my 3-mile walk. So each morning I pick up nine small stones and put them in my pocket, discarding one each time I finish a lap.
I always feel godo when there's one stone left in my pocket. It puts spring in my step. I pick up the pace.
It occurs to me that my walk through life is a lot like those daily walks. I've completed three-score and ten years and don't have far to go. That too puts spring in my step.
I'm in no hurry to leave this life, but my times are in God's hands. As the body is breaking down under the weight of the years, there is a grace within that sustains me. I go now "from strength to strength," and in good time I will appear "before God in Zion" [Psalm 84:7,11]. That will be glory for me.
Our Lord gives "grace and glory," the psalmist says --- grace for our earthly walk and glory when we have finished it. "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" [v.11].
Do you need grace today? God gives it with both hands. All you have to do is take it. --- David Roper
When all my labors and trials are o'er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me. --- Gabriel
GOD GIVES GRACE FOR THIS LIFE AND GLORY IN THE LIFE TO COME.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Meet The Tates
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." --- 1 Corinthians 21:21
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 100-102
1 Corinthians 1
Teamwork is essential in business and industry. To underscore this point, Co-op Magazine included this item: "You've pervade every organization. There is Dick Tate, who wants to run everything. Ro Tate tries to change everything. Agi Tate stirs up trouble whenever possible, and Irri Tate always lends him a hand.
"Whenever new ideas are suggested, Hesi Tate and Vegi Tate pour cold water on them. Imi Tate tries to mimic everyone, Devas Tate loves to be disruptive, and Poten Tate wants to be a big shot. But it's Facili Tate, Cogi Tate, and Medi Tate who always save the day and get everyone pulling together."
A one-man show doesn't get very far. But nowhere is this truth brought to a higher and more powerful fulfillment than in the body of Christ. The Scriptures teach that by God's design all who are in Christ have been made dependent on one another. We may think we can go it on our own, but we can't. We can't fulfill our high calling as members of the body of Christ until we begin to realize that we all have a vital part to play. We are family. We need one another.
Lord, help us to overcome our stubborn pride. Teach us to cooperate --- for our sake and for Yours. --- Mart De Haan
If great and small work side by side
When it comes time to lend a hand,
And if they turn their backs on pride,
Christ's servant-heart they'll understand. --- Branon
COMING TOGETHER IS A START; KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS; WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." --- 1 Corinthians 21:21
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 100-102
1 Corinthians 1
Teamwork is essential in business and industry. To underscore this point, Co-op Magazine included this item: "You've pervade every organization. There is Dick Tate, who wants to run everything. Ro Tate tries to change everything. Agi Tate stirs up trouble whenever possible, and Irri Tate always lends him a hand.
"Whenever new ideas are suggested, Hesi Tate and Vegi Tate pour cold water on them. Imi Tate tries to mimic everyone, Devas Tate loves to be disruptive, and Poten Tate wants to be a big shot. But it's Facili Tate, Cogi Tate, and Medi Tate who always save the day and get everyone pulling together."
A one-man show doesn't get very far. But nowhere is this truth brought to a higher and more powerful fulfillment than in the body of Christ. The Scriptures teach that by God's design all who are in Christ have been made dependent on one another. We may think we can go it on our own, but we can't. We can't fulfill our high calling as members of the body of Christ until we begin to realize that we all have a vital part to play. We are family. We need one another.
Lord, help us to overcome our stubborn pride. Teach us to cooperate --- for our sake and for Yours. --- Mart De Haan
If great and small work side by side
When it comes time to lend a hand,
And if they turn their backs on pride,
Christ's servant-heart they'll understand. --- Branon
COMING TOGETHER IS A START; KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS; WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
A Rock-Solid Foundation
Read: Matthew 7:21-27
No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. --- 1 Corinthians 3:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 97-99
Romans 16
As Christians we can become so preoccupied with our earthly affairs that we shift our confidence from Jesus Christ to faith in our own intellect. Then something happens to shake the foundation on which we had been building.
Philipi E. Johnson, a gifted lawyer and primary spokesman for the Intelligent Design movement, suffered a stroke and was likely to have another. Plagued by frightening thoughts during those first few days after his stroke, he was profoundly touched when a friend came and sang, "On Christ, the solid rock, I stand --- all other ground is sinking sand."
Johnson writes, "What was the solid rock on which I stood? I had always prided myself on being self-reliant, and my brain was what I had relied on. Now the self with its brain was exposed as the shaky instrument it had always been. I was a Christian, even an ardent one in my worldly fashion, but now all the smoke was blown away, and I saw Truth close up." He resolved to keep Jesus at the center of his life and is now a different man.
How quickly we rely on our intellect and reasoning, only to find that it is a "shaky instrument." Let's never forget that Jesus is the only rock-solid foundation of truth on which we can always depend. --- Herb Vander Lugt
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust that sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name. --- Mote
BUILD YOUR LIFE ON THE SOLID FOUNDATION --- JESUS CHRIST.
No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. --- 1 Corinthians 3:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 97-99
Romans 16
As Christians we can become so preoccupied with our earthly affairs that we shift our confidence from Jesus Christ to faith in our own intellect. Then something happens to shake the foundation on which we had been building.
Philipi E. Johnson, a gifted lawyer and primary spokesman for the Intelligent Design movement, suffered a stroke and was likely to have another. Plagued by frightening thoughts during those first few days after his stroke, he was profoundly touched when a friend came and sang, "On Christ, the solid rock, I stand --- all other ground is sinking sand."
Johnson writes, "What was the solid rock on which I stood? I had always prided myself on being self-reliant, and my brain was what I had relied on. Now the self with its brain was exposed as the shaky instrument it had always been. I was a Christian, even an ardent one in my worldly fashion, but now all the smoke was blown away, and I saw Truth close up." He resolved to keep Jesus at the center of his life and is now a different man.
How quickly we rely on our intellect and reasoning, only to find that it is a "shaky instrument." Let's never forget that Jesus is the only rock-solid foundation of truth on which we can always depend. --- Herb Vander Lugt
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust that sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name. --- Mote
BUILD YOUR LIFE ON THE SOLID FOUNDATION --- JESUS CHRIST.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Think Young
Read: Isaiah 40:25-31
Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. --- Isaiah 40:31
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 94-96
Romans 15:14-33
In the book Geeks and Geezers, authors Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas present a fascinating look at "how era, values, and defining moments shape leaders" of two very different generations --- the geeks [those 21-35] and the geezers [those over 70].
One of their findings is that among the older group of "geezers," every person who was able to continue to play a leadership role retained the qualities of curiosity, playfulness, eagerness, fearlessness, warmth, and energy. Instead of being defeated by time and age, they were "open, willing to take risks, hungry for knowledge and experience, courageous, eager to see what the new day brings."
That's a great attitude to have, but how can a Christian get it and keep it? The Bible says that our strength comes from a trusting relationship with God: "Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" [Isaiah 40:31].
Our minds more than our bodies cause us to lose heart and give up. The young are not immune, because "even the youths shall faint and be weary" [v.30]. God gives power to young and old who place their hope in Him. He stirs our spirits to run, walk, and soar for Him. --- David McCasland
We're often weary in life's race,
Driven by its hurried pace,
But when we wait upon the Lord,
His strength becomes our sure reward. --- D. De Haan
NO ONE IS OLD WHO IS YOUNG AT HEART.
Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. --- Isaiah 40:31
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 94-96
Romans 15:14-33
In the book Geeks and Geezers, authors Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas present a fascinating look at "how era, values, and defining moments shape leaders" of two very different generations --- the geeks [those 21-35] and the geezers [those over 70].
One of their findings is that among the older group of "geezers," every person who was able to continue to play a leadership role retained the qualities of curiosity, playfulness, eagerness, fearlessness, warmth, and energy. Instead of being defeated by time and age, they were "open, willing to take risks, hungry for knowledge and experience, courageous, eager to see what the new day brings."
That's a great attitude to have, but how can a Christian get it and keep it? The Bible says that our strength comes from a trusting relationship with God: "Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" [Isaiah 40:31].
Our minds more than our bodies cause us to lose heart and give up. The young are not immune, because "even the youths shall faint and be weary" [v.30]. God gives power to young and old who place their hope in Him. He stirs our spirits to run, walk, and soar for Him. --- David McCasland
We're often weary in life's race,
Driven by its hurried pace,
But when we wait upon the Lord,
His strength becomes our sure reward. --- D. De Haan
NO ONE IS OLD WHO IS YOUNG AT HEART.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
The Total Package
Read: Colossians 1:19-23
You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit. --- 1 Corinthians 6:20
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 91-93
Romans 15:1-13
Our family had lived in the same house for many years, and it was time for a change of scenery. When we finally discovered a house we liked, we began negotiating for its purchase.
We had to find out if the refrigerator stayed. And the stove. But we knew some things were not going to stay. The furniture didn't come with the house. And I jokingly wondered if we could keep the cars in the garage.
When you buy a house, you may not get the total package. The owner takes his belongings with him, although you may have the option to buy some of them.
Many things in life have purchase options. But that's not how it is with our faith in Jesus Christ. When Jesus purchased us with His blood on the cross, He didn't get only a portion of us. He's not just the Lord of the religious stuff; He owns everything. So why do we sometimes live as if parts of us don't belong to Jesus? That's not fair to the buyer.
"You were bought at a price," Paul wrote. "Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's [1 Corinthians 6:20].
Christ bought us --- body, soul, and spirit. Let's make sure we let Him use the total package for His glory. --- Dave Branon
You have bought us, and no longer
Can we claim to be our own;
Giving freely, naught withholding,
We shall serve You, Lord, alone. --- Murray
JESUS GAVE HIS ALL; HE DESERVES OUR ALL.
You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit. --- 1 Corinthians 6:20
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 91-93
Romans 15:1-13
Our family had lived in the same house for many years, and it was time for a change of scenery. When we finally discovered a house we liked, we began negotiating for its purchase.
We had to find out if the refrigerator stayed. And the stove. But we knew some things were not going to stay. The furniture didn't come with the house. And I jokingly wondered if we could keep the cars in the garage.
When you buy a house, you may not get the total package. The owner takes his belongings with him, although you may have the option to buy some of them.
Many things in life have purchase options. But that's not how it is with our faith in Jesus Christ. When Jesus purchased us with His blood on the cross, He didn't get only a portion of us. He's not just the Lord of the religious stuff; He owns everything. So why do we sometimes live as if parts of us don't belong to Jesus? That's not fair to the buyer.
"You were bought at a price," Paul wrote. "Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's [1 Corinthians 6:20].
Christ bought us --- body, soul, and spirit. Let's make sure we let Him use the total package for His glory. --- Dave Branon
You have bought us, and no longer
Can we claim to be our own;
Giving freely, naught withholding,
We shall serve You, Lord, alone. --- Murray
JESUS GAVE HIS ALL; HE DESERVES OUR ALL.
The Bible Stands!
Read: Joshua 6:1-5,20
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. --- Hebrews 11:30
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 89-90
Romans 14
Unbelievers have long scoffed at the biblical story of the fall of the ancient city of Jericho. That's why I was delighted to see this headline on the frontpage of the newspaper:
NEW STUDY BACKS BIBLICAL
VERSION OF JERICHO'S DEMISE
The Associated Press article began, "The walls of Jericho did come tumbling down as recounted in the Bible, according to an archaeological study." Archaeologist Bryant G. Wood of the University of Toronto said, "When we compare the archaeological evidence at Jericho with the biblical narrative describing the Israelite destruction of Jericho, we find remarkable agreement." Wood noted that the Bible places the event after spring harvest and indicates that that Israelites burned the city --- both facts confirmed by the archaeological remains. Once again, archaeology bears testimony to the truthfulness of Scripture.
Our belief in the authenticity of the Bible does not depend on scientific research but on its claim to God's Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." We can therefore have complete confidence in what it says.
It's a fact --- the walls of Jericho did indeed fall. The Bible stands! --- Richard De Haan
The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can. --- Lillenas
TO THE WISE, GOD'S WORD IS SUFFICIENT.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. --- Hebrews 11:30
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 89-90
Romans 14
Unbelievers have long scoffed at the biblical story of the fall of the ancient city of Jericho. That's why I was delighted to see this headline on the frontpage of the newspaper:
NEW STUDY BACKS BIBLICAL
VERSION OF JERICHO'S DEMISE
The Associated Press article began, "The walls of Jericho did come tumbling down as recounted in the Bible, according to an archaeological study." Archaeologist Bryant G. Wood of the University of Toronto said, "When we compare the archaeological evidence at Jericho with the biblical narrative describing the Israelite destruction of Jericho, we find remarkable agreement." Wood noted that the Bible places the event after spring harvest and indicates that that Israelites burned the city --- both facts confirmed by the archaeological remains. Once again, archaeology bears testimony to the truthfulness of Scripture.
Our belief in the authenticity of the Bible does not depend on scientific research but on its claim to God's Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." We can therefore have complete confidence in what it says.
It's a fact --- the walls of Jericho did indeed fall. The Bible stands! --- Richard De Haan
The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can. --- Lillenas
TO THE WISE, GOD'S WORD IS SUFFICIENT.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Appreciated
Read: Matthew 26:6-13
Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. --- Matthew 26:13
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 87-88
Romans 13
The heroes and heroines of the Bible often take us by surprise. The woman in today's Scripture reading is a prime example. [John 12:13 tells us her name was Mary.] She was singled out by Jesus to be mentioned wherever the gospel is preached. Mary had scandalized some of those dining with Jesus by her lavish devotion as she anointed Him with perfume worth more than a year's wages. I believe Mary did this in anticipation of Jesus' death.
"Why this waste?" asked those at the table who expressed a concern for the poor [Matthew 26:8-9]. If they had been attending Jesus' funeral rather than a dinner with Him, they may have reacted quite differently. Yet, when Mary showed Him her extravagant love while He was alive, she was severely criticized for such waste.
We can learn a valuable lesson from Mary's devotion. We need to break out our best perfumes for the living. Yet all too often we wait until someone we know has died to show the appreciation that we fail to show in life.
Is there someone who comes to your mind, a friend or a family member, who would be honored and encouraged by an expression of your love and appreciation? Then do something to show it --- while the person is still alive. --- Haddon Robinson
Show love to others young and old,
Encourage them while they are near;
For when they've gone to their reward,
Your loudest praise they will not hear. --- D. De Haan
GIVE PRAISE TO OTHERS WHILE THEY ARE HERE; THEY WON'T NEED IT IN THE HEREAFTER.
Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. --- Matthew 26:13
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 87-88
Romans 13
The heroes and heroines of the Bible often take us by surprise. The woman in today's Scripture reading is a prime example. [John 12:13 tells us her name was Mary.] She was singled out by Jesus to be mentioned wherever the gospel is preached. Mary had scandalized some of those dining with Jesus by her lavish devotion as she anointed Him with perfume worth more than a year's wages. I believe Mary did this in anticipation of Jesus' death.
"Why this waste?" asked those at the table who expressed a concern for the poor [Matthew 26:8-9]. If they had been attending Jesus' funeral rather than a dinner with Him, they may have reacted quite differently. Yet, when Mary showed Him her extravagant love while He was alive, she was severely criticized for such waste.
We can learn a valuable lesson from Mary's devotion. We need to break out our best perfumes for the living. Yet all too often we wait until someone we know has died to show the appreciation that we fail to show in life.
Is there someone who comes to your mind, a friend or a family member, who would be honored and encouraged by an expression of your love and appreciation? Then do something to show it --- while the person is still alive. --- Haddon Robinson
Show love to others young and old,
Encourage them while they are near;
For when they've gone to their reward,
Your loudest praise they will not hear. --- D. De Haan
GIVE PRAISE TO OTHERS WHILE THEY ARE HERE; THEY WON'T NEED IT IN THE HEREAFTER.
Friday, August 12, 2005
The Power Of Love
Read: Matthew 5:43-48
Love your enemies, ... and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. --- Matthew 5:44
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 84-86
Romans 12
Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of brothers Ivan and Alyosha Karamazov. Alyosha is a devoted follower of Jesus; Ivan is a skeptic.
As the story unfolds, Ivan meets his brother at a cafe. In an effort to undermine the faith of Alyosha, he recites a lengthy poem he has written about the Grand Inquisitor. In it the Inquisitor rails at Jesus for His decision to grant free will to human beings and thus bring so much pain and suffering into the world.
As the Grand Inquisitor finishes his argument, Ivan portrays Jesus as having no answer. Instead, Jesus walks up to the Inquisitor and kisses him. Ivan hopes Alyosha will see this as an irrational act. But as he finishes speaking, Alyosha, imitating Jesus, leans forward and kisses Ivan.
Alyosha's profound gesture completely changes the tenor of the scene, for it represents the triumph of love over doubt and skepticism. Love overrides every objection. No logical argument can overthrow it.
That's why Jesus calls us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who spitefully use us and persecute us [Matthew 5:44]. Love, not rational argument, overcomes hatred. The goodness of God revealed in our love draws people to repentance. --- David Roper
Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me,
Help me to see them as You do above;
Give me the wisdom and strength to take action,
So I may show them Your wonderful love. --- K. De Haan
IT'S BETTER TO GIVE OTHERS A PIECE OF YOUR HEART THAN A PIECE OF YOUR MIND.
Love your enemies, ... and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. --- Matthew 5:44
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 84-86
Romans 12
Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of brothers Ivan and Alyosha Karamazov. Alyosha is a devoted follower of Jesus; Ivan is a skeptic.
As the story unfolds, Ivan meets his brother at a cafe. In an effort to undermine the faith of Alyosha, he recites a lengthy poem he has written about the Grand Inquisitor. In it the Inquisitor rails at Jesus for His decision to grant free will to human beings and thus bring so much pain and suffering into the world.
As the Grand Inquisitor finishes his argument, Ivan portrays Jesus as having no answer. Instead, Jesus walks up to the Inquisitor and kisses him. Ivan hopes Alyosha will see this as an irrational act. But as he finishes speaking, Alyosha, imitating Jesus, leans forward and kisses Ivan.
Alyosha's profound gesture completely changes the tenor of the scene, for it represents the triumph of love over doubt and skepticism. Love overrides every objection. No logical argument can overthrow it.
That's why Jesus calls us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who spitefully use us and persecute us [Matthew 5:44]. Love, not rational argument, overcomes hatred. The goodness of God revealed in our love draws people to repentance. --- David Roper
Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me,
Help me to see them as You do above;
Give me the wisdom and strength to take action,
So I may show them Your wonderful love. --- K. De Haan
IT'S BETTER TO GIVE OTHERS A PIECE OF YOUR HEART THAN A PIECE OF YOUR MIND.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
What's Your Identity?
Read: Galatians 3:26-4:7
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. --- Galatians 3:26
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 81-83
Romans 11:19-36
How do people identify you? Do they say, "Hey, there's the guy who sells cars." Or "That woman is a school teacher."
When our oldest daughter was little, she sang on a national children's radio program, and I liked being known as "Lisa Sue's dad." Since 1990, I've enjoyed being "The Sports Spectrum guy" because of my work with that magazine. We all have little titles that others use to identify us.
Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" [Mark 8:27]. Some thought He was Elijah or another prophet. But those who knew Him best said, "You are the Christ" [v.29]. That was the right label for the Savior of the world.
What are you called by those who know you best? Do they say, "He's a follower of Jesus --- you can just tell"? It may depend on how you talk with people, how you treat your family, and the way you live.
The apostle Paul said we are all "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:26]. That intimate identification with God the Father should naturally express itself to our friends and acquaintances.
Those closest to Jesus knew He was the Savior. Do those close to us know that we belong to Him? --- Dave Branon
Show me the way, Lord, let my light shine
As an example of good to mankind;
Help them to see the patterns of Thee
Shining in beauty, lived out in me. --- Neuer
DO THOSE WHO KNOW YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN?
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. --- Galatians 3:26
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 81-83
Romans 11:19-36
How do people identify you? Do they say, "Hey, there's the guy who sells cars." Or "That woman is a school teacher."
When our oldest daughter was little, she sang on a national children's radio program, and I liked being known as "Lisa Sue's dad." Since 1990, I've enjoyed being "The Sports Spectrum guy" because of my work with that magazine. We all have little titles that others use to identify us.
Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" [Mark 8:27]. Some thought He was Elijah or another prophet. But those who knew Him best said, "You are the Christ" [v.29]. That was the right label for the Savior of the world.
What are you called by those who know you best? Do they say, "He's a follower of Jesus --- you can just tell"? It may depend on how you talk with people, how you treat your family, and the way you live.
The apostle Paul said we are all "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:26]. That intimate identification with God the Father should naturally express itself to our friends and acquaintances.
Those closest to Jesus knew He was the Savior. Do those close to us know that we belong to Him? --- Dave Branon
Show me the way, Lord, let my light shine
As an example of good to mankind;
Help them to see the patterns of Thee
Shining in beauty, lived out in me. --- Neuer
DO THOSE WHO KNOW YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN?
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Countless Wonders
Read: Job 9:1-10
[God] does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without numbers. --- Job 9:10
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 79-80
Romans 11:1-18
When writer Aletha Lindstrom needs a lift for her spirits, she thinks of her favorite poetry book called Who Tells The Crocuses It's Spring? That prompts her to ask other questions like, "Who makes the trees turn all those beautiful colors in the autumn? Who splashes rain in shining puddles? Who makes the stars shimmer in the night?"
Such questions ought to stimulate our own grateful meditation. Centuries ago, Job exclaimed that it is God who "does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number" [Job 9:10].
It is God who reminds the sun to rise at its appointed time every morning. It is God who keeps the earth steadily rotating at tremendous speed. It is God who feeds the sparrow and dresses the lilies in their splendor. It is God who guides the feathered flocks southward in the autumn and then brings them north again in the spring.
Argue if you like that all these wonders are simply the operation of the laws of nature. But just as civil law is the expression of human will, so also natural law is the expression of God's will and wisdom.
As we see the wonders of creation all around us, let's worship the One who designed them. --- Vernon Grounds
This is my Father's world ---
The birds their carols raise;
The morning light, the lily white
Declare their Maker's praise. --- Babcock
IN THE WONDERS OF CREATION WE SEE GOD AT WORK.
[God] does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without numbers. --- Job 9:10
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 79-80
Romans 11:1-18
When writer Aletha Lindstrom needs a lift for her spirits, she thinks of her favorite poetry book called Who Tells The Crocuses It's Spring? That prompts her to ask other questions like, "Who makes the trees turn all those beautiful colors in the autumn? Who splashes rain in shining puddles? Who makes the stars shimmer in the night?"
Such questions ought to stimulate our own grateful meditation. Centuries ago, Job exclaimed that it is God who "does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number" [Job 9:10].
It is God who reminds the sun to rise at its appointed time every morning. It is God who keeps the earth steadily rotating at tremendous speed. It is God who feeds the sparrow and dresses the lilies in their splendor. It is God who guides the feathered flocks southward in the autumn and then brings them north again in the spring.
Argue if you like that all these wonders are simply the operation of the laws of nature. But just as civil law is the expression of human will, so also natural law is the expression of God's will and wisdom.
As we see the wonders of creation all around us, let's worship the One who designed them. --- Vernon Grounds
This is my Father's world ---
The birds their carols raise;
The morning light, the lily white
Declare their Maker's praise. --- Babcock
IN THE WONDERS OF CREATION WE SEE GOD AT WORK.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Stay Home And Keep Them
Read: James 1:21-27
Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. --- James 1:22
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 77-78
Romans 10
A church member told his pastor that he was going to the Holy Land. He said that it was his intention to visit Mount Sinai. "In fact," he told the minister, "I plan to climb to the top of that mountain, and read the Ten Commandments aloud when I get there."
Thinking this would please the pastor, he was surprised to hear, "You know, I can think of something even better than that." That man responded, "You can, Pastor? And what might that be?"
He replied rather bluntly, "Instead of traveling thousands of miles to read the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, why not stay right here at home and keep them?"
God wants us to read His Word, of course. But more important, He wants us to obey it. So, as we open the Bible each day, we should pray not only for illumination to understand it but also for a willingness to obey it. Hearing and doing must go hand-in-hand [James 1:22].
When Saul heard Jesus speaking to him on the road to Damascus, he asked, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" [Acts 9:6]. That's a good question for us to ask whenever we read the Bible or hear it read.
Let's be "doers of the Word." --- Richard De Haan
We take delight to read God's Word,
We say, "Ah, yes, it's true!"
But we must go beyond mere words
And seek His will to do. --- D. De Haan
THE SPIRIT OF GOD ENABLES US TO OBEY THE WORD OF GOD.
Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. --- James 1:22
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 77-78
Romans 10
A church member told his pastor that he was going to the Holy Land. He said that it was his intention to visit Mount Sinai. "In fact," he told the minister, "I plan to climb to the top of that mountain, and read the Ten Commandments aloud when I get there."
Thinking this would please the pastor, he was surprised to hear, "You know, I can think of something even better than that." That man responded, "You can, Pastor? And what might that be?"
He replied rather bluntly, "Instead of traveling thousands of miles to read the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, why not stay right here at home and keep them?"
God wants us to read His Word, of course. But more important, He wants us to obey it. So, as we open the Bible each day, we should pray not only for illumination to understand it but also for a willingness to obey it. Hearing and doing must go hand-in-hand [James 1:22].
When Saul heard Jesus speaking to him on the road to Damascus, he asked, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" [Acts 9:6]. That's a good question for us to ask whenever we read the Bible or hear it read.
Let's be "doers of the Word." --- Richard De Haan
We take delight to read God's Word,
We say, "Ah, yes, it's true!"
But we must go beyond mere words
And seek His will to do. --- D. De Haan
THE SPIRIT OF GOD ENABLES US TO OBEY THE WORD OF GOD.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
"We Cut The Coal"
Read: Romans 16:1-16
I commend to you Phoebe ...; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. --- Romans 16:1-2
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 74-76
Romans 9:16-33
Winston Churchill knew that people who work behind the scenes don't always get the credit they deserve. During World War II, many of England's coal miners wanted to enlish and fight on the front lines. Churchill acknowledged their patriotism but reminded them of how valuable their work was to the cause of the war. "Some must stay in the pits," he said, "and others must stay in the army. Both are equally needed, and for both there is equal credit."
Looking ahead to when children would ask their parents what they did in the war, Churchill said, "One will say, 'I was a fighter pilot'; another will say, 'I was in the submarine service'; ... and you in your own turn will say with equal pride and with equal right, 'We cut the coal.'"
Paul too recognized the vital importance of those who worked behind the scenes. Much of Romans 16 is dedicated to honoring some of his fellow workers in the faith --- people such as Phoebe, Andronicus, and Urbanus --- whom we would otherwise never know about. Their service was valuable to Paul and to the cause of reaching people for Christ.
Your labor for the Lord may be unseen and unheralded, but it is essential. Continue to "cut the coal." You are valuable to the Lord. --- Dave Egner
Use now what God has given you,
Count not its worth as small;
God does not ask of you great things,
Just faithfulness --- that's all! --- Bosch
YOUR LITTLE IS A LOT WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR ALL.
I commend to you Phoebe ...; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. --- Romans 16:1-2
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 74-76
Romans 9:16-33
Winston Churchill knew that people who work behind the scenes don't always get the credit they deserve. During World War II, many of England's coal miners wanted to enlish and fight on the front lines. Churchill acknowledged their patriotism but reminded them of how valuable their work was to the cause of the war. "Some must stay in the pits," he said, "and others must stay in the army. Both are equally needed, and for both there is equal credit."
Looking ahead to when children would ask their parents what they did in the war, Churchill said, "One will say, 'I was a fighter pilot'; another will say, 'I was in the submarine service'; ... and you in your own turn will say with equal pride and with equal right, 'We cut the coal.'"
Paul too recognized the vital importance of those who worked behind the scenes. Much of Romans 16 is dedicated to honoring some of his fellow workers in the faith --- people such as Phoebe, Andronicus, and Urbanus --- whom we would otherwise never know about. Their service was valuable to Paul and to the cause of reaching people for Christ.
Your labor for the Lord may be unseen and unheralded, but it is essential. Continue to "cut the coal." You are valuable to the Lord. --- Dave Egner
Use now what God has given you,
Count not its worth as small;
God does not ask of you great things,
Just faithfulness --- that's all! --- Bosch
YOUR LITTLE IS A LOT WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR ALL.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
An Unbroken Chain
Read: 2 Tim. 1:1-7; 2:1-2
The things that you have heard from me ... commit these to faithful men. --- 2 Timothy 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 72-73
Romans 9:1-15
Whenever I meet a Christian for the first time, I'm interested in learning how he came to trust Jesus as his Savior. Each person has a different story to tell, but they all testify that they learned the truth because of the efforts of others --- their parents, pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible club leaders, friends, writers. Someone has rightly observed that the body of Christ grows through "an unbroken chain of teachers."
In today's Scripture we learn that Timothy became a believer through the influence of his grandmother Lois, his mother Eunice, and the teaching Paul [2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2]. The apostle told Timothy to become part of that chain and "commit these truths to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" [v.2].
The "faithful men" Paul had in mind were probably church elders, yet he was expressing a principle that applies to every believer. We had to receive the truth from someone; now it is our gracious privilege and solemn duty to transmit that truth to others.
Think of yourself as a link in the living chain that extends from the time Jesus lived on earth to the present. We must keep that chain strong by telling others about Him so that the gospel will reach to future generations. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost;
O that Thy love were by all adored,
And welcomed at any cost. --- Tovey
THE GOOD NEWS IS MEANT TO BE SHARED.
The things that you have heard from me ... commit these to faithful men. --- 2 Timothy 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 72-73
Romans 9:1-15
Whenever I meet a Christian for the first time, I'm interested in learning how he came to trust Jesus as his Savior. Each person has a different story to tell, but they all testify that they learned the truth because of the efforts of others --- their parents, pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible club leaders, friends, writers. Someone has rightly observed that the body of Christ grows through "an unbroken chain of teachers."
In today's Scripture we learn that Timothy became a believer through the influence of his grandmother Lois, his mother Eunice, and the teaching Paul [2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2]. The apostle told Timothy to become part of that chain and "commit these truths to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" [v.2].
The "faithful men" Paul had in mind were probably church elders, yet he was expressing a principle that applies to every believer. We had to receive the truth from someone; now it is our gracious privilege and solemn duty to transmit that truth to others.
Think of yourself as a link in the living chain that extends from the time Jesus lived on earth to the present. We must keep that chain strong by telling others about Him so that the gospel will reach to future generations. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost;
O that Thy love were by all adored,
And welcomed at any cost. --- Tovey
THE GOOD NEWS IS MEANT TO BE SHARED.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Afraid Of The Dentist?
Read: 1 Samuel 12:6-25
Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD. --- 1 Samuel 12:20
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 70-71
Romans 8:22-39
Why are so many people afraid of going to the dentist? It may be the result of a bad experience. One woman said of her childhood dentist, "I started getting upset and crying and he said, 'If you don't shut up, I'm going to slap you.'" She now drives 70 miles to The Dental Fears Clinic in Kansay City.
People who are afraid to go to God have a similar problem. Some may have been mistreated by spiritual leaders. Others may have learned unhealthy fear of God as children. Still others, overwhelmed by their sin, see only God's righteous demand for justice and miss the loving provision of His Son's sacrifice for sin.
The people in today's Bible reading [1 Samuel 12] were afraid because Samuel exposed their sin. But he also told them that God longed to forgive them.
We need to replace irrational fears with healthy ones. God's Word repeatedly assures us that the pain of going to Him is far less than the pain of avoiding Him. It also assures us that because of Jesus we can "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy" [Hebrews 4:16].
A dentist fills the holes in your teeth, but God wants to fill the holes in your heart --- with Himself. Don't let your unhealthy fear stop Him. --- Mart De Haan
The love of God is my pillow,
Soft and healing and wide;
I rest my soul in its comfort,
And in its calm I abide. --- Long
ONLY GOD CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS ON AN ACHING HEART.
Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD. --- 1 Samuel 12:20
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 70-71
Romans 8:22-39
Why are so many people afraid of going to the dentist? It may be the result of a bad experience. One woman said of her childhood dentist, "I started getting upset and crying and he said, 'If you don't shut up, I'm going to slap you.'" She now drives 70 miles to The Dental Fears Clinic in Kansay City.
People who are afraid to go to God have a similar problem. Some may have been mistreated by spiritual leaders. Others may have learned unhealthy fear of God as children. Still others, overwhelmed by their sin, see only God's righteous demand for justice and miss the loving provision of His Son's sacrifice for sin.
The people in today's Bible reading [1 Samuel 12] were afraid because Samuel exposed their sin. But he also told them that God longed to forgive them.
We need to replace irrational fears with healthy ones. God's Word repeatedly assures us that the pain of going to Him is far less than the pain of avoiding Him. It also assures us that because of Jesus we can "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy" [Hebrews 4:16].
A dentist fills the holes in your teeth, but God wants to fill the holes in your heart --- with Himself. Don't let your unhealthy fear stop Him. --- Mart De Haan
The love of God is my pillow,
Soft and healing and wide;
I rest my soul in its comfort,
And in its calm I abide. --- Long
ONLY GOD CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS ON AN ACHING HEART.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Is Love A Name For God?
Read: 1 John 4:11-21
God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. --- 1 John 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 68-69
Romans 8:1-21
Wilferd Peterson visited a mosque where a religious leader said, "There is no God save Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
Peterson considered that people have many names for God. Among the Hindus, it is Brahman, Jews and Christians call Him Jehovah. Ancient Greeks worshipped Zeus. But is there a universal name for God that will bring all people together?
Approaching the religious leader, he asked, "Would you agree that all men everywhere should think of God as love?" The man's face lit up. "That's it! That's what the whole world needs." Peterson wrote, "Give God the universal name of Love and we will create a golden cord to tie together the truths of all the religious of the world." Was he right? Absolutely not!
John wrote that God is love [1 John 4:16]. But he also recorded Jesus' words that God must be worshiped in spirit and in truth [John 4:24] and that He is "the way, the truth, and the life" [14:16]. That sets Him above all other gods.
Love is not a name for God; love is God's nature. He expressed it to the fullest extent when He sent His Son to die for our sins [John 3:16]. Only when we accept Christ's sacrifice for us will we know the love of the one true God that can bind people together. --- Dennis De Haan
When Jesus gave His life for me,
Enduring all the agony
Upon the cross of Calvary,
He showed the love of God. --- Sper
GOD IS LOVE --- BUT LOVE IS NOT GOD.
God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. --- 1 John 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 68-69
Romans 8:1-21
Wilferd Peterson visited a mosque where a religious leader said, "There is no God save Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
Peterson considered that people have many names for God. Among the Hindus, it is Brahman, Jews and Christians call Him Jehovah. Ancient Greeks worshipped Zeus. But is there a universal name for God that will bring all people together?
Approaching the religious leader, he asked, "Would you agree that all men everywhere should think of God as love?" The man's face lit up. "That's it! That's what the whole world needs." Peterson wrote, "Give God the universal name of Love and we will create a golden cord to tie together the truths of all the religious of the world." Was he right? Absolutely not!
John wrote that God is love [1 John 4:16]. But he also recorded Jesus' words that God must be worshiped in spirit and in truth [John 4:24] and that He is "the way, the truth, and the life" [14:16]. That sets Him above all other gods.
Love is not a name for God; love is God's nature. He expressed it to the fullest extent when He sent His Son to die for our sins [John 3:16]. Only when we accept Christ's sacrifice for us will we know the love of the one true God that can bind people together. --- Dennis De Haan
When Jesus gave His life for me,
Enduring all the agony
Upon the cross of Calvary,
He showed the love of God. --- Sper
GOD IS LOVE --- BUT LOVE IS NOT GOD.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Morning, Noon, Night
Read: Psalm 55:16-23
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. --- Psalm 55:17
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 66-67
Romans 7
In May 2003, a powerful earthquake struck northern Algeria. TV news images showed distraught people searching the rubble for survivors, while others numbly visited hospitals and morgues to see if their loved ones were alive or dead. Families stood together weeping and crying out for help. Their burden of uncertainty and grief could be seen, heard, and felt.
If you've experienced an intense feeling of loss, you'll appreciate the words of David in Psalm 55, penned during a painful time in his life. Oppressed by the wicked, hated by his enemies, and betrayed by a friend, David spoke of the anxiety and anguish that threatened to crush his spirit: "Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me" [v.5].
But instead of caving in to fear, David poured out his heart to God: "As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice" [vv.16-17].
Prayer lifts our eyes from personal tragedy to the compassion of God. It enables us to cast our burdens on the LORD instead of breaking under their weight. When our hearts are filled with pain, it's good to call on God in prayer --- morning, noon, and night. --- David McCasland
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer. --- Scriven
IN PRAYER, GOD HEARS MORE THAN WORDS; HE LISTENS TO YOUR HEART.
Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. --- Psalm 55:17
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 66-67
Romans 7
In May 2003, a powerful earthquake struck northern Algeria. TV news images showed distraught people searching the rubble for survivors, while others numbly visited hospitals and morgues to see if their loved ones were alive or dead. Families stood together weeping and crying out for help. Their burden of uncertainty and grief could be seen, heard, and felt.
If you've experienced an intense feeling of loss, you'll appreciate the words of David in Psalm 55, penned during a painful time in his life. Oppressed by the wicked, hated by his enemies, and betrayed by a friend, David spoke of the anxiety and anguish that threatened to crush his spirit: "Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me" [v.5].
But instead of caving in to fear, David poured out his heart to God: "As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice" [vv.16-17].
Prayer lifts our eyes from personal tragedy to the compassion of God. It enables us to cast our burdens on the LORD instead of breaking under their weight. When our hearts are filled with pain, it's good to call on God in prayer --- morning, noon, and night. --- David McCasland
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer. --- Scriven
IN PRAYER, GOD HEARS MORE THAN WORDS; HE LISTENS TO YOUR HEART.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Out Of The Thorns
Read: Hebrews 12:7-11
No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful. --- Hebrews 12:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 63-65
Romans 6
The gorse bush is a shrub that was imported from Europe and now grows wild in the Pacific Northwest. It has dense, dark green shoots, and in springtime it provides a dazzling display of fragrant, vibrant yellow flowers. But it's best known by hikers and fishermen for its vicious spines.
Remarkably, the flowers grow right out of the thorns.
Missionary and artist Lilias Trotter wrote, "The whole year round the thorn has been hardening and sharpening. Spring comes --- the thorn does not drop off, it does not soften. There it is as uncompromising as ever, but halfway up appear two brown fuzzy balls, mere specks at first, that break at last --- straight out of last year's thorn --- into a blaze of golden glory."
So it is with the suffering that accompanies God's chastening. Just when our situation seems hopeless and hardest to bear, tiny signs of life appear that will soon burst into bloom. Take the toughest issue, the most difficult place. There, God in His grave can cause His beauty to be seen in you.
No chastening seems pleasant at the time, "Yet when it is all over we can see that it has quietly produced the fruit of real goodness in the characters of those who have accepted it in the right spirit" [Hebrews 12:11 PHILLIPS]. --- David Roper
For all the heartaches and the tears,
For gloomy days and fruitless years
I do give thanks, for now I know
These were the things that helped me grow! --- Crandlemire
GOD'S HAND OF DISCIPLINE IS A HAND OF LOVE.
No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful. --- Hebrews 12:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 63-65
Romans 6
The gorse bush is a shrub that was imported from Europe and now grows wild in the Pacific Northwest. It has dense, dark green shoots, and in springtime it provides a dazzling display of fragrant, vibrant yellow flowers. But it's best known by hikers and fishermen for its vicious spines.
Remarkably, the flowers grow right out of the thorns.
Missionary and artist Lilias Trotter wrote, "The whole year round the thorn has been hardening and sharpening. Spring comes --- the thorn does not drop off, it does not soften. There it is as uncompromising as ever, but halfway up appear two brown fuzzy balls, mere specks at first, that break at last --- straight out of last year's thorn --- into a blaze of golden glory."
So it is with the suffering that accompanies God's chastening. Just when our situation seems hopeless and hardest to bear, tiny signs of life appear that will soon burst into bloom. Take the toughest issue, the most difficult place. There, God in His grave can cause His beauty to be seen in you.
No chastening seems pleasant at the time, "Yet when it is all over we can see that it has quietly produced the fruit of real goodness in the characters of those who have accepted it in the right spirit" [Hebrews 12:11 PHILLIPS]. --- David Roper
For all the heartaches and the tears,
For gloomy days and fruitless years
I do give thanks, for now I know
These were the things that helped me grow! --- Crandlemire
GOD'S HAND OF DISCIPLINE IS A HAND OF LOVE.
Monday, August 01, 2005
The Oil Of Helpfulness
Read: Isaiah 61:1-3
The LORD has anointed Me ... to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. --- Isaiah 61:1,3
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 60-62
Romans 5
There's a story of an eccentric old man who carried an oil can with him everywhere he went. If he passed through a squeaky door or a stiff gate, he applied oil to the hinges. His practice of lubricating made life eaiser for those who followed after him.
Nearly every day we encounter people whose lives creak and grate harshly with problems. In such situations we face two choices --- either to aggravate their problems with a spirit of criticism or to lubricate their lives in the Spirit of Christ.
Some people we meet carry unbearable burden and long for the oil of a sympathetic word. Others are defeated and feel like giving up. Just one drop of encouragement could restore their hope. Still others are mean and sin-hardened. Such people can become pliable toward the saving grace of Christ through regular applications of the oil of kindness.
When we receive Christ as our Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us and equips us to bless others. If we're prepared to pour out God's oil in helpfulness every day and everywhere, beginning at home, we'll minister Christ's beauty and the oil of joy to many hurting people.
Perhaps the old man with the oil can wasn't so eccentric after all. --- Joanie Yoder
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Lend a listening ear.
Pause to pray specifically.
Speak a word of encouragement.
THE HUMAN SPIRIT CAN GAIN NEW HOPE FROM AN ENCOURAGING WORD.
The LORD has anointed Me ... to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. --- Isaiah 61:1,3
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 60-62
Romans 5
There's a story of an eccentric old man who carried an oil can with him everywhere he went. If he passed through a squeaky door or a stiff gate, he applied oil to the hinges. His practice of lubricating made life eaiser for those who followed after him.
Nearly every day we encounter people whose lives creak and grate harshly with problems. In such situations we face two choices --- either to aggravate their problems with a spirit of criticism or to lubricate their lives in the Spirit of Christ.
Some people we meet carry unbearable burden and long for the oil of a sympathetic word. Others are defeated and feel like giving up. Just one drop of encouragement could restore their hope. Still others are mean and sin-hardened. Such people can become pliable toward the saving grace of Christ through regular applications of the oil of kindness.
When we receive Christ as our Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us and equips us to bless others. If we're prepared to pour out God's oil in helpfulness every day and everywhere, beginning at home, we'll minister Christ's beauty and the oil of joy to many hurting people.
Perhaps the old man with the oil can wasn't so eccentric after all. --- Joanie Yoder
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Lend a listening ear.
Pause to pray specifically.
Speak a word of encouragement.
THE HUMAN SPIRIT CAN GAIN NEW HOPE FROM AN ENCOURAGING WORD.
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