Read: Hebrews 13:1-16
Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. --- Hebrews 13:16
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 22-23
1 Peter 1
One of today's most popular syndicated newspaper columns is "Dear Abby." Started in 1956 by Abigail Van Buren, the advice column is written today by her daughter Jeanne Phillips. In a recent edition, she included this Thanksgiving Prayer written many years before by her mother:
O Heavenly Father:
We thank Thee for food
and remember the hungry.
We thank Thee for health
and remember the sick.
We thank Thee for friends
and remember the friendless.
We thank Thee for freedom
and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances
stir us to service.
That Thy gifts to us may be use
for others. Amen.
The words of this prayer echo the clear teaching of Scripture. Our thanksgiving to God should always be accompanied by thinking of those in need. "Therefore." said the writer to the Hebrews, "by [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" [Hebrews 13:15].
But there is more to it than thankfulness. We are to put actions behind our gratitude. "Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" [v.16].
Be thankful for God's many blessings, but be sure to remember those who have less. --- David McCasland
SERVING OTHERS IS A WAY OF THANKING GOD.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
"Just As I Am"
Read: John 6:35-40
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. --- John 6:37
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 20-21
James 5
Charlotte Elliott learned an important lesson about Jesus one sleepless night in 1834. She was an invalid, so when her family held a bazaar in Brighton, England, to raise money to build a school, she could only watch from afar.
That night she was overwhelmed by her helplessness and could not sleep. But her sadness turned to joy when she realized that God accepted her just as she was.
Her experience inspired these well loved words: "Just as I am, without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!" When she published the poem in The Invalid's Hymn Book, she included with it John 6:37.
Jesus always accepts people as they are. In John 6, the people had come from miles around to hear Jesus. When the crowd became hungry. He miraculously fed them with a boy's unselfish gift of five loaves and two fish. Then the Lord offered Himself as "the bread of life," promising that He would not turn away anyone who came to Him.
It's still true today. No one who comes to Jesus will be turned away. Come to Him with all your sin. He'll accept you just as you are. --- Dave Egner
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come! --- Elliott
NO ONE IS TOO GOOD OR TOO BAD TO BE SAVED.
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. --- John 6:37
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 20-21
James 5
Charlotte Elliott learned an important lesson about Jesus one sleepless night in 1834. She was an invalid, so when her family held a bazaar in Brighton, England, to raise money to build a school, she could only watch from afar.
That night she was overwhelmed by her helplessness and could not sleep. But her sadness turned to joy when she realized that God accepted her just as she was.
Her experience inspired these well loved words: "Just as I am, without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!" When she published the poem in The Invalid's Hymn Book, she included with it John 6:37.
Jesus always accepts people as they are. In John 6, the people had come from miles around to hear Jesus. When the crowd became hungry. He miraculously fed them with a boy's unselfish gift of five loaves and two fish. Then the Lord offered Himself as "the bread of life," promising that He would not turn away anyone who came to Him.
It's still true today. No one who comes to Jesus will be turned away. Come to Him with all your sin. He'll accept you just as you are. --- Dave Egner
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come! --- Elliott
NO ONE IS TOO GOOD OR TOO BAD TO BE SAVED.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Closet Christians
Read: Matthew 5:13-16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. --- Matthew 5:16
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 18-19
James 4
A businessman gave his heart to Jesus as a result of a Billy Graham evangelistic event. When he told his co-workers, his Christian business partner was elated. But the new believer hadn't known about his faith, and said, "You know, you're one reason I resisted becoming a Christian for several years. I figured that if someone like you could live a good life and not be a Christian, there was no need for me to become one."
A friend of mind and I were doing business in a local bank. He needed to change a $100 bill. By mistake the teller counted out six $20 bills. When my friend discovered the error, he walked back into the bank and quietly told her what had happened. The teller said, "I can't thank you enough. I would have had to make up the difference. Obviously, you are an honest man." He replied, "The reason I am honest if that I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Giving you back the money is something He would want me to do."
Christians should lead exemplary lives. But it's important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" [Matthew 5:16]. --- Haddon Robinson
Like a brightly shining light
In the darkness of the night,
We will stand for truth and right ---
Let the whole world know! --- Peterson
IT'S THE LIFE BEHIND THE WORDS THAT MAKES YOUR TESTIMONY EFFECTIVE.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. --- Matthew 5:16
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 18-19
James 4
A businessman gave his heart to Jesus as a result of a Billy Graham evangelistic event. When he told his co-workers, his Christian business partner was elated. But the new believer hadn't known about his faith, and said, "You know, you're one reason I resisted becoming a Christian for several years. I figured that if someone like you could live a good life and not be a Christian, there was no need for me to become one."
A friend of mind and I were doing business in a local bank. He needed to change a $100 bill. By mistake the teller counted out six $20 bills. When my friend discovered the error, he walked back into the bank and quietly told her what had happened. The teller said, "I can't thank you enough. I would have had to make up the difference. Obviously, you are an honest man." He replied, "The reason I am honest if that I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Giving you back the money is something He would want me to do."
Christians should lead exemplary lives. But it's important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" [Matthew 5:16]. --- Haddon Robinson
Like a brightly shining light
In the darkness of the night,
We will stand for truth and right ---
Let the whole world know! --- Peterson
IT'S THE LIFE BEHIND THE WORDS THAT MAKES YOUR TESTIMONY EFFECTIVE.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Nothing Hidden
Read: 1 Timothy 5:24-25
All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. --- Hebrews 4:13
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 16-17
James 3
A woman had been misrepresented and maligned by an envious co-worker. Her gentle attempts at a private confrontation had only made matters worse. She decided she would swallow her pride and let the matter ride. "I'm glad the Lord knows the true situation," she said.
That woman expressed a profound truth that both warns and comforts us. In 1 Timothy 5:24-25 the apostle Paul pointed out that nothing can be concealed forever. I thought of that when the news reported the arrest of a highly respected person for crimes he had been committing for years.
But some people cleverly cover up their sinful conduct and die without ever being found out. Others go through life without ever holding a position of honor. Yet, after they die, we learn that in their own quiet way they had touched many lives through their kind words and deeds.
Hebrews 4:13 warns us, "There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
We can't hide our hypocrisy from God. That's a solemn warning. But the Lord also sees every encouraging smile, every kind word, and every loving deed done in the name of Jesus. That's a comforting assurance. --- Herb Vander Lugt
All wrongs will one day be set right
By God who sees both bad and good;
All motives and all deeds will then
Be fairly judged and understood. --- D. De Haan
CHRIST'S JUDGMENT WILL REVEAL, AND REWARD.
All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. --- Hebrews 4:13
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 16-17
James 3
A woman had been misrepresented and maligned by an envious co-worker. Her gentle attempts at a private confrontation had only made matters worse. She decided she would swallow her pride and let the matter ride. "I'm glad the Lord knows the true situation," she said.
That woman expressed a profound truth that both warns and comforts us. In 1 Timothy 5:24-25 the apostle Paul pointed out that nothing can be concealed forever. I thought of that when the news reported the arrest of a highly respected person for crimes he had been committing for years.
But some people cleverly cover up their sinful conduct and die without ever being found out. Others go through life without ever holding a position of honor. Yet, after they die, we learn that in their own quiet way they had touched many lives through their kind words and deeds.
Hebrews 4:13 warns us, "There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
We can't hide our hypocrisy from God. That's a solemn warning. But the Lord also sees every encouraging smile, every kind word, and every loving deed done in the name of Jesus. That's a comforting assurance. --- Herb Vander Lugt
All wrongs will one day be set right
By God who sees both bad and good;
All motives and all deeds will then
Be fairly judged and understood. --- D. De Haan
CHRIST'S JUDGMENT WILL REVEAL, AND REWARD.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Let The Whole World Hear
Read: Acts 1:1-8
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. --- Mark 16:15
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 14-15
James 2
Fritz Kreisler [1875-1962], the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he lacked the money to buy it.
Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it.
Disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."
To sinners saved by grace, the gospel is like the rapturous harmonies of heaven. We have no right to keep it to ourselves. Jesus tells us to take it into our world and let people hear it. --- Vernon Grounds
I'll tell the world how Jesus saved me
And how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him
That all He gave me He'll give to you. --- Fox
SOMEONE TOLD YOU ABOUT JESUS. HAVE YOU TOLD SOMEONE LATELY?
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. --- Mark 16:15
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 14-15
James 2
Fritz Kreisler [1875-1962], the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he lacked the money to buy it.
Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it.
Disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."
To sinners saved by grace, the gospel is like the rapturous harmonies of heaven. We have no right to keep it to ourselves. Jesus tells us to take it into our world and let people hear it. --- Vernon Grounds
I'll tell the world how Jesus saved me
And how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him
That all He gave me He'll give to you. --- Fox
SOMEONE TOLD YOU ABOUT JESUS. HAVE YOU TOLD SOMEONE LATELY?
Friday, November 18, 2005
Joyful Trials
Read: James 1:1-12
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. --- James 1:2
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 11-13
James 1
The Bible tells us to respond to difficult circumstances in a way that is directly opposed to our natural tendency. One of the most challenging of those commands is this: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" [James 1:2].
Other translations speak of viewing our difficulties with pure joy, considering ourselves happy --- not resisting trials and temptations as intruders but welcoming them as friends. I don't know about you, but that's not the first thing that pops into my mind.
This outlook would seem absurd and unattainable if not for the reason behind it: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" [v.3]. An attitude of joy is not based on what we feel but n what we know of God and His work in our lives. Therefore, a painful process that yields a desired goal can be welcomed as a friend.
It's not the testing of our strength but the trying of our faith in Almighty God that develops our endurance. Through it all, the Lord promises wisdom for today [v.5] and a crown of life for those who persevere [v.12].
My natural response to difficult circumstances is "Oh, no!" The Lord wants me to see what He can accomplish through them and say, "Oh, yes!" --- David McCasland
The deeper meaning of my trials
O Lord, You've kept from me;
But some small part of Your great plan
I pray, Lord, help me see. --- D. De Haan
JOY IN TRIALS COMES FROM KNOWING THAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE GOOD.
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. --- James 1:2
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 11-13
James 1
The Bible tells us to respond to difficult circumstances in a way that is directly opposed to our natural tendency. One of the most challenging of those commands is this: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" [James 1:2].
Other translations speak of viewing our difficulties with pure joy, considering ourselves happy --- not resisting trials and temptations as intruders but welcoming them as friends. I don't know about you, but that's not the first thing that pops into my mind.
This outlook would seem absurd and unattainable if not for the reason behind it: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" [v.3]. An attitude of joy is not based on what we feel but n what we know of God and His work in our lives. Therefore, a painful process that yields a desired goal can be welcomed as a friend.
It's not the testing of our strength but the trying of our faith in Almighty God that develops our endurance. Through it all, the Lord promises wisdom for today [v.5] and a crown of life for those who persevere [v.12].
My natural response to difficult circumstances is "Oh, no!" The Lord wants me to see what He can accomplish through them and say, "Oh, yes!" --- David McCasland
The deeper meaning of my trials
O Lord, You've kept from me;
But some small part of Your great plan
I pray, Lord, help me see. --- D. De Haan
JOY IN TRIALS COMES FROM KNOWING THAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE GOOD.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
God's Astonishing Promise
Read: Hebrews 13:5-6
I will never leave you nor forsake you. --- Hebrews 13:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 8-10
Hebrews 13
The writer to the Hebrews quotes God as saying to His people, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" [Hebrews 13:5]. How does that strike you? Is it just some pleasant piety that evokes a wide yawn?
This isn't like saying we have coffee with the President or a Supreme Court justice. Knowing people like that would say something significant about us. But to claim that God is with us every moment of every day, as close as our skin, in every turn of life, tear-stained or drenched in smiles --- some would say that borders on insanity.
Yet throughout history men and women have staked their lives on that truth. Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Joshua, David, Esther, just to name a few. The promise was true for them, but how can we know it's true for us?
It is true for us because of Jesus. By His coming, He says, "I want to be with you; I gave Myself to you; I gave Myself for you. Do you really think I would ever forsake you?"
How do you respond to this astonishing promise? Say it's too good to be true. Say it sounds unbelievable. But don't ignore it. In your hurts, your fears, your struggles, your temptations, there is no more wonderful promise than this: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." --- Haddon Robinson
Though all around is darkness,
Earthly joys have flown;
My Savior whispers His promise
Never to leave me alone. --- Anon.
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO, GOD GOES WITH YOU.
I will never leave you nor forsake you. --- Hebrews 13:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 8-10
Hebrews 13
The writer to the Hebrews quotes God as saying to His people, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" [Hebrews 13:5]. How does that strike you? Is it just some pleasant piety that evokes a wide yawn?
This isn't like saying we have coffee with the President or a Supreme Court justice. Knowing people like that would say something significant about us. But to claim that God is with us every moment of every day, as close as our skin, in every turn of life, tear-stained or drenched in smiles --- some would say that borders on insanity.
Yet throughout history men and women have staked their lives on that truth. Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Joshua, David, Esther, just to name a few. The promise was true for them, but how can we know it's true for us?
It is true for us because of Jesus. By His coming, He says, "I want to be with you; I gave Myself to you; I gave Myself for you. Do you really think I would ever forsake you?"
How do you respond to this astonishing promise? Say it's too good to be true. Say it sounds unbelievable. But don't ignore it. In your hurts, your fears, your struggles, your temptations, there is no more wonderful promise than this: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." --- Haddon Robinson
Though all around is darkness,
Earthly joys have flown;
My Savior whispers His promise
Never to leave me alone. --- Anon.
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO, GOD GOES WITH YOU.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Pain Is Not Pointless
Read: Isaiah 28:23-29
This also comes from the LORD of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. --- Isaiah 28:29
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 5-7
Hebrews 12
During times of hardship, I often feel like whining, "Who needs this pain? I certainly don't!" But Isaiah 28 and my own experience tell me this is a shortsighted reaction. Not that we need hardship just for its own sake, but we do need to be changed and to mature. In God's hand, hardship can be an effective tool to bring about our much-needed growth.
In verses 23-28, we read the prophet's "poetic parable," written to help the people of Israel understand how God works and what He intended to accomplish in their lives through tough times. A farmer is portrayed skillfully plowing the ground, planting his crops, and threshing the harvest. If the soil could talk, it might have whined, "Who needs this painful plowing?" But the pain is not pointless. Isaiah said that the farmer is taught by God to work in measured and well-timed ways, handling delicate crops with care and others more vigorously, but always with a sure harvest in view.
Our reassurance during tough times is that the farmer's God is our God, "who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance" [v.29]. His dealings with us are always thoughtful and purposeful, producing in us "the peaceable fruit of righteousness" [Hebrews 12:11]. --- Joanie Yoder
God has a purpose in our heartaches ---
The Savior always knows what's best;
We learn so many precious lessons
In every sorrow, trial, and test. --- Jarvis
WHEN YOU TRUST IN GOD, PAIN IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROGRESS.
This also comes from the LORD of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. --- Isaiah 28:29
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 5-7
Hebrews 12
During times of hardship, I often feel like whining, "Who needs this pain? I certainly don't!" But Isaiah 28 and my own experience tell me this is a shortsighted reaction. Not that we need hardship just for its own sake, but we do need to be changed and to mature. In God's hand, hardship can be an effective tool to bring about our much-needed growth.
In verses 23-28, we read the prophet's "poetic parable," written to help the people of Israel understand how God works and what He intended to accomplish in their lives through tough times. A farmer is portrayed skillfully plowing the ground, planting his crops, and threshing the harvest. If the soil could talk, it might have whined, "Who needs this painful plowing?" But the pain is not pointless. Isaiah said that the farmer is taught by God to work in measured and well-timed ways, handling delicate crops with care and others more vigorously, but always with a sure harvest in view.
Our reassurance during tough times is that the farmer's God is our God, "who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance" [v.29]. His dealings with us are always thoughtful and purposeful, producing in us "the peaceable fruit of righteousness" [Hebrews 12:11]. --- Joanie Yoder
God has a purpose in our heartaches ---
The Savior always knows what's best;
We learn so many precious lessons
In every sorrow, trial, and test. --- Jarvis
WHEN YOU TRUST IN GOD, PAIN IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROGRESS.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
As Is
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. --- 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 3-4
Hebrews 11:20-40
The beat-up old car sits on the used-car lot, rusty and forsaken. Years of abuse and hard driving have taken their toll on the formerly shiny automobile.
A man walks onto the lot and is attracted to this rust bucket. He plunks down cash and the salesperson hands over the keys while saying, "I'm selling you this car 'as is.'" The new owner just smiles; he knows his cars, and he's about to restore this castoff to its former beauty.
Across town, a troubled woman sits in forlorn sadness, contemplating where she went wrong. Years of abuse and hard living have taken their toll on what was one a vibrant young girl. She's been mistreated by others so many times that she feels she has little value anymore. And after making her own mistakes and living with her own bad choices, she's sure she will be left on life's junk heap forever.
But then someone tells her about Jesus. Someoen mentions that Jesus specializes in castoffs, that He is waiting to transform anyone who trusts Him --- even her. Someone tells her that Jesus will take "as is." She believes. She trusts. And Jesus begins to restore another lost person to teh abundant life He has promised. --- Dave Branon
The new life in Christ has begun ---
The past with its darkness is gone;
Look closer to see what the Savior had done,
For change is beginning to dawn. --- Hess
SALVATION IS NOT TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF, BUT RECEIVING A NEW LIFE.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. --- 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 3-4
Hebrews 11:20-40
The beat-up old car sits on the used-car lot, rusty and forsaken. Years of abuse and hard driving have taken their toll on the formerly shiny automobile.
A man walks onto the lot and is attracted to this rust bucket. He plunks down cash and the salesperson hands over the keys while saying, "I'm selling you this car 'as is.'" The new owner just smiles; he knows his cars, and he's about to restore this castoff to its former beauty.
Across town, a troubled woman sits in forlorn sadness, contemplating where she went wrong. Years of abuse and hard living have taken their toll on what was one a vibrant young girl. She's been mistreated by others so many times that she feels she has little value anymore. And after making her own mistakes and living with her own bad choices, she's sure she will be left on life's junk heap forever.
But then someone tells her about Jesus. Someoen mentions that Jesus specializes in castoffs, that He is waiting to transform anyone who trusts Him --- even her. Someone tells her that Jesus will take "as is." She believes. She trusts. And Jesus begins to restore another lost person to teh abundant life He has promised. --- Dave Branon
The new life in Christ has begun ---
The past with its darkness is gone;
Look closer to see what the Savior had done,
For change is beginning to dawn. --- Hess
SALVATION IS NOT TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF, BUT RECEIVING A NEW LIFE.
Monday, November 14, 2005
What God Has Done
Read: Acts 26:6-23
King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. --- Acts 26:19
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-2
Hebrews 11:1-19
In a debate at Boston College, Christian scholar William Craig Lane convincingly set forth the historical arguments for believing in Jesus' resurrection, much as the apostle Paul did in Acts 26. Then Lane told the story of his conversion.
As a child he never went to church, but in his teens he began to be plagued by question about death and the meaning of life. He started going to church, but the sermons didn't answer his questions. What he saw in his church-going classmates led him to conclude that most Christians were phonies. He became an angry loner. One day a girl who always seemed to be happy told him that her joy came from having Jesus in her life, and she assured him that Jesus wanted to live in him too.
Lane spent the next 6 months soul-searching and reading the New Testament. "I came to the end of my rope and cried out to God," he said. "I cried out all the bitterness and anger that was within me. And I felt this tremendous infusion of joy, and God became at that moment a living reality in my life --- a reality that has never left me."
We tell others our logic for believing in Jesus, which is based on God's Word. But it's also important to tell them what He has done for us personally. --- Herb Vander Lugt
You may be tempted to debate
To change another's view,
But nothing speaks with greater power
Than what Christ does for you. --- Sper
WHEN TELLING OTHERS WHAT JESUS CAN DO FOR THEM, TELL THEM WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU.
King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. --- Acts 26:19
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-2
Hebrews 11:1-19
In a debate at Boston College, Christian scholar William Craig Lane convincingly set forth the historical arguments for believing in Jesus' resurrection, much as the apostle Paul did in Acts 26. Then Lane told the story of his conversion.
As a child he never went to church, but in his teens he began to be plagued by question about death and the meaning of life. He started going to church, but the sermons didn't answer his questions. What he saw in his church-going classmates led him to conclude that most Christians were phonies. He became an angry loner. One day a girl who always seemed to be happy told him that her joy came from having Jesus in her life, and she assured him that Jesus wanted to live in him too.
Lane spent the next 6 months soul-searching and reading the New Testament. "I came to the end of my rope and cried out to God," he said. "I cried out all the bitterness and anger that was within me. And I felt this tremendous infusion of joy, and God became at that moment a living reality in my life --- a reality that has never left me."
We tell others our logic for believing in Jesus, which is based on God's Word. But it's also important to tell them what He has done for us personally. --- Herb Vander Lugt
You may be tempted to debate
To change another's view,
But nothing speaks with greater power
Than what Christ does for you. --- Sper
WHEN TELLING OTHERS WHAT JESUS CAN DO FOR THEM, TELL THEM WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
More Than Socializing
Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love. --- Romans 12:10
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Hebrews 10:19-39
Church can be a great place to get caught up on the latest football games, golf scores, family news, health concerns, or just to visit with friends. A cup of coffee together, a warm handshake, a friendly pat on the back are all part of the social interaction we need as human beings.
All of this is good, but New Testament fellowship goes much deeper than merely socializing when we get together at church. It takes place when we consider how we can lift up, build up, and brighten up our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Bible clearly says that we are to "serve one another" [Galatians 5:13], forgive as we are forgiven [Ephesians 4:32], and "bear one another's burdens" [Galatians 6:2]. From the first century, believers have gathered in Jesus' name to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" and to exhort one another [Hebrews 10:24-25].
Christian fellowship takes place when we offer encouragement to our friends, pray for them, and confess our sins and weaknesses to one another. These are the elements that make fellowship genuine.
What about your church? Are you merely socializing? Or are you practicing true Christian fellowship? --- Dave Egner
We Christians have a kinship with
All others who believe,
And from that bond of faith and love
A mutual strength receive. --- Hess
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP BUILDS US UP AND BINDS US TOGETHER.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love. --- Romans 12:10
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Hebrews 10:19-39
Church can be a great place to get caught up on the latest football games, golf scores, family news, health concerns, or just to visit with friends. A cup of coffee together, a warm handshake, a friendly pat on the back are all part of the social interaction we need as human beings.
All of this is good, but New Testament fellowship goes much deeper than merely socializing when we get together at church. It takes place when we consider how we can lift up, build up, and brighten up our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Bible clearly says that we are to "serve one another" [Galatians 5:13], forgive as we are forgiven [Ephesians 4:32], and "bear one another's burdens" [Galatians 6:2]. From the first century, believers have gathered in Jesus' name to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" and to exhort one another [Hebrews 10:24-25].
Christian fellowship takes place when we offer encouragement to our friends, pray for them, and confess our sins and weaknesses to one another. These are the elements that make fellowship genuine.
What about your church? Are you merely socializing? Or are you practicing true Christian fellowship? --- Dave Egner
We Christians have a kinship with
All others who believe,
And from that bond of faith and love
A mutual strength receive. --- Hess
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP BUILDS US UP AND BINDS US TOGETHER.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Ain't It Awful!
Read: Lamentations 3:25-42
Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD. --- Lamentations 3:40
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-2
Hebrews 10:1-18
A friend told me about a man who shouted the same three words each day from his street-corner newstand. "Ain't it awful!" he would say to passersby while extending a newspaper. People bought a paper because they just had to know what terrible thing had occured.
Tragedy and dire predictions always make the front page, but if we become preoccupied with bad news, we will succumb to what my friend calls "awfulizing" --- a pervasive pessimism that clouds every situation with gloom.
If anyone had a good reason for being despondent, it was the prophet Jeremiah. For 40 years, he declared God's judgment on the rebellious and unrepentant nation of Judah. Jeremiah suffered because of their disobedience, but he clung to his faith in God's goodness. Even after witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of his people, Jeremiah wrote: "The LORD will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD" [Lamentations 3:31-32, 40].
Disobedience to God can cause great pain, but the doorway out of discouragement leads to the Lord, who "is good to those who wait for Him" [v.25]. --- David McCasland
Turn not aside, discouraged one,
Stir up your gift, pursue your goal;
In God's own time you'll see Him work,
He'll give you hope and lift your soul. --- D. De Haan
AWFUL CIRCUMSTANCES CANNOT ALTER THE GOODNESS OF GOD.
Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD. --- Lamentations 3:40
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-2
Hebrews 10:1-18
A friend told me about a man who shouted the same three words each day from his street-corner newstand. "Ain't it awful!" he would say to passersby while extending a newspaper. People bought a paper because they just had to know what terrible thing had occured.
Tragedy and dire predictions always make the front page, but if we become preoccupied with bad news, we will succumb to what my friend calls "awfulizing" --- a pervasive pessimism that clouds every situation with gloom.
If anyone had a good reason for being despondent, it was the prophet Jeremiah. For 40 years, he declared God's judgment on the rebellious and unrepentant nation of Judah. Jeremiah suffered because of their disobedience, but he clung to his faith in God's goodness. Even after witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of his people, Jeremiah wrote: "The LORD will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD" [Lamentations 3:31-32, 40].
Disobedience to God can cause great pain, but the doorway out of discouragement leads to the Lord, who "is good to those who wait for Him" [v.25]. --- David McCasland
Turn not aside, discouraged one,
Stir up your gift, pursue your goal;
In God's own time you'll see Him work,
He'll give you hope and lift your soul. --- D. De Haan
AWFUL CIRCUMSTANCES CANNOT ALTER THE GOODNESS OF GOD.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Gloom Index
Read: Acts 16:16-31
At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. --- Acts 16:25
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 51-51
Hebrews 9
Gray skies, blue mood. It's common enough to produce what some have called the "gloom index." That's a way of describing the amount of cloudy weather a region can expect during a winter season.
A related idea is called Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]. The theory is that weather-sensitive people experience a certain amount of cloud-induced melancholy.
Other factors might be figured into a gloom index. Think about what Paul and Silas endured [Acts 16]. Any one of their troubles was enough to ruin the sunniest day. Imagine the irritations of dealing with greedy profiteers who had turned a demon-possessed girl into a sideshow [vv.16-17]. Think about the pain of confronting an angry mob and furious judges [v.22], of receiving a whipping and imprisonment [v.23], and of having your feet locked in stocks [v.24].
But Paul and Silas rose above it [v.25]. How did they do that? They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they had a sense of mission. They were motivated by a desire to obey God and spread the message of Christ.
Like them, we can rise above the mood swings prompted by our circumstances. By being strong in the Spirit, we can overcome the gloom index. --- Mart De Haan
God often sends me joy through pain,
Through bitter loss, divinest gain;
Yet through it all --- dark days or bright ---
I know my Father leads aright. --- Conklin
GOD'S SON CAN BRIGHTEN OUR DARKEST DAYS.
At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. --- Acts 16:25
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 51-51
Hebrews 9
Gray skies, blue mood. It's common enough to produce what some have called the "gloom index." That's a way of describing the amount of cloudy weather a region can expect during a winter season.
A related idea is called Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]. The theory is that weather-sensitive people experience a certain amount of cloud-induced melancholy.
Other factors might be figured into a gloom index. Think about what Paul and Silas endured [Acts 16]. Any one of their troubles was enough to ruin the sunniest day. Imagine the irritations of dealing with greedy profiteers who had turned a demon-possessed girl into a sideshow [vv.16-17]. Think about the pain of confronting an angry mob and furious judges [v.22], of receiving a whipping and imprisonment [v.23], and of having your feet locked in stocks [v.24].
But Paul and Silas rose above it [v.25]. How did they do that? They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they had a sense of mission. They were motivated by a desire to obey God and spread the message of Christ.
Like them, we can rise above the mood swings prompted by our circumstances. By being strong in the Spirit, we can overcome the gloom index. --- Mart De Haan
God often sends me joy through pain,
Through bitter loss, divinest gain;
Yet through it all --- dark days or bright ---
I know my Father leads aright. --- Conklin
GOD'S SON CAN BRIGHTEN OUR DARKEST DAYS.
The Agony Of The Cross
Read: Isaiah 53
[Jesus] humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. --- Philippians 2:8
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 50
Hebrews 8
As Christians, we understand the spiritual significance of Christ's sacrifice at Calvary, but it's easy to forget about the tremendous agony He endured there. Teh worst aspect was separation from the Father, but the physical suffering was also horrible beyond comprehension.
In his book Dare To Believe, Dan Baumann shares some thoughts that can deepen our gratitude for what the Savior did for us. He wrote, "We have perhaps unwisely and sometimes unconsciously glamorized the cross. Jewelry and steeples alike are often ornamental and attractive but carry nothing of the real story of crucifixion. It was the most painful method of public death in the first century. The victim was placed on a wooden cross. Nails ... were driven into the hands and feet of the victim, and then the cross was lifted and jarred into the ground, tearing the flesh of the crucified and racking his body with excruciating pain. Historians remind us that even the soldiers could not get used to the horrible sight, and often took strong drink to numb their senses."
With a fresh awareness of our Savior's physical agony, let's thank Him anew for His sacrifice at Calvary. He loved us so much that He was willing to die for us --- even the painful death of the cross. --- Richard De Haan
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree! --- Watts
WE CAN NEVER SACRIFICE ENOUGH FOR THE ONE WHO SACRIFICED HIS ALL FOR US.
[Jesus] humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. --- Philippians 2:8
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 50
Hebrews 8
As Christians, we understand the spiritual significance of Christ's sacrifice at Calvary, but it's easy to forget about the tremendous agony He endured there. Teh worst aspect was separation from the Father, but the physical suffering was also horrible beyond comprehension.
In his book Dare To Believe, Dan Baumann shares some thoughts that can deepen our gratitude for what the Savior did for us. He wrote, "We have perhaps unwisely and sometimes unconsciously glamorized the cross. Jewelry and steeples alike are often ornamental and attractive but carry nothing of the real story of crucifixion. It was the most painful method of public death in the first century. The victim was placed on a wooden cross. Nails ... were driven into the hands and feet of the victim, and then the cross was lifted and jarred into the ground, tearing the flesh of the crucified and racking his body with excruciating pain. Historians remind us that even the soldiers could not get used to the horrible sight, and often took strong drink to numb their senses."
With a fresh awareness of our Savior's physical agony, let's thank Him anew for His sacrifice at Calvary. He loved us so much that He was willing to die for us --- even the painful death of the cross. --- Richard De Haan
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree! --- Watts
WE CAN NEVER SACRIFICE ENOUGH FOR THE ONE WHO SACRIFICED HIS ALL FOR US.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Walking Our Faith
Read: Romans 2:17-24
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? --- James 2:22
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 48-49
Hebrews 7
Often we Christians are urged not just to "talk the talk" but to "walk the talk." The same advice may be expressed in these words: Don't let your behavior contradict your professed belief. At other times we are admonished to be sure that life and lip agree. If our conduct doesn't harmonize with our confession of faith, however, that discrepancy nullifies the testimony of the gospel which we proclaim.
As far as we can know, Mahatma Gandhi never became a Christian, but he made a statement that we who follow Jesus would do well to ponder. When asked to put his message into one short sentence, he replied, "My life is my message."
Certainly we should explain the gospel message as clearly as possible. Yet the clearest explanation isn't going to win hearts for our Lord unless His love is embodied in our lives. To quote the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." And holding himself up as a pattern, he wrote in Philippians 4:9, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
Pray, then, that like Paul we may live out our saving faith before the watching world. --- Vernon Grounds
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me ---
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. --- Orsborn
THE WORLD IS WATCHING US --- DO THEY SEE JESUS?
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? --- James 2:22
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 48-49
Hebrews 7
Often we Christians are urged not just to "talk the talk" but to "walk the talk." The same advice may be expressed in these words: Don't let your behavior contradict your professed belief. At other times we are admonished to be sure that life and lip agree. If our conduct doesn't harmonize with our confession of faith, however, that discrepancy nullifies the testimony of the gospel which we proclaim.
As far as we can know, Mahatma Gandhi never became a Christian, but he made a statement that we who follow Jesus would do well to ponder. When asked to put his message into one short sentence, he replied, "My life is my message."
Certainly we should explain the gospel message as clearly as possible. Yet the clearest explanation isn't going to win hearts for our Lord unless His love is embodied in our lives. To quote the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." And holding himself up as a pattern, he wrote in Philippians 4:9, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
Pray, then, that like Paul we may live out our saving faith before the watching world. --- Vernon Grounds
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me ---
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. --- Orsborn
THE WORLD IS WATCHING US --- DO THEY SEE JESUS?
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Hope For Worriers
Read: Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. --- Psalm 23:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 46-47
Hebrews 6
Everyone worries occasionally, but I was once a "professional worrier." My daily preoccupation was mulling over my worries, one by one.
Then one day I had to face an uncomfortable medical test, and I was frantic with fear. Finally I decided that during the test I would focus on the first five words of Psalm 23, "The LORD is my shepherd." This exercise in meditation not only calmed me, but I gained several fresh insights. Later, as I slowly meditated through the entire psalm, the Lord gave me more insights. Eventually I was able to share at conferences what the Lord had taught me.
If you're a worrier, there's hope for you too! Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, wrote: "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!"
The more we meditate on God's Word, the less we need to worry. In Psalm 23, David meditated on his great Shepherd instead of worrying. Later, God chose him to be the shepherd of His people [Psalm 78:70-72]. God uses those who can honestly say, "The Lord is my shepherd." --- Joanie Yoder
When fear and worry test your faith
And anxious thoughts assail,
Remember God is in control
And He will never fail. --- Sper
THE MORE WE THINK ABOUT GOD'S WORD, THE LESS WE'LL THINK ABOUT OUR WORRIES.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. --- Psalm 23:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 46-47
Hebrews 6
Everyone worries occasionally, but I was once a "professional worrier." My daily preoccupation was mulling over my worries, one by one.
Then one day I had to face an uncomfortable medical test, and I was frantic with fear. Finally I decided that during the test I would focus on the first five words of Psalm 23, "The LORD is my shepherd." This exercise in meditation not only calmed me, but I gained several fresh insights. Later, as I slowly meditated through the entire psalm, the Lord gave me more insights. Eventually I was able to share at conferences what the Lord had taught me.
If you're a worrier, there's hope for you too! Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, wrote: "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!"
The more we meditate on God's Word, the less we need to worry. In Psalm 23, David meditated on his great Shepherd instead of worrying. Later, God chose him to be the shepherd of His people [Psalm 78:70-72]. God uses those who can honestly say, "The Lord is my shepherd." --- Joanie Yoder
When fear and worry test your faith
And anxious thoughts assail,
Remember God is in control
And He will never fail. --- Sper
THE MORE WE THINK ABOUT GOD'S WORD, THE LESS WE'LL THINK ABOUT OUR WORRIES.
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Little Evangelist
Read: Mark 12:28-34
Love the LORD your God with all yoru heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. --- Mark 12:30
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 43-45
Hebrews 5
My 6-year-old neighbor Michael and I were talking in my front yard when two new neighbor kids stopped by. After I asked them their names, Michael's first question to them was: "Do you love God?" Sugar, a 5-year-old boy, quickly responded, "No!" Michael gave him a look of disapproval and concern. When 4-year-old Nana noticed he wasn't pleased with that answer, she said, "Yes!"
Michael's "witnessing strategy" may not be the most effective, but he does have an important question for the people he meets [and I've heard him ask it of several others as well].
Jesus was asked, "Which is the first commandment of all?" [Mark 12:28]. He answered, "The LORD is one. 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength'" [vv.29-30].
Jesus was referring to Old Testament times, when God had told the Israelites to place Him as the one and only God in their lives and nation. The pagan nations around them had many gods they loved and worshiped, but God's people were to be different.
Loving God is to be our top priority too. So, Michael wants to know, "Do you love God?" --- Anne Cetas
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?
What evidence is there in your life that you love God?
How are you showing God's love to others?
IF YOU TRULY LOVE THE LORD, YOU'LL WANT OTHERS TO LOVE HIM TOO.
Love the LORD your God with all yoru heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. --- Mark 12:30
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 43-45
Hebrews 5
My 6-year-old neighbor Michael and I were talking in my front yard when two new neighbor kids stopped by. After I asked them their names, Michael's first question to them was: "Do you love God?" Sugar, a 5-year-old boy, quickly responded, "No!" Michael gave him a look of disapproval and concern. When 4-year-old Nana noticed he wasn't pleased with that answer, she said, "Yes!"
Michael's "witnessing strategy" may not be the most effective, but he does have an important question for the people he meets [and I've heard him ask it of several others as well].
Jesus was asked, "Which is the first commandment of all?" [Mark 12:28]. He answered, "The LORD is one. 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength'" [vv.29-30].
Jesus was referring to Old Testament times, when God had told the Israelites to place Him as the one and only God in their lives and nation. The pagan nations around them had many gods they loved and worshiped, but God's people were to be different.
Loving God is to be our top priority too. So, Michael wants to know, "Do you love God?" --- Anne Cetas
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?
What evidence is there in your life that you love God?
How are you showing God's love to others?
IF YOU TRULY LOVE THE LORD, YOU'LL WANT OTHERS TO LOVE HIM TOO.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
The War Is Over
Read: Hebrews 4
[Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those tho were near. --- Ephesians 2:17
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 40-42
Hebrews 4
The bitter conflict had finally ended between the North and the South. The soldiers of the US Civil War were free to return to their families. But a number of them remained hidden in the woods, living on berries. They either didn't hear or didn't believe that the war was over, so they continued enduring miserable conditions when they could have been back home.
It's something like that in the spiritual realm too. Christ made peace between God and man by dying in our place. He paid sin's penalty on the cross. Anyone who accepts His sacrifice will be forgiven by a holy God.
Sadly, many people refuse to believe the gospel and continue to live as spiritual fugitives. Sometimes even those who have placed their trust in Christ live on almost the same level. Either out of ignorance or unwillingness, they fail to claim the promises of God's Word. They do not experience the joy and assurance that should accompany salvation. They do not draw from their relationship with God the comfort and peace He intends for His children. They are objectsd of His love, care, and provision but live as if they were orphans.
Have you been living apart from the comfort, love, and care of your heavenly Father? Come on home. The war is over! --- Richard De Haan
We fail, O Lord, to realize
The fullness of what You have done,
So help us trust Your saving work
And claim the triumph You have won. --- D. De Haan
CHRIST'S VICTORY OVER DEATH MEANS PEACE FOR HIS SAINTS.
[Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those tho were near. --- Ephesians 2:17
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 40-42
Hebrews 4
The bitter conflict had finally ended between the North and the South. The soldiers of the US Civil War were free to return to their families. But a number of them remained hidden in the woods, living on berries. They either didn't hear or didn't believe that the war was over, so they continued enduring miserable conditions when they could have been back home.
It's something like that in the spiritual realm too. Christ made peace between God and man by dying in our place. He paid sin's penalty on the cross. Anyone who accepts His sacrifice will be forgiven by a holy God.
Sadly, many people refuse to believe the gospel and continue to live as spiritual fugitives. Sometimes even those who have placed their trust in Christ live on almost the same level. Either out of ignorance or unwillingness, they fail to claim the promises of God's Word. They do not experience the joy and assurance that should accompany salvation. They do not draw from their relationship with God the comfort and peace He intends for His children. They are objectsd of His love, care, and provision but live as if they were orphans.
Have you been living apart from the comfort, love, and care of your heavenly Father? Come on home. The war is over! --- Richard De Haan
We fail, O Lord, to realize
The fullness of what You have done,
So help us trust Your saving work
And claim the triumph You have won. --- D. De Haan
CHRIST'S VICTORY OVER DEATH MEANS PEACE FOR HIS SAINTS.
The Good Atheist
Read: Luke 10:25-37
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. --- Romans 13:9
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 37-39
Hebrews 3
When a man learned that an elderly woman could no longer buy her medicine and pay her rent, he came to her rescue. He took her into his home and treated her as if she were his mother. He gave her a bedroom, prepared the food for her meals, bought her medicine, and transported her whenever she needed medical attention. He continued to care for her when she could no longer do much for herself. I was amazed when I learned that this good man was a zealous atheist!
The Jews were shocked by Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, because He put him in a positive light. They despised the Samaritans the way I tend to look down on atheists.
A lawyer had tested Jesus by asking how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him what the law said. The man answered that he must love the Lord with all his heart and his neighbor as himself [Luke 10:25-27]. He asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" [v.29]. In Jesus' story, the Samaritan was the neighbor who showed kindness to the wounded man.
Jesus wanted this parable to challenge His listeners. The stories of the Good Samaritan and the good atheist remind us of this high standard of God's Word: "Love your neighbor as yourself" [Romans 13:9]. --- Herb Vander Lugt
To love my neighbor as myself
Is not an easy task,
But God will show His love through me
If only I will ask. --- Sper
NEEDY PEOPLE NEED OUR HELPING HAND.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. --- Romans 13:9
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 37-39
Hebrews 3
When a man learned that an elderly woman could no longer buy her medicine and pay her rent, he came to her rescue. He took her into his home and treated her as if she were his mother. He gave her a bedroom, prepared the food for her meals, bought her medicine, and transported her whenever she needed medical attention. He continued to care for her when she could no longer do much for herself. I was amazed when I learned that this good man was a zealous atheist!
The Jews were shocked by Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, because He put him in a positive light. They despised the Samaritans the way I tend to look down on atheists.
A lawyer had tested Jesus by asking how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him what the law said. The man answered that he must love the Lord with all his heart and his neighbor as himself [Luke 10:25-27]. He asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" [v.29]. In Jesus' story, the Samaritan was the neighbor who showed kindness to the wounded man.
Jesus wanted this parable to challenge His listeners. The stories of the Good Samaritan and the good atheist remind us of this high standard of God's Word: "Love your neighbor as yourself" [Romans 13:9]. --- Herb Vander Lugt
To love my neighbor as myself
Is not an easy task,
But God will show His love through me
If only I will ask. --- Sper
NEEDY PEOPLE NEED OUR HELPING HAND.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Marching Off The Map
Read: Genesis 12:1-4
Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. --- Genesis 12:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 34-6
Hebrews 2
Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. Our lives are subject to detours and corrections that we never expected or imagined.
Abraham and Sarah could testify to that. They were planning for retirement when life "happened" to them. God adjusted their agenda. He told Abraham, "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you" [Genesis 12:1]. So this old couple packed up the tent and headed out to only God knew where.
When Alexander the Great had completed his conquest of Persia, he headed east. Author Halford Luccock said the general "marched off his maps."
That happened to Sarah and Abraham. God gave them marching orders without a map. They needed only enough faith to begin the journey, and they headed out to unknown territories and unimagined adventures. God never told them He would turn them "every which way but loose" before fulfilling His promise of a son who would become a great nation.
Make your plans. But write them on paper, not in concrete. God and life have a way of intruding and leading you on a journey that you might not have anticipated in your wildest dreams. --- Haddon Robinson
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hands. -- -Stanphill
A MAN'S HEART PLANS HIS WAY, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. --- Proverbs 16:9
Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. --- Genesis 12:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 34-6
Hebrews 2
Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. Our lives are subject to detours and corrections that we never expected or imagined.
Abraham and Sarah could testify to that. They were planning for retirement when life "happened" to them. God adjusted their agenda. He told Abraham, "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you" [Genesis 12:1]. So this old couple packed up the tent and headed out to only God knew where.
When Alexander the Great had completed his conquest of Persia, he headed east. Author Halford Luccock said the general "marched off his maps."
That happened to Sarah and Abraham. God gave them marching orders without a map. They needed only enough faith to begin the journey, and they headed out to unknown territories and unimagined adventures. God never told them He would turn them "every which way but loose" before fulfilling His promise of a son who would become a great nation.
Make your plans. But write them on paper, not in concrete. God and life have a way of intruding and leading you on a journey that you might not have anticipated in your wildest dreams. --- Haddon Robinson
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hands. -- -Stanphill
A MAN'S HEART PLANS HIS WAY, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. --- Proverbs 16:9
Friday, November 04, 2005
"Retronyms"
Read: John 3:1-17
Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." --- John 3:7
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 32-33
Hebrews 1
What do regular coffee, acoustic guitars, and black-and-white television have in common? All are what journalist Frank Mankiewicz calls "retronyms" --- words or phrases created because a familiar word needs to be distinguished from a term that refers to a new development or invention.
Once, all coffee was regular, all guitars were acoustic, and all TVs were black and white. Not so today, thus the need for a growing list of retronyms, including decaf mocha java, electric guitar, and high-def television.
It could be said that Jesus turned the phrase physical birth into a retronym when He told an inquiring man named Nicodemus, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" [John 3:3].
Nicodemus was a religious person who didn't grasp the idea of second birth. "How can an man be born when he is old?" he asked Jesus. "Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" [v.4]. Jesus further explained the difference between being bong of the flesh and being born of the Spirit, then concluded, "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again'" [v.7].
Our Christian life begins when we invite Jesus to live within us. It's a miracle! We're born again. --- David McCasland
Rejoice, O soul, the debt is paid,
For all our sins on Christ were laid;
We've been redeemed, we're justified ---
And all because the Savior died. --- D. De Haan
NATURAL LIFE CAME BY GOD'S BREATH; ETERNAL LIFE COMES BY CHRIST'S DEATH.
Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." --- John 3:7
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 32-33
Hebrews 1
What do regular coffee, acoustic guitars, and black-and-white television have in common? All are what journalist Frank Mankiewicz calls "retronyms" --- words or phrases created because a familiar word needs to be distinguished from a term that refers to a new development or invention.
Once, all coffee was regular, all guitars were acoustic, and all TVs were black and white. Not so today, thus the need for a growing list of retronyms, including decaf mocha java, electric guitar, and high-def television.
It could be said that Jesus turned the phrase physical birth into a retronym when He told an inquiring man named Nicodemus, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" [John 3:3].
Nicodemus was a religious person who didn't grasp the idea of second birth. "How can an man be born when he is old?" he asked Jesus. "Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" [v.4]. Jesus further explained the difference between being bong of the flesh and being born of the Spirit, then concluded, "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again'" [v.7].
Our Christian life begins when we invite Jesus to live within us. It's a miracle! We're born again. --- David McCasland
Rejoice, O soul, the debt is paid,
For all our sins on Christ were laid;
We've been redeemed, we're justified ---
And all because the Savior died. --- D. De Haan
NATURAL LIFE CAME BY GOD'S BREATH; ETERNAL LIFE COMES BY CHRIST'S DEATH.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Another Chance
Read: Luke 22:24-34
Do you love Me? ... Tend My sheep. --- John 21:16
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 30-31
Philemon
Jesus promised Peter something every repentant believer craves --- another chance [Luke 22:31-34]. After telling him Satan would sift him as wheat, Jesus reassured Peter that He had prayed that his faith would not fail. Although Peter had insisted he would never forsake Him, Jesus said he would deny Him three times before dawn. In expectation of Peter's restoration, Jesus recommissioned him for future ministry: "When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" [v.32].
Preacher George Duncan said, "I don't think many church-vacancy committees would have considered Peter a suitable candidate for a church!" Duncan pointed out that at Pentecost, however, God chose Peter to deliver the most vital sermon in church history. "It would seem," Duncan said, "that some Christians have a message of forgiveness for the unbeliever, but no message of forgiveness for the believer. I'm glad that God does!" Because of that forgiveness, a new day of service dawned for Peter.
Indeed, if you are a repentant believer like Peter, you too can trust the Lord to give you another chance. Confess your sin and experience His forgiveness, healing, and restoration [1 John 1:9]. --- Joanie Yoder
When we confess our sins to God,
We're washed as white as snow;
Then He will send us out again ---
His love and grace to show. --- Sper
GOD'S FORGIVENESS ALWAYS COMES WITH ANOTHER CHANCE.
Do you love Me? ... Tend My sheep. --- John 21:16
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 30-31
Philemon
Jesus promised Peter something every repentant believer craves --- another chance [Luke 22:31-34]. After telling him Satan would sift him as wheat, Jesus reassured Peter that He had prayed that his faith would not fail. Although Peter had insisted he would never forsake Him, Jesus said he would deny Him three times before dawn. In expectation of Peter's restoration, Jesus recommissioned him for future ministry: "When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" [v.32].
Preacher George Duncan said, "I don't think many church-vacancy committees would have considered Peter a suitable candidate for a church!" Duncan pointed out that at Pentecost, however, God chose Peter to deliver the most vital sermon in church history. "It would seem," Duncan said, "that some Christians have a message of forgiveness for the unbeliever, but no message of forgiveness for the believer. I'm glad that God does!" Because of that forgiveness, a new day of service dawned for Peter.
Indeed, if you are a repentant believer like Peter, you too can trust the Lord to give you another chance. Confess your sin and experience His forgiveness, healing, and restoration [1 John 1:9]. --- Joanie Yoder
When we confess our sins to God,
We're washed as white as snow;
Then He will send us out again ---
His love and grace to show. --- Sper
GOD'S FORGIVENESS ALWAYS COMES WITH ANOTHER CHANCE.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Win Or Lose, Do Good
Read: Titus 3:1-8
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. --- Titus 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 27-29
Titus 3
When the results of today's presidential election are known, US citizens will either be glad or sad, depending on their political persuasion. Those who voted for the winner are likely to accept the authority of the government he establishes. Most others will submit, though grudgingly.
Christians are to go beyond mere submission to governing authorities and follow the guidelines given in the Bible. In writing to Titus, Paul said we should also be peaceable and considerate, and we should do good without slandering anyone [3:1-2].
Titus was working among believers in Crete, a place notorious for its unruly inhabitants. There were good reasons to say bad things about the people living and ruling there, but Paul warned Christians not to do it.
In fact, seven times in his short letter to Titus, Paul mentioned the importance of doing good: loving what is good [1:8], teaching what is good [2:3], doing what is good [2:7, 14; 3:1-2, 8, 14].
Paul's letter is a timely reminder that as Christians we are to do what is good for people, regardless of whether we approve of their values and agree with their policies. It may not be easy, but it's the right thing to do. --- Julie Link
From the example of Jesus,
Who went about doing good,
We are to honor our Savior
By helping wherever He would. --- Hess
CHRISTIANS CAN BE CONSTRUCTIVE IF THEY REFUSE TO BE DESTRUCTIVE.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. --- Titus 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 27-29
Titus 3
When the results of today's presidential election are known, US citizens will either be glad or sad, depending on their political persuasion. Those who voted for the winner are likely to accept the authority of the government he establishes. Most others will submit, though grudgingly.
Christians are to go beyond mere submission to governing authorities and follow the guidelines given in the Bible. In writing to Titus, Paul said we should also be peaceable and considerate, and we should do good without slandering anyone [3:1-2].
Titus was working among believers in Crete, a place notorious for its unruly inhabitants. There were good reasons to say bad things about the people living and ruling there, but Paul warned Christians not to do it.
In fact, seven times in his short letter to Titus, Paul mentioned the importance of doing good: loving what is good [1:8], teaching what is good [2:3], doing what is good [2:7, 14; 3:1-2, 8, 14].
Paul's letter is a timely reminder that as Christians we are to do what is good for people, regardless of whether we approve of their values and agree with their policies. It may not be easy, but it's the right thing to do. --- Julie Link
From the example of Jesus,
Who went about doing good,
We are to honor our Savior
By helping wherever He would. --- Hess
CHRISTIANS CAN BE CONSTRUCTIVE IF THEY REFUSE TO BE DESTRUCTIVE.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
The Pine Looper
Read: Jeremiah 17:1-10
He shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river. --- Jeremiah 17:8
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 24-26
Titus 2
In the summer of 1992, a fire blackened 4,500 acres of forest about 35 miles north of Atlantic City. One homeowner saw a fireball with 60-foot flames come roaring up across the street from his house, before veering away. The Associated Press quoted him as saying, "I've worked 25 years of my life here. The thought of having it gone in 10 minutes makes you want to stay for the last possible minute."
The fire was difficult to contain because of dry conditions. The forest was dry despite rainfall, partly because of an insect called the pine looper, which defoliates trees.
The dry-tree condition behind this New Jersey fire had a parallel in the history of Israel. Jeremiah said that his countrymen had become like dry shrubs in a desert rather than green trees by a river [17:6-8]. Even more alarming, he said they had aroused the fire of God's anger [v.4] by trusting in man and departing from the Lord [v.5]. For Christians today, it's life's fiery trials that threaten to scorch our souls if we're trusting in our own strength.
Father, forgive us for making ourselves dry and leafless. Without Your mercy, we would be consumed when the heat comes. Teach us to root ourselves in the river of Your sufficiency. --- Mart De Haan
The person who relies upon
The Lord's sufficiency
Is like a tree that's planted by
Deep waters flowing free. --- Sper
THE FIRES OF LIFE WILL NOT DESTROY YOU IF YOU'RE WATERED BY THE RIVER OF LIFE.
He shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river. --- Jeremiah 17:8
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 24-26
Titus 2
In the summer of 1992, a fire blackened 4,500 acres of forest about 35 miles north of Atlantic City. One homeowner saw a fireball with 60-foot flames come roaring up across the street from his house, before veering away. The Associated Press quoted him as saying, "I've worked 25 years of my life here. The thought of having it gone in 10 minutes makes you want to stay for the last possible minute."
The fire was difficult to contain because of dry conditions. The forest was dry despite rainfall, partly because of an insect called the pine looper, which defoliates trees.
The dry-tree condition behind this New Jersey fire had a parallel in the history of Israel. Jeremiah said that his countrymen had become like dry shrubs in a desert rather than green trees by a river [17:6-8]. Even more alarming, he said they had aroused the fire of God's anger [v.4] by trusting in man and departing from the Lord [v.5]. For Christians today, it's life's fiery trials that threaten to scorch our souls if we're trusting in our own strength.
Father, forgive us for making ourselves dry and leafless. Without Your mercy, we would be consumed when the heat comes. Teach us to root ourselves in the river of Your sufficiency. --- Mart De Haan
The person who relies upon
The Lord's sufficiency
Is like a tree that's planted by
Deep waters flowing free. --- Sper
THE FIRES OF LIFE WILL NOT DESTROY YOU IF YOU'RE WATERED BY THE RIVER OF LIFE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)