Past, Present, & Future

Read: Philippians 3:15-21

I press toward the goal .... Brethren, join in following my example. --- Philippians 3:14,17]

The Bible In One Year:
Malachi
Revelation 22

In his paintin "An Allegory of Prudence," 16th-century Venetian artist Titian portrayed Prudence as a man with three heads. One head was of a youth facing the future, another was of a mature man eyeing the present, and the third was of a wise old man gazing at the past. Over their heads Titian wrote a Latin phrase that means, "From the example of the past, the man of the present acts prudently so as not to imperil the future."

We need that kind of wisdom to overcome the anxiety created by our past failures and the fear of repeating them in the future --- an anxiety that keeps us from living to the fullest now.

Paul was able to "forget" his past and anticipate his future [Philippians 3:13-14]. This doesn't mean his memory was erased; it means that Paul was free of any guilt or pride he may have felt from his past actions, because God had forgiven him. This attitude enabled him to live in the present and "press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" [v.14]. So he had one driving passion --- to know Christ better.

As we close the chapter of 2004, let's rededicate ourselves to Christ. Jesus will enable us to live fully in the present as we gain wisdom from the past and face the future with courage. --- Dennis De Haan

Standing at the portal
Of the opening year,
Words of comfort meet us,
Hushing every fear. --- Havergal

NEVER LET A BLEAK PAST OVERSHADOW A BRIGHT FUTURE.

Do Angels Sleep?

Read: Deuteronomy 30:11-14

The word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. --- Deuteronomy 30:14

The Bible In One Year:
Zechariah 13-14
Revelation 21

A friend of mine has a 5-year-old daughter who is on her way to becoming a theologian. One day she asked her father, "Do angels sleep?" After pondering the theological dimensions of her question, he answered, "Yes, I think they might." His daughter moved in with a follow-up question, "Well, then, how do they get their pajamas on over their wings?"

We may be more like that little girl than we think. We never seem to outgrow asking interesting questions that do not need to be answered. It's healthy to be inquisitive, but it isn't healthy to obsess over matters that don't really matter. Such questions may sidetrack us from our faith.

What we need to know about God and His will for us is clearly spelled out in Scripture. The words He spoke through Moses to His people are true for us today. "For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off.... But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it" [Deuteronomy 30:11-14].

The Bible isn't a riddle; it's a revelation. It tells us all we need to know to be all that God wants us to be in every situation in life. --- Haddon Robinson

God's Word reveals what we should know
To live for Him each day;
His principles we must commit
To study and obey. --- Sper

THE BIBLE IS AS WISE IN WHAT IT LEAVES UNSAID AS IN WHAT IS SAYS.

Incompatible?

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-17

All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. --- 1 Peter 3:8

The Bible In One Year:
Zechariah 9-12
Revelation 20

A quote in Sports Illustrated magazine expresses a truth that we as people of faith sometimes neglect: "What counts most in creating a successful team is not how compatible its players are, but how they deal with incompatibility." When we don't get along with others, we are tempted to ignore them and shove them aside.

God calls us to take a different approach: "All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but ont the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this" [1 Peter 3:8-9].

Oswald Chambers reminds us in My Outmost For His Highest: "In the spiritual life, beware of walking according to natural affinities. Everyone has natural affinities; some people we like and others we do not like. We must never let those likes and dislikes rule in our Christian life. If we 'walk in the light,' as God is in the light, God will give us communion with people for whom we have no natural affinity."

It is natural to have likes and dislikes. But when we seek to honor the Lord in our relationships, compassion, love, humility, and kindness are the God-ordered, supernatural steps in dealing with incompatibility. --- David McCasland

We have a common enemy
Who would destroy the life
Of Jesus' precious bride, the church,
Through worldliness and strife. --- Sper

THE WAY TO PRESERVE THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH IS TO PROMOTE THE UNITY OF IT.

When God Thunders

Read: Psalm 81:6-10

You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder. --- Psalm 81:7

The Bible In One Year:
Zechariah 5-8
Revelation 19

Thunder rolls across the Sawtooth Mountains, crashing and echoing through the peaks and canyons, shaking the ground with celestial sonic booms. My old dog cuts and runs. I stand amazed and delighted.

The storm reminds me of the "secret place of thunder" from which God answered His people [Psalm 81:7]. Israel cried out from the straw pits and brick kilns of Egypt. In time, God's salvation rolled over the land in peals of thunder [Exodus 9:13-34].

Another psalm speaks of the storm that overshadowed Israel as they passed through the Red Sea [Psalm 77:16-20]. Its thunder spelled doom for the Egyptians but deliverance to God's people. Each resounding clap was the comforting voice of a Father speaking to His children.

When Jesus foretold His death in John 12:28-29, He called on His Father to glorify His name. A voice answered from heaven saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." To the crowd, it sounded like thunder.

Are you in trouble? Cry out to God in your sorrow and distress. You may not hear the thunder roll, but it will reverberate through the heavens once again as He answers you "in the secret place of thunder." God will speak comfort to your heart and deliver you from your fears. --- David Roper

The lighting of a mighty storm,
Its thunder from on high,
Reminds us that our powerful God
Will answer when we cry. --- D. De Haan

THOSE WHO TRUST IN GOD FIND COMFORT IN HIS POWER.

The Place Of Going Forth

Read: Micah 5:1-4

Bethlehem ..., out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel. --- Micah 5:2

The Bible In One Year:
Zechariah 1-4
Revelation 18

A lot of attention was suddenly focused on the small town of Bethlehem. Jews from many parts of the world came to be counted in a census. Mary and Joseph traveled there from Nazareth. Shepherds came from the fields to see the Baby lying in a manger [Luke 2:15-16] after a multitude of angels had come to announce, "Glory to God in teh highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" [vv.13-14].

Every Christmas, in our imagination, we go to Bethlehem to celebrate Jesus' birth. But we cannot stay there; we must leave. The angels returned to heaven. Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem, then sought safety in Egypt.

The shepherds' exit gives a clear message to us. They left the stable and told everyone about the holy Child. "And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds" [v.18].

It's appropriate for us to do the same. Micah prophesied that from Bethlehem would go forth a Ruler of Israel, the eternal Maker of the world, who had come to save mankind from sin [Micah 5:2]. This season, let's join those who have gone forth from their visits to Bethlehem to proclaim the good news of Christ, who came to save us. --- Dave Egner

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere ---
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born! --- Traditional

THE GOSPEL IS ONE GIFT YOU CAN KEEP AND STILL PASS ON TO OTHERS.

Letdown

Read: Luke 2:8-20

Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. --- Luke 2:19-20

The Bible In One Year:
Haggai
Revelation 17

The night of Jesus' birth was exciting for Mary and Joseph. There before their eyes was the miracle Baby whose coming into the world had been announced by an angel. The shepherds too were excited when they saw and heard "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God" and heralding His birth [Luke 2:13].

But it wouldn't be long before Mary and Joseph would face the ordinary tasks of caring for a new baby and all the accompanying responsibilities. The shepherds would be back on the hillside tending their sheep. All the elements were in place for an emotional letdown, which often follows an emotional high.

I don't believe they experienced any "after-Christmas blues," however. Mary didn't quickly forget all that had happened, and the shepherds couldn't easily forget waht they had heard and seen [vv. 19-20]. The angelic message had proven true, and their lives were filled with new hope and anticipation.

There's no reason for an after-Christmas letdown. We have the full story. Jesus came to die for our sins, then conquered death for us by rising from the grave. We have more truth to ponder and more reason to glorify God than Mary and the shepherds did. --- Herb Vander Lugt

Life's ebb and flow that moves our hearts
From heights of joy to feelings low
Cannot exhaust God's matchless grace
Nor stem than never-ending flow. --- D. De Haan

FEELING LET DOWN TODAY? TRY LOOKING UP.

Hiding In Plain Sight

Read: Luke 1:26-35

You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. --- Luke 1:31

The Bible In One Year:
Zephaniah
Revelation 16

A Baltimore congregation found the answer to their financial troubles on the wall of their church. And it had been "hiding" there for more than 25 years! Someone finally recognized a piece of art hanging in the chapel --- it was a valuable woodblock print by Albrecht Durer, dated 1493. The work shows the angel telling Mary she would give birth to God's Son.

Some members just could not believe they had been unaware of the value of the old masterpiece, saying in effect, "If it were real, why would it be here?"

What about us? Are we overlooking the value of the event depicted on that woodblock print?

Jesus isn't hiding. The truth that God came to earth in human form is plainly announced in His Word. It is reflected in our art and in our hymnbooks. But the significance of Christ's birth is still neglected. We get so wrapped up in activities and programs that we miss the immeasurable worth of knowing who that Baby was.

What's missing is our worship. Think about the meaning of His birth. Jesus is God! He came to save us from our sins [Matthew 1:21] and give us eternal life [John 3:14-18].

This Christmas, join with the wisemen and shepherds and give praise to Jesus --- God who became Man. --- Mart De Haan

He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race. --- Wesley

CHRIST BIRTH BROUGHT THE INFINITE GOD TO FINITE MAN.

Born To Die

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. --- Matthew 20:28

The Bible In One Year:
Habakkuk
Revelation 15

Although millions celebrate Jesus' birthday, few seem to be aware of its real significance.

We recognize that His birth was unusual because He was born of a virgin. His life was unique too, for He was the only one who lived without sinning. His death was also unusual. Jesus was not a martyr. He was not the victim of unfortunate circumstances, dying for a worthy cause. Nor did He lay down His life just to set a good example. There's much more to it than that. The Lord Jesus came into this world to be our Savior!

Jesus Himself said that He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" [Luke 19:10]. Who are the lost? The Bible tells us that "all have sinned" and that "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 3:23; 6:23]. In order to save the world, Jesus had to die for it. He came and lived the perfect life and then died the death we should have died. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because He was crucified and then rose from the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe [John 1:12].

Have you accepted God's gift of salvation? If not, do so today, and this will be your most meaningful Christmas ever. --- Richard De Haan

God offers new life;
Yea, what more could He give?
For He sent the Redeemer
That sinners might live! --- Morgan

UNLESS WE SEE THE CROSS OVERSHADOWING THE CRADLE, WE HAVE LOST THE REAL MEANING OF CHRIST'S BIRTH.

Celebrate The Baby

Read: Luke 2:8-14

There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. --- Luke 2:11

The Bible In One Year:
Nahum
Revelation 14

Why do we celebrate Jesus' birthday so differently from other birthdays? When it's time to honor historical figures who have a day set aside for them, we don't think about them as babies. We don't have pictures of cute little Abe Lincoln in his log cabin in Kentucky. No, we remember him for his contributions as an adult.

It is proper, though, that we celebrate Jesus as a child. Think about it. When He was born, shepherds came to honor HIm [Luke 2:15-16]. Later, wise men from the East brought Him gifts [Matthew 2:8-12]. These people had no idea what Christ would eventually accomplish as an adult. But they were right in doing what they did, because Jesus' birth was the most remarkable event in human history.

How amazing! God ih human form. The Creator of the universe visiting this planet. Let's never hesitate to celebrate this baby at Christmas. Marvel at His incarnation. Stand in awe of the tiny baby who had created His worshipers. Then step back in wonder, for the story gets even better. This baby grew into manhood, lived a perfect life, and willingly died for your sins and mine.

Celebrate the baby and trust the Savior. That's how to make Christmas complete. --- Dave Branon

How wonderful that we on Christmas morn,
Though centuries have passed since Christ was born,
May worship still the Living Lord of men,
Our Savior, Jesus, Babe of Bethlehem. --- Hutchings

WISE MEN TODAY WORSHIP NOT ONLY THE CHILD OF BETHLEHEM, BUT ALSO THE MAN OF CALVARY.

Small Spark, Big Fire

Read: James 3

The tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! --- James 3:5

The Bible In One Year:
Micah 6-7
Revelation 13

In June 2002, the Hayman fire destroyed more than 137,000 acres of beautiful mountain forest in Colorado. Smoke darkened the skies, choking residents of cities 40 miles away. Thousands of people evacuated their homes,and millions of dollars were spent fighting a blaze that began with a single match.

Small spark, big fire. That's the way James described the damage done by our reckless and careless words. "See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.... It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell" [3:5-6].

The Bible urges us not to under-estimate the destructive potential of what we say. One incendiary remark can kindle an inferno of emotional harm. The best way to avert the flames of anger is to keep from striking that first match. We must let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongues. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" [v.17].

As we draw on God's wisdom through His Word, we can smother the sparks on dissension and instead speak words of peace. --- David McCasland

One careless word can be a spark
Igniting anger into flame;
It can destroy relationships
And bring reproach to Jesus' name. --- Sper

WORDS CAN'T BREAK BONES, BUT THEY CAN BREAK HEARTS.

Road Builders

Read: Hebrews 12:12-24

Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. --- Hebrews 12:13

The Bible In One Year:
Micah 4-5
Revelation 12

The cover of a recent Our Daily Bread pictures a leaf-strewn road through the mountains of Vermont. Those who use the road can enjoy a smooth and beautiful ride over difficult terrain. To make this possible, others had to work hard to chart the route, clear the trees, and level the rough spots.

In a way, all Christians are road builders. We are paving the way of faith for the next generation. The faithfulness of our lives may determine how difficult their journey will be. Will they have to repair the damage we have done to the road? Will they be able to build new roads for others to find the way to God?

To be good road builders, we must heed the advice found in God's Word. The author of Hebrews instructed us to live in peace and be holy [12:14], to make sure no one misses the grace of God, and not to permit a root of bitterness to grow and cause trouble [v.15].

Those of us who have come to Jesus owe gratitude to those who have made "straight paths" for our walk of faith [v.13]. In turn, we must remember those who will follow us and make straight paths for them. Let's practice our faith in a way that makes it easy for others to come to Jesus and to follow Him. What kind of road builder are you? --- Julie Link

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful;
May the fire of our devotion light their way;
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey. --- Mohr

A LIFE LIVED FOR GOD LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY.

Tried By Fire

Read: Psalm 66:1-12

You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. --- Psalm 66:10

The Bible In One Year:
Micah 1-3
Revelation 11

"The main end of life is not to do but to become," F.B. Meyer said. And for this we are being prepared every day. As silver is refined in the furnace of sadness. The psalmist said in his sorrow, "We went through fire" [Psalm 66:12]

The refining process may be very painful, but it will not destroy us, for the Refiner sits by the furnace tending the flame. He will not allow us to be tried beyond our endurance; it is for our good.

We may not understand why we have to endure such misery year after year. The ordeal seems endless and pointless. Our days are wasted, or so it appears. We feel as if we are doing nothing of lasting significance.

But God is doing what matters -- we are being refined. He is placing us into a crucible in which we acquire patience, meekness, humility, compassion, and the other "quiet" virtues our souls naturally lack.

So don't be afraid and don't fret. Your present trial, as painful as it may be, has been screened through God's wisdom and love. The Refiner sits beside the crucible tempering the flames, monitoring the process, waiting patiently until His face is mirrored in the surface. --- David Roper

"As thy day thy strength shall be!"
This should be enough for thee;
He who knows thy frame will spare
Burdens more than thou canst bear. --- Havergal

THE FIRES OF TESTING CAN PRODUCE A SHINING TESTIMONY.

Isn't He Beautiful!

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7

Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. --- Isaiah 9:6

The Bible In One Year:
Jonah
Revelation 10

A group of children from our city were in a worship service, and we started to sing. Ariel, age 7, leaned close to me and softly said, "I love this song; it makes me cry."

The music and words about Jesus, her Savior, touched her heart: "Isn't He beautiful? Beautiful, isn't He? Prince of peace, Son of God, isn't He?"

Yes, the Lord Jesus is beautiful. We don't find a specific reference in the Bible describing Him that way, but His personal character is strong yet gentle, holy yet forgiving, majestic yet humble --- all combined. Simply beautiful!

In his prophecy, Isaiah described Jesus and His coming in this way: "Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" [Isaiah 9:6].

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor --- giving us comfort and wisdom. The Mighty God --- acting with power and authority. The Everlasting Father -- providing for all our needs and protecting us. And the Prince of Peace --- offering reconciliation with God and others.

Isn't Jesus beautiful! Worship Him. --- Anne Cetas

Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine! --- Seiss

JESUS IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD. --- Colossians 1:15

Caretakers, Not Owners

Read: Psalm 95

All things come from You, and of Your own we have given You. --- 1 Chronicles 29:14

The Bible In One Year:
Obadiah
Revelation 9

John Hauberg and his wife live in a stunning home in Seattle. It is built mostly of glass inside and out. Hundreds of glass artifacts decorate the light-flooded rooms, and even the sinks, shelves, and mantelpieces are made of glass. You might think that the Haubergs would be in constant fear that something would break. On the contrary, they invite visitors to roam freely throughout their entire home.

John is also a connoisseur of Native American crafts, but he has donated his entire collection to the Seattle Art Museum. His motive is not to hoard but to share. "I'm not an owner," her says. "I am a caretaker."

John Hauberg's comment expresses a basic biblical principle that applies to all our possessions: We aren't owners; we are caretakers. Legally, of course, we own our possessions. But as Christians, we gladly acknowledge with David that "the earth is the LORD's and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell wherein" [Psalm 24:1].

By right of creation, God holds the deed to all that exists, including what we possess. He allows us to use the resources of His world for a time. But in the end it all reverts to Him.

Are we being wise and generous caretakers of what belongs to God? --- Vernon Grounds

Naught that I have my own I call,
I hold it for the Giver;
My heart, my strength, my life, my all
Are His, and His forever. --- Small

ALL WE OWN IS ON LOAN FROM GOD.

Earth Walk

Read: John 1:11-18

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. --- John 1:14

The Bible In One Year:
Amos 7-9
Revelation 8

After the Apollo XV mission, Colonel James Irwin related some of the high points of his experience. He told of their weightless bodies floating free in the space capsule, the rising crescent of the earth as seen from the moon, and the triumphal splashdown before a watching world.

Irwin also spoke of the impact the experience had on his spiritual life. He said that from the lunar surface he sensed both the glory of God and the plight of earthbound man. As he came back to earth, he realized he couldn't content himself with being merely a celebrity. He would have to be a servant, telling his fellowman of a better way to live. Irwin concluded by saying that if we think it a great event to go to the moon, how much greater is the wonder that God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ.

Because man walked on the moon, science and technology have made tremendous advances. But because God walked on earth, we know both our origin and our destiny. We can know our Creator personally [John 1:1,14,18], and we can live in His light [v.9]. Through Jesus' sinless life and sacrificial death, we can know the joy of having our sins forgiven and experience the fullness of an abundant life --- all because God walked on the earth. --- Mart De Haan

Down from His glory, ever-living story,
My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name.
Born in a manger, to His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears, and agony. --- Booth-Clibborn

GOD MADE HIS HOME WITH US SO THAT WE MIGHT MAKE OUR HOME WITH GOD.

The Gift Of Family

Read: Exodus 20:1-20

Honor your father and your mother. --- Exodus 20:12

The Bible In One Year:
Amos 4-6
Revelation 7

Through her books and lectures, Edith Schaeffer has become much appreciated for her insights into the value of life's ordinary days. When she and her husband Francis were first married, both sets of parents lived nearby. The newlyweds divided each Sunday afternoon and evening between Schaeffers and the Sevilles.

After a few years, Edith and Francis moved to Switzerland, where they could talk with their parents only once a year in a brief phone conversation.

Looking back half a century later, Edith wrote of being glad for the way they had used those Sunday afternoons. She noted that "proximity of loved ones is not an endless situation." She concluded that a package labeled "time to care for her parents and exhibit love" doesn't just arrive someday. We must show love while we can.

The fifth of the Ten Commandments says: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you" [Exodus 20:12]. The command to love and respect our parents applies equally to children living at home, newly independent young couples, and empty-nesters.

Seize each moment you have to love and honor your family. The opportunity won't last forever. --- David McCasland

PUTTING IT INTO ACTION

Plan a regular time to call a family member.

Help an aged relative with a project or housework.

Write a letter to someone you love but cannot visit.

TIME IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS WE CAN GIVE EACH OTHER.

Perfect Peace Is Possible

Read: Isaiah 26:1-9

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. --- Isaiah 26:3

The Bible In One Year:
Amos 1-3
Revelation 6

Few things [if anything at all] in this fallen world can be called perfect. But God promises to keep us in "perfect peace" if we keep our minds focused on Him and continue trusting Him [Isaiah 26:3].

So why do we find it so difficult to trust Him? Often, it's because we're afraid that things won't go as we want them to unless we control them ourselves. The less we are in control, the more anxious and worried we become.

Author Hannah Whitall Smith wrote, "It is not hard, you find, to trust the management of the universe, and of all the outward creation, to the Lord. Can your case then be so much more complex and difficult than these, that you need to be anxious or troubled about His management of you?"

Yet we often think our situation is too difficult for God. If we can't solve things ourselves, we doubt that He can. We have our Christian beliefs, yes --- but that isn't the same as believing God. Believing God is a personal response that grows out of our Christian faith and is expressed by our increasing trust in Him and His promises.

As our mind remains on Him, He keeps us in perfect peace. This has been the experience of countless believers, and you can experience it too. --- Joanie Yoder

If God's creation helps us see
What wonders He can do,
Then we can trust His promises
For they are always true. --- D. De Haan

GOD CAN BE TRUSTED IN THE DARK AS WELL AS IN THE LIGHT.

Believing Is Trusting

Read: Romans 5:1-11

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. --- Romans 1:16

The Bible In One Year:
Joel
Revelation 5

Occasionally I meet people who know they have a spiritual need but are reluctant to make a personal commitment to Christ. Although they have seen what faith in Christ has done for others, they are confused by the advice they get from some good churchgoing people.

One man told me he had been advised to join a certain church to be saved. He was told by someone else that he had to be baptized in a particular church. Still others spoke vaguely about trying to obey the Sermon on the Mount. And one of his friends said he needed to go through a period of intense sorrow for sin before he could expect God to save him.

Frankly, I don't blame that confused man for saying to me, "I don't want to read any pamphlets or tracts. Show me right from the Bible how I can be saved." So we started reading passages in Romans and discussing them. By the time we reached the fifth chapter, he said, 'It's clear to me now. All I need to do is place my trust in Jesus Christ." He did, and he found peace.

We have saving faith when we believe what the Bible says about us and about Jesus Christ, and when we act upon that truth by placing our trust in Him.

If you have not done so, trust Jesus now. --- Herb Vander Lugt

God sent His Son to die for us ---
No other life would do;
So why not trust in Christ today,
Accept His gift to you. --- Branon

WE ARE SAVED NOT BY WHAT WE DO BUT BY TRUSTING WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE.

Cave Man

Read: Psalm 142

Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low. --- Psalm 142:6

The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 12-14
Revelation 4

David was stuck in a cave [Psalm 142]. Some Bible commentators think this was when he was running from King Saul, who wanted to kill him [1 Samuel 22:1]. Trouble and troublemakers hounded him. Hemmed in by his circumstances and smothered by danger, he turned to God for help.

David was frightened, so he poured out his complaint to God [v.2].

He felt alone and uncared for, so he cried out to God [vv.1,4-5].

His situation was desperate, so he pleaded for rescue [v.6].

David was trapped, so he begged for freedom [v.7].

What cave surrounds you today? A cave of despair brought on by grief or illness? A cave of difficulties caused by your own poor decisions? Are you stuck in a cave of questions or doubts that rob you of joy and confidence?

Here's what David did when he was trapped in his cave: He asked God for mercy, he sought refuge in Him, and he promised to use his eventual freedom as a way to praise God. In the end, he looked forward to the comfort of fellow believers.

Complaint followed by faith. Desperation followed by praise. Loneliness followed by fellowship. We can learn a lot from a cave man. --- Dave Branon

When we experience suffering,
God's comfort will abound;
For tribulations teach us where
True comfort can be found. --- Sper

IN EVERY DESERT OF CALAMITY, GOD HAD AN OASIS OF COMFORT.

Serving Without Distraction

Read: Luke 10:38-42

Martha was distracted with much serving. --- Luke 10:40

The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 9-11
Revelation 3

While Martha served Jesus unsparingly, her sister Mary sat at His feet, listening and learning. Charles H. Spurgeon [1834-1892] believed that Martha's mistake wasn't her serving, but rather that she allowed it to distract her attention from Jesus. Spurgeon believed that we should be Martha and Mary in one. He wrote, "We should do much service, and have much communion at the same time. For this we need great grace. It is easier to serve than to commune."

I once met a young mother who found the grace to do both. She hungered after God and His Word but was unavoidably immersed in family life each day. Then an idea came to her. In each room she placed paper and a pencil on a high surface, away from tiny hands. As she served the Lord in houselhold responsibilities, she also kept herself open to God. Whenever a Scripture came to mind, or something to confess, to correct, or to pray about, she jotted it on the nearest pad of paper. In the evening after the children were asleep, she gathered her pieces of paper and pondered them prayerfully over her open Bible.

This woman found a way to be Martha and Mary at the same time. May we too discover ways to serve God and to commune with Him. --- Joanie Yoder

Our service for the Lord each day
Can make us feel distressed,
But spending time each day with Christ
Can make our service blest. --- D. De Haan

TO KEEP YOUR LIFE IN BALANCE, LEAN ON THE LORD.

A Pleasant Diversion

Read: Romans 11:33-12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. --- Romans 12:2

The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 5-8
Revelation 2

A friend was looking for a church to join and told me she had found just what she was looking for: "I like this church because I don't have to change my lifestyle of partying. It doesn't make me feel guilty or require anything of me. I feel good about myself when I'm there."

Her story makes me wonder how many people are in that type of situation. Their "Christianity" is what author W. Waldo Beach calls "a pleasant weekend diversion."

But is that the kind of life Jesus calls us to? Beach says, "No amount of air-conditioning and pew-cushioning in the suburban church can cover over the hard truth that ... discipleship is costly; that, for the faithful, there is always a cross to be carried. No one can understand Christianity to its depths who comes to it to enjoy it as a pleasant weekend diversion."

Being a Christian means that we know Jesus personally. We have received Him by faith as our Savior from sin, and we present ourselves to Him. We deny our will and choose His instead. He transforms our thinking, our values, and our priorities to reflect what is acceptable to God [Romans 12:1-2].

Is your religion just a pleasant weekend diversion? That's no substitute for a vital relationship with Jesus! --- Anne Cetas

"Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"If you would My disciple be;
Take up your cross with willing heart
And humbly follow after Me." --- Everest

DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS DISCIPLINE.

Dangerous Proverbs

Read: Ezekiel 18:1-9

If he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully --- he is just; he shall surely live! --- Ezekiel 18:9

The Bible In One Year:
Hosea 1-4
Revelation 1

There is a hidden danger in any proverb. A proverb is a general principle --- not an absolute truth --- and it can be misused. "Like father, like son," we say, but it depends on who says it and why. There is truth in it, but when someone quotes it to justify the shambles he has made of life, the proverb serves as an excuse to play the victim.

The prophet Ezekiel wanted to get the Hebrew captives in Babylon to return not only to their homes but to their God. It was a tough sell. The people responded by taking refuge in a proverb: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" [Ezekiel 18:2].

This saying blamed their captivity on an earlier generation. "You can't be serious about asking us to repent," they protested. "It's our parents' fault. They ate the sour grapes and we have to bear the consequences."

So God declared through Ezekiel, "You shall no longer use this proverb in Israel" [v.3]. Each person bore responsibility for his own actions. "The soul who sins shall die," God said [v.4]. But "if he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully --- he is just; he shall surely life!" [v.9].

Proverbs are wonderful tools for guidance. They were never intended to excuse our bad behavior. --- Haddon Robinson

Don't hide your sin and cover up,
Pretending that there's nothing wrong
Instead, confess it and repent,
And God will fill your heart with song. --- Sper

A GOOD TEST OF CHARACTER: WHEN WE DO WRONG, WHOM DO WE BLAME?

Afraid To Be Afraid

Read: Psalm 56

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. --- Psalm 56:3

The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 11-12
Jude

A young woman was waiting for a bus in a crime-ridden area when a rookie policeman approached her and asked, "Do you want me to wait with you?" "That's not necessary," she replied. "I'm not afraid." "Well, I am," he grinned. "Would you mind waiting with me?"

Like that policeman, we as Christians must be willing to admit that sometimes we become fearful --- about dying, about getting cancer, about losing our mind, about losing our job, about our children getting in trouble, about getting old. We don't like to confess it, so we may ignore, deny, or repress those fears. But to overcome our fear, we must first acknowledge it.

The psalmist recognized his fears. "Whenever I am afraid," he said, "I will trust in You" [Psalm 56:3]. This trust in the Lord gave him a growing confidence. "I will not fear," he said [v.4]. And again, "I will not be afraid" [v.11]. This was much more than self-talk. It was a conscious decision to trust in God: "I will."

We can conquer our fears. To admit that we are afraid is to admit that we are human. But to admit being afraid and then trusting the Lord and going forward will take the fear out of fear. --- Dennis De Haan

I can walk with Christ in safety,
Trusting Him, my faithful Guide;
There's no reason to be fearful,
Knowing He is by my side. --- Hess

WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FEAR ITSELF.

Bad News?

Read: Psalm 112:1-10

He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. --- Psalm 112:7

The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 8-10
3 John

Several years ago, before cellphones became common, a seminar leader asked the audience, "If someone came into this meeting, called your name, and said, 'You have a phone call,' would you assume that it was good news or bad news?" Most of us admitted we would think it was bad news, but we weren't sure why.

It points out a common burden many people carry --- the fear of bad news. It may be a natural concern for the safety of those we love, but it can become an irrational dread of tragedy.

When we are most afraid, we most need confidence in God. Psalm 112 speaks of a person who fears the Lord, delights in His commandments, and is gracious to others [vv.1,4-5]. But perhaps most striking is: "He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD" [v.7].

A hymn by Frances Havergal reminds us that a trusting heart is the answer for a worried mind: "Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest; finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest."

The Bible doesn't promise that we will never receive bad news. But it does assure us that we don't have to live each day in gnawing fear of what might happen. "His heart is established; he will not be afraid" [v.8]. --- David McCasland

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blash of hurry touch the Spirit there. --- Havergal

FAITH IN THE LIVING GOD CAN TAKE THE FEAR OUT OF LIVING.

How To Be Unpopular

Read: Jeremiah 23:16-23

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! --- Jeremiah 23:1

The Bible In One Year:
Daniel 5-7
2 John

In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. Luther became known as a reformer, and we remember his bold stand as a turning point in church history.

The fiery priest demonstrated great courage in expressing outrage at the church's practice of selling forgiveness through indulgences, which allowed the people to sin intentionally in exchange for money.

Luther's passion to stop these practices did not make him popular with the religious authorities of his day. In fact, his efforts resulted in a series of attempts to silence him.

Long before Luther, the prophet Jeremiah felt the power of God's Word in his heart "like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not" [Jeremiah 20:9]. Jeremiah and Luther refused to allow God's truth to be compromised.

Living for God is about grace and forgiveness, but it's also about boldly standing for the truth. Having God's Word in our heart doesn't always result in warm, pleasant feelings. Sometimes His truth becomes a blazing fire that causes us to challenge corruption --- even though we may be attacked for it. --- Julie Link

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word. --- Watts

IT'S BETTER TO DECLARE THE TRUTH AND BE REJECTED THAN TO WITHHOLD IT JUST TO BE ACCEPTED.