Read: Psalm 31:9-24
I am like a broken vessel. --- Psalm 31:12
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 13-15
Luke 6:27-49
Few unbroken lives in this world are useful to God. Few men and women can fulfill their hopes and plans without some interruption and disappointment along the way.
But man's disappointments are often God's appointments, and the things we believe are tragedies may be the very opportunities through which God chooses to exhibit His love and grace. We have but to follow these lives to the end to see that people who have been broken become better and more effective. Christians than if they had carried out all their own plans and purposes.
Are you, my friend, being broken today? Has the dearest thing in your life been torn away? Then remember that if you could see the purpose of it all from God's standpoint, you would praise the Lord.
The best things that come to us are not those that accrue from having our wya, but by letting God have His way. Though the way of testing and trial and sorrow often seems hard and cruel, it is the way of God's love and in the end will be the best for us.
Remember, we have the Lord's promise: "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" [Psalm 84:11]. --- M.R. De Haan, M.D.
Then trust in God through all thy days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime, we'll understand. --- Cornelius
FOR A CHRISTIAN, WHOLENESS ALWAYS COMES AFTER BROKENNESS.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wise Behavior
Read: 1 Samuel 18:1-5
David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely....And he was accepted in the sight of all the people. --- 1 Samuel 18:5
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 11-12
Luke 6:1-26
Four times in 1 Samuel 18, the writer tells us that David "behaved wisely" [vv.5,14,15,30]. In fact, he behaved "more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed" [v.30].
The phrase "highly esteemed" suggests an unusual respect. David was honored by all the people, but more significantly he was highly respected by those in Saul's court who were impressed by his noble character.
As Christians come to know Jesus through obedience to His Word, they will begin to display qualities of character that set them apart from others, for true wisdom is to live like Christ. It is more than common sense; it is uncommon behavior.
James said, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and withoty hypocrisy" [3:17]. This gracious way of making our way through the world can come only "from above."
David's experience can be our experience. God's promise to him is also true for believers today. He said, "I will instruct you [cause you to be wise] and teach you in the way yuo should go" [Psalm 32:8].
Are we learning to behave wisely? --- David Roper
Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus. --- Rowe
OUR CHARACTER IS ONLY AS STRONG AS OUR BEHAVIOR.
David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely....And he was accepted in the sight of all the people. --- 1 Samuel 18:5
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 11-12
Luke 6:1-26
Four times in 1 Samuel 18, the writer tells us that David "behaved wisely" [vv.5,14,15,30]. In fact, he behaved "more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed" [v.30].
The phrase "highly esteemed" suggests an unusual respect. David was honored by all the people, but more significantly he was highly respected by those in Saul's court who were impressed by his noble character.
As Christians come to know Jesus through obedience to His Word, they will begin to display qualities of character that set them apart from others, for true wisdom is to live like Christ. It is more than common sense; it is uncommon behavior.
James said, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and withoty hypocrisy" [3:17]. This gracious way of making our way through the world can come only "from above."
David's experience can be our experience. God's promise to him is also true for believers today. He said, "I will instruct you [cause you to be wise] and teach you in the way yuo should go" [Psalm 32:8].
Are we learning to behave wisely? --- David Roper
Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus. --- Rowe
OUR CHARACTER IS ONLY AS STRONG AS OUR BEHAVIOR.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
His Unseen Presence
Read: John 14:19-28
He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. --- John 5:17-39
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 9-10
Luke 5:17-39
I feel uncomfortable at times with preachers who are always saying, "The Lord told me," as if they had just heard from God directly. They give the impression that we must believe that everything they say is true. After all, how can we argue with God.
In contrast, I have often been deeply moved when people in great sorrow or battling a grave illness have told me that the Lord had spoken to their heart and made Himself very real to them. I have come away with the sense that they truly did experience God's unseen presence.
G.K. Chesterton, trying to think of an analogy to what these believers feel, wrote: "Plato had told you a truth; but Plato is dead. Shakespeare has startled you with an image; but Shakespeare will startle you no more. But imagine what it would be to live with such men still living, to know that Plato may break our with an original lecture tomorrow, or that at any moment Shakespeare might shatter everything with a simple song."
Jesus is alive in every sense of the word and He is fully aware of each of us and our needs. As we live in obedience to Him, we can expect Him to keep His promise to manifest Himself to us [John 14:21]. Then we can say with humility, "The Lord spoke to me." --- Herb Vander Lugt
In the secret of His presence
How my soul delights to hide!
Oh, how precious are the lessons
Which I learn at Jesus' side! --- Goreh
GOD SPEAKS TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO HEAR HIM.
He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. --- John 5:17-39
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 9-10
Luke 5:17-39
I feel uncomfortable at times with preachers who are always saying, "The Lord told me," as if they had just heard from God directly. They give the impression that we must believe that everything they say is true. After all, how can we argue with God.
In contrast, I have often been deeply moved when people in great sorrow or battling a grave illness have told me that the Lord had spoken to their heart and made Himself very real to them. I have come away with the sense that they truly did experience God's unseen presence.
G.K. Chesterton, trying to think of an analogy to what these believers feel, wrote: "Plato had told you a truth; but Plato is dead. Shakespeare has startled you with an image; but Shakespeare will startle you no more. But imagine what it would be to live with such men still living, to know that Plato may break our with an original lecture tomorrow, or that at any moment Shakespeare might shatter everything with a simple song."
Jesus is alive in every sense of the word and He is fully aware of each of us and our needs. As we live in obedience to Him, we can expect Him to keep His promise to manifest Himself to us [John 14:21]. Then we can say with humility, "The Lord spoke to me." --- Herb Vander Lugt
In the secret of His presence
How my soul delights to hide!
Oh, how precious are the lessons
Which I learn at Jesus' side! --- Goreh
GOD SPEAKS TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO HEAR HIM.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The Forest And The Tree
Read: Genesis 3:17-24
Blessed is the man who endures temptation. --- James 1:12
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 7-8
Luke 5:1-16
All of us have been so close to a temptation that we've lost our perspective. It may have involved something as small as a rumor that we knew shouldn't be passed along, but the urge to gossip blocked out our sense of love and good judgment.
Adam and Eve faced a similar problem. They became so preoccupied with one plant in their garden paradise that they couldn't see the forest for the tree.
Just look at what it cost them. The Garden of Eden had been created especially for them. In it they knew no evil, no trials, no sickness, no death. They enjoyed the company of the Creator Himself. Yet they gave up everything they had --- just to eat the fruit of that one forbidden tree.
Their mistake still plagues us. How often do we miss the whole forest of God's goodness for a single tree of testing? The moment of temptation seems so overwhelming, the idea so irresistible, our twisted logic so justifiable.
Think about all that Adam and Eve left behind in the Garden. Fill your mind with the truths of God's Word and rely on the Holy Spirit's moment-by-moment guidance and strength. Then you'll experience the lasting joy of God's blessing rather than temporary pleasure. --- Mart De Haan
HOW TO HANDLE TEMPTATION
Seek God with your whole heart [Psalm 119:9-16].
Listen to wisdom [Proverbs 8:1-11].
Resist the devil; draw near to God [James 4:7-8].
YOUR RESPONSE TO TEMPTATION WILL MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation. --- James 1:12
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 7-8
Luke 5:1-16
All of us have been so close to a temptation that we've lost our perspective. It may have involved something as small as a rumor that we knew shouldn't be passed along, but the urge to gossip blocked out our sense of love and good judgment.
Adam and Eve faced a similar problem. They became so preoccupied with one plant in their garden paradise that they couldn't see the forest for the tree.
Just look at what it cost them. The Garden of Eden had been created especially for them. In it they knew no evil, no trials, no sickness, no death. They enjoyed the company of the Creator Himself. Yet they gave up everything they had --- just to eat the fruit of that one forbidden tree.
Their mistake still plagues us. How often do we miss the whole forest of God's goodness for a single tree of testing? The moment of temptation seems so overwhelming, the idea so irresistible, our twisted logic so justifiable.
Think about all that Adam and Eve left behind in the Garden. Fill your mind with the truths of God's Word and rely on the Holy Spirit's moment-by-moment guidance and strength. Then you'll experience the lasting joy of God's blessing rather than temporary pleasure. --- Mart De Haan
HOW TO HANDLE TEMPTATION
Seek God with your whole heart [Psalm 119:9-16].
Listen to wisdom [Proverbs 8:1-11].
Resist the devil; draw near to God [James 4:7-8].
YOUR RESPONSE TO TEMPTATION WILL MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU.
Monday, March 27, 2006
The Center Of History
Read: Matthew 16:13-20
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." --- Matthew 16:16
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 4-6
Luke 4:31-44
In its biographical archives, The Washington Post identifies famous people with a single vocational notice, such as "home-run king" or "motion picture star." According to a reporter, one of these files is marked, "Jesus Christ [martyr]."
Every individual who considers Jesus Christ makes some judgment about Him. French philosopher and historian Ernest Renan said, "All history is incomprehensible without Chris." American author Ralph Waldo Emerson concluded, "His name is not so much written but plowed into the history of the world."
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former chairman of the department of religion at Yale Graduate School, wrote, "That short life of Jesus has been the most influential ever lived. Through Him millions have been transformed and have begun to live the life which He exemplified. Gauged by the consequences which have followed, the birth, life, and death and resurrection of Jesus have been the most important events in the history of man."
What label do you put on Jesus Christ? If you agree that He is who He claimed to be, then let Him who is the center of history be not only the center of your creed but also the object of your loyalty and love. --- Haddon Robinson
Christ want to be the center of your life,
The reason for your being here at all;
He gave Himself a sacrifice for you,
And now He waits for you to hear His call. --- Hess
YOUR DECISION ABOUT JESUS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY.
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." --- Matthew 16:16
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 4-6
Luke 4:31-44
In its biographical archives, The Washington Post identifies famous people with a single vocational notice, such as "home-run king" or "motion picture star." According to a reporter, one of these files is marked, "Jesus Christ [martyr]."
Every individual who considers Jesus Christ makes some judgment about Him. French philosopher and historian Ernest Renan said, "All history is incomprehensible without Chris." American author Ralph Waldo Emerson concluded, "His name is not so much written but plowed into the history of the world."
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former chairman of the department of religion at Yale Graduate School, wrote, "That short life of Jesus has been the most influential ever lived. Through Him millions have been transformed and have begun to live the life which He exemplified. Gauged by the consequences which have followed, the birth, life, and death and resurrection of Jesus have been the most important events in the history of man."
What label do you put on Jesus Christ? If you agree that He is who He claimed to be, then let Him who is the center of history be not only the center of your creed but also the object of your loyalty and love. --- Haddon Robinson
Christ want to be the center of your life,
The reason for your being here at all;
He gave Himself a sacrifice for you,
And now He waits for you to hear His call. --- Hess
YOUR DECISION ABOUT JESUS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Fact, Not Fable
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-19
If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! --- 1 Corinthians 15:17
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 1-3
Luke 4:1-30
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it we have no hope for this life nor the life to come. That's why it is important to recognize that our belief in Christ's resurrection is not based on a religious feeling or unfounded rumor, but on historical fact with solid evidence to support it.
A century ago, a group of lawyers met in England to discuss the biblical accounts of Jesus' resurrection. They wanted to see if enough information was available to make a case that would hold up in a court of law. They concluded that Christ's resurrection was one of the most well-established facts of history.
In his book Countdown, G.B. Hardy offers some thought-provoking questions about the resurrection: "There are but two essential requirements: [1] Has anyone cheated death and proved it? [2] Is it available to me?" Hardy goes on to declare that only the tomb of Jesus is empty. And because Jesus conquered sin and death, we who put our faith in Him will share in His resurrection.
"If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile," Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17. Historical evidence and countless changed lives testify that the resurrection of Jesus is a fact. Have you put your hope in the risen Christ? --- Dave Egner
Yes, Christ the Lord is risen,
Has come forth from the grave;
He breaks the chains of death for you
And now has power to save. --- Woodruff
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION IS MORE THAN A FACT OF HISTORY --- IT'S THE PROOF OF OUR SALVATION.
If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! --- 1 Corinthians 15:17
The Bible In One Year:
Judges 1-3
Luke 4:1-30
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it we have no hope for this life nor the life to come. That's why it is important to recognize that our belief in Christ's resurrection is not based on a religious feeling or unfounded rumor, but on historical fact with solid evidence to support it.
A century ago, a group of lawyers met in England to discuss the biblical accounts of Jesus' resurrection. They wanted to see if enough information was available to make a case that would hold up in a court of law. They concluded that Christ's resurrection was one of the most well-established facts of history.
In his book Countdown, G.B. Hardy offers some thought-provoking questions about the resurrection: "There are but two essential requirements: [1] Has anyone cheated death and proved it? [2] Is it available to me?" Hardy goes on to declare that only the tomb of Jesus is empty. And because Jesus conquered sin and death, we who put our faith in Him will share in His resurrection.
"If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile," Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17. Historical evidence and countless changed lives testify that the resurrection of Jesus is a fact. Have you put your hope in the risen Christ? --- Dave Egner
Yes, Christ the Lord is risen,
Has come forth from the grave;
He breaks the chains of death for you
And now has power to save. --- Woodruff
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION IS MORE THAN A FACT OF HISTORY --- IT'S THE PROOF OF OUR SALVATION.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Grace To Forgive
Read: Romans 12:14-21
Love your enemies, ... and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. --- Matthew 5:44
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 22-24
Luke 3
It is difficult to understand how the Lord Jesus could pray for His brutal executioners to be forgiven [Luke 23:24]. We often try to excuse our unforgiving hearts by arguing that He was God, whereas we are sinful creatures. But Jesus calls us to follow His divine example.
Putting into practice the Bible's directives isn't easy. For example, it's hard to pray sincerely for God to forgive our enemies and those who humiliate and belittle us. Yet God's Word is crystal-clear: "Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" [Matthew 5:44].
As we lift our eyes to the Lord in prayer, we can be Spirit-enabled to put into practice His most difficult directives. Think of someone toward whom you have harbored a bitter spirit. Ransack your memory if necessary. As you consider that your feelings for that person, pray: "Lord, flood my heart with compassion, and purge away my unforgiving spirit. Help me to 'live peaceably with all me'" [Romans 12:18].
If multitudes of Christians did that, what a transforming difference it would make in our marriages, our homes, and our churches. We could have a big influence on our hate-filled world. --- Vernon Grounds
When others we will not forgive,
God's blessings are denied;
We must forsake our stubbornness
And banish sinful pride. --- Sper
GROUND THAT IS FILLED WITH ROOTS OF BITTERNESS NEEDS TO BE PLOWED BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
Love your enemies, ... and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. --- Matthew 5:44
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 22-24
Luke 3
It is difficult to understand how the Lord Jesus could pray for His brutal executioners to be forgiven [Luke 23:24]. We often try to excuse our unforgiving hearts by arguing that He was God, whereas we are sinful creatures. But Jesus calls us to follow His divine example.
Putting into practice the Bible's directives isn't easy. For example, it's hard to pray sincerely for God to forgive our enemies and those who humiliate and belittle us. Yet God's Word is crystal-clear: "Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" [Matthew 5:44].
As we lift our eyes to the Lord in prayer, we can be Spirit-enabled to put into practice His most difficult directives. Think of someone toward whom you have harbored a bitter spirit. Ransack your memory if necessary. As you consider that your feelings for that person, pray: "Lord, flood my heart with compassion, and purge away my unforgiving spirit. Help me to 'live peaceably with all me'" [Romans 12:18].
If multitudes of Christians did that, what a transforming difference it would make in our marriages, our homes, and our churches. We could have a big influence on our hate-filled world. --- Vernon Grounds
When others we will not forgive,
God's blessings are denied;
We must forsake our stubbornness
And banish sinful pride. --- Sper
GROUND THAT IS FILLED WITH ROOTS OF BITTERNESS NEEDS TO BE PLOWED BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
Friday, March 24, 2006
King Of Our Lives
Read: John 19:16-22
I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. --- 1 Corinthians 15:3
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 19-21
Luke 2:25-52
Nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate commanded that a placard be placed on the cross that read: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Perhaps Pilate sought to induce fear among the people and discourage them from crowning their own king.
King of the Jews. Was it an original thought at the time? Perhaps it had been introduced when the wise men asked, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" [Matthew 2:2]. They had sought the fulfillment of this promise: "For unto us a Child is born ...; 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]. They believed Jesus was this Child.
Later, when Christ was crucified, some jeered, "If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross" [Matthew 27:40]. They wanted to see if Jesus really was KIng. But Jesus did not come down. The true meaning of the cross is that "Christ died for our sins" [1 Corinthians 15:3]. He who paid the penalty of our sins has made God's forgiveness possible.
Those who accept God's forgiveness and ask Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord can have only one appropriate response --- to serve Him. He is King of our lives. --- Albert Lee
King of my life I crown Thee now ---
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary. --- Hussey
JESUS IS KING OF OUR LIVES, SO WE MUST SERVE HIM ALL OF OUR LIVES.
I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. --- 1 Corinthians 15:3
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 19-21
Luke 2:25-52
Nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate commanded that a placard be placed on the cross that read: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Perhaps Pilate sought to induce fear among the people and discourage them from crowning their own king.
King of the Jews. Was it an original thought at the time? Perhaps it had been introduced when the wise men asked, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" [Matthew 2:2]. They had sought the fulfillment of this promise: "For unto us a Child is born ...; 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]. They believed Jesus was this Child.
Later, when Christ was crucified, some jeered, "If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross" [Matthew 27:40]. They wanted to see if Jesus really was KIng. But Jesus did not come down. The true meaning of the cross is that "Christ died for our sins" [1 Corinthians 15:3]. He who paid the penalty of our sins has made God's forgiveness possible.
Those who accept God's forgiveness and ask Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord can have only one appropriate response --- to serve Him. He is King of our lives. --- Albert Lee
King of my life I crown Thee now ---
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary. --- Hussey
JESUS IS KING OF OUR LIVES, SO WE MUST SERVE HIM ALL OF OUR LIVES.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Celebrate Beginnings
Read: Luke 1:26-38
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:
Joshua 16-18
Luke 2:1-24
Many churches observe March 25 as Annunciation Day. It commemorates the angel's announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. In our success-oriented society, this festival is a needed reminder to recognize and rejoice at the beginning of God's work in a person's life rather than holding our applause for the accomplishments.
Because we often read Luke's gospel at Christmas, we may forget that 9 months of trust and waiting separated Mary's response to Gabriel from the birth of Jesus. When we read her words of surrender in light of this timespan, they take on added meaning: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" [Luke 1:38]. Mary must have received great encouragement when her cousin Elizabeth told her, "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord" [v.45].
We can celebrate beginnings by giving a hug or hand-shake to a new believer who professes faith in Christ. We can write a note of encouragement to a friend who has chosen to obey God's Word.
Let's grasp every opportunity to celebrate the beginnings of God's work in the lives of others. --- David McCasland
It takes but a moment of time
And minimal energy spent
To pass an encouraging word
To one who'll be glad it was sent. --- Hess
THE HUMAN SPIRIT SOARS WITH HOPE WHEN LIFTED BY AN ENCOURAGING WORD.
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:
Joshua 16-18
Luke 2:1-24
Many churches observe March 25 as Annunciation Day. It commemorates the angel's announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. In our success-oriented society, this festival is a needed reminder to recognize and rejoice at the beginning of God's work in a person's life rather than holding our applause for the accomplishments.
Because we often read Luke's gospel at Christmas, we may forget that 9 months of trust and waiting separated Mary's response to Gabriel from the birth of Jesus. When we read her words of surrender in light of this timespan, they take on added meaning: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" [Luke 1:38]. Mary must have received great encouragement when her cousin Elizabeth told her, "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord" [v.45].
We can celebrate beginnings by giving a hug or hand-shake to a new believer who professes faith in Christ. We can write a note of encouragement to a friend who has chosen to obey God's Word.
Let's grasp every opportunity to celebrate the beginnings of God's work in the lives of others. --- David McCasland
It takes but a moment of time
And minimal energy spent
To pass an encouraging word
To one who'll be glad it was sent. --- Hess
THE HUMAN SPIRIT SOARS WITH HOPE WHEN LIFTED BY AN ENCOURAGING WORD.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Open Bible
Read: Psalm 119:41-48
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. --- Psalm 119:46
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 13-15
Luke 1:57-80
Many hotels in countries around the world have a Bible in each room. Just open a drawer and you'll find it.
But during a recent hotel stay, I was surprised to see an open Bible placed prominently on a table in the lobby. And when I reached my room, instead of the Bible being in a drawer, it was lying open on the desk. My guess is that the owner decided to draw people's attention to the presence of God and His Word as they travel --- often alone and sometimes in great need.
This caused me to ponder my own response to the Scriptures. Is the Bible open in my heart for people to see? Do my actions give evidence that I'm meditating on God's Word?
Psalm 119 is filled with praise for the wonder of God's Word, along with the writer's promise to live by it and share it with others. "I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts," he wrote, "I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love .... And I will meditate on Your statutes" [vv.45-47].
Since every life is an open book, let's seek to demonstrate the love and power of God's Word, the Bible, for everyone to see. --- David McCasland
We are the only Bible
The careless world will read;
We are the sinner's gospel,
We are the scoffer's creed. --- Flint
OF ALL THE COMMENTARIES OF THE SCRIPTURES, GOOD EXAMPLES ARE THE BEST. --- John Donne
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. --- Psalm 119:46
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 13-15
Luke 1:57-80
Many hotels in countries around the world have a Bible in each room. Just open a drawer and you'll find it.
But during a recent hotel stay, I was surprised to see an open Bible placed prominently on a table in the lobby. And when I reached my room, instead of the Bible being in a drawer, it was lying open on the desk. My guess is that the owner decided to draw people's attention to the presence of God and His Word as they travel --- often alone and sometimes in great need.
This caused me to ponder my own response to the Scriptures. Is the Bible open in my heart for people to see? Do my actions give evidence that I'm meditating on God's Word?
Psalm 119 is filled with praise for the wonder of God's Word, along with the writer's promise to live by it and share it with others. "I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts," he wrote, "I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love .... And I will meditate on Your statutes" [vv.45-47].
Since every life is an open book, let's seek to demonstrate the love and power of God's Word, the Bible, for everyone to see. --- David McCasland
We are the only Bible
The careless world will read;
We are the sinner's gospel,
We are the scoffer's creed. --- Flint
OF ALL THE COMMENTARIES OF THE SCRIPTURES, GOOD EXAMPLES ARE THE BEST. --- John Donne
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Our Mysterious God
Read: Judges 13:15-23
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past ..., has in these last days spoken to us by His Son. --- Hebrews 1:1-2
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 10-12
Luke 1:39-56
In today's Scripture, we read that a mysterious and awesome visitor appeared to Manoah and his wife [Samson's parents]. When Manoah asked, "What is Your name?" the visitor didn't answer the question directly but instead "ascended in the flame of the altar" [Judges 13:17-20]. Then Manoah knew he had seen God in human form.
Who can understand such a God --- the God who wrote the 3-billion-letter software code in the DNA molecule of every human cell? Who can fully comprehend the God who knows everything, even our inner thoughts? Yet many Old Testament saints knew and loved this God. They experienced the joy of His grace and forgiveness, even though they didn't completely understand how a holy God could forgive their sins.
As Christians, we too stand in awe before the majesty and mystery of an incomprehensible God. But we have a great advantage because we see Him revealed in Jesus, who said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" [John 14:9]. And when Jesus hung on the cross, He revealed God's compassion and love, for He died there for us.
A mystery? Yes. But how wonderful that we can know the love of this incomprehensible God! --- Herb Vander Lugt
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccesible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious --- Thy great name we praise. --- Smith
TO UNDERSTAND GOD IS IMPOSSIBLE --- TO WORSHIP HIM IS IMPERATIVE.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past ..., has in these last days spoken to us by His Son. --- Hebrews 1:1-2
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 10-12
Luke 1:39-56
In today's Scripture, we read that a mysterious and awesome visitor appeared to Manoah and his wife [Samson's parents]. When Manoah asked, "What is Your name?" the visitor didn't answer the question directly but instead "ascended in the flame of the altar" [Judges 13:17-20]. Then Manoah knew he had seen God in human form.
Who can understand such a God --- the God who wrote the 3-billion-letter software code in the DNA molecule of every human cell? Who can fully comprehend the God who knows everything, even our inner thoughts? Yet many Old Testament saints knew and loved this God. They experienced the joy of His grace and forgiveness, even though they didn't completely understand how a holy God could forgive their sins.
As Christians, we too stand in awe before the majesty and mystery of an incomprehensible God. But we have a great advantage because we see Him revealed in Jesus, who said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" [John 14:9]. And when Jesus hung on the cross, He revealed God's compassion and love, for He died there for us.
A mystery? Yes. But how wonderful that we can know the love of this incomprehensible God! --- Herb Vander Lugt
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccesible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious --- Thy great name we praise. --- Smith
TO UNDERSTAND GOD IS IMPOSSIBLE --- TO WORSHIP HIM IS IMPERATIVE.
Monday, March 20, 2006
A Bumpy Road
Read: Philippians 1:27-30
To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. --- Philippians 1:29
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 7-9
Luke 1:21-38
When people tell me life is hard, I always reply, "Of course it is." I find that answer more satisfying than anything else I can say. Writer Charles Williams said, "The world is painful in any case; but it is quite unbearable if anybody gives us the idea that we are meant to be liking it."
The path by which God takes us often seems to lead away from what we perceive as our good, causin us to believer we've missed a turn and taken the wrong road. That's because most of us have been taught to believe that if we're on the right track God's goodness will always translate into a life free of trouble.
But that's a pipe dream far removed from the biblical perspective. God's love often leads us down roads where earthly comforts fail us. Paul said, "To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" [Philippians 1:29]. When we come to the end of all our dark valleys, we'll understand that every circumstance has been allowed for our ultimate good.
"No other route would have been as safe and as certain as the one by which we came," Bible teacher F.B. Meyer said, "If only we could see the path as God has always seen it, we would have selected it as well." --- David Roper
If some darker lot be good,
Lord, teach us to endure
The sorrow, pain, or solitude
That makes the spirit pure. --- Irons
NO TRIAL WOULD CAUSE US TO DESPAIR IF WE KNEW GOD'S REASON FOR ALLOWING IT.
To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. --- Philippians 1:29
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 7-9
Luke 1:21-38
When people tell me life is hard, I always reply, "Of course it is." I find that answer more satisfying than anything else I can say. Writer Charles Williams said, "The world is painful in any case; but it is quite unbearable if anybody gives us the idea that we are meant to be liking it."
The path by which God takes us often seems to lead away from what we perceive as our good, causin us to believer we've missed a turn and taken the wrong road. That's because most of us have been taught to believe that if we're on the right track God's goodness will always translate into a life free of trouble.
But that's a pipe dream far removed from the biblical perspective. God's love often leads us down roads where earthly comforts fail us. Paul said, "To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" [Philippians 1:29]. When we come to the end of all our dark valleys, we'll understand that every circumstance has been allowed for our ultimate good.
"No other route would have been as safe and as certain as the one by which we came," Bible teacher F.B. Meyer said, "If only we could see the path as God has always seen it, we would have selected it as well." --- David Roper
If some darker lot be good,
Lord, teach us to endure
The sorrow, pain, or solitude
That makes the spirit pure. --- Irons
NO TRIAL WOULD CAUSE US TO DESPAIR IF WE KNEW GOD'S REASON FOR ALLOWING IT.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The Way To Praise Him
Read: Luke 19:28-38
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! --- Luke 19:38
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 4-6
Luke 1:1-20
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem a few days before His death focused attention on Christ as Lord. When Jesus sent His disciples to get the colt He was to ride, He instructed them to tell its owners, "The Lord has need of it" [Luke 19:31]. And when the crowds shouted their praise, they quoted Psalm 118:26, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!" [Luke 19:38].
Jesus is Lord. His is "the name which is above every name" [Philippians 2:9]. The word Lord refers to His sovereignty. He is the King, and every believer in Him is a member of His kingdom.
We make Jesus the Lord of our lives by bowing to His authority as King. This means we live in obedience to Him. Don't be like the man who claimed to be a Christian but chose to live in sin. When his minister confronted him, he glibly replied, "Don't worry, pastor. It's okay. I'm just a bad Christian."
It's not okay. Not at all! Not for a member of Christ's kingdom [Luke 6:43-49].
On this Palm Sunday, make sure you're honoring Him with your deeds as well as with your words. Then you can join with others in proclaiming, "Jesus is Lord!" --- Dave Egner
Worthy is God of our worship,
Worthy is He of our praise;
Magnify Him with thanksgiving ---
Gladly our voices we raise. --- Anon.
TO FOLLOW CHRIST IS TO TAKE HIM AS YOUR SAVIOR AND YOUR LORD.
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! --- Luke 19:38
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 4-6
Luke 1:1-20
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem a few days before His death focused attention on Christ as Lord. When Jesus sent His disciples to get the colt He was to ride, He instructed them to tell its owners, "The Lord has need of it" [Luke 19:31]. And when the crowds shouted their praise, they quoted Psalm 118:26, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!" [Luke 19:38].
Jesus is Lord. His is "the name which is above every name" [Philippians 2:9]. The word Lord refers to His sovereignty. He is the King, and every believer in Him is a member of His kingdom.
We make Jesus the Lord of our lives by bowing to His authority as King. This means we live in obedience to Him. Don't be like the man who claimed to be a Christian but chose to live in sin. When his minister confronted him, he glibly replied, "Don't worry, pastor. It's okay. I'm just a bad Christian."
It's not okay. Not at all! Not for a member of Christ's kingdom [Luke 6:43-49].
On this Palm Sunday, make sure you're honoring Him with your deeds as well as with your words. Then you can join with others in proclaiming, "Jesus is Lord!" --- Dave Egner
Worthy is God of our worship,
Worthy is He of our praise;
Magnify Him with thanksgiving ---
Gladly our voices we raise. --- Anon.
TO FOLLOW CHRIST IS TO TAKE HIM AS YOUR SAVIOR AND YOUR LORD.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Riding A Rollercoaster
Read: Galatians 6:1-10
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. --- Galatians 6:9
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 1-3
Mark 16
If you love someone who struggles with a substance-abuse problem, you know that your emotions and his can be like riding a rollercoaster --- up and down. Today he wants help; tomorrow he's drinking or is high on drugs again. Today she's being honest; tomorrow she's running from the truth.
The Holy Spirit helps us learn how to love people like that, even in their sins and struggles. Here are a few principles we can put into practice:
Treat the person with respect. Be gentle when trying to restore him [Galatians 6:1]. But don't do for him what he should do for himself. Don't get in the way of the consequences that God can use to bring change. Remember that you do not have the power to change another person. Instead, ask God to help you become the person He wants you to be [vv.4-5]. Reach out in love. Seek God's wisdom in what to say and do in each encounter [James 1:5]. Then rebuke or be silent --- in love. Depend on God. You will make mistakes. But anchor yourself in God's Word and continually commit yourself and your loved one to the Lord in prayer [Philippians 4:6].
Making some of these choices can help to slow down the rollercoaster ride of changing emotions. --- Anne Cetas
Love is an attitude, love is a prayer
For someone in sorrow, a heart in despair;
Love is goodwill for the gain of another,
Love suffers long with the fault of a brother. --- Anon.
LOVE HELPS PEOPLE EVEN WHEN IT HURTS.
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. --- Galatians 6:9
The Bible In One Year:
Joshua 1-3
Mark 16
If you love someone who struggles with a substance-abuse problem, you know that your emotions and his can be like riding a rollercoaster --- up and down. Today he wants help; tomorrow he's drinking or is high on drugs again. Today she's being honest; tomorrow she's running from the truth.
The Holy Spirit helps us learn how to love people like that, even in their sins and struggles. Here are a few principles we can put into practice:
Making some of these choices can help to slow down the rollercoaster ride of changing emotions. --- Anne Cetas
Love is an attitude, love is a prayer
For someone in sorrow, a heart in despair;
Love is goodwill for the gain of another,
Love suffers long with the fault of a brother. --- Anon.
LOVE HELPS PEOPLE EVEN WHEN IT HURTS.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Is Fear Healthy?
Read: 2 Chronicles 17:3-10
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom. --- Proverbs 15:
33
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 32-34
Mark 15:26-47
During a severe thunderstorm, a mother tucked her child into bed and turned off the light. Frightened by the tempest, he asked, "Mommy, will you sleep with me?" Hugging him, she replied, "I can't, dear. I have to sleep with Daddy." Stepping out of the room, she heard, "That big sissy!"
Fear is real. But it's not always negative. In 2 Chronicles 17:3-10, we read about a healthy, positive fear that prevented neighboring countries from going to war against Judah. What had caused this fear? We are told that "the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat" [v.10].
A respectful fear of the LORD was also what King Jehoshaphat desired for his own people. So he made it a priority that they be taught God's Word. He knew that if the people were in awe of the Almighty, they would humble themselves and obey Him. Doing what was right would bring prosperity to Judah and respect from neighboring countries.
Provers 15:33 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom." Those who fear Him act with wisdom; they walk faithfully before Him as they obey His commands. --- Albert Lee
God dwells in light and holiness,
In splendor and in might;
And godly fear of His great power
Can help us do what's right. --- D. De Haan
THE RIGHT KIND OF FEAR WILL KEEP US FROM DOING WRONG.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom. --- Proverbs 15:
33
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 32-34
Mark 15:26-47
During a severe thunderstorm, a mother tucked her child into bed and turned off the light. Frightened by the tempest, he asked, "Mommy, will you sleep with me?" Hugging him, she replied, "I can't, dear. I have to sleep with Daddy." Stepping out of the room, she heard, "That big sissy!"
Fear is real. But it's not always negative. In 2 Chronicles 17:3-10, we read about a healthy, positive fear that prevented neighboring countries from going to war against Judah. What had caused this fear? We are told that "the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat" [v.10].
A respectful fear of the LORD was also what King Jehoshaphat desired for his own people. So he made it a priority that they be taught God's Word. He knew that if the people were in awe of the Almighty, they would humble themselves and obey Him. Doing what was right would bring prosperity to Judah and respect from neighboring countries.
Provers 15:33 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom." Those who fear Him act with wisdom; they walk faithfully before Him as they obey His commands. --- Albert Lee
God dwells in light and holiness,
In splendor and in might;
And godly fear of His great power
Can help us do what's right. --- D. De Haan
THE RIGHT KIND OF FEAR WILL KEEP US FROM DOING WRONG.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Dots And Doughnut Holes
Read: Psalm 104:1-15
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. --- Psalm 103:2
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 30-31
Mark 15:1-25
As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black dot in the center of it. Then he held up the paper and asked them what they saw.
One person replied, "I see a black mark." "Right," the preacher said. "What else?" Complete silence prevailed. "I'm really suprised," the speaker commented. "You have completely overlooked the most important thing of all --- the sheet of paper."
We are often distracted by small, dot-like disappointments, and we are prone to forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord. But like the sheet of paper, the good things are far more important than the adversities that monopolize our attention.
This reminds me of a whimsical bit of verse that expresses good practical advice. "As you travel down life's pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!"
Yes, rather than concentrating on the trials of life, we should fix our attention on its blessings. Let's say with the psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" [Psalm 68:19].
Let's keep praising Him so we won't be distracted by dots and doughnut holes. --- Richard De Haan
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged --- God is over all;
Count your many blessings --- angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. --- Oatman
SPEND YOUR TIME COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS --- NOT AIRING YOUR COMPLAINTS.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. --- Psalm 103:2
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 30-31
Mark 15:1-25
As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black dot in the center of it. Then he held up the paper and asked them what they saw.
One person replied, "I see a black mark." "Right," the preacher said. "What else?" Complete silence prevailed. "I'm really suprised," the speaker commented. "You have completely overlooked the most important thing of all --- the sheet of paper."
We are often distracted by small, dot-like disappointments, and we are prone to forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord. But like the sheet of paper, the good things are far more important than the adversities that monopolize our attention.
This reminds me of a whimsical bit of verse that expresses good practical advice. "As you travel down life's pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!"
Yes, rather than concentrating on the trials of life, we should fix our attention on its blessings. Let's say with the psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" [Psalm 68:19].
Let's keep praising Him so we won't be distracted by dots and doughnut holes. --- Richard De Haan
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged --- God is over all;
Count your many blessings --- angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. --- Oatman
SPEND YOUR TIME COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS --- NOT AIRING YOUR COMPLAINTS.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
A Cleansed Conscience
Read: Romans 2:12-16
I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. --- Acts 24:16
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 28-29
Mark 14:54-72
The much-loved children's story Pinocchio is about a wooden puppet whose nose grows long when he tells a lie. His friend Jiminy Cricket chirps, "Let your conscience be your guide." Pinnochio follows his advice, repents, and returns to Geppetto his creator. Geppetto gives him a heart of flesh and frees him from his strings.
There's a principle in this story for God's children. If we don't listen to that voice deep down inside that tells us what we should and should not do, we live in bondage. But a cleansed conscience brings freedom.
Some people have no strong basis for making godly decisions. Their conscience is weak, and they can be easily swayed by the behavior of others. Then there are those whose conscience is defiled. The standard by which they measure good and evil is corrupted, polluted, and impure [Titus 1:15]. But saddest of all are those who have a "seared" conscience [1 Timothy 4:2]. They have resisted that inner voice for so long that they no longer hear what it has to say.
But you ask, "How can we have a cleansed conscience?" We must repent of our sin and return to our Creator. We must ask Him to conform our desires and behavior to His Word and then be careful to obey it. --- David Roper
There is a treasure you can own
That's greater than a crown of throne;
This treasure is a conscience clear
That brings the sweetest peace and cheer. --- Isenhour
CONSCIENCE IS A TRUSTWORTHY COMPASS WHEN GOD'S WORD IS YOUR TRUE NORTH.
I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. --- Acts 24:16
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 28-29
Mark 14:54-72
The much-loved children's story Pinocchio is about a wooden puppet whose nose grows long when he tells a lie. His friend Jiminy Cricket chirps, "Let your conscience be your guide." Pinnochio follows his advice, repents, and returns to Geppetto his creator. Geppetto gives him a heart of flesh and frees him from his strings.
There's a principle in this story for God's children. If we don't listen to that voice deep down inside that tells us what we should and should not do, we live in bondage. But a cleansed conscience brings freedom.
Some people have no strong basis for making godly decisions. Their conscience is weak, and they can be easily swayed by the behavior of others. Then there are those whose conscience is defiled. The standard by which they measure good and evil is corrupted, polluted, and impure [Titus 1:15]. But saddest of all are those who have a "seared" conscience [1 Timothy 4:2]. They have resisted that inner voice for so long that they no longer hear what it has to say.
But you ask, "How can we have a cleansed conscience?" We must repent of our sin and return to our Creator. We must ask Him to conform our desires and behavior to His Word and then be careful to obey it. --- David Roper
There is a treasure you can own
That's greater than a crown of throne;
This treasure is a conscience clear
That brings the sweetest peace and cheer. --- Isenhour
CONSCIENCE IS A TRUSTWORTHY COMPASS WHEN GOD'S WORD IS YOUR TRUE NORTH.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Neighborly Love
Read: Ephesians 4:29-32
Love your neighbor as yourself. --- Matthew 22:39
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 26-27
Mark 14:27-53
The Carnegie Foundation discovered that to be successful on the job, relational skills are far more important than knowledge. Its research found that that only 15 percent of a person's success is determined by job knowledge and technical skills. Eighty-five percent is determined by an individual's attitude and ability to relate to other people.
Scripture commands us to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" [Ephesians 4:32]. In fact, it tells us to love our "neighbor" as we love ourselves [Matthew 22:39]. And a neighbor is not only someone who lives near us or works next to us, but anyone we meet on life's journey --- especially those in need.
So having an attitude of courtesy, care, and concern for others is a basic spiritual principle. It is also the most important guideline for congenial and happy relationshipsd. Indeed, it is even the golden key to vocational success.
Our purpose for modeling a Christlike spirit of neighborly love, though, is that we want to obey God, not just to achieve success at work. After all, our supreme vocation as believers is to embody and practice the neighbor-loving character of our Lord. --- Vernon Grounds.
Who measures how we've done in life
And judges our success?
Our God, who gives rewards to those
Who live in righteousness. --- Branon
THOSE WHO LOVE GOD WILL LOVE THEIR NEIGHBOR.
Love your neighbor as yourself. --- Matthew 22:39
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 26-27
Mark 14:27-53
The Carnegie Foundation discovered that to be successful on the job, relational skills are far more important than knowledge. Its research found that that only 15 percent of a person's success is determined by job knowledge and technical skills. Eighty-five percent is determined by an individual's attitude and ability to relate to other people.
Scripture commands us to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" [Ephesians 4:32]. In fact, it tells us to love our "neighbor" as we love ourselves [Matthew 22:39]. And a neighbor is not only someone who lives near us or works next to us, but anyone we meet on life's journey --- especially those in need.
So having an attitude of courtesy, care, and concern for others is a basic spiritual principle. It is also the most important guideline for congenial and happy relationshipsd. Indeed, it is even the golden key to vocational success.
Our purpose for modeling a Christlike spirit of neighborly love, though, is that we want to obey God, not just to achieve success at work. After all, our supreme vocation as believers is to embody and practice the neighbor-loving character of our Lord. --- Vernon Grounds.
Who measures how we've done in life
And judges our success?
Our God, who gives rewards to those
Who live in righteousness. --- Branon
THOSE WHO LOVE GOD WILL LOVE THEIR NEIGHBOR.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Change The World?
Read: Matthew 25:34-40
I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink. --- Matthew 25:35
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 23-25
Mark 14:1-26
When my son Steve came home from a concert recently, he had with him a free T-shirt and a brochure for an organization that helps needy children in a far-off continent. Apparently, one of the singers had issued a challenge.
"We wanted to change the world with our music," he said, "but often all we do is sing. We decided that we were going to take action to change some lives, so we started supporting some needy kids." Then he set forth the challenge, which Steve accepted. He then talked with his Bible-study group at church about supporting a child each month.
Most of us want to change the world for the better, but the job seems too big. So what if we decided to do at least one thing to change just one person's life? In the name of Jesus, who said that providing physical help would be the same as helping our Savior Himself [Matthew 25:35-36], what if we reached out to open one person with food, or clothing, or transportation? And what if that person, wondering about our motive, asks why we helped? We could then help change that person's life for eternity by introducing him or her to the Savior.
Change the world? Let's start with changing one person in Jesus' name. --- Dave Branon
Do a deed of simple kindness,
Though its end you may not see;
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity. --- Norris
WHEREVER A HUMAN BEING EXISTS, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO A KINDNESS. --- Seneca
I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink. --- Matthew 25:35
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 23-25
Mark 14:1-26
When my son Steve came home from a concert recently, he had with him a free T-shirt and a brochure for an organization that helps needy children in a far-off continent. Apparently, one of the singers had issued a challenge.
"We wanted to change the world with our music," he said, "but often all we do is sing. We decided that we were going to take action to change some lives, so we started supporting some needy kids." Then he set forth the challenge, which Steve accepted. He then talked with his Bible-study group at church about supporting a child each month.
Most of us want to change the world for the better, but the job seems too big. So what if we decided to do at least one thing to change just one person's life? In the name of Jesus, who said that providing physical help would be the same as helping our Savior Himself [Matthew 25:35-36], what if we reached out to open one person with food, or clothing, or transportation? And what if that person, wondering about our motive, asks why we helped? We could then help change that person's life for eternity by introducing him or her to the Savior.
Change the world? Let's start with changing one person in Jesus' name. --- Dave Branon
Do a deed of simple kindness,
Though its end you may not see;
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity. --- Norris
WHEREVER A HUMAN BEING EXISTS, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO A KINDNESS. --- Seneca
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Stars And Sand
Read: Psalm 147:1-11
He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. --- Psalm 147:4
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 20-22
Mark 13:21-37
A team led by an Australian astronomer calculated the number of stars in the known universe to be 70 sextillion --- 7 followed by 22 zeros. That unfathomable number is said to be more than grains of sand in every beach and every desert on earth. The calculation was the by-product of research on the development of galaxies. One team member said, "Finding the number of stars is not really the research we were doing, but it was a nice result to play around with."
Having an estimate of the number of stars can help us praise God with greater awe and wonder. Psalm 147 says: "It is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.... He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite" [vv.1,4-5].
This psalm not only presents God's majesty, but it also affirms His personal concern for each of us. He "heals the brokenhearted" [v.3], "lifts up the humble" [v.6], and "takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy" [v.11].
Let's praise the great God of stars and sand who knows and cares for each one of us. --- David McCasland
The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me. --- Berg
ALL CREATION POINTS TO THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR.
He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. --- Psalm 147:4
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 20-22
Mark 13:21-37
A team led by an Australian astronomer calculated the number of stars in the known universe to be 70 sextillion --- 7 followed by 22 zeros. That unfathomable number is said to be more than grains of sand in every beach and every desert on earth. The calculation was the by-product of research on the development of galaxies. One team member said, "Finding the number of stars is not really the research we were doing, but it was a nice result to play around with."
Having an estimate of the number of stars can help us praise God with greater awe and wonder. Psalm 147 says: "It is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.... He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite" [vv.1,4-5].
This psalm not only presents God's majesty, but it also affirms His personal concern for each of us. He "heals the brokenhearted" [v.3], "lifts up the humble" [v.6], and "takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy" [v.11].
Let's praise the great God of stars and sand who knows and cares for each one of us. --- David McCasland
The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me. --- Berg
ALL CREATION POINTS TO THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
The Storm Will Pass
Read: Exodus 5:1-14, 22-23
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. --- Proverbs 28:26
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 17-19
Mark 13:1-20
The local TV meteorologist occasionally points to a map and says something like this: "I'm afraid that things are going to get worse before they get better."
Such a forecast could very well have applied to Israel when God sent Moses to free His people from slavery in Egypt. The barometer of events was falling rapidly, and the dark, ominous sky of oppression would soon break forth into a churning, flashing storm of cruelty unleashed by Pharaoh.
Moses had appealed to Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go into the desert to worship God, but the king accused them of loafing on the job [Exodus 5:1,17]. So he multiplied their workload, and the situation went from bad to horrible [v.18]. Moses cried out in bitterness to the Lord for an explanation [vv.22-23]. He found it hard to believer that a glorious exodus could be just around the corner.
The plans of the Lord were not being frustrated, however. Before conditions would get better for His children, God tested them by allowing their suffering to increase.
Even when we are obedient to the Lord, the skies of adversity may not always clear immediately. Circumstances may get worse before they improve. But praise God, His grace will sustain us, and the storm will pass. --- Mart De Haan
Have faith in God, the sun will shine,
Though dark your path may be today;
His love had planned your way and mine,
Have faith in God, have faith alway. --- Anon.
IT'S ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN.
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. --- Proverbs 28:26
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 17-19
Mark 13:1-20
The local TV meteorologist occasionally points to a map and says something like this: "I'm afraid that things are going to get worse before they get better."
Such a forecast could very well have applied to Israel when God sent Moses to free His people from slavery in Egypt. The barometer of events was falling rapidly, and the dark, ominous sky of oppression would soon break forth into a churning, flashing storm of cruelty unleashed by Pharaoh.
Moses had appealed to Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go into the desert to worship God, but the king accused them of loafing on the job [Exodus 5:1,17]. So he multiplied their workload, and the situation went from bad to horrible [v.18]. Moses cried out in bitterness to the Lord for an explanation [vv.22-23]. He found it hard to believer that a glorious exodus could be just around the corner.
The plans of the Lord were not being frustrated, however. Before conditions would get better for His children, God tested them by allowing their suffering to increase.
Even when we are obedient to the Lord, the skies of adversity may not always clear immediately. Circumstances may get worse before they improve. But praise God, His grace will sustain us, and the storm will pass. --- Mart De Haan
Have faith in God, the sun will shine,
Though dark your path may be today;
His love had planned your way and mine,
Have faith in God, have faith alway. --- Anon.
IT'S ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Trivial Pursuits
Read: 2 Peter 1:1-4
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. --- 2 Peter 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 14-16
Mark 12:28-44
A number of years ago I was in the library of a prestigious university. As I walked among the bookshelves, I happened to pass by a row of small cubicles set aside for study and spied a student reading a Bugs Bunny comic book. I almost laughed out loud. Here was a young man surrounded by the wisdom of the ages, yet immersed in childish trivia.
There's nothing wrong with comic books, and all of us need occasional respite from study, but some of us never get beyond trivial pursuits. Books, magazines, and other media are the preoccupation and primary influence in our lives. How foolish! We have in our hands the Word of Life --- the Book that tells us how to know God and live abundantly.
The greatest cause for our neglect of the Bible is not lack of time but lack of heart. Someone else's word is taking the place of the Word of Christ. There are many good books and magazines to read, but we must not neglect the mysteries of God's grace and love that are written on every page of the Bible. That's where we find everything we need for "life and godliness" [2 Peter 1:3].
Ask God to give you a desire for His Word and a hunger to taste His goodness every day. --- David Roper
How rich the truths within God's Word ---
What gems beyond compare!
By faith we can discover them
When study joins with prayer. --- D. De Haan
IT IS AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY TO OWN A BIBLE.
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. --- 2 Peter 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 14-16
Mark 12:28-44
A number of years ago I was in the library of a prestigious university. As I walked among the bookshelves, I happened to pass by a row of small cubicles set aside for study and spied a student reading a Bugs Bunny comic book. I almost laughed out loud. Here was a young man surrounded by the wisdom of the ages, yet immersed in childish trivia.
There's nothing wrong with comic books, and all of us need occasional respite from study, but some of us never get beyond trivial pursuits. Books, magazines, and other media are the preoccupation and primary influence in our lives. How foolish! We have in our hands the Word of Life --- the Book that tells us how to know God and live abundantly.
The greatest cause for our neglect of the Bible is not lack of time but lack of heart. Someone else's word is taking the place of the Word of Christ. There are many good books and magazines to read, but we must not neglect the mysteries of God's grace and love that are written on every page of the Bible. That's where we find everything we need for "life and godliness" [2 Peter 1:3].
Ask God to give you a desire for His Word and a hunger to taste His goodness every day. --- David Roper
How rich the truths within God's Word ---
What gems beyond compare!
By faith we can discover them
When study joins with prayer. --- D. De Haan
IT IS AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY TO OWN A BIBLE.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Rabbit-Hole Christians
Read: Luke 19:1-10
Jesus ... said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." --- Luke 19:5
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 11-13
Mark 12:1-27
Rabbits are timid creatures that pop out of their holes every morning, try to avoid everything [except other rabbits], eat their food, and jump back into their holes in the evening. "Whew! We made it through another day," they'd say if they could talk.
Rabbit-hole Christians are a lot like that. They eat lunch with other Christians at work and relate almost exclusively with fellow-believers in their church. They avoid socializing with unbelievers and wouldn't think of accepting an invitation to one of their parties. No wonder unbelievers equate being a Christian with a kind of aloof self-righteousness.
No one could say that about Jesus. He actually invited Himself to the home of Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector. His congeniality among disreputable people earned Him the title of "a friend of tax collectors and sinners" [Matthew 11:19]. He reached out to such people because He knew He couldn't help them without becoming their friend. Jesus never said anything He shouldn't have said, nor did He laugh at off-color stories. He won people's respect by caring for them.
Jesus has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and assured us that He'll be with us so we can follow His example. Let's guard against being rabbit-hole Christians. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Help us, O Lord, to live our lives
So people clearly see
Reflections of Your caring heart,
Your love and purity. --- Sper
JESUS LEAVES US IN THE WORLD TO BE A WITNESS TO THE WORLD.
Jesus ... said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." --- Luke 19:5
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 11-13
Mark 12:1-27
Rabbits are timid creatures that pop out of their holes every morning, try to avoid everything [except other rabbits], eat their food, and jump back into their holes in the evening. "Whew! We made it through another day," they'd say if they could talk.
Rabbit-hole Christians are a lot like that. They eat lunch with other Christians at work and relate almost exclusively with fellow-believers in their church. They avoid socializing with unbelievers and wouldn't think of accepting an invitation to one of their parties. No wonder unbelievers equate being a Christian with a kind of aloof self-righteousness.
No one could say that about Jesus. He actually invited Himself to the home of Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector. His congeniality among disreputable people earned Him the title of "a friend of tax collectors and sinners" [Matthew 11:19]. He reached out to such people because He knew He couldn't help them without becoming their friend. Jesus never said anything He shouldn't have said, nor did He laugh at off-color stories. He won people's respect by caring for them.
Jesus has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and assured us that He'll be with us so we can follow His example. Let's guard against being rabbit-hole Christians. --- Herb Vander Lugt
Help us, O Lord, to live our lives
So people clearly see
Reflections of Your caring heart,
Your love and purity. --- Sper
JESUS LEAVES US IN THE WORLD TO BE A WITNESS TO THE WORLD.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Careful Thought
Read: Haggai 1
Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways!" --- Haggai 1:7
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 8-10
Mark 11:19-33
Have you ever locked your keys inside your car? Mailed an envelope without putting the payment check inside? Baked a recipe without adding one of the main ingredients?
These are the kinds of things we all do when we don't give careful thought to what we are doing. Careless thinking means we either do something we should. These wrong actions or irresponsible inactions can be minor inconveniences --- or they can have serious lasting consequences.
You would think the people in Haggai's day wouldn't have committed thoughtless mistakes. Just 20 years before, they were living in exile in Babylon because they had disobeyed God. Now they were back in Jerusalem, but they were living as if that whole exile episode had never happened.
So through the prophet Haggai, God told them, "Consider your ways!" [Haggai 1:7]. Then He told them their mistake: They were living selfish lives of luxury instead of completing God's temple. Careless thinking had led to wrong decisions and inaction.
God wants us to give careful thought to our actions, words, and relationships, and make decisions that bring glory to Him. Whatever you do today, give it careful thought. --- Dave Branon
Let us think about what's good ---
What's right and pure and true;
May God's Word control our thoughts
In everything we do. --- Fitzhugh
KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS IN LINE, OR THEY'LL LEAD YOU ASTRAY.
Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways!" --- Haggai 1:7
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 8-10
Mark 11:19-33
Have you ever locked your keys inside your car? Mailed an envelope without putting the payment check inside? Baked a recipe without adding one of the main ingredients?
These are the kinds of things we all do when we don't give careful thought to what we are doing. Careless thinking means we either do something we should. These wrong actions or irresponsible inactions can be minor inconveniences --- or they can have serious lasting consequences.
You would think the people in Haggai's day wouldn't have committed thoughtless mistakes. Just 20 years before, they were living in exile in Babylon because they had disobeyed God. Now they were back in Jerusalem, but they were living as if that whole exile episode had never happened.
So through the prophet Haggai, God told them, "Consider your ways!" [Haggai 1:7]. Then He told them their mistake: They were living selfish lives of luxury instead of completing God's temple. Careless thinking had led to wrong decisions and inaction.
God wants us to give careful thought to our actions, words, and relationships, and make decisions that bring glory to Him. Whatever you do today, give it careful thought. --- Dave Branon
Let us think about what's good ---
What's right and pure and true;
May God's Word control our thoughts
In everything we do. --- Fitzhugh
KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS IN LINE, OR THEY'LL LEAD YOU ASTRAY.
Weight Loss
Read: Hebrews 11:30-12:1
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. --- Hebrews 12:1
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 5-7
Mark 11:1-18
The army of Alexander the Great was advancing on Persia. At one critical point, it appeared that his troops might be defeated. The soldiers had taken so much plunder from their previous campaigns that they had become weighted down and were losing their effectiveness in combat.
Alexander commanded that all the spoils be thrown into a heap and burned. The men complained bitterly but soon saw the wisdom of the order. Someone wrote, "It was as if wings had been given to them --- they walked lightly again." Victory was assured.
As soldiers of Christ, we must rid ourselves of anything that hinders us in the conflict with our spiritual enemy. To fight the battle effectively, we must be clad only with the armor of God [Ephesians 6:11-17].
The Bible also likens Christians to runners. To win the race, we must "lay aside every weight" that would drag us down and rob us of our strength and endurance [Hebrews 12:1]. This weight may be an excessive desire for possessions, the captivating love of money, an endless pursuit of pleasure, slavery to sinful passions, or a burdensome legalism.
Yes, if we are to fight the good fight of faith and run the spiritual race with endurance, the watchword must be: Off with the weight! --- Richard De Haan
Fight the good fight with all thy might!
Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right;
Lay hold on life and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally. --- Monsell
IF YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A DRAG, WORLDLY WEIGHTS MAY BE HOLDING YOU BACK.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. --- Hebrews 12:1
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 5-7
Mark 11:1-18
The army of Alexander the Great was advancing on Persia. At one critical point, it appeared that his troops might be defeated. The soldiers had taken so much plunder from their previous campaigns that they had become weighted down and were losing their effectiveness in combat.
Alexander commanded that all the spoils be thrown into a heap and burned. The men complained bitterly but soon saw the wisdom of the order. Someone wrote, "It was as if wings had been given to them --- they walked lightly again." Victory was assured.
As soldiers of Christ, we must rid ourselves of anything that hinders us in the conflict with our spiritual enemy. To fight the battle effectively, we must be clad only with the armor of God [Ephesians 6:11-17].
The Bible also likens Christians to runners. To win the race, we must "lay aside every weight" that would drag us down and rob us of our strength and endurance [Hebrews 12:1]. This weight may be an excessive desire for possessions, the captivating love of money, an endless pursuit of pleasure, slavery to sinful passions, or a burdensome legalism.
Yes, if we are to fight the good fight of faith and run the spiritual race with endurance, the watchword must be: Off with the weight! --- Richard De Haan
Fight the good fight with all thy might!
Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right;
Lay hold on life and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally. --- Monsell
IF YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A DRAG, WORLDLY WEIGHTS MAY BE HOLDING YOU BACK.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Boring?
Read: Numbers 11:1-9
Our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes! --- Numbers 11:6
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 3-4
Mark 10:32-52
Many of our recurring complaints focus not on what we don't have, but on what we do have and find uninteresting. Whether it's our work, our church, our house, or our spouse, boredom grumbles that it's not what we want or need. This frustration with sameness has been true of the human spirit since the beginning.
Notice the protest of God's people about their menu in the wilderness. Recalling the variety of food they ate as slaves in Egypt, they despised the monotony of God's current provision: "Our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!" [Numbers 11:6].
God provided exactly what they needed each day, but they wanted something more exciting. Are we tempted to do the same? Oswald Chambers said: "Drudgery is the touchtone of character. There are times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task, Routine is God's way of saving us between our times of inspiration. Do not expect God always to give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God."
During the boring times of life, God is working to instill His character in us. Drudgery is our opportunity to experience the presence of the Lord. --- David McCasland
Steadfast, then, in our endeavor,
Heavenly Father, may we be;
And forever, and forever,
We will give the praise to Thee, --- MacKellar
BLESSING IS FOUND ALONG THE PATHWAY OF DUTY.
Our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes! --- Numbers 11:6
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 3-4
Mark 10:32-52
Many of our recurring complaints focus not on what we don't have, but on what we do have and find uninteresting. Whether it's our work, our church, our house, or our spouse, boredom grumbles that it's not what we want or need. This frustration with sameness has been true of the human spirit since the beginning.
Notice the protest of God's people about their menu in the wilderness. Recalling the variety of food they ate as slaves in Egypt, they despised the monotony of God's current provision: "Our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!" [Numbers 11:6].
God provided exactly what they needed each day, but they wanted something more exciting. Are we tempted to do the same? Oswald Chambers said: "Drudgery is the touchtone of character. There are times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task, Routine is God's way of saving us between our times of inspiration. Do not expect God always to give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God."
During the boring times of life, God is working to instill His character in us. Drudgery is our opportunity to experience the presence of the Lord. --- David McCasland
Steadfast, then, in our endeavor,
Heavenly Father, may we be;
And forever, and forever,
We will give the praise to Thee, --- MacKellar
BLESSING IS FOUND ALONG THE PATHWAY OF DUTY.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Keep The Organ Playing
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:20-26
Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. --- 1 Corinthians 12:22
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 1-2
Mark 10:1-31
Many years ago an accomplished organist was giving a concert. [In those days someone had to pump large bellows backstage to provide air for the pipes.] After each song, the audience applauded heartily. Before his final number, the organist stood and said, "I shall now play..." and he announced the title. He sat down and adjusted his music. With feet poised over the pedals and hands over the keys, he began with a mighty chord. But the organ remained silent. Just then a voice was heard from backstage: "Say 'We'!"
In the Lord's work, there is plenty of room for personal achievement. Our abilities are God-given, and the Holy Spirit helps us to excel in what we do best. But a self-sufficient spirit that overlooks the contributions of others can ruin it all. No Christians have ever climbed the ladder of success alone. With them were mothers, fathers, friends, a husband, a wife, or children who prayed, sacrificed, and did what they could to help.
Aware of our deep indebtedness to others, we should be grateful for their vital role in the Lord's work in and through us. A note of sincere thanks, a word of honest recognition, or a thoughtful deed of love will help to "keep the organ playing." --- Dennis De Haan
Two Christians working for the Lord
Should keep this goal in mind:
Give praise for what the other does ---
To your success be blind. --- Branon
IT'S AMAZING WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WHEN YOU DON'T CARE WHO GETS THE CREDIT.
Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. --- 1 Corinthians 12:22
The Bible In One Year:
Deuteronomy 1-2
Mark 10:1-31
Many years ago an accomplished organist was giving a concert. [In those days someone had to pump large bellows backstage to provide air for the pipes.] After each song, the audience applauded heartily. Before his final number, the organist stood and said, "I shall now play..." and he announced the title. He sat down and adjusted his music. With feet poised over the pedals and hands over the keys, he began with a mighty chord. But the organ remained silent. Just then a voice was heard from backstage: "Say 'We'!"
In the Lord's work, there is plenty of room for personal achievement. Our abilities are God-given, and the Holy Spirit helps us to excel in what we do best. But a self-sufficient spirit that overlooks the contributions of others can ruin it all. No Christians have ever climbed the ladder of success alone. With them were mothers, fathers, friends, a husband, a wife, or children who prayed, sacrificed, and did what they could to help.
Aware of our deep indebtedness to others, we should be grateful for their vital role in the Lord's work in and through us. A note of sincere thanks, a word of honest recognition, or a thoughtful deed of love will help to "keep the organ playing." --- Dennis De Haan
Two Christians working for the Lord
Should keep this goal in mind:
Give praise for what the other does ---
To your success be blind. --- Branon
IT'S AMAZING WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WHEN YOU DON'T CARE WHO GETS THE CREDIT.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
The Plantings Of Grace
Read: Isaiah 55:6-13
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree. --- Isaiah 55:13
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 34-36
Mark 9:30-50
Today's text states that God causes the cypress tree and the myrtle tree to flourish where once thorns and briers encumbered the ground. This analogy reminds us that God can bring forth beauty and grace where evil once flourished.
Where cynicism once grew, hope and optimism can begin to emerge. Where sarcasm thrived, gentle words of healing can appear. Where lust grew rampant and unrestrained, pure love can spring up. This --- a transformed life --- is the living and lasting sign of God's work, the memorial He seeks [Isaiah 55:13].
Do you long for this kind of transformation in your life? Then "seek the LORD while He may be found" [v.6]. There are moments when we grow tired of the evil within us, and our heart aches for holiness. This is God calling, reminding us that He is near. At such times we must sink our roots deep into God's Word and ask Him to conform us to His likeness. He says that "as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and ... water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, ... so shall [His] word be that goes forth from [His] mouth" [vv. 10-11].
Seek the Lord while He may be found. Plantings of grace can replace the thorns of our sinful nature. --- David Roper
Sift the substance of my life,
Filter out the sin and strife;
Leave me, Lord, a purer soul,
Cleansed and sanctified and whole. --- Lemon
GOD CAN TRANSFORM A SIN-STAINED SOUL INTO A MASTERPIECE OF GRACE.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree. --- Isaiah 55:13
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 34-36
Mark 9:30-50
Today's text states that God causes the cypress tree and the myrtle tree to flourish where once thorns and briers encumbered the ground. This analogy reminds us that God can bring forth beauty and grace where evil once flourished.
Where cynicism once grew, hope and optimism can begin to emerge. Where sarcasm thrived, gentle words of healing can appear. Where lust grew rampant and unrestrained, pure love can spring up. This --- a transformed life --- is the living and lasting sign of God's work, the memorial He seeks [Isaiah 55:13].
Do you long for this kind of transformation in your life? Then "seek the LORD while He may be found" [v.6]. There are moments when we grow tired of the evil within us, and our heart aches for holiness. This is God calling, reminding us that He is near. At such times we must sink our roots deep into God's Word and ask Him to conform us to His likeness. He says that "as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and ... water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, ... so shall [His] word be that goes forth from [His] mouth" [vv. 10-11].
Seek the Lord while He may be found. Plantings of grace can replace the thorns of our sinful nature. --- David Roper
Sift the substance of my life,
Filter out the sin and strife;
Leave me, Lord, a purer soul,
Cleansed and sanctified and whole. --- Lemon
GOD CAN TRANSFORM A SIN-STAINED SOUL INTO A MASTERPIECE OF GRACE.
Say "Mercy!"
Read: Philippians 4:1-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer ... let your requests be made known to God. --- Philippians 4:6
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 31-33
Mark 9:1-29
You may have played the game when you were a child. You interlace your fingers with someone else's and try to bend the other's hands back until one or the other cries "Mercy!" The winner is the one who gets the other person to surrender.
Sometimes we try to play "Mercy" with God when we pray. We have a request that we desperately want answered in a certain way, so we try to "bend His fingers back" and get Him to give in. When it seems we aren't winning, we try a little harder to convince Him by begging or bargaining. We may even give up grudgingly and say, "Lord, You always win! That's not fair!"
God does want honesty of heart. But occasionally in our honesty a demanding spirit comes out. Deep down we know that prayer is not meant to be a contest with God that we try to win. In our wiser moments, we make our requests known to our Lord, surrender them to Him, rely on His grace, and wait for His answers [Philippians 4:6-7]. Author Hannah Whitall Smith said, "Be glad and eager to throw yourself unreservedly into His loving arms, and to hand over the reins of government to Him."
Instead of praying with grudging resignation, "Lord, You always win," surrender to Him. Say "Mercy!" --- Anne Cetas
In Jesus' name we voice our prayers ---
The Bible tells us to;
But may we never use that name
To tell God what to do. --- D. De Haan
PRAYERS ISN'T A TIME TO GIVE ORDERS BUT TO REPORT FOR DUTY!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer ... let your requests be made known to God. --- Philippians 4:6
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 31-33
Mark 9:1-29
You may have played the game when you were a child. You interlace your fingers with someone else's and try to bend the other's hands back until one or the other cries "Mercy!" The winner is the one who gets the other person to surrender.
Sometimes we try to play "Mercy" with God when we pray. We have a request that we desperately want answered in a certain way, so we try to "bend His fingers back" and get Him to give in. When it seems we aren't winning, we try a little harder to convince Him by begging or bargaining. We may even give up grudgingly and say, "Lord, You always win! That's not fair!"
God does want honesty of heart. But occasionally in our honesty a demanding spirit comes out. Deep down we know that prayer is not meant to be a contest with God that we try to win. In our wiser moments, we make our requests known to our Lord, surrender them to Him, rely on His grace, and wait for His answers [Philippians 4:6-7]. Author Hannah Whitall Smith said, "Be glad and eager to throw yourself unreservedly into His loving arms, and to hand over the reins of government to Him."
Instead of praying with grudging resignation, "Lord, You always win," surrender to Him. Say "Mercy!" --- Anne Cetas
In Jesus' name we voice our prayers ---
The Bible tells us to;
But may we never use that name
To tell God what to do. --- D. De Haan
PRAYERS ISN'T A TIME TO GIVE ORDERS BUT TO REPORT FOR DUTY!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Where To Look
Read: Romans 8:35-39
Let us run ..., looking unto Jesus. --- Hebrews 12:1-2
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 28-30
Mark 8:22-38
Let's see. What is the crisis of the day? It could be terrorism and its random threat. Or the economy and the fear that we will run out of money before we run out of time. Maybe it's a personal crisis with no foreseeable solution --- a tragedy or a failure too great to bear.
Before we fall under the weight of our accumulated fears, we would do well to look back to a 20th-century woman who bore sadness, pain, and heartache with grace.
Corren ten Boom lived through the hellish life of Nazi concentration camps --- a place where hope was lost for most people. She survived to tell her story of unfaltering faith and tight-fisted hope in God.
She saw the face of evil up close and personal. She saw some of the most inhumane acts man can do to man. And when she came out of it all, she said this; "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you took within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."
Where are you looking? Are you focusing on the world and its dangers? Are you gazing at yourself, hoping to find your own answers? Or are you looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith? [Hebrews 12:1-2]. In an uncertain world, we must keep looking to Him. --- Dave Branon
Looking to Jesus, my spirit is blest,
The world is in turmoil, in Him I have rest;
The sea of my life around me may roar,
When I look to Jesus, I hear it no more. --- Anon.
WHEN YOUR WORLD IS FALLING APART, TRUST JESUS TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Let us run ..., looking unto Jesus. --- Hebrews 12:1-2
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 28-30
Mark 8:22-38
Let's see. What is the crisis of the day? It could be terrorism and its random threat. Or the economy and the fear that we will run out of money before we run out of time. Maybe it's a personal crisis with no foreseeable solution --- a tragedy or a failure too great to bear.
Before we fall under the weight of our accumulated fears, we would do well to look back to a 20th-century woman who bore sadness, pain, and heartache with grace.
Corren ten Boom lived through the hellish life of Nazi concentration camps --- a place where hope was lost for most people. She survived to tell her story of unfaltering faith and tight-fisted hope in God.
She saw the face of evil up close and personal. She saw some of the most inhumane acts man can do to man. And when she came out of it all, she said this; "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you took within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."
Where are you looking? Are you focusing on the world and its dangers? Are you gazing at yourself, hoping to find your own answers? Or are you looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith? [Hebrews 12:1-2]. In an uncertain world, we must keep looking to Him. --- Dave Branon
Looking to Jesus, my spirit is blest,
The world is in turmoil, in Him I have rest;
The sea of my life around me may roar,
When I look to Jesus, I hear it no more. --- Anon.
WHEN YOUR WORLD IS FALLING APART, TRUST JESUS TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Little By Little!
Read: Exodus 23:20-33
Little by little I will dirve them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. --- Exodus 23:30
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 26-27
Mark 8:1-21
When I was a little girl, my mother gave me her prized "reader" to help me learn, just as it had helped her years earlier. I loved one particular story, never dreaming how much it would affect me years later.
It was about a little boy with a small shovel. He was trying to clear a pathway through deep, new-fallen snow in front of his house. A man paused to observe the child's enormous task. "Little boy," he inquired, "how can someone as small as you expect to finish a task as big as this?" The boy looked up and replied confidently, "Little by little, that's how!" And he continued shoveling.
God awakened in me the seed of that story at a time when I was recovering from a breakdown. I remember how my "adult" self taunted the weak "child" within me: "How can someone as inadequate as you expect to surmount so great a mountain as this?" That little boy's reply became my reply: "Little by little, that's how!" And I did overcome --- by depending on God. But it was one small victory after another.
The obstacles facing Israel as they considered claiming the land God had promised them must have seemed insurmountable. But He didn't ask them to do it all at once.
"Little by little" is the strategy for victory. --- Joanie Yoder
He does not lead me year by year,
Nor even day by day;
But step by step my path unfolds ---
My Lord directs my way. --- Ryberg
TRUST GOD TO MOVE YOUR MOUNTAIN, BUT KEEP ON CLIMBING.
Little by little I will dirve them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. --- Exodus 23:30
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 26-27
Mark 8:1-21
When I was a little girl, my mother gave me her prized "reader" to help me learn, just as it had helped her years earlier. I loved one particular story, never dreaming how much it would affect me years later.
It was about a little boy with a small shovel. He was trying to clear a pathway through deep, new-fallen snow in front of his house. A man paused to observe the child's enormous task. "Little boy," he inquired, "how can someone as small as you expect to finish a task as big as this?" The boy looked up and replied confidently, "Little by little, that's how!" And he continued shoveling.
God awakened in me the seed of that story at a time when I was recovering from a breakdown. I remember how my "adult" self taunted the weak "child" within me: "How can someone as inadequate as you expect to surmount so great a mountain as this?" That little boy's reply became my reply: "Little by little, that's how!" And I did overcome --- by depending on God. But it was one small victory after another.
The obstacles facing Israel as they considered claiming the land God had promised them must have seemed insurmountable. But He didn't ask them to do it all at once.
"Little by little" is the strategy for victory. --- Joanie Yoder
He does not lead me year by year,
Nor even day by day;
But step by step my path unfolds ---
My Lord directs my way. --- Ryberg
TRUST GOD TO MOVE YOUR MOUNTAIN, BUT KEEP ON CLIMBING.
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