Read: Psalm 31:19-24
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence. --- Psalm 31:20
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 23-25
Mark 7:14-37
A primary school in Japan is testing a system to improve the security of students and also give their parents peace of mind. A radio frequency identification tag carried by each student sends a signal to receivers at school gates, and a computer shows when each student enters or leaves. The system can automatically send an e-mail to notify parents that their children have arrived at school or left for home. In cities where children often commute long distances to school, the system has received high marks from parents, and the kids think it's cool.
In a dangerous world, it's good to remember that our ultimate safety and protection lie in God's hands. David recalled a time when he felt completely cut off from the Lord's help. But he learned that even in desperate situations, God would hide those who fear Him "in the secret place of [His] presence; ... [He] shall keep them secretly in a pavilion" [Ps. 31:20].
God always knows where we are. There is not place where He does not see our need and hear our cry. "You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You" [v.22].
"Be of good courage," the psalmist concluded, "and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD" [v.24]. --- David McCasland
Our strength and hope is in the Lord ---
We rest secure in His sure Word;
And though we're tempted to despair,
We know we're kept within His care. --- D. De Haan
NO ONE IS MORE SECURE THAN THE ONE WHO IS HELD IN GOD'S HANDS.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Equal Access
Read: Psalm 145:14-21
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. --- Hebrews 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 20-22
Mark 7:1-13
Pastor Stuart Silvester told me of a conversation he had with an acquaintance who frequently flew his small private plane in and out of Toronto International Airport. He asked the pilot if he ever encountered problems taking off and landing a small craft at an airport that was dominated by so many large jets. His friend responded, "My plane may be small, but I have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same access to that airport as anyone else --- even the jumbo jets!"
Pastor Silvester then made this spiritual application: "It's the same with prayer, with the believer's approach to the throne of grace. No matter who we are or how small we are in comparison with others or how low our situation in life, we take a back seat to no one. No one is given priority treatment."
In a world that offers preferential treatment to the wealthy, the famous, and the influential, it's encouraging to know that every child of God has equal access to the Father in heaven. The psalmist said, "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" [Ps. 145:18].
With that assurance, we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" in prayer, knowing that our loving God will never turn us away. --- Richard De Haan
There never is a night or day
When God can't hear us as we pray;
There is no time, there is no place
That we're beyond His love and grace. --- D. De Haan
PRAYER IS AN OPEN LINE TO HEAVEN.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. --- Hebrews 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 20-22
Mark 7:1-13
Pastor Stuart Silvester told me of a conversation he had with an acquaintance who frequently flew his small private plane in and out of Toronto International Airport. He asked the pilot if he ever encountered problems taking off and landing a small craft at an airport that was dominated by so many large jets. His friend responded, "My plane may be small, but I have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same access to that airport as anyone else --- even the jumbo jets!"
Pastor Silvester then made this spiritual application: "It's the same with prayer, with the believer's approach to the throne of grace. No matter who we are or how small we are in comparison with others or how low our situation in life, we take a back seat to no one. No one is given priority treatment."
In a world that offers preferential treatment to the wealthy, the famous, and the influential, it's encouraging to know that every child of God has equal access to the Father in heaven. The psalmist said, "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" [Ps. 145:18].
With that assurance, we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" in prayer, knowing that our loving God will never turn us away. --- Richard De Haan
There never is a night or day
When God can't hear us as we pray;
There is no time, there is no place
That we're beyond His love and grace. --- D. De Haan
PRAYER IS AN OPEN LINE TO HEAVEN.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Everlasting Arms
Read: Deuteronomy 33:26-29
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. --- Deuteronomy 33:27
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 17-19
Mark 6:30-56
After a rehearsal in New York City's Carnegie Hall, Randall Atcheson sat on stage alone. He had successfully navigated the intricate piano compositions of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt for the evening program, and he wanted to play one more piece for himself. What came from his heart and his hands was an old hymn: "What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms."
Those words echo the truth in the final blessing of Moses: "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" [Deut. 33:26-27].
What a gift we have in our own arms and hands --- they can swing a hammer, hold a child, or help a friend. But while our strength is limited, God's boundless power on our behalf is expressed in might and gentle care. "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save" [Isa. 59:1]. "He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom" [Isa. 40:11].
Whatever challenge or opportunity you face, there is security and peace in His everlasting arms. --- David McCasland
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms. --- Hoffman
THE HEAVENLY FATHER'S ARMS NEVER TIRE OF HOLDING HIS CHILDREN.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. --- Deuteronomy 33:27
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 17-19
Mark 6:30-56
After a rehearsal in New York City's Carnegie Hall, Randall Atcheson sat on stage alone. He had successfully navigated the intricate piano compositions of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt for the evening program, and he wanted to play one more piece for himself. What came from his heart and his hands was an old hymn: "What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms."
Those words echo the truth in the final blessing of Moses: "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" [Deut. 33:26-27].
What a gift we have in our own arms and hands --- they can swing a hammer, hold a child, or help a friend. But while our strength is limited, God's boundless power on our behalf is expressed in might and gentle care. "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save" [Isa. 59:1]. "He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom" [Isa. 40:11].
Whatever challenge or opportunity you face, there is security and peace in His everlasting arms. --- David McCasland
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms. --- Hoffman
THE HEAVENLY FATHER'S ARMS NEVER TIRE OF HOLDING HIS CHILDREN.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Shine On!
Read: Daniel 1:1-6
Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. --- Daniel 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 15-16
Mark 6:1-29
Ashpenaz, a high court official in ancient Babylon, was committed to banishing any testimony of Israel's God from his kingdom. His strategy focused on young leadership from the captive Hebrews. Ashpenaz gave the captives new names to honor the pagan gods of Babylon. This made sense to him, because their original Hebrew names honored their God [Dan. 1:6].
But the life choices of those captives were a far more powerful witness than any label put on them. When faced with a literal trial by fire, the young men would not bow down and worship the golden idol. Instead, they accepted the punishment of being cast into the fiery furnace --- confident in God's sovereignty and care [ch.3].
Do you know unbelievers who try to pressure you to fit in with their lifestyle? If you don't party with them, follow a questionable business practice, or laugh at an offensive joke, do you get the cold shoulder? People may even call you names because you won't run with their crowd. But when you're rejected because of your loyalty to God, you can live in a way that honors the Father.
It doesn't matter what others call us. How we live our lives before God does. What's important is that we always let our light shine. --- Dennis Fisher
Never mind what others call you ---
God alone knows every heart;
Character is all that matters ---
Lord, to us this grace impart. --- Hess
A SMALL LIGHT CAN DISPEL GREAT DARKNESS.
Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. --- Daniel 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 15-16
Mark 6:1-29
Ashpenaz, a high court official in ancient Babylon, was committed to banishing any testimony of Israel's God from his kingdom. His strategy focused on young leadership from the captive Hebrews. Ashpenaz gave the captives new names to honor the pagan gods of Babylon. This made sense to him, because their original Hebrew names honored their God [Dan. 1:6].
But the life choices of those captives were a far more powerful witness than any label put on them. When faced with a literal trial by fire, the young men would not bow down and worship the golden idol. Instead, they accepted the punishment of being cast into the fiery furnace --- confident in God's sovereignty and care [ch.3].
Do you know unbelievers who try to pressure you to fit in with their lifestyle? If you don't party with them, follow a questionable business practice, or laugh at an offensive joke, do you get the cold shoulder? People may even call you names because you won't run with their crowd. But when you're rejected because of your loyalty to God, you can live in a way that honors the Father.
It doesn't matter what others call us. How we live our lives before God does. What's important is that we always let our light shine. --- Dennis Fisher
Never mind what others call you ---
God alone knows every heart;
Character is all that matters ---
Lord, to us this grace impart. --- Hess
A SMALL LIGHT CAN DISPEL GREAT DARKNESS.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Look Back
Read: Hebrews 3
We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. --- Hebrews 3:14
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 12-14
Mark 5:21-43
What was wrong with the ancient Israelites? Why did they have such trouble trusting God? In Hebrews 3, we're reminded that they heard God's promise yet refused to believe. I think I know why --- we have the same problem today.
God provided for the people on their desert march. They would be satisfied and happy for a while, but then a new crisis would arise. They would stare ahead at their wall of trouble, become frightened, and lose faith.
Before Moses went up the mountain to get instructions from God, the Israelites had recently defeated the Amalekites. Things were going fine. But when Moses stayed on the mountain too long, the people panicked.
Instead of looking back and recalling that God could be trusted, they looked ahead and saw nothing but the possibility of a leaderless future. So they sought to create "gods that shall go before us" [Ex. 32:1]. Their trust was blocked by a fear of the future when it could've been solidified with a simple look back at God's deliverance.
Likewise, our obstacles appear huge. We need to look back and reassure ourselves by recalling what God has already done on our behalf. That backward look can give us forward confidence. --- Dave Branon
I have learned to love my Savior,
And I trust Him more each day;
For no matter what the trial,
He will always be my stay. --- Hess
FEAR HINDERS FAITH, BUT TRUST KINDLES CONFIDENCE.
We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. --- Hebrews 3:14
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 12-14
Mark 5:21-43
What was wrong with the ancient Israelites? Why did they have such trouble trusting God? In Hebrews 3, we're reminded that they heard God's promise yet refused to believe. I think I know why --- we have the same problem today.
God provided for the people on their desert march. They would be satisfied and happy for a while, but then a new crisis would arise. They would stare ahead at their wall of trouble, become frightened, and lose faith.
Before Moses went up the mountain to get instructions from God, the Israelites had recently defeated the Amalekites. Things were going fine. But when Moses stayed on the mountain too long, the people panicked.
Instead of looking back and recalling that God could be trusted, they looked ahead and saw nothing but the possibility of a leaderless future. So they sought to create "gods that shall go before us" [Ex. 32:1]. Their trust was blocked by a fear of the future when it could've been solidified with a simple look back at God's deliverance.
Likewise, our obstacles appear huge. We need to look back and reassure ourselves by recalling what God has already done on our behalf. That backward look can give us forward confidence. --- Dave Branon
I have learned to love my Savior,
And I trust Him more each day;
For no matter what the trial,
He will always be my stay. --- Hess
FEAR HINDERS FAITH, BUT TRUST KINDLES CONFIDENCE.
Friday, February 23, 2007
When To Judge
Read: Matthew 7:1-12
God will bring every work into judgment ... whether good or evil. --- Ecclesiastes 12:14
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 9-11
Mark 5:1-20
Many people believe that Christians are told never to judge others. As "proof," they quote Jesus' words in Matthew 7: "Judge not, that you be not judged" [v.1]. But a closer look at what Jesus said shows that there are times when we must make judgments.
In verses 1 to 5, Jesus warned us how easy it is to be blind to our own faults while we pick at the faults of others. In verse 6, however, He showed us the necessity of judging. He told us, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
To follow Jesus' teaching, we must learn the difference between judging people and evaluating situations. But who among us is wise enough to consider any situation without condemning or judging the persons involved? That is why, in verse 7 to 11, we are told to earnestly ask, seek, and implore help from our heavenly Father. "Your Father who is in heaven [will] give good things to those who ask Him" [v.11].
Whenever we must make judgments, we must prayerfully bear in mind that our God is the one who "will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" [Eccl. 12:14]. --- Albert Lee
If you are called upon to judge ---
A situation to discern,
Don't shy away when duty calls,
But to God's Word for wisdom turn. --- Hess
THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE GIVES DISCERNMENT TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM.
God will bring every work into judgment ... whether good or evil. --- Ecclesiastes 12:14
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 9-11
Mark 5:1-20
Many people believe that Christians are told never to judge others. As "proof," they quote Jesus' words in Matthew 7: "Judge not, that you be not judged" [v.1]. But a closer look at what Jesus said shows that there are times when we must make judgments.
In verses 1 to 5, Jesus warned us how easy it is to be blind to our own faults while we pick at the faults of others. In verse 6, however, He showed us the necessity of judging. He told us, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
To follow Jesus' teaching, we must learn the difference between judging people and evaluating situations. But who among us is wise enough to consider any situation without condemning or judging the persons involved? That is why, in verse 7 to 11, we are told to earnestly ask, seek, and implore help from our heavenly Father. "Your Father who is in heaven [will] give good things to those who ask Him" [v.11].
Whenever we must make judgments, we must prayerfully bear in mind that our God is the one who "will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" [Eccl. 12:14]. --- Albert Lee
If you are called upon to judge ---
A situation to discern,
Don't shy away when duty calls,
But to God's Word for wisdom turn. --- Hess
THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE GIVES DISCERNMENT TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM.
Built To Last
Read: Ephesians 4:7-16
You also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. --- Ephesians 2:22
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 7-8
Mark 4:21-41
When explorers entered Peru, they found huge, impressive buildings that may have been standing for 2,000 years. These ancient Inca structures were built of hand-hewn rocks of different sizes and shapes. Some were 3-sided, some 4-sided, and some 7-sided. Without the use of mortar, they were fitted together so perfectly that they stood for many centuries, even through earthquakes.
God builds His church in much the same way. The Bible pictures the church of Jesus Christ as a building, and each believer is a block in that building, and each believer is a block in that building. Peter said that we, "as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house" [1 Peter 2:5]. And Paul said that we are "being joined together" [Eph. 2:21] and "are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" [v.22].
People with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, interests, and needs make up Christ's church, so uniting in a common purpose is not an easy process. Yet when we let the Lord do His work among us, shaping us and assigning our place in the structure, we become part of a strong, solid edifice.
Yes, we are all different. But God is building an enduring church. The magnificent Inca buildings will eventually crumble, but the church is built to last. --- Dave Egner
Christ builds His church with different stones
And makes each one secure;
All shapes and sizes fit in place
To make His church endure. --- Anon.
THE PERMANENCE OF THE CHURCH IS BASED ON THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDER.
You also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. --- Ephesians 2:22
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 7-8
Mark 4:21-41
When explorers entered Peru, they found huge, impressive buildings that may have been standing for 2,000 years. These ancient Inca structures were built of hand-hewn rocks of different sizes and shapes. Some were 3-sided, some 4-sided, and some 7-sided. Without the use of mortar, they were fitted together so perfectly that they stood for many centuries, even through earthquakes.
God builds His church in much the same way. The Bible pictures the church of Jesus Christ as a building, and each believer is a block in that building, and each believer is a block in that building. Peter said that we, "as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house" [1 Peter 2:5]. And Paul said that we are "being joined together" [Eph. 2:21] and "are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" [v.22].
People with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, interests, and needs make up Christ's church, so uniting in a common purpose is not an easy process. Yet when we let the Lord do His work among us, shaping us and assigning our place in the structure, we become part of a strong, solid edifice.
Yes, we are all different. But God is building an enduring church. The magnificent Inca buildings will eventually crumble, but the church is built to last. --- Dave Egner
Christ builds His church with different stones
And makes each one secure;
All shapes and sizes fit in place
To make His church endure. --- Anon.
THE PERMANENCE OF THE CHURCH IS BASED ON THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDER.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
No Snatching
Read: John 10:25-39
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. --- John 10:28
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 4-6
Mark 4:1-20
In the mid-1950s, General Motors displayed more at their auto shows than just cars. At one show in Miami, GM featured a display of a million one-dollar bills, as well as the Hope Diamond [the largest blue diamond in the world].
One afternoon a thunderstorm came through the city, lightning flashed, and the lights went out. Immediately truck drivers with their flashlights rushed to the special display and formed a circle around the armed guards who were already there. The diamond and the cash were now safely guarded with two levels of security.
In John 10, Jesus described the security of His people: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" [v.28]. When we know Jesus as Savior, we're secure in His hands; we cannot lose our salvation. But there's another level of security. Jesus continued, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand" [v.29].
The Hope Diamond and the large sum of cash were quite safe with their two levels of security. How much more are we eternally safe in the hands of Jesus and His Father, the Almighty God! --- Anne Cetas
More secure is no one ever
Than the loved ones of the Savior
Not yon star on high abiding
Nor the bird in home-nest hiding. --- Berg
CHRIST'S WORK MAKES US SAFE; GOD'S WORD MAKES US SURE.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. --- John 10:28
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 4-6
Mark 4:1-20
In the mid-1950s, General Motors displayed more at their auto shows than just cars. At one show in Miami, GM featured a display of a million one-dollar bills, as well as the Hope Diamond [the largest blue diamond in the world].
One afternoon a thunderstorm came through the city, lightning flashed, and the lights went out. Immediately truck drivers with their flashlights rushed to the special display and formed a circle around the armed guards who were already there. The diamond and the cash were now safely guarded with two levels of security.
In John 10, Jesus described the security of His people: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" [v.28]. When we know Jesus as Savior, we're secure in His hands; we cannot lose our salvation. But there's another level of security. Jesus continued, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand" [v.29].
The Hope Diamond and the large sum of cash were quite safe with their two levels of security. How much more are we eternally safe in the hands of Jesus and His Father, the Almighty God! --- Anne Cetas
More secure is no one ever
Than the loved ones of the Savior
Not yon star on high abiding
Nor the bird in home-nest hiding. --- Berg
CHRIST'S WORK MAKES US SAFE; GOD'S WORD MAKES US SURE.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Grooves Of Grace
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I discipline my body and bring it into subjection. --- 1 Corinthians 9:27
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 1-3
Mark 3
A man was traveling in Canada one springtime when frost and melting snow made it nearly impossible to drive farther. He came to a crossroads and saw a sign that said, "Take care which rut you choose. You will be in it for the next 25 miles." That's a wise warning for all of us --- and not just when we're driving in rough road conditions.
Whenever we come to a crossroads in life, what choice do we make? In other words, in what direction will we travel and what habits --- which ruts of routine --- will we establish?
A habit is a pattern of behavior that we follow consistently. We need to decide prayerfully what habits we will practice. Will our habits be mere ruts of routine? Or will they become "grooves of grace"?
Paul referred to his life's journey as a race. He learned that the only way to stay the course was to "discipline [his] body and bring it into subjection" [1 Cor. 9:27]. That implied establishing a consistent pattern of godly behavior.
Good health habits are important, but spiritual disciplines are far more important. Are we choosing to develop consistent habits of prayer, Bible reading, and kindness?
A habit is just a rut of routine. But good spiritual discipline can transform our ruts into grooves of grace. --- Vernon Grounds
Lord, keep me in Your groove of grace,
The chosen path for me;
Your will I daily will embrace
Until eternity. --- Hess
IN THE BEGINNING WE MAKE OUR HABITS; IN THE END OUR HABITS MAKE US.
I discipline my body and bring it into subjection. --- 1 Corinthians 9:27
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 1-3
Mark 3
A man was traveling in Canada one springtime when frost and melting snow made it nearly impossible to drive farther. He came to a crossroads and saw a sign that said, "Take care which rut you choose. You will be in it for the next 25 miles." That's a wise warning for all of us --- and not just when we're driving in rough road conditions.
Whenever we come to a crossroads in life, what choice do we make? In other words, in what direction will we travel and what habits --- which ruts of routine --- will we establish?
A habit is a pattern of behavior that we follow consistently. We need to decide prayerfully what habits we will practice. Will our habits be mere ruts of routine? Or will they become "grooves of grace"?
Paul referred to his life's journey as a race. He learned that the only way to stay the course was to "discipline [his] body and bring it into subjection" [1 Cor. 9:27]. That implied establishing a consistent pattern of godly behavior.
Good health habits are important, but spiritual disciplines are far more important. Are we choosing to develop consistent habits of prayer, Bible reading, and kindness?
A habit is just a rut of routine. But good spiritual discipline can transform our ruts into grooves of grace. --- Vernon Grounds
Lord, keep me in Your groove of grace,
The chosen path for me;
Your will I daily will embrace
Until eternity. --- Hess
IN THE BEGINNING WE MAKE OUR HABITS; IN THE END OUR HABITS MAKE US.
Monday, February 19, 2007
My Staff
Read: Psalm 73:23-28
By faith Jacob ... worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. --- Hebrews 11:21
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 26-27
Mark 2
An antique rack in the entryway to our home holds the canes and walking-sticks of several generations of our family. My favorite is a slender staff with a gold-plated knob engraved with the initials "DHR." It belonged to my wife Carolyn's great-grandfather, Daniel Henry Rankin. Curiously, his initials are the same as mine.
In my study is another collection: my father's peeled, apple-wood walking stick, among others. And in a barrel in our garage there's an assortment of cross-country ski poles, wading wands, and trekking sticks I've gathered over the years. One of these days, I'll trade them all in for a walker. I'll always need something or someone to lean on.
I'm reminded of the old patriarch Jacob, once strong, now humbled and utterly dependent upon God. When he was dying, by faith he "worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff" [Heb. 11:21].
As I grow older, I'm learning to lean more on God and His faithfulness. Over the years, He has "held me by my right hand." He is guiding me with His counsel, and afterward He will "receive me to glory" [Ps. 73:23-24].
Shakespeare said it well: God is "the very staff of my age, my very prop." --- David Roper
Our vigor is fleeting, our best years are brief,
Our youth passes quickly, time's ever a thief;
But hope yet becomes us --- death's sting holds no power;
We have a Redeemer --- an unfailing Tower. --- Gustafson
LEARNING OF OUR WEAKNESS TEACHES US TO LEAN ON GOD'S STRENGTH.
By faith Jacob ... worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. --- Hebrews 11:21
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 26-27
Mark 2
An antique rack in the entryway to our home holds the canes and walking-sticks of several generations of our family. My favorite is a slender staff with a gold-plated knob engraved with the initials "DHR." It belonged to my wife Carolyn's great-grandfather, Daniel Henry Rankin. Curiously, his initials are the same as mine.
In my study is another collection: my father's peeled, apple-wood walking stick, among others. And in a barrel in our garage there's an assortment of cross-country ski poles, wading wands, and trekking sticks I've gathered over the years. One of these days, I'll trade them all in for a walker. I'll always need something or someone to lean on.
I'm reminded of the old patriarch Jacob, once strong, now humbled and utterly dependent upon God. When he was dying, by faith he "worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff" [Heb. 11:21].
As I grow older, I'm learning to lean more on God and His faithfulness. Over the years, He has "held me by my right hand." He is guiding me with His counsel, and afterward He will "receive me to glory" [Ps. 73:23-24].
Shakespeare said it well: God is "the very staff of my age, my very prop." --- David Roper
Our vigor is fleeting, our best years are brief,
Our youth passes quickly, time's ever a thief;
But hope yet becomes us --- death's sting holds no power;
We have a Redeemer --- an unfailing Tower. --- Gustafson
LEARNING OF OUR WEAKNESS TEACHES US TO LEAN ON GOD'S STRENGTH.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
He Never Changes
Read: Psalm 103:11-22
You, O LORD, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. --- Psalm 102:12
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 25
Mark 1:23-45
Photographer David Crocket of Seattle's KOMO-TV knows that solid mountains can move. On May 18, 1980, he was nearly buried by the falling debris. As the atmosphere cleared, a helicopter pilot spotted him. He was dramatically rescued and flown to a hospital.
Writing about his horrendous experience, he said, "During those 10 hours I saw a mountain fall apart. I saw a forest disappear....I saw that God is the only one who is immovable....I feel somehow that I'm being allowed to start over --- whatever is in His master plan for me."
Nothing in our world, not even a mountain, is absolutely indestructible. God alone is absolutely unchangeable --- He endures "forever" [Ps. 102:12]. He "has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" [103:19].
When we trust ourselves to God's keeping, we are forever secure. He removes our sins from us "as far as the east is from the west" [103:12]. And His mercy toward us is "from everlasting to everlasting" [v.17]. He holds us in His almighty hands, and nothing can pry us loose from that omnipotent grip [John 10:28-29]. --- Vernon Grounds
I do not rest on shifting sand,
Or fear the storm that rages;
For calm and sure, I stand secure
Upon the Rock of Ages. --- Anon.
OUR WORLD MAY CRUMBLE AROUND US, BUT GOD NEVER CHANGES.
You, O LORD, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. --- Psalm 102:12
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 25
Mark 1:23-45
Photographer David Crocket of Seattle's KOMO-TV knows that solid mountains can move. On May 18, 1980, he was nearly buried by the falling debris. As the atmosphere cleared, a helicopter pilot spotted him. He was dramatically rescued and flown to a hospital.
Writing about his horrendous experience, he said, "During those 10 hours I saw a mountain fall apart. I saw a forest disappear....I saw that God is the only one who is immovable....I feel somehow that I'm being allowed to start over --- whatever is in His master plan for me."
Nothing in our world, not even a mountain, is absolutely indestructible. God alone is absolutely unchangeable --- He endures "forever" [Ps. 102:12]. He "has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" [103:19].
When we trust ourselves to God's keeping, we are forever secure. He removes our sins from us "as far as the east is from the west" [103:12]. And His mercy toward us is "from everlasting to everlasting" [v.17]. He holds us in His almighty hands, and nothing can pry us loose from that omnipotent grip [John 10:28-29]. --- Vernon Grounds
I do not rest on shifting sand,
Or fear the storm that rages;
For calm and sure, I stand secure
Upon the Rock of Ages. --- Anon.
OUR WORLD MAY CRUMBLE AROUND US, BUT GOD NEVER CHANGES.
Inside Out
Read: Ephesians 4:25-32
[Jesus] said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man." --- Mark 7:20
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 23-24
Mark 1:1-22
While giving a sermon, missionary Hudson Taylor filled a glass with water and placed it on a table in front of him. As he was speaking, he pounded his fist hard enough to make the water splash onto the table. He then explained, "You will come up against much trouble. But when you do, remember, only what's in your will spill out."
That's worth thinking about, isn't it? When we are mistreated or misunderstood, how do we respond? With loving words, patience, and kindness? Or are we inclined to retaliate in anger?
In Ephesians 4:25-32, we see the contrast between what a person is before he is saved and what he is afterward. When we live under the control of the Holy Spirit, we will show it by the way we react to the jolting trials and temptations of life. How we respond to trying, embarrassing situations that are suddenly thrust upon us is a good test of how much we have grown in grace.
It is possible to suppress frustration and anger, and to appear undisturbed to people around us. But if our heart is full of the Savior's love, we will respond to the jostling of an unexpected trial with genuine patience and kindness. Like a full glass of water, what's inside of us will spill over on the outside. --- Richard De Haan
Lord, help me flee all sin and shame,
Lest I disgrace Your holy name;
And may I live so others see
The Savior's love revealed in me. --- D. De Haan
WHEN TROUBLE GROWS, YOUR CHARACTER SHOWS.
[Jesus] said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man." --- Mark 7:20
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 23-24
Mark 1:1-22
While giving a sermon, missionary Hudson Taylor filled a glass with water and placed it on a table in front of him. As he was speaking, he pounded his fist hard enough to make the water splash onto the table. He then explained, "You will come up against much trouble. But when you do, remember, only what's in your will spill out."
That's worth thinking about, isn't it? When we are mistreated or misunderstood, how do we respond? With loving words, patience, and kindness? Or are we inclined to retaliate in anger?
In Ephesians 4:25-32, we see the contrast between what a person is before he is saved and what he is afterward. When we live under the control of the Holy Spirit, we will show it by the way we react to the jolting trials and temptations of life. How we respond to trying, embarrassing situations that are suddenly thrust upon us is a good test of how much we have grown in grace.
It is possible to suppress frustration and anger, and to appear undisturbed to people around us. But if our heart is full of the Savior's love, we will respond to the jostling of an unexpected trial with genuine patience and kindness. Like a full glass of water, what's inside of us will spill over on the outside. --- Richard De Haan
Lord, help me flee all sin and shame,
Lest I disgrace Your holy name;
And may I live so others see
The Savior's love revealed in me. --- D. De Haan
WHEN TROUBLE GROWS, YOUR CHARACTER SHOWS.
Friday, February 16, 2007
"Daddy, I Found You!"
Read: John 20:11-18
We love Him because He first loved us. --- 1 John 4:19
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 21-22
Matthew 28
In his book Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi Zacharias tells a story about a girl who became hopelessly lost in a dark and dense forest. She called and screamed, but to no avail. Her alarmed parents and a group of volunteers searched frantically for her. When darkness fell, they had to give up for the night.
Early the next morning the girl's father reentered the forest to search for her and spied her fast asleep on a rock. He called her name and ran toward her. Startled awake, she threw her arms out to him. As he picked her up and hugged her, she repeated over and over, "Daddy, I found you!"
Applying this story to Mary Magdalene's search for Jesus in John 20, Zacharias comments: "Mary discovered the most startling truth of all when she came looking for the body of Jesus. She did not realize that the person she had found was the One who was risen, and that He had come looking for her."
We who believe on Jesus sometimes speak of "finding" Him. But why did we seek Him in the first place? Because like the shepherd who went out into the darkness to find one lost sheep, God seeks us. He is waiting for us to realize our lostness and reach out to Him. He will pick us up, embrace us, and give us His peace. --- Herb Vander Lugt
I was lost but Jesus found me ---
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way. --- Rowley
WHEN WE FIND CHRIST, WE DISCOVER THAT WE WERE THE ONES WHO WERE LOST.
We love Him because He first loved us. --- 1 John 4:19
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 21-22
Matthew 28
In his book Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi Zacharias tells a story about a girl who became hopelessly lost in a dark and dense forest. She called and screamed, but to no avail. Her alarmed parents and a group of volunteers searched frantically for her. When darkness fell, they had to give up for the night.
Early the next morning the girl's father reentered the forest to search for her and spied her fast asleep on a rock. He called her name and ran toward her. Startled awake, she threw her arms out to him. As he picked her up and hugged her, she repeated over and over, "Daddy, I found you!"
Applying this story to Mary Magdalene's search for Jesus in John 20, Zacharias comments: "Mary discovered the most startling truth of all when she came looking for the body of Jesus. She did not realize that the person she had found was the One who was risen, and that He had come looking for her."
We who believe on Jesus sometimes speak of "finding" Him. But why did we seek Him in the first place? Because like the shepherd who went out into the darkness to find one lost sheep, God seeks us. He is waiting for us to realize our lostness and reach out to Him. He will pick us up, embrace us, and give us His peace. --- Herb Vander Lugt
I was lost but Jesus found me ---
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way. --- Rowley
WHEN WE FIND CHRIST, WE DISCOVER THAT WE WERE THE ONES WHO WERE LOST.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Be Still And Know
Read: Psalm 46:1-11
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! --- Psalm 46:10
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 19-20
Matthew 27:51-66
In February 1946, the world's first general-purpose electronic computer was introduced at the University of Pennsylvania. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer [ENIAC] filled a 30-by-50-foot room, weighed 50 tons, and used enough electricity every second to power a typical home for a week. Today, a pocket calculator contains more computing power than ENIAC did.
A decade ago, one observer noted that computers and other hi-tech gadgets have "snuck up on us and we don't realize it." He went on to speak of how wonderful it is to go where there are no computers, phones, or radios, or to go to the beach and listen to the waves.
Undisturbed stillness has become more elusive and therefore more necessary than ever to seek. The Lord God said, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" [Ps. 46:10]/
A respite from activity allows us to focus our thoughts on the majesty of God. An inner calm allows us to listen to Him. Away from voice-mail and e-mail, we turn from our daily schedule to His eternal plan.
In our fast-paced world, we need to be still and acknowledge that God is in charge. --- David McCasland
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone. --- Longstaff
SPENDIND QUIET TIME WITH GOD WILL BRING QUIET REST FROM GOD.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! --- Psalm 46:10
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 19-20
Matthew 27:51-66
In February 1946, the world's first general-purpose electronic computer was introduced at the University of Pennsylvania. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer [ENIAC] filled a 30-by-50-foot room, weighed 50 tons, and used enough electricity every second to power a typical home for a week. Today, a pocket calculator contains more computing power than ENIAC did.
A decade ago, one observer noted that computers and other hi-tech gadgets have "snuck up on us and we don't realize it." He went on to speak of how wonderful it is to go where there are no computers, phones, or radios, or to go to the beach and listen to the waves.
Undisturbed stillness has become more elusive and therefore more necessary than ever to seek. The Lord God said, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" [Ps. 46:10]/
A respite from activity allows us to focus our thoughts on the majesty of God. An inner calm allows us to listen to Him. Away from voice-mail and e-mail, we turn from our daily schedule to His eternal plan.
In our fast-paced world, we need to be still and acknowledge that God is in charge. --- David McCasland
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone. --- Longstaff
SPENDIND QUIET TIME WITH GOD WILL BRING QUIET REST FROM GOD.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Band Of Brothers
Read: Colossians 1:24-29
I ... fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. --- Colossians 1:24
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 17-18
Matthew 27:27-50
Of all Shakespeare's great plays, Henry V may rank as the most heroic. In one stirring scene, the English army stands fearfully before superior French troops. King Henry challenges his men to take heart. Because the battle will be fought on "the feast of Crispian," their victory will be remembered in its yearly celebration. The king tells his men, "This day is called the feast of Crispian .... We in it shall be remembered; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers."
Today, the US Marine Corps refers to itself as a "band of brothers." There is something about interdependence and personal sacrifice while under fire that binds people together for life.
Christians facing opposition can also have such a bond. Paul wrote, "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ" [Col. 1:24].
Did Paul believe Christ's suffering on the cross was insufficient? No, His atonement was completely adequate for all our sin. What Paul meant was that as we complete Christ's work on earth amid painful opposition, we share in His sufferings. Jesus suffered for obeying the will of God, and so must we. But like Paul, we can find joy as we draw closer to our Lord and our band of brothers and sisters. --- Dennis Fisher
Oh, how we need support in times
Of suffering and despair ---
Upheld with love by saints of God
Who understand and care. --- D. De Haan
SUFFERING CAN BE A MAGNET THAT DRAWS THE CHRISTIAN CLOSE TO CHRIST AND FELLOW CHRISTIANS.
I ... fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. --- Colossians 1:24
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 17-18
Matthew 27:27-50
Of all Shakespeare's great plays, Henry V may rank as the most heroic. In one stirring scene, the English army stands fearfully before superior French troops. King Henry challenges his men to take heart. Because the battle will be fought on "the feast of Crispian," their victory will be remembered in its yearly celebration. The king tells his men, "This day is called the feast of Crispian .... We in it shall be remembered; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers."
Today, the US Marine Corps refers to itself as a "band of brothers." There is something about interdependence and personal sacrifice while under fire that binds people together for life.
Christians facing opposition can also have such a bond. Paul wrote, "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ" [Col. 1:24].
Did Paul believe Christ's suffering on the cross was insufficient? No, His atonement was completely adequate for all our sin. What Paul meant was that as we complete Christ's work on earth amid painful opposition, we share in His sufferings. Jesus suffered for obeying the will of God, and so must we. But like Paul, we can find joy as we draw closer to our Lord and our band of brothers and sisters. --- Dennis Fisher
Oh, how we need support in times
Of suffering and despair ---
Upheld with love by saints of God
Who understand and care. --- D. De Haan
SUFFERING CAN BE A MAGNET THAT DRAWS THE CHRISTIAN CLOSE TO CHRIST AND FELLOW CHRISTIANS.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Greatest Thing In The World
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. --- 1 Corinthians 13:13
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 15-16
Matthew 27:1-26
Well-known scientist and writer Henry Drummond [1857-1897] conducted a geological survey of South Africa and wrote what was then the definitive work on tropical Africa. But he is best remembered for his book about love, The Greatest Thing In The World.
Drummond wrote, "As memory scans the past, above and beyond all the transitory pleasures of life, there leap forward those supreme hours when you have been enabled to do unnoticed kindnesses to those round about you, things too trifling to speak about .... And these seem to be the things which alone of all one's life abide."
Paul warned that impressive gifts and spectacular deeds may be little more than empty noise [1 Cor. 13:1]. Our best efforts --- if bereft of love --- ring hollow. "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, ... but have not love, it profits me nothing" [v.3]. The smallest loving act can hold eternal significance.
No matter our age or status in life, we all can strive to love others as God loves them. We may accomplish great things in our life --- gain fame and fortune --- but the greatest thing is to love. For of all that we have done, or ever will do, only love endures. We depart, but love abides. --- David Roper
We love because He first loved us,
He gave so we can give;
We love because He first touched us,
He died so we can live. --- Sper
NOW ABIDE FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. --- 1 Corinthians 13:13
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. --- 1 Corinthians 13:13
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 15-16
Matthew 27:1-26
Well-known scientist and writer Henry Drummond [1857-1897] conducted a geological survey of South Africa and wrote what was then the definitive work on tropical Africa. But he is best remembered for his book about love, The Greatest Thing In The World.
Drummond wrote, "As memory scans the past, above and beyond all the transitory pleasures of life, there leap forward those supreme hours when you have been enabled to do unnoticed kindnesses to those round about you, things too trifling to speak about .... And these seem to be the things which alone of all one's life abide."
Paul warned that impressive gifts and spectacular deeds may be little more than empty noise [1 Cor. 13:1]. Our best efforts --- if bereft of love --- ring hollow. "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, ... but have not love, it profits me nothing" [v.3]. The smallest loving act can hold eternal significance.
No matter our age or status in life, we all can strive to love others as God loves them. We may accomplish great things in our life --- gain fame and fortune --- but the greatest thing is to love. For of all that we have done, or ever will do, only love endures. We depart, but love abides. --- David Roper
We love because He first loved us,
He gave so we can give;
We love because He first touched us,
He died so we can live. --- Sper
NOW ABIDE FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. --- 1 Corinthians 13:13
Monday, February 12, 2007
A Lesson From The Oak Tree
Read: Galatians 5:16-26
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. --- Galatians 5:16
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 14
Matthew 26:51-75
Have you ever noticed that in winter some oak trees retain their crisp, dry leaves long after the maples, the elms, and the walnuts have become bare skeletons? Even the strong winter winds and the early spring rains do not completely strip the oak branches of all their old leaves. But as springtime progresses, warmer winds blow and something wonderful begins to happen. Tiny buds start appearing at the tips of the twigs, and the dried remnants of the preceding season fall off. New life replaces the old.
At times, old habits cling to our lives with the same tenacity as those oak leaves. Even the winds of adversity do not remove all the lifeless leftovers of our fallen human nature.
But Christ, who dwells in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is at work. His life within us continually seeks to push off the old habits --- renewing us when we confess our sins, steadying us when we falter, and strengthening us to do His will.
When every effort to cast off an old sinful habit ends in failure, remember the mighty oak. Thank God for His Spirit who lives in you. Keep saying yes to His gentle urging to be kind, loving, compassionate, honest, and faithful. Those "lifeless old leaves" will eventually drop off. --- Dennis De Haan
When stubborn sins tenaciously
Hold to their former place,
We must rely on Jesus' strength
And His unfailing grace. --- Sper
TO GET RID OF A BAD HABIT, START A GOOD ONE --- TRUST GOD.
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. --- Galatians 5:16
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 14
Matthew 26:51-75
Have you ever noticed that in winter some oak trees retain their crisp, dry leaves long after the maples, the elms, and the walnuts have become bare skeletons? Even the strong winter winds and the early spring rains do not completely strip the oak branches of all their old leaves. But as springtime progresses, warmer winds blow and something wonderful begins to happen. Tiny buds start appearing at the tips of the twigs, and the dried remnants of the preceding season fall off. New life replaces the old.
At times, old habits cling to our lives with the same tenacity as those oak leaves. Even the winds of adversity do not remove all the lifeless leftovers of our fallen human nature.
But Christ, who dwells in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is at work. His life within us continually seeks to push off the old habits --- renewing us when we confess our sins, steadying us when we falter, and strengthening us to do His will.
When every effort to cast off an old sinful habit ends in failure, remember the mighty oak. Thank God for His Spirit who lives in you. Keep saying yes to His gentle urging to be kind, loving, compassionate, honest, and faithful. Those "lifeless old leaves" will eventually drop off. --- Dennis De Haan
When stubborn sins tenaciously
Hold to their former place,
We must rely on Jesus' strength
And His unfailing grace. --- Sper
TO GET RID OF A BAD HABIT, START A GOOD ONE --- TRUST GOD.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
One More Miracle
Read: Exodus 15:1-21
I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! --- Exodus 15:1
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 13
Matthew 26:26-50
If you are looking for a praise and worship pattern, look no further than Exodus 15.
There you find the Israelites heaping honor on God. The people were just hours removed from one of the greatest rescues in history. The Lord had protected them from the rampaging Egyptians, and their praises reflected the renewed trust in God that this even brought them.
It's appropriate to pour out our unbridled praise on God when we see Him work in great and miraculous ways. But those aren't the only times He deserves our adoration. Too often we wait for God to perform a big answer to prayer before we feel like singing His praises.
But think about this: God doesn't owe us any miracles. He doesn't need to do anything to prove His greatness. He has already given us an incredible display of His power in His creation. He has made the ultimate sacrifice to purchase our redemption. Through His power, He has conducted the most miraculous transaction known to mankind --- He brought us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Waiting for a miracle? God's done plenty of them already. Recalling what He has done and echoing the praise in Exodus 15, let's give God our unconditional worship. --- Dave Branon
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
The God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love,
The God of our salvation. --- Schutz
PRAISE FLOWS NATURALLY FROM A GRATEFUL HEART.
I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! --- Exodus 15:1
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 13
Matthew 26:26-50
If you are looking for a praise and worship pattern, look no further than Exodus 15.
There you find the Israelites heaping honor on God. The people were just hours removed from one of the greatest rescues in history. The Lord had protected them from the rampaging Egyptians, and their praises reflected the renewed trust in God that this even brought them.
It's appropriate to pour out our unbridled praise on God when we see Him work in great and miraculous ways. But those aren't the only times He deserves our adoration. Too often we wait for God to perform a big answer to prayer before we feel like singing His praises.
But think about this: God doesn't owe us any miracles. He doesn't need to do anything to prove His greatness. He has already given us an incredible display of His power in His creation. He has made the ultimate sacrifice to purchase our redemption. Through His power, He has conducted the most miraculous transaction known to mankind --- He brought us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Waiting for a miracle? God's done plenty of them already. Recalling what He has done and echoing the praise in Exodus 15, let's give God our unconditional worship. --- Dave Branon
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
The God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love,
The God of our salvation. --- Schutz
PRAISE FLOWS NATURALLY FROM A GRATEFUL HEART.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Inner Beauty
Read: John 1:9-14
We beheld His glory. --- John 1:14
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 11-12
Matthew 26:1-25
The tabernacle in the wilderness was a tent where the glory of God dwelt. The structure was made of badger skins and was plain on the outside. But inside it was exquisitely beautiful [Ex. 25-27].
We can compare the tabernacle with Jesus' human form. John said, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" [John 1:14]. The word dwelt means He "pitched His tent with us," the same word that ancient Greek versions of the Old Testament used for the tabernacle.
Jesus looked like an ordinary man: He had "no beauty that we should desire Him" [Isa. 53:2]. No one gave Him a second look. Yet John "beheld His glory," the glory of God Himself. Occasionally, the tent flap was lifted and he caught a glimpse of Jesus' inner beauty and majesty.
We are tabernacles too, made of skin, made to contain God's Spirit. Most of us are very plain, not like the made-up actors we see in the movies or the air-brushed models we view in the ads. But God is even now --- at this moment --- in the process of making us radiantly beautiful within.
We may be very plan and ordinary on the outside --- but as we allow God's Spirit to work within us, the beauty of God's indwelling presence will shine from our faces.
So, is the world seeing Jesus in you? --- David Roper
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. --- Orsborn
A RIGHTEOUS HEART IS THE FOUNTAIN OF BEAUTY.
We beheld His glory. --- John 1:14
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 11-12
Matthew 26:1-25
The tabernacle in the wilderness was a tent where the glory of God dwelt. The structure was made of badger skins and was plain on the outside. But inside it was exquisitely beautiful [Ex. 25-27].
We can compare the tabernacle with Jesus' human form. John said, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" [John 1:14]. The word dwelt means He "pitched His tent with us," the same word that ancient Greek versions of the Old Testament used for the tabernacle.
Jesus looked like an ordinary man: He had "no beauty that we should desire Him" [Isa. 53:2]. No one gave Him a second look. Yet John "beheld His glory," the glory of God Himself. Occasionally, the tent flap was lifted and he caught a glimpse of Jesus' inner beauty and majesty.
We are tabernacles too, made of skin, made to contain God's Spirit. Most of us are very plain, not like the made-up actors we see in the movies or the air-brushed models we view in the ads. But God is even now --- at this moment --- in the process of making us radiantly beautiful within.
We may be very plan and ordinary on the outside --- but as we allow God's Spirit to work within us, the beauty of God's indwelling presence will shine from our faces.
So, is the world seeing Jesus in you? --- David Roper
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. --- Orsborn
A RIGHTEOUS HEART IS THE FOUNTAIN OF BEAUTY.
Friday, February 09, 2007
"Garbage Mary"
Read: Ephesians 5:1-13
Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word. --- James 1:21
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 8-10
Matthew 25:31-46
She dressed in rags, lived in a tenement house amid mounds of garbage, and spent much of her time rummaging through trash cans. The local newspaper picked up her story after the woman who was known in her neighborhood as "Garbage Mary" had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Astonishingly, in her filthy apartment police found stock certificates and bankbooks indicating she was worth as least a million dollars.
This woman's condition was heart-breaking. But from God's point of view there are even more tragic examples of "wealthy" people who subsist on "garbage." If Christians are controlled by lust, hate, envy, pride, impatience, or bitterness, they're actually choosing to live off the refuse of the world.
This might be understandable if they had no resources to draw from. You'd expect that kind of behavior from people without faith in Christ. But that's not the case for believers. We have the Word of truth and the help of the Holy Spirit. We have no excuse for groveling in the dirt of sin when the power of God is at our disposal.
Father, forgive us for eating "garbage" when You've prepared a banquet for us. Help us to "lay aside all filthiness" [James 1:21] and to feast on Your goodness. --- Mart De Haan
Choose not the lowly paths of sin
When lofty heights before you rise;
God freely gives the power to win
The victor's crown, the heavenly prize. --- D. De Haan
ONE TASTE OF GOD'S GRACE CAN MAKE US LOSE OUR HUNGER FOR THE WORLD.
Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word. --- James 1:21
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 8-10
Matthew 25:31-46
She dressed in rags, lived in a tenement house amid mounds of garbage, and spent much of her time rummaging through trash cans. The local newspaper picked up her story after the woman who was known in her neighborhood as "Garbage Mary" had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Astonishingly, in her filthy apartment police found stock certificates and bankbooks indicating she was worth as least a million dollars.
This woman's condition was heart-breaking. But from God's point of view there are even more tragic examples of "wealthy" people who subsist on "garbage." If Christians are controlled by lust, hate, envy, pride, impatience, or bitterness, they're actually choosing to live off the refuse of the world.
This might be understandable if they had no resources to draw from. You'd expect that kind of behavior from people without faith in Christ. But that's not the case for believers. We have the Word of truth and the help of the Holy Spirit. We have no excuse for groveling in the dirt of sin when the power of God is at our disposal.
Father, forgive us for eating "garbage" when You've prepared a banquet for us. Help us to "lay aside all filthiness" [James 1:21] and to feast on Your goodness. --- Mart De Haan
Choose not the lowly paths of sin
When lofty heights before you rise;
God freely gives the power to win
The victor's crown, the heavenly prize. --- D. De Haan
ONE TASTE OF GOD'S GRACE CAN MAKE US LOSE OUR HUNGER FOR THE WORLD.
Unexpected Help
Read: Joshua 2:1-14
The woman took the two men and hid them. --- Joshua 2:4
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 6-7
Matthew 25:1-30
In 1803, Thomas Jefferson commisioned Lewis and Clark to lead an expedition across an unexplored America to the Pacific coast. The expedition was called "Corps of Discovery" --- and it lived up to its name. It cataloged 300 new species, identified nearly 50 Indian tribes, and traversed terrain that had never been seen by Europeans.
They were joined along the way by a French fur trader and his wife Sacajawea. They soon found her to be invaluable as an interpreter and guide.
During the trip, Sacajawea was reunited with her family. Her older brother had become the tribe's chief, and he helped them acquire horses and a map of the uncharted West. Without Sacajawea's and her brother's unexpected help, the expedition may not have succeeded.
The Bible tells of an expedition that also received unexpected help. The Israelites had sent spies into Jericho, a city in the land promised to them. Rahab agreed to ensure their escape in exchange for her family's protection when Jericho fell. In this way the sovereign God of grace used her to prepare the way for a victory in Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.
Are you in the middle of a challenge? Remember, God can provide help from unexpected sources. --- Dennis Fisher
When trials seem impossible
And we can't face the day,
The Lord extends His helping hand
And makes for us a way. --- Sper
WHEN THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY, GOD CAN MAKE A WAY.
The woman took the two men and hid them. --- Joshua 2:4
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 6-7
Matthew 25:1-30
In 1803, Thomas Jefferson commisioned Lewis and Clark to lead an expedition across an unexplored America to the Pacific coast. The expedition was called "Corps of Discovery" --- and it lived up to its name. It cataloged 300 new species, identified nearly 50 Indian tribes, and traversed terrain that had never been seen by Europeans.
They were joined along the way by a French fur trader and his wife Sacajawea. They soon found her to be invaluable as an interpreter and guide.
During the trip, Sacajawea was reunited with her family. Her older brother had become the tribe's chief, and he helped them acquire horses and a map of the uncharted West. Without Sacajawea's and her brother's unexpected help, the expedition may not have succeeded.
The Bible tells of an expedition that also received unexpected help. The Israelites had sent spies into Jericho, a city in the land promised to them. Rahab agreed to ensure their escape in exchange for her family's protection when Jericho fell. In this way the sovereign God of grace used her to prepare the way for a victory in Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.
Are you in the middle of a challenge? Remember, God can provide help from unexpected sources. --- Dennis Fisher
When trials seem impossible
And we can't face the day,
The Lord extends His helping hand
And makes for us a way. --- Sper
WHEN THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY, GOD CAN MAKE A WAY.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Dirty Dishes
Read: Matthew 24:32-44
Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. --- 1 John 2:28
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 4-5
Matthew 24:29-51
When I was a boy, my father often traveled to other cities to speak at churches and Bible conferences. Sometimes my mother would accompany him, leaving my brother and me alone for a few days. We enjoyed being independent, but we detested doing the dishes.
I remember the time we tried to put off that dreaded chore as long as possible by stacking all the dirty plates, glasses, and silverware in the oven after each meal. At the end of the week, there was hardly any room left. Then, on the evening before Mom and Dad were to return, we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up the whole mess. It took hours! How ashamed we would have been if our parents had come back earlier than we expected.
Because we don't know exactly when Christ will return [Matt. 24:36, 42, 44], we must not get lazy in our Christian walk. The expectancy of His any-moment appearance should help us to be "faithful and wise" servants [v.45] and to live in a way that "we may have confidence and not be ashamed" when He comes [1 John 2:28].
Yes, Christ will come again, just as He promised. Perhaps today! Do you have any "dirty dishes"? Now is the time to get ready. --- Richard De Haan
Faithful and true would He find us here
If He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear,
If He should come today. --- Morris
LIVE AS IF CHRIST IS COMING BACK TODAY.
Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. --- 1 John 2:28
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 4-5
Matthew 24:29-51
When I was a boy, my father often traveled to other cities to speak at churches and Bible conferences. Sometimes my mother would accompany him, leaving my brother and me alone for a few days. We enjoyed being independent, but we detested doing the dishes.
I remember the time we tried to put off that dreaded chore as long as possible by stacking all the dirty plates, glasses, and silverware in the oven after each meal. At the end of the week, there was hardly any room left. Then, on the evening before Mom and Dad were to return, we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up the whole mess. It took hours! How ashamed we would have been if our parents had come back earlier than we expected.
Because we don't know exactly when Christ will return [Matt. 24:36, 42, 44], we must not get lazy in our Christian walk. The expectancy of His any-moment appearance should help us to be "faithful and wise" servants [v.45] and to live in a way that "we may have confidence and not be ashamed" when He comes [1 John 2:28].
Yes, Christ will come again, just as He promised. Perhaps today! Do you have any "dirty dishes"? Now is the time to get ready. --- Richard De Haan
Faithful and true would He find us here
If He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear,
If He should come today. --- Morris
LIVE AS IF CHRIST IS COMING BACK TODAY.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
As Stubborn As Prunes
Read: Psalm 32:8-11
Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle. --- Psalm 32:9
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 1-3
Matthew 24:1-28
At a Colorado ranch where I once worked, we had a mule named Prunes. He was big, strong, and intelligent. He was also the ringleader of a small band of horses that regularly escaped from the corral.
One evening we hid near the barn to see how they got out. Just before dark Prunes approached the gate, flipped up the latch with his nose, and then knocked his head against the lever. The gate swung open and Prunes gave a satisfied snort as he and his friends trotted off to freedom.
Prunes was smart, but he was also stubborn, and only a strong, skilled rider could control him. Perhaps the psalmist had known an animal like that when he wrote: "Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you" [Ps. 32:9].
The Lord longs to lead His children in a much different way: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" [v.8]. Just a glance from the Lord is enough to keep an obedient, cooperative Christian on the right trail. It takes a bit and bridle to direct a stubborn mule.
Which will it be for us today? --- David McCasland
We need God's guidance from above,
His daily leading and His love;
And as we trust Him for direction,
To our course He'll give correction. --- Fitzhugh
TO AVOID GOING WRONG, FOLLOW GOD'S LEADING.
Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle. --- Psalm 32:9
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 1-3
Matthew 24:1-28
At a Colorado ranch where I once worked, we had a mule named Prunes. He was big, strong, and intelligent. He was also the ringleader of a small band of horses that regularly escaped from the corral.
One evening we hid near the barn to see how they got out. Just before dark Prunes approached the gate, flipped up the latch with his nose, and then knocked his head against the lever. The gate swung open and Prunes gave a satisfied snort as he and his friends trotted off to freedom.
Prunes was smart, but he was also stubborn, and only a strong, skilled rider could control him. Perhaps the psalmist had known an animal like that when he wrote: "Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you" [Ps. 32:9].
The Lord longs to lead His children in a much different way: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" [v.8]. Just a glance from the Lord is enough to keep an obedient, cooperative Christian on the right trail. It takes a bit and bridle to direct a stubborn mule.
Which will it be for us today? --- David McCasland
We need God's guidance from above,
His daily leading and His love;
And as we trust Him for direction,
To our course He'll give correction. --- Fitzhugh
TO AVOID GOING WRONG, FOLLOW GOD'S LEADING.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Jordan's Idea
Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, ... for instruction in righteousness. --- 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 39-40
Matthew 23:23-39
One spring day, Jordan began asking questions about Jesus' resurrection as his mom was taking him to preschool. Realizing he thought Jesus was rising from the dead for the first time this Easter, she tried to correct him. She pulled the car over and told him all about Jesus' death and resurrection. She concluded, "Jesus rose from the dead a long time ago, and now He wants to live in our hearts." But Jordan still didn't understand.
Unsure how she could make it any clearer, she said, "How about if we stop by the bookstore? I saw some books about Easter when I was there last week. We'll get one and read through it together." With a wisdom beyond his years, Jordan responded, "Can't we just read the Bible?"
Jordan's idea was right. Commentaries and books about the Bible are helpful tools. But they should never be used as a substitute for God's revelation of Himself --- His Word. No other book has been given to us "by inspiration of God" [2 Tim. 3:16]. As author Eugene Peterson says, "God's voice [is] speaking to us, inviting, promising, blessing, confronting, commanding, healing."
Let's follow Jordan's idea and go first to the ultimate source of truth --- the Bible. --- Anne Cetas
Exhaustless store of treasured gems
Within this Book I hold;
And as I read, it comes alive,
New treasures to unfold. --- Mortenson
GO TO THE BIBLE FOR YOUR PROTECTION, CORRECTION, AND DIRECTION.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, ... for instruction in righteousness. --- 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 39-40
Matthew 23:23-39
One spring day, Jordan began asking questions about Jesus' resurrection as his mom was taking him to preschool. Realizing he thought Jesus was rising from the dead for the first time this Easter, she tried to correct him. She pulled the car over and told him all about Jesus' death and resurrection. She concluded, "Jesus rose from the dead a long time ago, and now He wants to live in our hearts." But Jordan still didn't understand.
Unsure how she could make it any clearer, she said, "How about if we stop by the bookstore? I saw some books about Easter when I was there last week. We'll get one and read through it together." With a wisdom beyond his years, Jordan responded, "Can't we just read the Bible?"
Jordan's idea was right. Commentaries and books about the Bible are helpful tools. But they should never be used as a substitute for God's revelation of Himself --- His Word. No other book has been given to us "by inspiration of God" [2 Tim. 3:16]. As author Eugene Peterson says, "God's voice [is] speaking to us, inviting, promising, blessing, confronting, commanding, healing."
Let's follow Jordan's idea and go first to the ultimate source of truth --- the Bible. --- Anne Cetas
Exhaustless store of treasured gems
Within this Book I hold;
And as I read, it comes alive,
New treasures to unfold. --- Mortenson
GO TO THE BIBLE FOR YOUR PROTECTION, CORRECTION, AND DIRECTION.
The Sensuous Christian
Read: Exodus 37:1-9
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. --- James 1:17
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 36-38
Matthew 23:1-22
The gratification of our senses has gotten a bad reputation, perhaps because we live in a world obsessed with pleasure. But God approves of the proper experience of pleasure through our five senses.
First, God created our senses --- sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch --- and all that He created is good.
Second, God made sensuousness a part of worship. Consider God's first formal worship setting: the tabernacle. It housed an ornate, gold-covered ark to hold the stone tablets God gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai. God approves of beauty. It had an altar of incense where priests burned a blend of fragrant spices made by a perfumer. God approves of pleasant aromas. It had an elaborate table with plates and pitchers. God approves of a tasteful dining experience. Around the tabernacle were curtains made from colorful yarn and finely twisted linen. God approves of beautiful colors and textures. Music was also a component of worship, as we learn from reading 2 Chronicles 29:28. God approves of pleasing sounds..
Yes, God values things that look, sound, smell, taste, and feel good. But He doesn't want us to worship them; He wants our enjoyment and gratitude to prompt us to worship Him, the Creator and giver of all good things. --- Julie Ackerman Link
God gave us five senses
His world to enjoy;
But when we indulge them,
Their good we destroy. --- D. De Haan
IT MAKES SENSE TO USE OUR SENSES TO GLORIFY GOD.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. --- James 1:17
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 36-38
Matthew 23:1-22
The gratification of our senses has gotten a bad reputation, perhaps because we live in a world obsessed with pleasure. But God approves of the proper experience of pleasure through our five senses.
First, God created our senses --- sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch --- and all that He created is good.
Second, God made sensuousness a part of worship. Consider God's first formal worship setting: the tabernacle. It housed an ornate, gold-covered ark to hold the stone tablets God gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai. God approves of beauty. It had an altar of incense where priests burned a blend of fragrant spices made by a perfumer. God approves of pleasant aromas. It had an elaborate table with plates and pitchers. God approves of a tasteful dining experience. Around the tabernacle were curtains made from colorful yarn and finely twisted linen. God approves of beautiful colors and textures. Music was also a component of worship, as we learn from reading 2 Chronicles 29:28. God approves of pleasing sounds..
Yes, God values things that look, sound, smell, taste, and feel good. But He doesn't want us to worship them; He wants our enjoyment and gratitude to prompt us to worship Him, the Creator and giver of all good things. --- Julie Ackerman Link
God gave us five senses
His world to enjoy;
But when we indulge them,
Their good we destroy. --- D. De Haan
IT MAKES SENSE TO USE OUR SENSES TO GLORIFY GOD.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Love Enough To Confront
Read: Luke 7:36-50
If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. --- Galatians 6:1
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 34-35
Matthew 22:23-46
We hear a lot of talk these days about following the example of Jesus by "accepting" and "affirming" people just as they are. The implication is that we must never confront them when they do something wrong.
Yes, Jesus loved and accepted people, but He did not shrink from confronting them. We see this in Luke 7.
Jesus had accepted a dinner invitation from Simon, a self-righteous Pharisee. While at his house, the Lord permitted a woman with a bad reputation to wash His feet with expensive perfumed oil. Jesus knew Simon's judgmental thoughts as the weeping woman lavished Him with love [vv.36-39]. So He confronted the Pharisee about his hypocrisy.
It's likely that Simon had invited Jesus to his home to try to trap Him. Jesus reminded him of his failure to extend the courtesies normally bestowed on a guest [vv.44-46]. Then He acknowledged the evil of the woman's past and the genuineness of her repentance. The Lord said, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much" [v.47].
Jesus was respectful to self-righteous religionists, dishonest tax collectors, and prostitutes alike. Yet He never glossed over their sins. He loved people enough to confront them. And so should we. --- Herb Vander Lugt
I know that I am far from perfect, Lord,
But if you tell me I should recognize
And tactfully address some wrong in others,
I will, with all the love that in me lies. --- Hess
TRUE LOVE DARES TO CONFRONT AND CORRECT.
If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. --- Galatians 6:1
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 34-35
Matthew 22:23-46
We hear a lot of talk these days about following the example of Jesus by "accepting" and "affirming" people just as they are. The implication is that we must never confront them when they do something wrong.
Yes, Jesus loved and accepted people, but He did not shrink from confronting them. We see this in Luke 7.
Jesus had accepted a dinner invitation from Simon, a self-righteous Pharisee. While at his house, the Lord permitted a woman with a bad reputation to wash His feet with expensive perfumed oil. Jesus knew Simon's judgmental thoughts as the weeping woman lavished Him with love [vv.36-39]. So He confronted the Pharisee about his hypocrisy.
It's likely that Simon had invited Jesus to his home to try to trap Him. Jesus reminded him of his failure to extend the courtesies normally bestowed on a guest [vv.44-46]. Then He acknowledged the evil of the woman's past and the genuineness of her repentance. The Lord said, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much" [v.47].
Jesus was respectful to self-righteous religionists, dishonest tax collectors, and prostitutes alike. Yet He never glossed over their sins. He loved people enough to confront them. And so should we. --- Herb Vander Lugt
I know that I am far from perfect, Lord,
But if you tell me I should recognize
And tactfully address some wrong in others,
I will, with all the love that in me lies. --- Hess
TRUE LOVE DARES TO CONFRONT AND CORRECT.
Friday, February 02, 2007
"I Dare You!"
Read: Psalm 119:41-48
I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually. --- Psalm 119:43-44
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 31-33
Matthew 22:1-22
I heard a story about a small church that was having a reunion. A former member who attended the celebration had become a millionaire. When he testified about how God had blessed him over the years, he related an incident from his childhood.
He said that when he earned his first dollar as a boy, he decided to keep it for the rest of his life. But then a guest missionary preached about the urgent need on the mission field. He struggled about giving his dollar. "The Lord won, however," the man said. Then, with a sense of pride he added, "I put my treasured dollar in the offering basket. And I am convinced that the reason God has blessed me so much is that when I was a little boy I gave Him everything I possessed." The congregation was awestruck by the testimony --- until a little old lady in front piped up, "I dare you to do it again!"
There's a vital truth behind that story: Past attainments are not a measure of present spiritual maturity. Psalm 119:44 says, "So shall I keep Your law continually." The psalmist knew he needed to keep his commitment fresh every day.
As Christians, we cannot rest on past victories. We must give the Lord our full devotion now. Then no one will need to challenge us, "I dare you to do it again!" --- Dave Egner
Today Christ calls, "Come, follow Me!
Look not to yesterday;
Fresh grace you'll need to do My will ---
Just trust Me and obey." --- D. De Haan
USE THE PAST AS A SPRINGBOARD, NOT AS A SOFA.
I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually. --- Psalm 119:43-44
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 31-33
Matthew 22:1-22
I heard a story about a small church that was having a reunion. A former member who attended the celebration had become a millionaire. When he testified about how God had blessed him over the years, he related an incident from his childhood.
He said that when he earned his first dollar as a boy, he decided to keep it for the rest of his life. But then a guest missionary preached about the urgent need on the mission field. He struggled about giving his dollar. "The Lord won, however," the man said. Then, with a sense of pride he added, "I put my treasured dollar in the offering basket. And I am convinced that the reason God has blessed me so much is that when I was a little boy I gave Him everything I possessed." The congregation was awestruck by the testimony --- until a little old lady in front piped up, "I dare you to do it again!"
There's a vital truth behind that story: Past attainments are not a measure of present spiritual maturity. Psalm 119:44 says, "So shall I keep Your law continually." The psalmist knew he needed to keep his commitment fresh every day.
As Christians, we cannot rest on past victories. We must give the Lord our full devotion now. Then no one will need to challenge us, "I dare you to do it again!" --- Dave Egner
Today Christ calls, "Come, follow Me!
Look not to yesterday;
Fresh grace you'll need to do My will ---
Just trust Me and obey." --- D. De Haan
USE THE PAST AS A SPRINGBOARD, NOT AS A SOFA.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
The Best Question
Read: Psalm 15
LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? --- Psalm 15:1
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 29-30
Matthew 21:23-46
Nobel Prize-winning physicist Martin Perl was asked what he attributed his success to. "My mother," he answered. "Every day when I came home from school she asked me, 'So, Marty, did you ask any good questions today?'"
David asked the best question of all: "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?" [Ps. 15:1]. There are two words ancient Jews had for expressing the question "who?" One is similar to our usage. But David used another word here that asks, "What kind of person dwells close to God?"
The answer came in a series of character traits: "He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart." [v.2].
It's one thing to know the truth; it's another to obey it. God delights to live on His holy hill with those who are holy --- who reflect the reality of the truth they believe. He loves men and women who "ring true."
This psalm, however, is not about any holiness of our own that we think will qualify us to gain entrance to His presence. It is rather about the beauty of holiness that God forms in us as we dwell in fellowship with Him.
The closer we get to God, the more like Him we will become. --- David Roper
More purity give me, more strength to o'ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains, more longings for home;
More fit for the kingdom, more used would I be,
More blessed and holy --- more, Savior, like Thee. --- Bliss
WALK SO CLOSE TO GOD THAT NOTHING CAN COME BETWEEN
LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? --- Psalm 15:1
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 29-30
Matthew 21:23-46
Nobel Prize-winning physicist Martin Perl was asked what he attributed his success to. "My mother," he answered. "Every day when I came home from school she asked me, 'So, Marty, did you ask any good questions today?'"
David asked the best question of all: "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?" [Ps. 15:1]. There are two words ancient Jews had for expressing the question "who?" One is similar to our usage. But David used another word here that asks, "What kind of person dwells close to God?"
The answer came in a series of character traits: "He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart." [v.2].
It's one thing to know the truth; it's another to obey it. God delights to live on His holy hill with those who are holy --- who reflect the reality of the truth they believe. He loves men and women who "ring true."
This psalm, however, is not about any holiness of our own that we think will qualify us to gain entrance to His presence. It is rather about the beauty of holiness that God forms in us as we dwell in fellowship with Him.
The closer we get to God, the more like Him we will become. --- David Roper
More purity give me, more strength to o'ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains, more longings for home;
More fit for the kingdom, more used would I be,
More blessed and holy --- more, Savior, like Thee. --- Bliss
WALK SO CLOSE TO GOD THAT NOTHING CAN COME BETWEEN
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