Read: Philippians 2:1-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. --- Philippians 2:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 40-41
2 Peter 3
How would you define "the Christmas spirit"? Would it be a friendly smile between strangers, the sound of familiar carols, a tree with twinkling lights in a sea of brightly wrapped packages, or just that good feeling you get this time of the year?
None of these elements captures the real meaning of the phrase. They represent feelings that may be a response to the commercialism that distorts the real spirit of Christmas.
J.I. Packer goes to the heart of this matter in his book Knowing God. He writes, "We talk gibbly of the Christmas spirit, rarely meaning more by this than sentimental jollity .... It ought to mean the reproducing in human lives of the [temperament] of Him who for our sakes became poor, ... the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor --- spending and being spent --- to enrich their fellowmen, giving time, thought, care, and concern to do good to others ... in whatever way there seems need."
In Philippians 2, Paul described the God of heaven and earth as laying aside His divine glory and becoming our servant by dying on the cross for our sins. Then he urged us to duplicate that same mind of humble service to others. That's the true Christmas spirit. --- Dennis De Haan
If we look beyond the manger
To the cross of Calvary,
We will know the reason Christmas
Brings such joy to you and me. --- D. De Haan
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS GIVING SHOULD BE SEEN IN ALL OUR LIVING.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thankful For Seasons
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. --- Ecclesiastes 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 37-39
2 Peter 2
I grew up on the West Coast of the US. The possibility of snow for Christmas was so remote that my mom would point to fog in the early morning as evidence that the holidays were just around the corner.
My wife and I now live in the Midwest. There's a lot of snow when the yuletide season comes around. And I couldn't be happier with four distinct seasons. But I don't find that same response from many who have grown up in the Midwest. I find it amusing that they don't share my appreciation for the wonderful cycles of change God has built into nature for our good.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon acknowledged the cycles of life. He observed a time to sow and to reap, to weep and to laugh, to mourn and to dance, to gain and to lose, to keep silent and to speak, to love and to hate.
Just as God determines the weather, He also controls the cycles in our lives: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" [Eccl. 3:1]. Do we resist those seasons and complain about the "snowy" conditions on the horizon? Or do we trust God and thank Him for whatever He has planned for us?
Whatever our situation is today, we can be thankful for God's seasons. --- Dennis Fisher
Just as the winter turns to spring,
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember --- God has plans for you. --- Sper
RATHER THAN PRAYING FOR A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES, PRAY FOR A CHANGE OF HEART.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. --- Ecclesiastes 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 37-39
2 Peter 2
I grew up on the West Coast of the US. The possibility of snow for Christmas was so remote that my mom would point to fog in the early morning as evidence that the holidays were just around the corner.
My wife and I now live in the Midwest. There's a lot of snow when the yuletide season comes around. And I couldn't be happier with four distinct seasons. But I don't find that same response from many who have grown up in the Midwest. I find it amusing that they don't share my appreciation for the wonderful cycles of change God has built into nature for our good.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon acknowledged the cycles of life. He observed a time to sow and to reap, to weep and to laugh, to mourn and to dance, to gain and to lose, to keep silent and to speak, to love and to hate.
Just as God determines the weather, He also controls the cycles in our lives: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" [Eccl. 3:1]. Do we resist those seasons and complain about the "snowy" conditions on the horizon? Or do we trust God and thank Him for whatever He has planned for us?
Whatever our situation is today, we can be thankful for God's seasons. --- Dennis Fisher
Just as the winter turns to spring,
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember --- God has plans for you. --- Sper
RATHER THAN PRAYING FOR A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES, PRAY FOR A CHANGE OF HEART.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Always Winter
Read: Psalm 30:4-12
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. --- Psalm 30:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 35-36
2 Peter 1
Unlike some of my family --- who can't wait to go downhill skiing --- I don't look forward to winter. When the first snowflake falls, I immediately start calculating how many months of Michigan winter left.
Imagine C.S. Lewis' fictional world of Narnia, where for a hundred years it was always winter. Cold, wet snow --- with no hope for springtime ever arriving to wipe away the memories of icy temperatures and piles of white stuff. But worst of all, in Narnia, Christmas never came. Always winter and never Christmas! To me, the best part of winter is the anticipation, excitement, and wonder of Christmas. Life is bleak when you have nothing to look forward to.
There are some whose souls are locked in winter. The hardness of life has frozen their hearts. Disappointed with life, they find that each day is filled with despair. "Weeping may endure for a night," the psalmist tells us, "but joy comes in the morning" [Ps. 30:5]. In the darkest times of our lives, God longs to turn our "mourning into dancing" [v.11].
David wrote, "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul" [Ps. 94:19]. If you cry out to God in the midst of your "winter," you can experience the joy of the Christ of Christmas today. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee. --- McGranaham
JESUS CAN TURN YOUR SORROW INTO DANCING.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. --- Psalm 30:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 35-36
2 Peter 1
Unlike some of my family --- who can't wait to go downhill skiing --- I don't look forward to winter. When the first snowflake falls, I immediately start calculating how many months of Michigan winter left.
Imagine C.S. Lewis' fictional world of Narnia, where for a hundred years it was always winter. Cold, wet snow --- with no hope for springtime ever arriving to wipe away the memories of icy temperatures and piles of white stuff. But worst of all, in Narnia, Christmas never came. Always winter and never Christmas! To me, the best part of winter is the anticipation, excitement, and wonder of Christmas. Life is bleak when you have nothing to look forward to.
There are some whose souls are locked in winter. The hardness of life has frozen their hearts. Disappointed with life, they find that each day is filled with despair. "Weeping may endure for a night," the psalmist tells us, "but joy comes in the morning" [Ps. 30:5]. In the darkest times of our lives, God longs to turn our "mourning into dancing" [v.11].
David wrote, "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul" [Ps. 94:19]. If you cry out to God in the midst of your "winter," you can experience the joy of the Christ of Christmas today. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee. --- McGranaham
JESUS CAN TURN YOUR SORROW INTO DANCING.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Angry Floods
Read: Psalm 93
The floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. --- Psalm 93:3
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 33-34
1 Peter 5
Trouble comes our way, according to Psalm 93, in relentless waves that surge and pound against our souls and break upon them with furious force. "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice," and they are deafening [v.3].
Yet above the tempest we hear the psalmist's refrain: "The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea" [v.4].
Indeed, "the LORD reigns"! He is clothed with majesty and strength. He sits as King, exalted higher than the waves that rise above us, deeper than their immeasurable depths, greater than their strongest surge. The storm is in His all-powerful hands: "The world is established, so that it cannot be moved," for His rule over it was established long ago [v.1]. He rules the raging of the sea; the "wind and the sea obey Him" [Mark 4:37-41]. He speaks and they are still.
The storm will not last forever. Yet, while it rages, you can cling to the Lord's promises of love and faithfulness, for His "testimonies are very sure" [Ps. 93:5]. Waves of trouble and grief may sweep over you, but you will not be swept away. He "is able to keep you from stumbling" [Jude 24]. Our Father in heaven is holding your hand. --- David Roper
When overwhelmed with problems,
When weak or tired or ill,
When storms are fierce and raging
Just hear His "Peace, be still." --- Jarvis
WHEN ADVERSITY IS READY TO STRIKE US, THEN GOD IS MOST READY TO STRENGTHEN US.
The floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. --- Psalm 93:3
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 33-34
1 Peter 5
Trouble comes our way, according to Psalm 93, in relentless waves that surge and pound against our souls and break upon them with furious force. "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice," and they are deafening [v.3].
Yet above the tempest we hear the psalmist's refrain: "The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea" [v.4].
Indeed, "the LORD reigns"! He is clothed with majesty and strength. He sits as King, exalted higher than the waves that rise above us, deeper than their immeasurable depths, greater than their strongest surge. The storm is in His all-powerful hands: "The world is established, so that it cannot be moved," for His rule over it was established long ago [v.1]. He rules the raging of the sea; the "wind and the sea obey Him" [Mark 4:37-41]. He speaks and they are still.
The storm will not last forever. Yet, while it rages, you can cling to the Lord's promises of love and faithfulness, for His "testimonies are very sure" [Ps. 93:5]. Waves of trouble and grief may sweep over you, but you will not be swept away. He "is able to keep you from stumbling" [Jude 24]. Our Father in heaven is holding your hand. --- David Roper
When overwhelmed with problems,
When weak or tired or ill,
When storms are fierce and raging
Just hear His "Peace, be still." --- Jarvis
WHEN ADVERSITY IS READY TO STRIKE US, THEN GOD IS MOST READY TO STRENGTHEN US.
Come Quickly!
Read: Revelation 22:6-17
Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me. --- Revelation 22:12
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 30-32
1 Peter 4
As the year 2004 ended and 2005 began, the world suffered a series of catastrophes. Were they signs of Christ's second coming? Were they evidence of God's wrath, His judgment on mankind's sin? Or were they simply the upheaval of natural forces?
Whatever our way of explaining terrible events, we need to see them from the long-range viewpoint. Through the centuries such things have happened again and again. Not only that, but humans themselves have inflicted barbaric suffering and destruction on others.
Consider just one episode in the sweep of history, the fall of Rome in AD 455, as described by a church leader: "Our citizens have given up believing in the future, especially those living in the poorest parts of the city. They have no work, little food, and no opportunity to better their lives. In some quarters of the city, riots have broken out, but for the most part there is too much despair to riot. Surely Christ will hear our cries and come soon."
Natural disasters and man's inhumanity to man will continue unpredictably until Jesus returns. We long for that time when He comes again because He will make all things right. --- Vernon Grounds
Jesus, we have much that we are thankful for.
Yet we do long for the day when You will return to bring
wickedness and disaster to an end, and to usher in
Your reign of peace. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen.
AS THE WORLD GROWS DARKER, THE PROMISED RETURN OF THE SON GROWS BRIGHTER.
Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me. --- Revelation 22:12
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 30-32
1 Peter 4
As the year 2004 ended and 2005 began, the world suffered a series of catastrophes. Were they signs of Christ's second coming? Were they evidence of God's wrath, His judgment on mankind's sin? Or were they simply the upheaval of natural forces?
Whatever our way of explaining terrible events, we need to see them from the long-range viewpoint. Through the centuries such things have happened again and again. Not only that, but humans themselves have inflicted barbaric suffering and destruction on others.
Consider just one episode in the sweep of history, the fall of Rome in AD 455, as described by a church leader: "Our citizens have given up believing in the future, especially those living in the poorest parts of the city. They have no work, little food, and no opportunity to better their lives. In some quarters of the city, riots have broken out, but for the most part there is too much despair to riot. Surely Christ will hear our cries and come soon."
Natural disasters and man's inhumanity to man will continue unpredictably until Jesus returns. We long for that time when He comes again because He will make all things right. --- Vernon Grounds
Jesus, we have much that we are thankful for.
Yet we do long for the day when You will return to bring
wickedness and disaster to an end, and to usher in
Your reign of peace. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen.
AS THE WORLD GROWS DARKER, THE PROMISED RETURN OF THE SON GROWS BRIGHTER.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Finish Line
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it. --- Colossians 4:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 27-29
1 Peter 3
When I was in college, I ran on the cross-country team. In the final event of the season, the state's small colleges competed against each other, with about 75 runners in the event. We ran the 5-kilometer course in the rain and mud on a cold November day.
As I neared the finish line, I spied a runner from one of the other schools just a short distance ahead of me. He became my goal. I ran as hard as I could and passed him just as I crossed the finish line. That last dash meant I finished 42nd, which seemed a lot better than 43rd! It meant our team finished one position higher in the final standings than the team represented by the runner I beat. The point? I didn't give up --- I ran all the way through the finish line.
This is probably what Paul had in mind as he wrote a Archippus, one of his young ministry proteges: "Take heed tot he ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it" [Col. 4:17]. When we feel discouraged and want to quit, it's good to remember that the Lord who entrusted us with the privilege of spiritual service will give us the grace and strength to carry out that service. Let us "run with endurance" [Heb. 12:1] so that we will receive the "imperishable crown" [1 Cor. 9:25]. --- Bill Crowder
Run the straight race through God's good grace,
Lift up thine eyes and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path and Christ the prize. --- Monsell
RUNNING WITH PATIENCE IS PERSEVERANCE IN THE "LONG RUN."
Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it. --- Colossians 4:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 27-29
1 Peter 3
When I was in college, I ran on the cross-country team. In the final event of the season, the state's small colleges competed against each other, with about 75 runners in the event. We ran the 5-kilometer course in the rain and mud on a cold November day.
As I neared the finish line, I spied a runner from one of the other schools just a short distance ahead of me. He became my goal. I ran as hard as I could and passed him just as I crossed the finish line. That last dash meant I finished 42nd, which seemed a lot better than 43rd! It meant our team finished one position higher in the final standings than the team represented by the runner I beat. The point? I didn't give up --- I ran all the way through the finish line.
This is probably what Paul had in mind as he wrote a Archippus, one of his young ministry proteges: "Take heed tot he ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it" [Col. 4:17]. When we feel discouraged and want to quit, it's good to remember that the Lord who entrusted us with the privilege of spiritual service will give us the grace and strength to carry out that service. Let us "run with endurance" [Heb. 12:1] so that we will receive the "imperishable crown" [1 Cor. 9:25]. --- Bill Crowder
Run the straight race through God's good grace,
Lift up thine eyes and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path and Christ the prize. --- Monsell
RUNNING WITH PATIENCE IS PERSEVERANCE IN THE "LONG RUN."
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Emptiness Without God
Read: Haggai 1:1-11
You eat, but do not have enough; ... you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes. --- Hag. 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 24-26
1 Peter 2
A little bit of doggerel goes as follows: "A cheerful old bear at the zoo could always find something to do. When it bored him, you know, to walk to and fro, he reversed it and walked fro and to!" The writer apparently thought people could learn a lesson from the bear, for these creatures seem to be quite happy as long as they have enough food to eat and a few of their own kind around them.
This is not true of humans, however. The Israelites who had returned from Babylon discovered that man cannot find happiness when he lives only for himself. They ignored the fact that God's temple had not been rebuilt, but gave themselves to the construction of fine houses and completely occupied themselves with materialistic things. Yet their harvests were poor, their clothing inadequate, and their wages did not keep pace with rising costs [Hag. 1:6]. The prophet told them they were reaping a harvest of unhappiness because they were putting selfish pleasure first.
God has made us in His own image and for His glory. We can never find true joy until we obey Christ's admonition to seek "first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness" [Matt. 6:33]. Only then will we sow and reap abundantly, and eat and truly be filled. --- Herb Vander Lugt
O the emptiness of life without the Savior!
Nothing worldly here can truly satisfy;
We can only reap a harvest that's abundant,
Serving Jesus as to self we daily die. --- Bosch
SELFISH GRATIFICATION WILL LEAD TO SPIRITUAL STAGNATION.
You eat, but do not have enough; ... you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes. --- Hag. 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 24-26
1 Peter 2
A little bit of doggerel goes as follows: "A cheerful old bear at the zoo could always find something to do. When it bored him, you know, to walk to and fro, he reversed it and walked fro and to!" The writer apparently thought people could learn a lesson from the bear, for these creatures seem to be quite happy as long as they have enough food to eat and a few of their own kind around them.
This is not true of humans, however. The Israelites who had returned from Babylon discovered that man cannot find happiness when he lives only for himself. They ignored the fact that God's temple had not been rebuilt, but gave themselves to the construction of fine houses and completely occupied themselves with materialistic things. Yet their harvests were poor, their clothing inadequate, and their wages did not keep pace with rising costs [Hag. 1:6]. The prophet told them they were reaping a harvest of unhappiness because they were putting selfish pleasure first.
God has made us in His own image and for His glory. We can never find true joy until we obey Christ's admonition to seek "first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness" [Matt. 6:33]. Only then will we sow and reap abundantly, and eat and truly be filled. --- Herb Vander Lugt
O the emptiness of life without the Savior!
Nothing worldly here can truly satisfy;
We can only reap a harvest that's abundant,
Serving Jesus as to self we daily die. --- Bosch
SELFISH GRATIFICATION WILL LEAD TO SPIRITUAL STAGNATION.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Not "Why?" But "Who?"
Read: Psalm 42
Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. --- Psalm 38:9
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 22-23
1 Peter 1
While appearing on a panel with other bereaved parents, I was surprised at how much I learned by listening. We were there to help a group of chaplains minister to the grieving, but we ended up learning from one another.
One mom, who had lost her infant daughter to meningitis, shared a simple truth that touched me. She related that as she tried to work through the huge question of "Why?" she spoke to her dad about it. He told her that a better question to ask is "Who?" He explained that she may never that she may never know why her daughter was taken so early, but the help she needed most would come from pursuing who God is in this tragic situation.
Think of what this means to us in our difficulties. When we face unexpected grief and ask "Who?" we get this answer: "The Father of mercies and God of all comfort" [2 Cor. 1:3]. When we face a period of weakness, we discover that "the LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer" [Ps. 18:2]. When the ungodliness of this world seems overwhelming, we can know that the "God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly" [Rom. 16:20].
When "Why, God?" is on your heart, ask instead, "Who are You, God?" Then seen Him in His Word. --- Dave Branon
Each anxious, puzzled "why?"
From doubt or dread that grows
Finds answer in this thought;
I know not, but He knows. --- Flint
IN THE DESERT OF GRIEF GOD PROVIDES AN OASIS OF GRACE.
Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. --- Psalm 38:9
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 22-23
1 Peter 1
While appearing on a panel with other bereaved parents, I was surprised at how much I learned by listening. We were there to help a group of chaplains minister to the grieving, but we ended up learning from one another.
One mom, who had lost her infant daughter to meningitis, shared a simple truth that touched me. She related that as she tried to work through the huge question of "Why?" she spoke to her dad about it. He told her that a better question to ask is "Who?" He explained that she may never that she may never know why her daughter was taken so early, but the help she needed most would come from pursuing who God is in this tragic situation.
Think of what this means to us in our difficulties. When we face unexpected grief and ask "Who?" we get this answer: "The Father of mercies and God of all comfort" [2 Cor. 1:3]. When we face a period of weakness, we discover that "the LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer" [Ps. 18:2]. When the ungodliness of this world seems overwhelming, we can know that the "God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly" [Rom. 16:20].
When "Why, God?" is on your heart, ask instead, "Who are You, God?" Then seen Him in His Word. --- Dave Branon
Each anxious, puzzled "why?"
From doubt or dread that grows
Finds answer in this thought;
I know not, but He knows. --- Flint
IN THE DESERT OF GRIEF GOD PROVIDES AN OASIS OF GRACE.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Heartprints
Read: Acts 9:36-43
Dorcas ... was full of good works and charitable deeds. --- Acts 9:36
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 20-21
James 5
We leave fingerprints on doorknobs, on books, on walls, on keyboards. Since each person's fingerprints are unique, we leave our identity on everything we touch. Some supermarkets are even testing a technology that allows customers to pay by fingerprint. Each customer's unique print and bank account number are kept on file so that the only thing needed to pay a bill is a scan of their finger.
A woman in the early church left another kind of print --- a "heartprint." Dorcas touched many people's lives through her unique gift of sewing and giving away garments. She's described as "full of good works and charitable deeds" [Acts 9:36]. We too are to be "zealous for good works" [Titus 2:14]. We each have a unique heartprint that can touch another.
An unknown author wrote this prayer about encouraging others: "O God, wherever I go today, help me leave heartprints! Heartprints of compassion, understanding, and love. Heartprints of kindness and genuine concern. May my heart touch a lonely neighbor or runaway daughter or anxious mother or even an aged grandfather. Send me out today to leave heartprints. And if someone should say, 'I felt you touch,' may that one sense Your love touching through me."
Will you make this your prayer today? --- Anne Cetas
Just what do Christians look like?
What sets their lives apart?
They're ordinary people
Who love God from the heart. --- D. De Haan
PEOPLE WITH A HEART FOR GOD HAVE A HEART FOR PEOPLE.
Dorcas ... was full of good works and charitable deeds. --- Acts 9:36
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 20-21
James 5
We leave fingerprints on doorknobs, on books, on walls, on keyboards. Since each person's fingerprints are unique, we leave our identity on everything we touch. Some supermarkets are even testing a technology that allows customers to pay by fingerprint. Each customer's unique print and bank account number are kept on file so that the only thing needed to pay a bill is a scan of their finger.
A woman in the early church left another kind of print --- a "heartprint." Dorcas touched many people's lives through her unique gift of sewing and giving away garments. She's described as "full of good works and charitable deeds" [Acts 9:36]. We too are to be "zealous for good works" [Titus 2:14]. We each have a unique heartprint that can touch another.
An unknown author wrote this prayer about encouraging others: "O God, wherever I go today, help me leave heartprints! Heartprints of compassion, understanding, and love. Heartprints of kindness and genuine concern. May my heart touch a lonely neighbor or runaway daughter or anxious mother or even an aged grandfather. Send me out today to leave heartprints. And if someone should say, 'I felt you touch,' may that one sense Your love touching through me."
Will you make this your prayer today? --- Anne Cetas
Just what do Christians look like?
What sets their lives apart?
They're ordinary people
Who love God from the heart. --- D. De Haan
PEOPLE WITH A HEART FOR GOD HAVE A HEART FOR PEOPLE.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
All About Gratitude
Read: Col. 2:6-7; 3:12-17
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. --- Colossians 3:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 18-19
James 4
For centuries, people in many countries have held harvest festivals to celebrate the bounty of the land and the blessings of life. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln established a national holiday in the United States as "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father."
Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen thinks that most holidays have been corrupted by commercialism, while Thanksgiving Day has retained its intended purpose. He said, "This is a very rare day. It is wholly and entirely about gratitude."
No matter what others do, we as followers of Christ have the privilege and responsibility to extend the spirit of thankfulness to every day of the year. Paul urged the Colossians to keep growing in Christ while overflowing with thankfulness [Col. 2:6-7]. We are to do everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" [3:17].
Abraham Lincoln's proclamation also declared that all our blessings "are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy."
This is fitting day to express gratitude to God. And so is tomorrow, and every day that follows. --- David McCasland
Worthy is God of our worship,
Worthy is He of our praise,
Magnify Him with thanksgiving,
Gladly our voices we raise. --- Anon.
THE JOY OF LIVING COMES FROM A HEART OF THANKSGIVING.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. --- Colossians 3:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 18-19
James 4
For centuries, people in many countries have held harvest festivals to celebrate the bounty of the land and the blessings of life. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln established a national holiday in the United States as "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father."
Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen thinks that most holidays have been corrupted by commercialism, while Thanksgiving Day has retained its intended purpose. He said, "This is a very rare day. It is wholly and entirely about gratitude."
No matter what others do, we as followers of Christ have the privilege and responsibility to extend the spirit of thankfulness to every day of the year. Paul urged the Colossians to keep growing in Christ while overflowing with thankfulness [Col. 2:6-7]. We are to do everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" [3:17].
Abraham Lincoln's proclamation also declared that all our blessings "are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy."
This is fitting day to express gratitude to God. And so is tomorrow, and every day that follows. --- David McCasland
Worthy is God of our worship,
Worthy is He of our praise,
Magnify Him with thanksgiving,
Gladly our voices we raise. --- Anon.
THE JOY OF LIVING COMES FROM A HEART OF THANKSGIVING.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Hearing Aid
Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-14
It shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears." --- 1 Samuel 3:9
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 16-17
James 3
Joshua, a precocious 2-year-old, watched his mother baking cookies. "Please, may I have one?" he asked hopefully. "Not before supper," his mother replied. Joshua ran tearfully to his room, then reappeared with this message: "Jesus just told me it's okay to have a cookie now." "Jesus didn't tell me," his mother retorted, to which Joshua replied, "You must not have been listening!"
Joshua's motivation was wrong, but he was absolutely right about two things: God longs to speak to us, and we need to listen.
In 1 Samuel 3, another young boy learned those same ageless principles. When Samuel followed Eli's counsel and prayed, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears," he was open to receiving God's powerful message [v.9]. Like Samuel, we long to hear God speaking to us but often fail to discern His voice.
God spoke audibly to Samuel. Today He speaks to us by His Spirit through the Scriptures, other people, and our circumstances. But as a result of neglect and nonstop activity, some of us have become "hard of hearing." We need a "spiritual hearing aid" like the one in Samuel's prayer: "Speak, for Your servant hears" [v.10]. This humble attitude is a real help for the spiritually hard of hearing. --- Joanie Yoder
ADJUSTING YOUR HEARING AID
Set a specific time to read God's Word each day.
Meditate on what you have read.
Make prayer a priority throughout the day.
GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD --- TAKE TIME TO LISTEN.
It shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears." --- 1 Samuel 3:9
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 16-17
James 3
Joshua, a precocious 2-year-old, watched his mother baking cookies. "Please, may I have one?" he asked hopefully. "Not before supper," his mother replied. Joshua ran tearfully to his room, then reappeared with this message: "Jesus just told me it's okay to have a cookie now." "Jesus didn't tell me," his mother retorted, to which Joshua replied, "You must not have been listening!"
Joshua's motivation was wrong, but he was absolutely right about two things: God longs to speak to us, and we need to listen.
In 1 Samuel 3, another young boy learned those same ageless principles. When Samuel followed Eli's counsel and prayed, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears," he was open to receiving God's powerful message [v.9]. Like Samuel, we long to hear God speaking to us but often fail to discern His voice.
God spoke audibly to Samuel. Today He speaks to us by His Spirit through the Scriptures, other people, and our circumstances. But as a result of neglect and nonstop activity, some of us have become "hard of hearing." We need a "spiritual hearing aid" like the one in Samuel's prayer: "Speak, for Your servant hears" [v.10]. This humble attitude is a real help for the spiritually hard of hearing. --- Joanie Yoder
ADJUSTING YOUR HEARING AID
Set a specific time to read God's Word each day.
Meditate on what you have read.
Make prayer a priority throughout the day.
GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD --- TAKE TIME TO LISTEN.
Monday, November 19, 2007
God's Little Blessings
Read: Psalm 36:5-10
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! --- Psalm 36:7
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 14-15
James 2
Our family was at Disney World a few years ago when God handed us one of His little blessings. Disney World is a huge place --- 107 acres huge, to be exact. You could walk around for days without seeing someone you know. My wife and I decided to do our own thing while our children sought out the really cool stuff. We parted at 9 a.m. and were planning a rendezvous around 6 p.m.
At about 2 p.m., my wife and I got a craving for tacos. We looked at our map and made our way to a Spanish-sounding place for Mexican food. We had just sat down with our food when we heard, "Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad." Our three amigos had, at the same time, a hankering for a hot burrito.
Ten minutes after they joined us, a violent summer storm ripped through the park with whipping winds, heavy rain, and loud thunder. My wife commented, "I'd be a wreck if the kids weren't with us during this!" It seemed that God had orchestrated our meeting.
Ever notice those blessings from Him? Ever spend time thanking Him for His concern and care? Consider how remarkable it is that the One who created the universe cares enough to intervene in your life. "How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!" --- Dave Branon
Thank You, God, that You're our Father,
Shepherd, Guardian, Guide, and Stay;
How we praise You for the blessings
You bestow on us each day! --- Sper
BELONGING TO GOD BRINGS BOUNDLESS BLESSINGS.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! --- Psalm 36:7
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 14-15
James 2
Our family was at Disney World a few years ago when God handed us one of His little blessings. Disney World is a huge place --- 107 acres huge, to be exact. You could walk around for days without seeing someone you know. My wife and I decided to do our own thing while our children sought out the really cool stuff. We parted at 9 a.m. and were planning a rendezvous around 6 p.m.
At about 2 p.m., my wife and I got a craving for tacos. We looked at our map and made our way to a Spanish-sounding place for Mexican food. We had just sat down with our food when we heard, "Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad." Our three amigos had, at the same time, a hankering for a hot burrito.
Ten minutes after they joined us, a violent summer storm ripped through the park with whipping winds, heavy rain, and loud thunder. My wife commented, "I'd be a wreck if the kids weren't with us during this!" It seemed that God had orchestrated our meeting.
Ever notice those blessings from Him? Ever spend time thanking Him for His concern and care? Consider how remarkable it is that the One who created the universe cares enough to intervene in your life. "How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!" --- Dave Branon
Thank You, God, that You're our Father,
Shepherd, Guardian, Guide, and Stay;
How we praise You for the blessings
You bestow on us each day! --- Sper
BELONGING TO GOD BRINGS BOUNDLESS BLESSINGS.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Gifts Without Guilt
Read: James 1:13-21
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. --- James 1:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 11-13
James 1
Kara and April left central Russia and traveled across six time zones to attend a retreat in Tallinn, Estonia, for women serving the Lord in Eastern Europe. Because of fogged-in airports and diverted flights, they had to spend an extra $600 on air expenses. Kara felt guilty about leaving her husband to care for their two young children and to run their ministry. The unplanned financial burden added to her guilt, and she e-mailed her husband that she was having difficulty enjoying her retreat.
He told her not to worry about the extravagance and said, "God is, after all, the God who made us heirs with Him and co-heirs with Christ. The God who gave Eve to Adam. The Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. Heaven is the ultimate of this ... but I also think that He has given us gifts to be enjoyed --- and a time to enjoy them. And this time, for you, is now. Don't worry --- sacrifice is waiting for you aplenty when you get home." We can benefit from his response.
As Kara was able then to enjoy the retreat, we too, as God's children, can let ourselves enjoy without guilt the good things He sends our way [1 Tim. 6:17]. We, in turn, can use those good gifts to bless others. --- Dave Egner
Although sometimes we may receive from others
Gifts that have a hidden guilt attached,
The blessings we receive from God our Father
Come to us by grace --- and they're unmatched! --- Hess
EVERY GOOD GIFT COMES FROM THE FATHER.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. --- James 1:17
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 11-13
James 1
Kara and April left central Russia and traveled across six time zones to attend a retreat in Tallinn, Estonia, for women serving the Lord in Eastern Europe. Because of fogged-in airports and diverted flights, they had to spend an extra $600 on air expenses. Kara felt guilty about leaving her husband to care for their two young children and to run their ministry. The unplanned financial burden added to her guilt, and she e-mailed her husband that she was having difficulty enjoying her retreat.
He told her not to worry about the extravagance and said, "God is, after all, the God who made us heirs with Him and co-heirs with Christ. The God who gave Eve to Adam. The Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. Heaven is the ultimate of this ... but I also think that He has given us gifts to be enjoyed --- and a time to enjoy them. And this time, for you, is now. Don't worry --- sacrifice is waiting for you aplenty when you get home." We can benefit from his response.
As Kara was able then to enjoy the retreat, we too, as God's children, can let ourselves enjoy without guilt the good things He sends our way [1 Tim. 6:17]. We, in turn, can use those good gifts to bless others. --- Dave Egner
Although sometimes we may receive from others
Gifts that have a hidden guilt attached,
The blessings we receive from God our Father
Come to us by grace --- and they're unmatched! --- Hess
EVERY GOOD GIFT COMES FROM THE FATHER.
Cleaning Out The Files
Read: Philippians 3:13-21
Forgetting those things which are behind ... I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. --- Philippians 3:13-14
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 8-10
Hebrews 13
A certain businessman was notorious for saving almost everything that came across his desk --- especially correspondence. Consequently, the files in his office were bulging. One day his secretary asked if she might dispose of all the old, useless material. The man was reluctant, but finally said, "Well, all right, but be sure you make a copy of everything before you throw it away."
That's the way some Christians handle their sins. They know that Jesus paid the penalty, but somehow they can't let go of the guilt. It's as if Christ's suffering were not enough, and they must contribute some of their own anguish by continually lamenting their failures. They want to keep copies of everything they've done. How foolish!
The apostle Paul wanted nothing of this. He accepted as an accomplished fact the removal of all his guilt before God because Christ's death had marked PAID IN FULL over his account. The memory of earlier days remained vivid, but if didn't weigh him down.
Everything that happens to us is retained in that remarkable filing system called "memory." A wise forgetfulness based on Christ's atoning sacrifice can keep all guilt feelings from cluttering up our life. --- Dennis De Haan
The Lord forgives our sins because of Calvary,
And He Himself remembers them no more;
So let us not be burdened with their memory,
But look ahead to all He has in store. --- Hess
GUILT IS A BURDEN GOD NEVER INTENDED HIS CHILDREN TO BEAR.
Forgetting those things which are behind ... I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. --- Philippians 3:13-14
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 8-10
Hebrews 13
A certain businessman was notorious for saving almost everything that came across his desk --- especially correspondence. Consequently, the files in his office were bulging. One day his secretary asked if she might dispose of all the old, useless material. The man was reluctant, but finally said, "Well, all right, but be sure you make a copy of everything before you throw it away."
That's the way some Christians handle their sins. They know that Jesus paid the penalty, but somehow they can't let go of the guilt. It's as if Christ's suffering were not enough, and they must contribute some of their own anguish by continually lamenting their failures. They want to keep copies of everything they've done. How foolish!
The apostle Paul wanted nothing of this. He accepted as an accomplished fact the removal of all his guilt before God because Christ's death had marked PAID IN FULL over his account. The memory of earlier days remained vivid, but if didn't weigh him down.
Everything that happens to us is retained in that remarkable filing system called "memory." A wise forgetfulness based on Christ's atoning sacrifice can keep all guilt feelings from cluttering up our life. --- Dennis De Haan
The Lord forgives our sins because of Calvary,
And He Himself remembers them no more;
So let us not be burdened with their memory,
But look ahead to all He has in store. --- Hess
GUILT IS A BURDEN GOD NEVER INTENDED HIS CHILDREN TO BEAR.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Word Hunger
Read: Psalm 119:97-104
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby. --- 1 Peter 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 5-7
Hebrews 12
I had just completed a night of Bible conference ministry in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was chatting with some of the people who had attended. At the end of the line was a young man in his twenties. He shared with me that he had been a Christ-follower for only about 4 months, and he was eager to learn more of the teachings of the Bible. I referred him to the RBC Web site with the Discovery Series topics as one possible resource for his personal study.
The next night the young man returned to the conference and shared that he had stayed up until 3:30 reading and processing the biblical truths he discovered in that online resource. With a big smile on his face, he declared that he just couldn't get enough of God's Word [1 Peter 2:2].
What spiritual hunger! That excited young man is a reminder to us of the wonder of the Bible and its heart-enriching truths. It's all too easy for us to ignore God's Book in a world filled with voices screaming for our attention. But only in the Bible can we find God's wisdom for our struggles, God's answers for our questions, and God's truths for our understanding. These truths are worth hungering for. --- Bill Crowder
My hunger for the truth He satisfies;
Upon the Word, the Living Bread, I feed.
No parching thirst I know, because His grace,
A pool of endless depth, supplies my need. --- Sanders
STUDY THE BIBLE TO BE WISE; BELIEVE IT TO BE SAFE; PRACTICE IT TO BE HOLY.
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby. --- 1 Peter 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 5-7
Hebrews 12
I had just completed a night of Bible conference ministry in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was chatting with some of the people who had attended. At the end of the line was a young man in his twenties. He shared with me that he had been a Christ-follower for only about 4 months, and he was eager to learn more of the teachings of the Bible. I referred him to the RBC Web site with the Discovery Series topics as one possible resource for his personal study.
The next night the young man returned to the conference and shared that he had stayed up until 3:30 reading and processing the biblical truths he discovered in that online resource. With a big smile on his face, he declared that he just couldn't get enough of God's Word [1 Peter 2:2].
What spiritual hunger! That excited young man is a reminder to us of the wonder of the Bible and its heart-enriching truths. It's all too easy for us to ignore God's Book in a world filled with voices screaming for our attention. But only in the Bible can we find God's wisdom for our struggles, God's answers for our questions, and God's truths for our understanding. These truths are worth hungering for. --- Bill Crowder
My hunger for the truth He satisfies;
Upon the Word, the Living Bread, I feed.
No parching thirst I know, because His grace,
A pool of endless depth, supplies my need. --- Sanders
STUDY THE BIBLE TO BE WISE; BELIEVE IT TO BE SAFE; PRACTICE IT TO BE HOLY.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Dead Sea Squirrels
Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
You shall teach them diligently to your children. --- Deuteronomy 6:7
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 3-4
Hebrews 11:20-40
Our family was excited to visit the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit that was coming to town all the way from Israel. These ancient copies of the Old Testament provide evidence that our Bible has remained accurate over the centuries. Our nephew Daniel was so elated about this outing that he told his schoolmates, "Our family is going to see 'the dead sea squirrels!'" We all laughed when we heard his misquote. His little ears had turned a word he had never heard [scrolls] into a word he did know [squirrels]. And in his childlike enthusiasm, he also knew that the family was going to see something wonderful!
Daniel's excitement underscores an important spiritual aspect of parenting. Values are transmitted to our children not only by what we say but by they emotions we convey. Both content and heartfelt appreciation for God's Word can be communicated to children in a variety of ways [Deut. 6:4-9], including what they overhear in our conversation with others.
Young children may not initially understand each spiritual idea we discuss, but they can catch the importance we place on it. Children pick up on spiritual values and grow in understanding as we express reverence and excitement about the Word of God. --- Dennis Fisher
Lord, give us wisdom to provide
The proper atmosphere
To lead our children in Your ways
By what they see and hear. --- Sper
TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO --- BUT BE SURE YOU GO THAT WAY YOURSELF.
You shall teach them diligently to your children. --- Deuteronomy 6:7
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 3-4
Hebrews 11:20-40
Our family was excited to visit the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit that was coming to town all the way from Israel. These ancient copies of the Old Testament provide evidence that our Bible has remained accurate over the centuries. Our nephew Daniel was so elated about this outing that he told his schoolmates, "Our family is going to see 'the dead sea squirrels!'" We all laughed when we heard his misquote. His little ears had turned a word he had never heard [scrolls] into a word he did know [squirrels]. And in his childlike enthusiasm, he also knew that the family was going to see something wonderful!
Daniel's excitement underscores an important spiritual aspect of parenting. Values are transmitted to our children not only by what we say but by they emotions we convey. Both content and heartfelt appreciation for God's Word can be communicated to children in a variety of ways [Deut. 6:4-9], including what they overhear in our conversation with others.
Young children may not initially understand each spiritual idea we discuss, but they can catch the importance we place on it. Children pick up on spiritual values and grow in understanding as we express reverence and excitement about the Word of God. --- Dennis Fisher
Lord, give us wisdom to provide
The proper atmosphere
To lead our children in Your ways
By what they see and hear. --- Sper
TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO --- BUT BE SURE YOU GO THAT WAY YOURSELF.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Truth That Transforms
Read: John 21:14-17
Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. --- John 21:14
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-2
Hebrews 11:1-19
Truth is truth even if it doesn't seem to affect our lives directly. But the truth that God gives us in the Bible not only opens heaven's door for us, it also changes our lives.
Ron Snider, a leading evangelical advocate for the poor, tells about a conversation he had with German theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg. As they were discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the theologian emphatically declared, "The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: It is a very unusual event, and second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live."
That's a challenging statement. If we really believe Jesus rose again, that belief mandates a change of life. Peter's life was turned upside-down after he saw the resurrected Christ. Once an impetuous fisherman-disciple who denied even knowing Christ after His arrest, he became a bold witness for Him [John 18:17,25,27; Acts 2:14-36].
Has belief in Jesus' resurrection changed your life? Are your goals and priorities different than they are? Are you kinder, more patient, more forgiving? Ask God what He wants to do in you, and then cooperate with Him in that change. --- Vernon C. Grounds
We want to do great things, O Lord,
To glorify Your name;
When You transform us by Your power,
We'll never be the same. --- Sper
THE POWER THAT GOD USED TO RAISE JESUS FROM THE DEAD IS THE SAME POWER AT WORK IN YOU.
Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. --- John 21:14
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-2
Hebrews 11:1-19
Truth is truth even if it doesn't seem to affect our lives directly. But the truth that God gives us in the Bible not only opens heaven's door for us, it also changes our lives.
Ron Snider, a leading evangelical advocate for the poor, tells about a conversation he had with German theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg. As they were discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the theologian emphatically declared, "The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: It is a very unusual event, and second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live."
That's a challenging statement. If we really believe Jesus rose again, that belief mandates a change of life. Peter's life was turned upside-down after he saw the resurrected Christ. Once an impetuous fisherman-disciple who denied even knowing Christ after His arrest, he became a bold witness for Him [John 18:17,25,27; Acts 2:14-36].
Has belief in Jesus' resurrection changed your life? Are your goals and priorities different than they are? Are you kinder, more patient, more forgiving? Ask God what He wants to do in you, and then cooperate with Him in that change. --- Vernon C. Grounds
We want to do great things, O Lord,
To glorify Your name;
When You transform us by Your power,
We'll never be the same. --- Sper
THE POWER THAT GOD USED TO RAISE JESUS FROM THE DEAD IS THE SAME POWER AT WORK IN YOU.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Instant Access
Read: Hebrews 10:19-23
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. --- Hebrews 10:22
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Hebrews 10:19-39
Pastor Rich McCarrell explained to his young son how his secretary screened his phone calls at the church office. He said, "If your mom calls me and I'm busy, the church secretary will tell her what I'm doing, and then Mom will decide if I should be interrupted or if she should leave a message."
Then he said to his son, "If you call me, you'll be put right through. I want you to know that you can call me anytime, because you're my son."
A few days later, the church secretary put a call through to the pastor from his son. He said hello and asked what he could do for his son. He replied, "Nothing, Dad. I just wanted to make sure I could actually get through to you that easily."
We too always have instant access to our Father in heaven. There's no secretary to screen His calls. No need for a decision on whether or not we should bother Him. No need to leave a message so that He can get back to us later. The psalmist reminds us, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" [Ps. 34:15].
Because Jesus has provided the way by His death and resurrection, you can have boldness and confidence as you draw near to your Father [Heb. 4:16]. --- Anne Cetas
Dear Father, thank You that we can talk with YOU
at any time for any reason. We are grateful for that
privilege, which was made possible by Your Son Jesus
through His death and resurrection.
THROUGH PRAYER, WE HAVE INSTANT ACCESS TO OUR FATHER.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. --- Hebrews 10:22
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Hebrews 10:19-39
Pastor Rich McCarrell explained to his young son how his secretary screened his phone calls at the church office. He said, "If your mom calls me and I'm busy, the church secretary will tell her what I'm doing, and then Mom will decide if I should be interrupted or if she should leave a message."
Then he said to his son, "If you call me, you'll be put right through. I want you to know that you can call me anytime, because you're my son."
A few days later, the church secretary put a call through to the pastor from his son. He said hello and asked what he could do for his son. He replied, "Nothing, Dad. I just wanted to make sure I could actually get through to you that easily."
We too always have instant access to our Father in heaven. There's no secretary to screen His calls. No need for a decision on whether or not we should bother Him. No need to leave a message so that He can get back to us later. The psalmist reminds us, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" [Ps. 34:15].
Because Jesus has provided the way by His death and resurrection, you can have boldness and confidence as you draw near to your Father [Heb. 4:16]. --- Anne Cetas
Dear Father, thank You that we can talk with YOU
at any time for any reason. We are grateful for that
privilege, which was made possible by Your Son Jesus
through His death and resurrection.
THROUGH PRAYER, WE HAVE INSTANT ACCESS TO OUR FATHER.
True Victory
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. --- 2 Corinthians 4:17
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-2
Hebrews 10:1-18
In 2005, the surprising Boys Town High School Cowboys carried a perfect record into a Nebraska state semifinal football game. But more important, the players had taken giant strides toward overcoming their family backgrounds of abuse, abandonment, and neglect that had brought them to the safe, caring environment of Boys Town.
Their coach, Kevin Kush, believes that football is a way to build character, and says: "Victories at Boys Town are not won on a present-day athletic field. They are won years from now in cities and towns across this country when our players become productive citizens." His team plays to win while pursuing higher goals of sportsmanship, discipline, and team work.
Paul held a similar long-range view of our experience as followers of Christ. In the midst of personal setbacks, he urged the Corinthians not to lose heart [2 Cor. 4:17]. In spite of loss, we are to pursue the higher goals of God's kingdom now, anticipating our eternal triumph in Christ.
When the Boys Town Cowboys lost their playoff game 10-0, they were disappointed but not devastated. Their coach had taught them to keep going because their true victory in life is still to come. And so is our in Christ. --- David McCasland
Come, Lord, and give me courage,
Thy conquering Spirit give;
Make me an overcomer,
In power within me live. --- Anon.
TRIALS CAN BE GOD'S WAY TO TRIUMPH.
Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. --- 2 Corinthians 4:17
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-2
Hebrews 10:1-18
In 2005, the surprising Boys Town High School Cowboys carried a perfect record into a Nebraska state semifinal football game. But more important, the players had taken giant strides toward overcoming their family backgrounds of abuse, abandonment, and neglect that had brought them to the safe, caring environment of Boys Town.
Their coach, Kevin Kush, believes that football is a way to build character, and says: "Victories at Boys Town are not won on a present-day athletic field. They are won years from now in cities and towns across this country when our players become productive citizens." His team plays to win while pursuing higher goals of sportsmanship, discipline, and team work.
Paul held a similar long-range view of our experience as followers of Christ. In the midst of personal setbacks, he urged the Corinthians not to lose heart [2 Cor. 4:17]. In spite of loss, we are to pursue the higher goals of God's kingdom now, anticipating our eternal triumph in Christ.
When the Boys Town Cowboys lost their playoff game 10-0, they were disappointed but not devastated. Their coach had taught them to keep going because their true victory in life is still to come. And so is our in Christ. --- David McCasland
Come, Lord, and give me courage,
Thy conquering Spirit give;
Make me an overcomer,
In power within me live. --- Anon.
TRIALS CAN BE GOD'S WAY TO TRIUMPH.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
A Fortified House
Read: Matthew 7:15-27
The floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall. --- Matthew 7:25
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 51-52
Hebrews 9
According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, some people in the US are building houses stronger than ever before.
Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes have caused billions of dollars in property damage in states across the nation. So, at the urging of businesses, government, and hard-pressed insurance companies, some builders are constructing fortress-like homes with windows that can withstand 130 mile-per-hour winds, roof nails so strong they can only be cut off, and framing material that can weather the tremendous forces faced by a supersonic jet. In Bolingbrook, Illinois, a community damaged by a tornado in the 1990s, a company is constructing such a "fortified" house in hopes that the idea will catch on.
We who know the Lord Jesus realize that when it comes to building our spiritual foundation, it must be strong and secure. In today's Scripture, Christ made it clear what that foundation must be when He referred to "these sayings of Mine" [Matt. 7:24], which included His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount [Matt. 5-7].
When we receive by faith Christ's words and His work on our behalf, our spiritual lives are "founded on the Rock," Christ Jesus. --- Dave Egner
I do not stand on shifting sand
And fear the storm that rages;
But calm and sure, I stand secure
Upon the Rock of Ages. --- Anon.
TO SURVIVE THE STORMS OF LIFE, BE ANCHORED TO THE ROCK OF AGES.
The floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall. --- Matthew 7:25
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 51-52
Hebrews 9
According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, some people in the US are building houses stronger than ever before.
Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes have caused billions of dollars in property damage in states across the nation. So, at the urging of businesses, government, and hard-pressed insurance companies, some builders are constructing fortress-like homes with windows that can withstand 130 mile-per-hour winds, roof nails so strong they can only be cut off, and framing material that can weather the tremendous forces faced by a supersonic jet. In Bolingbrook, Illinois, a community damaged by a tornado in the 1990s, a company is constructing such a "fortified" house in hopes that the idea will catch on.
We who know the Lord Jesus realize that when it comes to building our spiritual foundation, it must be strong and secure. In today's Scripture, Christ made it clear what that foundation must be when He referred to "these sayings of Mine" [Matt. 7:24], which included His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount [Matt. 5-7].
When we receive by faith Christ's words and His work on our behalf, our spiritual lives are "founded on the Rock," Christ Jesus. --- Dave Egner
I do not stand on shifting sand
And fear the storm that rages;
But calm and sure, I stand secure
Upon the Rock of Ages. --- Anon.
TO SURVIVE THE STORMS OF LIFE, BE ANCHORED TO THE ROCK OF AGES.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Remembrance Day
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." --- Luke 22:19
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 50
Hebrews 8
I was in London's Heathrow Airport waiting for a connecting flight to the US. An announcement came over the public address system stating that it was "Remembrance Day" in the UK, the day on which people honored those who had died for their country in times of war. The announcement further said that at 11:00 a.m. there would be a 2 minutes of silence and that it would be appreciated if everyone kept that in mind. Thousands of people from all over the world stood in silence as a tribute to the fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen of the UK.
The desire to remember those who gave their lives for their country is noble. Yet, as meaningful as that is, it cannot compare to the privilege that belongs to us when we approach the Lord's Table. As we celebrate Communion, we are obeying Christ's command that we remember His death [Luke 22:19] and to do it "till He comes" [1 Cor. 11:26]. When He sacrificed His life for us, He provided the forgiveness of sins that sets us free and secures for us an eternal home in heaven.
Rather than letting the Lord's Supper become routine, make every opportunity at the Table a true "Remembrance Day" by honoring Him till He comes. --- Bill Crowder
Thank You, Lord, for dying for me
On the cross of Calvary;
Help me always to remember
What You did to set me free. --- Sper
REMEMBERING CHRIST'S DEATH FOR US SHOULD CAUSE US TO LIVE FOR HIM.
He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." --- Luke 22:19
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 50
Hebrews 8
I was in London's Heathrow Airport waiting for a connecting flight to the US. An announcement came over the public address system stating that it was "Remembrance Day" in the UK, the day on which people honored those who had died for their country in times of war. The announcement further said that at 11:00 a.m. there would be a 2 minutes of silence and that it would be appreciated if everyone kept that in mind. Thousands of people from all over the world stood in silence as a tribute to the fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen of the UK.
The desire to remember those who gave their lives for their country is noble. Yet, as meaningful as that is, it cannot compare to the privilege that belongs to us when we approach the Lord's Table. As we celebrate Communion, we are obeying Christ's command that we remember His death [Luke 22:19] and to do it "till He comes" [1 Cor. 11:26]. When He sacrificed His life for us, He provided the forgiveness of sins that sets us free and secures for us an eternal home in heaven.
Rather than letting the Lord's Supper become routine, make every opportunity at the Table a true "Remembrance Day" by honoring Him till He comes. --- Bill Crowder
Thank You, Lord, for dying for me
On the cross of Calvary;
Help me always to remember
What You did to set me free. --- Sper
REMEMBERING CHRIST'S DEATH FOR US SHOULD CAUSE US TO LIVE FOR HIM.
Friday, November 09, 2007
One Problem; Two Views
Read: Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. --- Romans 13:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 48-49
Hebrews 7
Jamaicans were recently concerned that their country's murder rate was nearing an all-time high. Debate was lively as good citizens sought solutions.
Typical of two common approaches came in letters to the editor of one Jamaican newspaper. One writer said, "Unless our scholars, ... policy-makers and political representatives seriously seek answers, the future of our nation is dire." Another observed, "It is time we address the heart of the problem --- that the people of Jamaica go ... not to the Minister of National Security but to God Himself."
One problem, two views: The totally secular proposal, which leans on the wisdom of man alone; and the divine approach, which depends on God and those who love Him.
We need both: God-ordained government to care for the people [Rom. 13:1-7]; and people who have a proper view of God and His guidelines for life [Prov. 14:33].
No matter where we live, we must pray for those in charge, asking God to provide direction. Then we must also work and pray that individuals --- one by one --- see their need for Jesus and their dependence on the Lord.
By combining the two views, we can make a difference. --- Dave Branon
It's always easy to complain
And say that government's unfair,
But God's Word says we should give thanks
And lift our leaders up in prayer. --- Hess
THROUGH PRAYER, THE PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE NATION CAN BECOME THE PRIVATE BUSINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. --- Romans 13:1
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 48-49
Hebrews 7
Jamaicans were recently concerned that their country's murder rate was nearing an all-time high. Debate was lively as good citizens sought solutions.
Typical of two common approaches came in letters to the editor of one Jamaican newspaper. One writer said, "Unless our scholars, ... policy-makers and political representatives seriously seek answers, the future of our nation is dire." Another observed, "It is time we address the heart of the problem --- that the people of Jamaica go ... not to the Minister of National Security but to God Himself."
One problem, two views: The totally secular proposal, which leans on the wisdom of man alone; and the divine approach, which depends on God and those who love Him.
We need both: God-ordained government to care for the people [Rom. 13:1-7]; and people who have a proper view of God and His guidelines for life [Prov. 14:33].
No matter where we live, we must pray for those in charge, asking God to provide direction. Then we must also work and pray that individuals --- one by one --- see their need for Jesus and their dependence on the Lord.
By combining the two views, we can make a difference. --- Dave Branon
It's always easy to complain
And say that government's unfair,
But God's Word says we should give thanks
And lift our leaders up in prayer. --- Hess
THROUGH PRAYER, THE PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE NATION CAN BECOME THE PRIVATE BUSINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Life's Storm-Tossed Sea
Read: Mark 4:35-41
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. --- 1 Peter 5:7
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 46-47
Hebrews 6
Emilie, wife of 19th-century German pastor Christoph Blumhardt, envied his ability to pray for his parishioners and then effortlessly fall asleep. So one night she pleaded, "Tell me your secret!"
He answered, "Is God so powerless that my worrying would help the well-being of our parish?" Then he added, "There comes a moment each day when we must simply drop what weighs on us and hand it over to God."
One evening Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Weary after a long day of ministry, He fell asleep in the stern of the boat. A fierce squall suddenly arose --- so fierce that even the Lord's fishermen-turned-disciples were terrified. But Jesus continued to sleep serenely until His frightened followers woke Him, crying out, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" [Mark 4:38]. You see, Jesus was in the habit of entrusting Himself to His heavenly Father. Having made that commitment, He could sleep through the turbulent squall.
When worries begin to gnaw at our mind, let's surrender them to the Lord and not take them back again [1 Peter 5:7]. That's the secret of soul-serenity when we're on life's storm-tossed sea. --- Vernon C. Grounds
Jesus knows the pain you feel,
He can save and He can heal---
Take your burden to the Lord
And leave it there. --- Tindley
DROP WHAT WEIGHS YOU DOWN BY GIVING IT TO GOD.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. --- 1 Peter 5:7
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 46-47
Hebrews 6
Emilie, wife of 19th-century German pastor Christoph Blumhardt, envied his ability to pray for his parishioners and then effortlessly fall asleep. So one night she pleaded, "Tell me your secret!"
He answered, "Is God so powerless that my worrying would help the well-being of our parish?" Then he added, "There comes a moment each day when we must simply drop what weighs on us and hand it over to God."
One evening Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Weary after a long day of ministry, He fell asleep in the stern of the boat. A fierce squall suddenly arose --- so fierce that even the Lord's fishermen-turned-disciples were terrified. But Jesus continued to sleep serenely until His frightened followers woke Him, crying out, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" [Mark 4:38]. You see, Jesus was in the habit of entrusting Himself to His heavenly Father. Having made that commitment, He could sleep through the turbulent squall.
When worries begin to gnaw at our mind, let's surrender them to the Lord and not take them back again [1 Peter 5:7]. That's the secret of soul-serenity when we're on life's storm-tossed sea. --- Vernon C. Grounds
Jesus knows the pain you feel,
He can save and He can heal---
Take your burden to the Lord
And leave it there. --- Tindley
DROP WHAT WEIGHS YOU DOWN BY GIVING IT TO GOD.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
He Did It
Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-10
The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. --- 2 Timothy 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 43-45
Hebrews 5
At the memorial service for LeRoy Eims, longtime staff member with The Navigators, I pondered why hundreds of colleagues and friends had come from across the US to pay tribute. Why did so many people love him so deeply?
As a young Christian, LeRoy had been challenged to disciple others one on one. He took seriously Paul's charge to Timothy: "The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" [2 Tim. 2:2]. LeRoy embraced that clear, simple command of Scripture and practiced it faithfully for more than 50 years.
Scores of people who packed the church that afternoon had lived in LeRoy and Virginia Eims' home. They had been embraced, encouraged, and instructed by him. As his spiritual children, they had multiplied his ministry by investing themselves in others, just as he had in them.
One sentence in a written tribute captured the essence of the man: "His life was characterized by singleness of purpose, great creativity and a wonderful sense of humor."
LeRoy's example spurs us on to a lifetime of faithfully following the Lord. He did it! And by God's grace, so can we. --- David McCasland
It is in loving --- not in being loved ---
The heart is blessed;
It is in giving --- not in seeing gifts ---
We find our quest. --- Anon.
YOU CAN TEACH MORE WITH YOUR LIFE THAN WITH YOUR LIPS.
The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. --- 2 Timothy 2:2
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 43-45
Hebrews 5
At the memorial service for LeRoy Eims, longtime staff member with The Navigators, I pondered why hundreds of colleagues and friends had come from across the US to pay tribute. Why did so many people love him so deeply?
As a young Christian, LeRoy had been challenged to disciple others one on one. He took seriously Paul's charge to Timothy: "The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" [2 Tim. 2:2]. LeRoy embraced that clear, simple command of Scripture and practiced it faithfully for more than 50 years.
Scores of people who packed the church that afternoon had lived in LeRoy and Virginia Eims' home. They had been embraced, encouraged, and instructed by him. As his spiritual children, they had multiplied his ministry by investing themselves in others, just as he had in them.
One sentence in a written tribute captured the essence of the man: "His life was characterized by singleness of purpose, great creativity and a wonderful sense of humor."
LeRoy's example spurs us on to a lifetime of faithfully following the Lord. He did it! And by God's grace, so can we. --- David McCasland
It is in loving --- not in being loved ---
The heart is blessed;
It is in giving --- not in seeing gifts ---
We find our quest. --- Anon.
YOU CAN TEACH MORE WITH YOUR LIFE THAN WITH YOUR LIPS.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Three Certainties
Read: 1 Thess. 4:13-18
O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? --- 1 Corinthians 15:55
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 40-42
Hebrews 4
As I waited outside the Intensive Care Unit for changes in the condition of a loved one, I was reminded that death affects all of us; old and young, male and female, rich and poor.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, the apostle Paul comforted those who mourned the death of their loved ones. He told them that excessive grief resulted from being uninformed. Weeping for our loss is good, but we need not weep like those who have no hope. Instead, we must rely on three certainties of death.
The first certainty is that the soul does not die. The souls of departed believers are with the Lord [v.14]. They have retired from this problematic world, and they "sleep in Jesus."
Second, Jesus will come for every believer. Whether a Christian is alive on earth or asleep in death, Jesus will return for all His children [vv.16-17].
Third, there will be a joyous reunion. "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" [v.17].
Knowing these certainties brings comfort to believers when their friends and loved ones depart. Although we are separated from them for a while, we will meet again in the presence of our Lord. --- Albert Lee
When facing death's shadow, remember the Light;
The shadows bring fear, and the dark shrouds our eyes;
But if we will turn to face Jesus the Light,
The shadows will fade as He brightens our skies. --- Lee
SUNSET IN ONE LAND IS SUNRISE IN ANOTHER.
O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? --- 1 Corinthians 15:55
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 40-42
Hebrews 4
As I waited outside the Intensive Care Unit for changes in the condition of a loved one, I was reminded that death affects all of us; old and young, male and female, rich and poor.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, the apostle Paul comforted those who mourned the death of their loved ones. He told them that excessive grief resulted from being uninformed. Weeping for our loss is good, but we need not weep like those who have no hope. Instead, we must rely on three certainties of death.
The first certainty is that the soul does not die. The souls of departed believers are with the Lord [v.14]. They have retired from this problematic world, and they "sleep in Jesus."
Second, Jesus will come for every believer. Whether a Christian is alive on earth or asleep in death, Jesus will return for all His children [vv.16-17].
Third, there will be a joyous reunion. "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" [v.17].
Knowing these certainties brings comfort to believers when their friends and loved ones depart. Although we are separated from them for a while, we will meet again in the presence of our Lord. --- Albert Lee
When facing death's shadow, remember the Light;
The shadows bring fear, and the dark shrouds our eyes;
But if we will turn to face Jesus the Light,
The shadows will fade as He brightens our skies. --- Lee
SUNSET IN ONE LAND IS SUNRISE IN ANOTHER.
Monday, November 05, 2007
The Choice
Read: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. --- Deuteronomy 30:15
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 37-39
Hebrews 3
You've heard the infamous name of John Wilkes Booth. He assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. But have you heard about Edwin Booth, John's eldest brother? Edwin, a well-known actor, was waiting at a Jersey City train station when he saw someone slip and fall off the platform. Edwin quickly grabbed the man's collar and pulled him to safety --- rescuing him from serious injury or death. Who was the man he saved? Abraham Lincoln's son Robert, a soldier in the Civil War.
How ironic that the man who saved Lincoln's son had a brother who would soon kill the president. One saved a life; one took a life. One chose life; the other chose death.
The Lord gave His people a choice between life and death: They could love Him and obey His commands [Deut. 30:16], or they could worship and serve other gods [v.17]. He told them, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life" [v.19].
We too have a choice between life and death. We can receive Jesus as our Savior and live with Him forever, or we can reject Jesus and be in darkness forever without Him. The best choices is clear. Receive God's gift of His Son Jesus. Choose life! --- Anne Cetas
The choice we make determines our
Eternal destination;
One leads to everlasting life;
The other, condemnation. --- Sper
THE CHOICE YOU MAKE TODAY WILL DETERMINE YOUR TOMORROW.
I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. --- Deuteronomy 30:15
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 37-39
Hebrews 3
You've heard the infamous name of John Wilkes Booth. He assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. But have you heard about Edwin Booth, John's eldest brother? Edwin, a well-known actor, was waiting at a Jersey City train station when he saw someone slip and fall off the platform. Edwin quickly grabbed the man's collar and pulled him to safety --- rescuing him from serious injury or death. Who was the man he saved? Abraham Lincoln's son Robert, a soldier in the Civil War.
How ironic that the man who saved Lincoln's son had a brother who would soon kill the president. One saved a life; one took a life. One chose life; the other chose death.
The Lord gave His people a choice between life and death: They could love Him and obey His commands [Deut. 30:16], or they could worship and serve other gods [v.17]. He told them, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life" [v.19].
We too have a choice between life and death. We can receive Jesus as our Savior and live with Him forever, or we can reject Jesus and be in darkness forever without Him. The best choices is clear. Receive God's gift of His Son Jesus. Choose life! --- Anne Cetas
The choice we make determines our
Eternal destination;
One leads to everlasting life;
The other, condemnation. --- Sper
THE CHOICE YOU MAKE TODAY WILL DETERMINE YOUR TOMORROW.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
A Surprise Answer
Read: 1 John 3:16-23
Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. --- 1 John 3:22
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 34-36
Hebrews 2
When Josh McDowell's mother died, he was not sure of her salvation. He became depressed. Was she a Christian or not? "Lord," he prayed, "somehow give me the answer so I can get back to normal. I've just got to know." It seemed like an impossible request.
Two days later, Josh drove out to the ocean and walked to the end of a pier to be alone. There sat an elderly woman in a lawnchair, fishing. "Where's your home originally?" she asked. "Michigan --- Union City," Josh replied. "Nobody's heard of it. I tell people it's a dumb suburb of ---" "Battle Creek," interrupted the woman. "I had a cousin from there. Did you know the McDowell family?"
Stunned, Josh responded, "Yes, I'm Josh McDowell." "I can't believe it," said the woman. "I'm a cousin to your mother." "Do you remember anything at all about my mother's spiritual life?" asked Josh. "Why sure --- your mom and I were just girls --- teenagers --- when a tent revival came to town. We both went forward to accept Christ." "Praise God!" shouted Josh, startling the surrounding fishermen.
God delights to give us what we ask when it is in His will. Never underestimate His desire to respond to our prayers. A surprise may be just around the corner. --- Dennis De Haan
That long-sought wish, oh, how I prayed,
I thought it not divinely willed,
And then the joyous, tear-stained smile
Of faith triumphant, hope fulfilled! --- Brandt
IF YOU GET DEFINITE WITH GOD, HE'LL GET DEFINITE WITH YOU.
Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. --- 1 John 3:22
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 34-36
Hebrews 2
When Josh McDowell's mother died, he was not sure of her salvation. He became depressed. Was she a Christian or not? "Lord," he prayed, "somehow give me the answer so I can get back to normal. I've just got to know." It seemed like an impossible request.
Two days later, Josh drove out to the ocean and walked to the end of a pier to be alone. There sat an elderly woman in a lawnchair, fishing. "Where's your home originally?" she asked. "Michigan --- Union City," Josh replied. "Nobody's heard of it. I tell people it's a dumb suburb of ---" "Battle Creek," interrupted the woman. "I had a cousin from there. Did you know the McDowell family?"
Stunned, Josh responded, "Yes, I'm Josh McDowell." "I can't believe it," said the woman. "I'm a cousin to your mother." "Do you remember anything at all about my mother's spiritual life?" asked Josh. "Why sure --- your mom and I were just girls --- teenagers --- when a tent revival came to town. We both went forward to accept Christ." "Praise God!" shouted Josh, startling the surrounding fishermen.
God delights to give us what we ask when it is in His will. Never underestimate His desire to respond to our prayers. A surprise may be just around the corner. --- Dennis De Haan
That long-sought wish, oh, how I prayed,
I thought it not divinely willed,
And then the joyous, tear-stained smile
Of faith triumphant, hope fulfilled! --- Brandt
IF YOU GET DEFINITE WITH GOD, HE'LL GET DEFINITE WITH YOU.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Multitude Of Counselors
Read: Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 27:9
In the multitude of counselors there is safety. --- Proverbs 11:14
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 32-33
Hebrews 1
In October 1962, the world held its breath at the US and the Soviet Union stood at the brink of nuclear war. Premier Nikita Khrushchev had delivered nuclear missiles to Cuba and President John F. Kennedy demanded their immediate removal. Tensions were at an all-time high.
Kennedy phoned three former US presidents to get their advice. Herbert Hoover had faced the economic problems of the Great Depression; Harry Truman had ended World War II; and Dwight Eisenhower had served as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Each had valuable insights to share. After Kennedy conferred with all of his White House advisors, a balanced course of action defused the crisis. War was averted.
The Bible encourages us to seek the advice of wise counselors. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." The word translated "counsel" is a Hebrew nautical term used for steering a ship. The wisdom of godly advisors can help steer us in the right direction.
Are you facing a crisis? A truly wise person is open to the counsel and insight of others. Why not prayerfully seek the advice of some godly believers today? --- Dennis Fisher
When a crisis looms before you,
Don't face it on your own;
Seek advice from godly counsel,
And take it to God's throne. --- Sper
IF YOU SEEK WISE COUNSEL YOU MULTIPLY YOUR CHANCES FOR SOUND DECISIONS.
In the multitude of counselors there is safety. --- Proverbs 11:14
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 32-33
Hebrews 1
In October 1962, the world held its breath at the US and the Soviet Union stood at the brink of nuclear war. Premier Nikita Khrushchev had delivered nuclear missiles to Cuba and President John F. Kennedy demanded their immediate removal. Tensions were at an all-time high.
Kennedy phoned three former US presidents to get their advice. Herbert Hoover had faced the economic problems of the Great Depression; Harry Truman had ended World War II; and Dwight Eisenhower had served as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Each had valuable insights to share. After Kennedy conferred with all of his White House advisors, a balanced course of action defused the crisis. War was averted.
The Bible encourages us to seek the advice of wise counselors. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." The word translated "counsel" is a Hebrew nautical term used for steering a ship. The wisdom of godly advisors can help steer us in the right direction.
Are you facing a crisis? A truly wise person is open to the counsel and insight of others. Why not prayerfully seek the advice of some godly believers today? --- Dennis Fisher
When a crisis looms before you,
Don't face it on your own;
Seek advice from godly counsel,
And take it to God's throne. --- Sper
IF YOU SEEK WISE COUNSEL YOU MULTIPLY YOUR CHANCES FOR SOUND DECISIONS.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Getting Even
Read: Ephesians 4:25-5:1
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. --- Ephesians 4:32
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 30-31
Philemon
When we or someone we love has been hurt, thoughts of revenge may dominate our minds. But we won't ever be able to "get even." Dr. Lewis Smedes, a professor of theology, wrote extensively about forgiveness in Forgive and Forget, saying: "Revenge never evens the score, for alienated people never keep score of wrongs by the same mathematics. Forgiveness is the only way to stop the cycle of unfair pain turning in your memory."
These insights help us understand why Paul wrote with urgency: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger ... be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, ... forgiving oen another, even as God in Christ forgave you" [Eph. 4:31-32]. Paul knew that a spirit of forgiveness was essential for the Ephesians' spiritual survival. His appeal was based on God's forgiveness of them.
Smedes said that forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or smoothing things over. Instead, forgiving breaks the cycle of revenge and "creates a new possibility of fairness by releasing us from the unfair past. Forgiving is love's toughest work, and love's biggest risk. To forgive is to dance to the beat of God's forgiving heart. It is to ride the crest of love's strongest wave. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." --- David McCasland
Jesus came our debt to pay,
Saved our soul in grace one day,
So in love we all should live,
Ready always to forgive. --- Bosch
REVENGE IMPRISONS US; FORGIVENESS SETS US FREE.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. --- Ephesians 4:32
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 30-31
Philemon
When we or someone we love has been hurt, thoughts of revenge may dominate our minds. But we won't ever be able to "get even." Dr. Lewis Smedes, a professor of theology, wrote extensively about forgiveness in Forgive and Forget, saying: "Revenge never evens the score, for alienated people never keep score of wrongs by the same mathematics. Forgiveness is the only way to stop the cycle of unfair pain turning in your memory."
These insights help us understand why Paul wrote with urgency: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger ... be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, ... forgiving oen another, even as God in Christ forgave you" [Eph. 4:31-32]. Paul knew that a spirit of forgiveness was essential for the Ephesians' spiritual survival. His appeal was based on God's forgiveness of them.
Smedes said that forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or smoothing things over. Instead, forgiving breaks the cycle of revenge and "creates a new possibility of fairness by releasing us from the unfair past. Forgiving is love's toughest work, and love's biggest risk. To forgive is to dance to the beat of God's forgiving heart. It is to ride the crest of love's strongest wave. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." --- David McCasland
Jesus came our debt to pay,
Saved our soul in grace one day,
So in love we all should live,
Ready always to forgive. --- Bosch
REVENGE IMPRISONS US; FORGIVENESS SETS US FREE.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
When All Looks Bright
Read: Deuteronomy 6:10-19
Beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. --- Deuteronomy 6:12
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 27-29
Titus 3
Life looks rosy to many people. Their work is fulfilling. The house or apartment doesn't need repair. Their bank account shows a surplus. Family members are enjoying good health. Friends are loyal.
Good times, however, can be dangerous. The comforts and pleasures of this world can become so important that we give God little or no place in our thoughts. Prosperity can quickly lead to complacency.
God knew this would happen to His people when they entered the Promised Land. So He warned them not to forget the source of their blessings [Deut. 6:12]. He instructed them:
Fear the Lord [v.13]. Serve Him [v.13]. Do not go after other gods [v.14]. Do not tempt the Lord [v.16]. Keep the commandments [v.17] Do what is right and good [v.18].
Historians tell us that religious fervor usually declines during prosperous times. But if we will learn from Israel's experience and heed the Lord's instruction, this need not happen to us.
Let's be careful that we do not forget the Lord --- especially when all looks bright! --- Herb Vander Lugt
Help us, O LORD, to ponder this:
We have no good apart from You;
For we are prone to take our ease
When all is bright and skies are blue. --- D. De Haan
PROSPERITY MAY BE A GREATER TEST OF CHARACTER THAN POVERTY.
Beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. --- Deuteronomy 6:12
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 27-29
Titus 3
Life looks rosy to many people. Their work is fulfilling. The house or apartment doesn't need repair. Their bank account shows a surplus. Family members are enjoying good health. Friends are loyal.
Good times, however, can be dangerous. The comforts and pleasures of this world can become so important that we give God little or no place in our thoughts. Prosperity can quickly lead to complacency.
God knew this would happen to His people when they entered the Promised Land. So He warned them not to forget the source of their blessings [Deut. 6:12]. He instructed them:
Historians tell us that religious fervor usually declines during prosperous times. But if we will learn from Israel's experience and heed the Lord's instruction, this need not happen to us.
Let's be careful that we do not forget the Lord --- especially when all looks bright! --- Herb Vander Lugt
Help us, O LORD, to ponder this:
We have no good apart from You;
For we are prone to take our ease
When all is bright and skies are blue. --- D. De Haan
PROSPERITY MAY BE A GREATER TEST OF CHARACTER THAN POVERTY.
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