Read: Proverbs 15:13-31
All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. --- Proverbs 15:15
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 27-28
Matthew 21:1-22
When Tamer Lee Owens celebrated her 104th birthday, she credited "laughter, the Lord, and the little things" for keeping her going. She still finds enjoyment each day in talking with people, taking a walk, and reading the Bible as she has done since childhood. "I don't know how long He'll let me stay here," she said. "I just thank the Lord for what He's given me already."
Most of us won't live 104 years, but we can learn from Tamer Lee how to enjoy each day that we are given.
Laughter --- "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken" [Prov. 15:13]. True happiness begins deep inside and emerges on our faces.
The Lord --- "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility" [v.33]. When God is central in our hearts, He can teach us His way through every experience of life.
The Little Things --- "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred" [v.17]. Maintaining loving relationships and enjoying the basic things of life are more important than wealth and success.
Not all of us will live a long time, but we can all live well each day --- with laughter, the Lord, and the little things in life. --- David McCasland
The world is filled with so much good ---
Little things that bring us pleasure ---
But Christ can fill our lives with joy
Beyond all earthly treasure. --- Sper
HAPPINESS IS NOT A DESTINATION BUT A DAY-BY-DAY JOURNEY.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Claiming Responsibility
Read: Isaiah 53
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. --- Isaiah 53:5
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 25-26
Matthew 20:17-34
As images of burning rubble and frantic people flash on the TV screen, a reporter says, "A terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for last night's bombing that left 23 dead and scores injured." It was not a random act of violence but one that was calculated to frighten people and advance the agenda of those who stepped forward to say, "We did it."
In stark contrast, one of history's most brutal acts was intended to bring peace and healing, not fear. In addition, God claimed responsibility in the prophecy of Isaiah, seven centuries before it happened. The prophet foretold the death of the Messiah in these words: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed....Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief" [Isa. 53:5,10].
Just before Jesus Christ was crucified, He said, "No one takes [My life] from Me, but I lay it down of Myself....This command I have received from My Father" [John 10:18]. Jesus died willingly for our sin so that we might live through faith in Him.
God claimed responsibility for the death of His Son, allowing anyone to claim His gift of forgiveness. --- David McCasland
When Jesus died upon the cross
He took our sin and shame;
He offers us His righteousness,
A gift that we must claim. --- Sper
THE SEARCH FOR FORGIVENESS ENDS WHEN WE FIND CHRIST.
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. --- Isaiah 53:5
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 25-26
Matthew 20:17-34
As images of burning rubble and frantic people flash on the TV screen, a reporter says, "A terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for last night's bombing that left 23 dead and scores injured." It was not a random act of violence but one that was calculated to frighten people and advance the agenda of those who stepped forward to say, "We did it."
In stark contrast, one of history's most brutal acts was intended to bring peace and healing, not fear. In addition, God claimed responsibility in the prophecy of Isaiah, seven centuries before it happened. The prophet foretold the death of the Messiah in these words: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed....Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief" [Isa. 53:5,10].
Just before Jesus Christ was crucified, He said, "No one takes [My life] from Me, but I lay it down of Myself....This command I have received from My Father" [John 10:18]. Jesus died willingly for our sin so that we might live through faith in Him.
God claimed responsibility for the death of His Son, allowing anyone to claim His gift of forgiveness. --- David McCasland
When Jesus died upon the cross
He took our sin and shame;
He offers us His righteousness,
A gift that we must claim. --- Sper
THE SEARCH FOR FORGIVENESS ENDS WHEN WE FIND CHRIST.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Existing Or Truly Living?
Read: John 10:1-11
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. --- John 10:10
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 23-24
Matthew 20:1-16
On a family visit to Disneyland, I pondered the sign over the entrance arch that read, "Welcome to the happiest place on earth." The rest of the day I looked at the faces of the people and was impressed by the small number who were actually smiling during their visit to "the happiest place on earth." I roamed the park with divided attention --- trying to make sure my kids had a good time and wondering why so few adults seemed to be enjoying themselves.
As I think of that day, I am reminded of a line from an old song that says, "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone." So it seems.
To live life to the fullest is qualitatively different than merely existing. In fact, Jesus said that part of His mission was to enable us to live life to the fullest: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" [John 10:10]. He came so that we could experience life to the full --- not according to the standards of a fallen world, but life as it was intended to be. It is life according to the designs and desires of the Creator of life.
By coming to provide forgiveness for rebellious, broken people, Jesus has made it possible for us to live a life of joy and hope in a world of despair. --- Bill Crowder
Jesus came to bring us life ---
Abundant living, full and free;
Trusting Him to save and keep us
Gives us joy the world can see. --- Sper
TO KNOW GOD PUTS A SONG IN YOUR HEART AND A SMILE ON YOUR FACE.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. --- John 10:10
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 23-24
Matthew 20:1-16
On a family visit to Disneyland, I pondered the sign over the entrance arch that read, "Welcome to the happiest place on earth." The rest of the day I looked at the faces of the people and was impressed by the small number who were actually smiling during their visit to "the happiest place on earth." I roamed the park with divided attention --- trying to make sure my kids had a good time and wondering why so few adults seemed to be enjoying themselves.
As I think of that day, I am reminded of a line from an old song that says, "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone." So it seems.
To live life to the fullest is qualitatively different than merely existing. In fact, Jesus said that part of His mission was to enable us to live life to the fullest: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" [John 10:10]. He came so that we could experience life to the full --- not according to the standards of a fallen world, but life as it was intended to be. It is life according to the designs and desires of the Creator of life.
By coming to provide forgiveness for rebellious, broken people, Jesus has made it possible for us to live a life of joy and hope in a world of despair. --- Bill Crowder
Jesus came to bring us life ---
Abundant living, full and free;
Trusting Him to save and keep us
Gives us joy the world can see. --- Sper
TO KNOW GOD PUTS A SONG IN YOUR HEART AND A SMILE ON YOUR FACE.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Right Comparison
Read: 2 Cor. 10:12-18
Comparing themselves among themselves, [they] are not wise. --- 2 Corinthians 10:12
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 21-22
Matthew 19
When I was working my way through school, I washed walls and windows in people's homes. At one new job, a 4-foot-tall man greeted me at the door. He told me he had to hire someone to clean his windows because they were too high for him to reach. Although I'm only 5'7", in his home I felt like a giant. In God's eyes, of course, our physical stature means nothing.
Some people in the church mistakenly think of themselves as spiritual giants. There "big fish in a small pond" may feel they are superior because of their position. Of this misguided self-promotion, Paul wrote, "Comparing themselves among themselves, [they] are not wise" [2 Cor. 10:12].
Others may feel their spiritual growth is stunted because they don't play a visible role. This is also wrong. Sometimes those who are growing the most may feel inferior to those who maintain a hypocritical facade of legalistic perfection. Spiritual comparisons are always unwise. Only the Lord is the true judge of spiritual growth.
Physical stature doesn't matter, but our spiritual standing does. If you are feeling spiritually superior or inferior, ask God to give you the proper attitude. He is the true judge of the heart [1 Sam. 16:7]. --- Dennis Fisher
Comparing your life with someone you see
Is not a fulfilling quest,
For Jesus' own words as "Follow Me."
And that's how to know life's best. --- Hess
NO DECEPTION IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN SELF-DECEPTION.
Comparing themselves among themselves, [they] are not wise. --- 2 Corinthians 10:12
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 21-22
Matthew 19
When I was working my way through school, I washed walls and windows in people's homes. At one new job, a 4-foot-tall man greeted me at the door. He told me he had to hire someone to clean his windows because they were too high for him to reach. Although I'm only 5'7", in his home I felt like a giant. In God's eyes, of course, our physical stature means nothing.
Some people in the church mistakenly think of themselves as spiritual giants. There "big fish in a small pond" may feel they are superior because of their position. Of this misguided self-promotion, Paul wrote, "Comparing themselves among themselves, [they] are not wise" [2 Cor. 10:12].
Others may feel their spiritual growth is stunted because they don't play a visible role. This is also wrong. Sometimes those who are growing the most may feel inferior to those who maintain a hypocritical facade of legalistic perfection. Spiritual comparisons are always unwise. Only the Lord is the true judge of spiritual growth.
Physical stature doesn't matter, but our spiritual standing does. If you are feeling spiritually superior or inferior, ask God to give you the proper attitude. He is the true judge of the heart [1 Sam. 16:7]. --- Dennis Fisher
Comparing your life with someone you see
Is not a fulfilling quest,
For Jesus' own words as "Follow Me."
And that's how to know life's best. --- Hess
NO DECEPTION IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN SELF-DECEPTION.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Name
Read: Exodus 20:1-7
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. --- Exodus 20:7
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 19-20
Matthew 18:21-35
It's not easy to keep up with the shorthand that accompanies today's fast-paced, youth-oriented electronic communication. In IM-speak [Instant Message talk] or text-message language, "laughing out loud" becomes "lol." "By the way" is "btw." And regrettably, some people use "omg" for "Oh, my God!"
This last phrase seems to be on the lips of many who receive startling news. But as Christians, we need to stop before we utter this or any other phrase that flippantly uses God's name.
In Matthew 6, when Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, the first thing He told them to say was this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name" [v.9]. Clearly, God's name itself is special. It encompasses His nature, His teachings, and His moral authority. To speak the name of God is to call on the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
In every way possible, we should honor and protect God's holy name, preserving its use for those occasions when we are speaking of Him or addressing Him in faith.
Let's be careful never to turn the hallowed name of our awesome and mighty God into just another flippant phrase on our lips or in a text message. --- Dave Branon
May all I am and do and say
Give glory to my Lord alway;
And may no act of mine cause shame
Nor bring reproach upon His name. --- Anon.
GOD'S NAME: HANDLE WITH CARE.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. --- Exodus 20:7
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 19-20
Matthew 18:21-35
It's not easy to keep up with the shorthand that accompanies today's fast-paced, youth-oriented electronic communication. In IM-speak [Instant Message talk] or text-message language, "laughing out loud" becomes "lol." "By the way" is "btw." And regrettably, some people use "omg" for "Oh, my God!"
This last phrase seems to be on the lips of many who receive startling news. But as Christians, we need to stop before we utter this or any other phrase that flippantly uses God's name.
In Matthew 6, when Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, the first thing He told them to say was this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name" [v.9]. Clearly, God's name itself is special. It encompasses His nature, His teachings, and His moral authority. To speak the name of God is to call on the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
In every way possible, we should honor and protect God's holy name, preserving its use for those occasions when we are speaking of Him or addressing Him in faith.
Let's be careful never to turn the hallowed name of our awesome and mighty God into just another flippant phrase on our lips or in a text message. --- Dave Branon
May all I am and do and say
Give glory to my Lord alway;
And may no act of mine cause shame
Nor bring reproach upon His name. --- Anon.
GOD'S NAME: HANDLE WITH CARE.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Turkish Delight Syndrome
Read: Galatians 5:16-25
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. --- Romans 13:14
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 16-18
Matthew 18:1-20
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Edmund was easily won over to the side of darkness by the wicked white witch. Her method was simple --- she appealed to his love for rich, sweet food, as well as for status and revenge. The Turkish Delight she offered him was delicious, and it left him craving even more. So strong was its appeal that it led him to betray his brother and sisters.
The appetites of the world and the flesh are powerful and addictive tools of the devil. He appeals to our love for what satisfies our selfish and sinful desires and uses it to tempt, control discourage, defeat, and destroy us. We crave power or money or food or alcohol or clothes or sex, even though we are in danger of sacrificing our friends, our loved ones, and even our relationship with our Savior to satisfy our desires.
How can we resist the temptations of Satan? Paul said, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" [Gal. 5:16]. He also wrote, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" [Rom. 13:14]. And John said, "Do not love the world or the things in the world" [1 John 2:15].
Put on the Lord and walk in the Spirit. That's how to break the power of the Turkish Delight syndrome. --- David Egner
When temptation's darts assail us,
When in devious paths we stray,
Let Your goodness never fail us,
Lead us in Your perfect way. --- Hastings
GOD PROVIDES THE ARMOR TO WITHSTAND TEMPTATION, BUT WE MUST PUT IT ON.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. --- Romans 13:14
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 16-18
Matthew 18:1-20
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Edmund was easily won over to the side of darkness by the wicked white witch. Her method was simple --- she appealed to his love for rich, sweet food, as well as for status and revenge. The Turkish Delight she offered him was delicious, and it left him craving even more. So strong was its appeal that it led him to betray his brother and sisters.
The appetites of the world and the flesh are powerful and addictive tools of the devil. He appeals to our love for what satisfies our selfish and sinful desires and uses it to tempt, control discourage, defeat, and destroy us. We crave power or money or food or alcohol or clothes or sex, even though we are in danger of sacrificing our friends, our loved ones, and even our relationship with our Savior to satisfy our desires.
How can we resist the temptations of Satan? Paul said, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" [Gal. 5:16]. He also wrote, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" [Rom. 13:14]. And John said, "Do not love the world or the things in the world" [1 John 2:15].
Put on the Lord and walk in the Spirit. That's how to break the power of the Turkish Delight syndrome. --- David Egner
When temptation's darts assail us,
When in devious paths we stray,
Let Your goodness never fail us,
Lead us in Your perfect way. --- Hastings
GOD PROVIDES THE ARMOR TO WITHSTAND TEMPTATION, BUT WE MUST PUT IT ON.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Into The Desert
Read: Exodus 15:22-27
I am the LORD who heals you. --- Exodus 15:26
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 14-15
Matthew 17
After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they were led into the desert. How strange that God would lead them from a place of revelation and power to a place of disappointment and dire need!
But God wanted to show them that life is a combination of bitter and sweet, triumph and defeat. When the Israelites arrived at Marah, they complained because the water was bitter [Ex. 15:23]. After Moses interceded [v.25], God reminded them to keep His commandments [v.26]. Then He brought them to the abundance and refreshment of Elim [v.27].
The Lord wanted to teach them that each experience on their journey would reveal their hearts. This test showed that were living by sight and not by faith.
They also learned that God was involved in their daily affairs. He wanted them to know that He not only could part the sea, but He would also supply water for His people. He knew their needs because He planned their way.
If you are being led into a wilderness of disappointment and bitterness right now, trust God, for He knows exactly when you are and what you need. As you obey His commands, He will lead you out of the desert and into a place of spiritual abundance, healing, and refreshment. --- Marvin Williams
We shrink from this life's challenges --- we plead
For watered pastures never touched by pain;
But God will often let us sense our need
Before He sends His cool, refreshing rain. --- Gustafson
THE MORE BITTER THE DESERT EXPERIENCE, THE SWEETER THE WATER OF THE OASIS.
I am the LORD who heals you. --- Exodus 15:26
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 14-15
Matthew 17
After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they were led into the desert. How strange that God would lead them from a place of revelation and power to a place of disappointment and dire need!
But God wanted to show them that life is a combination of bitter and sweet, triumph and defeat. When the Israelites arrived at Marah, they complained because the water was bitter [Ex. 15:23]. After Moses interceded [v.25], God reminded them to keep His commandments [v.26]. Then He brought them to the abundance and refreshment of Elim [v.27].
The Lord wanted to teach them that each experience on their journey would reveal their hearts. This test showed that were living by sight and not by faith.
They also learned that God was involved in their daily affairs. He wanted them to know that He not only could part the sea, but He would also supply water for His people. He knew their needs because He planned their way.
If you are being led into a wilderness of disappointment and bitterness right now, trust God, for He knows exactly when you are and what you need. As you obey His commands, He will lead you out of the desert and into a place of spiritual abundance, healing, and refreshment. --- Marvin Williams
We shrink from this life's challenges --- we plead
For watered pastures never touched by pain;
But God will often let us sense our need
Before He sends His cool, refreshing rain. --- Gustafson
THE MORE BITTER THE DESERT EXPERIENCE, THE SWEETER THE WATER OF THE OASIS.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Valuing Others
Read: Luke 19:1-10
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. --- Luke 19:5
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 12-13
Matthew 16
As a young person, Robert had many things working against him --- poverty, a broken home, a violent neighborhood. He skipped school often and was difficult to handle. But when a friend was shot to death, he considered it a wake-up call. Determined to change his life, Robert worked hard to bring his grades from failing to top marks.
Yet the school counselor did not believe in him and told him that no college would accept him. But Robert proved him wrong. He graduated from college and pursued a career in education. He chose that career because, as he says, "Teachers saw me as a non-entity" --- a person of little value. He didn't want that to happen to others.
Jesus views everyone as significant. Zacchaeus was a dishonest tax collector [Luke 19:1-10]. Jesus could have ignored him, but He saw him in the tree and called him by name.
It's important that Christians acknowledge others as people with value. Brennan Manning writes, "A Christian who doesn't merely see but looks at another communicates to that person that he is being recognized as a human being in an impersonal world of objects."
Do the people we interact with know that we view them as valuable to us and to God? --- Anne Cetas
Burdened people everywhere
Need to know what Christ has done;
They need to feel God's love and care ---
It was for them He sent His Son. --- D. De Haan
LOVE PEOPLE AND NOT THINGS, USE THINGS AND NOT PEOPLE.
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. --- Luke 19:5
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 12-13
Matthew 16
As a young person, Robert had many things working against him --- poverty, a broken home, a violent neighborhood. He skipped school often and was difficult to handle. But when a friend was shot to death, he considered it a wake-up call. Determined to change his life, Robert worked hard to bring his grades from failing to top marks.
Yet the school counselor did not believe in him and told him that no college would accept him. But Robert proved him wrong. He graduated from college and pursued a career in education. He chose that career because, as he says, "Teachers saw me as a non-entity" --- a person of little value. He didn't want that to happen to others.
Jesus views everyone as significant. Zacchaeus was a dishonest tax collector [Luke 19:1-10]. Jesus could have ignored him, but He saw him in the tree and called him by name.
It's important that Christians acknowledge others as people with value. Brennan Manning writes, "A Christian who doesn't merely see but looks at another communicates to that person that he is being recognized as a human being in an impersonal world of objects."
Do the people we interact with know that we view them as valuable to us and to God? --- Anne Cetas
Burdened people everywhere
Need to know what Christ has done;
They need to feel God's love and care ---
It was for them He sent His Son. --- D. De Haan
LOVE PEOPLE AND NOT THINGS, USE THINGS AND NOT PEOPLE.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Saving Ourselves
Read: 1 Cor. 15:12-20
If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. --- 2 Timothy 2:11
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 9-11
Matthew 15:21-39
Inside, music was playing. Outside, leaves were falling. Catching a gust of wind, one of the last leaves of autumn blew briefly upward as I heard the phrase, "He is risen!" By the end of the song, however, the leaf had reached the ground. Gravity had overcome the breeze.
Later, I overheard three middle-aged women discussing diets, exercise, face-lifts, and other age-defying efforts. Like the leaf, they were trying to keep gravity from pulling them toward the inevitable.
Their conversation reminds me of the good works people do to try to save themselves from spiritual death. But just as leaves cannot keep from falling and people cannot keep from aging, no one can work hard enough to avoid the consequences of sin, which is death [Rom. 6:23].
At the crucifixion, mockers challenged Jesus to save Himself. Instead, He put His life into the hands of God, and God gave back to Him not only His own life but ours as well. To receive salvation, we too must simply put our lives into the hands of God, for if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, He will give life to us as well [Rom. 8:11].
The forces of sin outside cannot defeat the life of Christ inside. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Thank You, Jesus, for your willingness
to surrender to Your Father's will.
For if You had chosen to save Yourself,
You could not have saved me. Amen.
SALVATION ISN'T TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF; IT'S RECEIVING A NEW LIFE.
If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. --- 2 Timothy 2:11
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 9-11
Matthew 15:21-39
Inside, music was playing. Outside, leaves were falling. Catching a gust of wind, one of the last leaves of autumn blew briefly upward as I heard the phrase, "He is risen!" By the end of the song, however, the leaf had reached the ground. Gravity had overcome the breeze.
Later, I overheard three middle-aged women discussing diets, exercise, face-lifts, and other age-defying efforts. Like the leaf, they were trying to keep gravity from pulling them toward the inevitable.
Their conversation reminds me of the good works people do to try to save themselves from spiritual death. But just as leaves cannot keep from falling and people cannot keep from aging, no one can work hard enough to avoid the consequences of sin, which is death [Rom. 6:23].
At the crucifixion, mockers challenged Jesus to save Himself. Instead, He put His life into the hands of God, and God gave back to Him not only His own life but ours as well. To receive salvation, we too must simply put our lives into the hands of God, for if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, He will give life to us as well [Rom. 8:11].
The forces of sin outside cannot defeat the life of Christ inside. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Thank You, Jesus, for your willingness
to surrender to Your Father's will.
For if You had chosen to save Yourself,
You could not have saved me. Amen.
SALVATION ISN'T TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF; IT'S RECEIVING A NEW LIFE.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Running From God
Read: Jonah 1:1-10
Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. --- Jonah 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 7-8
Matthew 15:1-20
Why do people run away from God? Is it because of anger, disappointment, despair, disobedience, or a web of rebellion woven from our own desires?
The book of Jonah looks at a prophet who rejected God's call to deliver His word to the people of Nineveh. In the first chapter [vv.3,10], we read that Jonah deliberately headed for Tarshish to run away from the Lord. He knew exactly where he was going and why. After being given a second chance [3:1-2], Jonah delivered God's message but reacted angrily when the Lord spared the repentant city [3:10-4:2].
The book ends with the Lord speaking to Jonah about His compassion: "Should I not pity Nineveh?" [4:11]. But there's no indication that the disgruntled prophet changed his attitude. The people of Nineveh repented; Jonah did not.
The story of Jonah should cause each of us to be honest about our feelings toward the Lord. Do we harbor resentment for His leniency toward people we feel deserve judgment? Have we forgotten that God has forgiven us? Are we ready to obey His call and leave the outcome to Him?
The story of Jonah illuminates our reactions to God and measures our willingness to trust Him when we can't understand His ways. --- David McCasland
Sometimes it's hard to trust the Lord
When we don't understand;
But fight the urge to run from Him ---
Reach out and take His hand. --- Sper
HE PLEASES GOD BEST WHO TRUSTS HIM MOST.
Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. --- Jonah 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 7-8
Matthew 15:1-20
Why do people run away from God? Is it because of anger, disappointment, despair, disobedience, or a web of rebellion woven from our own desires?
The book of Jonah looks at a prophet who rejected God's call to deliver His word to the people of Nineveh. In the first chapter [vv.3,10], we read that Jonah deliberately headed for Tarshish to run away from the Lord. He knew exactly where he was going and why. After being given a second chance [3:1-2], Jonah delivered God's message but reacted angrily when the Lord spared the repentant city [3:10-4:2].
The book ends with the Lord speaking to Jonah about His compassion: "Should I not pity Nineveh?" [4:11]. But there's no indication that the disgruntled prophet changed his attitude. The people of Nineveh repented; Jonah did not.
The story of Jonah should cause each of us to be honest about our feelings toward the Lord. Do we harbor resentment for His leniency toward people we feel deserve judgment? Have we forgotten that God has forgiven us? Are we ready to obey His call and leave the outcome to Him?
The story of Jonah illuminates our reactions to God and measures our willingness to trust Him when we can't understand His ways. --- David McCasland
Sometimes it's hard to trust the Lord
When we don't understand;
But fight the urge to run from Him ---
Reach out and take His hand. --- Sper
HE PLEASES GOD BEST WHO TRUSTS HIM MOST.
Monday, January 21, 2008
What God Owes Us
Read: Colossians 1:9-14
Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him. --- Colossians 1:10
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 4-6
Matthew 14:22-36
A story is told about a vendor who sold bagels for 50 cents each at a street corner food stand. A jogger ran past and threw a couple of quarters into the bucket but didn't take a bagel. He did the same thing everyday for months. One day, as the jogger was passing by, the vendor stopped him. The jogger asked, "You probably want to know why I always put money in but never take a bagel, don't you?" "No," said the vendor. "I just wanted to tell you that the bagels have gone up to 60 cents."
Too often, as believers, we treat God with that same kind of attitude. Not only are we ungrateful for what He's given us --- but we want more. Somehow we feel that God owes us good health, a comfortable life, material blessings. Of course, God doesn't owe us anything, yet He gives us everything.
G.K. Chesterton wrote, "Here dies another day, during which I have had eyes, ears, hands, and the great world round me. And with tomorrow begins another. Why am I allowed two?" The psalmist said, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" [Ps. 118:24].
Each day, whether good or bad, is one more gift from our God. Our grateful response should be to live to please Him. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me. --- Chisholm
LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD TO BE LIVED FOR GOD.
Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him. --- Colossians 1:10
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 4-6
Matthew 14:22-36
A story is told about a vendor who sold bagels for 50 cents each at a street corner food stand. A jogger ran past and threw a couple of quarters into the bucket but didn't take a bagel. He did the same thing everyday for months. One day, as the jogger was passing by, the vendor stopped him. The jogger asked, "You probably want to know why I always put money in but never take a bagel, don't you?" "No," said the vendor. "I just wanted to tell you that the bagels have gone up to 60 cents."
Too often, as believers, we treat God with that same kind of attitude. Not only are we ungrateful for what He's given us --- but we want more. Somehow we feel that God owes us good health, a comfortable life, material blessings. Of course, God doesn't owe us anything, yet He gives us everything.
G.K. Chesterton wrote, "Here dies another day, during which I have had eyes, ears, hands, and the great world round me. And with tomorrow begins another. Why am I allowed two?" The psalmist said, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" [Ps. 118:24].
Each day, whether good or bad, is one more gift from our God. Our grateful response should be to live to please Him. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me. --- Chisholm
LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD TO BE LIVED FOR GOD.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Let Freedom Ring
Read: Isaiah 58:1-12
Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, ... to let the oppressed go free? --- Isaiah 58:6
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 1-3
Matthew 14:1-21
In 1963, during a peaceful march on Washington, DC, Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his now famous "I Have A Dream" speech. He eloquently called for freedom to ring from every mountaintop across the nation. The cost to him personally and to those who joined his peaceful resistance movement was steep, but real change soon began. God used that speech to awaken the conscience of the US to fight for the freedom of the oppressed and downtrodden.
In the 8th century BC, amid personal and national injustice, the prophet Isaiah was used by God to awaken the conscience of His people. Their convenient spirituality had led them to violence and insensitivity toward their fellow humans. God's people were oppressing the poor and substituting religious practices for genuine righteous living [vv.1-5]. God indicted them [v.1] and prescribed spiritual living that would be expressed through turning to God in genuine repentance and setting people free [vv.6-12].
Like Isaiah, we have been sent to let freedom ring. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must proclaim that the captives can be released, that the downtrodden can be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come. --- Marvin Williams.
I've got a river of life flowing out of me;
Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see,
Opens prison doors, sets the captives free;
I've got a river of life flowing out of me. --- Casebolt
NO RIGHTEOUSNESS, NO FREEDOM!
Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, ... to let the oppressed go free? --- Isaiah 58:6
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 1-3
Matthew 14:1-21
In 1963, during a peaceful march on Washington, DC, Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his now famous "I Have A Dream" speech. He eloquently called for freedom to ring from every mountaintop across the nation. The cost to him personally and to those who joined his peaceful resistance movement was steep, but real change soon began. God used that speech to awaken the conscience of the US to fight for the freedom of the oppressed and downtrodden.
In the 8th century BC, amid personal and national injustice, the prophet Isaiah was used by God to awaken the conscience of His people. Their convenient spirituality had led them to violence and insensitivity toward their fellow humans. God's people were oppressing the poor and substituting religious practices for genuine righteous living [vv.1-5]. God indicted them [v.1] and prescribed spiritual living that would be expressed through turning to God in genuine repentance and setting people free [vv.6-12].
Like Isaiah, we have been sent to let freedom ring. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must proclaim that the captives can be released, that the downtrodden can be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come. --- Marvin Williams.
I've got a river of life flowing out of me;
Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see,
Opens prison doors, sets the captives free;
I've got a river of life flowing out of me. --- Casebolt
NO RIGHTEOUSNESS, NO FREEDOM!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Forever Perfect
Read: Hebrews 10:8-18
By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. --- Hebrews 10:14
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 49-50
Matthew 13:31-58
When I first heard of Sara Lee cakes, the name-brand caught my attention because one of the most common Asian family names is "Lee." Being a Chinese Lee myself, I wondered if Sara was Chinese or Korean.
Then I learned that Charlie Lubin, an American bakery entrepreneur, had named his cheesecakes after his daughter Sara Lee. Sara said her father wanted this product to be "perfect because he was naming it after me."
Perfection is a standard that none of us could ever hope to attain. Yet we learn from Hebrews that Jesus, through His one supreme sacrifice for our sins "has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" [10:14].
The continual sacrifices made by the priests since the time of Moses could never change any one's sinful standing before God [Heb. 10:1-4]. But the one-time sacrifice of Christ on the cross --- the sinless One dying for the sinful --- perfected us forever in the eyes of God. Jesus once-for-all payment for our sins was sufficient. The writer to the Hebrews paraphrased Jeremiah 31:34, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" "Heb. 10:17].
We are perfected forever to stand before God because of the perfect work accomplished by Jesus on the cross. This is the assurance of our salvation. --- Albert Lee
We're far from perfection, yet perfect forever,
For Christ is our righteousness, Lord, and our Savior,
No justification for sin can we offer,
Yet sanctified fully, we're now His forever. --- Lee
GOD IS THE PERFECT JUDGE, AND HE CAN DECLARE THE GUILTY PERFECT.
By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. --- Hebrews 10:14
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 49-50
Matthew 13:31-58
When I first heard of Sara Lee cakes, the name-brand caught my attention because one of the most common Asian family names is "Lee." Being a Chinese Lee myself, I wondered if Sara was Chinese or Korean.
Then I learned that Charlie Lubin, an American bakery entrepreneur, had named his cheesecakes after his daughter Sara Lee. Sara said her father wanted this product to be "perfect because he was naming it after me."
Perfection is a standard that none of us could ever hope to attain. Yet we learn from Hebrews that Jesus, through His one supreme sacrifice for our sins "has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" [10:14].
The continual sacrifices made by the priests since the time of Moses could never change any one's sinful standing before God [Heb. 10:1-4]. But the one-time sacrifice of Christ on the cross --- the sinless One dying for the sinful --- perfected us forever in the eyes of God. Jesus once-for-all payment for our sins was sufficient. The writer to the Hebrews paraphrased Jeremiah 31:34, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" "Heb. 10:17].
We are perfected forever to stand before God because of the perfect work accomplished by Jesus on the cross. This is the assurance of our salvation. --- Albert Lee
We're far from perfection, yet perfect forever,
For Christ is our righteousness, Lord, and our Savior,
No justification for sin can we offer,
Yet sanctified fully, we're now His forever. --- Lee
GOD IS THE PERFECT JUDGE, AND HE CAN DECLARE THE GUILTY PERFECT.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Forgetting God
Read: Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23
He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit. --- Matthew 13:23
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 46-48
Matthew 13:1-30
An insightful scholar by the name of A.J. Heschel recounts a story from his days as a student in Berlin. Although he was a devout man, he became so preoccupied by the arts in that glittering culture that one day he failed to pray at sunset, as his custom had been without fail. He admits, "The sun had gone down, evening had arrived .... I had forgotten God."
Heschel's omission may seem minor to us, but his zeal shows that he understands the importance of cultivating the spiritual life.
Jesus told a story of a sower, a seed, and four kinds of soil [Matt. 13:1-9]. The soil among the thorns represented those who permit the Word of God in their hearts to be choked by the cares and pleasures of the alluring world [vv. 7, 22].
That's a dangerous possibility for anyone who thoughtlessly responds to God's Word. The world may induce a forgetfulness of spiritual reality and responsibility.
Do we allow the attractions of this world to keep us from reading and meditating on God's Word? Prayerfully, let us strive to be like the one who "hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces" [v.23].
When the sun sets tonight, let it not be said that we have forgotten God. --- Vernon Grounds
Take time to be holy,
Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always
And feed on His Word. --- Longstaff
PRAYER AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD WILL CULTIVATE THE SOIL OF A HARD HEART.
He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit. --- Matthew 13:23
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 46-48
Matthew 13:1-30
An insightful scholar by the name of A.J. Heschel recounts a story from his days as a student in Berlin. Although he was a devout man, he became so preoccupied by the arts in that glittering culture that one day he failed to pray at sunset, as his custom had been without fail. He admits, "The sun had gone down, evening had arrived .... I had forgotten God."
Heschel's omission may seem minor to us, but his zeal shows that he understands the importance of cultivating the spiritual life.
Jesus told a story of a sower, a seed, and four kinds of soil [Matt. 13:1-9]. The soil among the thorns represented those who permit the Word of God in their hearts to be choked by the cares and pleasures of the alluring world [vv. 7, 22].
That's a dangerous possibility for anyone who thoughtlessly responds to God's Word. The world may induce a forgetfulness of spiritual reality and responsibility.
Do we allow the attractions of this world to keep us from reading and meditating on God's Word? Prayerfully, let us strive to be like the one who "hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces" [v.23].
When the sun sets tonight, let it not be said that we have forgotten God. --- Vernon Grounds
Take time to be holy,
Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always
And feed on His Word. --- Longstaff
PRAYER AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD WILL CULTIVATE THE SOIL OF A HARD HEART.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
You And Your Possessions
Read: Matthew 19:16-26
It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. --- Matthew 19:23
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 43-45
Matthew 12:24-50
Six armed gunmen broke into the deposit boxes in a London bank and stole valuables worth more than $7 million. One woman, whose jewelry was appraised at $500,000, wailed, "Everything I had was in there. My whole life was in that box."
Some people have taken foolish risks to cling to their riches. They have died rushing into burning houses or were killed because they stubbornly resisted armed robbers. Apparently they felt that without their material possessions life would not be worthwhile. Others, when they lose their wealth, slip into despair, even to the point of suicide.
The greatest danger in becoming too closely identified with our possessions lies in the spiritual area of life. An unhealthy attachment to material things can keep an unsaved person from turning to Christ and prevent a believer from living for Him. The story of the rich young ruler forcefully illustrates this truth. Jesus' words "You cannot serve God and [money]" [Matthew 6:24] certainly apply to us all.
Keep a wide gulf between yourself and your possessions. It will spare you many heartaches. If you are not a believer in Christ, don't make the mistake of the rich young ruler. It will cost you your soul. --- Herb Vander Lugt
The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God's love ---
They never pass away! --- Bosch
TO BE RICH IN GOD IS BETTER THAN TO BE RICH IN GOODS!
It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. --- Matthew 19:23
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 43-45
Matthew 12:24-50
Six armed gunmen broke into the deposit boxes in a London bank and stole valuables worth more than $7 million. One woman, whose jewelry was appraised at $500,000, wailed, "Everything I had was in there. My whole life was in that box."
Some people have taken foolish risks to cling to their riches. They have died rushing into burning houses or were killed because they stubbornly resisted armed robbers. Apparently they felt that without their material possessions life would not be worthwhile. Others, when they lose their wealth, slip into despair, even to the point of suicide.
The greatest danger in becoming too closely identified with our possessions lies in the spiritual area of life. An unhealthy attachment to material things can keep an unsaved person from turning to Christ and prevent a believer from living for Him. The story of the rich young ruler forcefully illustrates this truth. Jesus' words "You cannot serve God and [money]" [Matthew 6:24] certainly apply to us all.
Keep a wide gulf between yourself and your possessions. It will spare you many heartaches. If you are not a believer in Christ, don't make the mistake of the rich young ruler. It will cost you your soul. --- Herb Vander Lugt
The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God's love ---
They never pass away! --- Bosch
TO BE RICH IN GOD IS BETTER THAN TO BE RICH IN GOODS!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Which Way?
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. --- 1 Corinthians 1:18
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 41-42
Matthew 12:1-23
Every night, Howard and Mel frequented the cheap bars in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hoping to drown away another miserable day. Finally, the pain of a wasted life was too much, so Mel hopped a train for Chicago, where he hoped to end it all.
But as he walked barefoot through a Chicago snowstorm in 1897, heading for a self-imposed demise in Lake Michigan, he was stopped by a worker from the Pacific Garden Mission. Mel went inside, heard the gospel, and accepted Christ as his Savior.
Later, Mel went back to Grand Rapids to start a mission. Howard heard that he was saved and sober. But instead of trusting Jesus, Howard just laughed at "Old Mel." To him, "the message of the cross [was] foolishness" [1 Cor. 1:18]. Finally, the drinking took its toll on Howard, and he committed suicide.
More than 100 years later, the Mel Trotter Mission still welcomes people who need a place to stay and who need Jesus. And 100 years later, our family is still saddened by Howard's demise. He was my wife's grandfather.
Like Mel and Howard, we have a choice, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" [John 3:36]. What do you choose? --- Dave Branon
Which way will you take? The question is clear ---
The choice you must make with a heart sincere;
To Jesus the Lord you now are inclined ---
Today is the day to make up your mind. --- Hess
TO CHOOSE CHRIST NOW IS A CHOICE FOR ETERNITY.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. --- 1 Corinthians 1:18
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 41-42
Matthew 12:1-23
Every night, Howard and Mel frequented the cheap bars in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hoping to drown away another miserable day. Finally, the pain of a wasted life was too much, so Mel hopped a train for Chicago, where he hoped to end it all.
But as he walked barefoot through a Chicago snowstorm in 1897, heading for a self-imposed demise in Lake Michigan, he was stopped by a worker from the Pacific Garden Mission. Mel went inside, heard the gospel, and accepted Christ as his Savior.
Later, Mel went back to Grand Rapids to start a mission. Howard heard that he was saved and sober. But instead of trusting Jesus, Howard just laughed at "Old Mel." To him, "the message of the cross [was] foolishness" [1 Cor. 1:18]. Finally, the drinking took its toll on Howard, and he committed suicide.
More than 100 years later, the Mel Trotter Mission still welcomes people who need a place to stay and who need Jesus. And 100 years later, our family is still saddened by Howard's demise. He was my wife's grandfather.
Like Mel and Howard, we have a choice, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" [John 3:36]. What do you choose? --- Dave Branon
Which way will you take? The question is clear ---
The choice you must make with a heart sincere;
To Jesus the Lord you now are inclined ---
Today is the day to make up your mind. --- Hess
TO CHOOSE CHRIST NOW IS A CHOICE FOR ETERNITY.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Look It Up
Read: Genesis 39:1-12
How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? --- Genesis 39:9
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 39-40
Matthew 11
Some online dictionaries report each year on what words were looked up the most on their site. For 2005, some of the most popular words were refugee, pandemic, tsunami, and levee. Because of worldwide catastrophic events that year, we can readily understand why those words were checked.
The most popular lookup for the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary that year was the word integrity. The definition given is: "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." It's used to describe those who are unwilling to be bribed or morally corrupted. Why was that word on the top of the list? Could it be because integrity is so lacking that many don't know what it looks like in someone's life?
In His Word, God gave us an example of integrity in the life of Joseph. Potiphar had put him in charge of overseeing "his house and all that he had" [Gen. 39:5]. When he was propositioned by his master's wife, Joseph refused, saying, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" [v.9]. He knew what God's standards were, and he chose to stand for the right --- at the cost of his freedom.
Integrity --- look it up in Genesis 39. Then live it out in God's strength. --- Anne Cetas
When willingly you keep your promise true,
To live for Christ, the One who died for you,
Your words and actions are for all to see ---
They speak aloud of your integrity. --- Hess
NO LEGACY IS AS RICH AS INTEGRITY.
How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? --- Genesis 39:9
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 39-40
Matthew 11
Some online dictionaries report each year on what words were looked up the most on their site. For 2005, some of the most popular words were refugee, pandemic, tsunami, and levee. Because of worldwide catastrophic events that year, we can readily understand why those words were checked.
The most popular lookup for the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary that year was the word integrity. The definition given is: "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." It's used to describe those who are unwilling to be bribed or morally corrupted. Why was that word on the top of the list? Could it be because integrity is so lacking that many don't know what it looks like in someone's life?
In His Word, God gave us an example of integrity in the life of Joseph. Potiphar had put him in charge of overseeing "his house and all that he had" [Gen. 39:5]. When he was propositioned by his master's wife, Joseph refused, saying, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" [v.9]. He knew what God's standards were, and he chose to stand for the right --- at the cost of his freedom.
Integrity --- look it up in Genesis 39. Then live it out in God's strength. --- Anne Cetas
When willingly you keep your promise true,
To live for Christ, the One who died for you,
Your words and actions are for all to see ---
They speak aloud of your integrity. --- Hess
NO LEGACY IS AS RICH AS INTEGRITY.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Spiritual Famine
Read: 1 Peter 2:1-10
I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. --- Amos 8:11
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 36-38
Matthew 10:21-42
In the novel No Blade of Grass, a destructive virus attacks the grasses of the world. Not just the grass in lawns but all grasses, including wheat, barley, rye, oats, and rice. In a matter of months, the world is plunged into famine and its brutal companion, violence. People begin by fighting, then killing, for food.
The novel depicts a scene that has been lived out in the real world in recent famines and is terrifying when seen on TV news networks. Yet I can only imagine what it's like.
The prophet Amos spoke of a different kind of famine. He called it a famine of "hearing the words of the LORD" [8:11]. While a lack of food can lead to disease and death, a famine of the Word can produce eternal consequences. Without access to God's Word, we lack wisdom for life and the message of eternal life in Christ. As Christians, we need "the pure milk of the Word, that [we] may grow thereby" [1 Peter 2:2]. We can identify with the prophet when he said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" [Jer. 15:16].
The world is starving for the knowledge of the God who can satisfy the needs of the human heart. Let's help fill their hearts by sharing His Word. --- Bill Crowder
Give us, O Lord, a strong desire
To look in Your Word each day;
Help us to hide its truths in our heart,
Lest from His path our feet would stray. --- Bosch
WITHOUT A HEART FOR GOD, WE CANNOT HEAR HIS WORD.
I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. --- Amos 8:11
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 36-38
Matthew 10:21-42
In the novel No Blade of Grass, a destructive virus attacks the grasses of the world. Not just the grass in lawns but all grasses, including wheat, barley, rye, oats, and rice. In a matter of months, the world is plunged into famine and its brutal companion, violence. People begin by fighting, then killing, for food.
The novel depicts a scene that has been lived out in the real world in recent famines and is terrifying when seen on TV news networks. Yet I can only imagine what it's like.
The prophet Amos spoke of a different kind of famine. He called it a famine of "hearing the words of the LORD" [8:11]. While a lack of food can lead to disease and death, a famine of the Word can produce eternal consequences. Without access to God's Word, we lack wisdom for life and the message of eternal life in Christ. As Christians, we need "the pure milk of the Word, that [we] may grow thereby" [1 Peter 2:2]. We can identify with the prophet when he said, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" [Jer. 15:16].
The world is starving for the knowledge of the God who can satisfy the needs of the human heart. Let's help fill their hearts by sharing His Word. --- Bill Crowder
Give us, O Lord, a strong desire
To look in Your Word each day;
Help us to hide its truths in our heart,
Lest from His path our feet would stray. --- Bosch
WITHOUT A HEART FOR GOD, WE CANNOT HEAR HIS WORD.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Gift Of Grace
Read: Matthew 22:34-39
By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. --- Ephesians 2:8
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 33-35
Matthew 10:1-20
A woman told me that when she was growing up, the kids next door weren't allowed to play with her because she didn't go to church. Later, when she became a Christian and told her mother, her mom replied, "You're not going to start acting like you're better than all of us, are you?" That mom got the wrong impression of Christians from her neighbors.
It's good to be vigilant about the influences in our children's lives, but not at the expense of sharing God's love with our neighbors. Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14-16 remind us: "You are the light of the world....Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
We may feel a tension between living a holy, "separate" life [2 Cor. 6:17] and the great commandment to love our neighbor as much as ourselves [Matt. 22:39]. But these two concepts don't really conflict. A central part of a life of obedience to God is to show concern and love for the lost.
Since we did nothing to deserve salvation, we have nothing to boast of. Paul wrote, "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" [Eph. 2:8-9].
Share this gift of grace with others! --- Cindy Hess Kasper
I do not ask for mighty words
To leave the crowd impressed,
But grant my life may ring so true
My neighbor may be blessed. --- Anon.
THE BEST WITNESS FOR CHRIST SHOWS GOD'S GRACE AND SHARES HIS LOVE.
By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. --- Ephesians 2:8
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 33-35
Matthew 10:1-20
A woman told me that when she was growing up, the kids next door weren't allowed to play with her because she didn't go to church. Later, when she became a Christian and told her mother, her mom replied, "You're not going to start acting like you're better than all of us, are you?" That mom got the wrong impression of Christians from her neighbors.
It's good to be vigilant about the influences in our children's lives, but not at the expense of sharing God's love with our neighbors. Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14-16 remind us: "You are the light of the world....Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
We may feel a tension between living a holy, "separate" life [2 Cor. 6:17] and the great commandment to love our neighbor as much as ourselves [Matt. 22:39]. But these two concepts don't really conflict. A central part of a life of obedience to God is to show concern and love for the lost.
Since we did nothing to deserve salvation, we have nothing to boast of. Paul wrote, "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" [Eph. 2:8-9].
Share this gift of grace with others! --- Cindy Hess Kasper
I do not ask for mighty words
To leave the crowd impressed,
But grant my life may ring so true
My neighbor may be blessed. --- Anon.
THE BEST WITNESS FOR CHRIST SHOWS GOD'S GRACE AND SHARES HIS LOVE.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Echoes Of Paradise
Read: Revelation 21:1-7
Behold, I make all things new. --- Revelation 21:5
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 31-32
Matthew 9:18-38
"Come to paradise," says an ad featuring sandy white beaches, turquoise water, and waving palm trees. It's as if we are being given a glimpse of Eden rediscovered.
Not long ago, my wife and I took a trip to the Bahamas. Those marvelous coral-reef islands have a unique beauty. Yet, for us the environment alone did not seem like paradise. Something was missing.
Then on Sunday we found what we had been looking for. We attended a church off the beaten path. The service was 3 hours long, but it was filled with vibrant worship. With beautiful Bahamian accents the pastor and his congregation took turns quoting Scripture throughout the sermon. My wife and I left the service energized in our faith.
I was reminded of Revelation's witness to the future chorus: "They sang as it were a new song before the throne" [Rev. 14:3]. One day, "God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying" [21:4]. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Our worship here is a mere prelude to the great praise service in the future when we stand in God's presence. But sometimes when we join with others in vibrant worship, we experience an echo of paradise on this earth. --- Dennis Fisher
If God has made this world so fair,
Where sin and death abound,
How beautiful beyond compare
Will paradise be found! --- Montgomery
WHEN GOD WIPES OUR TEARS, SORROW GIVES WAY TO ETERNAL SONG.
Behold, I make all things new. --- Revelation 21:5
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 31-32
Matthew 9:18-38
"Come to paradise," says an ad featuring sandy white beaches, turquoise water, and waving palm trees. It's as if we are being given a glimpse of Eden rediscovered.
Not long ago, my wife and I took a trip to the Bahamas. Those marvelous coral-reef islands have a unique beauty. Yet, for us the environment alone did not seem like paradise. Something was missing.
Then on Sunday we found what we had been looking for. We attended a church off the beaten path. The service was 3 hours long, but it was filled with vibrant worship. With beautiful Bahamian accents the pastor and his congregation took turns quoting Scripture throughout the sermon. My wife and I left the service energized in our faith.
I was reminded of Revelation's witness to the future chorus: "They sang as it were a new song before the throne" [Rev. 14:3]. One day, "God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying" [21:4]. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Our worship here is a mere prelude to the great praise service in the future when we stand in God's presence. But sometimes when we join with others in vibrant worship, we experience an echo of paradise on this earth. --- Dennis Fisher
If God has made this world so fair,
Where sin and death abound,
How beautiful beyond compare
Will paradise be found! --- Montgomery
WHEN GOD WIPES OUR TEARS, SORROW GIVES WAY TO ETERNAL SONG.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Help!
Read: Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. --- Psalm 46:1
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 29-30
Matthew 9:1-17
People are supposed to call 911 for emergencies only, but many people don't understand or follow the rule. Police emergency operators in Colorado Springs have received calls from people reporting a TV set that wasn't working, asking when it was going to stop snowing, and wanting to report an identification theft while they remained anonymous.
I have often wondered if many of our prayers for help sound frivolous to God. It's impossible to know, but there's one thing we can be assured of: In our times of need, the Lord not only hears our cries, He is present with us.
Psalm 46 describes times of great calamity, including war and natural disasters. Yet it is a song of trust that begins and ends with the same affirmation: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.... The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" [vv.1,11].
The Lord is always at work accomplishing His purposes --- even when the world seems to be falling apart. He tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" [v.10].
We don't have to fear. When we call for help, we know that He hears and will come near. --- David McCasland
Though oceans and roar and mountains quake,
And enemies deride,
We do not have to be afraid ---
The Lord is by our side. --- Sper
GOD'S HELP IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY!
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. --- Psalm 46:1
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 29-30
Matthew 9:1-17
People are supposed to call 911 for emergencies only, but many people don't understand or follow the rule. Police emergency operators in Colorado Springs have received calls from people reporting a TV set that wasn't working, asking when it was going to stop snowing, and wanting to report an identification theft while they remained anonymous.
I have often wondered if many of our prayers for help sound frivolous to God. It's impossible to know, but there's one thing we can be assured of: In our times of need, the Lord not only hears our cries, He is present with us.
Psalm 46 describes times of great calamity, including war and natural disasters. Yet it is a song of trust that begins and ends with the same affirmation: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.... The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" [vv.1,11].
The Lord is always at work accomplishing His purposes --- even when the world seems to be falling apart. He tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" [v.10].
We don't have to fear. When we call for help, we know that He hears and will come near. --- David McCasland
Though oceans and roar and mountains quake,
And enemies deride,
We do not have to be afraid ---
The Lord is by our side. --- Sper
GOD'S HELP IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
How To Be Happy
Read: Psalm 146
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. --- Psalm 146:5
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 27-28
Matthew 8:18-34
Everyone wants to be happy. But many fail in their quest to find that elusive prize because they are looking in the wrong places.
Proverbs 16:20 tells us, "Whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he." And Psalm 146:5 indicates that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God.
The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord. But to fully experience that happiness, we must build on that foundation in practical ways. I found this list of Ten Rules for Happier Living:
1. Give something away.
2. Do a kindness.
3. Give thanks always.
4. Work with vim and vigor.
5. Visit the elderly and learn from their experience.
6. Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel.
7. Laugh often --- it's life lubricant.
8. Pray to know God's way.
9. Plan as though you will live forever --- you will.
10. Live as though today is your last day on earth.
These are excellent ideas for living a happy life. Undergird each of these rules with praise, and your happiness will be complete. "Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD" [Ps. 146:1-2]. --- Richard De Haan
Happiness is to know the Savior,
Living a life within His favor,
Having a change in my behavior,
Happiness is the Lord. --- Stanphill
TRUSTING AND OBEYING THE LORD BRINGS TRUE HAPPINESS.
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. --- Psalm 146:5
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 27-28
Matthew 8:18-34
Everyone wants to be happy. But many fail in their quest to find that elusive prize because they are looking in the wrong places.
Proverbs 16:20 tells us, "Whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he." And Psalm 146:5 indicates that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God.
The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord. But to fully experience that happiness, we must build on that foundation in practical ways. I found this list of Ten Rules for Happier Living:
1. Give something away.
2. Do a kindness.
3. Give thanks always.
4. Work with vim and vigor.
5. Visit the elderly and learn from their experience.
6. Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel.
7. Laugh often --- it's life lubricant.
8. Pray to know God's way.
9. Plan as though you will live forever --- you will.
10. Live as though today is your last day on earth.
These are excellent ideas for living a happy life. Undergird each of these rules with praise, and your happiness will be complete. "Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD" [Ps. 146:1-2]. --- Richard De Haan
Happiness is to know the Savior,
Living a life within His favor,
Having a change in my behavior,
Happiness is the Lord. --- Stanphill
TRUSTING AND OBEYING THE LORD BRINGS TRUE HAPPINESS.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
"I'm With Him"
Read: Luke 23:32-43
Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. --- Luke 23:43
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 25-26
Matthew 8:1-17
On the front of my husband's T-shirt is a cartoon of a sheep walking on two legs and addressing a wolf who is barring the sheep's passage through a gate.
Standing by the sheep is a familiar-looking man. He has a beard, compassionate eyes, and a look of authority. The sheep speaks to the wolf as he gestures toward the man and says, "I'm with Him." The sheep's trust in his Shepherd gives him great confidence.
On the day Jesus died, three crosses were raised. Jesus hung on the center one between two criminals. One of the men mocked Jesus, but the other said to Him, "Remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus answered, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" [Luke 23:42-43].
Imagine the man's thoughts as he took his last breath. He had paid a horrible penalty for his crimes. But now, because he put his faith in Jesus, he was welcomed into heaven as a child of God. Perhaps he said with confidence, "I know I don't deserve to be here, but I'm with Him!" gesturing toward Jesus. And Jesus would have confirmed it: "He is with Me."
Like the thief on the cross, we all face a choice. Have you made the decision to trust Jesus? Can you say with confidence, "I'm with Him"? --- Cindy Hess Kasper
We are with Him and He with us,
Great confidence this gives
To face life's trials and even death
Because our Savior lives. --- D. De Haan
FACING DEATH WITH CONFIDENCE COMES FROM TRUSTING CHRIST.
Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. --- Luke 23:43
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 25-26
Matthew 8:1-17
On the front of my husband's T-shirt is a cartoon of a sheep walking on two legs and addressing a wolf who is barring the sheep's passage through a gate.
Standing by the sheep is a familiar-looking man. He has a beard, compassionate eyes, and a look of authority. The sheep speaks to the wolf as he gestures toward the man and says, "I'm with Him." The sheep's trust in his Shepherd gives him great confidence.
On the day Jesus died, three crosses were raised. Jesus hung on the center one between two criminals. One of the men mocked Jesus, but the other said to Him, "Remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus answered, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" [Luke 23:42-43].
Imagine the man's thoughts as he took his last breath. He had paid a horrible penalty for his crimes. But now, because he put his faith in Jesus, he was welcomed into heaven as a child of God. Perhaps he said with confidence, "I know I don't deserve to be here, but I'm with Him!" gesturing toward Jesus. And Jesus would have confirmed it: "He is with Me."
Like the thief on the cross, we all face a choice. Have you made the decision to trust Jesus? Can you say with confidence, "I'm with Him"? --- Cindy Hess Kasper
We are with Him and He with us,
Great confidence this gives
To face life's trials and even death
Because our Savior lives. --- D. De Haan
FACING DEATH WITH CONFIDENCE COMES FROM TRUSTING CHRIST.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Plans And Realities
Read: Proverbs 16:1-9
A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. --- Proverbs 16:9
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 23-24
Matthew 7
When I went to Moody Bible Institute as an 18-year-old, I enrolled int he pastors program. I could picture myself preaching and leading a church just at my home church pastor was doing. Then, after hearing about the five faithful missionaries to the Auca Indians who were tragically killed in Ecuador, I even considered dedicating my life to missions.
But God had a different course laid out for me. Through His clear leading, and in accordance with the gifts He had given me, I became a teacher, editor, and writer.
Most of us have had similar experiences. We think ahead and carefully work out a plan. We picture in our minds with great detail how our future is going to unfold. But things don't go as planned. Some doors close, while others open. If this happens to you, it may be that God has something completely different in mind.
It's good to plan and dream and think ahead. But we must always be open to God-appointed changes in direction. "A man's heart plans his way," Solomon wrote, "but the LORD directs his steps" [Prov. 16:9].
God will never mislead us. When we trust Him with all our heart, He will direct our paths [Prov. 3:5-6]. His way is always best. --- Dave Egner
Should mystery enshroud His plan
And our short sight be dim,
We will not try the whole to scan
But leave each thread to Him. --- Murray
WHERE GOD'S FINGER POINTS, HIS HAND WILL MAKE THE WAY.
A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. --- Proverbs 16:9
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 23-24
Matthew 7
When I went to Moody Bible Institute as an 18-year-old, I enrolled int he pastors program. I could picture myself preaching and leading a church just at my home church pastor was doing. Then, after hearing about the five faithful missionaries to the Auca Indians who were tragically killed in Ecuador, I even considered dedicating my life to missions.
But God had a different course laid out for me. Through His clear leading, and in accordance with the gifts He had given me, I became a teacher, editor, and writer.
Most of us have had similar experiences. We think ahead and carefully work out a plan. We picture in our minds with great detail how our future is going to unfold. But things don't go as planned. Some doors close, while others open. If this happens to you, it may be that God has something completely different in mind.
It's good to plan and dream and think ahead. But we must always be open to God-appointed changes in direction. "A man's heart plans his way," Solomon wrote, "but the LORD directs his steps" [Prov. 16:9].
God will never mislead us. When we trust Him with all our heart, He will direct our paths [Prov. 3:5-6]. His way is always best. --- Dave Egner
Should mystery enshroud His plan
And our short sight be dim,
We will not try the whole to scan
But leave each thread to Him. --- Murray
WHERE GOD'S FINGER POINTS, HIS HAND WILL MAKE THE WAY.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Silent Witness
Read: Philippians 1:21-27
Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, ... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. --- Philippians 1:27
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 20-22
Matthew 6:19-34
On a beautiful, warm January morning, a colleague and I were having breakfast in an outdoor coffee shop at MacRitchie Reservoir Park in Singapore. With a beautiful lake and immaculate gardens surrounding us, the setting was quiet, calm, and lovely with a light breeze blowing across the water.
At a nearby table, a young woman sat quietly reading her Bible. She was absorbed in the text, occasionally looking up to consider what she had read. She never said a word, but her heart and priorities were visible to everyone at that coffee shop. It was a gentle, positive, silent witness.
She was not ashamed of Christ or His Book. She neither preached a sermon nor sang a song. She was willing to be identified with the Savior, yet she did not need to announce that allegiance.
In our attempts to share the message of Jesus, we must eventually use words, because ultimately words are needed to present the gospel. But we can also learn from the example of this woman.
There are times when the quietness of our everyday actions speak loudly, revealing our love for the Lord. In our desire to share Christ with a broken world, let's not ignore the power of our silent witness. --- Bill Crowder
Yielding your all to the Savior
And letting His love flow through you
Makes even your silent witness
A witness of what God can do. --- Bosch
WITNESS FOR CHRIST WITH YOUR LIFE AS WELL AS YOUR LIPS.
Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, ... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. --- Philippians 1:27
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 20-22
Matthew 6:19-34
On a beautiful, warm January morning, a colleague and I were having breakfast in an outdoor coffee shop at MacRitchie Reservoir Park in Singapore. With a beautiful lake and immaculate gardens surrounding us, the setting was quiet, calm, and lovely with a light breeze blowing across the water.
At a nearby table, a young woman sat quietly reading her Bible. She was absorbed in the text, occasionally looking up to consider what she had read. She never said a word, but her heart and priorities were visible to everyone at that coffee shop. It was a gentle, positive, silent witness.
She was not ashamed of Christ or His Book. She neither preached a sermon nor sang a song. She was willing to be identified with the Savior, yet she did not need to announce that allegiance.
In our attempts to share the message of Jesus, we must eventually use words, because ultimately words are needed to present the gospel. But we can also learn from the example of this woman.
There are times when the quietness of our everyday actions speak loudly, revealing our love for the Lord. In our desire to share Christ with a broken world, let's not ignore the power of our silent witness. --- Bill Crowder
Yielding your all to the Savior
And letting His love flow through you
Makes even your silent witness
A witness of what God can do. --- Bosch
WITNESS FOR CHRIST WITH YOUR LIFE AS WELL AS YOUR LIPS.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Who Am I?
Read: Psalm 8
What is man that You are mindful of him? --- Psalm 8:4
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 18-19
Matthew 6:1-18
The song "Who Am I"? by Mark Hall of the musical group Casting Crowns, begins: "Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt?"
In this song, Hall compares our lives to "a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow ... a vapor in the wind." He reflects, "When we understand how small we really are and how awesome God is, then God's love becomes bigger to us."
I am reminded of David's question in Psalm 8. When he considered the heavens, the moon, and the stars, he was amazed by the God of the universe who created them and holds them together. In awe, he asked, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" [v.4].
Why are we the object of God's love and care and thoughts? In his song, Hall answers the question this way: "Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done; not because of what I've done, but because of who You are."
Who is God? He is love. What has God done? He gave His only Son Jesus to die for us and pay the penalty for our sins [1 John 4:7-9]. No wonder we want to shout with the psalmist: "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!" [Ps. 8:1,9]. --- Anne Cetas
Father, thank You that You have made us the object
of Your love. We are amazed at Your forgiveness
and grace. Help us to see ourselves as small
and to marvel at Your great love.
GOD LOVES US, NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.
What is man that You are mindful of him? --- Psalm 8:4
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 18-19
Matthew 6:1-18
The song "Who Am I"? by Mark Hall of the musical group Casting Crowns, begins: "Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt?"
In this song, Hall compares our lives to "a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow ... a vapor in the wind." He reflects, "When we understand how small we really are and how awesome God is, then God's love becomes bigger to us."
I am reminded of David's question in Psalm 8. When he considered the heavens, the moon, and the stars, he was amazed by the God of the universe who created them and holds them together. In awe, he asked, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" [v.4].
Why are we the object of God's love and care and thoughts? In his song, Hall answers the question this way: "Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done; not because of what I've done, but because of who You are."
Who is God? He is love. What has God done? He gave His only Son Jesus to die for us and pay the penalty for our sins [1 John 4:7-9]. No wonder we want to shout with the psalmist: "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!" [Ps. 8:1,9]. --- Anne Cetas
Father, thank You that You have made us the object
of Your love. We are amazed at Your forgiveness
and grace. Help us to see ourselves as small
and to marvel at Your great love.
GOD LOVES US, NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Total Giving
Read: Mark 12:41-44
She out of her poverty put in all that she had. --- Mark 12:44
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 16-17
Matthew 5:27-48
"Mr. Branon, I have to talk with you about something really important," said the voice on the other end of the line. It was 2 days before a small group of teens and adults were to leave for Jamaica on a special mission trip. We had been planning for months to go to a school for deaf children to build a much-needed playground. So, when this teen called, I thought, Oh, no. She can't go.
But when she, her mom, and I met for lunch that day, I found out how truly special this young lady was. She told me she was donating her entire savings to help pay for the trip --- money she had been saving to buy a car. "As I was praying the past couple of nights," she explained, "I felt that God was telling me to give all of my money." That day we had tears of joy with our burgers and fries.
What a picture of how much of ourselves we should offer Him! God wants total sacrifice --- as a difficult as that can be --- not just 10-percent giving. If Jesus is indeed our Lord, we must give our entire being to Him. Our speech. Our time. Our choices.
Jesus praised the widow who "out of her poverty put in all that she had" [Mark 12:44]. Imagine the influence we could have if we practiced giving our all. --- Dave Branon
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow's mite,
And the least you do for Jesus
Will be precious in His sight. --- March
GIVING IS EASIER WHEN YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO THE LORD.
She out of her poverty put in all that she had. --- Mark 12:44
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 16-17
Matthew 5:27-48
"Mr. Branon, I have to talk with you about something really important," said the voice on the other end of the line. It was 2 days before a small group of teens and adults were to leave for Jamaica on a special mission trip. We had been planning for months to go to a school for deaf children to build a much-needed playground. So, when this teen called, I thought, Oh, no. She can't go.
But when she, her mom, and I met for lunch that day, I found out how truly special this young lady was. She told me she was donating her entire savings to help pay for the trip --- money she had been saving to buy a car. "As I was praying the past couple of nights," she explained, "I felt that God was telling me to give all of my money." That day we had tears of joy with our burgers and fries.
What a picture of how much of ourselves we should offer Him! God wants total sacrifice --- as a difficult as that can be --- not just 10-percent giving. If Jesus is indeed our Lord, we must give our entire being to Him. Our speech. Our time. Our choices.
Jesus praised the widow who "out of her poverty put in all that she had" [Mark 12:44]. Imagine the influence we could have if we practiced giving our all. --- Dave Branon
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow's mite,
And the least you do for Jesus
Will be precious in His sight. --- March
GIVING IS EASIER WHEN YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO THE LORD.
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Waiting
Read: Genesis 15:1-6
[Abraham] believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. --- Genesis 15:6
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 13-15
Matthew 5:1-26
Any mother can tell you that waiting to give birth is an experience that builds patience. But pity the poor mother elephant. It takes about 22 months for an unborn elephant to mature to birth! The shark known as the spiny dogfish has a pregnancy duration of 22-24 months. And at elevations above 4,600 feet, the Alpine salamander endures a gestational period of up to 38 months.
Abraham could have identified with these examples from nature. In his old age, the Lord made a promise to him: "I will make you a great nation" [Gen. 12:2]. But as the years passed, Abraham questioned how the fulfillment of the promise was possible without even the basic building block of a son [15:2]. So God assured him, "One who will come from your own body shall be your heir" [v.4].
Despite his advanced age, Abraham believed God and was called righteous [v.6]. Yet he waited 25 years from the time of the initial promise for Isaac to be born [17:1,17].
Waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled is a part of trusting Him. No matter how long the delay, we must wait for Him. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" [Heb. 10:23]. --- Marvin Williams
Not so in haste, my heart!
Have faith in God, and wait;
Although He seems to linger long,
He never comes too late. --- Torrey
GOD ALWAYS PERFORMS WHAT HE PROMISES.
[Abraham] believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. --- Genesis 15:6
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 13-15
Matthew 5:1-26
Any mother can tell you that waiting to give birth is an experience that builds patience. But pity the poor mother elephant. It takes about 22 months for an unborn elephant to mature to birth! The shark known as the spiny dogfish has a pregnancy duration of 22-24 months. And at elevations above 4,600 feet, the Alpine salamander endures a gestational period of up to 38 months.
Abraham could have identified with these examples from nature. In his old age, the Lord made a promise to him: "I will make you a great nation" [Gen. 12:2]. But as the years passed, Abraham questioned how the fulfillment of the promise was possible without even the basic building block of a son [15:2]. So God assured him, "One who will come from your own body shall be your heir" [v.4].
Despite his advanced age, Abraham believed God and was called righteous [v.6]. Yet he waited 25 years from the time of the initial promise for Isaac to be born [17:1,17].
Waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled is a part of trusting Him. No matter how long the delay, we must wait for Him. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" [Heb. 10:23]. --- Marvin Williams
Not so in haste, my heart!
Have faith in God, and wait;
Although He seems to linger long,
He never comes too late. --- Torrey
GOD ALWAYS PERFORMS WHAT HE PROMISES.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Our Dwelling Place
Read: Genesis 12:1-8
By faith Abraham obeyed .... And he went out, not knowing where he was going. --- Hebrews 11:8
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 10-12
Matthew 4
When Abraham was 75 years old, God called him to leave the land of his father. And so, advanced in years, he departed for the land of Canaan. He was rootless, homeless, "not knowing where he was going" [Heb. 11:8]. That was the story of Abraham's life.
Age brings change and uncertainty. It means transition from a familiar past to an uncertain future. It can mean movement from a family home to a smaller place, to a daughter's home, to a retirement village, to a nursing home --- the "final resort." Like Abraham, some of us make our way from one location to another, always traveling and not knowing where we're going.
Yet we can be at home in any dwelling, for our safekeeping lies not in the place where we live but in God Himself. We can dwell "in the secret place of the Most High" and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" [Ps. 91:1]. There, in His presence, under His wings, we find refuge [v.4]. The eternal God becomes our dwelling place [v.9].
Though our dwelling place here on earth may be uncertain, God wil be our companion and friend until our traveling days are over and we reach our heart's true home --- heaven. Until that day, let's shed the light of God's lovingkindness on other travelers. --- Davis Roper
Someday my earthly house will fall ---
I cannot tell how soon 'twill be;
But this I know --- my All in All
Has now a place in heaven for me. --- Crosby
FOR THE CHRISTIAN, HEAVEN IS SPELLED H-O-M-E.
By faith Abraham obeyed .... And he went out, not knowing where he was going. --- Hebrews 11:8
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 10-12
Matthew 4
When Abraham was 75 years old, God called him to leave the land of his father. And so, advanced in years, he departed for the land of Canaan. He was rootless, homeless, "not knowing where he was going" [Heb. 11:8]. That was the story of Abraham's life.
Age brings change and uncertainty. It means transition from a familiar past to an uncertain future. It can mean movement from a family home to a smaller place, to a daughter's home, to a retirement village, to a nursing home --- the "final resort." Like Abraham, some of us make our way from one location to another, always traveling and not knowing where we're going.
Yet we can be at home in any dwelling, for our safekeeping lies not in the place where we live but in God Himself. We can dwell "in the secret place of the Most High" and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" [Ps. 91:1]. There, in His presence, under His wings, we find refuge [v.4]. The eternal God becomes our dwelling place [v.9].
Though our dwelling place here on earth may be uncertain, God wil be our companion and friend until our traveling days are over and we reach our heart's true home --- heaven. Until that day, let's shed the light of God's lovingkindness on other travelers. --- Davis Roper
Someday my earthly house will fall ---
I cannot tell how soon 'twill be;
But this I know --- my All in All
Has now a place in heaven for me. --- Crosby
FOR THE CHRISTIAN, HEAVEN IS SPELLED H-O-M-E.
An Eternal Perspective
Read: Colossians 3:1-7
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. --- Colossians 3:2
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 7-9
Matthew 3
In the movie Gladiator, General Maximus Decimus Meridius seeks to stir his cavalry to fight well in the imminent battle against Germania. Addressing his troops, he challenges them to give their very best. He makes this profound statement: "What we do in life echoes in eternity."
These words from a fictional military leader convey a powerful concept that is of particular significance to believers in Christ. We are not just taking up time and space on a rock that's floating in the universe. We are here with the opportunity to make an eternal difference with our lives.
Jesus Himself said, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" [Matt. 6:20]. Having the perspective of living for eternity can make all the difference in this world.
How can we learn to set our minds "on things above"? [Col. 3:2]. A good way to begin is to discover what our eternal God values. Throughout the pages of the Bible, He reminds us that He values people above possessions and our character above our performance. Those are the truths that last forever. Embracing them can bring an eternal perspective to our daily living. --- Bill Crowder
We store up heavenly treasures
And seek those things above
By caring for other people
And showing them God's love. --- Branon
WHAT WE DO IN THIS LIFE ECHOES IN ETERNITY.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. --- Colossians 3:2
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 7-9
Matthew 3
In the movie Gladiator, General Maximus Decimus Meridius seeks to stir his cavalry to fight well in the imminent battle against Germania. Addressing his troops, he challenges them to give their very best. He makes this profound statement: "What we do in life echoes in eternity."
These words from a fictional military leader convey a powerful concept that is of particular significance to believers in Christ. We are not just taking up time and space on a rock that's floating in the universe. We are here with the opportunity to make an eternal difference with our lives.
Jesus Himself said, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" [Matt. 6:20]. Having the perspective of living for eternity can make all the difference in this world.
How can we learn to set our minds "on things above"? [Col. 3:2]. A good way to begin is to discover what our eternal God values. Throughout the pages of the Bible, He reminds us that He values people above possessions and our character above our performance. Those are the truths that last forever. Embracing them can bring an eternal perspective to our daily living. --- Bill Crowder
We store up heavenly treasures
And seek those things above
By caring for other people
And showing them God's love. --- Branon
WHAT WE DO IN THIS LIFE ECHOES IN ETERNITY.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The Walking Purchase
Read: Mark 7:5-13
You ... have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. --- Matthew 23:23
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 4-6
Matthew 2
In colonial North America, William Penn had a reputation as a benevolent Quaker who dealt fairly with Native Americans. When he returned to England, his sons stayed behind. They did not share his integrity. Soon they contrived a scheme to cheat a Delaware tribe. The sons produced an old contract in which the Indians had agreed to sell a portion of land that a man could walk in 1 1/2 days.
When the tribe consented to honor their ancestors' agreement, Penn's sons were delighted. They hired three of the fastest runners they could find. One of the men covered a distance of 65 miles in 18 hours. They totally disregarded both the letter and the spirit of the agreement.
In Jesus' day, the scribes and Pharisees rationalized their violation of the spirit of God's law. Jesus exposed their hypocritical practice when He cited the commandment to "honor your father and your mother" [Mark 7:10-13]. They were declaring a portion of their income as "a gift to God" to keep from using it to care for their aged parents.
The Bible is not a tool to get what we want. Instead, we must ask God to help us understand its intended purpose. Let's be sure we don't neglect the "weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith" [Matt. 23:23]. --- Dennis Fisher
The best translation of God's Word
That we will ever read
Is found in servants of the Lord
Who live that Word in deed. --- D. De Haan
OBEYING THE LETTER OF THE LAW IS GOOD; OBEYING THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW IS BETTER.
You ... have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. --- Matthew 23:23
The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 4-6
Matthew 2
In colonial North America, William Penn had a reputation as a benevolent Quaker who dealt fairly with Native Americans. When he returned to England, his sons stayed behind. They did not share his integrity. Soon they contrived a scheme to cheat a Delaware tribe. The sons produced an old contract in which the Indians had agreed to sell a portion of land that a man could walk in 1 1/2 days.
When the tribe consented to honor their ancestors' agreement, Penn's sons were delighted. They hired three of the fastest runners they could find. One of the men covered a distance of 65 miles in 18 hours. They totally disregarded both the letter and the spirit of the agreement.
In Jesus' day, the scribes and Pharisees rationalized their violation of the spirit of God's law. Jesus exposed their hypocritical practice when He cited the commandment to "honor your father and your mother" [Mark 7:10-13]. They were declaring a portion of their income as "a gift to God" to keep from using it to care for their aged parents.
The Bible is not a tool to get what we want. Instead, we must ask God to help us understand its intended purpose. Let's be sure we don't neglect the "weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith" [Matt. 23:23]. --- Dennis Fisher
The best translation of God's Word
That we will ever read
Is found in servants of the Lord
Who live that Word in deed. --- D. De Haan
OBEYING THE LETTER OF THE LAW IS GOOD; OBEYING THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW IS BETTER.
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