Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. --- 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 23-25
Mark 7:14-37
In the movie The Bourne Identity, the main character, Jason Bourne, suffers from a severe amnesia that leaves him haunted, frustrated, and confused.
A lot of us live like Jason Bourne. Our stories are not as dramatic but the issues are the same: Who am I, and does anyone care? We run from relationship to relationship, social event to social event, job to job, or even church to church, trying to "find ourselves." And if we seek our sense of identity in our career, who will we be when we retire?
But there's good news for "identity seekers." We can have a significant and secure identity in a relationship with Jesus.
Although God made us in His image [Gen. 1:27], sin ravaged our souls and denied us the joy of a relationship with our Creator. Our identity as His prized and precious creation was damaged --- until Jesus Christ came on the scene to rescue us and reclaim His created ones for His own [see Rom. 5:12-19]. When we trust Christ for salvation, we gain the privileged status of being "in Him." He takes all that is old and makes it new.
Once you realize that you are a new creation, your identity crisis will be over. --- Joe Stowell
When we're reborn --- made new in Christ ---
It should be plain for all to see
That God has changed us from within
And placed us in His family. --- Sper
TO RESOLVE OUR IDENTITY CRISIS WE MUST BE IDENTIFIED WITH CHRIST.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
No Nobodies
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. --- 1 Corinthians 12:22
The Bible In One Year:
No extra reading today
A visitor was being shown around a leper colony in India. At noon a gong sounded for the midday meal. People came from all parts of the compound to the dining hall. All at once peals of laughter filled the air. Two young men, one riding on the other's back, were pretending to be a horse and a rider and were having loads of fun.
As the visitor watched, he was told that the man who carried his friend was blind, and the man being carried was lame. The one who couldn't see used his feet; the one who couldn't walk used his eyes. Together they helped each other, and they found great joy in doing it.
Imagine a church like that --- each member using his or her strength to make up for another's weakness. That's what should be happening in every congregation of believers. Paul likened spiritual gifts to various parts of the human body. Eyes see. Ears hear. Hands work. Feet move the body forward. All are essential. And when each fulfills its function, the whole body benefits.
All of us have weaknesses, but we also have strengths. We are all different, but God has given each of us at least one gift to use for the good of the church. We need one another. In Christ's body there are no nobodies. --- Dennis De Haan
God can take a lowly vessel,
Shape it with His mighty hand,
Fill it with a matchless treasure,
Make it serve a purpose grand. --- Bosch
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS INSIGNIFICANT SERVICE FOR CHRIST.
Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. --- 1 Corinthians 12:22
The Bible In One Year:
No extra reading today
A visitor was being shown around a leper colony in India. At noon a gong sounded for the midday meal. People came from all parts of the compound to the dining hall. All at once peals of laughter filled the air. Two young men, one riding on the other's back, were pretending to be a horse and a rider and were having loads of fun.
As the visitor watched, he was told that the man who carried his friend was blind, and the man being carried was lame. The one who couldn't see used his feet; the one who couldn't walk used his eyes. Together they helped each other, and they found great joy in doing it.
Imagine a church like that --- each member using his or her strength to make up for another's weakness. That's what should be happening in every congregation of believers. Paul likened spiritual gifts to various parts of the human body. Eyes see. Ears hear. Hands work. Feet move the body forward. All are essential. And when each fulfills its function, the whole body benefits.
All of us have weaknesses, but we also have strengths. We are all different, but God has given each of us at least one gift to use for the good of the church. We need one another. In Christ's body there are no nobodies. --- Dennis De Haan
God can take a lowly vessel,
Shape it with His mighty hand,
Fill it with a matchless treasure,
Make it serve a purpose grand. --- Bosch
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS INSIGNIFICANT SERVICE FOR CHRIST.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Cast Your Cares
Read: Philippians 4:4-9
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. --- 1 Peter 5:7
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 20-22
Mark 7:1-13
The psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God" [46:10]. Paul exhorted the Philippians to "be anxious for nothing" [Phil. 4:6]. And Peter instructed his readers to cast all their cares on God [1 Peter 5:7].
How can someone stop worrying and be "still"? Only through prayer and trust in the loving God [Phi. 4:6-7]. Those who cast their cares on Him can set aside the noise and confusion, ambitions and strivings, and enter into the peace of God [v.7].
This doesn't mean that those who are "still" before the Lord will escape life's dangers and dilemmas, but it does mean they will have the ability to live with tranquility in the midst of them. Though trouble may remain, the confusion, apprehension, and despair begin to fade away. Such people show poise under pressure; they're unshaken by life's alarms; they radiate peace wherever they go.
If you've never acquainted yourself with the depths of God's love and His call for you to live in that love, your life will be filled with anxiety and cares. You'll often be fretful and restless --- always looking for that illusive "something more."
When you learn to turn your confidence toward God and cast your cares on Him you can be calm in the midst of life's demands. --- David Roper
I love to dwell upon the thought
That Jesus cares for me,
It matters not what life may bring ---
He loves me tenderly. --- Adams
BECAUSE GOD CARES FOR US, WE CAN LEAVE OUR CARES WITH HIM.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. --- 1 Peter 5:7
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 20-22
Mark 7:1-13
The psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God" [46:10]. Paul exhorted the Philippians to "be anxious for nothing" [Phil. 4:6]. And Peter instructed his readers to cast all their cares on God [1 Peter 5:7].
How can someone stop worrying and be "still"? Only through prayer and trust in the loving God [Phi. 4:6-7]. Those who cast their cares on Him can set aside the noise and confusion, ambitions and strivings, and enter into the peace of God [v.7].
This doesn't mean that those who are "still" before the Lord will escape life's dangers and dilemmas, but it does mean they will have the ability to live with tranquility in the midst of them. Though trouble may remain, the confusion, apprehension, and despair begin to fade away. Such people show poise under pressure; they're unshaken by life's alarms; they radiate peace wherever they go.
If you've never acquainted yourself with the depths of God's love and His call for you to live in that love, your life will be filled with anxiety and cares. You'll often be fretful and restless --- always looking for that illusive "something more."
When you learn to turn your confidence toward God and cast your cares on Him you can be calm in the midst of life's demands. --- David Roper
I love to dwell upon the thought
That Jesus cares for me,
It matters not what life may bring ---
He loves me tenderly. --- Adams
BECAUSE GOD CARES FOR US, WE CAN LEAVE OUR CARES WITH HIM.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Keep Praying
Read: Luke 11:5-13
Everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. --- Luke 11:10
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 17-19
Mark 6:30-56
We prayed. Quietly sometimes. Aloud other times. For more than 17 years we prayed. We prayed for our daughter Melissa's health and direction, for her salvation, and often for her protection. Just as we prayed for our other children, we asked God to have His hand of care on her.
As Melissa rolled into her teenage years, we prayed even more that He would keep her from harm --- that He would keep His eyes on her as she and her friends began to drive. We prayed, "God, please protect Melissa."
So what happened? Didn't God understand how much it would hurt so many people to lose such a beautiful young woman with so much potential for service to Him and others? Didn't God see the other car coming on that warm spring night?
We prayed. But Melissa was killed.
Now what? Do we stop praying? Do we give up on God? Do we try to make it alone?
Absolutely not! Prayer is even more vital to us now. God --- our inexplicable sovereign Lord --- is still in control. His commands to pray still stand. His desire to hear from us is still alive. Faith is not demanding what we want; it is trusting God's goodness in spite of life's tragedies.
We grieve. We pray. We keep on praying. --- Dave Branon
I question not God's means or ways,
Or how He uses time or days,
To answer every call or prayer ---
I know He will, somehow, somewhere. --- Whitney
GOD MAY DENY OUR REQUEST BUT WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT OUR TRUST.
Everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. --- Luke 11:10
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 17-19
Mark 6:30-56
We prayed. Quietly sometimes. Aloud other times. For more than 17 years we prayed. We prayed for our daughter Melissa's health and direction, for her salvation, and often for her protection. Just as we prayed for our other children, we asked God to have His hand of care on her.
As Melissa rolled into her teenage years, we prayed even more that He would keep her from harm --- that He would keep His eyes on her as she and her friends began to drive. We prayed, "God, please protect Melissa."
So what happened? Didn't God understand how much it would hurt so many people to lose such a beautiful young woman with so much potential for service to Him and others? Didn't God see the other car coming on that warm spring night?
We prayed. But Melissa was killed.
Now what? Do we stop praying? Do we give up on God? Do we try to make it alone?
Absolutely not! Prayer is even more vital to us now. God --- our inexplicable sovereign Lord --- is still in control. His commands to pray still stand. His desire to hear from us is still alive. Faith is not demanding what we want; it is trusting God's goodness in spite of life's tragedies.
We grieve. We pray. We keep on praying. --- Dave Branon
I question not God's means or ways,
Or how He uses time or days,
To answer every call or prayer ---
I know He will, somehow, somewhere. --- Whitney
GOD MAY DENY OUR REQUEST BUT WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT OUR TRUST.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Spray-On Mud
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! --- 2 Timothy 3:5
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 15-16
Mark 6:1-29
A British company has developed a product called "Spray-On Mud" so city dwellers can give their expensive 4x4 vehicles the appearance of having been off-road for a day of hunting or fishing without ever leaving town. The mud is even filtered to remove stones and debris that might scratch the paint. According to the company, sales are going well.
There is something within each of us that values how we look on the outside more than who we are on the inside. It causes some people to pad their resumes or embellish their memoirs. But it has no place in our lives as followers of Jesus.
Paul warned Timothy about people in the church who had a form of godliness but denied its power. "They will maintain a facade of 'religion,' but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this" [2 Tim. 3:5, PHILLIPS]. The inward reality of Christ is what counts, because it will produce the outward signs of faith.
Paul's authority to instruct the church about spiritual authenticity came through his suffering, not by "spraying on mud." "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." said the apostle [Gal. 6:17].
God calls us to authentic living today. --- David McCasland
We fuss over form and we put on a face,
All the while showing God disrespect,
Not seeing how pride is eclipsing God's grace
That the light of Christ's life should reflect. --- Gustafson
IF YOU ARE TRUE TO GOD, YOU WON'T BE FALSE TO OTHERS.
Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! --- 2 Timothy 3:5
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 15-16
Mark 6:1-29
A British company has developed a product called "Spray-On Mud" so city dwellers can give their expensive 4x4 vehicles the appearance of having been off-road for a day of hunting or fishing without ever leaving town. The mud is even filtered to remove stones and debris that might scratch the paint. According to the company, sales are going well.
There is something within each of us that values how we look on the outside more than who we are on the inside. It causes some people to pad their resumes or embellish their memoirs. But it has no place in our lives as followers of Jesus.
Paul warned Timothy about people in the church who had a form of godliness but denied its power. "They will maintain a facade of 'religion,' but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this" [2 Tim. 3:5, PHILLIPS]. The inward reality of Christ is what counts, because it will produce the outward signs of faith.
Paul's authority to instruct the church about spiritual authenticity came through his suffering, not by "spraying on mud." "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." said the apostle [Gal. 6:17].
God calls us to authentic living today. --- David McCasland
We fuss over form and we put on a face,
All the while showing God disrespect,
Not seeing how pride is eclipsing God's grace
That the light of Christ's life should reflect. --- Gustafson
IF YOU ARE TRUE TO GOD, YOU WON'T BE FALSE TO OTHERS.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Celebration Of Creation
Read: Job 38:1-7
By Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth. --- Colossians 1:16
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 12-14
Mark 5:21-43
In The Magician's Nephew, one of the books in C.S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, Digory and Polly use special rings to go into other universes. In one instance, they are transported to a place where they witness the creation of a new world. In the darkness, a beautiful voice sings stars into the existence, followed by a newly created sunrise. In the morning light, they see that a mysterious lion is the singer. In response to his voice, grass spreads out like carpet, and trees grow in moments. Then animals begin to form out of the ground. When Narnia's creation is complete, Aslan, its creator gives the gift of speech to animals and celebrates with his creatures.
Lewis' skillful use of Christian symbolism provides a fresh perspective on the wonder of our own world's beginning. There was a time when our universe did not exist. There was no matter, no energy, and no time. Then the Son of God spoke into being what we now see [John 1:1-3]. In response, angelic worship resounded from the heavenly places. The book of Job tells us that at the foundations of the earth "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" [Job 38:4,7].
On a starry night, worship that began with angels should resonate in our own hearts to God's glory. --- Dennis Fisher
The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me. --- Berg
GOD'S WORK OF CREATING IS DONE; OUR WORK OF PRAISING HAS ONLY BEGUN.
By Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth. --- Colossians 1:16
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 12-14
Mark 5:21-43
In The Magician's Nephew, one of the books in C.S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, Digory and Polly use special rings to go into other universes. In one instance, they are transported to a place where they witness the creation of a new world. In the darkness, a beautiful voice sings stars into the existence, followed by a newly created sunrise. In the morning light, they see that a mysterious lion is the singer. In response to his voice, grass spreads out like carpet, and trees grow in moments. Then animals begin to form out of the ground. When Narnia's creation is complete, Aslan, its creator gives the gift of speech to animals and celebrates with his creatures.
Lewis' skillful use of Christian symbolism provides a fresh perspective on the wonder of our own world's beginning. There was a time when our universe did not exist. There was no matter, no energy, and no time. Then the Son of God spoke into being what we now see [John 1:1-3]. In response, angelic worship resounded from the heavenly places. The book of Job tells us that at the foundations of the earth "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" [Job 38:4,7].
On a starry night, worship that began with angels should resonate in our own hearts to God's glory. --- Dennis Fisher
The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me. --- Berg
GOD'S WORK OF CREATING IS DONE; OUR WORK OF PRAISING HAS ONLY BEGUN.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Dial 9 For Worship
Read: Psalm 9:1-14
I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart. --- Psalm 9:1
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 9-11
Mark 5:1-20
You're in the dentist's office and it's taking longer than expected. You're late for another appointment, so you ask to use the phone. You dial the number twice and nothing happens. "How do I dial out?" you ask in frustration. "I'm sorry," says that receptionist, "you need to dial 9 first."
You've come to church to worship God. You're singing. You're praying along with the pastor and following the Bible passages as they are read. But nothing's happening inside. You want to worship the Lord, but you're just going through the motions. What can you do?
Here's a suggestion: Dial 9. Open your Bible to Psalm 9 and follow David's prompts as he expresses his heartfealt praise to the Lord.
Open your heart [v.1]. Let praise roll forth! Review all the things He has done for you [v.1]. Rejoice! Be glad! Sing! [v.2] Acknowledge that He defends you [vv.3-5]. Go to Him for refuge [v.9]. Talk about what He's done for you [v.11] Receive His mercy and rejoice in His salvation [vv.13-14].
Try following David's example. You'll reconnect with God in your worship and praise. --- David Egner
You alone are worthy, Lord,
To be worshiped and adored;
We to You our tribute bring
As our hearts rejoice and sing. --- Hess
AT THE HEART OF WORSHIP IS WORSHIP FROM THE HEART.
I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart. --- Psalm 9:1
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 9-11
Mark 5:1-20
You're in the dentist's office and it's taking longer than expected. You're late for another appointment, so you ask to use the phone. You dial the number twice and nothing happens. "How do I dial out?" you ask in frustration. "I'm sorry," says that receptionist, "you need to dial 9 first."
You've come to church to worship God. You're singing. You're praying along with the pastor and following the Bible passages as they are read. But nothing's happening inside. You want to worship the Lord, but you're just going through the motions. What can you do?
Here's a suggestion: Dial 9. Open your Bible to Psalm 9 and follow David's prompts as he expresses his heartfealt praise to the Lord.
Try following David's example. You'll reconnect with God in your worship and praise. --- David Egner
You alone are worthy, Lord,
To be worshiped and adored;
We to You our tribute bring
As our hearts rejoice and sing. --- Hess
AT THE HEART OF WORSHIP IS WORSHIP FROM THE HEART.
Friday, February 22, 2008
The New Religion
Read: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. --- Luke 12:15
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 7-8
Mark 4:21-41
Driving through Ireland to a Bible conference, I saw a fascinating billboard. It was large and white with nothing on it but a woman's red shoe and the bold caption: "Is Shopping The New Religion?"
The pursuit of possessions continues to be one of the most powerful motivations that people can experience. But can the accumulation of things bring true satisfaction?
In Luke 12:15, Jesus answered that question with a firm and uncompromising "No!" During a discussion on material wealth, He said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Life must always be more than just the inventory of the things we own.
King Solomon also attempted to find satisfaction in the pursuit of things. He discovered it to be full of emptiness [Eccl. 2:1-17]. If we have placed "the abundance of the things" we possess at the center of our lives, shopping may in fact, have become a substitute for God --- a new religion. But such endeavors will always result in emptiness.
David prayed, "You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing" [Ps. 145-16]. Only God is able to bring real satisfaction to our lives. --- Bill Crowder
O Lord, help us to be content
With all that we possess,
And may we show our gratitude
With heartfelt thankfulness. --- Sper
YOU ARE RICH WHEN YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.
Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. --- Luke 12:15
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 7-8
Mark 4:21-41
Driving through Ireland to a Bible conference, I saw a fascinating billboard. It was large and white with nothing on it but a woman's red shoe and the bold caption: "Is Shopping The New Religion?"
The pursuit of possessions continues to be one of the most powerful motivations that people can experience. But can the accumulation of things bring true satisfaction?
In Luke 12:15, Jesus answered that question with a firm and uncompromising "No!" During a discussion on material wealth, He said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Life must always be more than just the inventory of the things we own.
King Solomon also attempted to find satisfaction in the pursuit of things. He discovered it to be full of emptiness [Eccl. 2:1-17]. If we have placed "the abundance of the things" we possess at the center of our lives, shopping may in fact, have become a substitute for God --- a new religion. But such endeavors will always result in emptiness.
David prayed, "You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing" [Ps. 145-16]. Only God is able to bring real satisfaction to our lives. --- Bill Crowder
O Lord, help us to be content
With all that we possess,
And may we show our gratitude
With heartfelt thankfulness. --- Sper
YOU ARE RICH WHEN YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Happiness And Holiness
Read: 1 Peter 1:13-21
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. --- Hebrews 12:14
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 4-6
Mark 4:1-20
At Harvard University, you can take a course in happiness. This popular class helps students discover, as the professor states, "How to get happy."
That's not a bad idea. In fact, the Bible even suggests on several occasions the importance of being happy or joyful. Solomon tells us that God grants happiness to us as a privilege [Eccl. 3:12; 7:14; 11:19].
Sometimes, though, we take the search for earthly happiness too far. We see it as the most important pursuit, and even believe that our happiness is God's highest goal for us. That's when our thinking gets confused.
God's Word tells us that true happiness comes by keeping God's law [Ps. 1:1-2; Prov. 16:20; 29:18]. God demands holiness and has called us to live a holy life --- one that exemplifies His moral character [1 Thess. 4:7; 2 Peter 3:11]. In Peter's first letter we read, "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" [1 Peter 1:15-16]
When we face decisions about the way we should act or how we should live, we must keep in mind that God's command is not "Be happy," but "Be holy." True joy will come from a holy, God-honoring life. --- Dave Branon
In all I think and say and do,
I long, O God, to honor You;
But may my highest motive be
To love the Christ who died for me. --- D. De Haan
THERE IS NO TRUE HAPPINESS APART FROM HOLINESS AND NO HOLINESS APART FROM CHRIST.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. --- Hebrews 12:14
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 4-6
Mark 4:1-20
At Harvard University, you can take a course in happiness. This popular class helps students discover, as the professor states, "How to get happy."
That's not a bad idea. In fact, the Bible even suggests on several occasions the importance of being happy or joyful. Solomon tells us that God grants happiness to us as a privilege [Eccl. 3:12; 7:14; 11:19].
Sometimes, though, we take the search for earthly happiness too far. We see it as the most important pursuit, and even believe that our happiness is God's highest goal for us. That's when our thinking gets confused.
God's Word tells us that true happiness comes by keeping God's law [Ps. 1:1-2; Prov. 16:20; 29:18]. God demands holiness and has called us to live a holy life --- one that exemplifies His moral character [1 Thess. 4:7; 2 Peter 3:11]. In Peter's first letter we read, "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" [1 Peter 1:15-16]
When we face decisions about the way we should act or how we should live, we must keep in mind that God's command is not "Be happy," but "Be holy." True joy will come from a holy, God-honoring life. --- Dave Branon
In all I think and say and do,
I long, O God, to honor You;
But may my highest motive be
To love the Christ who died for me. --- D. De Haan
THERE IS NO TRUE HAPPINESS APART FROM HOLINESS AND NO HOLINESS APART FROM CHRIST.
The Blame Game
Read: Genesis 3:1-13
The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." --- Genesis 3:12
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 1-3
Mark 3
A city employee in Lodi, California, is suing the city for damages after he backed a dump truck into his own parked car. The 51-year-old man argues that because the "city's vehicle damaged my private vehicle," the city owes him $3,600. As ridiculous as this sounds, blaming others had been a basic human trait since the beginning.
When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, their eyes were opened and they lost their innocence. God asked the man a simple, yet penetrating question: "Where are you?" [Gen. 3:9]. In the past, Adam had intimate fellowship with God, but now he responded in fear and hid himself.
God's follow-up question was more convicting than the first: "Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" [v.11]. Then the blame game started: "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate" [v.12]. The man blamed God and the woman for his sin. The woman blamed the serpent rather than herself. Ever since that day in the Garden of Eden, we tend to blame others rather than ourselves for our sinful choices.
When we sin, we should take responsibility. Let's pray like David: "I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity. I have not hidden" [Ps. 32:5]. --- Marvin Williams
Lord, help me not excuse my sin
And blame another person;
For if I don't admit my wrong,
My sin will only worsen. --- Sper
THE FIRST STEP IN REPENTING FROM SIN IS TO ADMIT THAT YOU ARE TO BLAME.
The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." --- Genesis 3:12
The Bible In One Year:
Numbers 1-3
Mark 3
A city employee in Lodi, California, is suing the city for damages after he backed a dump truck into his own parked car. The 51-year-old man argues that because the "city's vehicle damaged my private vehicle," the city owes him $3,600. As ridiculous as this sounds, blaming others had been a basic human trait since the beginning.
When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, their eyes were opened and they lost their innocence. God asked the man a simple, yet penetrating question: "Where are you?" [Gen. 3:9]. In the past, Adam had intimate fellowship with God, but now he responded in fear and hid himself.
God's follow-up question was more convicting than the first: "Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" [v.11]. Then the blame game started: "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate" [v.12]. The man blamed God and the woman for his sin. The woman blamed the serpent rather than herself. Ever since that day in the Garden of Eden, we tend to blame others rather than ourselves for our sinful choices.
When we sin, we should take responsibility. Let's pray like David: "I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity. I have not hidden" [Ps. 32:5]. --- Marvin Williams
Lord, help me not excuse my sin
And blame another person;
For if I don't admit my wrong,
My sin will only worsen. --- Sper
THE FIRST STEP IN REPENTING FROM SIN IS TO ADMIT THAT YOU ARE TO BLAME.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Choices
Read: Ruth 1:11-18
Wherever you go, I will go; and ... your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. --- Ruth 1:16
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 26-27
Mark 2
A friend once told me: "Joe, I've come to realize that my life is not made by the dreams that I dream but by the choices that I make."
Count on it: You will have plenty of choices in life. And usually they boil down to a choice between "What do I want?" and "What's best for others?"
After their husbands died, Ruth and Orpah were faced with a strategic choice [Ruth 1:11]. Their mother-in-law Naomi told them they should go home. She didn't want them to feel any obligation to her, in spite of the fact that her loss was far greater. She had lost her own husband and both of her sons.
Orpah and Ruth could either go home and start a new life, or stay with Naomi to help her in a time of great need. They knew very well that the latter choice would probably mean living in a foreign land as widows for the rest of their lives, since few Jewish men would want to marry a foreign woman.
Ruth chose to serve the needs of Naomi rather than to serve herself. Orpah chose to leave Naomi for what she thought would be a better life. Ruth went on to play a significant role in Jewish history and became an ancestor of Jesus [Matt. 1:5].
Make the best choice. Choose to serve others. --- Joe Stowell
When we're involved in serving
And meeting others' needs,
We're imitating Jesus
In thoughts and words and deeds. --- Fitzhugh
SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS.
Wherever you go, I will go; and ... your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. --- Ruth 1:16
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 26-27
Mark 2
A friend once told me: "Joe, I've come to realize that my life is not made by the dreams that I dream but by the choices that I make."
Count on it: You will have plenty of choices in life. And usually they boil down to a choice between "What do I want?" and "What's best for others?"
After their husbands died, Ruth and Orpah were faced with a strategic choice [Ruth 1:11]. Their mother-in-law Naomi told them they should go home. She didn't want them to feel any obligation to her, in spite of the fact that her loss was far greater. She had lost her own husband and both of her sons.
Orpah and Ruth could either go home and start a new life, or stay with Naomi to help her in a time of great need. They knew very well that the latter choice would probably mean living in a foreign land as widows for the rest of their lives, since few Jewish men would want to marry a foreign woman.
Ruth chose to serve the needs of Naomi rather than to serve herself. Orpah chose to leave Naomi for what she thought would be a better life. Ruth went on to play a significant role in Jewish history and became an ancestor of Jesus [Matt. 1:5].
Make the best choice. Choose to serve others. --- Joe Stowell
When we're involved in serving
And meeting others' needs,
We're imitating Jesus
In thoughts and words and deeds. --- Fitzhugh
SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Dead Or Alive
Read: John 20:1-8
They went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. --- Luke 24:3
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 25
Mark 1:23-45
Long lines of visitors from all over the world wait patiently day after day to visit Lenin's Tomb and view his embalmed body. Although he died in 1924, the corpse of that Communist leader has seemingly suffered no decomposition. It looks deceptively lifelike. And its appearance is indeed deceptive. Skillful artists monitor the preserved corpse, artificially coloring its face and using wax to fill in any lines or the smallest spot of decay.
People also regularly visit Jerusalem to see the place where Jesus died and was buried. But there's a striking contrast --- there is no body of the crucified Christ anywhere. On, there is one rock-hewn tomb, where according to tradition the nail-scarred, spear-driven, thorn-crowned corpse of Christ was laid. But resurrected by the power of God His Father, the Savior left His graveclothes behind when He emerged from the tomb like a butterfly abandoning its cocoon.
Jesus is alive and you can know His presence today. Because of His atoning death and the empty tomb, you can have eternal life [1 Cor. 15:20-22]. You need only to admit that you are a sinner and want His salvation. He'll give you new life now, and one day you'll see Him and be with Him forever [1 Peter 1:3-5]. --- Vernon Grounds
Grave, where is thy victory now?
See the light upon His brow!
Empty --- see, the stony bed;
Christ is risen from the dead! --- Chisholm
CHRIST'S EMPTY TOMB GUARANTEES OUR FULL SALVATION.
They went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. --- Luke 24:3
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 25
Mark 1:23-45
Long lines of visitors from all over the world wait patiently day after day to visit Lenin's Tomb and view his embalmed body. Although he died in 1924, the corpse of that Communist leader has seemingly suffered no decomposition. It looks deceptively lifelike. And its appearance is indeed deceptive. Skillful artists monitor the preserved corpse, artificially coloring its face and using wax to fill in any lines or the smallest spot of decay.
People also regularly visit Jerusalem to see the place where Jesus died and was buried. But there's a striking contrast --- there is no body of the crucified Christ anywhere. On, there is one rock-hewn tomb, where according to tradition the nail-scarred, spear-driven, thorn-crowned corpse of Christ was laid. But resurrected by the power of God His Father, the Savior left His graveclothes behind when He emerged from the tomb like a butterfly abandoning its cocoon.
Jesus is alive and you can know His presence today. Because of His atoning death and the empty tomb, you can have eternal life [1 Cor. 15:20-22]. You need only to admit that you are a sinner and want His salvation. He'll give you new life now, and one day you'll see Him and be with Him forever [1 Peter 1:3-5]. --- Vernon Grounds
Grave, where is thy victory now?
See the light upon His brow!
Empty --- see, the stony bed;
Christ is risen from the dead! --- Chisholm
CHRIST'S EMPTY TOMB GUARANTEES OUR FULL SALVATION.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Way To Success
Read: Joshua 1:1-9
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it .... Then you will have good success. --- Joshua 1:8
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 23-24
Mark 1:1-22
During the Chinese New Year it is customary for hongbaos [small red envelopes containing money] to be given away. When parents give hongbaos to their children, it is also to wish them prosperity and success. Knowing that this sincere wish is insufficient, however, they also remind their children to study hard. Chinese people generally believe that a good education is the key to one's success in life.
In Joshua 1, God told Joshua that his ways could prosper as he assumed Moses' leadership role. But he and the people needed to display courage in the face of stiff opposition as they entered the Promised Land [v.6]. God promised to give them success if they heeded His "Book of the Law" [v.8].
Believers today also need to live according to God's Word if we are to enjoy success in our spiritual walk. The Bible contains not only the do's and don'ts for living but also records the life experiences of those who pleased or displeased God.
We, like Joshua, have God's promise that He will be with us always [v.9; Matt. 28:20]. That should give us strength to face the challenges and difficulties that inevitably arise as we seek to please Him. --- Albert Lee
Be strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not --- fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song. --- Babcock
WHEN FACING A CRISIS, TRUST GOD AND MOVE FORWARD.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it .... Then you will have good success. --- Joshua 1:8
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 23-24
Mark 1:1-22
During the Chinese New Year it is customary for hongbaos [small red envelopes containing money] to be given away. When parents give hongbaos to their children, it is also to wish them prosperity and success. Knowing that this sincere wish is insufficient, however, they also remind their children to study hard. Chinese people generally believe that a good education is the key to one's success in life.
In Joshua 1, God told Joshua that his ways could prosper as he assumed Moses' leadership role. But he and the people needed to display courage in the face of stiff opposition as they entered the Promised Land [v.6]. God promised to give them success if they heeded His "Book of the Law" [v.8].
Believers today also need to live according to God's Word if we are to enjoy success in our spiritual walk. The Bible contains not only the do's and don'ts for living but also records the life experiences of those who pleased or displeased God.
We, like Joshua, have God's promise that He will be with us always [v.9; Matt. 28:20]. That should give us strength to face the challenges and difficulties that inevitably arise as we seek to please Him. --- Albert Lee
Be strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not --- fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song. --- Babcock
WHEN FACING A CRISIS, TRUST GOD AND MOVE FORWARD.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Finding God In The Darkness
Read: Acts 17:22-31
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. --- Luke 19:10
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 21-22
Matthew 28
When our boys were small, we played a game called "Sardines." We'd turn out all the lights in our home and I would hide in a closet or some other cramped place. The rest of the family groped about in the darkness to find my hiding place and then hide with me until we were squeezed together like sardines. Hence the name.
Our smallest family member at times became frightened in the dark, so when he came close, I would whisper to him softly: "Here I am."
"I found you, Dad!" he would announce as he snuggled against me in the darkness, not realizing that I let myself be "found."
Likewise, we have been made to search for God --- to "grope for Him," as Paul put it so vividly [Acts 17:27]. But here's the good news: He is not at all hard to find, for "He is not far from each one of us." He desires to make Himself known. "There is a property in God of thirst and longing. He hath longing to have us, "wrote Dame Julian of Norwich centuries ago.
Before we come to know Christ, we grope for God in the darkness. But if we search for Him in earnest, He will make Himself known, for He rewards those who diligently seek Him [Heb. 11:16]. He will call to us softly: "Here I am."
And He awaits our reply: "I found You!" --- David Roper
Man gropes his way through life's dark maze;
To gods unknown he often prays,
Until one day he meets God's Son ---
At last he's found the Living One! --- D. De Haan
SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR. --- Isaiah 55:6
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. --- Luke 19:10
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 21-22
Matthew 28
When our boys were small, we played a game called "Sardines." We'd turn out all the lights in our home and I would hide in a closet or some other cramped place. The rest of the family groped about in the darkness to find my hiding place and then hide with me until we were squeezed together like sardines. Hence the name.
Our smallest family member at times became frightened in the dark, so when he came close, I would whisper to him softly: "Here I am."
"I found you, Dad!" he would announce as he snuggled against me in the darkness, not realizing that I let myself be "found."
Likewise, we have been made to search for God --- to "grope for Him," as Paul put it so vividly [Acts 17:27]. But here's the good news: He is not at all hard to find, for "He is not far from each one of us." He desires to make Himself known. "There is a property in God of thirst and longing. He hath longing to have us, "wrote Dame Julian of Norwich centuries ago.
Before we come to know Christ, we grope for God in the darkness. But if we search for Him in earnest, He will make Himself known, for He rewards those who diligently seek Him [Heb. 11:16]. He will call to us softly: "Here I am."
And He awaits our reply: "I found You!" --- David Roper
Man gropes his way through life's dark maze;
To gods unknown he often prays,
Until one day he meets God's Son ---
At last he's found the Living One! --- D. De Haan
SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR. --- Isaiah 55:6
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Best Find
Read: 2 Chronicles 34:14-21
I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD. --- 2 Chronicles 34:15
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 19-20
Matthew 27:51-66
In 1987, a West Michigan couple, the Zartmans, bought four books at an estate sale. They were excited to find that the books contained two collections of letters and sermons by the preacher and hymn writer John Newton [1725-1807], who wrote the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace." Also included was a two-volume set of his sermons based on Handel's Messiah.
Newton's family had preserved these writings by passing them down through the years. Then in the 1840s his heirs brought the books to the US. They are currently being used by an organization that plans to republish all of Newton's works in 2007 in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his death. The books will then be donated to a museum in England.
An even greater find is recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:15. During Josiah's reign as king of Judah, he ordered the repair of the temple. In the temple, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law that had been given to Moses by the Lord. When Josiah "heard the words of the Law" [v.19], he felt convicted and later stood before his people to make a covenant to keep all that was written in the book [v.31].
The Bible is still the best book we can discover. In it we learn what God wants us to do to please Him. --- Anne Cetas
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but not I see. --- Newton
THE WRITTEN WORD REVEALS THE LIVING WORD.
I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD. --- 2 Chronicles 34:15
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 19-20
Matthew 27:51-66
In 1987, a West Michigan couple, the Zartmans, bought four books at an estate sale. They were excited to find that the books contained two collections of letters and sermons by the preacher and hymn writer John Newton [1725-1807], who wrote the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace." Also included was a two-volume set of his sermons based on Handel's Messiah.
Newton's family had preserved these writings by passing them down through the years. Then in the 1840s his heirs brought the books to the US. They are currently being used by an organization that plans to republish all of Newton's works in 2007 in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his death. The books will then be donated to a museum in England.
An even greater find is recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:15. During Josiah's reign as king of Judah, he ordered the repair of the temple. In the temple, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law that had been given to Moses by the Lord. When Josiah "heard the words of the Law" [v.19], he felt convicted and later stood before his people to make a covenant to keep all that was written in the book [v.31].
The Bible is still the best book we can discover. In it we learn what God wants us to do to please Him. --- Anne Cetas
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but not I see. --- Newton
THE WRITTEN WORD REVEALS THE LIVING WORD.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Officer Waxworks
Read: John 14:15-24
If you love Me, keep My commandments. --- John 14:15
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 17-18
Matthew 27:27-50
For several years, our family lived in southern California while I was pastoring a church there. The community in which we lived didn't have the resources to fully patrol the streets with police. So there was a genuine concern about the lack of safety as a result of reckless driving.
In response to the situation, city officials came up with a solution they called Officer Waxworks. These uniformed mannequins were placed in patrol cars alongside the road. Obviously these "officers" couldn't pursue lawbreakers or write tickets, but just the appearance of "manned" patrol cars was enough to make people slow down. It was a creative way to trick people into obeying the law.
As believers in Christ, we shouldn't have to be forced or tricked into doing what's right. In fact, obedience can be drained of its significance if we obey only out of obligation or duty. Our desire should be to do what is pleasing to our Lord because we love Him. Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me" [John 14:21]. We should "make it our aim ... to be well pleasing to Him" [2 Cor. 5:9].
Let's do what's right out of a heart of gratitude for His grace to us. --- Bill Crowder
Our motive for obedience
When trying to keep God's ways
Is purest when we seek to please,
To love and give Him praise. --- Sper
OUR DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD IS OUR HIGHEST MOTIVE FOR OBEYING GOD.
If you love Me, keep My commandments. --- John 14:15
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 17-18
Matthew 27:27-50
For several years, our family lived in southern California while I was pastoring a church there. The community in which we lived didn't have the resources to fully patrol the streets with police. So there was a genuine concern about the lack of safety as a result of reckless driving.
In response to the situation, city officials came up with a solution they called Officer Waxworks. These uniformed mannequins were placed in patrol cars alongside the road. Obviously these "officers" couldn't pursue lawbreakers or write tickets, but just the appearance of "manned" patrol cars was enough to make people slow down. It was a creative way to trick people into obeying the law.
As believers in Christ, we shouldn't have to be forced or tricked into doing what's right. In fact, obedience can be drained of its significance if we obey only out of obligation or duty. Our desire should be to do what is pleasing to our Lord because we love Him. Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me" [John 14:21]. We should "make it our aim ... to be well pleasing to Him" [2 Cor. 5:9].
Let's do what's right out of a heart of gratitude for His grace to us. --- Bill Crowder
Our motive for obedience
When trying to keep God's ways
Is purest when we seek to please,
To love and give Him praise. --- Sper
OUR DESIRE TO PLEASE GOD IS OUR HIGHEST MOTIVE FOR OBEYING GOD.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
There Is Love
Read: 1 John 4:7-11
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. --- 1 Corinthians 13:13
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 15-16
Matthew 27:1-26
Some time ago, I traded e-mail with a friend who was approaching 30 and had no serious love relationship in sight. He's talented, fun, handsome, and a committed Christian. But so far, everything on his romantic horizon has turned out to be a mirage.
Several months earlier, he had been very enthusiastic about a young woman with whom he was corresponding. Two weeks before they were to meet for the first time, she was killed by a drunk driver. My friend made the trip to meet her family, experience their pain, and deal with his own sense of loss.
Today, many people will feel the absence of love as keenly as others celebrate its presence. In a world where love means so much, is there a word from the Lord for everyone, with or without a sweetheart?
First John 4 focuses not on being loved by another person, but on God's love for us and our love for one another [vv.7-11]. According to 1 Corinthians 13:7, this love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." How is this possible? Because God's love "has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" [Rom. 5:5].
Long after the cards and flowers are forgotten, there is love from God's heart to ours! --- David McCasland
On this the day when we express
Undying love and faithfulness,
Let's not forget that God above
Gave us His Son in perfect love. --- Hess
THE MORE WE UNDERSTAND GOD'S LOVE FOR US, THE MORE LOVE WE'LL SHOW TO OTHERS.
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. --- 1 Corinthians 13:13
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 15-16
Matthew 27:1-26
Some time ago, I traded e-mail with a friend who was approaching 30 and had no serious love relationship in sight. He's talented, fun, handsome, and a committed Christian. But so far, everything on his romantic horizon has turned out to be a mirage.
Several months earlier, he had been very enthusiastic about a young woman with whom he was corresponding. Two weeks before they were to meet for the first time, she was killed by a drunk driver. My friend made the trip to meet her family, experience their pain, and deal with his own sense of loss.
Today, many people will feel the absence of love as keenly as others celebrate its presence. In a world where love means so much, is there a word from the Lord for everyone, with or without a sweetheart?
First John 4 focuses not on being loved by another person, but on God's love for us and our love for one another [vv.7-11]. According to 1 Corinthians 13:7, this love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." How is this possible? Because God's love "has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" [Rom. 5:5].
Long after the cards and flowers are forgotten, there is love from God's heart to ours! --- David McCasland
On this the day when we express
Undying love and faithfulness,
Let's not forget that God above
Gave us His Son in perfect love. --- Hess
THE MORE WE UNDERSTAND GOD'S LOVE FOR US, THE MORE LOVE WE'LL SHOW TO OTHERS.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Raised In Glory
Read: 1 Cor. 15:42-49
The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. --- 1 Corinthians 15:42
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 14
Matthew 26:51-75
Years ago, I heard a story about a man looking for flowers for spring planting. At the greenhouse he came across a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. To his surprise, it was hidden in a corner and growing in an old, dented rusty bucket.
"If this were my flower," he said to himself, "I would place it in a beautiful pot and display it proudly! Why is it confined in this old bucket and hidden away in this concealed place?"
When he remarked to the owner about the flower, she explained, "Oh, I started the plant in that old bucket until it blossomed. But it's just for a short time. Soon I'll transplant it to my garden."
The man laughed, and imagined such a scene in heaven. "There's a beautiful one," God will say, "the product of My lovingkindness and grace. Now it's confined in a broken body and in obscurity, but soon, in My garden, how tall and lovely this soul will stand!"
So we may now be "planted" in bent and battered containers for a short time while our Lord beautifies our souls. But "as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man" [1 Cor. 15:49]. Then He will display His handiwork and our loveliness for all to see. This is our assurance and delight. --- David Roper
In bodies that will ne'er grow old,
We'll reign with Him through years untold;
O precious thought: We all shall be
With Christ through all eternity. --- Watson
WHILE GOD IS PREPARING A PLACE FOR US, HE IS PREPARING US FOR THAT PLACE.
The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. --- 1 Corinthians 15:42
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 14
Matthew 26:51-75
Years ago, I heard a story about a man looking for flowers for spring planting. At the greenhouse he came across a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. To his surprise, it was hidden in a corner and growing in an old, dented rusty bucket.
"If this were my flower," he said to himself, "I would place it in a beautiful pot and display it proudly! Why is it confined in this old bucket and hidden away in this concealed place?"
When he remarked to the owner about the flower, she explained, "Oh, I started the plant in that old bucket until it blossomed. But it's just for a short time. Soon I'll transplant it to my garden."
The man laughed, and imagined such a scene in heaven. "There's a beautiful one," God will say, "the product of My lovingkindness and grace. Now it's confined in a broken body and in obscurity, but soon, in My garden, how tall and lovely this soul will stand!"
So we may now be "planted" in bent and battered containers for a short time while our Lord beautifies our souls. But "as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man" [1 Cor. 15:49]. Then He will display His handiwork and our loveliness for all to see. This is our assurance and delight. --- David Roper
In bodies that will ne'er grow old,
We'll reign with Him through years untold;
O precious thought: We all shall be
With Christ through all eternity. --- Watson
WHILE GOD IS PREPARING A PLACE FOR US, HE IS PREPARING US FOR THAT PLACE.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Knock, Knock
Read: 2 Timothy 1:8-12
Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. --- 2 Timothy 1:8
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 13
Matthew 26:26-50
A knock came at the door of the home of a man who had a young family. When the father answered the door, he was greeted by someone he had never met --- a friendly man from a nearby church who had stopped by to say hello.
His pleasant demeanor and kind words impressed the dad, and the two agreed to meet again. When they did, the visitor introduced the man to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both he and his wife trusted Jesus as Savior.
That changed everything. The couple began attending church, and all six of their children became believers in Christ. Eventually the dad became a Sunday school teacher and a deacon.
One of this couple's daughters grew up to attend the same Christian college I attended. That student's name was Sue, and from the first time I saw this cute girl from Grand Rapids, I was smitten. The man who had answered the door eventually became my father-in-law. That door-to-door ambassador changed not just one man, but an entire family --- and the results continue to reverberate.
Paul encouraged us, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" [Col. 4:6].
Whose life, whose future, will you impact? --- Dave Branon
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me;
And may I nobly do my part
To win that soul for Thee. --- Tucker
THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST IS TOO GOOD TO KEEP TO YOURSELF.
Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. --- 2 Timothy 1:8
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 13
Matthew 26:26-50
A knock came at the door of the home of a man who had a young family. When the father answered the door, he was greeted by someone he had never met --- a friendly man from a nearby church who had stopped by to say hello.
His pleasant demeanor and kind words impressed the dad, and the two agreed to meet again. When they did, the visitor introduced the man to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both he and his wife trusted Jesus as Savior.
That changed everything. The couple began attending church, and all six of their children became believers in Christ. Eventually the dad became a Sunday school teacher and a deacon.
One of this couple's daughters grew up to attend the same Christian college I attended. That student's name was Sue, and from the first time I saw this cute girl from Grand Rapids, I was smitten. The man who had answered the door eventually became my father-in-law. That door-to-door ambassador changed not just one man, but an entire family --- and the results continue to reverberate.
Paul encouraged us, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" [Col. 4:6].
Whose life, whose future, will you impact? --- Dave Branon
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me;
And may I nobly do my part
To win that soul for Thee. --- Tucker
THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST IS TOO GOOD TO KEEP TO YOURSELF.
Out Of Proportion
Read: Psalm 111
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. --- Psalm 111:10
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 11-12
Matthew 26:1-25
I'll never forget the time I had my picture taken with Shaquille O'Neal, one of the giants of professional basketball. I never thought of myself as short until I stood next to his 7"1" frame. With my head tucked under his arm, I suddenly realized that I wasn't as tall as I thought I was, at least not when standing next to the Shaq!
The psalmist wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" [111:10]. Fearing God requires that we get things in the proper proportion, like the fact that He is so much greater in every way than we are. "The works of the LORD are great" [v.2]. They are the outworking of His love, strength, wisdom, foresight, will, and faithfulness. Fearing God means coming to grips with this truth.
But it's easy to miss the point when we don't stay close to God. The closer we get to Him, the more we realize how much we are lacking, and how desperately we need His far greater wisdom to direct our lives. Left to our little selves, we get everything out of sync. If we're honest, we have to admit that our limited perspective is often wrong and sometimes can be destructive.
Wise people realize how little they know and how much they need the great wisdom of God. --- Joe Stowell.
Great works, Jehovah, You have wrought,
Exceeding deep Your every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth. --- Psalter
THE WISE WILL RECOGNIZE THEIR LIMITATIONS AND GOD'S UNLIMITED POWER.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. --- Psalm 111:10
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 11-12
Matthew 26:1-25
I'll never forget the time I had my picture taken with Shaquille O'Neal, one of the giants of professional basketball. I never thought of myself as short until I stood next to his 7"1" frame. With my head tucked under his arm, I suddenly realized that I wasn't as tall as I thought I was, at least not when standing next to the Shaq!
The psalmist wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" [111:10]. Fearing God requires that we get things in the proper proportion, like the fact that He is so much greater in every way than we are. "The works of the LORD are great" [v.2]. They are the outworking of His love, strength, wisdom, foresight, will, and faithfulness. Fearing God means coming to grips with this truth.
But it's easy to miss the point when we don't stay close to God. The closer we get to Him, the more we realize how much we are lacking, and how desperately we need His far greater wisdom to direct our lives. Left to our little selves, we get everything out of sync. If we're honest, we have to admit that our limited perspective is often wrong and sometimes can be destructive.
Wise people realize how little they know and how much they need the great wisdom of God. --- Joe Stowell.
Great works, Jehovah, You have wrought,
Exceeding deep Your every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth. --- Psalter
THE WISE WILL RECOGNIZE THEIR LIMITATIONS AND GOD'S UNLIMITED POWER.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
What's The Cost?
Read: Luke 14:25-33
What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. --- Philippians 3:7
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 8-10
Matthew 25:31-46
Years ago when Romania was under the control of Communism, Bela Karolyi coached gymnastics. He skillfully developed the talents of stars such as gold-medalist Nadia Comaneci. For his success in training athletes who were bringing fame to his Iron Curtain country, he was rewarded with an expensive car and many other favors. But Bela hungered for freedom. So one day, carrying only a small suitcase, he resolutely walked out of Romania into penniless liberty.
There's also a cost in following Jesus and experiencing the freedom He gives. When fishermen Peter and Andrew heard Jesus call, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of me," they "immediately left their nets and followed Him" [Matt. 4:19-20]. Similarly, James and John left their father and their livelihood to embark on a precarious life of discipleship. They knew the cost and chose to follow Jesus, leaving everything behind [vv. 21-22].
What an example for all of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus! He said, "Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot by My disciple" [Luke 14:27]. Are we willing to make sacrifices --- major and minor --- for our Lord? Let's respond to the Savior's invitation, "Follow Me," not merely in word but in action. --- Vernon Grounds
Jesus calls me --- I must follow,
Follow Him today;
When His tender voice is pleading,
How can I delay? --- Brown
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS, ALL OF LIFE CHANGES DIRECTION.
What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. --- Philippians 3:7
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 8-10
Matthew 25:31-46
Years ago when Romania was under the control of Communism, Bela Karolyi coached gymnastics. He skillfully developed the talents of stars such as gold-medalist Nadia Comaneci. For his success in training athletes who were bringing fame to his Iron Curtain country, he was rewarded with an expensive car and many other favors. But Bela hungered for freedom. So one day, carrying only a small suitcase, he resolutely walked out of Romania into penniless liberty.
There's also a cost in following Jesus and experiencing the freedom He gives. When fishermen Peter and Andrew heard Jesus call, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of me," they "immediately left their nets and followed Him" [Matt. 4:19-20]. Similarly, James and John left their father and their livelihood to embark on a precarious life of discipleship. They knew the cost and chose to follow Jesus, leaving everything behind [vv. 21-22].
What an example for all of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus! He said, "Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot by My disciple" [Luke 14:27]. Are we willing to make sacrifices --- major and minor --- for our Lord? Let's respond to the Savior's invitation, "Follow Me," not merely in word but in action. --- Vernon Grounds
Jesus calls me --- I must follow,
Follow Him today;
When His tender voice is pleading,
How can I delay? --- Brown
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS, ALL OF LIFE CHANGES DIRECTION.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Five Cs Or Two Gs
Read: Proverbs 30:7-9
The LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. --- Psalm 84:11
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 6-7
Matthew 25:1-30
Young people in Singapore at one time aspired to have the five Cs. Cash in the bank. Career for the future. Car to drive. Condominium to live in. Credit card to travel with.
A recent newspaper report indicated that there is now an updated version of the five Cs: Connectivity to be tuned in. Choices, and the more the merrier! Cheek --- doing things our own way. Causes, because it is hip to help. Consumers who spend first and pay later.
Instead of the five Cs, Agur, the writer of Proverbs 30, asked for two Gs from God: His grace and goodness. He sought the grace of God to "remove falsehood and lies far from me" [v.8]. He didn't want to fall into the trap of believing that corrupt principles, practices, and affections are acceptable.
Agur also asked for the goodness of God to provide what he needed --- no more and no less [vv.8-9]. He was concerned that poverty could cause him to become covetous and to disgrace God's name. But he also realized how easily riches could pamper him and cause him to deny the Lord.
Which do you desire more? The temporary satisfaction of the five Cs or the rewards of God's grace and goodness? Is your desire to honor God's name above all? --- Albert Lee
Let us celebrate together,
Lift our voice in one accord,
Singing of the grace and mercy
And the goodness of the Lord. --- Sper
GOD'S GRACE IS INFINITE LOVE EXPRESSING ITSELF THROUGH INFINITE GOODNESS.
The LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. --- Psalm 84:11
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 6-7
Matthew 25:1-30
Young people in Singapore at one time aspired to have the five Cs. Cash in the bank. Career for the future. Car to drive. Condominium to live in. Credit card to travel with.
A recent newspaper report indicated that there is now an updated version of the five Cs: Connectivity to be tuned in. Choices, and the more the merrier! Cheek --- doing things our own way. Causes, because it is hip to help. Consumers who spend first and pay later.
Instead of the five Cs, Agur, the writer of Proverbs 30, asked for two Gs from God: His grace and goodness. He sought the grace of God to "remove falsehood and lies far from me" [v.8]. He didn't want to fall into the trap of believing that corrupt principles, practices, and affections are acceptable.
Agur also asked for the goodness of God to provide what he needed --- no more and no less [vv.8-9]. He was concerned that poverty could cause him to become covetous and to disgrace God's name. But he also realized how easily riches could pamper him and cause him to deny the Lord.
Which do you desire more? The temporary satisfaction of the five Cs or the rewards of God's grace and goodness? Is your desire to honor God's name above all? --- Albert Lee
Let us celebrate together,
Lift our voice in one accord,
Singing of the grace and mercy
And the goodness of the Lord. --- Sper
GOD'S GRACE IS INFINITE LOVE EXPRESSING ITSELF THROUGH INFINITE GOODNESS.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Cast Away
Read: 1 Kings 19:1-10
He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. --- Mark 1:35
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 4-5
Matthew 24:29-51
In the film Cast Away, Tom Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a clock-conscious Federal Express manager who gets stranded on a desert island. Completely cut off from other people and modern conveniences, he must learn the primitive skills of a caveman. He puts arduous effort into harpooning fish, making fire by rubbing sticks together, and opening a coconut to get its milk and sweet fruit. The movie is rich with insights on how difficult life can become for someone who is stranded in an isolated wilderness.
In the Bible, the wilderness is often the setting for the mighty work of God within the human heart. Jesus made a practice of withdrawing to the wilderness to pray and receive direction [Mark 1:35]. In a similar setting, God fed the despondent prophet Elijah with heavenly food [1 Kings 19:1-10], and in the wilderness the Ethiopian pondered the gospel [Acts 8:26-40]. After Paul's conversion, he withdrew to the Arabian Desert and was taught by the Spirit [Gal. 1:15-18].
Do you find yourself in a "wilderness" experience, isolated from friends and family? If so, the Lord may wan to teach you lessons of faith and endurance that you could never learn in a busy crowd. --- Dennis Fisher
In solitude, on wings of prayer
My soul ascends before the throne;
My only hope of strength is where
My heart and His meet all alone. --- Anon.
GOD IS WITH YOU IN YOUR MOST BARREN WILDERNESS.
He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. --- Mark 1:35
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 4-5
Matthew 24:29-51
In the film Cast Away, Tom Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a clock-conscious Federal Express manager who gets stranded on a desert island. Completely cut off from other people and modern conveniences, he must learn the primitive skills of a caveman. He puts arduous effort into harpooning fish, making fire by rubbing sticks together, and opening a coconut to get its milk and sweet fruit. The movie is rich with insights on how difficult life can become for someone who is stranded in an isolated wilderness.
In the Bible, the wilderness is often the setting for the mighty work of God within the human heart. Jesus made a practice of withdrawing to the wilderness to pray and receive direction [Mark 1:35]. In a similar setting, God fed the despondent prophet Elijah with heavenly food [1 Kings 19:1-10], and in the wilderness the Ethiopian pondered the gospel [Acts 8:26-40]. After Paul's conversion, he withdrew to the Arabian Desert and was taught by the Spirit [Gal. 1:15-18].
Do you find yourself in a "wilderness" experience, isolated from friends and family? If so, the Lord may wan to teach you lessons of faith and endurance that you could never learn in a busy crowd. --- Dennis Fisher
In solitude, on wings of prayer
My soul ascends before the throne;
My only hope of strength is where
My heart and His meet all alone. --- Anon.
GOD IS WITH YOU IN YOUR MOST BARREN WILDERNESS.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The Power Of Influence
Read: Matthew 5:1-16
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? --- Matthew 5:13
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 1-3
Matthew 24:1-28
On February 9, 1964, the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and captivated the youth of America. After hearing their music and seeing their "look," I did what millions of young American boys did --- I begged my parents to let me grow my hair. Then, along with my best friend Tommy, I started a garage band. The Beatles' performance had such an impact on us that we intentionally tried to be like them. It was a significant introduction to the power of influence.
Years later, the power of influence came to mean something far more significant to me as I began my journey as a follower of Christ. I had the desire to live under the influence of Christ, but I also wanted to be an influencer of others by pointing them to the Savior.
In part, this is what Jesus was challenging us to understand in Matthew 5:13-16. Salt and light are influential factors in a dark and corrupting world, and Christ, who is the Light of the world, calls us to be lights of influence as well. The Master who modeled perfect purity calls us to be salt that adds flavor and prevents corruption.
May we not only be influenced by Christ but also be influencers for Christ in a needy world. --- Bill Crowder
Lord, let me be a shining light
In all I say and do,
That Your great love displayed in me
May lead someone to You. --- Sper
AS THE "SALT OF THE EARTH," CHRISTIANS WILL MAKE OTHERS THIRSTY FOR THE "WATER OF LIFE."
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? --- Matthew 5:13
The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 1-3
Matthew 24:1-28
On February 9, 1964, the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and captivated the youth of America. After hearing their music and seeing their "look," I did what millions of young American boys did --- I begged my parents to let me grow my hair. Then, along with my best friend Tommy, I started a garage band. The Beatles' performance had such an impact on us that we intentionally tried to be like them. It was a significant introduction to the power of influence.
Years later, the power of influence came to mean something far more significant to me as I began my journey as a follower of Christ. I had the desire to live under the influence of Christ, but I also wanted to be an influencer of others by pointing them to the Savior.
In part, this is what Jesus was challenging us to understand in Matthew 5:13-16. Salt and light are influential factors in a dark and corrupting world, and Christ, who is the Light of the world, calls us to be lights of influence as well. The Master who modeled perfect purity calls us to be salt that adds flavor and prevents corruption.
May we not only be influenced by Christ but also be influencers for Christ in a needy world. --- Bill Crowder
Lord, let me be a shining light
In all I say and do,
That Your great love displayed in me
May lead someone to You. --- Sper
AS THE "SALT OF THE EARTH," CHRISTIANS WILL MAKE OTHERS THIRSTY FOR THE "WATER OF LIFE."
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Spiritual Passion
Read: Revelation 2:1-7
I have this against you, that you have left your first love. --- Revelation 2:4
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 39-40
Matthew 23:23-39
Why does spiritual passion fade so easily? When we first experience God's love, we spend hours thinking about Him, studying His Word, and telling others how much He means to us. Then it happens. Our busy schedules slowly dampen our passion. Our longing for Jesus and our study of His character become an occasional glance. Surely the object of our affection hasn't changed!
The church of Ephesus wrestled with maintaining its spiritual passion. Jesus, through John, wanted to help them restore and maintain their love and zeal for Him. Although He commended this church for their work, Jesus saw that they had abandoned their first love --- Him [Rev. 2:4].
The Ephesians had lost their spiritual passion for Jesus. It had become a cold and mechanical orthodoxy. I wonder if they had allowed the stealthy culprit of religion and busyness to enter their hearts. Whatever it was, something had stolen the affection they had once reserved for the Lord.
Have you allowed something to steal your passion? If so, it can be restored and maintained when you consistently remember His amazing love demonstrated at Calvary. Repent of your sinful, unloving attitudes, and out of love for Jesus repeat your "first works" [v.5]. --- Marvin Williams
What once was filled with wonder
Lies cold within my heart;
Return, O Lord, that wonder,
And may it not depart. --- Sper
DEVOTION TO JESUS IS THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL PASSION.
I have this against you, that you have left your first love. --- Revelation 2:4
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 39-40
Matthew 23:23-39
Why does spiritual passion fade so easily? When we first experience God's love, we spend hours thinking about Him, studying His Word, and telling others how much He means to us. Then it happens. Our busy schedules slowly dampen our passion. Our longing for Jesus and our study of His character become an occasional glance. Surely the object of our affection hasn't changed!
The church of Ephesus wrestled with maintaining its spiritual passion. Jesus, through John, wanted to help them restore and maintain their love and zeal for Him. Although He commended this church for their work, Jesus saw that they had abandoned their first love --- Him [Rev. 2:4].
The Ephesians had lost their spiritual passion for Jesus. It had become a cold and mechanical orthodoxy. I wonder if they had allowed the stealthy culprit of religion and busyness to enter their hearts. Whatever it was, something had stolen the affection they had once reserved for the Lord.
Have you allowed something to steal your passion? If so, it can be restored and maintained when you consistently remember His amazing love demonstrated at Calvary. Repent of your sinful, unloving attitudes, and out of love for Jesus repeat your "first works" [v.5]. --- Marvin Williams
What once was filled with wonder
Lies cold within my heart;
Return, O Lord, that wonder,
And may it not depart. --- Sper
DEVOTION TO JESUS IS THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL PASSION.
Monday, February 04, 2008
The Price Of A Soul
Read: Matthew 16:24-28
He who wins souls is wise. --- Proverbs 11:30
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 36-38
Matthew 23:1-22
According to a Wall Street Journal article, Hemant Mehta wanted to find out if he was "missing something" as an atheist. So the DePaul University graduate student went on eBay with this proposition: He would spend 1 hour of church attendance for each $10 bid by the highest bidder. A former evangelical minister won with an offer of $504.
How much would you pay for the opportunity to present Christ to an unbeliever? The apostle Paul gave a lot more than $504 in his endeavor to bring the gospel to people who had never heard of Jesus Christ. He traveled many long, hard miles across the world. In a gripping account he told of his experiences: shipwreck, imprisonment, floggings, stoning, beatings, exhaustion, hunger, cold, and peril [2 Cor. 11:23-28].
In the past 2,000 years of missionary effort, valiant men and women have left their homelands to proclaim Christ in remote, primitive, and dangerous settings. Many have lost their lives: others have suffered persecution. In many parts of the world today, to talk publicly about Jesus is to risk hardship, jail, and even death.
When we consider Jesus' sacrifice for us, any sacrifice we make to bring others to Him is worth the cost. --- Dave Egner
Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost;
O that Thy love were by all adored
And welcomed at any cost. --- Tovey
WHEN WE OPEN OUR HEART TO THE LORD, HE OPENS OUR EYES TO THE LOST.
He who wins souls is wise. --- Proverbs 11:30
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 36-38
Matthew 23:1-22
According to a Wall Street Journal article, Hemant Mehta wanted to find out if he was "missing something" as an atheist. So the DePaul University graduate student went on eBay with this proposition: He would spend 1 hour of church attendance for each $10 bid by the highest bidder. A former evangelical minister won with an offer of $504.
How much would you pay for the opportunity to present Christ to an unbeliever? The apostle Paul gave a lot more than $504 in his endeavor to bring the gospel to people who had never heard of Jesus Christ. He traveled many long, hard miles across the world. In a gripping account he told of his experiences: shipwreck, imprisonment, floggings, stoning, beatings, exhaustion, hunger, cold, and peril [2 Cor. 11:23-28].
In the past 2,000 years of missionary effort, valiant men and women have left their homelands to proclaim Christ in remote, primitive, and dangerous settings. Many have lost their lives: others have suffered persecution. In many parts of the world today, to talk publicly about Jesus is to risk hardship, jail, and even death.
When we consider Jesus' sacrifice for us, any sacrifice we make to bring others to Him is worth the cost. --- Dave Egner
Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost;
O that Thy love were by all adored
And welcomed at any cost. --- Tovey
WHEN WE OPEN OUR HEART TO THE LORD, HE OPENS OUR EYES TO THE LOST.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
A Unifying Wall
Read: Neh. 4:1-3, 10-18
So we built the wall, ... for the people had a mind to work. --- Nehemiah 4:6
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 34-35
Matthew 22:23-46
Walls divide. That's the reason they're built. The Great Wall of China was built to keep back marauding tribes. That remarkable line of defense once snaked for 4,000 miles across Asia, and much of it still stands. In contrast, the Berlin Wall kept people in instead of out. Its destruction in 1989 brought people together in a joyous celebration.
Centuries ago, the reconstruction of another wall served to bring people together. God had told Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. It was essential for protection but had been demolished during the Babylonian invasion. But the enemies of the Jews opposed the reconstruction project and looked for ways to sabotage their efforts [Neh. 4:7-8]. While half the men worked, the others stood guard to protect them.
In addition to providing protection, this wall was a demonstration of teamwork and unity [Neh. 3]. All the team members brought their talents and skills, blending them together to accomplish far more than they could have achieved as individuals.
It should be that way in the church today. Our talents are gifts from God to be used for building His kingdom. We work better when we work together. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
God builds His church with different stones
And makes each one belong;
All shapes and sizes fit in place
To make the structure strong. --- Sper
COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING; KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS; WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.
So we built the wall, ... for the people had a mind to work. --- Nehemiah 4:6
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 34-35
Matthew 22:23-46
Walls divide. That's the reason they're built. The Great Wall of China was built to keep back marauding tribes. That remarkable line of defense once snaked for 4,000 miles across Asia, and much of it still stands. In contrast, the Berlin Wall kept people in instead of out. Its destruction in 1989 brought people together in a joyous celebration.
Centuries ago, the reconstruction of another wall served to bring people together. God had told Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. It was essential for protection but had been demolished during the Babylonian invasion. But the enemies of the Jews opposed the reconstruction project and looked for ways to sabotage their efforts [Neh. 4:7-8]. While half the men worked, the others stood guard to protect them.
In addition to providing protection, this wall was a demonstration of teamwork and unity [Neh. 3]. All the team members brought their talents and skills, blending them together to accomplish far more than they could have achieved as individuals.
It should be that way in the church today. Our talents are gifts from God to be used for building His kingdom. We work better when we work together. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
God builds His church with different stones
And makes each one belong;
All shapes and sizes fit in place
To make the structure strong. --- Sper
COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING; KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS; WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Our Living Hope
Read: John 6:39-54
God ... has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. --- 1 Peter 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 31-33
Matthew 22:1-22
The morning after my mother died, I was reading the Bible and talking to the Lord about my sadness. The Bible-In-One-Year reading for that day was John 6.
When I came to verse 39, the Lord whispered comfort to my sad heart: "This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day." Mom's spirit was with the Lord already, but I knew that one day she would be raised and given a new body.
As I continued reading, I noticed three other times in John 6 that Jesus said He will raise His people from the dead at the last day. He was repeating this truth to those who were listening long ago as well as to my heart that day.
Our hope of resurrection will be realized when Jesus returns. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" [1 Cor. 15:52]. After the resurrection, believers in Jesus will receive their new bodies and rewards for their faithful service [1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-11].
The resurrection is the living hope of the Christian. Do you have that hope? --- Anne Cetas
Jesus arose and conquered death;
He robbed it of its fear and power;
And one day He'll return to earth,
Though we know not the day nor hour. --- D. De Haan
THE RISEN CHRIST WILL COME FROM HEAVEN TO TAKE HIS OWN TO HEAVEN.
God ... has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. --- 1 Peter 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 31-33
Matthew 22:1-22
The morning after my mother died, I was reading the Bible and talking to the Lord about my sadness. The Bible-In-One-Year reading for that day was John 6.
When I came to verse 39, the Lord whispered comfort to my sad heart: "This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day." Mom's spirit was with the Lord already, but I knew that one day she would be raised and given a new body.
As I continued reading, I noticed three other times in John 6 that Jesus said He will raise His people from the dead at the last day. He was repeating this truth to those who were listening long ago as well as to my heart that day.
Our hope of resurrection will be realized when Jesus returns. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" [1 Cor. 15:52]. After the resurrection, believers in Jesus will receive their new bodies and rewards for their faithful service [1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-11].
The resurrection is the living hope of the Christian. Do you have that hope? --- Anne Cetas
Jesus arose and conquered death;
He robbed it of its fear and power;
And one day He'll return to earth,
Though we know not the day nor hour. --- D. De Haan
THE RISEN CHRIST WILL COME FROM HEAVEN TO TAKE HIS OWN TO HEAVEN.
Friday, February 01, 2008
A Boy's Lunch
Read: John 6:1-14
I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger. --- John 6:35
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 29-30
Matthew 21:23-46
Once I made the mistake of thinking I could single-handedly finish a 28-ounce steak at a restaurant. I had the remainder boxed up to take home. I thought, At least it will give me another feast to look forward to.
As I left the restaurant, a homeless man approached me, asking for money. At first I refused. But struck by sudden guilt, I called him back, gave him $5, and blessed him in Jesus' name. Having done my Christian duty, I was happy to go on my way, boxed-up steak in hand, until he asked, "What about the box?" I have to admit, I had a hard time parting with my steak.
One of my favorite stories in the New Testament is about the little boy who brown-bagged it to a revival service [John 6:1-14]. If he was like most boys, his lunch was a very important commodity. Yet he was willing to give his lunch of five barley loaves and two small fish to the Lord. I think he may have known that by putting his lunch in the hands of Jesus, He could do something extraordinary with it. And He did. He fed thousands of hungry people.
Jesus is still looking for a few common folk like you and me who are willing to commit out-of-the-ordinary, intentional acts of selfless sacrifice so that He can turn our offering into His glory. Commit such an act today! --- Joe Stowell
Let me give of myself, dear Lord,
Always ready to sacrifice,
Willing to share what I hold dear,
Never deterred by the price. --- Hess
LET JESUS SHARE WITH OTHERS WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP FOR YOURSELF.
I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger. --- John 6:35
The Bible In One Year:
Exodus 29-30
Matthew 21:23-46
Once I made the mistake of thinking I could single-handedly finish a 28-ounce steak at a restaurant. I had the remainder boxed up to take home. I thought, At least it will give me another feast to look forward to.
As I left the restaurant, a homeless man approached me, asking for money. At first I refused. But struck by sudden guilt, I called him back, gave him $5, and blessed him in Jesus' name. Having done my Christian duty, I was happy to go on my way, boxed-up steak in hand, until he asked, "What about the box?" I have to admit, I had a hard time parting with my steak.
One of my favorite stories in the New Testament is about the little boy who brown-bagged it to a revival service [John 6:1-14]. If he was like most boys, his lunch was a very important commodity. Yet he was willing to give his lunch of five barley loaves and two small fish to the Lord. I think he may have known that by putting his lunch in the hands of Jesus, He could do something extraordinary with it. And He did. He fed thousands of hungry people.
Jesus is still looking for a few common folk like you and me who are willing to commit out-of-the-ordinary, intentional acts of selfless sacrifice so that He can turn our offering into His glory. Commit such an act today! --- Joe Stowell
Let me give of myself, dear Lord,
Always ready to sacrifice,
Willing to share what I hold dear,
Never deterred by the price. --- Hess
LET JESUS SHARE WITH OTHERS WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP FOR YOURSELF.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)