Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
They will turn their ears away from the truth. --- 2 Timothy 4:4
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 13-14
John 12:1-26
The recently discovered manuscript The Gospel of Judas alleges that Jesus asked Judas to betray Him. Supposedly, Jesus hoped that His death would free Him from this world of matter to become a pure spirit again.
There is a big problem with this ancient text. Judas could not have written this manuscript that bears his name, since it was written long after the time of Jesus. But because The Gospel of Judas has been newly discovered, it provides a novelty for those who like to speculate.
Proposing a fake story to replace the New Testament account is not new. Paul wrote, "The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" [2 Tim. 4:3-4].
There's a trend today to look for new theories to undermine the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul told us to "test all things; hold fast what is good" [v.21]. Based on the questionable content and authorship of The Gospel of Judas, we know that it's a fable. The real gospel [good news] lies with the apostles, who walked with Jesus and wrote down His life-saving message in the New Testament. --- Dennis Fisher
The Bible stands, and it will forever
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given ---
All its precepts I will obey. --- Lillenas
TO TRUST GOD IS TO TRUST IN HIS HOLY WORD.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
How Long?
Read: Psalm 13
How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? --- Psalm 13:1
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 10-12
John 11:30-57
My friends Bob and Delores understand what it means to wait for answers --- answers that never seem to come. When their son Jason and future daughter-in-law Lindsay were murdered in August 2004, a national manhunt was undertaken to find the killer and bring him to justice. After 2 years of prayer and pursuit, there were still no tangible answers to the painful questions the two hurting families wrestled with. There was only silence.
In such times, we are vulnerable to wrong assumptions and conclusions about life, about God, and about prayer. In Psalm 13, David wrestled with the problem of unanswered prayer. He questioned why the world was so dangerous and pleaded for answers from God.
It's a hard psalm that David sang, and it seems to be one of frustration. Yet, in the end, his doubts and fears turned to trust. Why? Because the circumstances of our struggles cannot diminish the character of God and His care for His children. In verse 5, David turned a corner. From his heart he prayed, "But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in You salvation."
In the pain and struggle of living without answers, we can always find comfort in our heavenly Father. --- Bill Crowder
Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God's own time ---
To lift the cross we bear. --- Anon.
WHEN WE PRAY, GOD WRAPS US IN HIS LOVING ARMS.
How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? --- Psalm 13:1
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 10-12
John 11:30-57
My friends Bob and Delores understand what it means to wait for answers --- answers that never seem to come. When their son Jason and future daughter-in-law Lindsay were murdered in August 2004, a national manhunt was undertaken to find the killer and bring him to justice. After 2 years of prayer and pursuit, there were still no tangible answers to the painful questions the two hurting families wrestled with. There was only silence.
In such times, we are vulnerable to wrong assumptions and conclusions about life, about God, and about prayer. In Psalm 13, David wrestled with the problem of unanswered prayer. He questioned why the world was so dangerous and pleaded for answers from God.
It's a hard psalm that David sang, and it seems to be one of frustration. Yet, in the end, his doubts and fears turned to trust. Why? Because the circumstances of our struggles cannot diminish the character of God and His care for His children. In verse 5, David turned a corner. From his heart he prayed, "But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in You salvation."
In the pain and struggle of living without answers, we can always find comfort in our heavenly Father. --- Bill Crowder
Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God's own time ---
To lift the cross we bear. --- Anon.
WHEN WE PRAY, GOD WRAPS US IN HIS LOVING ARMS.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Searching For A Rare Jewel
Read: Proverbs 2:1-21
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, ... for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. --- Proverbs 3:13-14
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 7-9
John 11:1-29
When Betty Goldstein of Staten Island, New York, entered the hospital, her husband Ron wrapped her 3.5-carat diamond ring in a napkin for safekeeping. But in a forgetful moment, the 63-year-old Goldstein there the napkin in the trash. When he realized his mistake, he dashed outside, only to see the garbage truck rumbling down the street. So he called the local sanitation department and got permission to follow the truck to a transfer station. Workers began sorting through hundreds of garbage bags and recovered the ring an hour later.
The writer of Proverbs urges us to search diligently for something far more precious --- wisdom. In chapter 2, a father encourages his son to do whatever is necessary to get insight and wisdom. This strenuous search for wisdom is actually a search for God Himself [vv.3-5]. In fact, inner happiness comes when man attains this wisdom [3:13]. He encourages his son to search diligently for this rare jewel because wisdom is not usually discovered by the casual observer. Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it.
Let us devote our whole being to searching for that rare jewel of wisdom. --- Marvin Williams
More valuable than diamonds rare
Is priceless wisdom from above;
With purest gold it can't compare
Because it's filled with truth and love. --- D. De Haan
WITH ALL YOUR GETTING, GET UNDERSTANDING. --- Solomon
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, ... for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. --- Proverbs 3:13-14
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 7-9
John 11:1-29
When Betty Goldstein of Staten Island, New York, entered the hospital, her husband Ron wrapped her 3.5-carat diamond ring in a napkin for safekeeping. But in a forgetful moment, the 63-year-old Goldstein there the napkin in the trash. When he realized his mistake, he dashed outside, only to see the garbage truck rumbling down the street. So he called the local sanitation department and got permission to follow the truck to a transfer station. Workers began sorting through hundreds of garbage bags and recovered the ring an hour later.
The writer of Proverbs urges us to search diligently for something far more precious --- wisdom. In chapter 2, a father encourages his son to do whatever is necessary to get insight and wisdom. This strenuous search for wisdom is actually a search for God Himself [vv.3-5]. In fact, inner happiness comes when man attains this wisdom [3:13]. He encourages his son to search diligently for this rare jewel because wisdom is not usually discovered by the casual observer. Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it.
Let us devote our whole being to searching for that rare jewel of wisdom. --- Marvin Williams
More valuable than diamonds rare
Is priceless wisdom from above;
With purest gold it can't compare
Because it's filled with truth and love. --- D. De Haan
WITH ALL YOUR GETTING, GET UNDERSTANDING. --- Solomon
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Heaven File
Read: 1 Thess. 4:13-18
We who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. --- 1 Thessalonians 4:17
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 4-6
John 10:24-42
My wife Luann has a folder she calls her "heaven file." It contains articles, obituaries, and photos, along with cards from the memorial services of family and friends. She keeps them, not as a sad reminder of people we have loved and lost, but in anticipation of our glad reunion with them in heaven.
Paul wrote of this wonderful expectation to the Christians in Thessalonica, so they would not grieve like people who have no hope. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout .... And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words" [1 Thess. 4:16-18].
This passage speaks of our future joy together in the presence of Jesus Christ our Savior. For now, we on earth have fellowship with the Lord, and we experience what hymn-writer Samuel J. Stone called "mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won."
Much about the future remains a mystery, but we can confidently look forward to being in the presence of Christ with all the saints who have gone ahead. --- David McCasland
When we asunder part
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again. --- Fawcett
GOD'S CHILDREN NEVER SAY GOODBYE FOR THE LAST TIME.
We who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. --- 1 Thessalonians 4:17
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 4-6
John 10:24-42
My wife Luann has a folder she calls her "heaven file." It contains articles, obituaries, and photos, along with cards from the memorial services of family and friends. She keeps them, not as a sad reminder of people we have loved and lost, but in anticipation of our glad reunion with them in heaven.
Paul wrote of this wonderful expectation to the Christians in Thessalonica, so they would not grieve like people who have no hope. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout .... And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words" [1 Thess. 4:16-18].
This passage speaks of our future joy together in the presence of Jesus Christ our Savior. For now, we on earth have fellowship with the Lord, and we experience what hymn-writer Samuel J. Stone called "mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won."
Much about the future remains a mystery, but we can confidently look forward to being in the presence of Christ with all the saints who have gone ahead. --- David McCasland
When we asunder part
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again. --- Fawcett
GOD'S CHILDREN NEVER SAY GOODBYE FOR THE LAST TIME.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Pain Of Falling
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. --- 1 Corinthians 10:12
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 1-3
John 10:1-23
There I was, sailing along on my rollerblades, my wife at my side. Suddenly, the wheels on my left boot began to wobble, and a second later I was face down on the asphalt. Just like that, I had a broken finger and some nasty cuts on my face.
This happened a couple of years ago, but the results of that fall are still fresh on my mind. The pain of falling is still with me, making me much more cautious on my rollerblades. Having fallen once, I take every precaution to avoid doing so again.
Falling isn't good. But for anyone who has stumbled in life, something positive can result --- if the fall leads to a more careful way of living.
Paul admonished, "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" [1 Cor. 10:12]. Believers do fall. But when we do, our goal must be to learn from one error and to avoid a second spill.
If you have stumbled along the course of life's journey, there's hope. First, ask God for guidance, for He "upholds all who fall" [Ps. 145:14. Next, read the Word and begin to live carefully by its principles --- "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" [Rom. 12:2].
Have you fallen? Ask God to help you get up and keep from falling again. --- Dave Branon
We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall
We can begin anew
If humbly we confess our sin,
Then turn and follow You. --- Sper
WHEN WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, WE WON'T STUMBLE IN THE DARKNESS.
Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. --- 1 Corinthians 10:12
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 1-3
John 10:1-23
There I was, sailing along on my rollerblades, my wife at my side. Suddenly, the wheels on my left boot began to wobble, and a second later I was face down on the asphalt. Just like that, I had a broken finger and some nasty cuts on my face.
This happened a couple of years ago, but the results of that fall are still fresh on my mind. The pain of falling is still with me, making me much more cautious on my rollerblades. Having fallen once, I take every precaution to avoid doing so again.
Falling isn't good. But for anyone who has stumbled in life, something positive can result --- if the fall leads to a more careful way of living.
Paul admonished, "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" [1 Cor. 10:12]. Believers do fall. But when we do, our goal must be to learn from one error and to avoid a second spill.
If you have stumbled along the course of life's journey, there's hope. First, ask God for guidance, for He "upholds all who fall" [Ps. 145:14. Next, read the Word and begin to live carefully by its principles --- "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" [Rom. 12:2].
Have you fallen? Ask God to help you get up and keep from falling again. --- Dave Branon
We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall
We can begin anew
If humbly we confess our sin,
Then turn and follow You. --- Sper
WHEN WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, WE WON'T STUMBLE IN THE DARKNESS.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Scorpion's Sting
Read: Proverbs 6:20-35
Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? --- Proverbs 6:27
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 28-29
John 9:24-41
Aesop tells the ancient story of a boy hunting for locusts. The lad had caught quite a few when he saw a scorpion. Mistaking it for a locust, he reached out his hand to take it. The scorpion showed his stinger and said, "If you had but touched me, my friend, you would have lost me, and all your locusts too!"
There are some things you cannot embrace without losing what you have in the process.
King Solomon used a word picture of fire instead of a scorpion as he warned his son against the dangers of sexual sin [Prov. 6:27-29]. As a wise father, he wanted his son to know that in this wonderful, dangerous world there are not only flowers and songbirds but also scorpions and fires.
Solomon's warnings in the Proverbs were not just about sexual immorality. Together with the rest of the Bible, such insights help us to understand the wisdom of an eternal God who loves us far more than our own mothers and fathers do. His Word also points us to the One who can help us even if we have "grabbed a scorpion" or "built a fire in our lap."
Life offers us choices. Christ graciously offers us forgiveness for what is past, and wisdom for what yet lies ahead. --- Mart De Haan
Search out in me all hidden sin,
And may Thy purity within
So cleanse my life that it may be
A temple wholly fit for Thee. --- Smith
THE LESSONS OF LIFE ARE BEST LEARNED WHEN CHRIST IS YOUR TEACHER.
Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? --- Proverbs 6:27
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 28-29
John 9:24-41
Aesop tells the ancient story of a boy hunting for locusts. The lad had caught quite a few when he saw a scorpion. Mistaking it for a locust, he reached out his hand to take it. The scorpion showed his stinger and said, "If you had but touched me, my friend, you would have lost me, and all your locusts too!"
There are some things you cannot embrace without losing what you have in the process.
King Solomon used a word picture of fire instead of a scorpion as he warned his son against the dangers of sexual sin [Prov. 6:27-29]. As a wise father, he wanted his son to know that in this wonderful, dangerous world there are not only flowers and songbirds but also scorpions and fires.
Solomon's warnings in the Proverbs were not just about sexual immorality. Together with the rest of the Bible, such insights help us to understand the wisdom of an eternal God who loves us far more than our own mothers and fathers do. His Word also points us to the One who can help us even if we have "grabbed a scorpion" or "built a fire in our lap."
Life offers us choices. Christ graciously offers us forgiveness for what is past, and wisdom for what yet lies ahead. --- Mart De Haan
Search out in me all hidden sin,
And may Thy purity within
So cleanse my life that it may be
A temple wholly fit for Thee. --- Smith
THE LESSONS OF LIFE ARE BEST LEARNED WHEN CHRIST IS YOUR TEACHER.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Corky
Read: John 16:1-16
We walk by faith, not by sight. --- 2 Corinthians 5:7
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 25-27
John 9:1-23
Stephen Kuusisto grew up feeling a stigma about being legally blind. For him, sight consisted of a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, and shadows. Privately he would press his face close to the page of a book and memorize street names in an exhausting attempt to appear more able to see than he really could.
When Stephen was 39, his life changed after he acquired an affectionate and carefully trained guide dog named Corky. In learning to use Corky to lead him, Stephen reflected on the growing trust in their relationship. He said, "Faith moves from belief into conviction, then to certainty. We are a ... powerhouse!" When Stephen admitted that he needed the help of a sighted companion, a new world of freedom and mobility opened up to him.
Many believers blindly stumble their way through the Christian life in their own strength. Seemingly, they are unaware that God has provided a supernatural Guide to lead the way. Jesus said He would send us a Comforter who would guide us into all truth [John 16:13]. When we confess all known sin and then depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us [Gal. 5:16, 18], we become a powerhouse for God! "For we walk by faith, not by sight" [2 Cor. 5:7]. --- Dennis Fisher
I'd rather walk in the dark with God
Than go alone in the light;
I'd rather walk by faith with Him
Than go alone by sight. --- Anon.
WHERE GOD GUIDES, HE PROVIDES.
We walk by faith, not by sight. --- 2 Corinthians 5:7
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 25-27
John 9:1-23
Stephen Kuusisto grew up feeling a stigma about being legally blind. For him, sight consisted of a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, and shadows. Privately he would press his face close to the page of a book and memorize street names in an exhausting attempt to appear more able to see than he really could.
When Stephen was 39, his life changed after he acquired an affectionate and carefully trained guide dog named Corky. In learning to use Corky to lead him, Stephen reflected on the growing trust in their relationship. He said, "Faith moves from belief into conviction, then to certainty. We are a ... powerhouse!" When Stephen admitted that he needed the help of a sighted companion, a new world of freedom and mobility opened up to him.
Many believers blindly stumble their way through the Christian life in their own strength. Seemingly, they are unaware that God has provided a supernatural Guide to lead the way. Jesus said He would send us a Comforter who would guide us into all truth [John 16:13]. When we confess all known sin and then depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us [Gal. 5:16, 18], we become a powerhouse for God! "For we walk by faith, not by sight" [2 Cor. 5:7]. --- Dennis Fisher
I'd rather walk in the dark with God
Than go alone in the light;
I'd rather walk by faith with Him
Than go alone by sight. --- Anon.
WHERE GOD GUIDES, HE PROVIDES.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Looking Ahead
Read: Proverbs 24:13-20
A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again. --- Proverbs 24:16
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 22-24
John 8:28-59
During General Colin Powell's tenure as US Secretary of State, he discovered that a speech he made to the United Nations had been based, in part, on wrong information. In his long and distinguished career, this was a low point and a blot on his record. "I'm disappointed," he told an interviewer. "I'm sorry it happened and wish those who knew better had spoken up at the time, but there isn't anything else I can say about it."
Instead of being chained by the past, Mr. Powell says he has chosen to "focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror" of life.
All of us have something in our past that we regret doing. It may have been an honest mistake, a moral failure, or a foolish decision. We wish it had not happened, but it remains in our mind and often drags us down.
The writer of Proverbs said that "honey ... is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect [future hope], and your hope will not be cut off" [Prov. 24:13-14].
While the past remains part of our lives, it doesn't have to determine our future. With God's wisdom and the forgiveness He offers [Ps. 130:3-4; Acts 13:38-39], we can focus on the future with hope. --- David McCasland
The vain regrets of yesterday
Have vanished through God's pardoning grace;
The guilty fear has passed away,
And joy has come to take its place. --- Ackley
IT'S BETTER TO LOOK AHEAD AND PREPARE THAN TO LOOK BACK AND DESPAIR.
A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again. --- Proverbs 24:16
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 22-24
John 8:28-59
During General Colin Powell's tenure as US Secretary of State, he discovered that a speech he made to the United Nations had been based, in part, on wrong information. In his long and distinguished career, this was a low point and a blot on his record. "I'm disappointed," he told an interviewer. "I'm sorry it happened and wish those who knew better had spoken up at the time, but there isn't anything else I can say about it."
Instead of being chained by the past, Mr. Powell says he has chosen to "focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror" of life.
All of us have something in our past that we regret doing. It may have been an honest mistake, a moral failure, or a foolish decision. We wish it had not happened, but it remains in our mind and often drags us down.
The writer of Proverbs said that "honey ... is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect [future hope], and your hope will not be cut off" [Prov. 24:13-14].
While the past remains part of our lives, it doesn't have to determine our future. With God's wisdom and the forgiveness He offers [Ps. 130:3-4; Acts 13:38-39], we can focus on the future with hope. --- David McCasland
The vain regrets of yesterday
Have vanished through God's pardoning grace;
The guilty fear has passed away,
And joy has come to take its place. --- Ackley
IT'S BETTER TO LOOK AHEAD AND PREPARE THAN TO LOOK BACK AND DESPAIR.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Empty-Handed
Read: Leviticus 23:16-22
They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. --- Deuteronomy 16:16
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 19-21
John 8:1-27
As the first green heads of grain formed on the spring barley in Israel, workers would tie a ribbon around each budding stem to set them apart from the still immature barley. When this marked grain ripened, it was harvested for the temple in Jerusalem because God had commanded that when they came to the feast, they should "not appear before the LORD empty-handed" [Deut. 16:16].
In the Jewish calendar, today is the Day of Firstfruits. And though most Christians don't observe this Jewish holiday, it's a good reminder to ask ourselves: "What do I have to give to the Lord?" It can be easy to fret over what we think we must do to please Him so that we are not empty-handed. Some of us are so busy doing things to please the Lord that we forget to rest in what Christ has already accomplished.
Paul refers to the risen Messiah as "the firstfruits" [1 Cor. 15:20]. This means that Jesus has gone ahead of us and stands before God to satisfy our required offering.
Believers also are called firstfruits. "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures" [James 1:18].
Because Jesus is our firstfruits, we have infinite value and will never come before Him empty-handed. --- Kevin Williams
First I come to God in worship,
Then my service I will bring;
I will not be empty-handed
As I come to Christ the King. --- Hess
WHEN YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD, ALL OTHER GIVING BECOMES NATURAL.
They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. --- Deuteronomy 16:16
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 19-21
John 8:1-27
As the first green heads of grain formed on the spring barley in Israel, workers would tie a ribbon around each budding stem to set them apart from the still immature barley. When this marked grain ripened, it was harvested for the temple in Jerusalem because God had commanded that when they came to the feast, they should "not appear before the LORD empty-handed" [Deut. 16:16].
In the Jewish calendar, today is the Day of Firstfruits. And though most Christians don't observe this Jewish holiday, it's a good reminder to ask ourselves: "What do I have to give to the Lord?" It can be easy to fret over what we think we must do to please Him so that we are not empty-handed. Some of us are so busy doing things to please the Lord that we forget to rest in what Christ has already accomplished.
Paul refers to the risen Messiah as "the firstfruits" [1 Cor. 15:20]. This means that Jesus has gone ahead of us and stands before God to satisfy our required offering.
Believers also are called firstfruits. "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures" [James 1:18].
Because Jesus is our firstfruits, we have infinite value and will never come before Him empty-handed. --- Kevin Williams
First I come to God in worship,
Then my service I will bring;
I will not be empty-handed
As I come to Christ the King. --- Hess
WHEN YOU GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD, ALL OTHER GIVING BECOMES NATURAL.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Scaredy-Bear
Read: Matthew 6:25-34
Do not worry. --- Matthew 6:25
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 16-18
John 7:28-53
Jack, at 15-pound, orange and white cat, took seriously his job of guarding his owner's backyard in New Jersey. He often scared small animal intruders away, but the owners were surprised when one day they found him sitting at the base of a tall tree, looking up at a large black dear.
Jack hissed at the bear as it wandered into the yard from the nearby woods. The scared bear quickly climbed up a tree. How could a big black bear be afraid of a little kitty? What was he thinking!
Even more absurd are our thoughts of worry and fear when we consider that we have a powerful and good God who cares for us. Jesus told His disciples, "Do not worry ..." [Matt. 6:25,31,34]. He said we don't have to be fearful or worried, because our heavenly Father knows our needs, and we are valued by Him [vv.26,32]. He is perfectly willing and able to meet our needs.
When something concerns us, what's our perspective? It's not what we see but how we see it that reveals our attitude. If we look at life through the lens of our powerful and good God, we'll trust Him instead of fearfully worrying. When our perspective is right, we can see God and His faithful provision. --- Anne Cetas
When fear and worry test your faith
And anxious thoughts assail,
Remember God is in control
And He will never fail. --- Sper
WORRY IS A BURDEN THAT GOD NEVER MEANT FOR US TO BEAR.
Do not worry. --- Matthew 6:25
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 16-18
John 7:28-53
Jack, at 15-pound, orange and white cat, took seriously his job of guarding his owner's backyard in New Jersey. He often scared small animal intruders away, but the owners were surprised when one day they found him sitting at the base of a tall tree, looking up at a large black dear.
Jack hissed at the bear as it wandered into the yard from the nearby woods. The scared bear quickly climbed up a tree. How could a big black bear be afraid of a little kitty? What was he thinking!
Even more absurd are our thoughts of worry and fear when we consider that we have a powerful and good God who cares for us. Jesus told His disciples, "Do not worry ..." [Matt. 6:25,31,34]. He said we don't have to be fearful or worried, because our heavenly Father knows our needs, and we are valued by Him [vv.26,32]. He is perfectly willing and able to meet our needs.
When something concerns us, what's our perspective? It's not what we see but how we see it that reveals our attitude. If we look at life through the lens of our powerful and good God, we'll trust Him instead of fearfully worrying. When our perspective is right, we can see God and His faithful provision. --- Anne Cetas
When fear and worry test your faith
And anxious thoughts assail,
Remember God is in control
And He will never fail. --- Sper
WORRY IS A BURDEN THAT GOD NEVER MEANT FOR US TO BEAR.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
On Purpose
Read: 2 Cor. 3:11-18
We ... are being transformed into [Christ's] image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. --- 2 Corinthians 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 13-15
John 7:1-27
Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life has had an unbelievable run on the bestseller lists. Its phenomenal appeal reminds us that believers and nonbelievers alike have a deep longing for a clear sense of purpose. We all want to know that our lives are involved in something worthwhile. Without a strong sense of calling and purpose, life is nothing more than routine busyness.
Being a follower of Jesus gives us a distinct advantage when it comes to having a sense of purpose. The Westminster Catechism sums it up well when it says the "chief end of man" is to "glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."
Glorifying God means putting His character, His will, and His ways into action in all that we do. The apostle Paul reminded us that we "are being transformed into [Christ's] image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" [2 Cor. 3:18]. The purpose of our lives is to let others see what God is like as they watch and experience His love through us.
What a profound privilege it is to mirror God's love, mercy, grace, justice, and righteousness to a world whose heart is "veiled" to God's truth! [4:3-4]. Our purpose is to show others less of us and more of Him. That's a living on purpose with a purpose! --- Joe Stowell
So let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess,
So let our words and virtues shine
To prove the doctrine all divine. --- Watts
THE CHRISTIAN'S PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE GOD'S PLAN.
We ... are being transformed into [Christ's] image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. --- 2 Corinthians 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 13-15
John 7:1-27
Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life has had an unbelievable run on the bestseller lists. Its phenomenal appeal reminds us that believers and nonbelievers alike have a deep longing for a clear sense of purpose. We all want to know that our lives are involved in something worthwhile. Without a strong sense of calling and purpose, life is nothing more than routine busyness.
Being a follower of Jesus gives us a distinct advantage when it comes to having a sense of purpose. The Westminster Catechism sums it up well when it says the "chief end of man" is to "glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."
Glorifying God means putting His character, His will, and His ways into action in all that we do. The apostle Paul reminded us that we "are being transformed into [Christ's] image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" [2 Cor. 3:18]. The purpose of our lives is to let others see what God is like as they watch and experience His love through us.
What a profound privilege it is to mirror God's love, mercy, grace, justice, and righteousness to a world whose heart is "veiled" to God's truth! [4:3-4]. Our purpose is to show others less of us and more of Him. That's a living on purpose with a purpose! --- Joe Stowell
So let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess,
So let our words and virtues shine
To prove the doctrine all divine. --- Watts
THE CHRISTIAN'S PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE GOD'S PLAN.
Monday, May 19, 2008
He Wants More
Read: John 17:1-8
This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. --- John 17:3
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 10-12
John 6:45-71
You always sit in the row ahead of Sam in church. You smile and say "Good morning" when you come in. You say "See you next Sunday" when you leave. But one morning, you add a little conversation: "Sam, could you give me a hundred dollars?"
Unfortunately, that's the way some people treat the Lord. They have a Sunday-only relationship with Him until they need something. But God desires much more.
The Lord wants us first of all to know Him as our Savior. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" [John 17:3].
After we become His child [1:12], God desires an ongoing dialog with us and a growing knowledge of who He is and who we can be with His help. He doesn't want to be a Sunday-only acquaintance or Someone we cry out to only when we're desperate. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him. He also wants to grow in our desire to please Him by obeying Him. "We know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" [1 John 2:3].
God loves you and wants you to know Him. He does answer desperation prayers. But before you start asking, make sure you know Him personally. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
The Lord wants more than platitudes
From those for whom He died;
He longs for us to know His love,
And in that love abide. --- D. De Haan
KNOWING ABOUT GOD MAY INTEREST US, BUT KNOWING GOD WILL CHANGE US.
This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. --- John 17:3
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 10-12
John 6:45-71
You always sit in the row ahead of Sam in church. You smile and say "Good morning" when you come in. You say "See you next Sunday" when you leave. But one morning, you add a little conversation: "Sam, could you give me a hundred dollars?"
Unfortunately, that's the way some people treat the Lord. They have a Sunday-only relationship with Him until they need something. But God desires much more.
The Lord wants us first of all to know Him as our Savior. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" [John 17:3].
After we become His child [1:12], God desires an ongoing dialog with us and a growing knowledge of who He is and who we can be with His help. He doesn't want to be a Sunday-only acquaintance or Someone we cry out to only when we're desperate. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him. He also wants to grow in our desire to please Him by obeying Him. "We know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" [1 John 2:3].
God loves you and wants you to know Him. He does answer desperation prayers. But before you start asking, make sure you know Him personally. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
The Lord wants more than platitudes
From those for whom He died;
He longs for us to know His love,
And in that love abide. --- D. De Haan
KNOWING ABOUT GOD MAY INTEREST US, BUT KNOWING GOD WILL CHANGE US.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Give Thanks!
Read: Psalm 92
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. --- Psalm 92:1
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 7-9
John 6:22-44
Psalm 92 is a "Song for the Sabbath day," a resting place for those who are troubled.
The song begins with a commendation of praise: "It is good to give thanks to the LORD." It does us good to turn from our unsettling and anxious thoughts to declare God's "lovingkindness in the morning, and [His] faithfulness every night" [v.2]. God loves us and is always faithful! He makes us glad [v.4].
Praise not only makes us glad, it makes us wise. We begin to understand something of God's greatness and creative design in all that He does [vv.5-9]. We gain a wisdom that is hidden from those who do not know God. The wicked may "flourish" and "spring up like grass" for a moment [v.7], but ultimately they will wither away.
The righteous, however, are joined to the One who dwells in eternity [v.8]. They "flourish like a palm tree" and "like a cedar in Lebanon" [v.12], symbols of graceful beauty and unbending strength. For they have been "planted in the house of the LORD" [v.13]. Their roots go down in into the soil of God's faithfulness; they draw on His unquenchable love.
Give thanks and praise to the Lord today! --- David Roper
Oh, render thanks to God above,
The Fountain of eternal love,
Whose mercy firm through ages past
Has stood, and shall forever last. --- Anon.
A HEART IN TUNE WITH GOD CAN'T HELP BUT SING HIS PRAISES.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. --- Psalm 92:1
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 7-9
John 6:22-44
Psalm 92 is a "Song for the Sabbath day," a resting place for those who are troubled.
The song begins with a commendation of praise: "It is good to give thanks to the LORD." It does us good to turn from our unsettling and anxious thoughts to declare God's "lovingkindness in the morning, and [His] faithfulness every night" [v.2]. God loves us and is always faithful! He makes us glad [v.4].
Praise not only makes us glad, it makes us wise. We begin to understand something of God's greatness and creative design in all that He does [vv.5-9]. We gain a wisdom that is hidden from those who do not know God. The wicked may "flourish" and "spring up like grass" for a moment [v.7], but ultimately they will wither away.
The righteous, however, are joined to the One who dwells in eternity [v.8]. They "flourish like a palm tree" and "like a cedar in Lebanon" [v.12], symbols of graceful beauty and unbending strength. For they have been "planted in the house of the LORD" [v.13]. Their roots go down in into the soil of God's faithfulness; they draw on His unquenchable love.
Give thanks and praise to the Lord today! --- David Roper
Oh, render thanks to God above,
The Fountain of eternal love,
Whose mercy firm through ages past
Has stood, and shall forever last. --- Anon.
A HEART IN TUNE WITH GOD CAN'T HELP BUT SING HIS PRAISES.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Mistaken Confidence
Read: Romans 4:4-8
You were not redeemed with corruptible things, ... but with the precious blood of Christ. --- 1 Peter 1:18-19
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 4-6
John 6:1-21
A successful businessman made this statement: "Almost every religion talks about a savior coming. When you look in the mirror in the morning, you're looking at the savior. Nobody else is going to save you but yourself."
We as Christians do not agree with that worldview because it is in direct contradiction to the gospel. The Bible teaches the exact opposite of such a self-sufficient confidence. The apostle Peter said of Jesus: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" [Acts 4:12].
In Romans 4, we have forthright teaching that it is by faith, not by what we do, that a relationship with God can be established: "To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness" [v.5]. And we read in Romans 3:28, "We conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law." By no means --- not with money or good deeds --- can we secure God's acceptance of our sinful selves.
We cannot save ourselves. We can be saved only by God's Son, Jesus, who lived a sinless life, died as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and rose from the grave. --- Vernon Grounds
You can't earn your way into heaven ---
The wages for sinning is death.
Jesus is longing to save you from sin;
Don't wait till you draw your last breath. --- Hess
JESUS GAVE HIMSELF TO GIVE US SALVATION.
You were not redeemed with corruptible things, ... but with the precious blood of Christ. --- 1 Peter 1:18-19
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 4-6
John 6:1-21
A successful businessman made this statement: "Almost every religion talks about a savior coming. When you look in the mirror in the morning, you're looking at the savior. Nobody else is going to save you but yourself."
We as Christians do not agree with that worldview because it is in direct contradiction to the gospel. The Bible teaches the exact opposite of such a self-sufficient confidence. The apostle Peter said of Jesus: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" [Acts 4:12].
In Romans 4, we have forthright teaching that it is by faith, not by what we do, that a relationship with God can be established: "To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness" [v.5]. And we read in Romans 3:28, "We conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law." By no means --- not with money or good deeds --- can we secure God's acceptance of our sinful selves.
We cannot save ourselves. We can be saved only by God's Son, Jesus, who lived a sinless life, died as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and rose from the grave. --- Vernon Grounds
You can't earn your way into heaven ---
The wages for sinning is death.
Jesus is longing to save you from sin;
Don't wait till you draw your last breath. --- Hess
JESUS GAVE HIMSELF TO GIVE US SALVATION.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The World Wide Web
Read: Proverbs 4:5-13
I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. --- Ecclesiastes 2:13
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 1-3
John 5:25-47
Brewster Kahle has a vision for the Internet. He dreams of universal access to all human knowledge. As Digital Librarian and Director and co-founder of Internet Archive, Kahle believes we have only begun to tap the vast potential of the Internet to change and improve our world. "My interest," he says, "is to build the great library.... It is now technically possible to live up to the dream of the Library of Alexandria." He's referring to a huge vault of writings in ancient Egypt that was said to house all the world's knowledge.
But knowledge is not the same as wisdom. King Solomon was a man of vast knowledge [1 Kings 4:29-34]. In his better moments, he used his God-given capacity to collect information and insight from every corner of life. In unguarded moments, however, he showed that all the knowledge in the world does not keep a person from missing the purpose of life [Eccl. 1:16-18]. In spite of his knowledge, Solomon married many women, and when he was old he built altars to their gods [1 Kings 11:1-11]. His foolishness eventually led to his downfall.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Don't get caught in a web of knowledge without true wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord [Prov. 1:7; 9:10]. --- Mart De Haan
True wisdom is in living
Near Jesus every day;
True wisdom is in walking
Where He shall lead the way. --- Anon.
WISDOM GIVES WINGS TO KNOWLEDGE.
I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. --- Ecclesiastes 2:13
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 1-3
John 5:25-47
Brewster Kahle has a vision for the Internet. He dreams of universal access to all human knowledge. As Digital Librarian and Director and co-founder of Internet Archive, Kahle believes we have only begun to tap the vast potential of the Internet to change and improve our world. "My interest," he says, "is to build the great library.... It is now technically possible to live up to the dream of the Library of Alexandria." He's referring to a huge vault of writings in ancient Egypt that was said to house all the world's knowledge.
But knowledge is not the same as wisdom. King Solomon was a man of vast knowledge [1 Kings 4:29-34]. In his better moments, he used his God-given capacity to collect information and insight from every corner of life. In unguarded moments, however, he showed that all the knowledge in the world does not keep a person from missing the purpose of life [Eccl. 1:16-18]. In spite of his knowledge, Solomon married many women, and when he was old he built altars to their gods [1 Kings 11:1-11]. His foolishness eventually led to his downfall.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Don't get caught in a web of knowledge without true wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord [Prov. 1:7; 9:10]. --- Mart De Haan
True wisdom is in living
Near Jesus every day;
True wisdom is in walking
Where He shall lead the way. --- Anon.
WISDOM GIVES WINGS TO KNOWLEDGE.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
For The Children
Read: Psalm 68:5; Mark 10:13-16
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them. --- Mark 10:14
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 24-25
John 5:1-24
As the teenagers left Robin's Nest orphanage near Montego Bay, Jamaica, many of them were in tears.
"It's just not fair," one girl said after their too-brief visit. "We have so much, and they don't have anything." In the 2 hours we visited, handing out stuffed animals and playing with the kids, she had been holding a sad little girl who never smiled. We learned that before she was rescued she had been abused by her parents.
Multiply this little girl's plight by the millions, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. My teenage friends were right. It's not fair. Abuse, poverty, and neglect have turned the lives of millions of little ones into a nightmare.
How this must grieve God's heart! Jesus, who said, "Let the little children come to Me" [Mark 10:14], is surely saddened by the way these children are treated.
What can we do? In Jesus' name, we can give monetary support to good orphanages. When possible, we can offer physical help. If we feel led, we can seek to provide homes for these precious children. And all of us can pray --- beseeching God to help those for whom life is so unfair.
Let's show children the love of God through our hearts and our hands. --- Dave Branon
Reaching out to needy children,
Showing them our love and care,
Is one way that God can use us
To bring hope in their despair. --- Sper
BE JESUS TO A CHILD TODAY.
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them. --- Mark 10:14
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 24-25
John 5:1-24
As the teenagers left Robin's Nest orphanage near Montego Bay, Jamaica, many of them were in tears.
"It's just not fair," one girl said after their too-brief visit. "We have so much, and they don't have anything." In the 2 hours we visited, handing out stuffed animals and playing with the kids, she had been holding a sad little girl who never smiled. We learned that before she was rescued she had been abused by her parents.
Multiply this little girl's plight by the millions, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. My teenage friends were right. It's not fair. Abuse, poverty, and neglect have turned the lives of millions of little ones into a nightmare.
How this must grieve God's heart! Jesus, who said, "Let the little children come to Me" [Mark 10:14], is surely saddened by the way these children are treated.
What can we do? In Jesus' name, we can give monetary support to good orphanages. When possible, we can offer physical help. If we feel led, we can seek to provide homes for these precious children. And all of us can pray --- beseeching God to help those for whom life is so unfair.
Let's show children the love of God through our hearts and our hands. --- Dave Branon
Reaching out to needy children,
Showing them our love and care,
Is one way that God can use us
To bring hope in their despair. --- Sper
BE JESUS TO A CHILD TODAY.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Waggle Dance
Read: John 4:27-36
Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. --- John 4:29
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 22-23
John 4:31-54
How do bees lead one another to nectar? Scientists say it's all about the "waggle" dance. The theory was regarded with skepticism when it was first proposed by Nobel Prize-winning zoologist Karl von Frisch in the 1960s. But now, researchers in the United Kingdom have used tiny radar responders attached to worker bees to support von Frisch's theory. They've confirmed that the bee orients its body toward the food source and uses the intensity of its waggle dance to signal the distance to other bees.
The woman who met Jesus at Jacob's well also found a way to lead the rest of her community to what she had found --- living water [John 4:10]. They were drawn to discover why this woman with five ex-husbands and a current live-in was saying,
"Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did" [v.29].
As the crowd was on its way, the One who on other occasions had called Himself "the bread life" [6:48] was telling His disciples that His food was found in doing the will of God [4:32,34].
Jesus is living water and food for our soul. Joining Him to do the will of God and finish the work He has given us to do is the ultimate source of nourishment. --- Mart De Haan
Keep your witness bright and clear,
So the world may see and hear
God's salvation far and near,
That others too may know Him. --- Hess
WHEN YOU FOUND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL LEAD OTHERS TO THE SOURCE.
Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. --- John 4:29
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 22-23
John 4:31-54
How do bees lead one another to nectar? Scientists say it's all about the "waggle" dance. The theory was regarded with skepticism when it was first proposed by Nobel Prize-winning zoologist Karl von Frisch in the 1960s. But now, researchers in the United Kingdom have used tiny radar responders attached to worker bees to support von Frisch's theory. They've confirmed that the bee orients its body toward the food source and uses the intensity of its waggle dance to signal the distance to other bees.
The woman who met Jesus at Jacob's well also found a way to lead the rest of her community to what she had found --- living water [John 4:10]. They were drawn to discover why this woman with five ex-husbands and a current live-in was saying,
"Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did" [v.29].
As the crowd was on its way, the One who on other occasions had called Himself "the bread life" [6:48] was telling His disciples that His food was found in doing the will of God [4:32,34].
Jesus is living water and food for our soul. Joining Him to do the will of God and finish the work He has given us to do is the ultimate source of nourishment. --- Mart De Haan
Keep your witness bright and clear,
So the world may see and hear
God's salvation far and near,
That others too may know Him. --- Hess
WHEN YOU FOUND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL LEAD OTHERS TO THE SOURCE.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Just For Show
Read: Matthew 23:1-12
All their works they do to be seen by men. --- Matthew 23:5
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 19-21
John 4:1-30
An increasing number of antique leather-bound books are being purchased for their covers and not their content. Interior designers buy them by the linear yard and use them to create a warm, old-world atmosphere in the homes of affluent clients. Of prime importance is whether they match a room's decor. One wealthy businessman purchased 13,000 antique books he will never read just to create a library look in his renovated home. Those books are just for show.
Focusing on outward appearances can be a pleasing way to decorate a house, but it's a dangerous way to live. Jesus reprimanded many religious leaders of His day because they did not practice what they preached. They were addicted to receiving praise and feeling self-important. Instead of opening the kingdom of heaven to people, they shut the door in their faces. Jesus said of them, "All their works they do to be seen by men" [Matt. 23:5].
The Lord calls us to be people of inner substance, not just outward appearance. We are to demonstrate the reality of His presence in us by an attitude of humility. "He who is greatest among you shall be your servant" [v.11].
In living for Jesus, our content is far more important than our cover. We are here for more than show. --- David McCasland
Let my will be lost in God's will,
Ask no question; seek no place;
Render humblest duties gladly.
Showing forth His truth and grace. --- Anon.
IF GOD CONTROLS YOU ON THE INSIDE, YOU'LL BE GENUINE ON THE OUTSIDE.
All their works they do to be seen by men. --- Matthew 23:5
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 19-21
John 4:1-30
An increasing number of antique leather-bound books are being purchased for their covers and not their content. Interior designers buy them by the linear yard and use them to create a warm, old-world atmosphere in the homes of affluent clients. Of prime importance is whether they match a room's decor. One wealthy businessman purchased 13,000 antique books he will never read just to create a library look in his renovated home. Those books are just for show.
Focusing on outward appearances can be a pleasing way to decorate a house, but it's a dangerous way to live. Jesus reprimanded many religious leaders of His day because they did not practice what they preached. They were addicted to receiving praise and feeling self-important. Instead of opening the kingdom of heaven to people, they shut the door in their faces. Jesus said of them, "All their works they do to be seen by men" [Matt. 23:5].
The Lord calls us to be people of inner substance, not just outward appearance. We are to demonstrate the reality of His presence in us by an attitude of humility. "He who is greatest among you shall be your servant" [v.11].
In living for Jesus, our content is far more important than our cover. We are here for more than show. --- David McCasland
Let my will be lost in God's will,
Ask no question; seek no place;
Render humblest duties gladly.
Showing forth His truth and grace. --- Anon.
IF GOD CONTROLS YOU ON THE INSIDE, YOU'LL BE GENUINE ON THE OUTSIDE.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Displaced
Read: 2 Samuel 15:13-26
My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. --- Psalm 73:26
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 17-18
John 3:19-36
David fled Jerusalem, driven from his home by his son Absalom, who had gathered an army of supporters. As he escaped, he instructed Zadok, his priest, to take the ark of God back to Jerusalem and to lead his people in worship there. "If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD," he mused, "He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place." But if not, "Here I am, let Him do me as seems good to Him" [2 Sam. 15:25-26].
Perhaps, like David, you've lost the power of self-determination. Someone has seized control of your life, or so it seems.
You may fear that circumstance and human caprice have overturned your plans. But nothing can frustrate God's loving intention. Tertullian [150-220 AD] wrote, "[Do not regret] a thing which has been taken away ... by the Lord God, without whose will neither does a leaf glide down from a tree, nor a sparrow of one farthing's worth fall to the earth."
Our heavenly Father knows how to care for His children and will allow only what He deems best. We can rest in His infinite wisdom and goodness.
Thus we can echo David's words: "Here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him" --- David Roper
If you are helpless in life's fray,
God's mighty power will be your stay;
Your failing strength He can renew,
For He's a God who cares for you. --- D. De Haan
WE CAN LEAVE OUR CARES WITH GOD BECAUSE GOD CARES.
My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. --- Psalm 73:26
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 17-18
John 3:19-36
David fled Jerusalem, driven from his home by his son Absalom, who had gathered an army of supporters. As he escaped, he instructed Zadok, his priest, to take the ark of God back to Jerusalem and to lead his people in worship there. "If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD," he mused, "He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place." But if not, "Here I am, let Him do me as seems good to Him" [2 Sam. 15:25-26].
Perhaps, like David, you've lost the power of self-determination. Someone has seized control of your life, or so it seems.
You may fear that circumstance and human caprice have overturned your plans. But nothing can frustrate God's loving intention. Tertullian [150-220 AD] wrote, "[Do not regret] a thing which has been taken away ... by the Lord God, without whose will neither does a leaf glide down from a tree, nor a sparrow of one farthing's worth fall to the earth."
Our heavenly Father knows how to care for His children and will allow only what He deems best. We can rest in His infinite wisdom and goodness.
Thus we can echo David's words: "Here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him" --- David Roper
If you are helpless in life's fray,
God's mighty power will be your stay;
Your failing strength He can renew,
For He's a God who cares for you. --- D. De Haan
WE CAN LEAVE OUR CARES WITH GOD BECAUSE GOD CARES.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
No Need To Panic
Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. --- 1 Peter 4:12
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 15-16
John 3:1-18
On a Bible-teaching cruise in the Caribbean, I was listening to the customary first-day safety briefing. The precautions were vital in case the ship should have to be evacuated.
The instructions from the ship's personnel concluded with a simple but significant explanation. A specific combination of air-horn blasts, indicating a drill, would be distinctly different from those indicating a real emergency. The distinction was critical. A drill did not constitute a need to evacuate. If passengers were to panic during the drill, it could result in chaos.
When we don't understand the circumstances that surround us, it's easy to be shaken by life's alarms. Peter's generation experienced the same thing. His warning was simple: "Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you" [1 Peter 4:12].
The trials and heartaches of life may sound like a call to evacuate --- to run away or to respond to life in ways that are disheartening and destructive. But we would do well to listen more closely to our Lord. The trial may be nothing more than a reminder that our trust is to be in God, not in people. We can trust Him in those times when the alarms start to sound. --- Bill Crowder
We can trust our loving Savior
To protect from life's alarms;
He's prepared a place of refuge
Safe within His mighty arms. --- Hess
LIFE'S CHALLENGES ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BREAK US BUT TO BEND US TOWARD GOD.
Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. --- 1 Peter 4:12
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 15-16
John 3:1-18
On a Bible-teaching cruise in the Caribbean, I was listening to the customary first-day safety briefing. The precautions were vital in case the ship should have to be evacuated.
The instructions from the ship's personnel concluded with a simple but significant explanation. A specific combination of air-horn blasts, indicating a drill, would be distinctly different from those indicating a real emergency. The distinction was critical. A drill did not constitute a need to evacuate. If passengers were to panic during the drill, it could result in chaos.
When we don't understand the circumstances that surround us, it's easy to be shaken by life's alarms. Peter's generation experienced the same thing. His warning was simple: "Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you" [1 Peter 4:12].
The trials and heartaches of life may sound like a call to evacuate --- to run away or to respond to life in ways that are disheartening and destructive. But we would do well to listen more closely to our Lord. The trial may be nothing more than a reminder that our trust is to be in God, not in people. We can trust Him in those times when the alarms start to sound. --- Bill Crowder
We can trust our loving Savior
To protect from life's alarms;
He's prepared a place of refuge
Safe within His mighty arms. --- Hess
LIFE'S CHALLENGES ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BREAK US BUT TO BEND US TOWARD GOD.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Influence Of Godly Moms
Read: Proverbs 31:10, 25-31
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and her praises her. --- Proverbs 31:28
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 13-14
John 2
Many people have been richly blessed by what they learned at their mother's knee. Consider John and Charles Wesley. Their names would probably never have lighted the pages of history if it hadn't been for their godly mother who taught them that the law of love and Christian witness was to be their daily guide.
Susannah Wesley spent one hour each day praying for her 17 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters with him or her. No wonder John and Charles were used of God to bring blessing around the world.
Here are a few rules she followed in training her children: Subdue self-will in a child and work together with God. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak. Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely. To prevent lying, punish no fault that is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unchecked. Commend and reward good behavior. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
Let us honor our godly mothers today, not only with words of praise for them but with lives that reflect the impact of their holy influence! --- Henry Bosch
Of all the earthly things God gives,
There's one above all others:
It is the precious, priceless gift
Of loving Christian mothers. --- Anon.
THE VIRTUES OF MOTHERS ARE VISITED ON THEIR CHILDREN. --- Dickens
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and her praises her. --- Proverbs 31:28
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 13-14
John 2
Many people have been richly blessed by what they learned at their mother's knee. Consider John and Charles Wesley. Their names would probably never have lighted the pages of history if it hadn't been for their godly mother who taught them that the law of love and Christian witness was to be their daily guide.
Susannah Wesley spent one hour each day praying for her 17 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters with him or her. No wonder John and Charles were used of God to bring blessing around the world.
Here are a few rules she followed in training her children: Subdue self-will in a child and work together with God. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak. Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely. To prevent lying, punish no fault that is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unchecked. Commend and reward good behavior. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
Let us honor our godly mothers today, not only with words of praise for them but with lives that reflect the impact of their holy influence! --- Henry Bosch
Of all the earthly things God gives,
There's one above all others:
It is the precious, priceless gift
Of loving Christian mothers. --- Anon.
THE VIRTUES OF MOTHERS ARE VISITED ON THEIR CHILDREN. --- Dickens
Friday, May 09, 2008
The Right Answer
Read: Matthew 16:13-17
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." --- Matthew 16:16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 10-12
John 1:29-51
When Jesus asked a question, it was not because He didn't know the answer. You can be sure He was making a point.
Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, away from their own territory. It was a place of idolatry and oppression --- a threatening place both politically and spiritually. In this environment, Jesus posed two important questions about the perception of His identity. He wasn't interested in His popularity rating. He wanted His followers to be sure about the One they were following.
Today our culture is just as hostile and opposed to Jesus as when He first asked the question: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" [Matt. 16:13]. As in Jesus' day, people offer a long list of inadequate and incorrect ideas about Jesus, ranging from "just a good teacher" all the way to "divisive" and "intolerant."
The real question was and continues to be: "Who do you say that I am?" [16:15]. Peter boldly declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" [v.16]. Jesus said that Peter's accurate confession was a God-given insight and that he was blessed because of his declaration [v.17].
Join Peter in confessing that Jesus is your Savior. Your life will be bolstered and blessed. --- Joe Stowell
O receive Him today who so loved you
That He died on the cross for your sin;
O believe Him and open your heart's door,
Let the Savior who loves you come in. --- Anon.
WHOEVER BELIEVES THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST IS BORN OF GOD. --- 1 John 5:1
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." --- Matthew 16:16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 10-12
John 1:29-51
When Jesus asked a question, it was not because He didn't know the answer. You can be sure He was making a point.
Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, away from their own territory. It was a place of idolatry and oppression --- a threatening place both politically and spiritually. In this environment, Jesus posed two important questions about the perception of His identity. He wasn't interested in His popularity rating. He wanted His followers to be sure about the One they were following.
Today our culture is just as hostile and opposed to Jesus as when He first asked the question: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" [Matt. 16:13]. As in Jesus' day, people offer a long list of inadequate and incorrect ideas about Jesus, ranging from "just a good teacher" all the way to "divisive" and "intolerant."
The real question was and continues to be: "Who do you say that I am?" [16:15]. Peter boldly declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" [v.16]. Jesus said that Peter's accurate confession was a God-given insight and that he was blessed because of his declaration [v.17].
Join Peter in confessing that Jesus is your Savior. Your life will be bolstered and blessed. --- Joe Stowell
O receive Him today who so loved you
That He died on the cross for your sin;
O believe Him and open your heart's door,
Let the Savior who loves you come in. --- Anon.
WHOEVER BELIEVES THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST IS BORN OF GOD. --- 1 John 5:1
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Truth About Sin
Read: 1 Kings 15:1-5, 11
David did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, ... except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. --- 1 Kings 15:5
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 7-9
John 1:1-28
One of the problems that writers face is the challenge of being honest about evil. When I write, I want the good guys to always be right. But even the best people have flaws. So to be credible, writers must be honest about the evil that lurks in good people.
One reason I believe the Bible is true is that the Author did not cover up the flaws of His chosen people. God was honest about the failures of those He hand-picked for leadership positions. He didn't excuse their bad behavior, minimize their failures, or look the other way. He reported it, judged it, measured out the consequences, and forgave it.
The most prominent example in Scripture is King David. Not only did he take another man's wife, he then took the man's life to cover up his adultery. Yet despite his despicable deeds, when he was confronted, David repented. He became the standard by which future kings of Israel were judged because his heart was "loyal to the LORD" [1 Kings 15:3,11].
God knows the heart of everyone, and He is no respecter of persons. Although the truth of sin can be painful, when it's confessed and forgiven, it can be used to turn our hearts toward God. --- Julie Ackerman Link
You cannot hide your sins from God,
He knows what's in your heart;
Confession is the quickest way
To make a brand-new start. --- Sper
YOU CAN'T PUT YOUR SINS BEHIND YOU UNTIL YOU ARE WILLING TO FACE THEM.
David did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, ... except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. --- 1 Kings 15:5
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 7-9
John 1:1-28
One of the problems that writers face is the challenge of being honest about evil. When I write, I want the good guys to always be right. But even the best people have flaws. So to be credible, writers must be honest about the evil that lurks in good people.
One reason I believe the Bible is true is that the Author did not cover up the flaws of His chosen people. God was honest about the failures of those He hand-picked for leadership positions. He didn't excuse their bad behavior, minimize their failures, or look the other way. He reported it, judged it, measured out the consequences, and forgave it.
The most prominent example in Scripture is King David. Not only did he take another man's wife, he then took the man's life to cover up his adultery. Yet despite his despicable deeds, when he was confronted, David repented. He became the standard by which future kings of Israel were judged because his heart was "loyal to the LORD" [1 Kings 15:3,11].
God knows the heart of everyone, and He is no respecter of persons. Although the truth of sin can be painful, when it's confessed and forgiven, it can be used to turn our hearts toward God. --- Julie Ackerman Link
You cannot hide your sins from God,
He knows what's in your heart;
Confession is the quickest way
To make a brand-new start. --- Sper
YOU CAN'T PUT YOUR SINS BEHIND YOU UNTIL YOU ARE WILLING TO FACE THEM.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The Adventure
Read: Esther 4:13-17
Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? --- Esther 4:14
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 4-6
Luke 24:36-53
When I was about 7, I was in the car with my mom and two sisters when my mother pulled over to the side of the road to study the map. "Are we lost, Mom?" I was worried.
"Oh, no," she replied cheerfully, quickly folding up the map. "We're on an adventure." My sisters and I exchanged doubtful glances as one of them whispered knowingly, "We're lost."
Adventures can be fun --- and scary. They usually involve a bit of the unknown. As we walk in fellowship with God, it's likely that our lives will have many unique adventures --- opportunities to serve Him. If we're reluctant or scared and we turn down an opportunity, we miss out. Will God still get the job done? Of course. But someone else will receive the blessing.
In Esther 4, Mordecai encouraged the young queen Esther to help rescue her people. He cautioned: "If you remain completely silent ... deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" [v.14].
Esther was naturally frightened to take this assignment. But God used her courage and faith to deliver her people. Trust God to show you the way. Adventure ahead! --- Cindy Hess Kasper
For life's adventure, Lord, I ask
Courage and faith for every task;
A heart kept clean by high desire,
A conscience purged by holy fire. --- McDermand
COURAGE IS FEAR THAT HAS SAID ITS PRAYERS.
Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? --- Esther 4:14
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 4-6
Luke 24:36-53
When I was about 7, I was in the car with my mom and two sisters when my mother pulled over to the side of the road to study the map. "Are we lost, Mom?" I was worried.
"Oh, no," she replied cheerfully, quickly folding up the map. "We're on an adventure." My sisters and I exchanged doubtful glances as one of them whispered knowingly, "We're lost."
Adventures can be fun --- and scary. They usually involve a bit of the unknown. As we walk in fellowship with God, it's likely that our lives will have many unique adventures --- opportunities to serve Him. If we're reluctant or scared and we turn down an opportunity, we miss out. Will God still get the job done? Of course. But someone else will receive the blessing.
In Esther 4, Mordecai encouraged the young queen Esther to help rescue her people. He cautioned: "If you remain completely silent ... deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" [v.14].
Esther was naturally frightened to take this assignment. But God used her courage and faith to deliver her people. Trust God to show you the way. Adventure ahead! --- Cindy Hess Kasper
For life's adventure, Lord, I ask
Courage and faith for every task;
A heart kept clean by high desire,
A conscience purged by holy fire. --- McDermand
COURAGE IS FEAR THAT HAS SAID ITS PRAYERS.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
SPEM Prayer
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
I bow my knees to the Father ... that He would grant you ... to be strengthened with might through His Spirit. --- Ephesians 3:14,16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 1-3
Luke 24:1-35
A friend sent me an e-mail that concluded with a list of prayer requests. She said, "Spiritually, I am confused, so pray for understanding. Physically, I am tired, so pray for rest. Emotionally, I am very weak, so pray for strength. Mentally, I am worried, so pray for peace."
When I saw her later, I told her, "I've been SPEM praying for you." She looked confused, so I told her I was praying for her spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Scripture illustrates God's care in each of these areas.
Spiritual: Jesus prayed for His disciples: "Sanctify them by Your truth" [John 17:17]. Truth leads to spiritual understanding, eliminating confusion.
Physical: Peter had a physical need --- release from jail. His friends prayed --- and he got out [Acts 12:1-11]. In God's care we find security and rest [Ps. 16:9].
Emotional: Often the psalmists asked God for relief from distress [4:1; 18:6; 107:6-7]. He brings hope.
Mental: Insight and wisdom are promised for those who cry out to God [Prov. 2:3-6; James 1:5-7]. Through prayer and reading His Word, the peace of God can be found.
Are you struggling? Ask God for spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental assistance. --- Dave Branon
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer! --- Scriven
TURN YOUR CARES INTO PRAYERS.
I bow my knees to the Father ... that He would grant you ... to be strengthened with might through His Spirit. --- Ephesians 3:14,16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 1-3
Luke 24:1-35
A friend sent me an e-mail that concluded with a list of prayer requests. She said, "Spiritually, I am confused, so pray for understanding. Physically, I am tired, so pray for rest. Emotionally, I am very weak, so pray for strength. Mentally, I am worried, so pray for peace."
When I saw her later, I told her, "I've been SPEM praying for you." She looked confused, so I told her I was praying for her spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Scripture illustrates God's care in each of these areas.
Spiritual: Jesus prayed for His disciples: "Sanctify them by Your truth" [John 17:17]. Truth leads to spiritual understanding, eliminating confusion.
Physical: Peter had a physical need --- release from jail. His friends prayed --- and he got out [Acts 12:1-11]. In God's care we find security and rest [Ps. 16:9].
Emotional: Often the psalmists asked God for relief from distress [4:1; 18:6; 107:6-7]. He brings hope.
Mental: Insight and wisdom are promised for those who cry out to God [Prov. 2:3-6; James 1:5-7]. Through prayer and reading His Word, the peace of God can be found.
Are you struggling? Ask God for spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental assistance. --- Dave Branon
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer! --- Scriven
TURN YOUR CARES INTO PRAYERS.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Source Of Gladness
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. --- 2 Corinthians 6:10
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 21-22
Luke 23:26-56
Paul Gerhardt, a pastor in Germany during the 17th century, had every reason not to be glad. His wife and four of his children died; the Thirty Years' War brought death and devastation across Germany; church conflict and political interference filled his life with distress. Yet despite great personal suffering, he wrote more than 130 hymns, many of them characterized by joy and devotion to Jesus Christ.
One of Gerhardt's hymns, "Holy Spirit, Source Of Gladness," contains this verse:
Let that love which knows no measure
Now in quickening showers descend,
Bringing us the richest treasures
Man can wish or God can send;
Hear our earnest supplication,
Every struggling heart release;
Rest upon this congregation,
Spirit of untroubled peace.
Because God's abounding love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit [Rom. 5:5], is there any situation in which we cannot experience the joy He gives?
During a time of great personal hardship, the apostle Paul described his experience as being "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" [2 Cor. 6:10].
Pain and sorrow are inescapable facts of life. Yet the Holy Spirit is our source of gladness, "bringing us the richest treasures man can wish or God can send." --- David McCasland
HAPPINESS DEPENDS ON HAPPENINGS, BUT JOY DEPENDS ON JESUS.
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. --- 2 Corinthians 6:10
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 21-22
Luke 23:26-56
Paul Gerhardt, a pastor in Germany during the 17th century, had every reason not to be glad. His wife and four of his children died; the Thirty Years' War brought death and devastation across Germany; church conflict and political interference filled his life with distress. Yet despite great personal suffering, he wrote more than 130 hymns, many of them characterized by joy and devotion to Jesus Christ.
One of Gerhardt's hymns, "Holy Spirit, Source Of Gladness," contains this verse:
Let that love which knows no measure
Now in quickening showers descend,
Bringing us the richest treasures
Man can wish or God can send;
Hear our earnest supplication,
Every struggling heart release;
Rest upon this congregation,
Spirit of untroubled peace.
Because God's abounding love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit [Rom. 5:5], is there any situation in which we cannot experience the joy He gives?
During a time of great personal hardship, the apostle Paul described his experience as being "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" [2 Cor. 6:10].
Pain and sorrow are inescapable facts of life. Yet the Holy Spirit is our source of gladness, "bringing us the richest treasures man can wish or God can send." --- David McCasland
HAPPINESS DEPENDS ON HAPPENINGS, BUT JOY DEPENDS ON JESUS.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Talent Search
Read: Isaiah 6:1-8
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" --- Isaiah 6:8
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 19-20
Luke 23:1-25
Television shows like American Idol have become a global phenomenon. Millions wait anxiously to find out who will be the next singer eliminated in the musical talent hunt.
Some call it "a new concept in entertainment," but it's hardly a new idea. As a boy, I remember watching Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour. That show was followed by the bizaare talent hunt The Gong Show in the 70s, and then by Star Search in the 80s. It is an ongoing theme of television to search for someone unknown and make him or her famous.
Dreams of fame and fortune, however, are not at the heart of the search that is truly timeless. That search is God's own pursuit of hearts that are available for His work in the world.
In Isaiah, the Lord asks: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" And then we read Isaiah's ready response: "Here am I! Send me" [6:8].
God is not seeking the most qualified or talented; rather, He is seeking hearts that are surrendered to Him. He is seeking those who are available, dependable, and willing to be used. In those lives, God will show Himself strong, and He will be glorified.
Are you available? --- Bill Crowder
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still. --- Polland
YOUR LIFE IS GOD'S GIFT TO YOU --- MAKE IT YOUR GIFT TO GOD.
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" --- Isaiah 6:8
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 19-20
Luke 23:1-25
Television shows like American Idol have become a global phenomenon. Millions wait anxiously to find out who will be the next singer eliminated in the musical talent hunt.
Some call it "a new concept in entertainment," but it's hardly a new idea. As a boy, I remember watching Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour. That show was followed by the bizaare talent hunt The Gong Show in the 70s, and then by Star Search in the 80s. It is an ongoing theme of television to search for someone unknown and make him or her famous.
Dreams of fame and fortune, however, are not at the heart of the search that is truly timeless. That search is God's own pursuit of hearts that are available for His work in the world.
In Isaiah, the Lord asks: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" And then we read Isaiah's ready response: "Here am I! Send me" [6:8].
God is not seeking the most qualified or talented; rather, He is seeking hearts that are surrendered to Him. He is seeking those who are available, dependable, and willing to be used. In those lives, God will show Himself strong, and He will be glorified.
Are you available? --- Bill Crowder
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still. --- Polland
YOUR LIFE IS GOD'S GIFT TO YOU --- MAKE IT YOUR GIFT TO GOD.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Bold Persistence
Read: Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." --- Matthew 15:28
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 14-15
Luke 22:21-46
In 1953, a fledgling business called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. It took them 40 attempts to perfect their formula. The original secret formula for WD-40 --- which stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt --- is still in use today. What a story of persistence!
The gospel of Matthew records another story of bold persistence. A Canaanite woman had a daughter who was possessed by a demon. She had no hope for her daughter --- until she heard that Jesus was in the region.
This desperate woman came to Jesus with her need because she believed He could help her. She cried out to Him even though everything and everybody seemed to be against her --- race, religious background, gender, the disciples, Satan, and seemingly even Jesus [Matt. 15:22-27]. Despite all of these obstacles, she did not give up. With bold persistence, she pushed her way through the dark corridors of difficulty, desperate need, and rejection. The result? Jesus commended her for her faith and healed her daughter [v.28].
We too are invited to approach Jesus with bold persistence. As we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, we will find grace and mercy in our time of need. --- Marvin Williams
Something happens when we pray,
Take our place and therein stay,
Wrestle on till break of day;
Ever let us pray. --- Anon.
PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER PLEASES GOD.
Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." --- Matthew 15:28
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 14-15
Luke 22:21-46
In 1953, a fledgling business called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. It took them 40 attempts to perfect their formula. The original secret formula for WD-40 --- which stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt --- is still in use today. What a story of persistence!
The gospel of Matthew records another story of bold persistence. A Canaanite woman had a daughter who was possessed by a demon. She had no hope for her daughter --- until she heard that Jesus was in the region.
This desperate woman came to Jesus with her need because she believed He could help her. She cried out to Him even though everything and everybody seemed to be against her --- race, religious background, gender, the disciples, Satan, and seemingly even Jesus [Matt. 15:22-27]. Despite all of these obstacles, she did not give up. With bold persistence, she pushed her way through the dark corridors of difficulty, desperate need, and rejection. The result? Jesus commended her for her faith and healed her daughter [v.28].
We too are invited to approach Jesus with bold persistence. As we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, we will find grace and mercy in our time of need. --- Marvin Williams
Something happens when we pray,
Take our place and therein stay,
Wrestle on till break of day;
Ever let us pray. --- Anon.
PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER PLEASES GOD.
Fake Family
Read: Matthew 15:1-9
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, ... but their heart is far from Me. --- Matthew 15:8
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 16-18
Luke 22:47-71
A builder in California has come up with an innovative idea to sell his houses. He thinks that a good way to make a house more appealing is to have a family there when showing the house. So he hires actors to play happy families in his company's model homes. Would-be buyers can ask them questions about the house. Each fake family cooks, watches television, and plays games while house-hunters wander through.
That type of faking may not do any harm, but think about the sham of the religious leaders in Jesus' day [Matt. 15:1-9]. they pretended to love God and piously made up a long list of rules that they and others were to obey. But this was only to make themselves look good. They even considered their rules just as important as the Law that came directly from the Lord [vv.5-6]. Jesus called them "hypocrites" [v.7]. He said their words sounded as if they honored God, but their hearts told another story --- they were far from Him [v.8].
That kind of pretending goes on in people today as well. We look like good Christians on the outside because we go to church faithfully, follow some rules legalistically, and use the right words. We say we love Jesus, but our hearts may be far from Him. God wants us to be real. --- Anne Cetas
God sees our ways and knows our hearts,
From Him we cannot hide;
External righteousness can't save,
For He knows what's inside. --- Sper
A FALSE FRONT BELIES A TRUE FAITH.
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, ... but their heart is far from Me. --- Matthew 15:8
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 16-18
Luke 22:47-71
A builder in California has come up with an innovative idea to sell his houses. He thinks that a good way to make a house more appealing is to have a family there when showing the house. So he hires actors to play happy families in his company's model homes. Would-be buyers can ask them questions about the house. Each fake family cooks, watches television, and plays games while house-hunters wander through.
That type of faking may not do any harm, but think about the sham of the religious leaders in Jesus' day [Matt. 15:1-9]. they pretended to love God and piously made up a long list of rules that they and others were to obey. But this was only to make themselves look good. They even considered their rules just as important as the Law that came directly from the Lord [vv.5-6]. Jesus called them "hypocrites" [v.7]. He said their words sounded as if they honored God, but their hearts told another story --- they were far from Him [v.8].
That kind of pretending goes on in people today as well. We look like good Christians on the outside because we go to church faithfully, follow some rules legalistically, and use the right words. We say we love Jesus, but our hearts may be far from Him. God wants us to be real. --- Anne Cetas
God sees our ways and knows our hearts,
From Him we cannot hide;
External righteousness can't save,
For He knows what's inside. --- Sper
A FALSE FRONT BELIES A TRUE FAITH.
Friday, May 02, 2008
A Boost Of Courage
Read: Hebrews 12:1-13
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. --- Hebrews 12:2
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 12-13
Luke 22:1-20
When my son Joe was a child, I took him to the local YMCA for swimming lessons. I could almost see an Olympic gold medal swinging around his neck.
To my chagrin, Joe didn't "wow" the class. Instead, he took one look at the water, one look at the instructor, and started bawling.
I thought, Oh no, I've fathered a coward! To make matters worse, the instructor motioned for me to take Joe back to the locker room. In the midst of his sobs and pleas to go home, I gave him a little pep talk: "You can do it, Joe! I'll come to all your lessons, and we'll have a signal. When you get scared you can look up at me, and when I hold my thumb up you'll know it's going to be okay because I'm here cheering you on." Joe finally agreed, and today he can swim circles around me.
How often we too face situations that seem overwhelming and impossible. It's in those times that we need to find our confidence in Jesus. Our first instinct may be to back away in fear. But that's exactly when we need to look to Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith" [Heb. 12:2], who will raise His nail-scarred hand an say, "Stay with it. Run the race. I've run it before you, and in My power you can win. You can do it!" --- Joe Stowell
Hold fast to Christ and He will give
The will to see you through;
And if you keep on keeping on,
Your strength He will renew. --- D. De Haan
CHRIST'S VICTORY IN THE PAST GIVES COURAGE FOR THE PRESENT AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. --- Hebrews 12:2
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 12-13
Luke 22:1-20
When my son Joe was a child, I took him to the local YMCA for swimming lessons. I could almost see an Olympic gold medal swinging around his neck.
To my chagrin, Joe didn't "wow" the class. Instead, he took one look at the water, one look at the instructor, and started bawling.
I thought, Oh no, I've fathered a coward! To make matters worse, the instructor motioned for me to take Joe back to the locker room. In the midst of his sobs and pleas to go home, I gave him a little pep talk: "You can do it, Joe! I'll come to all your lessons, and we'll have a signal. When you get scared you can look up at me, and when I hold my thumb up you'll know it's going to be okay because I'm here cheering you on." Joe finally agreed, and today he can swim circles around me.
How often we too face situations that seem overwhelming and impossible. It's in those times that we need to find our confidence in Jesus. Our first instinct may be to back away in fear. But that's exactly when we need to look to Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith" [Heb. 12:2], who will raise His nail-scarred hand an say, "Stay with it. Run the race. I've run it before you, and in My power you can win. You can do it!" --- Joe Stowell
Hold fast to Christ and He will give
The will to see you through;
And if you keep on keeping on,
Your strength He will renew. --- D. De Haan
CHRIST'S VICTORY IN THE PAST GIVES COURAGE FOR THE PRESENT AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
The Ascended Christ
Read: Hebrews 4:9-16
We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. --- Hebrews 4:14
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 10-11
Luke 21:20-38
Today is Ascension Day --- a day that is often neglected. Coming 40 days after Easter, it marks the occasion when the risen Christ ascended to the Father in glory.
W.H. Griffith Thomas writes in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: "The ascension is not only a great fact of the New Testament, but a great factor in the life of Christ and Christians, and no complete view of Jesus Christ is possible unless the ascension and its consequences are included."
Thomas then summarizes what the ascension means to believers. It speaks of an accomplished redemption [Heb. 8:1], the Savior's high-priestly work [Heb. 4:14], His lordship over the church [Eph. 1:22], His intercession for us with His heavenly Father [1 Tim. 2:5], the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost [Acts 2:33], the Lord's presence with us today [Matt. 28:20], and the expectation of His return to this earth [1 Thess. 4:16].
Think of it! Jesus not only died, but He rose from the grave, went back to the Father, and is interceding for us right now. And He is coming again.
May this Ascension Day be a time for special rejoicing and thanksgiving to God. --- Richard De Haan
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore. --- Chapman
JESUS WHO DIED TO SAVE US NOW LIVES TO KEEP US.
We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. --- Hebrews 4:14
The Bible In One Year:
1 Kings 10-11
Luke 21:20-38
Today is Ascension Day --- a day that is often neglected. Coming 40 days after Easter, it marks the occasion when the risen Christ ascended to the Father in glory.
W.H. Griffith Thomas writes in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: "The ascension is not only a great fact of the New Testament, but a great factor in the life of Christ and Christians, and no complete view of Jesus Christ is possible unless the ascension and its consequences are included."
Thomas then summarizes what the ascension means to believers. It speaks of an accomplished redemption [Heb. 8:1], the Savior's high-priestly work [Heb. 4:14], His lordship over the church [Eph. 1:22], His intercession for us with His heavenly Father [1 Tim. 2:5], the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost [Acts 2:33], the Lord's presence with us today [Matt. 28:20], and the expectation of His return to this earth [1 Thess. 4:16].
Think of it! Jesus not only died, but He rose from the grave, went back to the Father, and is interceding for us right now. And He is coming again.
May this Ascension Day be a time for special rejoicing and thanksgiving to God. --- Richard De Haan
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore. --- Chapman
JESUS WHO DIED TO SAVE US NOW LIVES TO KEEP US.
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