Read: Romans 3:19-26
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. --- Romans 5:9
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 10-12
Proverbs 31:10-31
When Lily Pinneo, a missionary nurse, was in West Africa, she contracted a deadly disease called Lassa fever. After Lily was flown to New York for medical treatment, her temperature soared to 107F. To reduce the fever, doctors packed her in ice and fed her intravenously. The fever subsided. After 9 weeks, she had lost 28 pounds and most of her hair. Yet somehow, she survived.
In a laboratory, Dr. Casals carefully isolated and analyzed the Lassa virus. But he too fell ill from his exposure to the disease. At the time, no known treatment was effective. Fortunately, Nurse Pinneo was convalescing and had built up antibodies to the dread disease. She donated blood plasma to Dr. Casals and he recovered too. Her blood saved his life.
All of us are infected with the fatal disease of sin [Rom. 6:23]. There is only one cure. It resides in the cleansing power of Jesus Christ's shed blood. Paul wrote, "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" [Rom. 5:9]. The righteous wrath of God against transgression has been fully satisfied through Jesus' death in our place. All we need do is repent, recognize Him as our Savior, and receive the spiritual cure for sin. Have you made that decision? --- Dennis Fisher
Redeemed --- how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am. --- Crosby
THE PRICE OF OUR FREEDOM FROM SIN WAS PAID BY JESUS' BLOOD.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
True Confessions
Read: Psalm 51:1-13
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. --- Psalm 51:5
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 75-77
I love coconut, I always have! So, after an exhausting day in second grade, I found a bag of shredded coconut n the cupboard and devoured the whole thing. When my mother went into the kitchen later to bake --- you guessed it, a coconut cake --- I heard, "Who ate the coconut?!"
I knew I was in trouble, but my escape plan was simple --- a quick, easy lie: "Not me!"
She continued her inquiry with my sisters, but after they denied it, we all heard the familiar words: "Wait till your Dad comes home!" My cover-up plan was doomed to failure, and later that evening I finally confessed.
No one had to teach me to lie. As the psalmist David admits, "I was brought forth in iniquity" [Ps. 51:5]. But in his sin David knew where to go --- to the God of abundant mercy who will cleanse us from our sin [vv. 1-2].
When we recognize the ongoing reality of sin in our lives, we are reminded of our ongoing need for the presence of God and the power of His Word to keep us safe and spiritually sane. He is waiting for us to confess our faults and embrace the forgiveness and cleansing that He readily offers.
Remember, a refreshing plunge into God's mercy awaits you on the other side of confessed sin! --- Joe Stowell
Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee. --- Sleeper
OWN UP TO YOUR SIN AND EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF CONFESSION.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. --- Psalm 51:5
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 75-77
I love coconut, I always have! So, after an exhausting day in second grade, I found a bag of shredded coconut n the cupboard and devoured the whole thing. When my mother went into the kitchen later to bake --- you guessed it, a coconut cake --- I heard, "Who ate the coconut?!"
I knew I was in trouble, but my escape plan was simple --- a quick, easy lie: "Not me!"
She continued her inquiry with my sisters, but after they denied it, we all heard the familiar words: "Wait till your Dad comes home!" My cover-up plan was doomed to failure, and later that evening I finally confessed.
No one had to teach me to lie. As the psalmist David admits, "I was brought forth in iniquity" [Ps. 51:5]. But in his sin David knew where to go --- to the God of abundant mercy who will cleanse us from our sin [vv. 1-2].
When we recognize the ongoing reality of sin in our lives, we are reminded of our ongoing need for the presence of God and the power of His Word to keep us safe and spiritually sane. He is waiting for us to confess our faults and embrace the forgiveness and cleansing that He readily offers.
Remember, a refreshing plunge into God's mercy awaits you on the other side of confessed sin! --- Joe Stowell
Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee. --- Sleeper
OWN UP TO YOUR SIN AND EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF CONFESSION.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Amateur Christians
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The love of Christ compels us. --- 2 Corinthians 5:14
The Bible In One Year:
1 Corinthians 1-6
Proverbs 31:1-9
The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means "to love." An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.
In today's way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a "higher" category --- that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.
As I read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of Jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn't choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards [1 Cor. 1:26]. He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.
In today's world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for "amateurs," those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ's example of loving and serving others. --- Julie Ackerman Link
I love Thee because Thou has first loved me
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. --- Featherstone
ONE PROOF OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD IS OUR LOVE FOR OUR NEIGHBOR.
The love of Christ compels us. --- 2 Corinthians 5:14
The Bible In One Year:
1 Corinthians 1-6
Proverbs 31:1-9
The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means "to love." An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.
In today's way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a "higher" category --- that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.
As I read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of Jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn't choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards [1 Cor. 1:26]. He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.
In today's world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for "amateurs," those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ's example of loving and serving others. --- Julie Ackerman Link
I love Thee because Thou has first loved me
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. --- Featherstone
ONE PROOF OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD IS OUR LOVE FOR OUR NEIGHBOR.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
God's Greater Goal
Read: 2 Cor. 12:7-10
I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. --- 2 Corinthians 12:8
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 7-9
Proverbs 30:21-33
I have an unmarried friend who prays earnestly for God to lessen or even remove his sexual drive. It causes him constant temptation. As gently as I can, I tell him I doubt that God will answer his prayer the way he wants. More likely, he will learn fidelity the way anyone learns it, by relying on discipline, community, and constant pleas of dependence.
For whatever reason, God has let this broken world endure in its fallen state for a very long time. God seems to value character more than our comfort, often using the very elements that cause us the most discomfort as His tools in fashioning that character. This was true in the life of the apostle Paul, who prayed fruitlessly that his mysterious "thorn in the flesh" be removed [2 Cor. 12:8].
In my own life, I am trying to remain open to new realities, not blaming God when my expectations go unmet but trusting Him to lead me through failures toward renewal and growth. I am seeking a trust that "the Father knows best" in how this world is run. I see that the way in which I may want God to act does not achieve the results I might expect.
When God sent His own Son --- sinless, full of grace and healing --- we killed Him. God Himself allows what He does not prefer, to achieve some greater goal. --- Philip Yancey
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Astoundingly, God doesn't exempt Himself from the
consequences of our sin. Read Why Did Christ Have To Die? at www.discoveryseries.org/q0202
GOD USES OUR DIFFICULTIES TO DEVELOP HIS SON'S LIKENESS IN US.
I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. --- 2 Corinthians 12:8
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 7-9
Proverbs 30:21-33
I have an unmarried friend who prays earnestly for God to lessen or even remove his sexual drive. It causes him constant temptation. As gently as I can, I tell him I doubt that God will answer his prayer the way he wants. More likely, he will learn fidelity the way anyone learns it, by relying on discipline, community, and constant pleas of dependence.
For whatever reason, God has let this broken world endure in its fallen state for a very long time. God seems to value character more than our comfort, often using the very elements that cause us the most discomfort as His tools in fashioning that character. This was true in the life of the apostle Paul, who prayed fruitlessly that his mysterious "thorn in the flesh" be removed [2 Cor. 12:8].
In my own life, I am trying to remain open to new realities, not blaming God when my expectations go unmet but trusting Him to lead me through failures toward renewal and growth. I am seeking a trust that "the Father knows best" in how this world is run. I see that the way in which I may want God to act does not achieve the results I might expect.
When God sent His own Son --- sinless, full of grace and healing --- we killed Him. God Himself allows what He does not prefer, to achieve some greater goal. --- Philip Yancey
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Astoundingly, God doesn't exempt Himself from the
consequences of our sin. Read Why Did Christ Have To Die? at www.discoveryseries.org/q0202
GOD USES OUR DIFFICULTIES TO DEVELOP HIS SON'S LIKENESS IN US.
Friday, June 26, 2009
One Exception
Read: Isaiah 53:4-12
Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God's words. --- John 8:46-47
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 4-6
Proverbs 30:10-20
Are there any perfect people alive today? Not in the opinion of Harvard University psychiatrist Jerome Groopman. In his engrossing book How Doctors Think, he expresses agreement with the profound insights found in the Bible. He writes, "Everyone is flawed at some time, in thought or in deed, from Abraham to Moses to the Apostles."
But what about Jesus Christ? He challenged His listeners regarding Himself: "Which of you convicts Me of sin?" [John 8:46]. The disciples' verdict after they had opportunity to scrutinize His life for at least 3 years was that He was without sin [1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5].
Was Jesus a moral miracle, the one sinless Person in the whole procession of sinful humans? Yes, He was the one spotless exception to this observation of the apostle Paul: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" [Rom. 3:23]. And that word all includes both you and me!
Because all humanity has sinned, we can rejoice that Jesus was qualified --- He and He alone --- to be the flawless Sacrifice we need.
We give thanks for Jesus Christ, our sinless sin-bearer --- the one exception! --- Vernon Grounds
Guilty, vile, and helpless, we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
"Full atonement!" can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior! --- Bliss
ONLY JESUS, THE PERFECT SACRIFICE, CAN DECLARE GUILTY PEOPLE PERFECT.
Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God's words. --- John 8:46-47
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 4-6
Proverbs 30:10-20
Are there any perfect people alive today? Not in the opinion of Harvard University psychiatrist Jerome Groopman. In his engrossing book How Doctors Think, he expresses agreement with the profound insights found in the Bible. He writes, "Everyone is flawed at some time, in thought or in deed, from Abraham to Moses to the Apostles."
But what about Jesus Christ? He challenged His listeners regarding Himself: "Which of you convicts Me of sin?" [John 8:46]. The disciples' verdict after they had opportunity to scrutinize His life for at least 3 years was that He was without sin [1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5].
Was Jesus a moral miracle, the one sinless Person in the whole procession of sinful humans? Yes, He was the one spotless exception to this observation of the apostle Paul: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" [Rom. 3:23]. And that word all includes both you and me!
Because all humanity has sinned, we can rejoice that Jesus was qualified --- He and He alone --- to be the flawless Sacrifice we need.
We give thanks for Jesus Christ, our sinless sin-bearer --- the one exception! --- Vernon Grounds
Guilty, vile, and helpless, we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
"Full atonement!" can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior! --- Bliss
ONLY JESUS, THE PERFECT SACRIFICE, CAN DECLARE GUILTY PEOPLE PERFECT.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Anytime, Anywhere
Read: Ephesians 2:11-19
Through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. --- Ephesians 2:18
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 1-3
Proverbs 30:1-9
When Mike Marolt is out of town, he remotely accesses the computer and files in his Aspen, Colorado, office. On a recent overseas trip, Marolt answered e-mails and kept in touch with his clients by using his laptop through a satellite phone hookup. This time, however, he was sitting in a base camp tent at 21,000 feet on the side of Mt. Everest. These days even that doesn't surprise us because we have become used to the technology that provides access to the rest of the world anytime, anywhere.
We can easily develop a similar lack of amazement toward prayer. Talk to God? "Of course." We don't have to wait in line, enter a building, or wear nice clothing. We can pour out our hearts to the Lord anytime, anywhere. It's easy to lose the wonder of that because it has become so familiar.
Paul always seemed to marvel at the door opened wide into the presence of God. "In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ," he wrote. "For through Him we both [Gentiles and Jews] have access by one Spirit to the Father" [Eph. 2:13,18].
The door is open for everyone. God welcomes all who come by faith. Through Christ we can enter His presence --- anytime, anywhere. Amazing! --- David McCasland
Let's always keep the prayer lines open,
Knowing God is always there;
For we upon His name may call
Anytime and anywhere. --- D. De Haan
THERE IS NO PLACE OR TIME WE CANNOT PRAY.
Through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. --- Ephesians 2:18
The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 1-3
Proverbs 30:1-9
When Mike Marolt is out of town, he remotely accesses the computer and files in his Aspen, Colorado, office. On a recent overseas trip, Marolt answered e-mails and kept in touch with his clients by using his laptop through a satellite phone hookup. This time, however, he was sitting in a base camp tent at 21,000 feet on the side of Mt. Everest. These days even that doesn't surprise us because we have become used to the technology that provides access to the rest of the world anytime, anywhere.
We can easily develop a similar lack of amazement toward prayer. Talk to God? "Of course." We don't have to wait in line, enter a building, or wear nice clothing. We can pour out our hearts to the Lord anytime, anywhere. It's easy to lose the wonder of that because it has become so familiar.
Paul always seemed to marvel at the door opened wide into the presence of God. "In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ," he wrote. "For through Him we both [Gentiles and Jews] have access by one Spirit to the Father" [Eph. 2:13,18].
The door is open for everyone. God welcomes all who come by faith. Through Christ we can enter His presence --- anytime, anywhere. Amazing! --- David McCasland
Let's always keep the prayer lines open,
Knowing God is always there;
For we upon His name may call
Anytime and anywhere. --- D. De Haan
THERE IS NO PLACE OR TIME WE CANNOT PRAY.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fire Mountain
Read: Matthew 24:36-44
Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. --- Matthew 24:44
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 28-29
Proverbs 29:21-27
Rising 2,900 meters [9,600 ft.] above the rainforest in Indonesia's southern Java, Mount Merapi [the Fire Mountain] is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes.
As the Fire Mountain showed signs of renewed activity, authorities tried to evacuate local residents. Then, on May 13, 2006, Merapi spewed a gray plume of sulfurous smoke that resembled a flock of sheep leaving the crater. Amazingly, villagers ignored the signs and returned to tending their livestock, apparently forgetting that in 1994 Merapi had killed 60 people. It's our human tendency to ignore signs.
When Jesus left the temple at Jerusalem for the last time, His disciples asked what would signal His return to earth [Matt. 24:3]. He told them many things to watch for, but warned that people would still be unprepared.
The apostle Peter told us that in the last days of scoffers would say of Jesus' return: "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" [2 Peter 3:4].
Scoffers are with us today, just as Peter warned. Are you among them? Or are you ready for the Lord Jesus to return? Ignoring these signs is even more dangerous than living in the shadow of the Fire Mountain. --- C.P. Hia
Signs of His coming multiply,
Morning light breaks in eastern sky;
Watch, for the time is drawing nigh ---
What if it were today? --- Morris
TO IGNORE THE BIBLE IS TO INVITE DISASTER.
Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. --- Matthew 24:44
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 28-29
Proverbs 29:21-27
Rising 2,900 meters [9,600 ft.] above the rainforest in Indonesia's southern Java, Mount Merapi [the Fire Mountain] is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes.
As the Fire Mountain showed signs of renewed activity, authorities tried to evacuate local residents. Then, on May 13, 2006, Merapi spewed a gray plume of sulfurous smoke that resembled a flock of sheep leaving the crater. Amazingly, villagers ignored the signs and returned to tending their livestock, apparently forgetting that in 1994 Merapi had killed 60 people. It's our human tendency to ignore signs.
When Jesus left the temple at Jerusalem for the last time, His disciples asked what would signal His return to earth [Matt. 24:3]. He told them many things to watch for, but warned that people would still be unprepared.
The apostle Peter told us that in the last days of scoffers would say of Jesus' return: "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" [2 Peter 3:4].
Scoffers are with us today, just as Peter warned. Are you among them? Or are you ready for the Lord Jesus to return? Ignoring these signs is even more dangerous than living in the shadow of the Fire Mountain. --- C.P. Hia
Signs of His coming multiply,
Morning light breaks in eastern sky;
Watch, for the time is drawing nigh ---
What if it were today? --- Morris
TO IGNORE THE BIBLE IS TO INVITE DISASTER.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
All Out Of Teenagers
Read: Psalm 128
Your children [shall be] like olive plants all around your table. --- Psalm 128:3
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 25-27
Proverbs 128:3
For 18 years, our home was blessed by the presence of teenagers. But now that our youngest is in his 20s, my wife and I are all out of teenagers.
Those years were full of challenges and demands that sometimes zapped our strength and took all of our mental and emotional reserves. Along the way, we navigated the rough seas of the sudden death of one of our four teens. We also enjoyed the thrills of success and struggled through the turmoil of rebellion. As I look back on our experiment in parenting, we learned some valuable lessons:
Some teens follow life in a straight line, while others zig-zag along life's pathway. It's best to "zig" with them in love and with courage. All teens need unconditional love because they live in a conditional world. A love of God's Word is vital to successfully transferring faith from one generation to the next. Teens need to develop a relationship with Christ that is based not on rules but on a deep love of Jesus.
What young people has God placed in your life/ Whatever their age, love them unconditionally. Help them learn to love God's Word. Show them how to have a deep love for Jesus. And hold on! --- Dave Branon
Parents, give your children guidance
And instruction from God's Word;
Then with wisdom and compassion
Teach them how to love the Lord. --- Sper
DON'T MERELY SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN --- INVEST IT.
Your children [shall be] like olive plants all around your table. --- Psalm 128:3
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 25-27
Proverbs 128:3
For 18 years, our home was blessed by the presence of teenagers. But now that our youngest is in his 20s, my wife and I are all out of teenagers.
Those years were full of challenges and demands that sometimes zapped our strength and took all of our mental and emotional reserves. Along the way, we navigated the rough seas of the sudden death of one of our four teens. We also enjoyed the thrills of success and struggled through the turmoil of rebellion. As I look back on our experiment in parenting, we learned some valuable lessons:
What young people has God placed in your life/ Whatever their age, love them unconditionally. Help them learn to love God's Word. Show them how to have a deep love for Jesus. And hold on! --- Dave Branon
Parents, give your children guidance
And instruction from God's Word;
Then with wisdom and compassion
Teach them how to love the Lord. --- Sper
DON'T MERELY SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN --- INVEST IT.
Monday, June 22, 2009
No Gripping
Read: Philippians 2:12-18
Do all things without complaining and disputing. --- Philippians 2:14
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 72-74
During my first week of Bible college, we had several days of orientation in which we were given a rule book to study. Several days later, during a meeting to discuss those rules, one student stood up and asked, "What is 'no gripping'? And why is it against the rules?"
He was referring to a statement in the rule book he had misread. Instead of "gripping," it read "griping" --- complaining or grumbling.
A rule against griping is perfectly understandable. The cancer of a complaining spirit can undermine the spiritual and emotional health of an individual and can infect an entire group. This can result in discontent, frustration, and even rebellion.
Moses heard griping among God's people a mere 3 days after leading them from slavery into freedom [Ex. 15:24]. Centuries later, Samuel felt the weight of griping as he sought to represent God to his generation [1 Sam. 8:4-9].
A complaining spirit can destroy the effectiveness of a church too. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, "do all things without complaining and disputing" [Phil. 2:14].
We need to avoid a complaining spirit when serving Christ. Instead, rejoice and thank God for all He has done! No griping allowed. --- Bill Crowder
When things go wrong, I would not be a grumbler,
Complaining, seeing everything as grim;
For when I think of how the Lord has blessed me,
I cannot help but give my praise to Him. --- Hess
WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GRIPING, START COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS.
Do all things without complaining and disputing. --- Philippians 2:14
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 72-74
During my first week of Bible college, we had several days of orientation in which we were given a rule book to study. Several days later, during a meeting to discuss those rules, one student stood up and asked, "What is 'no gripping'? And why is it against the rules?"
He was referring to a statement in the rule book he had misread. Instead of "gripping," it read "griping" --- complaining or grumbling.
A rule against griping is perfectly understandable. The cancer of a complaining spirit can undermine the spiritual and emotional health of an individual and can infect an entire group. This can result in discontent, frustration, and even rebellion.
Moses heard griping among God's people a mere 3 days after leading them from slavery into freedom [Ex. 15:24]. Centuries later, Samuel felt the weight of griping as he sought to represent God to his generation [1 Sam. 8:4-9].
A complaining spirit can destroy the effectiveness of a church too. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, "do all things without complaining and disputing" [Phil. 2:14].
We need to avoid a complaining spirit when serving Christ. Instead, rejoice and thank God for all He has done! No griping allowed. --- Bill Crowder
When things go wrong, I would not be a grumbler,
Complaining, seeing everything as grim;
For when I think of how the Lord has blessed me,
I cannot help but give my praise to Him. --- Hess
WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GRIPING, START COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Bird Song
Read: Psalm 104:24-35
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. --- Psalm 98:4
The Bible In One Year:
Romans 13-16
Proverbs 29:1-7
Why do birds sing? Birds sing "because they can and because they must," says David Rothenberg, a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. "Songs are used to attract mates and defend territories, but the form is much more than function. Nature is full of beauty, and of music."
Birds sing because they have a syrinx instead of a larynx. The syrinx is the bird's voice box, an organ that lies deep in a bird's chest and is uniquely fashioned for song. That, at least, is the natural explanation for their gift.
But I ask again, why do birds sing? Because their Creator put a song in their hearts. Each bird is "heaven's high and holy muse," said John Donne, created to draw our hearts up to our Creator. They are reminders that He has given us a song that we may sing His praise.
So when you hear God's little hymn-birds singing their hearts out, remember to sing your own song of salvation. Lift up your voice --- harmonious, hoarse, or harsh --- and join with them in praise to our Creator, Redeemer, and Lord.
The birds of the air "sing among the branches," Israel's poet observes. "[Therefore] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being" [Ps. 104:12,33]. --- David Roper
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee. --- Psalter
ALL CREATION SINGS GOD'S PRAISE.
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. --- Psalm 98:4
The Bible In One Year:
Romans 13-16
Proverbs 29:1-7
Why do birds sing? Birds sing "because they can and because they must," says David Rothenberg, a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. "Songs are used to attract mates and defend territories, but the form is much more than function. Nature is full of beauty, and of music."
Birds sing because they have a syrinx instead of a larynx. The syrinx is the bird's voice box, an organ that lies deep in a bird's chest and is uniquely fashioned for song. That, at least, is the natural explanation for their gift.
But I ask again, why do birds sing? Because their Creator put a song in their hearts. Each bird is "heaven's high and holy muse," said John Donne, created to draw our hearts up to our Creator. They are reminders that He has given us a song that we may sing His praise.
So when you hear God's little hymn-birds singing their hearts out, remember to sing your own song of salvation. Lift up your voice --- harmonious, hoarse, or harsh --- and join with them in praise to our Creator, Redeemer, and Lord.
The birds of the air "sing among the branches," Israel's poet observes. "[Therefore] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being" [Ps. 104:12,33]. --- David Roper
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee. --- Psalter
ALL CREATION SINGS GOD'S PRAISE.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Ghost Town
Read: Nehemiah 1:4-11
What does the LORD, your God require of you, but ... to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. --- Deuteronomy 10:12
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 22-24
Proverbs 28:15-28
A gold rush that began in the 1970s made Boa Vista, Brazil, a boomtown on the edge of one of the world's richest gold fields. That changed when the gold mines were shut down. Government officials say the miners were destroying the rain forest, dumping mercury into the rivers, and bringing guns and diseases that killed thousands of local residents. Today Boa Vista is a "town of lost souls and frustrated adventurers too poor to return to their bleak beginnings."
Such was the picture of God's people exiled in Babylon. All they had were memories of the days when God's favor was on them. Jerusalem was in ruins because a blessed people had been exploiting the weak, not caring for the land entrusted to them [2 Chron. 36:19-21], and going through the motions of worshiping God. The prophet Nehemiah confessed: "We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments" [Neh. 1:7].
God loved His people too much to let them continue harming themselves and others. By letting them "do time" in Babylon, He helped them see what can happen when a blessed people get caught up in a life that leaves God out of the picture. He'll do what it takes to help us see that as well! --- Mart De Haan
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee. --- Cowper
GOD GIVES BLESSING TO US SO WE CAN GIVE GLORY TO HIM.
What does the LORD, your God require of you, but ... to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. --- Deuteronomy 10:12
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 22-24
Proverbs 28:15-28
A gold rush that began in the 1970s made Boa Vista, Brazil, a boomtown on the edge of one of the world's richest gold fields. That changed when the gold mines were shut down. Government officials say the miners were destroying the rain forest, dumping mercury into the rivers, and bringing guns and diseases that killed thousands of local residents. Today Boa Vista is a "town of lost souls and frustrated adventurers too poor to return to their bleak beginnings."
Such was the picture of God's people exiled in Babylon. All they had were memories of the days when God's favor was on them. Jerusalem was in ruins because a blessed people had been exploiting the weak, not caring for the land entrusted to them [2 Chron. 36:19-21], and going through the motions of worshiping God. The prophet Nehemiah confessed: "We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments" [Neh. 1:7].
God loved His people too much to let them continue harming themselves and others. By letting them "do time" in Babylon, He helped them see what can happen when a blessed people get caught up in a life that leaves God out of the picture. He'll do what it takes to help us see that as well! --- Mart De Haan
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee. --- Cowper
GOD GIVES BLESSING TO US SO WE CAN GIVE GLORY TO HIM.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Juneteenth
Read: Romans 6:15-23
Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. --- Romans 6:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 19-21
Proverbs 28:1-14
On June 19, 1865, over 2 years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and read General Order Number 3: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." For the first time, slaves in Texas learned that they were already free. Some were shocked; many others celebrated. June 19 soon became known as "Juneteenth."
Nearly 25 years after the "Emancipation Proclamation" of the cross of Jesus, Paul wrote to the Roman believers. Some of them still did not understand what it meant to be free from sin's bondage. They thought they could go on sinning because they were under grace [Rom. 6:15]. So Paul reminded them of their status in Jesus by appealing to a familiar fact: Whatever we submit to becomes our master [John 8:34]. To commit sin puts us in bondage to sin.
The other option is to be a slave of righteousness. Salvation actually means a change of bondage. As we once served sin, we are now committed to lives of righteousness because of the freedom Jesus provides.
My brothers and sisters, let us become in practice what we already are in status --- free! --- Marvin Williams
The Savior can break sin's domination,
The victory He won long ago;
In Him there is freedom from bondage,
He's able to conquer the foe. --- Smith
TRUE FREEDOM IS FOUND IN BONDAGE TO CHRIST.
Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. --- Romans 6:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 19-21
Proverbs 28:1-14
On June 19, 1865, over 2 years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and read General Order Number 3: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." For the first time, slaves in Texas learned that they were already free. Some were shocked; many others celebrated. June 19 soon became known as "Juneteenth."
Nearly 25 years after the "Emancipation Proclamation" of the cross of Jesus, Paul wrote to the Roman believers. Some of them still did not understand what it meant to be free from sin's bondage. They thought they could go on sinning because they were under grace [Rom. 6:15]. So Paul reminded them of their status in Jesus by appealing to a familiar fact: Whatever we submit to becomes our master [John 8:34]. To commit sin puts us in bondage to sin.
The other option is to be a slave of righteousness. Salvation actually means a change of bondage. As we once served sin, we are now committed to lives of righteousness because of the freedom Jesus provides.
My brothers and sisters, let us become in practice what we already are in status --- free! --- Marvin Williams
The Savior can break sin's domination,
The victory He won long ago;
In Him there is freedom from bondage,
He's able to conquer the foe. --- Smith
TRUE FREEDOM IS FOUND IN BONDAGE TO CHRIST.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
An Invitation To Friendship
Read: John 15:9-17
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends. --- John 15:15
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 16-18
Proverbs 27:15-27
I grew up in a home with lots of wall plaques. One had a quotation by poet Claude Mermet that stands out in my mind: "Friends are like melons; let me tell you why: To find a good one, you must one hundred try!"
Most of us can identify with that. It's hard to find good friends.
I wonder if God ever feels that way about us? Out of all the people in the Old Testament, only one was ever called His friend. In Isaiah 41:8, God says that He chose Jacob, who was an offspring of "Abraham My friend." Pretty exclusive club! So you can imagine how shocking it was for the disciples to hear Jesus say, "No longer do I call you servants, ... but I have called you friends" [John 15:15].
Better yet, He is saying that to us as well. So, what does friendship with Jesus look like? It starts with commitment. As He said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" [v.14]. Then He added the dynamic of communication. He promised to tell us all that the Father has told Him [v.15]. Are you listening? And as His friends we begin to bear fruit [v.16], sharing a commonality with Him by reflecting His glory in our attitudes and actions [2 Cor. 3:18].
Jesus welcomes you to the privilege of friendship with Him! Are you His friend? --- Joe Stowell
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
WELCOME TO THE PRIVILEGE OF FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD.
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends. --- John 15:15
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 16-18
Proverbs 27:15-27
I grew up in a home with lots of wall plaques. One had a quotation by poet Claude Mermet that stands out in my mind: "Friends are like melons; let me tell you why: To find a good one, you must one hundred try!"
Most of us can identify with that. It's hard to find good friends.
I wonder if God ever feels that way about us? Out of all the people in the Old Testament, only one was ever called His friend. In Isaiah 41:8, God says that He chose Jacob, who was an offspring of "Abraham My friend." Pretty exclusive club! So you can imagine how shocking it was for the disciples to hear Jesus say, "No longer do I call you servants, ... but I have called you friends" [John 15:15].
Better yet, He is saying that to us as well. So, what does friendship with Jesus look like? It starts with commitment. As He said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" [v.14]. Then He added the dynamic of communication. He promised to tell us all that the Father has told Him [v.15]. Are you listening? And as His friends we begin to bear fruit [v.16], sharing a commonality with Him by reflecting His glory in our attitudes and actions [2 Cor. 3:18].
Jesus welcomes you to the privilege of friendship with Him! Are you His friend? --- Joe Stowell
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
WELCOME TO THE PRIVILEGE OF FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Captain Thunderbolt
Read: 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 12-15
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. --- 2 Corinthians 11:14
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 13-15
Proverbs 27:1-14
When an English robber called Captain Thunderbolt escaped the law and moved to the eastern US in 1818, he began practicing medicine. He took on the name Dr. John Wilson. Often he wore three suits of clothes to escape recognition by making himself look larger and covering up a deformed leg.
Just before the man died, he asked his friends to bury him without removing his clothes. But to prepare his body for proper burial, that request could not be honored. The mortician was surprised to find scars from wounds and a withered leg. A search of "Dr. Wilson's" house revealed a stash of watches, jewelry, and diamonds. The sheriff learned that the doctor was in fact Thunderbolt, a thief in disguise. They had been fooled!
Satan and his followers have disguises too. It says in 2 Corinthians 11:15, "[Satan's] ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness." But how? One way is through false doctrine. Ever since Paul's day, false teachers have taught that good deeds can earn salvation.
Paul warned us not to be deceived by the devil's craftiness [v.3]. The truth is: "By grace you have been saved through faith ...; it is the gift of God, not of works" [Eph. 2:8-9]. Don't be fooled. --- Anne Cetas
The powers of darkness have blinded the race,
Closing our eyes to the glories of grace;
But faith in the Savior brings healing and sight ---
He floods our soul with His truth and His light. --- DJD
SATAN HAS MANY TOOLS, BUT DECEPTION IS THE HANDLE THAT FITS THEM ALL.
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. --- 2 Corinthians 11:14
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 13-15
Proverbs 27:1-14
When an English robber called Captain Thunderbolt escaped the law and moved to the eastern US in 1818, he began practicing medicine. He took on the name Dr. John Wilson. Often he wore three suits of clothes to escape recognition by making himself look larger and covering up a deformed leg.
Just before the man died, he asked his friends to bury him without removing his clothes. But to prepare his body for proper burial, that request could not be honored. The mortician was surprised to find scars from wounds and a withered leg. A search of "Dr. Wilson's" house revealed a stash of watches, jewelry, and diamonds. The sheriff learned that the doctor was in fact Thunderbolt, a thief in disguise. They had been fooled!
Satan and his followers have disguises too. It says in 2 Corinthians 11:15, "[Satan's] ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness." But how? One way is through false doctrine. Ever since Paul's day, false teachers have taught that good deeds can earn salvation.
Paul warned us not to be deceived by the devil's craftiness [v.3]. The truth is: "By grace you have been saved through faith ...; it is the gift of God, not of works" [Eph. 2:8-9]. Don't be fooled. --- Anne Cetas
The powers of darkness have blinded the race,
Closing our eyes to the glories of grace;
But faith in the Savior brings healing and sight ---
He floods our soul with His truth and His light. --- DJD
SATAN HAS MANY TOOLS, BUT DECEPTION IS THE HANDLE THAT FITS THEM ALL.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Strings, Rings, Troublesome Things
Read: James 4:1-10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. --- James 4:10
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 10-12
Proverbs 26:17-28
Ray Bethell is a world champion kite flyer. He can make multiple kites twist and turn in such precision that they behave as if they are one. As I watched an amazing video of Ray and his three synchronized kites, I recalled a poem I had read many years ago.
In the library of Pastor Howard Sugden, I came across a well-worn book containing the works of John Newton. Inside was a poem titled "The Kite; or Pride Must Have a Fall." The kite in Newton's poem dreamed of being cut free from its string: "Were I but free, I'd take a flight, / And pierce the clouds beyond their sight, / But, ah! Like a poor pris'ner bound,/ My string confines me near the ground." The kite does finally manage to tug itself free, but instead of soaring higher in the sky, it crashes into the sea.
The analogy calls me to reconsider some "strings" that make me feel constrained. Vows. Promises. Commitments. Responsibilities. Although such things make me feel tied down, God uses them to hold me up. As James teaches, it is our willingness to be humbled [or held down] that God uses to lift us up [James 4:10].
Before cutting any string, make sure it's not one that's holding you up. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Though I am His sheep, I'm still prone to stray;
So Jesus in love sends afflictions my way;
The lessons that come in this school of deep pain
Will teach me to follow my Lord once again! --- Bosch
A CHRISTIAN RISES AGAINST THE WINDS OF ADVERSITY.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. --- James 4:10
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 10-12
Proverbs 26:17-28
Ray Bethell is a world champion kite flyer. He can make multiple kites twist and turn in such precision that they behave as if they are one. As I watched an amazing video of Ray and his three synchronized kites, I recalled a poem I had read many years ago.
In the library of Pastor Howard Sugden, I came across a well-worn book containing the works of John Newton. Inside was a poem titled "The Kite; or Pride Must Have a Fall." The kite in Newton's poem dreamed of being cut free from its string: "Were I but free, I'd take a flight, / And pierce the clouds beyond their sight, / But, ah! Like a poor pris'ner bound,/ My string confines me near the ground." The kite does finally manage to tug itself free, but instead of soaring higher in the sky, it crashes into the sea.
The analogy calls me to reconsider some "strings" that make me feel constrained. Vows. Promises. Commitments. Responsibilities. Although such things make me feel tied down, God uses them to hold me up. As James teaches, it is our willingness to be humbled [or held down] that God uses to lift us up [James 4:10].
Before cutting any string, make sure it's not one that's holding you up. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Though I am His sheep, I'm still prone to stray;
So Jesus in love sends afflictions my way;
The lessons that come in this school of deep pain
Will teach me to follow my Lord once again! --- Bosch
A CHRISTIAN RISES AGAINST THE WINDS OF ADVERSITY.
Monday, June 15, 2009
For Those Who Serve
Read: Romans 13:1-7
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. --- 1 Timothy 5:17
The Bible In One Year:
Psalm 69:71
When my son Steve walks into a room, he often gets immediate respect. People want to shake his hand. They smile. They congratulate him. They thank him.
It happens at church. It happens in restaurants. It happens wherever he goes --- as long as he is wearing his uniform of the United States Navy.
While in uniform, Steve gets instant respect because everyone known that he is serving. He has given up many personal freedoms and desires so that he can serve his country.
People respect service. We honor police officers who serve. We pay homage to military personnel who serve. But do we give the same honor and respect to those who are in an even greater service --- service of God? Do we show respect to your pastors, missionaries, Sunday school teachers?
Scripture tells us to give honor to whom honor is due [Rom. 13:7]. Specifically, it tells us that double honor goes to those who direct the affairs of the church through teaching and preaching [1 Tim. 5:17]
Instead of criticizing your pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader, let others hear your words of gratitude and praise for their service. Hold them up in prayer. God's servants deserve our respect and honor. --- Dave Branon
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
.Send a card or note of appreciation to your pastor.
.Thank you teacher for a lesson that helped you.
.Ask your leaders how you can pray for them.
WE HONOR GOD WHEN WE HONOR OUR LEADERS.
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. --- 1 Timothy 5:17
The Bible In One Year:
Psalm 69:71
When my son Steve walks into a room, he often gets immediate respect. People want to shake his hand. They smile. They congratulate him. They thank him.
It happens at church. It happens in restaurants. It happens wherever he goes --- as long as he is wearing his uniform of the United States Navy.
While in uniform, Steve gets instant respect because everyone known that he is serving. He has given up many personal freedoms and desires so that he can serve his country.
People respect service. We honor police officers who serve. We pay homage to military personnel who serve. But do we give the same honor and respect to those who are in an even greater service --- service of God? Do we show respect to your pastors, missionaries, Sunday school teachers?
Scripture tells us to give honor to whom honor is due [Rom. 13:7]. Specifically, it tells us that double honor goes to those who direct the affairs of the church through teaching and preaching [1 Tim. 5:17]
Instead of criticizing your pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader, let others hear your words of gratitude and praise for their service. Hold them up in prayer. God's servants deserve our respect and honor. --- Dave Branon
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
.Send a card or note of appreciation to your pastor.
.Thank you teacher for a lesson that helped you.
.Ask your leaders how you can pray for them.
WE HONOR GOD WHEN WE HONOR OUR LEADERS.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A Perfect Father
Read: Proverbs 20:3-7
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. --- Proverbs 20:7
The Bible In One Year:
Romans 9-12
Proverbs 26:1-16
My father once admitted to me, "When you were growing up, I was gone a lot."
I don't remember that. Besides working his full-time job, he was gone some evenings to direct choir practice at church, and he occasionally traveled for a week or two with a men's quartet. But for all the significant [and many small] moments of my life --- he was there.
For instance, when I was 8, I had a tiny part in an afternoon play at school. All the mothers came, but only one dad --- mine. In many little ways, he has always let my sisters and me know that we are important to him and that he loves us. And seeing him tenderly caring for my mom in the last few years of her life taught me exactly what unselfish love looks like. Dad isn't perfect, but he's always been a dad who gives me a good glimpse of my heavenly Father. And ideally, that's what a Christian dad should do.
At times earthly fathers disappoint or hurt their children. But our Father in heaven is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" [Ps. 103:8]. When a dad who loves the Lord corrects, comforts, instructs, and provides for the needs of his children, he models for them our perfect Father in heaven. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
How blessed are the children
Who in their fathers see
The tender Father-love of God,
And find their way to Thee. --- Johnson
A LIFE LIVED FOR CHRIST IS THE BEST INHERITANCE WE CAN LEAVE OUR CHILDREN.
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. --- Proverbs 20:7
The Bible In One Year:
Romans 9-12
Proverbs 26:1-16
My father once admitted to me, "When you were growing up, I was gone a lot."
I don't remember that. Besides working his full-time job, he was gone some evenings to direct choir practice at church, and he occasionally traveled for a week or two with a men's quartet. But for all the significant [and many small] moments of my life --- he was there.
For instance, when I was 8, I had a tiny part in an afternoon play at school. All the mothers came, but only one dad --- mine. In many little ways, he has always let my sisters and me know that we are important to him and that he loves us. And seeing him tenderly caring for my mom in the last few years of her life taught me exactly what unselfish love looks like. Dad isn't perfect, but he's always been a dad who gives me a good glimpse of my heavenly Father. And ideally, that's what a Christian dad should do.
At times earthly fathers disappoint or hurt their children. But our Father in heaven is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" [Ps. 103:8]. When a dad who loves the Lord corrects, comforts, instructs, and provides for the needs of his children, he models for them our perfect Father in heaven. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
How blessed are the children
Who in their fathers see
The tender Father-love of God,
And find their way to Thee. --- Johnson
A LIFE LIVED FOR CHRIST IS THE BEST INHERITANCE WE CAN LEAVE OUR CHILDREN.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
For Such A Time As This
Read: Esther 4:10-17
I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish! --- Esther 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 7-9
Proverbs 25:15-28
When Sha'Ri Eggum was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, doctors told her that only a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative could save her life. Complicating matters, Eggum, 32, was adopted and didn't know anything about her biological family. But a private investigator tracked down her brother, Mike Ford, who was a perfect match. Today, Eggum's leukemia is in remission. Ford was the right person for the right moment.
The book of Esther tells another story of love, sacrifice, and God's timing. Mordecai, a Jew in exile, refused to bow to Haman, second in command to King Xerxes. Haman became furious and plotted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. So Haman deceived the king and persuaded him to issue an edict condemning the Jews to death. When Mordecai told his cousin Queen Esther about the edict, he urged her to intervene. "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" he said [v.14]. Approaching the king uninvited was punishable by death. But Esther seized the moment to save her people!
When we are able to rescue others, we should do so at all costs. Ask God for His direction and act! He may have placed you here "for such a time as this." --- Marvin Williams
O for a faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by many a foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe. --- Bathurst
COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR --- IT IS THE MASTERY OF IT.
I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish! --- Esther 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 7-9
Proverbs 25:15-28
When Sha'Ri Eggum was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, doctors told her that only a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative could save her life. Complicating matters, Eggum, 32, was adopted and didn't know anything about her biological family. But a private investigator tracked down her brother, Mike Ford, who was a perfect match. Today, Eggum's leukemia is in remission. Ford was the right person for the right moment.
The book of Esther tells another story of love, sacrifice, and God's timing. Mordecai, a Jew in exile, refused to bow to Haman, second in command to King Xerxes. Haman became furious and plotted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. So Haman deceived the king and persuaded him to issue an edict condemning the Jews to death. When Mordecai told his cousin Queen Esther about the edict, he urged her to intervene. "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" he said [v.14]. Approaching the king uninvited was punishable by death. But Esther seized the moment to save her people!
When we are able to rescue others, we should do so at all costs. Ask God for His direction and act! He may have placed you here "for such a time as this." --- Marvin Williams
O for a faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by many a foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe. --- Bathurst
COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR --- IT IS THE MASTERY OF IT.
Friday, June 12, 2009
It's Elementary!
Read: Psalm 139:1-6
Known to God from eternity are all His works. --- Acts 15:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 4-6
Proverbs 25:1-14
On a recent trip to London, we exited the Baker Street underground station where we were greeted by a life-size statue of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Created by novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes was an investigative genius who could routinely assess seemingly random clues and solve the mystery.
Baffled by Holmes' uncanny brilliance, his sidekick, Dr. Watson, would ask for an explanation --- to which Holmes would glibly respond, "Elementary!" and then proceed to unfold the solution.
If only life operated that way. So often, we face events and circumstances that are far more baffling than a Sherlock Holmes mystery. We struggle to figure life out, but we always seem to come up short.
In times like these, it's comforting to know that we have a God who doesn't need to assess the situation --- He already knows everything perfectly well. In Acts 15:18 we read, "Known to God from eternity are all His works." He never has to wonder or resort to inductive reasoning.
Despite our finiteness, our lives rest in the hands of the One who knows all the whats, whys, and whens we'll ever face. As we trust in Him, He'll guide us in the path He desires us to take --- and His way is never wrong. --- Bill Crowder
God is the One who sees the whole,
His knowledge is complete;
We see but portions of the truth
As lines that never meet. --- D. De Haan
IN A WORLD OF MYSTERY, IT'S A COMFORT TO KNOW THE GOD WHO KNOWS ALL THINGS.
Known to God from eternity are all His works. --- Acts 15:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 4-6
Proverbs 25:1-14
On a recent trip to London, we exited the Baker Street underground station where we were greeted by a life-size statue of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Created by novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes was an investigative genius who could routinely assess seemingly random clues and solve the mystery.
Baffled by Holmes' uncanny brilliance, his sidekick, Dr. Watson, would ask for an explanation --- to which Holmes would glibly respond, "Elementary!" and then proceed to unfold the solution.
If only life operated that way. So often, we face events and circumstances that are far more baffling than a Sherlock Holmes mystery. We struggle to figure life out, but we always seem to come up short.
In times like these, it's comforting to know that we have a God who doesn't need to assess the situation --- He already knows everything perfectly well. In Acts 15:18 we read, "Known to God from eternity are all His works." He never has to wonder or resort to inductive reasoning.
Despite our finiteness, our lives rest in the hands of the One who knows all the whats, whys, and whens we'll ever face. As we trust in Him, He'll guide us in the path He desires us to take --- and His way is never wrong. --- Bill Crowder
God is the One who sees the whole,
His knowledge is complete;
We see but portions of the truth
As lines that never meet. --- D. De Haan
IN A WORLD OF MYSTERY, IT'S A COMFORT TO KNOW THE GOD WHO KNOWS ALL THINGS.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Cure For Futility
Read: Micah 6:6-8
What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? --- Micah 6:8
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 1-3
Proverbs 24:23-34
I once heard interviews with survivors from World War II. The soldiers recalled how they spent a particular day. One sat in a foxhole; once or twice, a German tank drove by and he shot at it. Others played cards and frittered away the time. A few got involved in furious firefights. Mostly, the day passed like any other. Later, they learned they had just participated in one of the largest, most decisive engagements of the war, the Battle of the Bulge. It didn't feel decisive at the time because none had the big picture.
Great victories are won when ordinary people execute their assigned tasks.
When followers of Ignatius [1491-1556] endured periods of futility, he always prescribed the same cure: "In times of desolation we must never make a change, but stand firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which we were the day before the desolations." Spiritual battles must be fought with the very weapons hardest to wield at the time: prayer, meditation, self-examination, and repentance.
Perhaps you sense you're in a spiritual rut. Stay at your assigned task! Obedience to God --- and only obedience --- offers the way out of our futility. --- Philip Yancey
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain. --- Cowper
IF YOU SENSE YOUR FAITH IS UNRAVELING, GO BACK TO WHERE YOU DROPPED THE THREAD OF OBEDIENCE.
What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? --- Micah 6:8
The Bible In One Year:
1 Chronicles 1-3
Proverbs 24:23-34
I once heard interviews with survivors from World War II. The soldiers recalled how they spent a particular day. One sat in a foxhole; once or twice, a German tank drove by and he shot at it. Others played cards and frittered away the time. A few got involved in furious firefights. Mostly, the day passed like any other. Later, they learned they had just participated in one of the largest, most decisive engagements of the war, the Battle of the Bulge. It didn't feel decisive at the time because none had the big picture.
Great victories are won when ordinary people execute their assigned tasks.
When followers of Ignatius [1491-1556] endured periods of futility, he always prescribed the same cure: "In times of desolation we must never make a change, but stand firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which we were the day before the desolations." Spiritual battles must be fought with the very weapons hardest to wield at the time: prayer, meditation, self-examination, and repentance.
Perhaps you sense you're in a spiritual rut. Stay at your assigned task! Obedience to God --- and only obedience --- offers the way out of our futility. --- Philip Yancey
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain. --- Cowper
IF YOU SENSE YOUR FAITH IS UNRAVELING, GO BACK TO WHERE YOU DROPPED THE THREAD OF OBEDIENCE.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Loving Our Grown-Up Children
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. --- 1 Cor. 13:13
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 24-25
Proverbs 24:13-22
Comedian Henny Youngman used to say, "I've got two wonderful children --- and two out of five isn't bad."
When children reach adulthood, most parents have an opinion about how their offspring have "turned out." Some are proud of everything their kids have done, while other parents express misgivings or disappointment about the choices their children have made. How can we continue a positive parenting role after the birds have left our nest?
In 1 Corinthians 13, often called "the love chapter" of the Bible, Paul writes that the greatest gifts of speaking, understanding, and sacrificial service are worthless without love [vv. 1-3]. Love itself is the foundation of winsome behavior, and its influence never ends. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" [vv. 4-8].
When our children no longer seek our advice, they still value our love. In every stage of parenting, it's not only what we say but what we do that counts. --- David McCasland
May God in mercy grant to us
A home where Christ holds sway,
Where peace and joy from heaven above
Abide from day to day. --- Crane
A PARENT'S LOVE NEVER ENDS.
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. --- 1 Cor. 13:13
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 24-25
Proverbs 24:13-22
Comedian Henny Youngman used to say, "I've got two wonderful children --- and two out of five isn't bad."
When children reach adulthood, most parents have an opinion about how their offspring have "turned out." Some are proud of everything their kids have done, while other parents express misgivings or disappointment about the choices their children have made. How can we continue a positive parenting role after the birds have left our nest?
In 1 Corinthians 13, often called "the love chapter" of the Bible, Paul writes that the greatest gifts of speaking, understanding, and sacrificial service are worthless without love [vv. 1-3]. Love itself is the foundation of winsome behavior, and its influence never ends. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" [vv. 4-8].
When our children no longer seek our advice, they still value our love. In every stage of parenting, it's not only what we say but what we do that counts. --- David McCasland
May God in mercy grant to us
A home where Christ holds sway,
Where peace and joy from heaven above
Abide from day to day. --- Crane
A PARENT'S LOVE NEVER ENDS.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Liberating Truth
Read: Ephesians 1:3-10
He made us accepted in the Beloved. --- Ephesians 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 22-23
Proverbs 24:1-12
An unmarried missionary had been disparaging herself. She was unhappy with her life in general, but she was especially displeased with what she felt was her low level of spiritual growth.
One morning she looked searchingly at herself in the mirror. Then, very slowly, she said, "God, I thank You that I am myself and can never be anybody else."
That was her moment of liberating self-acceptance. She realized that by God's design she was an absolutely unique person, a Christ-redeemed human being who could never be replaced or duplicated.
Do you condemn yourself because you ought to be? Do you see yourself as a second-rate disciple, lacking the gifts and graces possessed by fellow believers who seem to be models of prayer, witness, and service? We can rise above the mood of self-rejection and enjoy grateful self-acceptance when we put our lives into the nail-pierced hands of Jesus. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, [and] the forgiveness of sins" [Eph. 1:7]. We are accepted and chosen by Him [vv. 4-6].
If the Lord has accepted us, surely we can accept ourselves! That's the liberating truth. --- Vernon Grounds
All praise to the Lamb, accepted I am,
Through faith in the Savior's adorable name;
In Him I confide, His blood is applied;
For me He hath suffered, for me He hath died. --- Wesley
ACCEPTING JESUS' FREE GIFT OF SALVATION FREES US TO ACCEPT OURSELVES.
He made us accepted in the Beloved. --- Ephesians 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 22-23
Proverbs 24:1-12
An unmarried missionary had been disparaging herself. She was unhappy with her life in general, but she was especially displeased with what she felt was her low level of spiritual growth.
One morning she looked searchingly at herself in the mirror. Then, very slowly, she said, "God, I thank You that I am myself and can never be anybody else."
That was her moment of liberating self-acceptance. She realized that by God's design she was an absolutely unique person, a Christ-redeemed human being who could never be replaced or duplicated.
Do you condemn yourself because you ought to be? Do you see yourself as a second-rate disciple, lacking the gifts and graces possessed by fellow believers who seem to be models of prayer, witness, and service? We can rise above the mood of self-rejection and enjoy grateful self-acceptance when we put our lives into the nail-pierced hands of Jesus. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, [and] the forgiveness of sins" [Eph. 1:7]. We are accepted and chosen by Him [vv. 4-6].
If the Lord has accepted us, surely we can accept ourselves! That's the liberating truth. --- Vernon Grounds
All praise to the Lamb, accepted I am,
Through faith in the Savior's adorable name;
In Him I confide, His blood is applied;
For me He hath suffered, for me He hath died. --- Wesley
ACCEPTING JESUS' FREE GIFT OF SALVATION FREES US TO ACCEPT OURSELVES.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Air Wars
Read: Prov. 17:14-19, 27-28
A man of understanding is of a calm spirit. --- Proverbs 17:27
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 66-68
A spectacular air battle raged outside our window. Skilled, speedy flyers swarmed through the air, diving down from above, zooming in from left and right, climbing from underneath to knock the others out of the fight. The air was alive with sounds as they attacked, eluded, hovered, and struck out at one another.
"Scrappy little things, aren't they?" my wife, Shirley, observed. Six hummingbirds filled the air with darting motion, hovering and whirring as they fought for the three positions on our red hummingbird feeder. "Why can't they just be patient?" she wondered.
Like so many disputes and quarrels that plague the church, these battles were totally unnecessary. The feeder held plenty of nectared water. We refilled it every day. Yet for hours at a time, no hummers came near it --- until they all wanted it. They seemed to prefer a good scrap.
Quarrels among believers in Jesus Christ bring dishonor to Him. They create wounds in our brothers and sisters, leaving scars. "It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can quarrel," says Proverbs 20:3. And "He who has knowledge spares his words" [17:27].
How much better it is when we speak gentle words of peace, not angry words of strife! --- Dave Egner
Like bullets flying through the air,
Our words can shatter peace;
The Spirit helps control the tongue,
And then the quarrels cease. --- Egner
TWO CANNOT QUARREL WHEN ONE WILL NOT.
A man of understanding is of a calm spirit. --- Proverbs 17:27
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 66-68
A spectacular air battle raged outside our window. Skilled, speedy flyers swarmed through the air, diving down from above, zooming in from left and right, climbing from underneath to knock the others out of the fight. The air was alive with sounds as they attacked, eluded, hovered, and struck out at one another.
"Scrappy little things, aren't they?" my wife, Shirley, observed. Six hummingbirds filled the air with darting motion, hovering and whirring as they fought for the three positions on our red hummingbird feeder. "Why can't they just be patient?" she wondered.
Like so many disputes and quarrels that plague the church, these battles were totally unnecessary. The feeder held plenty of nectared water. We refilled it every day. Yet for hours at a time, no hummers came near it --- until they all wanted it. They seemed to prefer a good scrap.
Quarrels among believers in Jesus Christ bring dishonor to Him. They create wounds in our brothers and sisters, leaving scars. "It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can quarrel," says Proverbs 20:3. And "He who has knowledge spares his words" [17:27].
How much better it is when we speak gentle words of peace, not angry words of strife! --- Dave Egner
Like bullets flying through the air,
Our words can shatter peace;
The Spirit helps control the tongue,
And then the quarrels cease. --- Egner
TWO CANNOT QUARREL WHEN ONE WILL NOT.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Serving Together
Read: Galatians 5:13-16
Through love serve one another. --- Galatians 5:13
The Bible In One Year:
Romans 5-8
Proverbs 23:29-35
When Cristine Bouwkamp and Kyle Kramer got married in the spring of 2007, they did something most of us wouldn't think of doing. Instead of hosting a "sit-down dinner," they held a simple reception at the church and invited their guests to help distribute food to people in need.
They bought a truckload of food and had it delivered to the church parking lot. Then they and their wedding guests served the people of the neighborhood. Cristine and Kyle said the first thing that they wished to do as a married couple was to serve others. Because God had changed their lives so radically, they wanted to "bless God for blessing us with each other."
The Kramers chose a great start for their new marriage --- blessing God by serving others. The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians of Galatia: "Through love serve one another" [Gal. 5:13]. Some of them believed that the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the church. So Paul wrote that salvation is by grace through faith. It is by faith we live out our new life in Christ. He reminded them that the law was fulfilled in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" [v.14].
As followers of Jesus, we're here to serve Him out of love --- to "bless God for blessing us." --- Anne Cetas
O that my life may useful be
As I serve Jesus faithfully;
And may His love be seen in me ---
This is my earnest prayer. --- Hess
GOD BLESSES US SO THAT WE CAN BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.
Through love serve one another. --- Galatians 5:13
The Bible In One Year:
Romans 5-8
Proverbs 23:29-35
When Cristine Bouwkamp and Kyle Kramer got married in the spring of 2007, they did something most of us wouldn't think of doing. Instead of hosting a "sit-down dinner," they held a simple reception at the church and invited their guests to help distribute food to people in need.
They bought a truckload of food and had it delivered to the church parking lot. Then they and their wedding guests served the people of the neighborhood. Cristine and Kyle said the first thing that they wished to do as a married couple was to serve others. Because God had changed their lives so radically, they wanted to "bless God for blessing us with each other."
The Kramers chose a great start for their new marriage --- blessing God by serving others. The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians of Galatia: "Through love serve one another" [Gal. 5:13]. Some of them believed that the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the church. So Paul wrote that salvation is by grace through faith. It is by faith we live out our new life in Christ. He reminded them that the law was fulfilled in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" [v.14].
As followers of Jesus, we're here to serve Him out of love --- to "bless God for blessing us." --- Anne Cetas
O that my life may useful be
As I serve Jesus faithfully;
And may His love be seen in me ---
This is my earnest prayer. --- Hess
GOD BLESSES US SO THAT WE CAN BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Linked Hearts
Read: 1 John 4:7-14
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. --- 1 John 4:11
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 19-21
Proverbs 23:12-28
Each new day, it seems, brings new ways our family sees the body of Christ at work. One demonstration of the fellowship of Christians sits on my desk as I write.
It's a basket overflowing with letters from people I have never met. Since the time Our Daily Bread readers first learned of the car accident that ushered our daughter Melissa into heaven 6 years ago, we've received hundreds of messages from our brothers and sisters in the faith.
They've said things such as: "I grieve with you, my brother, and I will keep you and your family in my prayers." "I weep at your loss." "I hurt with you." Many recommended books to read. Others sent poems or articles of comfort and hope. Some shared their own stories of bereavement as we discovered new partners on the path of pain. They demonstrate the principle of love among the family of God that's commanded in 1 John 4:11.
Each of those gracious notes is different from the others, but they contain a common thread: Because of our shared faith in Christ, I find my heart joined to the hearts of the writers of these messages.
Hearts linked by Jesus create a chain of love that can encourage even the most grieving heart. --- Dave Branon
Bearing people's heavy burdens,
Shouldering their pain and grief,
Shows the love of Christ to others,
Bringing them His sure relief. --- Sper
OUR HEARTS ARE LINKED THROUGH THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. --- 1 John 4:11
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 19-21
Proverbs 23:12-28
Each new day, it seems, brings new ways our family sees the body of Christ at work. One demonstration of the fellowship of Christians sits on my desk as I write.
It's a basket overflowing with letters from people I have never met. Since the time Our Daily Bread readers first learned of the car accident that ushered our daughter Melissa into heaven 6 years ago, we've received hundreds of messages from our brothers and sisters in the faith.
They've said things such as: "I grieve with you, my brother, and I will keep you and your family in my prayers." "I weep at your loss." "I hurt with you." Many recommended books to read. Others sent poems or articles of comfort and hope. Some shared their own stories of bereavement as we discovered new partners on the path of pain. They demonstrate the principle of love among the family of God that's commanded in 1 John 4:11.
Each of those gracious notes is different from the others, but they contain a common thread: Because of our shared faith in Christ, I find my heart joined to the hearts of the writers of these messages.
Hearts linked by Jesus create a chain of love that can encourage even the most grieving heart. --- Dave Branon
Bearing people's heavy burdens,
Shouldering their pain and grief,
Shows the love of Christ to others,
Bringing them His sure relief. --- Sper
OUR HEARTS ARE LINKED THROUGH THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
Friday, June 05, 2009
A Graduation Wish
Read: Psalm 42
Why are you cast down, O my soul? ... Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him. --- Psalm 42:5
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 16-18
Proverbs 23:1-11
The high school commencement speaker was the president of a large corporation. He was chosen for the occasion because of his success. Yet his speech came with a most unusual wish for the graduates.
The speaker told the students sitting before him in their graduation gowns, "If I could have one hope for you as you go out into the world, it would be this: I hope you fail. I hope that you fail at something that is important to you." He went on to say how his own early life had been one failure after another, until he learned to see failure as an effective teacher.
Many of the songs of Israel were born in seasons of failure. Out of desperation came the cry, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" [Ps. 42:1-2].
Sometimes we are not ready to see the wonder of God's wisdom and strength until we are gasping for breath in the exhaustion of our own strength.
A recurring story of the Bible is that mountains of faith rise from the valleys of failure. Before discovering the high ground we are looking for, we may need to see the failure of the dreams we hold in our hearts and trust instead in the love, wisdom, and guidance of our God. --- Mart De Haan
The lessons we learn from our failures
Are lessons that help us succeed,
And if we are wise and we heed them,
Then failure is just what we need. --- D. De Haan
LEARN FROM YOUR FAILURES, OR YOU WILL FAIL TO LEARN.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? ... Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him. --- Psalm 42:5
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 16-18
Proverbs 23:1-11
The high school commencement speaker was the president of a large corporation. He was chosen for the occasion because of his success. Yet his speech came with a most unusual wish for the graduates.
The speaker told the students sitting before him in their graduation gowns, "If I could have one hope for you as you go out into the world, it would be this: I hope you fail. I hope that you fail at something that is important to you." He went on to say how his own early life had been one failure after another, until he learned to see failure as an effective teacher.
Many of the songs of Israel were born in seasons of failure. Out of desperation came the cry, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" [Ps. 42:1-2].
Sometimes we are not ready to see the wonder of God's wisdom and strength until we are gasping for breath in the exhaustion of our own strength.
A recurring story of the Bible is that mountains of faith rise from the valleys of failure. Before discovering the high ground we are looking for, we may need to see the failure of the dreams we hold in our hearts and trust instead in the love, wisdom, and guidance of our God. --- Mart De Haan
The lessons we learn from our failures
Are lessons that help us succeed,
And if we are wise and we heed them,
Then failure is just what we need. --- D. De Haan
LEARN FROM YOUR FAILURES, OR YOU WILL FAIL TO LEARN.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Don't Go Down There
Read: John 14:15-24
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. --- 2 John 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 13-15
Proverbs 22:17-29
In his book Lessons Learned Early, Jerry Jenkins tells a story about his freshman year in college. It was 1968, a year of tremendous political and social upheaval in the US.
Riots had broken out in many major cities. From the rooftop of his dorm in Chicago, Jerry heard sirens and saw fires burning. Students had been told to stay on campus, but Jerry wanted to see what was happening.
As he ran toward a store that was blazing a few blocks away, a police car pulled up beside him. "Don't go down there," the officer warned.
Jerry waited till the car pulled away and then kept walking. The officer returned. This time he made it more clear as he repeated, "Don't go down there" --- and leveled a shotgun out the window.
Our rebellious or willful streaks often lead to unhappy outcomes. In anger, Moses struck the rock to get water rather than just speak to it as God had commanded. He forfeited the privilege of entering the Promised Land with his people [Num. 20:7-12]. Jonah disobeyed an order to go to Nineveh and was given 3 days to think about his choice --- inside a big fish [Jonah 1].
What does it take for us to obey Him? Will we obey simply because we love Him? [John 14:15,21]. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Nothing between, like wordly pleasure:
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever ---
He is my all! There's nothing between. --- Tindley
OBEDIENCE IS ANOTHER WORD FOR LOVE AND LOYALTY.
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. --- 2 John 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 13-15
Proverbs 22:17-29
In his book Lessons Learned Early, Jerry Jenkins tells a story about his freshman year in college. It was 1968, a year of tremendous political and social upheaval in the US.
Riots had broken out in many major cities. From the rooftop of his dorm in Chicago, Jerry heard sirens and saw fires burning. Students had been told to stay on campus, but Jerry wanted to see what was happening.
As he ran toward a store that was blazing a few blocks away, a police car pulled up beside him. "Don't go down there," the officer warned.
Jerry waited till the car pulled away and then kept walking. The officer returned. This time he made it more clear as he repeated, "Don't go down there" --- and leveled a shotgun out the window.
Our rebellious or willful streaks often lead to unhappy outcomes. In anger, Moses struck the rock to get water rather than just speak to it as God had commanded. He forfeited the privilege of entering the Promised Land with his people [Num. 20:7-12]. Jonah disobeyed an order to go to Nineveh and was given 3 days to think about his choice --- inside a big fish [Jonah 1].
What does it take for us to obey Him? Will we obey simply because we love Him? [John 14:15,21]. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Nothing between, like wordly pleasure:
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever ---
He is my all! There's nothing between. --- Tindley
OBEDIENCE IS ANOTHER WORD FOR LOVE AND LOYALTY.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The Search For Justice
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:14-22
I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there. --- Ecclesiastes 3:16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 10-12
Proverbs 22:9-16
A trial has just ended, and the reactions to the verdict could not be more different. The family of the alleged murderer celebrates the declaration of a mistrial due to a legal technicality. Meanwhile, the grieving parents whose daughter has died wonder about a justice system that would allow such a decision. As they stand weeping before a mass of microphones and cameras, they exclaim: "Where is the justice in this? Where is the justice?"
We've seen this scenario played out in the news or on TV crime dramas. We instinctively long for justice but cannot seem to find it. The wisest man of his day, Solomon, faced a similar frustration and disappointment. He saw that imperfect human beings could never administer perfect justice. He wrote: "I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there" [Eccl. 3:16].
If all we trusted in were imperfect people, we would lose all hope. But Solomon wisely added in verse 17: "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
The search for justice can be satisfied only by trusting the God who is always just. --- Bill Crowder
Though sin seems to triumph and wrong conquers right,
Though lies can put justice to flight,
God's truth is eternal, His Word shows His might,
And He will bring justice to light. --- Gustafson
SOMEDAY THE SCALES OF JUSTICE WILL BE PERFECTLY BALANCED.
I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there. --- Ecclesiastes 3:16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 10-12
Proverbs 22:9-16
A trial has just ended, and the reactions to the verdict could not be more different. The family of the alleged murderer celebrates the declaration of a mistrial due to a legal technicality. Meanwhile, the grieving parents whose daughter has died wonder about a justice system that would allow such a decision. As they stand weeping before a mass of microphones and cameras, they exclaim: "Where is the justice in this? Where is the justice?"
We've seen this scenario played out in the news or on TV crime dramas. We instinctively long for justice but cannot seem to find it. The wisest man of his day, Solomon, faced a similar frustration and disappointment. He saw that imperfect human beings could never administer perfect justice. He wrote: "I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there" [Eccl. 3:16].
If all we trusted in were imperfect people, we would lose all hope. But Solomon wisely added in verse 17: "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
The search for justice can be satisfied only by trusting the God who is always just. --- Bill Crowder
Though sin seems to triumph and wrong conquers right,
Though lies can put justice to flight,
God's truth is eternal, His Word shows His might,
And He will bring justice to light. --- Gustafson
SOMEDAY THE SCALES OF JUSTICE WILL BE PERFECTLY BALANCED.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Risky Business
Read: Matthew 8:23-27
He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. --- Matthew 8:26
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 7-9
Proverbs 22:1-8
Denis Boyles knew it would be challenging to interview a man on a roller coaster --- especially when the interview took place during an attempt to set a world's record for continuous riding. After several times around the track, Denis was so overcome with fear he could hardly talk.
Then the man showed him how to use his body and feet to lean into the loops, twists, and turns. Writing in AARP Magazine, Boyles explained how that took away the terror. It also taught him a lesson about risk and fear. The roller coaster felt risky though it was quite safe. But driving his car to the amusement park posed a far greater risk of injury. Risk and fear are easily confused.
As Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, a storm came up and waves swept over their boat. Incredibly, Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him and said, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" [Matt. 8:25]. In a gentle rebuke, Jesus asked, "'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm" [v.26].
Like the disciples, the more we learn about Jesus, the more we trust Him. Our greatest risk is failing to depend on Him when life seems out of control. --- David McCasland
But we see Jesus! Oh, what peace!
What balm for troubled heart!
His very name brings rest and calm
And bids the fears depart! --- Adams
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS AND YOU'LL SOON LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR FEARS.
He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. --- Matthew 8:26
The Bible In One Year:
2 Kings 7-9
Proverbs 22:1-8
Denis Boyles knew it would be challenging to interview a man on a roller coaster --- especially when the interview took place during an attempt to set a world's record for continuous riding. After several times around the track, Denis was so overcome with fear he could hardly talk.
Then the man showed him how to use his body and feet to lean into the loops, twists, and turns. Writing in AARP Magazine, Boyles explained how that took away the terror. It also taught him a lesson about risk and fear. The roller coaster felt risky though it was quite safe. But driving his car to the amusement park posed a far greater risk of injury. Risk and fear are easily confused.
As Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, a storm came up and waves swept over their boat. Incredibly, Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him and said, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" [Matt. 8:25]. In a gentle rebuke, Jesus asked, "'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm" [v.26].
Like the disciples, the more we learn about Jesus, the more we trust Him. Our greatest risk is failing to depend on Him when life seems out of control. --- David McCasland
But we see Jesus! Oh, what peace!
What balm for troubled heart!
His very name brings rest and calm
And bids the fears depart! --- Adams
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS AND YOU'LL SOON LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR FEARS.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Chums
Read: Colossians 1:3-8
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. --- Colossians 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 63:65
In 19th-century England, debtors' prison housed those unfortunate souls who couldn't pay their bills. New prisoners were escorted to the "chummage," a prison dormitory. Since the people were not there for violent crimes, a spirit of trust and camaraderie soon developed. They played games together and had plenty to eat. Some were even allowed private rooms.
In time, the prisoners began to refer to each other as "chums." Later, the word caught on outside the prison walls and took on the meaning of "a cordial friend."
Deep bonds of friendship also take place in Christian ministry. Those who worked alongside Paul were not strangers to persecution and imprisonment. But a common mission created a deep sense of connectedness. In his letter to Colosse, Paul called Epaphras a "fellow servant" [1:7]. The term can be paraphrased as "together slave" or "one who serves the same master with another."
When believers live under the lordship of Christ, they can see their lives intertwined in service. By serving as slaves to Christ, a spiritual camaraderie results that transcends being "chums." And that special relationship will continue on into eternity! --- Dennis Fisher
Working together with others,
Serving the Lord day or night,
Telling the story of Jesus
Promises endless delight. --- Hess
CHRISTIANS STAND STRONG WHEN THEY STAND TOGETHER.
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. --- Colossians 1:3
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 63:65
In 19th-century England, debtors' prison housed those unfortunate souls who couldn't pay their bills. New prisoners were escorted to the "chummage," a prison dormitory. Since the people were not there for violent crimes, a spirit of trust and camaraderie soon developed. They played games together and had plenty to eat. Some were even allowed private rooms.
In time, the prisoners began to refer to each other as "chums." Later, the word caught on outside the prison walls and took on the meaning of "a cordial friend."
Deep bonds of friendship also take place in Christian ministry. Those who worked alongside Paul were not strangers to persecution and imprisonment. But a common mission created a deep sense of connectedness. In his letter to Colosse, Paul called Epaphras a "fellow servant" [1:7]. The term can be paraphrased as "together slave" or "one who serves the same master with another."
When believers live under the lordship of Christ, they can see their lives intertwined in service. By serving as slaves to Christ, a spiritual camaraderie results that transcends being "chums." And that special relationship will continue on into eternity! --- Dennis Fisher
Working together with others,
Serving the Lord day or night,
Telling the story of Jesus
Promises endless delight. --- Hess
CHRISTIANS STAND STRONG WHEN THEY STAND TOGETHER.
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