Read: 1 John 5:6-13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. --- 1 John 5:13
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 4-6
Proverbs 1:1-7
One day, while Wim was in the marketplace in the Netherlands, he struck up a conversation with a woman who remarked that you can get to heaven by doing good works.
His attempt to explain that it is by God's grace that we are "saved through faith" [Eph. 2:8] brought a smile as the woman repeated confidently: "and ... by doing good works." Then another woman volunteered, "You can hope you'll go to heaven, but you can't be sure." Wim's assertion that he did know for sure was met with a muttered, "Nobody knows for sure."
Wim then showed the woman what 1 John 5:11-13 says. He explained: "See, it doesn't say hope there, it says know." Unconvinced, she said, "Like you, my pastor says that we have to have faith, but you really never know whether you've been good enough. You may think you have, but who can bve sure?"
To some, Wim's confidence may seem incredible. But he based his words on this statement: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works" [Eph. 2:8-9].
It's true. We can't be good enough. We can never do enough good things. But we can be sure of heaven if we simply believe on the Lord [Acts 16:31]. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
We cannot earn our way to heaven
By word or work or worth;
But if we trust in Christ to save us,
Then we'll enjoy new birth. --- Branon
WE ARE SAVED BY GOD'S MERCY, NOT BY OUR MERIT --- BY CHRIST'S DYING, NOT BY OUR DOING.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Ask Me Now
Read: James 1:1-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. --- James 1:5
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 1-3
Proverbs 31:10-31
Whether you need a weather forecast for Singapore or driving directions to a restaurant in Chicago, the answer may be just a cell-phone call away. A California-based mobile service called AskMeNow utilizes Internet content sources to sent text- messages replies to queries from registered users on just about any subject. In many cases, a text-message reply may be received within minutes of submitting a question.
In a sense, the invitation to ask anything, anytime, anywhere mirrors God's call to all who follow Jesus: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach" [James 1:5]. But this is more than a mobile information service. It is our heavenly Father's promise to provide the guidance we need, especially during trying times.
All we need is a sincere desire to follow God's direction and faith that His way is best. Because the Lord "gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty." we can ask in faith without doubting [vv. 5-6 PHILLIPS].
The Internet is a great place to find helpful information, but there is only one source of divine wisdom to direct our steps each day. The Father invites our sincere requests anytime, anywhere. --- David McCasland
My Lord is ever with me
Along life's busy way;
I trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day. --- Anon.
BE SMART --- ASK FOR GOD'S WISDOM.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. --- James 1:5
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 1-3
Proverbs 31:10-31
Whether you need a weather forecast for Singapore or driving directions to a restaurant in Chicago, the answer may be just a cell-phone call away. A California-based mobile service called AskMeNow utilizes Internet content sources to sent text- messages replies to queries from registered users on just about any subject. In many cases, a text-message reply may be received within minutes of submitting a question.
In a sense, the invitation to ask anything, anytime, anywhere mirrors God's call to all who follow Jesus: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach" [James 1:5]. But this is more than a mobile information service. It is our heavenly Father's promise to provide the guidance we need, especially during trying times.
All we need is a sincere desire to follow God's direction and faith that His way is best. Because the Lord "gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty." we can ask in faith without doubting [vv. 5-6 PHILLIPS].
The Internet is a great place to find helpful information, but there is only one source of divine wisdom to direct our steps each day. The Father invites our sincere requests anytime, anywhere. --- David McCasland
My Lord is ever with me
Along life's busy way;
I trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day. --- Anon.
BE SMART --- ASK FOR GOD'S WISDOM.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Showing Up
Read: Psalm 116
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. --- Psalm 116:2
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 114-116
Leonardo da Vinci spent 10 years drawing ears, elbows, hands, and other parts of the body in many different aspects. Then one day he set aside the exercises and painted what he saw. Likewise, athletes and musicians never become great without regular practice.
For years I resisted a regular routine of prayer, believing that communication with God should be spontaneous and free. But I found that I needed the discipline of regularity to make possible those exceptional times of free communication with God. Eventually I learned that spontaneity often flows from discipline.
The writer Nancy Mairs says she attends church in the same spirit she goes to her desk every morning to write, so that if an idea comes she'll be there to receive it. I approach prayer the same way. I keep on whether it feels like I am profiting or not. I show up in hopes of getting to know God better, perhaps hearing from Him in ways accessible only through solitude.
The English word meditate derives from a Latin word that means "to rehearse." Often my prayers seem like a kind of rehearsal. I go over basic notes [the Lord's Prayer], practice familiar pieces [the Psalms], and try out a few new tunes. Mainly, I show up. --- Philip Yancey
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant's lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high. --- Montgomery
PRAYER IS THE INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH OUR GOD.
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. --- Psalm 116:2
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 114-116
Leonardo da Vinci spent 10 years drawing ears, elbows, hands, and other parts of the body in many different aspects. Then one day he set aside the exercises and painted what he saw. Likewise, athletes and musicians never become great without regular practice.
For years I resisted a regular routine of prayer, believing that communication with God should be spontaneous and free. But I found that I needed the discipline of regularity to make possible those exceptional times of free communication with God. Eventually I learned that spontaneity often flows from discipline.
The writer Nancy Mairs says she attends church in the same spirit she goes to her desk every morning to write, so that if an idea comes she'll be there to receive it. I approach prayer the same way. I keep on whether it feels like I am profiting or not. I show up in hopes of getting to know God better, perhaps hearing from Him in ways accessible only through solitude.
The English word meditate derives from a Latin word that means "to rehearse." Often my prayers seem like a kind of rehearsal. I go over basic notes [the Lord's Prayer], practice familiar pieces [the Psalms], and try out a few new tunes. Mainly, I show up. --- Philip Yancey
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant's lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high. --- Montgomery
PRAYER IS THE INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH OUR GOD.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Famous Last Words
Read: 2 Timothy 4:9-18
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. --- 2 Timothy 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Timothy 1-4
Proverbs 31:1-9
Just days before his death, Gandhi wrote, "All about me is darkness; I am praying for light." By contrast, evangelist D.L. Moody's last recorded words were, "This is my triumph; this my coronation day! It is glorious!" In both cases, their last words were significant expressions of their perspectives on life, death, and everything in between.
Aside from some personal greetings, Paul's last recorded words dealt not with what he had done in life and ministry but rather with how he viewed people. What makes it even more significant is that some of those words were about people who had disappointed him.
Regarding an individual who had harmed him by opposing his ministry, Paul trusted the Lord to deal with him. And when considering those who had abandoned him when imprisoned, he asked others to handle them graciously: "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them" [2 Tim. 4:16]. His last words were those of compassion and kindness instead of harshness and retaliation.
Will our last words show the grace of Christ or the bitterness of a wounded heart? Our answer should impact the words we use today. --- Bill Crowder
What have you written on memory's page?
Deeds that were done in the Master's name?
Words that were spoken to spread His fame?
What have you written today? --- Anon.
WHAT WORDS WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. --- 2 Timothy 4:16
The Bible In One Year:
2 Timothy 1-4
Proverbs 31:1-9
Just days before his death, Gandhi wrote, "All about me is darkness; I am praying for light." By contrast, evangelist D.L. Moody's last recorded words were, "This is my triumph; this my coronation day! It is glorious!" In both cases, their last words were significant expressions of their perspectives on life, death, and everything in between.
Aside from some personal greetings, Paul's last recorded words dealt not with what he had done in life and ministry but rather with how he viewed people. What makes it even more significant is that some of those words were about people who had disappointed him.
Regarding an individual who had harmed him by opposing his ministry, Paul trusted the Lord to deal with him. And when considering those who had abandoned him when imprisoned, he asked others to handle them graciously: "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them" [2 Tim. 4:16]. His last words were those of compassion and kindness instead of harshness and retaliation.
Will our last words show the grace of Christ or the bitterness of a wounded heart? Our answer should impact the words we use today. --- Bill Crowder
What have you written on memory's page?
Deeds that were done in the Master's name?
Words that were spoken to spread His fame?
What have you written today? --- Anon.
WHAT WORDS WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Things Above
Read: Colossians 3:1-13
Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. --- Colossians 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 64-66
Proverbs 30:21-33
Stepping outside and gazing heavenward on a star-studded evening always helps to soothe my soul after a trouble-filled day. When I peer into the night sky, I forget, at least for a moment, the cares of life on earth.
Ancient Israel's prolific songwriter wrote a poem thousands of years ago that still rings true: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" [Ps. 8:3-4].
When we try to imagine the immensity of God's heavens, our problems indeed seem trivial. Yet God doesn't think so! With all the galaxies He has to attend to, God is mindful of us. And not only are we on His mind, He cares for us.
No wonder the apostle Paul advised new believers to set their minds on things above [Col. 3:2]. In doing so, we raise our thoughts above the level of earthly disputes and focus instead on our loving, heavenly Father, who wants us to know Him, to know how to live peacefully with one another, and to know that we can live eternally with Him in a place even more beautiful than the heavens.
"The heavens declare the glory of God" [Ps. 19:1]. Let's join creation in praise to Him. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Bless the Lord and sing His praises,
Bless the Lord now, O my soul;
Join the song all heaven raises,
Let the anthem loudly roll! --- Peterson
BECAUSE GOD GIVES US EVERYTHING, WE OWE HIM ALL OUR PRAISE.
Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. --- Colossians 3:1
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 64-66
Proverbs 30:21-33
Stepping outside and gazing heavenward on a star-studded evening always helps to soothe my soul after a trouble-filled day. When I peer into the night sky, I forget, at least for a moment, the cares of life on earth.
Ancient Israel's prolific songwriter wrote a poem thousands of years ago that still rings true: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" [Ps. 8:3-4].
When we try to imagine the immensity of God's heavens, our problems indeed seem trivial. Yet God doesn't think so! With all the galaxies He has to attend to, God is mindful of us. And not only are we on His mind, He cares for us.
No wonder the apostle Paul advised new believers to set their minds on things above [Col. 3:2]. In doing so, we raise our thoughts above the level of earthly disputes and focus instead on our loving, heavenly Father, who wants us to know Him, to know how to live peacefully with one another, and to know that we can live eternally with Him in a place even more beautiful than the heavens.
"The heavens declare the glory of God" [Ps. 19:1]. Let's join creation in praise to Him. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Bless the Lord and sing His praises,
Bless the Lord now, O my soul;
Join the song all heaven raises,
Let the anthem loudly roll! --- Peterson
BECAUSE GOD GIVES US EVERYTHING, WE OWE HIM ALL OUR PRAISE.
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Power Of Patience
Read: Galatians 5:16-24
The fruit of the Spirit is ... longsuffering. --- Galatians 5:22
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 61-63
Proverbs 30:10-20
We've all heard the prayer: "Lord, make me more patient --- and do it now!"
Why is it that patience evaporates when we are late for a critical engagement and are caught in a traffic jam? Or we rush to the "10 items or less" line at the store, only to find someone in front of us with 16 items!
Being forced to wait ratchets up the stress and shortens our fuse. When that happens, we not only fail to be patient but we undercut the Spirit's work in our lives.
Patience is not just a virtue, it's a fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22] --- which means that demonstrations of impatience reveal the sour fruit of our fallen hearts rather than the sweetness of Jesus in our lives. Since God is a patient God, when we abandon patience we miss the opportunity to show our world the glory of God through our lives.
Bursts of impatience only demonstrate that we are more concerned with our own agendas than the needs and struggles of others. So let's all take a deep breath and turn our focus away from ourselves by patiently loving others instead of ourselves in the midst of stress.
Patience gives us the privilege of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with others. --- Joe Stowell
Our wrath uncurbed will not fulfill
God's perfect plan for us;
We must be patient and refuse
To fret, to fume, to fuss. --- Sper
BE PATIENT. SHOW YOUR WORLD WHAT GOD IS REALLY LIKE.
The fruit of the Spirit is ... longsuffering. --- Galatians 5:22
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 61-63
Proverbs 30:10-20
We've all heard the prayer: "Lord, make me more patient --- and do it now!"
Why is it that patience evaporates when we are late for a critical engagement and are caught in a traffic jam? Or we rush to the "10 items or less" line at the store, only to find someone in front of us with 16 items!
Being forced to wait ratchets up the stress and shortens our fuse. When that happens, we not only fail to be patient but we undercut the Spirit's work in our lives.
Patience is not just a virtue, it's a fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22] --- which means that demonstrations of impatience reveal the sour fruit of our fallen hearts rather than the sweetness of Jesus in our lives. Since God is a patient God, when we abandon patience we miss the opportunity to show our world the glory of God through our lives.
Bursts of impatience only demonstrate that we are more concerned with our own agendas than the needs and struggles of others. So let's all take a deep breath and turn our focus away from ourselves by patiently loving others instead of ourselves in the midst of stress.
Patience gives us the privilege of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with others. --- Joe Stowell
Our wrath uncurbed will not fulfill
God's perfect plan for us;
We must be patient and refuse
To fret, to fume, to fuss. --- Sper
BE PATIENT. SHOW YOUR WORLD WHAT GOD IS REALLY LIKE.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Lifework
Read: 1 Timothy 5:1-8
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. --- 1 Timothy 5:8
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 58-60
Proverbs 30:1-9
Some of our friends have chosen to curtail or leave their ministries this year. They did so in order to care for family members --- for aging parents, ill spouses, siblings, or children with special needs. All were involved in fruitful works for which they were uniquely gifted. All believed that there was much to be done.
Some have chosen to reduce the time and energy they spend on those ministries; others have left their work completely. These adjustments have been difficult because ministry has been their lifework --- a work for which they spent years in preparation and had many years yet to serve.
It occurs to me, however, that they have not given up their lifework but rather have assumed another. Loving and caring for others is our life's work, and caring for those or our "own house" is the highest and holiest work of all. To deny love is to align ourselves with a cold, uncaring world.
Not everyone can leave a career or calling to care for others. Financial realities and obligations may dictate otherwise. But is not such love the mark of one who does the work of God? Did not Jesus promise that one who gives a cup of cold water to one of His children "shall by no means lose his reward"? [Matt. 10:42]. --- David Roper
THINKING IT THROUGH
Paul says we are to help those who "are really widows"
[1 Tim. 5:3-5]. What does he mean by this? [vv.9-10].
Who should help before the church does? [v.16].
TRUE LOVE IS DOING, NOT JUST FEELING.
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. --- 1 Timothy 5:8
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 58-60
Proverbs 30:1-9
Some of our friends have chosen to curtail or leave their ministries this year. They did so in order to care for family members --- for aging parents, ill spouses, siblings, or children with special needs. All were involved in fruitful works for which they were uniquely gifted. All believed that there was much to be done.
Some have chosen to reduce the time and energy they spend on those ministries; others have left their work completely. These adjustments have been difficult because ministry has been their lifework --- a work for which they spent years in preparation and had many years yet to serve.
It occurs to me, however, that they have not given up their lifework but rather have assumed another. Loving and caring for others is our life's work, and caring for those or our "own house" is the highest and holiest work of all. To deny love is to align ourselves with a cold, uncaring world.
Not everyone can leave a career or calling to care for others. Financial realities and obligations may dictate otherwise. But is not such love the mark of one who does the work of God? Did not Jesus promise that one who gives a cup of cold water to one of His children "shall by no means lose his reward"? [Matt. 10:42]. --- David Roper
THINKING IT THROUGH
Paul says we are to help those who "are really widows"
[1 Tim. 5:3-5]. What does he mean by this? [vv.9-10].
Who should help before the church does? [v.16].
TRUE LOVE IS DOING, NOT JUST FEELING.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
He Watches Over Us
Read: Psalm 33:8-22
From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. --- Psalm 33:14
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 55-57
Proverbs 29:21-27
In the early 1960s, I read the novel 1984 by George Orwell, which made famous the phrase "Big Brother is watching you." In this imaginary society, all aspects of life are under surveillance.
Today, there are an estimated 4.2 million closed-circuit video cameras in the UK alone! London is saturated with them. These cameras watch lobbies and sidewalks for security reasons. They even monitor traffic.
Psalm 33 tells us that God is also watching from on high [v.14]. He sees not just images and activities but discerns thoughts and motives. As Creator God, when He speaks, it will be done [v.9]. His eternal purposes march on unhindered [vv. 10-11]. Earthly obstacles are mere steppingstones to Him. Though many may depend on military strength for deliverance and safety, their hope is in vain [vv. 16-17].
Yet we who fear the Lord need not flee from this awesome God. The psalmist affirms, "The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy .... He is our help and our shield" [vv. 18,20].
The eye of the Lord may be fearsome, but we who trust in Him rejoice. He is not an intrusive "Big Brother" but our loving heavenly Father who watches over us. --- Albert Lee
The Rock of Ages stands secure,
He always will be there;
He watches over all His own
To calm their anxious care. --- Keith
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD; HE NEVER TAKES HIS EYES OFF OF YOU.
From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. --- Psalm 33:14
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 55-57
Proverbs 29:21-27
In the early 1960s, I read the novel 1984 by George Orwell, which made famous the phrase "Big Brother is watching you." In this imaginary society, all aspects of life are under surveillance.
Today, there are an estimated 4.2 million closed-circuit video cameras in the UK alone! London is saturated with them. These cameras watch lobbies and sidewalks for security reasons. They even monitor traffic.
Psalm 33 tells us that God is also watching from on high [v.14]. He sees not just images and activities but discerns thoughts and motives. As Creator God, when He speaks, it will be done [v.9]. His eternal purposes march on unhindered [vv. 10-11]. Earthly obstacles are mere steppingstones to Him. Though many may depend on military strength for deliverance and safety, their hope is in vain [vv. 16-17].
Yet we who fear the Lord need not flee from this awesome God. The psalmist affirms, "The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy .... He is our help and our shield" [vv. 18,20].
The eye of the Lord may be fearsome, but we who trust in Him rejoice. He is not an intrusive "Big Brother" but our loving heavenly Father who watches over us. --- Albert Lee
The Rock of Ages stands secure,
He always will be there;
He watches over all His own
To calm their anxious care. --- Keith
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD; HE NEVER TAKES HIS EYES OFF OF YOU.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Arms Of Love
Read: 1 John 3:16-20
Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. --- 1 John 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 52-54
Proverbs 29:8-20
Many college students go on summer mission trips. But rarely does one come back with plans to rescue a baby. Mallery Thurlow, a student at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, went to Haiti to help distribute food. One day a mother showed up at the distribution center with a very sick infant in her arms. The woman was out of options. The baby needed surgery, but no one would perform it. Without intervention, the baby would die. Mallery took baby Rose into her arms --- and into her heart.
After returning to the US, Mallery searched for someone to operate on baby Rose. Most doctors held out little hope. Finally, Rose was granted a visa to leave Haiti, and Mallery went back to get her. Detroit Children's Hospital donated the $100,000 surgery, and it was successful. A little life was saved.
It's unlikely that we will have such a dramatic impact on others. Yet challenged by this student's willingness, we can find ways to provide help. She didn't let circumstances, youth, or inconvenience stop her from saving Rose's life.
Like Mallery, we are called to love "in deed and in truth" [1 John 3:18]. Who needs you to be God's arms of love today? --- Dave Branon
When you see someone in need,
Love demands a loving deed;
Don't just say you love him true,
Prove it by the deeds you do. --- Sper
COMPASSION PUTS LOVE INTO ACTION.
Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. --- 1 John 3:18
The Bible In One Year:
Isaiah 52-54
Proverbs 29:8-20
Many college students go on summer mission trips. But rarely does one come back with plans to rescue a baby. Mallery Thurlow, a student at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, went to Haiti to help distribute food. One day a mother showed up at the distribution center with a very sick infant in her arms. The woman was out of options. The baby needed surgery, but no one would perform it. Without intervention, the baby would die. Mallery took baby Rose into her arms --- and into her heart.
After returning to the US, Mallery searched for someone to operate on baby Rose. Most doctors held out little hope. Finally, Rose was granted a visa to leave Haiti, and Mallery went back to get her. Detroit Children's Hospital donated the $100,000 surgery, and it was successful. A little life was saved.
It's unlikely that we will have such a dramatic impact on others. Yet challenged by this student's willingness, we can find ways to provide help. She didn't let circumstances, youth, or inconvenience stop her from saving Rose's life.
Like Mallery, we are called to love "in deed and in truth" [1 John 3:18]. Who needs you to be God's arms of love today? --- Dave Branon
When you see someone in need,
Love demands a loving deed;
Don't just say you love him true,
Prove it by the deeds you do. --- Sper
COMPASSION PUTS LOVE INTO ACTION.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Rightly Dividing The Word
Read: 2 Timothy 2:14-19
Be diligent ... rightly dividing the Word of truth. --- 2 Timothy 2:15
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 111-113
In 1879, James Murray was hired as the editor of The Oxford English Dictionary. He had little advanced education, but he was a gifted linguist. Murray enlisted a large number of volunteers around the world to read widely and send him usages of assigned words. At Oxford, he and a small staff of scholars cataloged and edited the definitions they received.
During his lifetime, Murray was knighted and awarded an honorary doctorate from Oxford. Today, the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary is still recognized as one of the most accurate and comprehensive dictionaries in the world.
Murray's legacy of precision and accuracy with words reminds me of what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor of the Ephesian church: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" [2 Tim. 2:15]. The phrase "rightly dividing" is a metaphor derived from the stonemason's craft of cutting stones straight to fit into their proper place in a building.
Precision with words is essential to an accurate interpretation of God's Word. Let's be people who care deeply about what the Bible says and what it means. --- Dennis Fisher
Correctly handling the Word of truth
Takes diligence and care;
So make the time to study it
And then that truth declare. --- Hess
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD MULTIPLIES OUR UNDERSTANDING.
Be diligent ... rightly dividing the Word of truth. --- 2 Timothy 2:15
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 111-113
In 1879, James Murray was hired as the editor of The Oxford English Dictionary. He had little advanced education, but he was a gifted linguist. Murray enlisted a large number of volunteers around the world to read widely and send him usages of assigned words. At Oxford, he and a small staff of scholars cataloged and edited the definitions they received.
During his lifetime, Murray was knighted and awarded an honorary doctorate from Oxford. Today, the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary is still recognized as one of the most accurate and comprehensive dictionaries in the world.
Murray's legacy of precision and accuracy with words reminds me of what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor of the Ephesian church: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" [2 Tim. 2:15]. The phrase "rightly dividing" is a metaphor derived from the stonemason's craft of cutting stones straight to fit into their proper place in a building.
Precision with words is essential to an accurate interpretation of God's Word. Let's be people who care deeply about what the Bible says and what it means. --- Dennis Fisher
Correctly handling the Word of truth
Takes diligence and care;
So make the time to study it
And then that truth declare. --- Hess
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD MULTIPLIES OUR UNDERSTANDING.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Not Good Enough
Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. --- Isaiah 1:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Timothy 1-6
Proverbs 29:1-7
A friend told me recently of a young mother who was trying to explain her father's death to her 4-year-old. The girl wondered where Grandpa was. "I'm sure he's in heaven," the mother answered, "because he was very good." The girl replied sadly, "I guess I won't be in heaven." "Why not?" her mother asked in surprise. "'Cause I'm not very good."
The story saddened me, as I'm saddened when I hear of others who believe they must be very good to get into heaven, especially since we all know deep down in our hearts that we're not very good at all.
Perhaps like this little girl you're thinking about your sins and asking, "What must I do to get to heaven?" The answer has already been given: Jesus, by His death, has paid in full the price of your sins, no matter how sordid, tawdry, or shameful they may be. Your salvation is free.
God promises, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" [Isa. 1:18]. John Donne writes:
Or wash thee in Christ's blood, which hath this might,
That being red, it dyes red souls to white.
No one is good enough to get into heaven. Eternal life is a gift. Receive Jesus by faith. --- David Roper
The perfect righteousness of Christ
Is free to everyone,
But we by faith must take that gift
And trust God's precious Son. --- D. De Haan
NO ONE IS GOOD ENOUGH TO SAVE HIMSELF; NO ONE IS SO BAD THAT GOD CANNOT SAVE HIM.
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. --- Isaiah 1:18
The Bible In One Year:
1 Timothy 1-6
Proverbs 29:1-7
A friend told me recently of a young mother who was trying to explain her father's death to her 4-year-old. The girl wondered where Grandpa was. "I'm sure he's in heaven," the mother answered, "because he was very good." The girl replied sadly, "I guess I won't be in heaven." "Why not?" her mother asked in surprise. "'Cause I'm not very good."
The story saddened me, as I'm saddened when I hear of others who believe they must be very good to get into heaven, especially since we all know deep down in our hearts that we're not very good at all.
Perhaps like this little girl you're thinking about your sins and asking, "What must I do to get to heaven?" The answer has already been given: Jesus, by His death, has paid in full the price of your sins, no matter how sordid, tawdry, or shameful they may be. Your salvation is free.
God promises, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" [Isa. 1:18]. John Donne writes:
Or wash thee in Christ's blood, which hath this might,
That being red, it dyes red souls to white.
No one is good enough to get into heaven. Eternal life is a gift. Receive Jesus by faith. --- David Roper
The perfect righteousness of Christ
Is free to everyone,
But we by faith must take that gift
And trust God's precious Son. --- D. De Haan
NO ONE IS GOOD ENOUGH TO SAVE HIMSELF; NO ONE IS SO BAD THAT GOD CANNOT SAVE HIM.
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