Read: Deuteronomy 6:1-6
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. --- Deuteronomy 6:5
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 13-15
Proverbs 11:22-31
At a funeral, I once overheard someone say of the deceased, "He was close to his god. He's safe now."
At times like that, I wish it were true that everyone could have their own god, live in whatever way they wanted, and also be assured of eternal life in heaven. They we wouldn't have to think too seriously about death. We wouldn't have to be concerned about where our unbelieving loved ones went when they died.
But the Scriptures say that there is only one true God. "The LORD our God, the LORD is one!" [Deut. 6:4]. And He is holy [Lev. 19:2]. He says that we don't measure up to His standard for a relationship with Him. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" [Rom. 3:23]. Our sin has alienated us from Him.
In love, the heavenly Father provided the way to Himself through His perfect Son Jesus who died to pay the penalty for our sin. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" [John 3:16]. But we need to humble our hearts and receive His gift of forgiveness.
There is only one true God. He is holy and has provided the only way of eternal life through Jesus. Is He the God you are trusting in? Think about it --- seriously. --- Anne Cetas
There is a place reserved in heaven
For everyone who has received
Forgiveness and eternal life
From Christ, in whom they have believed. --- Sper
TO GET INTO HEAVEN, IT'S WHO YOU KNOW THAT COUNTS.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
God-Ography
Read: Hebrews 11:1-6
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. --- Hebrews 11:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 10-12
Proverbs 11:12-21
A National Geographic News survey in 2006 reported that many young Americans are geographically illiterate. According to the survey, 63 percent of Americans aged 18-24 failed to correctly locate Iraq on a map of the Middle East. The results for US geography are even more dismal. Half could not find New York State on the map, a third could not find Louisiana, and 48 percent could not locate Mississippi.
Understanding geography is helpful in daily life, but "God-ography" [finding God] is infinitely more crucial --- for now and for eternity.
In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that to find God and please Him, we first have to believe that He exists. How can we prove that God exists? Finding God is a matter of faith --- confidence in Him and commitment to Him. This confidence and commitment should remain strong even though the objects of our faith are unseen. The writer of Hebrews and the apostle John agree that ultimately the way to find the Lord and please Him is by believing in His Son Jesus [Heb. 11:6; John 14:6].
Finding God is solely a work of God. Those who seek Him will find Him because God will give them a heart to recognize Him as Lord [Jer. 29:13-14]. --- Marvin Williams
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, as He sought me;
It was not I who found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee. --- Anon.
TO FIND GOD, WE MUST BE WILLING TO SEEK HIM.
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. --- Hebrews 11:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 10-12
Proverbs 11:12-21
A National Geographic News survey in 2006 reported that many young Americans are geographically illiterate. According to the survey, 63 percent of Americans aged 18-24 failed to correctly locate Iraq on a map of the Middle East. The results for US geography are even more dismal. Half could not find New York State on the map, a third could not find Louisiana, and 48 percent could not locate Mississippi.
Understanding geography is helpful in daily life, but "God-ography" [finding God] is infinitely more crucial --- for now and for eternity.
In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that to find God and please Him, we first have to believe that He exists. How can we prove that God exists? Finding God is a matter of faith --- confidence in Him and commitment to Him. This confidence and commitment should remain strong even though the objects of our faith are unseen. The writer of Hebrews and the apostle John agree that ultimately the way to find the Lord and please Him is by believing in His Son Jesus [Heb. 11:6; John 14:6].
Finding God is solely a work of God. Those who seek Him will find Him because God will give them a heart to recognize Him as Lord [Jer. 29:13-14]. --- Marvin Williams
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, as He sought me;
It was not I who found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee. --- Anon.
TO FIND GOD, WE MUST BE WILLING TO SEEK HIM.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Perspective
Read: Isaiah 40:12-13; 25-31
He ... sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. --- Isaiah 40:22
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 7-9
Proverbs 11:1-11
Question: When is a bird bigger than a mountain? Answer: When the bird is closer than the mountain.
In reality, the bird is not bigger than the mountain, but it sure looks that way when the feathery fellow is perched on my window ledge and the mountain is far away in the distance.
Sometimes we perceive God this way in relationship to our problems. The troubles facing us seem huge because they are so close --- like a big black bird with beady eyes and a sharp beak waiting for a smaller animal's weariness to turn into helplessness so it can devour it. At such times, God seems as far away as a distant mountain, and we perceive Him as being small and unreachable.
The prophet Isaiah changes our perspective by asking these rhetorical questions: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?" [40:12]. The Lord "gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength" [v.29].
Just as a bird is never bigger than a mountain, no problem is even bigger than God. It's all a matter of changing our perspective. --- Julie Ackerman Link
The problems that we face each day
Can seem too much to bear
Until we turn our eyes to Christ
And trust His tender care. --- Sper
WE WORSHIP A GOD WHO IS GREATER THAN OUR GREATEST PROBLEM.
He ... sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. --- Isaiah 40:22
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 7-9
Proverbs 11:1-11
Question: When is a bird bigger than a mountain? Answer: When the bird is closer than the mountain.
In reality, the bird is not bigger than the mountain, but it sure looks that way when the feathery fellow is perched on my window ledge and the mountain is far away in the distance.
Sometimes we perceive God this way in relationship to our problems. The troubles facing us seem huge because they are so close --- like a big black bird with beady eyes and a sharp beak waiting for a smaller animal's weariness to turn into helplessness so it can devour it. At such times, God seems as far away as a distant mountain, and we perceive Him as being small and unreachable.
The prophet Isaiah changes our perspective by asking these rhetorical questions: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?" [40:12]. The Lord "gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength" [v.29].
Just as a bird is never bigger than a mountain, no problem is even bigger than God. It's all a matter of changing our perspective. --- Julie Ackerman Link
The problems that we face each day
Can seem too much to bear
Until we turn our eyes to Christ
And trust His tender care. --- Sper
WE WORSHIP A GOD WHO IS GREATER THAN OUR GREATEST PROBLEM.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
In Your Head
Read: Galatians 1:6-9
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. --- Galatians 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 4-6
Proverbs 10:22-32
I love the prayer that begins, "God be in my head." When I first heard it, admittedly I thought it sounded a little weird. But then I got to thinking how unfortunate it is if in our efforts to get closer to Jesus we focus on our emotional experience of Him and check our brains at the door. Without Him truth ringing in our heads, we're bound to get off track.
Just look at the early Christians. False teachers filled their heads with misinformation, saying that salvation and spiritual growth could be attained only through keeping the requirements of the law. When Paul heard of it, he was astonished at how quickly they had gotten off track: "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ" [Gal. 1:6].
It's not just false teachers who lead us astray. Our world is full of twisted thinking like, "If it feels good, do it," or "The one with the most toys wins." Let's face it, you and I can't afford to check our brains at the door. In fact, intimacy with Jesus begins with getting to know Him, and it's the facts about Him that make us want to get close to Him.
So, strange as it may sound, if you want to stay on track with Jesus, start each day by asking Him to be in your head! --- Joe Stowell
God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking. --- Sarum Primer
TO STAY ON TRACK, LET GOD GUIDE YOUR THINKING.
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. --- Galatians 1:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 4-6
Proverbs 10:22-32
I love the prayer that begins, "God be in my head." When I first heard it, admittedly I thought it sounded a little weird. But then I got to thinking how unfortunate it is if in our efforts to get closer to Jesus we focus on our emotional experience of Him and check our brains at the door. Without Him truth ringing in our heads, we're bound to get off track.
Just look at the early Christians. False teachers filled their heads with misinformation, saying that salvation and spiritual growth could be attained only through keeping the requirements of the law. When Paul heard of it, he was astonished at how quickly they had gotten off track: "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ" [Gal. 1:6].
It's not just false teachers who lead us astray. Our world is full of twisted thinking like, "If it feels good, do it," or "The one with the most toys wins." Let's face it, you and I can't afford to check our brains at the door. In fact, intimacy with Jesus begins with getting to know Him, and it's the facts about Him that make us want to get close to Him.
So, strange as it may sound, if you want to stay on track with Jesus, start each day by asking Him to be in your head! --- Joe Stowell
God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking. --- Sarum Primer
TO STAY ON TRACK, LET GOD GUIDE YOUR THINKING.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Make A U-Turn
Read: Psalm 32:1-5
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. --- Isaiah 53:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-3
Proverbs 10:12-21
When we went on a weekend road trip with some friends, we had our first experience using a Global Positioning System. The GPS has a female voice, so our friends John and Mary call their device Gladys. We programmed our destination into the GPS, and she did her job and plotted our course. Then we sat back. Having put our faith in this little navigator, we let her direct us.
"Turn right in 2 miles," Gladys said confidently. She was right --- Gladys is always right. In fact, when we made an unexpected detour to get gas, she got a bit insistent: "Please make a U-turn ... Please make a U-turn at your earliest convenience!"
Gladys had calculated a route for us, but we had gone a different way. That was our choice, naturally. But if we had continued going our own way, we would have become lost.
Isaiah 53:6 reminds us that just like sheep, we have a tendency to go astray. That's why we need a Shepherd to guide us and a Savior to pay the penalty for our sin.
No matter how far you've traveled in the wrong direction, it's not too late to turn around. God is ready to forgive and restore [Ps. 32:5]. If you're headed down the wrong road, please make a U-turn. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
I've strayed, O LORD, and turned aside,
I've disobeyed Your voice;
But now with contrite heart I turn
And make Your will my choice. --- D. De Haan
NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU'VE RUN FROM GOD, HE'S ONLY A PRAYER AWAY.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. --- Isaiah 53:6
The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 1-3
Proverbs 10:12-21
When we went on a weekend road trip with some friends, we had our first experience using a Global Positioning System. The GPS has a female voice, so our friends John and Mary call their device Gladys. We programmed our destination into the GPS, and she did her job and plotted our course. Then we sat back. Having put our faith in this little navigator, we let her direct us.
"Turn right in 2 miles," Gladys said confidently. She was right --- Gladys is always right. In fact, when we made an unexpected detour to get gas, she got a bit insistent: "Please make a U-turn ... Please make a U-turn at your earliest convenience!"
Gladys had calculated a route for us, but we had gone a different way. That was our choice, naturally. But if we had continued going our own way, we would have become lost.
Isaiah 53:6 reminds us that just like sheep, we have a tendency to go astray. That's why we need a Shepherd to guide us and a Savior to pay the penalty for our sin.
No matter how far you've traveled in the wrong direction, it's not too late to turn around. God is ready to forgive and restore [Ps. 32:5]. If you're headed down the wrong road, please make a U-turn. --- Cindy Hess Kasper
I've strayed, O LORD, and turned aside,
I've disobeyed Your voice;
But now with contrite heart I turn
And make Your will my choice. --- D. De Haan
NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU'VE RUN FROM GOD, HE'S ONLY A PRAYER AWAY.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Ripening Self
Read: 1 Peter 5:8-11
May the God of all grace, ... after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. --- 1 Peter 5:10
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 122-124
In his early years of ministry, the English preacher Charles Simeon [1759-1836] was a harsh and self-assertive man. One day he was visiting a friend and fellow pastor in a nearby village. When he left to go home, his friend's daughters complained to their father about Simeon's manner. So he took the girls to the backyard and said, "Pick me one of those peaches." It was early summer, and the peaches were green. The girls asked why he wanted green, unripe fruit. He replied, "Well, my dears, it is green now, and we must wait; but a little more sun, and a few more showers, and the peach will be ripe and sweet. So it is with Mr. Simeon."
Simeon, in due time, did change. The warmth of God's love and the "showers" of misunderstanding and disappointment were the means by which he became a gentle, humble man.
The God of all grace works in all His children, humbling the proud and exalting the humble, to make them ripe and sweet. Our task is to take hold of God's grace to endure our afflictions with patience, without growing weary.
In time, He will "perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle" us [1 Peter 5:10]. We must "wait on the LORD" and "be of good courage" [Ps. 27:14]. --- David Roper
Our fruitfulness and growth in Christ
Won't happen instantly,
But meditating on God's Word
Will bring maturity. --- Sper
SALVATION IS THE MIRACLE OF A MOMENT; GROWTH IS THE LABOR OF A LIFETIME.
May the God of all grace, ... after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. --- 1 Peter 5:10
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 122-124
In his early years of ministry, the English preacher Charles Simeon [1759-1836] was a harsh and self-assertive man. One day he was visiting a friend and fellow pastor in a nearby village. When he left to go home, his friend's daughters complained to their father about Simeon's manner. So he took the girls to the backyard and said, "Pick me one of those peaches." It was early summer, and the peaches were green. The girls asked why he wanted green, unripe fruit. He replied, "Well, my dears, it is green now, and we must wait; but a little more sun, and a few more showers, and the peach will be ripe and sweet. So it is with Mr. Simeon."
Simeon, in due time, did change. The warmth of God's love and the "showers" of misunderstanding and disappointment were the means by which he became a gentle, humble man.
The God of all grace works in all His children, humbling the proud and exalting the humble, to make them ripe and sweet. Our task is to take hold of God's grace to endure our afflictions with patience, without growing weary.
In time, He will "perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle" us [1 Peter 5:10]. We must "wait on the LORD" and "be of good courage" [Ps. 27:14]. --- David Roper
Our fruitfulness and growth in Christ
Won't happen instantly,
But meditating on God's Word
Will bring maturity. --- Sper
SALVATION IS THE MIRACLE OF A MOMENT; GROWTH IS THE LABOR OF A LIFETIME.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Shark Tonic
Read: Hebrews 12:1-11
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. --- Hebrews 12:1
The Bible In One Year:
Hebrews 10-13
Proverbs 10:1-11
Have you ever heard of shark "tonic"? It isn't a serum that prevents shark attacks or a medicine given to sharks. The actual term is "tonic immobility," described as "a natural state of paralysis that animals enter.... Sharks can be placed in a tonic immobility state by turning them upside down. The shark remains in this state of paralysis for an average of 15 minutes before it recovers."
Imagine, a dangerous shark can be made vulnerable simply by turning it upside down. The state of tonic immobility makes the shark incapable of movement.
Sin is like that. Our ability to honor our Lord, for which we are created in Christ, can be put into "tonic immobility" by the power and consequences of sin. To that end, the writer of Hebrews wants us to be proactive. He wrote, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" [Heb. 12:1].
If we are to run the race of the Christian life effectively, we must deal with sin before it immobilizes us. We need to lay aside the sin that hinders us from pleasing Him --- starting today. --- Bill Crowder
Start early today to run in the race
That Christians are told they can win;
First wait on the Lord for the strength He will give,
Then lay aside every known sin. --- Branon
WE MUST FACE UP TO OUR SINS BEFORE WE CAN PUT THEM BEHIND US.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. --- Hebrews 12:1
The Bible In One Year:
Hebrews 10-13
Proverbs 10:1-11
Have you ever heard of shark "tonic"? It isn't a serum that prevents shark attacks or a medicine given to sharks. The actual term is "tonic immobility," described as "a natural state of paralysis that animals enter.... Sharks can be placed in a tonic immobility state by turning them upside down. The shark remains in this state of paralysis for an average of 15 minutes before it recovers."
Imagine, a dangerous shark can be made vulnerable simply by turning it upside down. The state of tonic immobility makes the shark incapable of movement.
Sin is like that. Our ability to honor our Lord, for which we are created in Christ, can be put into "tonic immobility" by the power and consequences of sin. To that end, the writer of Hebrews wants us to be proactive. He wrote, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" [Heb. 12:1].
If we are to run the race of the Christian life effectively, we must deal with sin before it immobilizes us. We need to lay aside the sin that hinders us from pleasing Him --- starting today. --- Bill Crowder
Start early today to run in the race
That Christians are told they can win;
First wait on the Lord for the strength He will give,
Then lay aside every known sin. --- Branon
WE MUST FACE UP TO OUR SINS BEFORE WE CAN PUT THEM BEHIND US.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Satisfaction
Read: 1 John 2:12-17
The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. --- 1 John 2:17
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Proverbs 9:10-18
Pornography, once a secretive backdoor industry, is now out in the open. The easy access and anonymity of the Internet have turned it into a multibillion-dollar-a-year "business." But it leaves a trail of broken families, ineffective Christian leaders, and men who have lost the respect of their loved ones.
The apostle John was known for his great love for Christ and His church. In John 1 John 2:12-17, he warned fathers and young men against these three lusts:
>> The lust of the flesh --- the insatiable appetite to indulge in pleasures that inflame the flesh but never satisfy.
>> The lust of the eyes --- wandering eyes that continually want more riches and possessions but always remain covetous.
>> The pride of life --- the vain mind that thirsts for man's applause. But the glory evaporates quickly.
Pornography damages users and victims alike. It feeds lustful desires in ways that can never satisfy. True satisfaction is found only when we give our affections to eternal things --- to a right relationship with our heavenly Father and with those He has created in His image.
"The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" [v.17] --- Albert Lee
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee. --- M. Granahan
INNER PEACE SPRINGS OUT OF INNER PURITY.
The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. --- 1 John 2:17
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 3-5
Proverbs 9:10-18
Pornography, once a secretive backdoor industry, is now out in the open. The easy access and anonymity of the Internet have turned it into a multibillion-dollar-a-year "business." But it leaves a trail of broken families, ineffective Christian leaders, and men who have lost the respect of their loved ones.
The apostle John was known for his great love for Christ and His church. In John 1 John 2:12-17, he warned fathers and young men against these three lusts:
>> The lust of the flesh --- the insatiable appetite to indulge in pleasures that inflame the flesh but never satisfy.
>> The lust of the eyes --- wandering eyes that continually want more riches and possessions but always remain covetous.
>> The pride of life --- the vain mind that thirsts for man's applause. But the glory evaporates quickly.
Pornography damages users and victims alike. It feeds lustful desires in ways that can never satisfy. True satisfaction is found only when we give our affections to eternal things --- to a right relationship with our heavenly Father and with those He has created in His image.
"The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" [v.17] --- Albert Lee
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me;
There's love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee. --- M. Granahan
INNER PEACE SPRINGS OUT OF INNER PURITY.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Silhouette
Read: Lamentations 1:12-16; 3:19-23
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. --- Lamentations 3:22
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-2
Proverbs 9:1-9
In the 18th century, silhouettes [shadow profiles traced and cut from black paper] were a popular alternative to costly portraits. The word took its name from the French controller general of finance, Etienne de Silhouette. During the Seven Years War against England, he tried to raise revenues by heavily taxing the wealthy. Victims of his high taxes complained and used the word silhouette to refer to their wealth being reduced to a mere shadow of what it once was.
With the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah lamented over the shadow of what once was a great city and center of worship now devastated by war. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow" [Lam. 1:12].
But Jeremiah did not remain in despair. He recognized God's sovereignty in suffering. Later in this book of sorrow, the prophet reflected: "I have hope. Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning" [3:21-23].
Has sorrow or suffering made your life feel like a dark silhouette of what it once was? Remember, God's mercies are new every morning. He is compassionately working in your life for His glory and your blessing. --- Dennis Fisher
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey. --- Sammis
TO SEE BEYOND EARTH'S SHADOWS, LOOK TO CHRIST THE LIGHT.
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. --- Lamentations 3:22
The Bible In One Year:
Lamentations 1-2
Proverbs 9:1-9
In the 18th century, silhouettes [shadow profiles traced and cut from black paper] were a popular alternative to costly portraits. The word took its name from the French controller general of finance, Etienne de Silhouette. During the Seven Years War against England, he tried to raise revenues by heavily taxing the wealthy. Victims of his high taxes complained and used the word silhouette to refer to their wealth being reduced to a mere shadow of what it once was.
With the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah lamented over the shadow of what once was a great city and center of worship now devastated by war. "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow" [Lam. 1:12].
But Jeremiah did not remain in despair. He recognized God's sovereignty in suffering. Later in this book of sorrow, the prophet reflected: "I have hope. Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning" [3:21-23].
Has sorrow or suffering made your life feel like a dark silhouette of what it once was? Remember, God's mercies are new every morning. He is compassionately working in your life for His glory and your blessing. --- Dennis Fisher
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey. --- Sammis
TO SEE BEYOND EARTH'S SHADOWS, LOOK TO CHRIST THE LIGHT.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
On His Shoulders
Read: Luke 15:3-7
He shall dwell between His shoulders. --- Deuteronomy 33:12
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 51-52
Proverbs 8:32-36
Our family likes to hike, and we've had some grand adventures together. But when our boys were small, our enthusiasm caused us to walk too fast and too far, and their legs often grew weary. They couldn't keep up the pace, despite their determined efforts and our assurance that the end of the trail was just over the next hill.
"Dad," would come the plaintive request, accompanied by upraised arms, "will you carry me?" "Of course," I would reply, and hoist the child on my shoulders. He was not a burden, for he was little and light.
How often, like my children, I've grown weary, and the end of my efforts is not even in sight. I can no longer keep up or accomplish the task. But I am learning that I can turn with arms upraised to my heavenly Father, who walks beside me, and I can ask Him to carry me.
I know He will lay me on His shoulder as a shepherd carries the lamb that was lost [Luke 15:5]. There He will joyfully carry me all day long, for I am little and light --- no burden to Him. There I find rest, for "the beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders" [Deut. 33:12]. --- David Roper
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you ---
He will carry you through. --- Palmer
THE GOD WHO HOLDS THE UNIVERSE IS THE GOD WHO IS HOLDING YOU.
He shall dwell between His shoulders. --- Deuteronomy 33:12
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 51-52
Proverbs 8:32-36
Our family likes to hike, and we've had some grand adventures together. But when our boys were small, our enthusiasm caused us to walk too fast and too far, and their legs often grew weary. They couldn't keep up the pace, despite their determined efforts and our assurance that the end of the trail was just over the next hill.
"Dad," would come the plaintive request, accompanied by upraised arms, "will you carry me?" "Of course," I would reply, and hoist the child on my shoulders. He was not a burden, for he was little and light.
How often, like my children, I've grown weary, and the end of my efforts is not even in sight. I can no longer keep up or accomplish the task. But I am learning that I can turn with arms upraised to my heavenly Father, who walks beside me, and I can ask Him to carry me.
I know He will lay me on His shoulder as a shepherd carries the lamb that was lost [Luke 15:5]. There He will joyfully carry me all day long, for I am little and light --- no burden to Him. There I find rest, for "the beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders" [Deut. 33:12]. --- David Roper
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you ---
He will carry you through. --- Palmer
THE GOD WHO HOLDS THE UNIVERSE IS THE GOD WHO IS HOLDING YOU.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
God's Love Story
Read: Hosea 11
How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? ... My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. --- Hosea 11:8
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 49-50
Proverbs 8:12-31
Is there any human feeling more powerful than that of betrayal? Ask a high school girl whose boyfriend has dumped her for a pretty cheerleader. Or tune your radio to a country-western station and listen to the lyrics of infidelity. Or check out the murders reported in the daily newspaper, an amazing number of which trace back to a quarrel with an estranged lover.
In the Old Testament, God through Hosea's marriage demonstrates in living color exactly what it is like to love someone desperately and get nothing in return. Not even God, with all His power, will force a human being to love Him.
Many people think of God as an impersonal force, something akin to the law of gravity. The book of Hosea portrays almost the opposite: a God of passion and fury and tears and love. A God in mourning over Israel's rejection of Him [11:8].
God the lover does not desire to share His bride with anyone else. Yet, amazingly, when Israel turned her back on God, He stuck with her. He was willing to suffer in hope that someday she would return to Him.
Hosea, and later Jesus, prove that God longs not to punish but to love. In fact, He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us! --- Philip Yancey
Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? --- Harkness
GOD LOVED US SO MUCH, HE SENT HIS ONLY SON.
How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? ... My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. --- Hosea 11:8
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 49-50
Proverbs 8:12-31
Is there any human feeling more powerful than that of betrayal? Ask a high school girl whose boyfriend has dumped her for a pretty cheerleader. Or tune your radio to a country-western station and listen to the lyrics of infidelity. Or check out the murders reported in the daily newspaper, an amazing number of which trace back to a quarrel with an estranged lover.
In the Old Testament, God through Hosea's marriage demonstrates in living color exactly what it is like to love someone desperately and get nothing in return. Not even God, with all His power, will force a human being to love Him.
Many people think of God as an impersonal force, something akin to the law of gravity. The book of Hosea portrays almost the opposite: a God of passion and fury and tears and love. A God in mourning over Israel's rejection of Him [11:8].
God the lover does not desire to share His bride with anyone else. Yet, amazingly, when Israel turned her back on God, He stuck with her. He was willing to suffer in hope that someday she would return to Him.
Hosea, and later Jesus, prove that God longs not to punish but to love. In fact, He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us! --- Philip Yancey
Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? --- Harkness
GOD LOVED US SO MUCH, HE SENT HIS ONLY SON.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Do Something With Nothing
Read: Ephesians 5:15-21
Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. --- Ephesians 5:15-16
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 46-48
Proverbs 8:1-11
A newspaper ad showed three people waiting for a city bus. Two of them were bored and listless, while the third was happily playing a game on a small electronic device. "Do something with your nothing," the ad said. "That nothing time. The time in between everything else you have to do." The idea was to sell the portable player so people could use all those segments of wasted "waiting" time.
I suspect that many of us already constructively use those small increments of waiting time to read a book, memorize a verse, or pray for a friend. It's our longer waiting periods filled with uncertainty and indecision that may leave us anxious and frustrated.
Paul challenged the Christians in Ephesus to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" [Eph. 5:15-16]. The Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest suggests that this refers to time in its "strategic, opportune seasons" and means "making a wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good."
During those seasons when we wonder, "How did I get here and when can I leave?" it's best to look for our God-given opportunities instead of focusing on the obstacles. That's the way to do something with our nothing. --- David McCasland
Wait and, in waiting, listen for His leading;
Be strong, thy strength for every day is stored.
Go forth in faith, and let thine heart take courage.
There is no disappointment with the Lord. --- Anon.
WHEN YOU FIND TIME ON YOUR HANDS, PUT THEM TOGETHER IN PRAYER.
Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. --- Ephesians 5:15-16
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 46-48
Proverbs 8:1-11
A newspaper ad showed three people waiting for a city bus. Two of them were bored and listless, while the third was happily playing a game on a small electronic device. "Do something with your nothing," the ad said. "That nothing time. The time in between everything else you have to do." The idea was to sell the portable player so people could use all those segments of wasted "waiting" time.
I suspect that many of us already constructively use those small increments of waiting time to read a book, memorize a verse, or pray for a friend. It's our longer waiting periods filled with uncertainty and indecision that may leave us anxious and frustrated.
Paul challenged the Christians in Ephesus to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" [Eph. 5:15-16]. The Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest suggests that this refers to time in its "strategic, opportune seasons" and means "making a wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good."
During those seasons when we wonder, "How did I get here and when can I leave?" it's best to look for our God-given opportunities instead of focusing on the obstacles. That's the way to do something with our nothing. --- David McCasland
Wait and, in waiting, listen for His leading;
Be strong, thy strength for every day is stored.
Go forth in faith, and let thine heart take courage.
There is no disappointment with the Lord. --- Anon.
WHEN YOU FIND TIME ON YOUR HANDS, PUT THEM TOGETHER IN PRAYER.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Read: Matthew 15:1-11
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. --- Matthew 15:8
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 120-121
On June 22, 2002, a 33-year-old pitching star for the St. Louis Cardinals was found dead in his Chicago hotel room. He was young, physically active, and appeared to be in good health. However, the autopsy revealed that he had a 90-percent blockage in two of three coronary arteries, an enlarged heart, and a blood clot in one of the arteries. His appearance misled many to think that he was physically healthy.
Jesus said that appearances can deceive people into thinking that they are spiritually healthy. After the Pharisees accused Him and His followers of breaking religious traditions by not washing their hands before they ate, Jesus said that the Pharisees had laid aside commands of God for man-made, religious traditions. He reminded them that kingdom righteousness was not an outside-in job but an inside-out, transforming work of God. Jesus said that they looked impressive spiritually, but their hearts were diseased and distant: "[They] honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me" [Matt. 15:8]. Their talk never matched their walk, thus producing the illegitimate child of hypocrisy.
Spiritual health is not determined by how we look, but by how we live. Let's ask God to search us, know our hearts, test us, and lead us in His way [Ps. 139:23-24]. --- Marvin Williams
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free. --- Orr
AS WE TALK THE TALK, LET'S MAKE SURE WE WALK THE WALK.
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. --- Matthew 15:8
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 120-121
On June 22, 2002, a 33-year-old pitching star for the St. Louis Cardinals was found dead in his Chicago hotel room. He was young, physically active, and appeared to be in good health. However, the autopsy revealed that he had a 90-percent blockage in two of three coronary arteries, an enlarged heart, and a blood clot in one of the arteries. His appearance misled many to think that he was physically healthy.
Jesus said that appearances can deceive people into thinking that they are spiritually healthy. After the Pharisees accused Him and His followers of breaking religious traditions by not washing their hands before they ate, Jesus said that the Pharisees had laid aside commands of God for man-made, religious traditions. He reminded them that kingdom righteousness was not an outside-in job but an inside-out, transforming work of God. Jesus said that they looked impressive spiritually, but their hearts were diseased and distant: "[They] honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me" [Matt. 15:8]. Their talk never matched their walk, thus producing the illegitimate child of hypocrisy.
Spiritual health is not determined by how we look, but by how we live. Let's ask God to search us, know our hearts, test us, and lead us in His way [Ps. 139:23-24]. --- Marvin Williams
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free. --- Orr
AS WE TALK THE TALK, LET'S MAKE SURE WE WALK THE WALK.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Hill Too High
Read: Exodus 16:1-5
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. --- Matthew 6:34
The Bible In One Year:
Hebrews 6-9
Proverbs 7:6-27
My wife and I like to rollerblade. Near the end of one of our favorite routes is a long hill. When we first started taking this route, I tried to encourage Sue by saying, "Are you ready for the hill?" just before pushing our way to the top. But one day she said," Could you please not say that? You make it sound like a huge mountain, and that discourages me."
It was better for Sue to face the hill thinking only about one "step," or one rollerblade push, at a time instead of an entire steep hill to conquer.
Life can be like that. If we peer too far ahead of today, the challenges may feel like a Mt. Everest climb. They can appear impossible to handle if we think we have to be "ready for the hill."
The Bible reminds us that today is all we need to tackle. We don't need to worry about tomorrow's tasks [Matt. 6:34]. Imagine Moses thinking, "I've got to feed all these people for who knows how long. How can I get that much food?" God took care of that mountain with manna --- but only enough for one day at a time [Ex. 16:4].
Every hill in life is too high if we think we must climb it all at once. But no hill is insurmountable if we take it one step forward at a time. --- with God's help. --- Dave Branon
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best ---
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest. --- Berg
GOD IS THERE TO GIVE US STRENGTH FOR EVERY HILL WE HAVE TO CLIMB.
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. --- Matthew 6:34
The Bible In One Year:
Hebrews 6-9
Proverbs 7:6-27
My wife and I like to rollerblade. Near the end of one of our favorite routes is a long hill. When we first started taking this route, I tried to encourage Sue by saying, "Are you ready for the hill?" just before pushing our way to the top. But one day she said," Could you please not say that? You make it sound like a huge mountain, and that discourages me."
It was better for Sue to face the hill thinking only about one "step," or one rollerblade push, at a time instead of an entire steep hill to conquer.
Life can be like that. If we peer too far ahead of today, the challenges may feel like a Mt. Everest climb. They can appear impossible to handle if we think we have to be "ready for the hill."
The Bible reminds us that today is all we need to tackle. We don't need to worry about tomorrow's tasks [Matt. 6:34]. Imagine Moses thinking, "I've got to feed all these people for who knows how long. How can I get that much food?" God took care of that mountain with manna --- but only enough for one day at a time [Ex. 16:4].
Every hill in life is too high if we think we must climb it all at once. But no hill is insurmountable if we take it one step forward at a time. --- with God's help. --- Dave Branon
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best ---
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest. --- Berg
GOD IS THERE TO GIVE US STRENGTH FOR EVERY HILL WE HAVE TO CLIMB.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Breaking The Spin Cycle
Read: John 8:42-47
[Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him ... He is a liar and the father of it. --- John 8:44
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 43-45
Proverbs 7:1-5
Politicians are adept at "spinning" the details of a story to advance their own agenda. During a political campaign, spin doctors massage stories to ensure that their candidate is cast in a positive light --- often at the expense of the truth. This leaves us with serious questions about what the real truth is.
According to Jesus, Satan is the "spin doctor" of hell --- the master deceiver who "speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar" [John 8:44]. He casts himself as the one who wants to give us unfettered freedom and pleasure, carefully masking his plan to steal, kill, and destroy us [John 10:10]. He even spins the loving laws of God by claiming that God's boundaries are restrictive, simply intended to take all the fun out of living. When we buy into Satan's damaging lies, we still eventually find ourselves empty and broken --- sidelined in our journey with God.
Thankfully, Jesus warns. He tells us that Satan is the father of lies. And we know Satan is lying when what he tells us contradicts God's Word. Jesus, on the other hand, is the truth [John 14:6]. So, when it comes to sorting out the spin, our only defense against the spin doctor of hell is to constantly listen for the voice of Jesus as we pray and study His Word. And that's the truth! --- Joe Stowell
The devil is crafty, deceptive, and sly;
He cleverly tricks us to swallow his life.
But his cunning methods we're sure to discern
If we make God's warnings our daily concern. --- D. De Haan
GOD'S TRUTH STOPS THE SPIN OF SATAN'S LIES.
[Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him ... He is a liar and the father of it. --- John 8:44
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 43-45
Proverbs 7:1-5
Politicians are adept at "spinning" the details of a story to advance their own agenda. During a political campaign, spin doctors massage stories to ensure that their candidate is cast in a positive light --- often at the expense of the truth. This leaves us with serious questions about what the real truth is.
According to Jesus, Satan is the "spin doctor" of hell --- the master deceiver who "speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar" [John 8:44]. He casts himself as the one who wants to give us unfettered freedom and pleasure, carefully masking his plan to steal, kill, and destroy us [John 10:10]. He even spins the loving laws of God by claiming that God's boundaries are restrictive, simply intended to take all the fun out of living. When we buy into Satan's damaging lies, we still eventually find ourselves empty and broken --- sidelined in our journey with God.
Thankfully, Jesus warns. He tells us that Satan is the father of lies. And we know Satan is lying when what he tells us contradicts God's Word. Jesus, on the other hand, is the truth [John 14:6]. So, when it comes to sorting out the spin, our only defense against the spin doctor of hell is to constantly listen for the voice of Jesus as we pray and study His Word. And that's the truth! --- Joe Stowell
The devil is crafty, deceptive, and sly;
He cleverly tricks us to swallow his life.
But his cunning methods we're sure to discern
If we make God's warnings our daily concern. --- D. De Haan
GOD'S TRUTH STOPS THE SPIN OF SATAN'S LIES.
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Special Seat
Read:Luke 10:38-42
[Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. --- Luke 10:39
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 40-42
Proverbs 6:20-35
I've never sat in the first-class section of an airplane. But I still hold out the hope that someday I'll get on the plane and the flight attendant will stop me and say, "Come with me, I have a special seat for you."
That's why I was pretty excited when a friend gave my sister some tickets for an event and we realized that they were for box seats. Instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers all around us, we sat in a private compartment where we could see and hear everything perfectly. That evening, we felt privileged and special.
Remember Jesus' friends, Mary and Martha? Although Martha had the opportunity to enjoy having Jesus as her guest, she soon became frustrated with her sister Mary and overwhelmed with the busyness of her preparations. Certainly understandable to a lot of us! Jesus made it clear to her, however, that sometimes it's necessary to step away from the unending pressures of life and spend undistracted time with Him. God has given us the opportunity to have personal moments with Him. By taking the time just to be with the Lord, we are fed, refreshed, and renewed.
Jesus commended Mary for taking time to sit and learn at her Savior's feet [Luke 10:42]. As it turned out --- she had the best seat in the house! --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone. --- Longstaff
JESUS LONGS FOR OUR FELLOWSHIP EVEN MORE THAN WE LONG FOR HIS.
[Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. --- Luke 10:39
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 40-42
Proverbs 6:20-35
I've never sat in the first-class section of an airplane. But I still hold out the hope that someday I'll get on the plane and the flight attendant will stop me and say, "Come with me, I have a special seat for you."
That's why I was pretty excited when a friend gave my sister some tickets for an event and we realized that they were for box seats. Instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers all around us, we sat in a private compartment where we could see and hear everything perfectly. That evening, we felt privileged and special.
Remember Jesus' friends, Mary and Martha? Although Martha had the opportunity to enjoy having Jesus as her guest, she soon became frustrated with her sister Mary and overwhelmed with the busyness of her preparations. Certainly understandable to a lot of us! Jesus made it clear to her, however, that sometimes it's necessary to step away from the unending pressures of life and spend undistracted time with Him. God has given us the opportunity to have personal moments with Him. By taking the time just to be with the Lord, we are fed, refreshed, and renewed.
Jesus commended Mary for taking time to sit and learn at her Savior's feet [Luke 10:42]. As it turned out --- she had the best seat in the house! --- Cindy Hess Kasper
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone. --- Longstaff
JESUS LONGS FOR OUR FELLOWSHIP EVEN MORE THAN WE LONG FOR HIS.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Joy To The World
Read:Deuteronomy 31:9-13
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. --- John 1:14
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 37-39
Proverbs 6:12-19
When Christmas displays go up before Halloween displays come down, I long for the days when people didn't think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. However, there may be a legitimate reason to celebrate Christmas in October.
No one knows the exact day when Jesus was born, but December 25 is unlikely. His birth may have been in autumn, when the weather was still warm enough for shepherds to be outdoors with their flocks. We know that Jesus was crucified on Passover, and that the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost. So some scholars have reasoned that Jesus' birth may have occurred on another Jewish holiday, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot.
Although we cannot know for sure, we do know that it would be in keeping with God's way of working to send His Son --- the Word made flesh who "dwelt" ["tabernacled"] among us [John 1:14] --- on the Feast of Tabernacles. Sukkot was a time when observant Jews lived in temporary dwellings and listened to the Word of the Lord being read [Deut. 31:10-13].
For Jews, Sukkot is "the time of our rejoicing." For all of us, our time of rejoicing is the birth of Christ, who brings the joy of salvation to all the world. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Tidings, glad tidings! God is love,
To man He sends His salvation!
His Son beloved, His only Son,
The work of mercy hath begun. --- Montgomery
THE DATE OF CHRIST'S BIRTH MAY BE DEBATABLE, BUT THE FACT OF HIS LIFE IS INDISPUTABLE.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. --- John 1:14
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 37-39
Proverbs 6:12-19
When Christmas displays go up before Halloween displays come down, I long for the days when people didn't think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. However, there may be a legitimate reason to celebrate Christmas in October.
No one knows the exact day when Jesus was born, but December 25 is unlikely. His birth may have been in autumn, when the weather was still warm enough for shepherds to be outdoors with their flocks. We know that Jesus was crucified on Passover, and that the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost. So some scholars have reasoned that Jesus' birth may have occurred on another Jewish holiday, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot.
Although we cannot know for sure, we do know that it would be in keeping with God's way of working to send His Son --- the Word made flesh who "dwelt" ["tabernacled"] among us [John 1:14] --- on the Feast of Tabernacles. Sukkot was a time when observant Jews lived in temporary dwellings and listened to the Word of the Lord being read [Deut. 31:10-13].
For Jews, Sukkot is "the time of our rejoicing." For all of us, our time of rejoicing is the birth of Christ, who brings the joy of salvation to all the world. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Tidings, glad tidings! God is love,
To man He sends His salvation!
His Son beloved, His only Son,
The work of mercy hath begun. --- Montgomery
THE DATE OF CHRIST'S BIRTH MAY BE DEBATABLE, BUT THE FACT OF HIS LIFE IS INDISPUTABLE.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Ushpizzin
Read:James 1:19-27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. --- James 1:27
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 34-36
Proverbs 6:1-11
In Jewish legend, the ushpizzin are guests who visit the pious at Sukkot, the feast of Tabernacles. They are supposedly the great Old Testament heroes who come offering comfort and encouragement to the faithful.
According to Jewish lore, these unseen guests only visit the sukkah [shelter] where the poor are welcome --- a reminder of each person's responsibility to care for others. It also reminds them that unseen watchers may be observing their conduct.
The story of the ushpizzin isn't true, of course. But beyond the lore and legend we are reminded that we as Christ-followers are living observed lives. Others are watching us. And our concern for others, particularly the least among us, is an expression of the compassion Christ displayed to the hurting and outcast of His generation.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, challenged believers to put the love of Christ into practice. He wrote, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" [James 1:27].
The example of Christ and the words of Scripture inspite us to care for our hurting world. Who's watching us? Our world is watching. And so is our Lord! --- Bill Crowder
I want my heart His throne to be,
So that a watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me;
I want to be like Jesus. --- Chisholm
WHEN PEOPLE OBSERVE YOUR LIFE, DO THEY SEE THE LOVE OF CHRIST?
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. --- James 1:27
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 34-36
Proverbs 6:1-11
In Jewish legend, the ushpizzin are guests who visit the pious at Sukkot, the feast of Tabernacles. They are supposedly the great Old Testament heroes who come offering comfort and encouragement to the faithful.
According to Jewish lore, these unseen guests only visit the sukkah [shelter] where the poor are welcome --- a reminder of each person's responsibility to care for others. It also reminds them that unseen watchers may be observing their conduct.
The story of the ushpizzin isn't true, of course. But beyond the lore and legend we are reminded that we as Christ-followers are living observed lives. Others are watching us. And our concern for others, particularly the least among us, is an expression of the compassion Christ displayed to the hurting and outcast of His generation.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, challenged believers to put the love of Christ into practice. He wrote, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" [James 1:27].
The example of Christ and the words of Scripture inspite us to care for our hurting world. Who's watching us? Our world is watching. And so is our Lord! --- Bill Crowder
I want my heart His throne to be,
So that a watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me;
I want to be like Jesus. --- Chisholm
WHEN PEOPLE OBSERVE YOUR LIFE, DO THEY SEE THE LOVE OF CHRIST?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Erasmus
Read: Psalm 119:17-24
Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. --- Jeremiah 15:16
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 31-33
Proverbs 5:15-23
For centuries, many Christians were not permitted to read God's Word in their own language. Instead, they were encouraged to attend Latin services that few could understand.
Then, in 1516, the Dutch scholar Erasmus compiled and published the first New Testament in the original Greek language. This landmark work was the basis for the later publication of Luther's German Bible, Tyndale's English Bible, and the King James Version. These translations made the Scriptures understandable to millions of people around the world.
Erasmus could not have known the influence his Greek New Testament would have, but he did have a passion for getting its message to laypeople from all walks of life. In the preface he wrote: "I would have [the Gospel and the Epistles] translated into all languages ... I long for the plowboy to sing them to himself as he follows the plow [and] the weaver to hum them to the tune of his shuttle."
The prophet Jeremiah reflected this same passion for the Word: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" [15:16].
Having God's Word in our own language allows us to experience the joy of meditating on it each day. --- Dennis Fisher
More precious than gold is God's Word to me,
Much better than pearls from deep in the sea;
For in the Lord's Word I take great delight,
And it is my joy each day and each night. ----Fitzhugh
THE TREASURES OF TRUTH IN GOD'S WORD ARE BEST MINED WITH THE SPADE OF MEDITATION.
Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. --- Jeremiah 15:16
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 31-33
Proverbs 5:15-23
For centuries, many Christians were not permitted to read God's Word in their own language. Instead, they were encouraged to attend Latin services that few could understand.
Then, in 1516, the Dutch scholar Erasmus compiled and published the first New Testament in the original Greek language. This landmark work was the basis for the later publication of Luther's German Bible, Tyndale's English Bible, and the King James Version. These translations made the Scriptures understandable to millions of people around the world.
Erasmus could not have known the influence his Greek New Testament would have, but he did have a passion for getting its message to laypeople from all walks of life. In the preface he wrote: "I would have [the Gospel and the Epistles] translated into all languages ... I long for the plowboy to sing them to himself as he follows the plow [and] the weaver to hum them to the tune of his shuttle."
The prophet Jeremiah reflected this same passion for the Word: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" [15:16].
Having God's Word in our own language allows us to experience the joy of meditating on it each day. --- Dennis Fisher
More precious than gold is God's Word to me,
Much better than pearls from deep in the sea;
For in the Lord's Word I take great delight,
And it is my joy each day and each night. ----Fitzhugh
THE TREASURES OF TRUTH IN GOD'S WORD ARE BEST MINED WITH THE SPADE OF MEDITATION.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Life According To Plumb
Read: Psalm 119:9-16
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. --- Psalm 119:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalm 119
Charlie Riggs has been called "the man behind Billy Graham." For nearly 40 years, Riggs was the director of counseling and follow-up for Mr. Graham's evangelistic meetings. In his counselor training classes, Charlie taught thousands of people the basic principles of how to live for Christ and share their faith with others.
At Charlie's 90th birthday celebration, many tributes mentioned his life-long practice of memorizing Scripture. His goal was not merely to know the Bible, but to know Christ and live by His Word.
Charlie followed Psalm 119:9-11, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word ... Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Like the weight that holds a builder's plumb line straight and true, these divine principles never change, no matter what the circumstances. He sought to measure his own thoughts, feelings, and behavior by God's Word, not the other way around.
Charlie Riggs' life was quiet and steady behind the scenes. His example challenges us today to hid God's Word in our hearts and let it guide our lives. Charlie demonstrated what it means to live according to plumb. --- David McCasland
The Bible will transform our lives
And turn us from our sin,
If we will read it and obey
God's principles within. --- Sper
THE BIBLE: KNOW IT IN YOUR HEAD, STOW IT IN YOUR HEART, SHOW IT IN YOUR LIFE, SOW IT IN THE WORLD.
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. --- Psalm 119:11
The Bible In One Year:
Psalm 119
Charlie Riggs has been called "the man behind Billy Graham." For nearly 40 years, Riggs was the director of counseling and follow-up for Mr. Graham's evangelistic meetings. In his counselor training classes, Charlie taught thousands of people the basic principles of how to live for Christ and share their faith with others.
At Charlie's 90th birthday celebration, many tributes mentioned his life-long practice of memorizing Scripture. His goal was not merely to know the Bible, but to know Christ and live by His Word.
Charlie followed Psalm 119:9-11, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word ... Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Like the weight that holds a builder's plumb line straight and true, these divine principles never change, no matter what the circumstances. He sought to measure his own thoughts, feelings, and behavior by God's Word, not the other way around.
Charlie Riggs' life was quiet and steady behind the scenes. His example challenges us today to hid God's Word in our hearts and let it guide our lives. Charlie demonstrated what it means to live according to plumb. --- David McCasland
The Bible will transform our lives
And turn us from our sin,
If we will read it and obey
God's principles within. --- Sper
THE BIBLE: KNOW IT IN YOUR HEAD, STOW IT IN YOUR HEART, SHOW IT IN YOUR LIFE, SOW IT IN THE WORLD.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Art Of Common People
Read: Matthew 4:18-25
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. --- Luke 5:32
The Bible In One Year:
Hebrews 1-5
Proverbs 5:1-14
The 16th-century Italian painter Caravaggio received scathing criticism in his day for depicting people of the Bible as common. His critics reflected a time when only members of royalty and aristocracy were considered appropriate subjects for the "immortality" of art. His commissioned canvas of St. Matthew and the Angel so offended church leaders that it had to be redone. They could not accept seeing Matthew with the physical features of an everyday laborer.
According to one biographer, what the church fathers did not understand was that "Caravaggio, in elevating this humble figure, was copying Christ, who had Himself raised Matthew from the street."
Caravaggio was right about the people of the Bible. Jesus Himself grew up in the home of a laborer. When His time came to go public, He was announced by a weather-worn man of the wilderness known as John the Baptizer. His disciples were fishermen and common people.
Jesus lived, loved, and died for wealthy people too. But by befriending those who had been demon-possessed, lepers, fishermen, and even despised tax collectors, the teacher from Nazareth showed that no one is too poor, too sinful, or too insignificant to be His friend. --- Mart De Haan
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
JESUS WANTS YOU FOR A FRIEND.
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. --- Luke 5:32
The Bible In One Year:
Hebrews 1-5
Proverbs 5:1-14
The 16th-century Italian painter Caravaggio received scathing criticism in his day for depicting people of the Bible as common. His critics reflected a time when only members of royalty and aristocracy were considered appropriate subjects for the "immortality" of art. His commissioned canvas of St. Matthew and the Angel so offended church leaders that it had to be redone. They could not accept seeing Matthew with the physical features of an everyday laborer.
According to one biographer, what the church fathers did not understand was that "Caravaggio, in elevating this humble figure, was copying Christ, who had Himself raised Matthew from the street."
Caravaggio was right about the people of the Bible. Jesus Himself grew up in the home of a laborer. When His time came to go public, He was announced by a weather-worn man of the wilderness known as John the Baptizer. His disciples were fishermen and common people.
Jesus lived, loved, and died for wealthy people too. But by befriending those who had been demon-possessed, lepers, fishermen, and even despised tax collectors, the teacher from Nazareth showed that no one is too poor, too sinful, or too insignificant to be His friend. --- Mart De Haan
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
JESUS WANTS YOU FOR A FRIEND.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Handful Of Thorns
Read: Psalm 105:1-5
Give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! --- Psalm 107:21
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 28-30
Proverbs 4:18-27
Jeremy Taylor was a 17th-century English cleric who was severely persecuted for his faith. But though his house was plundered, his family left destitute, and his property confiscated, he continued to count the blessings he could not lose.
He wrote: "They have not taken away my merry countenance, my cheerful spirit, and a good conscience; they have still left me with the providence of God, and all His promises ... my hopes of Heaven, and my charity to them, too, and still I sleep and digest, I eat and drink, I read and meditate. And he that hath so many causes of joy, and so great should never choose to sit down upon his little handful of thorns."
Although we may not be afflicted with the grievous difficulties that Jeremy Taylor endured, all of us face trials and troubles. Are we grumbling? Or do we refuse to let our "little handful of thorns," our troubles, obscure the over-whelming abundance of our blessings?
When we feel like complaining, let's remember God's faithfulness and "give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! ... Remember His marvelous works which He has done! [Ps. 105:1,5]. --- Vernon Grounds
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost;
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. --- Oatman
SPEND YOUR TIME COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, NOT AIRING YOUR COMPLAINTS.
Give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! --- Psalm 107:21
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 28-30
Proverbs 4:18-27
Jeremy Taylor was a 17th-century English cleric who was severely persecuted for his faith. But though his house was plundered, his family left destitute, and his property confiscated, he continued to count the blessings he could not lose.
He wrote: "They have not taken away my merry countenance, my cheerful spirit, and a good conscience; they have still left me with the providence of God, and all His promises ... my hopes of Heaven, and my charity to them, too, and still I sleep and digest, I eat and drink, I read and meditate. And he that hath so many causes of joy, and so great should never choose to sit down upon his little handful of thorns."
Although we may not be afflicted with the grievous difficulties that Jeremy Taylor endured, all of us face trials and troubles. Are we grumbling? Or do we refuse to let our "little handful of thorns," our troubles, obscure the over-whelming abundance of our blessings?
When we feel like complaining, let's remember God's faithfulness and "give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! ... Remember His marvelous works which He has done! [Ps. 105:1,5]. --- Vernon Grounds
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost;
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. --- Oatman
SPEND YOUR TIME COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, NOT AIRING YOUR COMPLAINTS.
Friday, October 09, 2009
The Chain Of Ungrace
Read: Matthew 6:9-15
Forgive us our debts,, as we forgive our debtors. --- Matthew 6:12
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 25-27
Proverbs 4:1-17
When I feel wronged, I can contrive a hundred reasons against forgiveness. "He needs to learn a lesson." "I'll let her stew for a while; it'll do her good." "It's not up to me to make the first move." When I finally soften to the point of granting forgiveness, it seems a leap from hard logic to mushy sentiment.
One factor that motivates me to forgive is that as a Christian I am commanded to, as the child of a Father who forgives. Jesus said, "If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" [Mark 11:25].
But beyond that, I can identify three pragmatic reasons. First, forgiveness halts the cycle of blame and pain, breaking the chain of ungrace. Without it we remain bound to the people we can't forgive, held in their vise grip.
Second, forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in the perpetrator. It allows the possibility of transformation in the guilty party, even if a just punishment is still required.
And third, forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing the forgiver on the same side as the party who did the wrong. We are not as different fro the wrongdoer as we would like to think, for we too must ask our heavenly Father, "Forgive us our debts" [Matt. 6:12]. --- Philip Yancey
When I consider Calvary's dismay ---
The shame, the scorn, the scourging borne by You ---
Resentment melts; I am compelled to say,
"Forgive them, Lord, they know not what they do!" --- Mollon
HE WHO CANNOT FORGIVE OTHERS BURNS THE BRIDGE OVER WHICH HE HIMSELF MUST PASS. --- Herbert
Forgive us our debts,, as we forgive our debtors. --- Matthew 6:12
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 25-27
Proverbs 4:1-17
When I feel wronged, I can contrive a hundred reasons against forgiveness. "He needs to learn a lesson." "I'll let her stew for a while; it'll do her good." "It's not up to me to make the first move." When I finally soften to the point of granting forgiveness, it seems a leap from hard logic to mushy sentiment.
One factor that motivates me to forgive is that as a Christian I am commanded to, as the child of a Father who forgives. Jesus said, "If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" [Mark 11:25].
But beyond that, I can identify three pragmatic reasons. First, forgiveness halts the cycle of blame and pain, breaking the chain of ungrace. Without it we remain bound to the people we can't forgive, held in their vise grip.
Second, forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in the perpetrator. It allows the possibility of transformation in the guilty party, even if a just punishment is still required.
And third, forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing the forgiver on the same side as the party who did the wrong. We are not as different fro the wrongdoer as we would like to think, for we too must ask our heavenly Father, "Forgive us our debts" [Matt. 6:12]. --- Philip Yancey
When I consider Calvary's dismay ---
The shame, the scorn, the scourging borne by You ---
Resentment melts; I am compelled to say,
"Forgive them, Lord, they know not what they do!" --- Mollon
HE WHO CANNOT FORGIVE OTHERS BURNS THE BRIDGE OVER WHICH HE HIMSELF MUST PASS. --- Herbert
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Erev Yom Kippur
Read: Matthew 5:21-26
First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. --- Matthew 5:24
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 22-24
Proverbs 3:27-35
In Judaism, the holiest day of the year is Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. On that day, the nation seeks God's forgiveness for sins both personal and national.
What is interesting, however, is the day before Yom Kippur, known as Erev Yom Kippur. It represents a person's last opportunity to seek forgiveness from other people before Yom Kippur begins. This is important because, in Jewish thought, you must seek forgiveness from other people before you can seek the forgiveness of God.
Today, we are called to dot he same. Jesus pointed out that in order to worship Him with all our heart, we first need to resolve matters with others. In Matthew 5:23-24, He said, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Even in a matter so basic as our giving, the ability to truly worship God is hindered by the reality of relationships broken by our wrong actions, attitudes, and words.
So that our worship can be pleasing and acceptable to God, let us make every effort to be reconciled to one another --- today. --- Bill Crowder
Have you hurt a friend or brother?
Go at once and make things right;
From your heart say, "Please forgive me."
How these words bring God delight! --- D. De Haan
AN OFFENSE AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR IS A FENCE BETWEEN YOU AND GOD.
First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. --- Matthew 5:24
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 22-24
Proverbs 3:27-35
In Judaism, the holiest day of the year is Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. On that day, the nation seeks God's forgiveness for sins both personal and national.
What is interesting, however, is the day before Yom Kippur, known as Erev Yom Kippur. It represents a person's last opportunity to seek forgiveness from other people before Yom Kippur begins. This is important because, in Jewish thought, you must seek forgiveness from other people before you can seek the forgiveness of God.
Today, we are called to dot he same. Jesus pointed out that in order to worship Him with all our heart, we first need to resolve matters with others. In Matthew 5:23-24, He said, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Even in a matter so basic as our giving, the ability to truly worship God is hindered by the reality of relationships broken by our wrong actions, attitudes, and words.
So that our worship can be pleasing and acceptable to God, let us make every effort to be reconciled to one another --- today. --- Bill Crowder
Have you hurt a friend or brother?
Go at once and make things right;
From your heart say, "Please forgive me."
How these words bring God delight! --- D. De Haan
AN OFFENSE AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR IS A FENCE BETWEEN YOU AND GOD.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Unused Muscles
Read: 1 Cor. 12:14-27
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. --- 1 Corinthians 12:7
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 19-21
Proverbs 3:11-26
My wife recently visited a physio-therapist to seek relief for her neck and shoulder pain. When the problem did not go away after several visits, she asked why. She was told that her pain was because of some "lazy neck muscles."
Apparently, the neck muscles that were supposed to hold her head upright were not doing their job. As a result, her shoulder muscles had to take over the function of holding up her head. This resulted in unnaturally stiffened shoulder muscles. The solution? Exercises were prescribed to train her neck muscles to do what they were designed to do.
In a way, her problem depicts what happens in the body of Christ. God has given each believer gifts that are to be exercised for the common good of the church [1 Cor. 12:7]. But when some don't pull their weight, others far less gifted in those areas must pitch in. Although the body of Christ continues to function, it is not functioning at its best. There are some over-worked Christians around!
God wants us to use our spiritual gifts to benefit others in the church. When we work together, we keep the body strong. What has God gifted you to do so that you can help relieve the strain the church is suffering? --- C.P. Hia
All Christians have been gifted
By grace from God above,
Equipped to build and strengthen
The church in faith and love. --- Fitzhugh
TEAMWORK DIVIDES THE EFFORT AND MULTIPLIES THE EFFECT.
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. --- 1 Corinthians 12:7
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 19-21
Proverbs 3:11-26
My wife recently visited a physio-therapist to seek relief for her neck and shoulder pain. When the problem did not go away after several visits, she asked why. She was told that her pain was because of some "lazy neck muscles."
Apparently, the neck muscles that were supposed to hold her head upright were not doing their job. As a result, her shoulder muscles had to take over the function of holding up her head. This resulted in unnaturally stiffened shoulder muscles. The solution? Exercises were prescribed to train her neck muscles to do what they were designed to do.
In a way, her problem depicts what happens in the body of Christ. God has given each believer gifts that are to be exercised for the common good of the church [1 Cor. 12:7]. But when some don't pull their weight, others far less gifted in those areas must pitch in. Although the body of Christ continues to function, it is not functioning at its best. There are some over-worked Christians around!
God wants us to use our spiritual gifts to benefit others in the church. When we work together, we keep the body strong. What has God gifted you to do so that you can help relieve the strain the church is suffering? --- C.P. Hia
All Christians have been gifted
By grace from God above,
Equipped to build and strengthen
The church in faith and love. --- Fitzhugh
TEAMWORK DIVIDES THE EFFORT AND MULTIPLIES THE EFFECT.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Not Much In Between
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
That you may be filled with all the fullness of God. --- Ephesians 3:19
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 16-18
Proverbs 3:1-10
In the western panhandle of Texas is a small town named Texline. It had an ostentatious beginning in the late 1800s as a thriving center along a new railroad line. Within a few years, though, most of the shops had closed and the town's population shriveled to about 400. In 2000, the population was still just over 500.
One online description of Texline says that it has "a city limits sign at one end, another at the other end, and not much in between."
What a waste if the same description could be given of our spiritual journey! The journey of the Christian life on earth begins at the moment of faith in Jesus and ends when the believer goes to be with the Lord. This raises an important question: What happens in between?
A rich and full life is available to all who believe in and serve Jesus. The apostle Paul prayed that believers would "be filled with all the fullness of God" [Eph. 3:19]. He wanted them to know life "abundantly" [John 10:10]. But how many of us experience even a small part of the abundant life Christ promised to those who are faithful to Him?
God desires to give us a marvelous beginning with salvation and a great ending in Glory --- with much in between. --- Dave Egner
Lord, thank You for all that You have done for me.
I commit myself to making the most of my spiritual journey.
I want to experience as much as I can of You and all
You have to offer to me. Amen.
A LIFE GIVEN FULLY TO GOD BECOMES A GOD-FILLED LIFE.
That you may be filled with all the fullness of God. --- Ephesians 3:19
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 16-18
Proverbs 3:1-10
In the western panhandle of Texas is a small town named Texline. It had an ostentatious beginning in the late 1800s as a thriving center along a new railroad line. Within a few years, though, most of the shops had closed and the town's population shriveled to about 400. In 2000, the population was still just over 500.
One online description of Texline says that it has "a city limits sign at one end, another at the other end, and not much in between."
What a waste if the same description could be given of our spiritual journey! The journey of the Christian life on earth begins at the moment of faith in Jesus and ends when the believer goes to be with the Lord. This raises an important question: What happens in between?
A rich and full life is available to all who believe in and serve Jesus. The apostle Paul prayed that believers would "be filled with all the fullness of God" [Eph. 3:19]. He wanted them to know life "abundantly" [John 10:10]. But how many of us experience even a small part of the abundant life Christ promised to those who are faithful to Him?
God desires to give us a marvelous beginning with salvation and a great ending in Glory --- with much in between. --- Dave Egner
Lord, thank You for all that You have done for me.
I commit myself to making the most of my spiritual journey.
I want to experience as much as I can of You and all
You have to offer to me. Amen.
A LIFE GIVEN FULLY TO GOD BECOMES A GOD-FILLED LIFE.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Rosetta Stone
Read: Ephesians 3:1-7
The mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, ... has now been revealed by the Spirit. --- Ephesians 3:4-5
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 117-118
For centuries, the hieroglyphic word pictures painted on Egyptian ruins were a mystery. Then in 1799 a French archaeological expedition at the Egyptian harbor of Rosetta discovered an ancient stone. It weighed 1,676 pounds and reflected beautiful dark gray, blue, and pink hues. But that is not what made it valuable.
The stone was inscribed with an identical message in different ancient scripts. Among them were hieroglyphics and classical Greek. Using Greek to translate, scholars soon understood the meaning of the hieroglyphics. They were no longer a mystery.
The Bible has also contained an ancient mystery. For centuries, it seemed as if God's purposes were limited to the Jews. Yet with the appearance of Jesus of Nazareth, the promise to Abraham to bless the whole world came to light [Gen. 12:1-3]. Paul wrote: "The mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known ... has now been revealed by the Spirit" [Eph. 3:4-5]. God provides salvation to all people who repent and believe in His Son [Gal. 3:8-9, 28].
The revelation of the New Testament describes a glorious future when people from every ethnic group, nation, and language will share in the inheritance of the children of God [Rev. 5:9]. --- Dennis Fisher
O glorious mystery of love,
That I, a child of earth,
May dwell by faith with Christ above,
The Lamb of matchless worth! --- Christiansen
THE CHRISTIAN'S INHERITANCE IS GUARANTEED FOREVER!
The mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, ... has now been revealed by the Spirit. --- Ephesians 3:4-5
The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 117-118
For centuries, the hieroglyphic word pictures painted on Egyptian ruins were a mystery. Then in 1799 a French archaeological expedition at the Egyptian harbor of Rosetta discovered an ancient stone. It weighed 1,676 pounds and reflected beautiful dark gray, blue, and pink hues. But that is not what made it valuable.
The stone was inscribed with an identical message in different ancient scripts. Among them were hieroglyphics and classical Greek. Using Greek to translate, scholars soon understood the meaning of the hieroglyphics. They were no longer a mystery.
The Bible has also contained an ancient mystery. For centuries, it seemed as if God's purposes were limited to the Jews. Yet with the appearance of Jesus of Nazareth, the promise to Abraham to bless the whole world came to light [Gen. 12:1-3]. Paul wrote: "The mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known ... has now been revealed by the Spirit" [Eph. 3:4-5]. God provides salvation to all people who repent and believe in His Son [Gal. 3:8-9, 28].
The revelation of the New Testament describes a glorious future when people from every ethnic group, nation, and language will share in the inheritance of the children of God [Rev. 5:9]. --- Dennis Fisher
O glorious mystery of love,
That I, a child of earth,
May dwell by faith with Christ above,
The Lamb of matchless worth! --- Christiansen
THE CHRISTIAN'S INHERITANCE IS GUARANTEED FOREVER!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Curiosity Or Compassion?
Read: John 9:1-12
[Jesus'] disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" --- John 9:2
The Bible In One Year:
Titus 1-3; Philemon
Proverbs 2:12-22
Why is it that when we hear about someone who is suffering, we are more interested in the details of what, why, when, and where than we are about how we can help?
When the disciples passed the blind beggar [John 9:1], their curiosity about why he was suffering out-weighed the prospect of reaching out to help him. "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" they asked [v.2]. Their pop-quiz for Jesus revealed that they were dreadfully out of step with their Master's heart. In fact, lurking beneath their question was a judgmental spirit --- a desire to know who to blame --- as if that would make anyone feel better!
Thankfully, Jesus modeled a compassionate response. Rather than speculation and condemnation, He marshaled His resources to help, which in this case meant complete healing. He made it clear that the man's blindness was intended to provide a moment for God to be magnified through Jesus' compassionate touch.
Feeling curious about somebody's problem? Shift into Jesus' mode and move past the point of curiosity to his or her point of need. Reach out and touch someone's pain. Show the compassionate love of Jesus in action. --- Joe Stowell
Amid the snares misfortune lays
Unseen, beneath the steps of all,
Blest is the Love that seeks to raise
And stay and strengthen those who fall. --- Bryant
DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS? REPLACE CURIOSITY WITH COMPASSION.
[Jesus'] disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" --- John 9:2
The Bible In One Year:
Titus 1-3; Philemon
Proverbs 2:12-22
Why is it that when we hear about someone who is suffering, we are more interested in the details of what, why, when, and where than we are about how we can help?
When the disciples passed the blind beggar [John 9:1], their curiosity about why he was suffering out-weighed the prospect of reaching out to help him. "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" they asked [v.2]. Their pop-quiz for Jesus revealed that they were dreadfully out of step with their Master's heart. In fact, lurking beneath their question was a judgmental spirit --- a desire to know who to blame --- as if that would make anyone feel better!
Thankfully, Jesus modeled a compassionate response. Rather than speculation and condemnation, He marshaled His resources to help, which in this case meant complete healing. He made it clear that the man's blindness was intended to provide a moment for God to be magnified through Jesus' compassionate touch.
Feeling curious about somebody's problem? Shift into Jesus' mode and move past the point of curiosity to his or her point of need. Reach out and touch someone's pain. Show the compassionate love of Jesus in action. --- Joe Stowell
Amid the snares misfortune lays
Unseen, beneath the steps of all,
Blest is the Love that seeks to raise
And stay and strengthen those who fall. --- Bryant
DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS? REPLACE CURIOSITY WITH COMPASSION.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Read A Book
Read: Jer. 36:1-8, 21-26
Write ... all the words that I have spoken to you ... that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. --- Jeremiah 36:2-3
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 13-15
Proverbs 2:1-11
The American Library Association has designated this week as Banned Books Week in celebration of the freedom to read and to express one's opinion "even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular."
The Bible is the all-time bestselling book, but in some parts of the world it is banned because it's considered dangerous. The Bible is dangerous, however, only to those who fear finding out that they are wrong. It's dangerous to those who exploit the weak and the innocent, who use force to keep others enslaved in poverty and ignorance, who don't want to give up their favorite sin, who believe that salvation can be found apart from Christ.
No one wants to be told they are wrong. No one wants to hear that their behavior is putting themselves and those they love in danger or that God's patience will eventually wear out. Yet that was the message God told Jeremiah to write [Jer. 36:2]. When His message was read to King Jehoiakim, the king cut up the scroll and threw it into the fire [v.23].
The only way to know we are right is to be willing to discover where we are wrong. Read the all-time bestselling banned books, and let it reveal to you the truth about God --- and about yourself. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Lord Jesus, show Thyself to me
In very truth and deed;
Help me to find, O Christ, in Thee,
More than my deepest need. --- Clarkson
THE BIBLE SHOWS US A PICTURE OF WHO ARE REALLY ARE.
Write ... all the words that I have spoken to you ... that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. --- Jeremiah 36:2-3
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 13-15
Proverbs 2:1-11
The American Library Association has designated this week as Banned Books Week in celebration of the freedom to read and to express one's opinion "even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular."
The Bible is the all-time bestselling book, but in some parts of the world it is banned because it's considered dangerous. The Bible is dangerous, however, only to those who fear finding out that they are wrong. It's dangerous to those who exploit the weak and the innocent, who use force to keep others enslaved in poverty and ignorance, who don't want to give up their favorite sin, who believe that salvation can be found apart from Christ.
No one wants to be told they are wrong. No one wants to hear that their behavior is putting themselves and those they love in danger or that God's patience will eventually wear out. Yet that was the message God told Jeremiah to write [Jer. 36:2]. When His message was read to King Jehoiakim, the king cut up the scroll and threw it into the fire [v.23].
The only way to know we are right is to be willing to discover where we are wrong. Read the all-time bestselling banned books, and let it reveal to you the truth about God --- and about yourself. --- Julie Ackerman Link
Lord Jesus, show Thyself to me
In very truth and deed;
Help me to find, O Christ, in Thee,
More than my deepest need. --- Clarkson
THE BIBLE SHOWS US A PICTURE OF WHO ARE REALLY ARE.
Friday, October 02, 2009
For A Limited Time
Read: James 4:13-17
You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. --- James 4:14
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 10-12
Proverbs 1:20-33
On a crisp October morning, our local newspaper featured a stunning photo of sun-drenched aspen trees whose leaves had turned autumn gold. The caption read: FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY. The irresistible invitation to take a drive through the mountains to savor the brilliant colors conveyed the urgency of doing it quickly. Autumn leaves that are golden today are often gone tomorrow.
Our opportunities to obey God's promptings are also fleeting. James warned against an arrogance that assumes endless days will be available to carry out our good intentions. "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away .... Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" [4:14,17].
Is there an act of kindness or encouragement that God has urged you to do for someone in His name? How long has it been since that first prompting? With so many demands on our time, the urgent tasks demand our attention while the important things can be postponed. But a time will come when even the important can no longer be done.
When we follow God's urging with our action now, today will be golden. --- David McCasland
If God is prompting you today
To help someone who has a need,
Don't hesitate, the time is short;
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. --- Sper
DOING WHAT'S RIGHT TODAY MEANS NO REGRETS TOMORROW.
You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. --- James 4:14
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 10-12
Proverbs 1:20-33
On a crisp October morning, our local newspaper featured a stunning photo of sun-drenched aspen trees whose leaves had turned autumn gold. The caption read: FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY. The irresistible invitation to take a drive through the mountains to savor the brilliant colors conveyed the urgency of doing it quickly. Autumn leaves that are golden today are often gone tomorrow.
Our opportunities to obey God's promptings are also fleeting. James warned against an arrogance that assumes endless days will be available to carry out our good intentions. "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away .... Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" [4:14,17].
Is there an act of kindness or encouragement that God has urged you to do for someone in His name? How long has it been since that first prompting? With so many demands on our time, the urgent tasks demand our attention while the important things can be postponed. But a time will come when even the important can no longer be done.
When we follow God's urging with our action now, today will be golden. --- David McCasland
If God is prompting you today
To help someone who has a need,
Don't hesitate, the time is short;
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. --- Sper
DOING WHAT'S RIGHT TODAY MEANS NO REGRETS TOMORROW.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Cardboard Kids
Read: Proverbs 1:8-19
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. --- Proverbs 1:10
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 7-9
Proverbs 1:8-19
When Mike Wood began to advertise his sign company, he didn't know how useful his work would become. Some of his signs were lifesize cardboard pictures of kids, which he put close to the street.
Besides advertising his business, the signs had another effect. Motorists thought the cutouts were real children and began to drop their speed. Now Mike sells the cardboard kids to parents who want to slow down speeding drivers in their area. Mike said, "We truly hope that some of our standups help to control speeding in neighborhoods around the country."
Parents work at protecting their children from physical danger. But there are other dangers as well. Solomon, the writer of Proverbs 1, was concerned about the people who would pose spiritual danger to his son. He warned him about those who would entice him to do evil [vv. 10-14] and told him, "Do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil" [vv. 15-16].
We need to protect our children by teaching them God's Word and training them to avoid evil influences. Busy streets are hazardous for our children, but the enticement of taking an evil path is far more dangerous. --- Anne Cetas
Children are a heritage,
A gift from God above;
He asks you to protect and care
And nourish them with love. --- Hess
TOMORROW'S WORLD WILL BE SHAPED BY WHAT WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN TODAY.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. --- Proverbs 1:10
The Bible In One Year:
Jeremiah 7-9
Proverbs 1:8-19
When Mike Wood began to advertise his sign company, he didn't know how useful his work would become. Some of his signs were lifesize cardboard pictures of kids, which he put close to the street.
Besides advertising his business, the signs had another effect. Motorists thought the cutouts were real children and began to drop their speed. Now Mike sells the cardboard kids to parents who want to slow down speeding drivers in their area. Mike said, "We truly hope that some of our standups help to control speeding in neighborhoods around the country."
Parents work at protecting their children from physical danger. But there are other dangers as well. Solomon, the writer of Proverbs 1, was concerned about the people who would pose spiritual danger to his son. He warned him about those who would entice him to do evil [vv. 10-14] and told him, "Do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil" [vv. 15-16].
We need to protect our children by teaching them God's Word and training them to avoid evil influences. Busy streets are hazardous for our children, but the enticement of taking an evil path is far more dangerous. --- Anne Cetas
Children are a heritage,
A gift from God above;
He asks you to protect and care
And nourish them with love. --- Hess
TOMORROW'S WORLD WILL BE SHAPED BY WHAT WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN TODAY.
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