The Trouble With Breathing
READ: Psalm 104:24-35
In Him we live and move and have our being.
An old mountain man had this philosophy of life: I’m not worried so much about the time I die as the place. If I ever find out where that spot is, I’ll just stay away from it.”
Well, he is right about one thing. It makes good sense to avoid things that harm us—like walking across busy freeways or taunting 6' 9" 325-pound football players.
But one thing is gradually killing us, and there’s nothing we can do to avoid it.
Breathing.
That’s right—breathing! With every breath we take, we shorten our lives a little bit.
You don’t have to be in pre-med to know that we need oxygen to survive. But scientists have discovered that in the process of converting food to energy, the oxygen we breathe produces nasty little byproducts called oxygen radicals. (They’re even more dangerous than campus radicals!) These little guys make us age. So, the more we breathe, the more we age, and the closer we come to death.
Unfortunately, the alternative is even worse. Stop breathing to end the aging process—and you will. But you won’t live to tell about it!
In a sense, God is like oxygen. We can’t live without Him. We couldn’t lift a pencil or take a morsel of food if He didn’t keep our hearts pumping. “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
But God has also decreed physical death as the consequence of sin, and He will make sure that it comes. Trying to get away from Him is as futile as stopping breathing so you don’t die from oxygen radicals.
Let’s face it. Unless Jesus returns beforehand, we’re all going to die. For you, it may be 70 years away, or it could be the next time you cross a street. The time to get ready is now! Get on good terms with God by accepting Jesus as your Savior. Then you can stop worrying about oxygen radicals. —Mart De Haan
REFLECTION
•Nobody likes to think about dying. But what am I avoiding if I don’t think about it?
•If I die, will I go to heaven? How can I be sure?
campus journal
Saturday, August 31, 2002
Friday, August 30, 2002
Fill a Bucket, Lord
By Cathy Irvin
Let's go to the River of God by spending good quiet time with Him. Let's drink until we are full. Jesus said that if we are thirsty, He alone could satisfy the deepest longing of our souls.
What kind of life is so satisfying? We usually think that if we make a difference in this world that our life will have meaning and purpose. That is good and true. However, it is not that we did our job well, as important as it is. It is also not that we helped someone, which is really important, that makes us feel so special. This still isn't total fulfillment. Do you know what is? It is when we please our Father in heaven in WHATEVER we say or do. Our purpose in life is to glorify our Father God.
Did we pray and have fellowship with the Lord today? Did we read His Word and gain insight for our spiritual walk? If we didn't, we will not grow in the things of the Lord. If we are not drinking from the river of Life, which is Jesus, then we won't be of much use to anyone or ourselves.
There was a message in our chapel and the minister exhorted us by asking, "Are you Thirsty? Are you Empty?" We all need to be refreshed in the Lord whether we are a new Christian or one that has walked in Christianity for a while. Even if we are in the five-fold ministry (apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher, and evangelist), we all need more of the Lord.
My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? (Psalm 42:2 Amplified Bible).
I was reminded of the song, Fill My Cup Lord. I decided not to hold up a cup like the song says, "Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul." I decided to hold up a BUCKET! I want to be filled up, spilled out and overflowing. I don't want any more dryness and emptiness. I will not continue going through the motions of being a Christian. Let me be like a child in the rain running and laughing and feeling refreshed.
Oh God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek you; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is (Psalm 63:1 Amplified Bible).
I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (Psalm 143:6 Amplified Bible).
We had a storm about a week ago. My son, who is 35 years old, is a very mature, serious, yet fun loving guy. He put on some shorts and an old shirt and ran outside. He let the rain pour all over him. When I walked in the kitchen, he came in with a towel and said, "That sure felt refreshing!" He was dripping wet. I mean really drenched! What we do in the natural, like getting soaked in the rain, we need to do in the spiritual realm. We need to be refreshed, revived and filled up if we are to minister to the Lord, to others, and to ourselves.
Let's go to the River of God by spending good quiet time with Him. Let's drink until we are full. Jesus said that if we are thirsty, He alone could satisfy the deepest longing of our souls.
Jesus answered, …but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13,14 NIV).
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
Let's go to the River of God by spending good quiet time with Him. Let's drink until we are full. Jesus said that if we are thirsty, He alone could satisfy the deepest longing of our souls.
What kind of life is so satisfying? We usually think that if we make a difference in this world that our life will have meaning and purpose. That is good and true. However, it is not that we did our job well, as important as it is. It is also not that we helped someone, which is really important, that makes us feel so special. This still isn't total fulfillment. Do you know what is? It is when we please our Father in heaven in WHATEVER we say or do. Our purpose in life is to glorify our Father God.
Did we pray and have fellowship with the Lord today? Did we read His Word and gain insight for our spiritual walk? If we didn't, we will not grow in the things of the Lord. If we are not drinking from the river of Life, which is Jesus, then we won't be of much use to anyone or ourselves.
There was a message in our chapel and the minister exhorted us by asking, "Are you Thirsty? Are you Empty?" We all need to be refreshed in the Lord whether we are a new Christian or one that has walked in Christianity for a while. Even if we are in the five-fold ministry (apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher, and evangelist), we all need more of the Lord.
My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? (Psalm 42:2 Amplified Bible).
I was reminded of the song, Fill My Cup Lord. I decided not to hold up a cup like the song says, "Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul." I decided to hold up a BUCKET! I want to be filled up, spilled out and overflowing. I don't want any more dryness and emptiness. I will not continue going through the motions of being a Christian. Let me be like a child in the rain running and laughing and feeling refreshed.
Oh God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek you; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is (Psalm 63:1 Amplified Bible).
I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (Psalm 143:6 Amplified Bible).
We had a storm about a week ago. My son, who is 35 years old, is a very mature, serious, yet fun loving guy. He put on some shorts and an old shirt and ran outside. He let the rain pour all over him. When I walked in the kitchen, he came in with a towel and said, "That sure felt refreshing!" He was dripping wet. I mean really drenched! What we do in the natural, like getting soaked in the rain, we need to do in the spiritual realm. We need to be refreshed, revived and filled up if we are to minister to the Lord, to others, and to ourselves.
Let's go to the River of God by spending good quiet time with Him. Let's drink until we are full. Jesus said that if we are thirsty, He alone could satisfy the deepest longing of our souls.
Jesus answered, …but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13,14 NIV).
cbn
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Changes: God's Opportunity to Bless
By Martha Noebel
We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us!
We all experience changes in our lives. From day to day we need God to help us get through whatever may come our way. Some days we are shouting, "Praise God!" while others we may be crying out saying, "I need a miracle!" Whatever the day may bring, changes will come and we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.
I was in a chapel service recently and I kept thinking about all the changes that were going on in my life. The daily challenges that my husband and I have in our home with raising two teenagers, the constant changes with our jobs, and the world around us in general -- these all speak of changes.
As I thought about it, I felt God drop this "pearl" into my heart. It is the acronym for the word "changes":
Christ
Has
A
New
Gift
Each
Second
Wow! We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us! Each moment contains a "gift from God" if we want to look for it. It can be in a smile from someone at work, an encouraging word from a friend, God's Word speaking to your heart, or a pat on the back from your boss. The list can be endless. Let's not overlook the obvious ones, like a promotion, good report cards for your children, being a "hero" in the eyes of a Sunday School child, an unexpected financial blessing, a whole week without something breaking in the house, or good health.
In Malachi 3:6, God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not...".
Isn't that comforting? With all of the changes, there is one thing that can not change -- God. This includes His great love for us. He also said in His Word,
"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence" (Hebrews 6:18, The Book).
What has God promised you? He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, no matter what. As it says in Psalm 94:14 of the King James Version of the Bible, "For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance." This same idea is repeated in the New Testament in Hebrews 13:5: "...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
So let the changes come. We will not walk in fear but in faith! We will trust God with all of the changes and know that He is more than able to help us and that He even has plans to bless us.
Every second, if need be, we can find a blessing. Changes can be our friends, so let's look for God in them.
cbn
By Martha Noebel
We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us!
We all experience changes in our lives. From day to day we need God to help us get through whatever may come our way. Some days we are shouting, "Praise God!" while others we may be crying out saying, "I need a miracle!" Whatever the day may bring, changes will come and we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.
I was in a chapel service recently and I kept thinking about all the changes that were going on in my life. The daily challenges that my husband and I have in our home with raising two teenagers, the constant changes with our jobs, and the world around us in general -- these all speak of changes.
As I thought about it, I felt God drop this "pearl" into my heart. It is the acronym for the word "changes":
Christ
Has
A
New
Gift
Each
Second
Wow! We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us! Each moment contains a "gift from God" if we want to look for it. It can be in a smile from someone at work, an encouraging word from a friend, God's Word speaking to your heart, or a pat on the back from your boss. The list can be endless. Let's not overlook the obvious ones, like a promotion, good report cards for your children, being a "hero" in the eyes of a Sunday School child, an unexpected financial blessing, a whole week without something breaking in the house, or good health.
In Malachi 3:6, God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not...".
Isn't that comforting? With all of the changes, there is one thing that can not change -- God. This includes His great love for us. He also said in His Word,
"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence" (Hebrews 6:18, The Book).
What has God promised you? He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, no matter what. As it says in Psalm 94:14 of the King James Version of the Bible, "For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance." This same idea is repeated in the New Testament in Hebrews 13:5: "...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
So let the changes come. We will not walk in fear but in faith! We will trust God with all of the changes and know that He is more than able to help us and that He even has plans to bless us.
Every second, if need be, we can find a blessing. Changes can be our friends, so let's look for God in them.
cbn
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
The Flip of a Coin
By Dan Betzer
We never know what the day may bring.
Their marriage lasted only one week. It ended suddenly, and not because of a quarrel or fight. It ended because of the flip of a coin.
The couple had been given a strange wedding gift--jet rides in a little two-seater that would accommodate only the pilot and one passenger. So they could not go up together, only one at a time. They flipped for it. The new husband went up first. It was great; he loved it.
Then it was his wife's turn and her groom videotaped the whole tragic ride. The plane made a low pass over the runway and the left wing fell off. The plane immediately spiraled to the ground, crashed and exploded.
The grieving husband said through his tears, "I saw the plane crash, and I was waiting to wake up from the worst dream!"
It was over in the blink of an eye. Except for the coin flip, it could have been him who was riding in the plane.
The Apostle James wrote, "We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Our lives are as morning vapor that appears for a short time in the early morning, and with the rising of the sun, dissipates and is gone." And he added, "For that we ought to say, If the Lord will, I will do this or that."
The simplest things can change our lives in a second. My friend, we cannot just hide in a closed and locked building, fearful of circumstances. We must be about our Father's business every day. And we must be ready to meet God at any moment.
I do not know the spiritual state of the young bride who died in that plane crash. But one thing is sure: When that wing broke off and the jet began its fatal plunge that only lasted a couple seconds, it was too late for eternal spiritual preparation.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
We never know what the day may bring.
Their marriage lasted only one week. It ended suddenly, and not because of a quarrel or fight. It ended because of the flip of a coin.
The couple had been given a strange wedding gift--jet rides in a little two-seater that would accommodate only the pilot and one passenger. So they could not go up together, only one at a time. They flipped for it. The new husband went up first. It was great; he loved it.
Then it was his wife's turn and her groom videotaped the whole tragic ride. The plane made a low pass over the runway and the left wing fell off. The plane immediately spiraled to the ground, crashed and exploded.
The grieving husband said through his tears, "I saw the plane crash, and I was waiting to wake up from the worst dream!"
It was over in the blink of an eye. Except for the coin flip, it could have been him who was riding in the plane.
The Apostle James wrote, "We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Our lives are as morning vapor that appears for a short time in the early morning, and with the rising of the sun, dissipates and is gone." And he added, "For that we ought to say, If the Lord will, I will do this or that."
The simplest things can change our lives in a second. My friend, we cannot just hide in a closed and locked building, fearful of circumstances. We must be about our Father's business every day. And we must be ready to meet God at any moment.
I do not know the spiritual state of the young bride who died in that plane crash. But one thing is sure: When that wing broke off and the jet began its fatal plunge that only lasted a couple seconds, it was too late for eternal spiritual preparation.
cbn
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Copycats
By Kathy Schultz
God spoke to me and asked, "Whom was I copying"? Was it He? I have to admit that often my eyes look at the person beside me.
My five-year old granddaughter, Alexandra, was to sing with the children's choir. Her mom and I were thrilled, as we loved watching her. Our advice to her was "just watch Mrs. Justice," the choir director. She knew the song and had attended all the practices. She was ready. There she stood with her peers, ready to sing, and whom did she watch? It wasn't the choir director. It was the child standing next to her. The little girl tossed her hair back and forth, she was nervous. What did Alex do? She did the same thing, even down to the mannerisms. It was comical, but sad. She was singing the words, but not the way she should have because she was not looking at the director. "Copycat" is what we would have said when I was in elementary school.
Styles and times change, but other things do not. Adults, as well as, children are still "copycats."
God spoke to me and asked, "Whom was I copying"? Was it He? I have to admit that often my eyes look at the person beside me. That is not always wrong. Sometimes the person reflects Christ, but often I am imitating things that are not godly. Be imitators of Christ the Bible says.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is" (Romans 12:2 New Living Translation, The Book)
The Lord let me see that the problem was not in the copying, but in whom are you copying. He showed me my granddaughter would be copying others her entire life. This was only the beginning. As she went to school, she would be copying many things such as words and actions of her playmates, teachers, coaches, and many others. In fact, this was one of the ways she would learn. Some things she would copy would be beneficial and not others. Discernment and wisdom is what she needs and so do I.
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding" (Proverbs 3:13 KJV).
The Lord also made me aware not only was I copying others, but other people are copying me as well. Were my children and grandchildren seeing Christ in me? Was I a good role model? Was Christ living in me? I had to admit some of my behavior was not worth copying. This reminded me to keep my actions in line with what God wanted. The only way I knew to do that was to keep praying and reading His Word, being obedient to what God says. I will then stand in approval from God not others. I will become a "Copycat" of God…not others!
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version).
cbn
By Kathy Schultz
God spoke to me and asked, "Whom was I copying"? Was it He? I have to admit that often my eyes look at the person beside me.
My five-year old granddaughter, Alexandra, was to sing with the children's choir. Her mom and I were thrilled, as we loved watching her. Our advice to her was "just watch Mrs. Justice," the choir director. She knew the song and had attended all the practices. She was ready. There she stood with her peers, ready to sing, and whom did she watch? It wasn't the choir director. It was the child standing next to her. The little girl tossed her hair back and forth, she was nervous. What did Alex do? She did the same thing, even down to the mannerisms. It was comical, but sad. She was singing the words, but not the way she should have because she was not looking at the director. "Copycat" is what we would have said when I was in elementary school.
Styles and times change, but other things do not. Adults, as well as, children are still "copycats."
God spoke to me and asked, "Whom was I copying"? Was it He? I have to admit that often my eyes look at the person beside me. That is not always wrong. Sometimes the person reflects Christ, but often I am imitating things that are not godly. Be imitators of Christ the Bible says.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is" (Romans 12:2 New Living Translation, The Book)
The Lord let me see that the problem was not in the copying, but in whom are you copying. He showed me my granddaughter would be copying others her entire life. This was only the beginning. As she went to school, she would be copying many things such as words and actions of her playmates, teachers, coaches, and many others. In fact, this was one of the ways she would learn. Some things she would copy would be beneficial and not others. Discernment and wisdom is what she needs and so do I.
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding" (Proverbs 3:13 KJV).
The Lord also made me aware not only was I copying others, but other people are copying me as well. Were my children and grandchildren seeing Christ in me? Was I a good role model? Was Christ living in me? I had to admit some of my behavior was not worth copying. This reminded me to keep my actions in line with what God wanted. The only way I knew to do that was to keep praying and reading His Word, being obedient to what God says. I will then stand in approval from God not others. I will become a "Copycat" of God…not others!
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version).
cbn
Monday, August 26, 2002
Divider Of People
Read: Luke 12:49-53
Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. —Luke 12:51
The Boston Red Sox were battling the rival New York Yankees for the division title during the 2001 baseball season—and the race was tight. So when Boston lost six games out of eight, the manager was abruptly fired and his job was given to the pitching coach. Some players and fans applauded the move; others felt it was a terrible mistake. Both sides were very vocal with their opinions.
Whoever said "a call for a decision is a cause for division" was right. Choice involves change, and change makes some people uncomfortable.
Jesus said that a decision to follow Him would mean changes in relationships. "From now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son . . . , mother against daughter" (Luke 12:52-53).
Your friends or family may misunderstand you after you start living for Christ. Some may accuse you of thinking you're too good for them. Others may shun you.
In that way, Jesus is a divider of families, friends, and co-workers. It hurts to be ridiculed or rejected by those close to you, but Jesus said it would happen.
Yes, Christ is a divider of people—but you are united with Him, and He will never leave you. —DCE
Your choice to follow Jesus Christ
Some people will not understand;
Still others will resent the change—
But have no fear, He'll hold your hand. —Egner
When we walk with the Lord, we'll be out of step with the world.
daily bread
Read: Luke 12:49-53
Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. —Luke 12:51
The Boston Red Sox were battling the rival New York Yankees for the division title during the 2001 baseball season—and the race was tight. So when Boston lost six games out of eight, the manager was abruptly fired and his job was given to the pitching coach. Some players and fans applauded the move; others felt it was a terrible mistake. Both sides were very vocal with their opinions.
Whoever said "a call for a decision is a cause for division" was right. Choice involves change, and change makes some people uncomfortable.
Jesus said that a decision to follow Him would mean changes in relationships. "From now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son . . . , mother against daughter" (Luke 12:52-53).
Your friends or family may misunderstand you after you start living for Christ. Some may accuse you of thinking you're too good for them. Others may shun you.
In that way, Jesus is a divider of families, friends, and co-workers. It hurts to be ridiculed or rejected by those close to you, but Jesus said it would happen.
Yes, Christ is a divider of people—but you are united with Him, and He will never leave you. —DCE
Your choice to follow Jesus Christ
Some people will not understand;
Still others will resent the change—
But have no fear, He'll hold your hand. —Egner
When we walk with the Lord, we'll be out of step with the world.
daily bread
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Memory Impaired?
Read: Psalm 119:1-16
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. —Psalm 119:11
In a world of cell phones and speed dialing, our ability to remember may be short-circuited by reliance on technological gadgets. A Los Angeles Times article says that in years past, as we dialed phone numbers, the "repetition . . . slowly etched them in long-term memory." Daily use provided constant review. I used to know all the numbers for family and friends, but today all I need to do is press a button.
Letting a phone number slip our minds may be trivial, but keeping a mental grip on God's Word is of the utmost importance. Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators ministry, said that the three principles of Scripture memory are: Review! Review! Review! He urged memorizing the reference with the text and believed that anyone who learned a verse and reviewed it daily for 7 weeks would never forget it.
The psalmist said, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. . . . I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. . . . I will not forget Your Word" (Psalm 119:11,15-16).
The goal of etching Scripture in our minds is to have it fill our hearts and motivate our actions. Memorizing opens the mental door to God's Word. Review gives it a permanent home in our hearts. —DCM
Putting It Into Practice
Don't wait—start memorizing Scripture today.
Begin with small portions at first, then add new verses. Remember: Review! Review! Review!
Deposit God's Word in your memory bank, and you'll draw interest for life.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 119:1-16
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. —Psalm 119:11
In a world of cell phones and speed dialing, our ability to remember may be short-circuited by reliance on technological gadgets. A Los Angeles Times article says that in years past, as we dialed phone numbers, the "repetition . . . slowly etched them in long-term memory." Daily use provided constant review. I used to know all the numbers for family and friends, but today all I need to do is press a button.
Letting a phone number slip our minds may be trivial, but keeping a mental grip on God's Word is of the utmost importance. Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators ministry, said that the three principles of Scripture memory are: Review! Review! Review! He urged memorizing the reference with the text and believed that anyone who learned a verse and reviewed it daily for 7 weeks would never forget it.
The psalmist said, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. . . . I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. . . . I will not forget Your Word" (Psalm 119:11,15-16).
The goal of etching Scripture in our minds is to have it fill our hearts and motivate our actions. Memorizing opens the mental door to God's Word. Review gives it a permanent home in our hearts. —DCM
Putting It Into Practice
Don't wait—start memorizing Scripture today.
Begin with small portions at first, then add new verses. Remember: Review! Review! Review!
Deposit God's Word in your memory bank, and you'll draw interest for life.
daily bread
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Breaking Free
By Charlene Israel
Don't be limited by chains of a wrong mindset. Get free with God's Word!
Do you ever feel like you are limited? Have you ever felt that God can use others but not you? Do you think of ways to be more effective for the Lord, but you never act on them?
In the words of my pastor during a recent sermon, "A lot of God's people have chains limiting them." He related the story of an elephant that had been chained since childhood. When the elephant grew into an adult, the still-chained animal had the mindset "This is as far as I can go."
As I listened to this story, I began to see that as a Christian, I had been limited in many areas of my life. I was not going far in my walk with God.
The definition of the word limit is "the point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed." It is as if the enemy of my soul has drawn a line in the sand of my life and dares me to cross it. He lies to me, saying, "You are a nobody going nowhere." He does not want me to know the truth: that I can be free and that God has a destiny for me to fulfill. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32, KJV).
For most of my life I struggled with chains of rejection, fear and intimidation. Only recently did I begin to recognize that every link in each chain was a lie limiting me, binding me, and grounding my potential. As I looked in the Scriptures, I began to see that my Heavenly Father loved me and had a great plan for my life.
The adult elephant remained bound because it did not know that it had the ability to break free. It was trained as a baby to be bound, and it carried that mindset into adulthood. As the redeemed of the Lord, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to the truth of God's Word.
It says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (NAS). If we do not know that we can be free; then we never will be.
To break free of things that have held us back, we must use the power of God's Word to destroy the chains. God's Word is anointed to demolish chains of limitation that pull on us and hold us in bondage. Just having head knowledge of God's Word will not free us. We must have heart knowledge of it. We have to meditate upon God's Word, pray God's Word, and hide it in our hearts. We must use it for the weapon that it is. The Holy Bible says that we are to put on the whole armor of God, and part of the armor is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). God wants us to use His Word to cut away the chains of limitation.
At this stage in my life, I am putting God's Word into practice. I am now walking in the light and I am agreeing with God that everything He says about me is true. I am saying, "Lord be it unto me according to Your Word and my declaration."
As a child of God you do not have to be limited. You can be all that God wants you to be and do all that He has called you to do. When thoughts of fear and intimidation try to hold you back, dare to agree with God. Find and meditate on Scriptures that will help you to see yourself as God sees you.
As you begin the process of hiding God's Word in your heart and speaking it out of your mouth, remember: "But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32, KJV).
Do not allow the enemy to hold you back from the purposes and plans God has for you. God can and wants to use you. Begin to dream big, for we serve a big God, and He has more in store for you than you could ever imagine. Tell the devil, "God is with me, God is for me, and I am breaking free!"
cbn
By Charlene Israel
Don't be limited by chains of a wrong mindset. Get free with God's Word!
Do you ever feel like you are limited? Have you ever felt that God can use others but not you? Do you think of ways to be more effective for the Lord, but you never act on them?
In the words of my pastor during a recent sermon, "A lot of God's people have chains limiting them." He related the story of an elephant that had been chained since childhood. When the elephant grew into an adult, the still-chained animal had the mindset "This is as far as I can go."
As I listened to this story, I began to see that as a Christian, I had been limited in many areas of my life. I was not going far in my walk with God.
The definition of the word limit is "the point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed." It is as if the enemy of my soul has drawn a line in the sand of my life and dares me to cross it. He lies to me, saying, "You are a nobody going nowhere." He does not want me to know the truth: that I can be free and that God has a destiny for me to fulfill. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32, KJV).
For most of my life I struggled with chains of rejection, fear and intimidation. Only recently did I begin to recognize that every link in each chain was a lie limiting me, binding me, and grounding my potential. As I looked in the Scriptures, I began to see that my Heavenly Father loved me and had a great plan for my life.
The adult elephant remained bound because it did not know that it had the ability to break free. It was trained as a baby to be bound, and it carried that mindset into adulthood. As the redeemed of the Lord, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to the truth of God's Word.
It says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (NAS). If we do not know that we can be free; then we never will be.
To break free of things that have held us back, we must use the power of God's Word to destroy the chains. God's Word is anointed to demolish chains of limitation that pull on us and hold us in bondage. Just having head knowledge of God's Word will not free us. We must have heart knowledge of it. We have to meditate upon God's Word, pray God's Word, and hide it in our hearts. We must use it for the weapon that it is. The Holy Bible says that we are to put on the whole armor of God, and part of the armor is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). God wants us to use His Word to cut away the chains of limitation.
At this stage in my life, I am putting God's Word into practice. I am now walking in the light and I am agreeing with God that everything He says about me is true. I am saying, "Lord be it unto me according to Your Word and my declaration."
As a child of God you do not have to be limited. You can be all that God wants you to be and do all that He has called you to do. When thoughts of fear and intimidation try to hold you back, dare to agree with God. Find and meditate on Scriptures that will help you to see yourself as God sees you.
As you begin the process of hiding God's Word in your heart and speaking it out of your mouth, remember: "But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32, KJV).
Do not allow the enemy to hold you back from the purposes and plans God has for you. God can and wants to use you. Begin to dream big, for we serve a big God, and He has more in store for you than you could ever imagine. Tell the devil, "God is with me, God is for me, and I am breaking free!"
cbn
Friday, August 23, 2002
A Sorry State of Affairs
The most difficult word to pronounce in the English language isn't "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." It isn't "antidiestablimentarianism" either. The most difficult word to pronounce has only five letters, but it's a real tongue twister. It must be. Why else would so many of us have such a hard time saying it?
The word? "S-o-r-r-y."
Now, you would think a word that size would be a cinch to pronounce, but it isn't. Some people won't even attempt to say it. Others practically choke on each syllable. Even some of thos who do get it our are so unsure of the pronunciation that they merely whisper it.
"Sorry" isn't always hard to say, though. There are some occasions when it just rolls right off our tongues. distinct as you please. This usually happens when the word is used in one of the following sentences:
"Are you ready to say you're sorry?"
"You're the one who should be sorry."
"Your're sorry? Well, you certainly should be sorry!"
When the word is used in that context, the correct pronunciation comes easily. The accent falls in exactly the right places. There's no stuttering or hesitation whatsoever.
But change the accompanying word "you" to an "I," and you'd think sorry was a foreign expression. People start mumbling, stammering, coughing.
We really should practice saying "I'm sorry" as much as we can. It's one of the most powerful phrases in the English language. It can heal broken friendships and broken families. It might even be a big step toward world peace.
Given its power, you'd think we'd use it a lot more often than we do.
Thoughts to Ponder:
Why do you think the word sorry is so hard to say sometimes?
Do you know any broken relationships that could be mended by the use of the word sorry?
Scripture to Stand On:
"Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance." 2 Corinthians 7:9
Bumper Sticker for the Day:
The way some people restrict their use of the word "sorry", you'd think it was on the endangered species list.
Hello Again, Lord...
Lord, help me to realize that getting out the word "Sorry" shouldn't require the Heimlich maneuver.
Martha Bolton
The most difficult word to pronounce in the English language isn't "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." It isn't "antidiestablimentarianism" either. The most difficult word to pronounce has only five letters, but it's a real tongue twister. It must be. Why else would so many of us have such a hard time saying it?
The word? "S-o-r-r-y."
Now, you would think a word that size would be a cinch to pronounce, but it isn't. Some people won't even attempt to say it. Others practically choke on each syllable. Even some of thos who do get it our are so unsure of the pronunciation that they merely whisper it.
"Sorry" isn't always hard to say, though. There are some occasions when it just rolls right off our tongues. distinct as you please. This usually happens when the word is used in one of the following sentences:
"Are you ready to say you're sorry?"
"You're the one who should be sorry."
"Your're sorry? Well, you certainly should be sorry!"
When the word is used in that context, the correct pronunciation comes easily. The accent falls in exactly the right places. There's no stuttering or hesitation whatsoever.
But change the accompanying word "you" to an "I," and you'd think sorry was a foreign expression. People start mumbling, stammering, coughing.
We really should practice saying "I'm sorry" as much as we can. It's one of the most powerful phrases in the English language. It can heal broken friendships and broken families. It might even be a big step toward world peace.
Given its power, you'd think we'd use it a lot more often than we do.
Thoughts to Ponder:
Why do you think the word sorry is so hard to say sometimes?
Do you know any broken relationships that could be mended by the use of the word sorry?
Scripture to Stand On:
"Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance." 2 Corinthians 7:9
Bumper Sticker for the Day:
The way some people restrict their use of the word "sorry", you'd think it was on the endangered species list.
Hello Again, Lord...
Lord, help me to realize that getting out the word "Sorry" shouldn't require the Heimlich maneuver.
Martha Bolton
Thursday, August 22, 2002
A Blessed Man
By Michael McCrary
In the scramble to send thank-you notes and otherwise do our bit to show gratitude, we forget to thank the Author of all the goodness we receive.
"You are a blessed man," he said to me just prior to leaving for the night.
I surveyed the scene -- smiling faces, piles of food, balloons, a birthday cake -- all around me the signs of blessing were manifest, and I was the beneficiary. My wife had carefully planned the surprise party -- complete with little white lies and long, secretive telephone conversation -- and her efforts had been rewarded. I had felt at once overwhelmed, embarrassed, and ecstatic. But mostly, I felt blessed.
I'm sure I felt much like the missionary who, early one December morning, opened his door to find that one of the villagers had brought him a present.
"This sea shell is beautiful, Rabu," he said, studying the object's rare shape and color. "But isn't the ocean at least five miles from the village?"
Bowing humbly and gracefully, his dark-skinned friend merely smiled and said, "Long walk part of gift."
My friend was right; I was blessed. Not because of the presents, the cake, or any of the festivities, but because of the long walk everyone had taken. Everyone there, my wife in particular, had gone well out of their way. Some had re-arranged their schedules. Some had helped buy food and put up decorations. Still others had traveled from out of town, driving three hours each way for a three-hour party. Some of the guests brought gifts, but the guests themselves would have been gift enough. And after the crowd had left, after the food had been stored and the lights put out, the thing that kept coming back to me was this - you are a blessed man. Hours later as I lay in bed, God began to show me the depths of that blessing.
It sometimes happens that, in the scramble to send thank-you notes and otherwise do our bit to show gratitude, we forget to thank the Author of all the goodness we receive. It was God who brought me my wife, and it was God who gave me loving friends and family. He put them in my life, and I ought to praise Him for it.
But God's gifts transcend the tangible. As thankful as I am for that which I can see, smell, and touch, I am most grateful for that which I rarely show my appreciation. "You lifted me out of the slimy pit, O God, out of the mud and mire; You set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40: 2).
For all the wonderful people in my life, for all the surprises and birthday wishes, God's greatest gift to me is my own salvation, which came in the form of Christ Himself. In order to deliver me from the slimy pit, Jesus endured the stench of a stable, the pain of betrayal, and the embarrassment of death on a cross. But it's not merely His death and resurrection for which I'm thankful. It's His life. Before Christ died for me, He lived for me. He laughed and wept, healed and taught, rode a donkey, carried a cross. As I study the rare gifts God has bestowed on me -- salvation, peace, joy, love -- I am reminded of this: His long walk up Calvary's hill is part of that gift.
cbn
By Michael McCrary
In the scramble to send thank-you notes and otherwise do our bit to show gratitude, we forget to thank the Author of all the goodness we receive.
"You are a blessed man," he said to me just prior to leaving for the night.
I surveyed the scene -- smiling faces, piles of food, balloons, a birthday cake -- all around me the signs of blessing were manifest, and I was the beneficiary. My wife had carefully planned the surprise party -- complete with little white lies and long, secretive telephone conversation -- and her efforts had been rewarded. I had felt at once overwhelmed, embarrassed, and ecstatic. But mostly, I felt blessed.
I'm sure I felt much like the missionary who, early one December morning, opened his door to find that one of the villagers had brought him a present.
"This sea shell is beautiful, Rabu," he said, studying the object's rare shape and color. "But isn't the ocean at least five miles from the village?"
Bowing humbly and gracefully, his dark-skinned friend merely smiled and said, "Long walk part of gift."
My friend was right; I was blessed. Not because of the presents, the cake, or any of the festivities, but because of the long walk everyone had taken. Everyone there, my wife in particular, had gone well out of their way. Some had re-arranged their schedules. Some had helped buy food and put up decorations. Still others had traveled from out of town, driving three hours each way for a three-hour party. Some of the guests brought gifts, but the guests themselves would have been gift enough. And after the crowd had left, after the food had been stored and the lights put out, the thing that kept coming back to me was this - you are a blessed man. Hours later as I lay in bed, God began to show me the depths of that blessing.
It sometimes happens that, in the scramble to send thank-you notes and otherwise do our bit to show gratitude, we forget to thank the Author of all the goodness we receive. It was God who brought me my wife, and it was God who gave me loving friends and family. He put them in my life, and I ought to praise Him for it.
But God's gifts transcend the tangible. As thankful as I am for that which I can see, smell, and touch, I am most grateful for that which I rarely show my appreciation. "You lifted me out of the slimy pit, O God, out of the mud and mire; You set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40: 2).
For all the wonderful people in my life, for all the surprises and birthday wishes, God's greatest gift to me is my own salvation, which came in the form of Christ Himself. In order to deliver me from the slimy pit, Jesus endured the stench of a stable, the pain of betrayal, and the embarrassment of death on a cross. But it's not merely His death and resurrection for which I'm thankful. It's His life. Before Christ died for me, He lived for me. He laughed and wept, healed and taught, rode a donkey, carried a cross. As I study the rare gifts God has bestowed on me -- salvation, peace, joy, love -- I am reminded of this: His long walk up Calvary's hill is part of that gift.
cbn
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Today's scripture is 2 Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
When you run into an impossible situation, a situation you simply don't have the strength or the ability to handle, are you often tempted to simply give up and accept defeat?Don't! Instead shout, "Glory!" because the Word says God's strength is about to be made perfect in you.
So, if you are facing a crisis today
If you're sick and medicine has failed you
If your finances are out of control
If your family is falling apart
If bad habits have you hope-lessly bound
If you've done absolutely all you know to do and you still haven't gotten results
Then rejoice! For when human strength ends, the power of God excels!
Only believe!
God's grace is sufficient for you!
bibleshack
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
When you run into an impossible situation, a situation you simply don't have the strength or the ability to handle, are you often tempted to simply give up and accept defeat?Don't! Instead shout, "Glory!" because the Word says God's strength is about to be made perfect in you.
So, if you are facing a crisis today
If you're sick and medicine has failed you
If your finances are out of control
If your family is falling apart
If bad habits have you hope-lessly bound
If you've done absolutely all you know to do and you still haven't gotten results
Then rejoice! For when human strength ends, the power of God excels!
Only believe!
God's grace is sufficient for you!
bibleshack
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Stay Protected
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. —Ephesians 6:11
My married daughter called from her home in another state to report some "bad news." She had two cavities in her previously flawless teeth.
I asked Lisa, "Does your city fluoridate its water?" A couple of days later, she called me to say that it did not. As a result, her teeth were more vulnerable to decay than when she grew up drinking fluoridated water.
Admittedly, this was not a great tragedy. Worse things can happen, but Lisa's dental problems can point us to a vital truth in our Christian lives.
We would be wise to do all we can to prevent tooth decay, but it's even more important that we do all we can to prevent Satan from harming us spiritually (1 Peter 5:8-9). To ignore the prescribed protection that God has made available to us is to ask for trouble much worse than holes in our teeth.
In Ephesians 6, Paul said that to be protected from Satan's attacks we need to "put on the whole armor of God" (v.11). Verses 14-18 tell us we must put on the belt of "truth," "the breastplate of righteousness," the shoes of "the gospel of peace," "the shield of faith," "the helmet of salvation," and "the sword of the Spirit," along with "all prayer."
With God's armor we can stand and stay protected! —JDB
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed,
His truth to triumph through us. —Luther
God's truth is the best protection against Satan's lies.
daily bread
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. —Ephesians 6:11
My married daughter called from her home in another state to report some "bad news." She had two cavities in her previously flawless teeth.
I asked Lisa, "Does your city fluoridate its water?" A couple of days later, she called me to say that it did not. As a result, her teeth were more vulnerable to decay than when she grew up drinking fluoridated water.
Admittedly, this was not a great tragedy. Worse things can happen, but Lisa's dental problems can point us to a vital truth in our Christian lives.
We would be wise to do all we can to prevent tooth decay, but it's even more important that we do all we can to prevent Satan from harming us spiritually (1 Peter 5:8-9). To ignore the prescribed protection that God has made available to us is to ask for trouble much worse than holes in our teeth.
In Ephesians 6, Paul said that to be protected from Satan's attacks we need to "put on the whole armor of God" (v.11). Verses 14-18 tell us we must put on the belt of "truth," "the breastplate of righteousness," the shoes of "the gospel of peace," "the shield of faith," "the helmet of salvation," and "the sword of the Spirit," along with "all prayer."
With God's armor we can stand and stay protected! —JDB
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed,
His truth to triumph through us. —Luther
God's truth is the best protection against Satan's lies.
daily bread
Monday, August 19, 2002
Joyful Noise?
Read: Ezekiel 21, 22, 23
"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises" (Psalm 98:4).
Everyone has his or her own opinion about what music is approved by God. Is some music bad?
Well, from a humanistic perspective, we know that children who have been raised hearing quality music-that's music with good rhythm, harmony, and balance-will have more intelligence and be more well-rounded. It has been proved that music somehow affects brain development.
From a personal perspective, I love all music. I can listen to anything from the classics to country to 50s music, which is what I grew up on. I do not like hard rock or heavy metal; the music's consistent beat agitates my spirit somehow.
As Christians, we can pray about what kind of music is honoring to God and what is displeasing to Him. As in all other areas of life, we must follow our convictions. What is all right for someone else may not be right for you. Pray about it.
"Praise H im with trumpet sound; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals" (Psalm 150:3-5).
Great is Thy Faithfulness by Larry Burkett
crosswalk
Read: Ezekiel 21, 22, 23
"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises" (Psalm 98:4).
Everyone has his or her own opinion about what music is approved by God. Is some music bad?
Well, from a humanistic perspective, we know that children who have been raised hearing quality music-that's music with good rhythm, harmony, and balance-will have more intelligence and be more well-rounded. It has been proved that music somehow affects brain development.
From a personal perspective, I love all music. I can listen to anything from the classics to country to 50s music, which is what I grew up on. I do not like hard rock or heavy metal; the music's consistent beat agitates my spirit somehow.
As Christians, we can pray about what kind of music is honoring to God and what is displeasing to Him. As in all other areas of life, we must follow our convictions. What is all right for someone else may not be right for you. Pray about it.
"Praise H im with trumpet sound; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals" (Psalm 150:3-5).
Great is Thy Faithfulness by Larry Burkett
crosswalk
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Convicted By My Own Words
Read: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10
I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord. —1 Chronicles 28:2
I poured my heart into worship ministries at church because I love helping people to connect Sunday worship with personal, daily worship. I served on committees and as a chaplain for choir and orchestra; I wrote weekly prayers for the worship folder and daily prayer prompters for each day's Bible reading; I worked with our worship pastor to plan services. Then he resigned.
When the search committee was formed to find his replacement, I was not asked to be on it, and I let it be known that I felt used and unappreciated. I tried to argue myself out of my bad attitude, but with little success. Then, while working on the next week's worship folder, I was stopped in my tracks by words I had written a year earlier. As I typed the prayer prompter to go with 1 Chronicles 25-29, which includes the account of David's unfulfilled desire to build the temple, my own words convicted me: "Pray that we will not be resentful when God gives to someone else the task we were hoping to do."
I immediately called the chairman of the search committee to confess my bad attitude and to promise that I would support him in the difficult task ahead. And I continue to do that because the work belongs to God, not to me! —JAL
Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. —Sper
Be faithful—and leave the results to God.
daily bread
Read: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10
I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord. —1 Chronicles 28:2
I poured my heart into worship ministries at church because I love helping people to connect Sunday worship with personal, daily worship. I served on committees and as a chaplain for choir and orchestra; I wrote weekly prayers for the worship folder and daily prayer prompters for each day's Bible reading; I worked with our worship pastor to plan services. Then he resigned.
When the search committee was formed to find his replacement, I was not asked to be on it, and I let it be known that I felt used and unappreciated. I tried to argue myself out of my bad attitude, but with little success. Then, while working on the next week's worship folder, I was stopped in my tracks by words I had written a year earlier. As I typed the prayer prompter to go with 1 Chronicles 25-29, which includes the account of David's unfulfilled desire to build the temple, my own words convicted me: "Pray that we will not be resentful when God gives to someone else the task we were hoping to do."
I immediately called the chairman of the search committee to confess my bad attitude and to promise that I would support him in the difficult task ahead. And I continue to do that because the work belongs to God, not to me! —JAL
Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. —Sper
Be faithful—and leave the results to God.
daily bread
Saturday, August 17, 2002
It's So Unfair!
Read: Malachi 1:1-5
"Was not Esau Jacob's brother?" says the Lord. "Yet Jacob I have loved; but Esau I have hated." —Malachi 1:2-3
We seem to use some things more than others—our mouths more than our ears, our stomachs more than our minds. We also seem to use the phrase "It's so unfair!" so much more often than "I'm so undeserving."
In Malachi 1:1-5, we read about God's love for Jacob and His hatred for Esau. On the surface it seems so unfair, especially when we think about the kind of person Jacob was. He deceived his father into giving him the blessing that should have gone to his older brother Esau (Genesis 27). It's easy to think of him as a "low-down schemer."
Was God unfair to love Jacob and hate Esau? Why was Esau undeserving of God's love? These are valid questions that are difficult to answer or explain. But have we considered a more basic question: Has anyone ever been deserving of God's love? God is perfect, and even in our best moments we still struggle with sin. Dare we think we are anything but undeserving?
We do not know why God chose to love Jacob. But we do know that none of us deserves God's love. Why does He love us so much that He sent His own Son to die for our sins? We can't explain it. All we can do is respond in gratitude to God's amazing grace and love. —AL
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? —Wesley
God's grace gives us what we don't deserve.
daily bread
Read: Malachi 1:1-5
"Was not Esau Jacob's brother?" says the Lord. "Yet Jacob I have loved; but Esau I have hated." —Malachi 1:2-3
We seem to use some things more than others—our mouths more than our ears, our stomachs more than our minds. We also seem to use the phrase "It's so unfair!" so much more often than "I'm so undeserving."
In Malachi 1:1-5, we read about God's love for Jacob and His hatred for Esau. On the surface it seems so unfair, especially when we think about the kind of person Jacob was. He deceived his father into giving him the blessing that should have gone to his older brother Esau (Genesis 27). It's easy to think of him as a "low-down schemer."
Was God unfair to love Jacob and hate Esau? Why was Esau undeserving of God's love? These are valid questions that are difficult to answer or explain. But have we considered a more basic question: Has anyone ever been deserving of God's love? God is perfect, and even in our best moments we still struggle with sin. Dare we think we are anything but undeserving?
We do not know why God chose to love Jacob. But we do know that none of us deserves God's love. Why does He love us so much that He sent His own Son to die for our sins? We can't explain it. All we can do is respond in gratitude to God's amazing grace and love. —AL
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? —Wesley
God's grace gives us what we don't deserve.
daily bread
"I Will"
Read: John 1:1-12
As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God. —John 1:12
An evangelist was trying to help a woman understand John 1:12, and what it means to receive Christ. "Your last name is Franklin, isn't it?" he asked. "Yes," she said. "How long has it been that?" "Ever since my husband and I were married 30 years ago." "Tell me," he said, "how did you become Mrs. Franklin?"
She paused. "It was at the wedding. The minister asked me, 'Will you have this man to be your lawful, wedded husband?' and I said, 'I will.' With those words I became his wife." "Didn't you say, 'I hope so,' or 'I'll try to take him as my husband'?" asked the evangelist. "No," replied the woman. "I said, 'I will,' and that's all there was to it."
The evangelist explained that God wanted her to receive Christ as her Savior in the same way. Finally she saw the point and exclaimed, "How simple!" Wondering why she hadn't said "I will" long before, right there she accepted Christ as her Savior, believing what the Bible says about Him—that Christ died for her sins.
Have you ever trusted the Lord Jesus Christ to save you? If not, right now say from your heart, "Lord Jesus, I will turn from my sin and receive You as my personal Savior." Those are the most important words you'll ever say. —RWD
Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open—enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way:
"Whosoever will may come." —Bliss
Faith is the hand that must take God's gift of salvation.
daily bread
Read: John 1:1-12
As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God. —John 1:12
An evangelist was trying to help a woman understand John 1:12, and what it means to receive Christ. "Your last name is Franklin, isn't it?" he asked. "Yes," she said. "How long has it been that?" "Ever since my husband and I were married 30 years ago." "Tell me," he said, "how did you become Mrs. Franklin?"
She paused. "It was at the wedding. The minister asked me, 'Will you have this man to be your lawful, wedded husband?' and I said, 'I will.' With those words I became his wife." "Didn't you say, 'I hope so,' or 'I'll try to take him as my husband'?" asked the evangelist. "No," replied the woman. "I said, 'I will,' and that's all there was to it."
The evangelist explained that God wanted her to receive Christ as her Savior in the same way. Finally she saw the point and exclaimed, "How simple!" Wondering why she hadn't said "I will" long before, right there she accepted Christ as her Savior, believing what the Bible says about Him—that Christ died for her sins.
Have you ever trusted the Lord Jesus Christ to save you? If not, right now say from your heart, "Lord Jesus, I will turn from my sin and receive You as my personal Savior." Those are the most important words you'll ever say. —RWD
Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open—enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way:
"Whosoever will may come." —Bliss
Faith is the hand that must take God's gift of salvation.
daily bread
Thursday, August 15, 2002
Bad Connections
It was one of those newspaper headlines you never forget: "Local pioneer in good health at the time of his death."
I couldn't help but wonder - if he was in such good health, why was he dead?
I'm sure the reporter didn't mean it the way it sounded. But miscommunications do happen. Someone says or does something that doesn't come across quite the way it was intended.
It's like wat sometimes happens at drive-through restaurants. You order a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke, but the server hears a fish sandwich, onion rings, two tacos and a chocolate shake.
Communication is important. It's important to speak clearly and listen carefully. Wars have broken out because of mere understandings. Friendships have been ruined, and over time marriages have failed because someone wasn't listening closely enough or communicating his or her thoughts clearly.
So before you respond, make sure you not only heard what was said, but also what was meant. And when you speak, make sure you're saying what you want to say.
After all, unless you're trying to rebuild the Tower of Babel, there's no reason not to communicate.
Thoughs to Ponder:
Have you ever misunderstood something that someone said?
Has someone ever misunderstood what you were trying to say?
Why do you thing it's important to listen to each other
Bumper Sticker for the Day:
A bad connection can create a lot of static in your life.
Scripture to Stand On:
"He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame." Prov.18:13
Hello Again, Lord...
Lord, help me to communicate better with those around me, and more often with You.
Martha Bolton
It was one of those newspaper headlines you never forget: "Local pioneer in good health at the time of his death."
I couldn't help but wonder - if he was in such good health, why was he dead?
I'm sure the reporter didn't mean it the way it sounded. But miscommunications do happen. Someone says or does something that doesn't come across quite the way it was intended.
It's like wat sometimes happens at drive-through restaurants. You order a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke, but the server hears a fish sandwich, onion rings, two tacos and a chocolate shake.
Communication is important. It's important to speak clearly and listen carefully. Wars have broken out because of mere understandings. Friendships have been ruined, and over time marriages have failed because someone wasn't listening closely enough or communicating his or her thoughts clearly.
So before you respond, make sure you not only heard what was said, but also what was meant. And when you speak, make sure you're saying what you want to say.
After all, unless you're trying to rebuild the Tower of Babel, there's no reason not to communicate.
Thoughs to Ponder:
Have you ever misunderstood something that someone said?
Has someone ever misunderstood what you were trying to say?
Why do you thing it's important to listen to each other
Bumper Sticker for the Day:
A bad connection can create a lot of static in your life.
Scripture to Stand On:
"He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame." Prov.18:13
Hello Again, Lord...
Lord, help me to communicate better with those around me, and more often with You.
Martha Bolton
Wednesday, August 14, 2002
Preta in the Pew
READ: Hebrews 10:19-25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:25
Unlike a lot of people, Preta goes to church every Sunday by himself. He leaves his home in Sobrado, Portugal, at 5 a.m. He walks barefoot 16 miles to get to church. When the church service is over, Preta makes the long walk home, accepting a ride only when he knows the driver. Impressive? Preta’s owner thinks so. Preta, you see, is of the canine persuasion.
When Reuters reported this pattern last year, it didn’t say who or what prompts this perky pup. But it did say that Preta has pumped up attendance in the pews. A plethora of parishioners go simply to get a peek at the pooch!
There are many reasons people attend church beyond seeing a dog in the sanctuary. A University of Michigan study found a relationship between the frequency of church attendance and the economy. When the economy is up, attendance is down. After 9-11, a rise in attendance was noted. Many people were drawn to church, most likely because they were desperate for answers in a world that suddenly seemed out of control. But did the trend continue? Not too surprisingly, no.
Some believers find it difficult to take the time to meet regularly with other Christians for worship and encouragement. Some find Sunday mornings to be an excellent time to catch up on sleep. Their bodies may be more invigorated, but their interest in a strong spiritual life may be nodding off.
Some believers in Christ have been hurt by someone in church. Others feel bitter or skeptical and turned off by hypocrites in the church. Some feel guilty about going to church on Sunday and living like an unbeliever the rest of the week. It’s easier to avoid getting that conscience-thing started.
We can use lots of excuses to avoid going to church. But when we desire to follow Christ, we must obey the instruction in Hebrews 10:25. We do this not out of obligation but because of Christ’s promise: “Where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). You’ll want to be there for that! —Cindy Kasper
REFLECTION
• How much time do I spend in prayer before I go to a service at my church?
• If I don’t “get something out of it,” do I feel that I’ve wasted my time? Why is that true or not true?
• Why do I need to meet with fellow Christians to maintain a healthy Christian life?
Church is a great place to go . . . and grow!
campus journal
READ: Hebrews 10:19-25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:25
Unlike a lot of people, Preta goes to church every Sunday by himself. He leaves his home in Sobrado, Portugal, at 5 a.m. He walks barefoot 16 miles to get to church. When the church service is over, Preta makes the long walk home, accepting a ride only when he knows the driver. Impressive? Preta’s owner thinks so. Preta, you see, is of the canine persuasion.
When Reuters reported this pattern last year, it didn’t say who or what prompts this perky pup. But it did say that Preta has pumped up attendance in the pews. A plethora of parishioners go simply to get a peek at the pooch!
There are many reasons people attend church beyond seeing a dog in the sanctuary. A University of Michigan study found a relationship between the frequency of church attendance and the economy. When the economy is up, attendance is down. After 9-11, a rise in attendance was noted. Many people were drawn to church, most likely because they were desperate for answers in a world that suddenly seemed out of control. But did the trend continue? Not too surprisingly, no.
Some believers find it difficult to take the time to meet regularly with other Christians for worship and encouragement. Some find Sunday mornings to be an excellent time to catch up on sleep. Their bodies may be more invigorated, but their interest in a strong spiritual life may be nodding off.
Some believers in Christ have been hurt by someone in church. Others feel bitter or skeptical and turned off by hypocrites in the church. Some feel guilty about going to church on Sunday and living like an unbeliever the rest of the week. It’s easier to avoid getting that conscience-thing started.
We can use lots of excuses to avoid going to church. But when we desire to follow Christ, we must obey the instruction in Hebrews 10:25. We do this not out of obligation but because of Christ’s promise: “Where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). You’ll want to be there for that! —Cindy Kasper
REFLECTION
• How much time do I spend in prayer before I go to a service at my church?
• If I don’t “get something out of it,” do I feel that I’ve wasted my time? Why is that true or not true?
• Why do I need to meet with fellow Christians to maintain a healthy Christian life?
Church is a great place to go . . . and grow!
campus journal
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
Open Door Open Heart
Read: Romans 12:9-16
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, . . . given to hospitality. —Romans 12:10,13
I traveled to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, to speak at a regional conference for pastors. It was one of those rare trips when everything went right. Planes arrived and left on time. No trouble getting through customs. I was treated warmly and graciously.
My hosts on Friday evening were my driver's family, and they extended to me the most generous hospitality. When I was dropped off at their small apartment, his wife and three of their children welcomed me. The oldest, a boy, and the two younger girls entertained me while their mother was finishing a nice but modest dinner that probably cost them a couple of weeks' food budget. Then the eldest daughter, 13-year-old Anastasia, came in from her drawing class. Soon she was showing me her portfolio, and she offered me a drawing. I chose one with two cats, which I knew my grandchildren would enjoy.
After dinner we went into a small room where the boy played his cello for me. Then Anastasia sang a song she had written, and afterward we all sang. For a visitor far from home, missing his loved ones, and keeping a grueling schedule, the warmth of that family was very special. When I think of their love and kindness, I ask God to make me as "given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13) as they were. —DCE
Putting It Into Practice
To whom can you show brotherly love
and hospitality? When and how will you
show love by meeting the needs of others?
Hospitality can fill the emptiness of a lonely heart.
daily bread
Read: Romans 12:9-16
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, . . . given to hospitality. —Romans 12:10,13
I traveled to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, to speak at a regional conference for pastors. It was one of those rare trips when everything went right. Planes arrived and left on time. No trouble getting through customs. I was treated warmly and graciously.
My hosts on Friday evening were my driver's family, and they extended to me the most generous hospitality. When I was dropped off at their small apartment, his wife and three of their children welcomed me. The oldest, a boy, and the two younger girls entertained me while their mother was finishing a nice but modest dinner that probably cost them a couple of weeks' food budget. Then the eldest daughter, 13-year-old Anastasia, came in from her drawing class. Soon she was showing me her portfolio, and she offered me a drawing. I chose one with two cats, which I knew my grandchildren would enjoy.
After dinner we went into a small room where the boy played his cello for me. Then Anastasia sang a song she had written, and afterward we all sang. For a visitor far from home, missing his loved ones, and keeping a grueling schedule, the warmth of that family was very special. When I think of their love and kindness, I ask God to make me as "given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13) as they were. —DCE
Putting It Into Practice
To whom can you show brotherly love
and hospitality? When and how will you
show love by meeting the needs of others?
Hospitality can fill the emptiness of a lonely heart.
daily bread
Monday, August 12, 2002
57 Cents
By Dan Betzer
Discover the power of giving in this incredible, true story.
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church. It was so crowded she couldn't get inside. She saw her pastor nearby and cried, "I can't go to Sunday School!"
Seeing her shabby appearance, the pastor took her by the hand and found a place for her in her classroom. The little girl was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.
Two years later, the child died in a wretched tenement building. The parents called for the pastor who had so befriended her earlier. They found her worn, crumpled purse with 57 cents in it and this note: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."
That 57 cents represented two years of saving and work.
The next Sunday, the pastor carried the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit and told the story. He challenged his people to get busy and equal that child's dedication.
A newspaper got the story and published it. A realtor read the story and gave them a huge parcel of land. Checks started coming from far and wide.
Within five years the gift of 57 cents had increased to hundreds of thousands of dollars -- and this was a hundred years ago!
A beautiful church was built. Next time you're in Philadelphia, visit Temple Baptist Church, which seats thousands, and also visit Temple University, where thousands of students are trained. Visit a Sunday School building that houses hundreds of children.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents so sacrificially saved made such remarkable history. Alongside her picture is a portrait of her pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, the man who wrote "Acres of Diamonds."
What could God do with your sacrificial gift to Him today?
cbn
By Dan Betzer
Discover the power of giving in this incredible, true story.
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church. It was so crowded she couldn't get inside. She saw her pastor nearby and cried, "I can't go to Sunday School!"
Seeing her shabby appearance, the pastor took her by the hand and found a place for her in her classroom. The little girl was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.
Two years later, the child died in a wretched tenement building. The parents called for the pastor who had so befriended her earlier. They found her worn, crumpled purse with 57 cents in it and this note: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."
That 57 cents represented two years of saving and work.
The next Sunday, the pastor carried the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit and told the story. He challenged his people to get busy and equal that child's dedication.
A newspaper got the story and published it. A realtor read the story and gave them a huge parcel of land. Checks started coming from far and wide.
Within five years the gift of 57 cents had increased to hundreds of thousands of dollars -- and this was a hundred years ago!
A beautiful church was built. Next time you're in Philadelphia, visit Temple Baptist Church, which seats thousands, and also visit Temple University, where thousands of students are trained. Visit a Sunday School building that houses hundreds of children.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents so sacrificially saved made such remarkable history. Alongside her picture is a portrait of her pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, the man who wrote "Acres of Diamonds."
What could God do with your sacrificial gift to Him today?
cbn
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Celebrate Beauty
READ: Psalm 29
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty. Isaiah 33:17
Everyone has his or her own concept of beauty:
• For a photographer, it’s a sunset over water or the picture of a lovely face.
• For an artist, it’s a wooded landscape or a mountain’s grandeur.
• For a journalism major, it’s a flawless paragraph or a perfect metaphor.
• For an engineer, it’s a well-designed bridge.
• For a mechanic, it’s a high-performance engine tuned to perfection.
We may not all agree on a single definition of beauty, but we can all appreciate it—especially as believers in Jesus Christ. That’s because we know that beauty ultimately finds its source in the attributes and character of God, and that truth and goodness and holiness are integral parts of who He is.
We also know that He revealed Himself in beauty. Our magnificent, glorious world reflects the perfection of our Designer-Creator God. Therefore, when we stand in awe of the beauty of a rugged mountainscape, the raw power of a raging sea, or the tranquil splendor of a summer meadow, we are acknowledging God.
Professor Elaine Scarry believes that beauty exists for more than our admiration (“On Beauty and Being Just”). It helps us behave more justly in a world that frightfully distorts God’s beauty and justice. Think about this:
• Beauty forces us to look outside ourselves. We get beyond our little worlds, not only to admire beauty but also to make room for those in need.
• Beauty awakens us to the things and people we might otherwise ignore. A single magnificent white pine causes us to see all trees anew.
• Beauty is harmony: in symmetry, proportion, color, chords, and balance.
Wickedness throws our world out of balance; beauty testifies to the need for justice and order.
The next time you’re overwhelmed with beauty, reflect on the God who provided for it. And look forward to that wondrous day when our “eyes will see the King [Jesus] in His beauty” (Isaiah 33:17).
—Dave Egner
REFLECTION
• What is the most beautiful place
• When I am awed by beauty, do I think of God? Do I want to share it—and Him—with those who are with me?
• How can I use beauty as evidence for the reality and love of God?
Nature reflects God’s glory.
campus journal
READ: Psalm 29
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty. Isaiah 33:17
Everyone has his or her own concept of beauty:
• For a photographer, it’s a sunset over water or the picture of a lovely face.
• For an artist, it’s a wooded landscape or a mountain’s grandeur.
• For a journalism major, it’s a flawless paragraph or a perfect metaphor.
• For an engineer, it’s a well-designed bridge.
• For a mechanic, it’s a high-performance engine tuned to perfection.
We may not all agree on a single definition of beauty, but we can all appreciate it—especially as believers in Jesus Christ. That’s because we know that beauty ultimately finds its source in the attributes and character of God, and that truth and goodness and holiness are integral parts of who He is.
We also know that He revealed Himself in beauty. Our magnificent, glorious world reflects the perfection of our Designer-Creator God. Therefore, when we stand in awe of the beauty of a rugged mountainscape, the raw power of a raging sea, or the tranquil splendor of a summer meadow, we are acknowledging God.
Professor Elaine Scarry believes that beauty exists for more than our admiration (“On Beauty and Being Just”). It helps us behave more justly in a world that frightfully distorts God’s beauty and justice. Think about this:
• Beauty forces us to look outside ourselves. We get beyond our little worlds, not only to admire beauty but also to make room for those in need.
• Beauty awakens us to the things and people we might otherwise ignore. A single magnificent white pine causes us to see all trees anew.
• Beauty is harmony: in symmetry, proportion, color, chords, and balance.
Wickedness throws our world out of balance; beauty testifies to the need for justice and order.
The next time you’re overwhelmed with beauty, reflect on the God who provided for it. And look forward to that wondrous day when our “eyes will see the King [Jesus] in His beauty” (Isaiah 33:17).
—Dave Egner
REFLECTION
• What is the most beautiful place
• When I am awed by beauty, do I think of God? Do I want to share it—and Him—with those who are with me?
• How can I use beauty as evidence for the reality and love of God?
Nature reflects God’s glory.
campus journal
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Today's scripture is 1 Peter 2:15
"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men."
I know from personal experience that when people start to criticize you and persecute you because you live by faith, your natural human response is to want to strike back. It's easy to want to start dishing out a little criticism of your own. "Maybe if they get a taste of their own medicine, they'll shut their mouths," you think.
But you know what? They won't. Your words will just add fuel to their fire and they'll criticize you harder and louder than they did before.
According to the Word of God, however, there is a way to silence them. Not by arguing with them. Not by defending yourself. But by keeping quiet and continuing to do the good works God has called you to do.
Follow the instructions in 2 Timothy 3:14 and "continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of." Silence the ignorant criticisms of men by continuing to do good and by continuing to live by faith. And when all their foolish words have faded away, you'll still be standing strong.
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 23:1-9
bibleshack
"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men."
I know from personal experience that when people start to criticize you and persecute you because you live by faith, your natural human response is to want to strike back. It's easy to want to start dishing out a little criticism of your own. "Maybe if they get a taste of their own medicine, they'll shut their mouths," you think.
But you know what? They won't. Your words will just add fuel to their fire and they'll criticize you harder and louder than they did before.
According to the Word of God, however, there is a way to silence them. Not by arguing with them. Not by defending yourself. But by keeping quiet and continuing to do the good works God has called you to do.
Follow the instructions in 2 Timothy 3:14 and "continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of." Silence the ignorant criticisms of men by continuing to do good and by continuing to live by faith. And when all their foolish words have faded away, you'll still be standing strong.
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 23:1-9
bibleshack
Friday, August 09, 2002
Composition Disposition
By Dan Betzer
People have written you off. They have told you that you do not have much to offer, but you DO! God has given you abilities unlike any other...
Ever get discouraged and want to quit? Are you thinking about giving up today? Let me tell you a story, first.
Richard was a would-be musician, but nobody wanted him. Nobody believed in him. His partner, Larry, was just as discouraged.
Richard heard about a job that would provide a small but steady income. It was selling children's underwear. But out of nowhere, he was hired to write the music for a benefit show that turned out to be a smash hit. He began to think, "Hey, maybe I do have talent... a future."
So, he stayed at it. And wrote "Oklahoma," "Carousel," "South Pacific," "The King and I," and my favorite of his musicals, "The Sound of Music." He also wrote the classic love song, "My Funny Valentine." His name? Richard Rodgers. "Larry" was the famous Lorenz Hart.
Later, after Hart died, Rodgers teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein. Rodgers died on December 30, 1979. Broadway theaters went dark for one minute in tribute. The Richard Rodgers Theater on West 46th Street in New York is a permanent memorial to the man whose music provided some of the most gorgeous sounds ever heard on this planet. And to think, he almost quit to sell kids' underwear!
So, now we come back to you, good friend. You have tried and failed. People have written you off. They have told you that you do not have much to offer, but you DO! God has given you abilities unlike any other, for no two people are exactly alike. You are gifted and unique. I have preached this hundreds times and I will say it again: "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!"
cbn
By Dan Betzer
People have written you off. They have told you that you do not have much to offer, but you DO! God has given you abilities unlike any other...
Ever get discouraged and want to quit? Are you thinking about giving up today? Let me tell you a story, first.
Richard was a would-be musician, but nobody wanted him. Nobody believed in him. His partner, Larry, was just as discouraged.
Richard heard about a job that would provide a small but steady income. It was selling children's underwear. But out of nowhere, he was hired to write the music for a benefit show that turned out to be a smash hit. He began to think, "Hey, maybe I do have talent... a future."
So, he stayed at it. And wrote "Oklahoma," "Carousel," "South Pacific," "The King and I," and my favorite of his musicals, "The Sound of Music." He also wrote the classic love song, "My Funny Valentine." His name? Richard Rodgers. "Larry" was the famous Lorenz Hart.
Later, after Hart died, Rodgers teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein. Rodgers died on December 30, 1979. Broadway theaters went dark for one minute in tribute. The Richard Rodgers Theater on West 46th Street in New York is a permanent memorial to the man whose music provided some of the most gorgeous sounds ever heard on this planet. And to think, he almost quit to sell kids' underwear!
So, now we come back to you, good friend. You have tried and failed. People have written you off. They have told you that you do not have much to offer, but you DO! God has given you abilities unlike any other, for no two people are exactly alike. You are gifted and unique. I have preached this hundreds times and I will say it again: "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!"
cbn
Thursday, August 08, 2002
The Faith of Heart and the Confession of Mouth
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you’ll be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10
Sometimes people mechanically repeat Bible verses. But God desires His promises to sink into our heart. Only when His promises reach our heart can they become reality in our inner man. We combine God’s Word with faith and are convinced that what God has promised will, indeed, become a reality.
This incubation process is extremely important. After having meditated upon God’s Word and repeated His promises over and over again, it becomes perfectly natural to speak out these things. The promises become one with your inner man, and you are certain that what God has promised will, indeed, be fulfilled. You are filled with an expectant joy, like a child awaiting Christmas, knowing that the Lord will help you and that things will transpire just as He has promised. This is not hard or mechanical but a natural flow from your inner man.
Your mouth’s confession comes as a result of your heart’s faith. It is not the result of mental memorization or a forcing of your will but rather the natural consequence of having spent time with the Lord. His Spirit has infused your inner man with faith in His Word. The heart sees something that the mouth then speaks out. Everything you see around you has come into existence because someone thought it was possible, believed and spoke out.
This is how it is in the kingdom of God, as well. God shows you His dreams. You respond with the faith of you heart. You speak out what you believe, and this spoken word enables God to act upon His Word and make it a reality. Do not just look at the way things are today, but focus on what they will become according to God’s Word, and speak it out!
- Ulf Ekman
Prayer:
Lord, help me to confess what You place in my heart. Thank You that Your Word in my heart, confessed with my mouth, is the material You require to perform miracles and create new things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you’ll be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10
Sometimes people mechanically repeat Bible verses. But God desires His promises to sink into our heart. Only when His promises reach our heart can they become reality in our inner man. We combine God’s Word with faith and are convinced that what God has promised will, indeed, become a reality.
This incubation process is extremely important. After having meditated upon God’s Word and repeated His promises over and over again, it becomes perfectly natural to speak out these things. The promises become one with your inner man, and you are certain that what God has promised will, indeed, be fulfilled. You are filled with an expectant joy, like a child awaiting Christmas, knowing that the Lord will help you and that things will transpire just as He has promised. This is not hard or mechanical but a natural flow from your inner man.
Your mouth’s confession comes as a result of your heart’s faith. It is not the result of mental memorization or a forcing of your will but rather the natural consequence of having spent time with the Lord. His Spirit has infused your inner man with faith in His Word. The heart sees something that the mouth then speaks out. Everything you see around you has come into existence because someone thought it was possible, believed and spoke out.
This is how it is in the kingdom of God, as well. God shows you His dreams. You respond with the faith of you heart. You speak out what you believe, and this spoken word enables God to act upon His Word and make it a reality. Do not just look at the way things are today, but focus on what they will become according to God’s Word, and speak it out!
- Ulf Ekman
Prayer:
Lord, help me to confess what You place in my heart. Thank You that Your Word in my heart, confessed with my mouth, is the material You require to perform miracles and create new things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
It Takes Teamwork!
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-25
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you."
—1 Corinthians 12:21
During a rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, the renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini offered some constructive criticism to the featured soloist. She was too proud to accept his help, however, and expressed her resentment by exclaiming in anger, "I am the star of this performance!" Toscanini responded wisely and firmly, "Madame, in this performance there are no stars."
The maestro had made a strong point. The soloists, the members of the chorus, and the orchestra all had to work together in harmony or there could be no beautiful music.
This is also true of the church. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he likened the parts of our physical body to individuals in the church, the body of Christ. All of us as believers have our own unique traits and individual duties, but taken together we comprise one body. We must therefore recognize how much we need one another. Paul wrote, "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you'" (12:21).
The Lord isn't looking for soloists who want to be stars; He's looking for workers who are willing to be servants. God's work takes teamwork! —RWD
Thinking It Over
What are your motives for serving in the church?
How do you respond when your work goes unnoticed?
How does your attitude need to change?
Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect.
daily bread
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-25
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you."
—1 Corinthians 12:21
During a rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, the renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini offered some constructive criticism to the featured soloist. She was too proud to accept his help, however, and expressed her resentment by exclaiming in anger, "I am the star of this performance!" Toscanini responded wisely and firmly, "Madame, in this performance there are no stars."
The maestro had made a strong point. The soloists, the members of the chorus, and the orchestra all had to work together in harmony or there could be no beautiful music.
This is also true of the church. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he likened the parts of our physical body to individuals in the church, the body of Christ. All of us as believers have our own unique traits and individual duties, but taken together we comprise one body. We must therefore recognize how much we need one another. Paul wrote, "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you'" (12:21).
The Lord isn't looking for soloists who want to be stars; He's looking for workers who are willing to be servants. God's work takes teamwork! —RWD
Thinking It Over
What are your motives for serving in the church?
How do you respond when your work goes unnoticed?
How does your attitude need to change?
Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect.
daily bread
Tuesday, August 06, 2002
Dad's Rules
Read: Ephesians 6:1-4
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. —Colossians 3:21
The unsolicited e-mail was full of truth and wisdom. As the father of three daughters, I recognized that the note titled "Daddy's Rules For Dating" offered advice dads can understand. With humor and sarcasm, it listed 10 rules for any boy who hopes to date our daughters.
Rule One, for example, says, "If you pull into my driveway and honk, you'd better be delivering a package, because you're not picking anything up." Translated: "Don't you dare be rude." Each rule had a nugget of truth fathers understand well: "Do not touch my daughter." "Get my daughter home early." "Treat my daughter with respect."
We as fathers (and mothers) are protective of our children, and rightly so, because God has given them to us as a trust. And because our society does not value modesty and sexual purity, we must protect our sons and daughters.
That's why the difficult but balanced teaching in Ephesians 6:4 is so vital. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." If we properly instruct our sons and daughters about what God expects of them, and live it out ourselves, we can avoid angering and discouraging them.
Instead of exasperating children, let's teach them. —JDB
We must teach our children clearly
What is right and what is wrong;
Live before them an example—
Godly, righteous, pure, and strong. —Fitzhugh
To teach your children well, let God teach you.
daily bread
Read: Ephesians 6:1-4
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. —Colossians 3:21
The unsolicited e-mail was full of truth and wisdom. As the father of three daughters, I recognized that the note titled "Daddy's Rules For Dating" offered advice dads can understand. With humor and sarcasm, it listed 10 rules for any boy who hopes to date our daughters.
Rule One, for example, says, "If you pull into my driveway and honk, you'd better be delivering a package, because you're not picking anything up." Translated: "Don't you dare be rude." Each rule had a nugget of truth fathers understand well: "Do not touch my daughter." "Get my daughter home early." "Treat my daughter with respect."
We as fathers (and mothers) are protective of our children, and rightly so, because God has given them to us as a trust. And because our society does not value modesty and sexual purity, we must protect our sons and daughters.
That's why the difficult but balanced teaching in Ephesians 6:4 is so vital. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." If we properly instruct our sons and daughters about what God expects of them, and live it out ourselves, we can avoid angering and discouraging them.
Instead of exasperating children, let's teach them. —JDB
We must teach our children clearly
What is right and what is wrong;
Live before them an example—
Godly, righteous, pure, and strong. —Fitzhugh
To teach your children well, let God teach you.
daily bread
READ: Luke 12:13-34
We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. -1 Timothy 6:7
The Memories Last
My father passed away on October 29, 2001. As personal representative of his estate, I faced many difficult responsibilities—not the least of which was cleaning out his home and preparing it to be sold. And he had lots of stuff.
After preserving some mementos, my sisters and I planned an estate sale. We invited Dad’s closest friends to come over the night before and take anything that was special to them.
One close friend hesitated. “You’d think that having things from him would help,” she said, “but they don’t. The best things you have are memories. I have plenty of those, and I will treasure them.”
Her words were a real comfort, especially in the midst of estate-sales customers, real-estate agents, furniture consignment store movers, and cleaning crews.
Wisdom from above brought the experience into focus as I struggled to deal with my grief. God causes every situation to help us grow in some way. I knew that, but in something as tragic as losing a close family member, it doesn’t come clear that quickly.
How does that relate to you as a young adult who, tragedies aside, may not have to deal with death for a couple of decades?
You might want to think twice before accumulating a bunch of stuff.
On a practical level, you are creating a lot of work for your survivors. On a spiritual level, people won’t remember you because of the possessions you leave. They will remember you—the times you helped them or made them laugh or listened. Of course, some things are important: photos and letters, for example. What makes them valuable is that they remind people of you and of special times.
I miss Dad terribly, and watching the furniture movers take the last of his stuff to the consignment store was not easy. But a couch or a recliner would be a poor substitute for the memories Dad left us with.
It’s never too early to be wise about how you invest your treasure. Concentrate on what will last. Give of yourself. —John Carvalho
REFLECTION
• Which of my parents’ possessions would I treasure most? Why?
• What quality do I want people to remember about me? Why?
• How will I make sure that I am investing in eternal treasures?
Your best gift is yourself.
campus journal
We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. -1 Timothy 6:7
The Memories Last
My father passed away on October 29, 2001. As personal representative of his estate, I faced many difficult responsibilities—not the least of which was cleaning out his home and preparing it to be sold. And he had lots of stuff.
After preserving some mementos, my sisters and I planned an estate sale. We invited Dad’s closest friends to come over the night before and take anything that was special to them.
One close friend hesitated. “You’d think that having things from him would help,” she said, “but they don’t. The best things you have are memories. I have plenty of those, and I will treasure them.”
Her words were a real comfort, especially in the midst of estate-sales customers, real-estate agents, furniture consignment store movers, and cleaning crews.
Wisdom from above brought the experience into focus as I struggled to deal with my grief. God causes every situation to help us grow in some way. I knew that, but in something as tragic as losing a close family member, it doesn’t come clear that quickly.
How does that relate to you as a young adult who, tragedies aside, may not have to deal with death for a couple of decades?
You might want to think twice before accumulating a bunch of stuff.
On a practical level, you are creating a lot of work for your survivors. On a spiritual level, people won’t remember you because of the possessions you leave. They will remember you—the times you helped them or made them laugh or listened. Of course, some things are important: photos and letters, for example. What makes them valuable is that they remind people of you and of special times.
I miss Dad terribly, and watching the furniture movers take the last of his stuff to the consignment store was not easy. But a couch or a recliner would be a poor substitute for the memories Dad left us with.
It’s never too early to be wise about how you invest your treasure. Concentrate on what will last. Give of yourself. —John Carvalho
REFLECTION
• Which of my parents’ possessions would I treasure most? Why?
• What quality do I want people to remember about me? Why?
• How will I make sure that I am investing in eternal treasures?
Your best gift is yourself.
campus journal