No Greater Mission
Read: Romans 10:1-15
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. —Romans 10:13
Medtronic was one of the fastest growing medical technology companies in the USA during the 1990s. By all measurements—stock prices, revenue increases, and earnings per share—it has been thriving.
In an article for World Traveler magazine, CEO Art Collins is quoted as saying, "With a mission statement that it strives to 'alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life,' Medtronic transcends the paramount objective of making money. . . . While we track a number of measurement criteria for success, the single most important one is the fact that every 12 seconds the life of someone is improved by one of our products or therapies."
Followers of Christ have a similar mission. We have a life-transforming message to proclaim to those who need to hear it (Romans 10:9-15).
Every day, people all over the world are being saved from sin and its consequences through faith in the Lord Jesus. Our mission as His followers is to be messengers who "preach the gospel of peace" (v.15), telling others about the Savior, Jesus Christ. There is no more worthy mission, for "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (v.13).
Are you doing your part to fulfill this mission? —Dave Egner
Thinking It Over
Why do we tend to lose sight of our mission? If we
were to consistently embrace it, how would
it affect our prayers, our words, and our actions?
There's no better news than the gospel—spread the Word!
daily bread
Saturday, November 30, 2002
Today's scripture is Ephesians 6:13-17
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
The Bible teaches that as believers, you and I are to occupy until Jesus comes. Occupy is a military term meaning to hold possession, or control, of conquered troops and territory. If we're to do that effectively, most of us are going to have to change our attitudes. We're going to have to recognize that Jesus has already won the victory. That's right. Satan is already defeated. He was whipped at Calvary. We're not on the defensive, he is!
bible shack
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
The Bible teaches that as believers, you and I are to occupy until Jesus comes. Occupy is a military term meaning to hold possession, or control, of conquered troops and territory. If we're to do that effectively, most of us are going to have to change our attitudes. We're going to have to recognize that Jesus has already won the victory. That's right. Satan is already defeated. He was whipped at Calvary. We're not on the defensive, he is!
bible shack
Thursday, November 28, 2002
God Longs for You
By Dena J. Dyer
God sent his only Son far away, when he could have held Jesus close to his side, because he loves you so much.
Scripture: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" Luke 13:34, NIV
Last week, I was gone to a writing conference in Colorado, and I had to leave my son and husband behind for a few days.
I don't like to be away from home, but I knew God was opening a door for me to go to this conference, and I needed a spiritual retreat. It was a wonderful time in the mountains, surrounded by nature and by other people who shared my passion for the written word. But by the third day, I was so homesick for my 3 year-old, Jordan, that my arms literally ached to hold him.
As I prayed and cried that night before falling asleep, God spoke to my heart. "I long for my children that way," he seemed to say to me. And with a start, I realized that in the scripture God is often portrayed with emotions like a mother's.
Are you running from God? Do you feel as if he's forgotten you? Maybe you think he should have intervened to help you with a problem that continues to trouble you.
Just remember: John 3:16 says that God sent his only Son far away, when he could have held Jesus close to his side, because he loves you so much.
And even now, his arms ache to hold you close.
Lord, help me to remember that you love me even more than I can imagine. Thank you that you never leave me or forsake me.
cbn
By Dena J. Dyer
God sent his only Son far away, when he could have held Jesus close to his side, because he loves you so much.
Scripture: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" Luke 13:34, NIV
Last week, I was gone to a writing conference in Colorado, and I had to leave my son and husband behind for a few days.
I don't like to be away from home, but I knew God was opening a door for me to go to this conference, and I needed a spiritual retreat. It was a wonderful time in the mountains, surrounded by nature and by other people who shared my passion for the written word. But by the third day, I was so homesick for my 3 year-old, Jordan, that my arms literally ached to hold him.
As I prayed and cried that night before falling asleep, God spoke to my heart. "I long for my children that way," he seemed to say to me. And with a start, I realized that in the scripture God is often portrayed with emotions like a mother's.
Are you running from God? Do you feel as if he's forgotten you? Maybe you think he should have intervened to help you with a problem that continues to trouble you.
Just remember: John 3:16 says that God sent his only Son far away, when he could have held Jesus close to his side, because he loves you so much.
And even now, his arms ache to hold you close.
Lord, help me to remember that you love me even more than I can imagine. Thank you that you never leave me or forsake me.
cbn
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
What Really Matters
Read: Psalm 30
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. —Psalm 30:4
As a deadly tornado ripped through Will County, Illinois, a young father sat cradling his infant child, born just 3 weeks before. When the fierce, howling winds finally subsided and calm had returned, the man's house was gone—and so was his baby. But according to the news report, the father found his child in a field near his house—alive and well! And so was the rest of his family.
When asked by a reporter if he was angry that he had lost everything he owned, he replied, "No, I just thank God I have my baby and my family. Some people don't have that. Nothing else is important."
Often it takes times of tragedy to remind us what really matters in life. When things are going well, we can easily get preoccupied with what we own. We become tied to so many nonessential, unimportant things. We tend to grow overly concerned about cars, houses, furniture, appliances, clothes, and countless other trappings of modern life. But when life is reduced to the essentials, as it was in the Illinois tornado, we recall again that life itself is enough reason to praise God.
Have you spent time today praising God for your life and for the people He has given you to share it with? That's what really matters. —Dave Branon
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You also for family and friends. And thank You for the gift of life itself. Help me live each day for You.
When you think of all that's good, give thanks to God.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 30
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. —Psalm 30:4
As a deadly tornado ripped through Will County, Illinois, a young father sat cradling his infant child, born just 3 weeks before. When the fierce, howling winds finally subsided and calm had returned, the man's house was gone—and so was his baby. But according to the news report, the father found his child in a field near his house—alive and well! And so was the rest of his family.
When asked by a reporter if he was angry that he had lost everything he owned, he replied, "No, I just thank God I have my baby and my family. Some people don't have that. Nothing else is important."
Often it takes times of tragedy to remind us what really matters in life. When things are going well, we can easily get preoccupied with what we own. We become tied to so many nonessential, unimportant things. We tend to grow overly concerned about cars, houses, furniture, appliances, clothes, and countless other trappings of modern life. But when life is reduced to the essentials, as it was in the Illinois tornado, we recall again that life itself is enough reason to praise God.
Have you spent time today praising God for your life and for the people He has given you to share it with? That's what really matters. —Dave Branon
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You also for family and friends. And thank You for the gift of life itself. Help me live each day for You.
When you think of all that's good, give thanks to God.
daily bread
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Motivated by Grace
READ: Ephesians 2:1-10
It is by grace you have been saved.
So, what gets you up in the morning?
If you are anything like me, certain projects and activities put your limp body and mind in gear and cause you to move with unbridled energy.
Some people’s palms get sweaty and heart rate increases at the thought of the Detroit Lions football team. (This is still a mystery to me.)
And others’ voice-pitch rises as they talk about their work, their dreams, their careers, their hobbies, their family, or their investments.
Thinking about some of these activities stimulates and pushes us to give our best and be our best.
What motivates us to serve God week after week? What stimulates us to give Him our best in every activity? Well, the Bible gives us a wonderful motivation to serve—grace.
Grace means God giving us a gift we didn’t deserve, eternal life (Ephesians 2:5), so that He could make us into His own people—examples of the incredible wealth of His favor and kindness through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:7-9).
We were dead in our sins. We once followed the alluring but deadly music of the world’s system. Our minds were blind to the glorious light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We lurked and lived in the dark alleys of religious curiosity, self-deception, and gross immorality. Can you believe we lived like that? Yes! Because we lived like that, by nature we were objects of God’s wrath and judgment.
I am so glad the story doesn’t end there. In Ephesians 2:4, Paul said that God’s rich mercy made us alive with Christ. God released His wrath on Jesus at Calvary so that we wouldn’t have to experience it. We are saved and set free from our sins by God’s wonderful grace through Jesus Christ. We owe Him our lives.
We are His masterpieces in the world, created in Christ to do good works that God prepared in advance for us to do (v.10). Our life should be a walking “thank you letter” to God for His immeasurable love toward us.
As you serve Christ by serving others, remember how God has liberated you from sin, and let grace motivate you. —Marvin Williams
REFLECTION
• How often do I think about what Jesus did for me on the cross?
• Why am I serving God? Is it because of a sense of duty? Being manipulated by someone? Trying to impress?
• How does my attitude need to be different about serving Christ?
Make your life a thank-you letter to God.
campus journal
READ: Ephesians 2:1-10
It is by grace you have been saved.
So, what gets you up in the morning?
If you are anything like me, certain projects and activities put your limp body and mind in gear and cause you to move with unbridled energy.
Some people’s palms get sweaty and heart rate increases at the thought of the Detroit Lions football team. (This is still a mystery to me.)
And others’ voice-pitch rises as they talk about their work, their dreams, their careers, their hobbies, their family, or their investments.
Thinking about some of these activities stimulates and pushes us to give our best and be our best.
What motivates us to serve God week after week? What stimulates us to give Him our best in every activity? Well, the Bible gives us a wonderful motivation to serve—grace.
Grace means God giving us a gift we didn’t deserve, eternal life (Ephesians 2:5), so that He could make us into His own people—examples of the incredible wealth of His favor and kindness through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:7-9).
We were dead in our sins. We once followed the alluring but deadly music of the world’s system. Our minds were blind to the glorious light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We lurked and lived in the dark alleys of religious curiosity, self-deception, and gross immorality. Can you believe we lived like that? Yes! Because we lived like that, by nature we were objects of God’s wrath and judgment.
I am so glad the story doesn’t end there. In Ephesians 2:4, Paul said that God’s rich mercy made us alive with Christ. God released His wrath on Jesus at Calvary so that we wouldn’t have to experience it. We are saved and set free from our sins by God’s wonderful grace through Jesus Christ. We owe Him our lives.
We are His masterpieces in the world, created in Christ to do good works that God prepared in advance for us to do (v.10). Our life should be a walking “thank you letter” to God for His immeasurable love toward us.
As you serve Christ by serving others, remember how God has liberated you from sin, and let grace motivate you. —Marvin Williams
REFLECTION
• How often do I think about what Jesus did for me on the cross?
• Why am I serving God? Is it because of a sense of duty? Being manipulated by someone? Trying to impress?
• How does my attitude need to be different about serving Christ?
Make your life a thank-you letter to God.
campus journal
Monday, November 25, 2002
Under His Wings
Read: 1 Peter 2:21-25
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. —Psalm 91:4
Indian evangelist Sundar Singh wrote about a devastating forest fire in the Himalayas where he was traveling. While many were trying to fight it, a group of men stood looking up at a tree with flames climbing up its branches. They were watching a mother bird flying frantically in circles above the tree. She was chirping out an alarm to her nest full of fledglings. As the nest began to burn, the mother bird didn't fly away; instead she zoomed down and covered her brood with her wings. In seconds she and her nestlings were burned to ashes.
Singh then said to the awe-stricken spectators: "We have witnessed a truly marvelous thing. God created that bird with such love and devotion that she gave her life trying to protect her young. . . . That is the love that brought Him down from heaven to become man. That is the love that made Him suffer a painful death for our sake."
The above story is a stirring illustration of Christ's love for us. We also stand in awe as we think of Calvary where the fire of holy judgment burned. For there Jesus willingly suffered and "bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24).
Lord, thank You for dying in our place. How grateful we are for all that You have done! —Vernon Grounds
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child. —Cushing
Christ endured the fires of judgment that we might enjoy the forgiveness of God.
daily bread
Read: 1 Peter 2:21-25
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. —Psalm 91:4
Indian evangelist Sundar Singh wrote about a devastating forest fire in the Himalayas where he was traveling. While many were trying to fight it, a group of men stood looking up at a tree with flames climbing up its branches. They were watching a mother bird flying frantically in circles above the tree. She was chirping out an alarm to her nest full of fledglings. As the nest began to burn, the mother bird didn't fly away; instead she zoomed down and covered her brood with her wings. In seconds she and her nestlings were burned to ashes.
Singh then said to the awe-stricken spectators: "We have witnessed a truly marvelous thing. God created that bird with such love and devotion that she gave her life trying to protect her young. . . . That is the love that brought Him down from heaven to become man. That is the love that made Him suffer a painful death for our sake."
The above story is a stirring illustration of Christ's love for us. We also stand in awe as we think of Calvary where the fire of holy judgment burned. For there Jesus willingly suffered and "bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24).
Lord, thank You for dying in our place. How grateful we are for all that You have done! —Vernon Grounds
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child. —Cushing
Christ endured the fires of judgment that we might enjoy the forgiveness of God.
daily bread
Sunday, November 24, 2002
UPS
READ: Luke 11:1-13
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Shhh. We’re listening in on a student who’s in his dorm, getting ready to pray. He’s just starting. Dear Lord. Um. Thanks for, You know, loving me. And, and, oh, yeah, thank You for salvation. And, uh, help me with like my schoolwork tomorrow. InJesus’nameamen.
Does that sound familiar? A bit like an actual prayer we might offer to God? A too-real slice of our prayer-life?
If so, then we have the dreaded Undeveloped Prayer-Life Syndrome (UPS). Symptoms include repetition of the same words. Lack of things to pray about. An uncomfortable awkwardness. A general feeling that not much is happening.
We all suffer with these symptoms from time to time. What’s really bad is if we don’t know any other way to pray but to mumble a few religious-sounding words and direct them toward the ceiling.
If you feel that you are undeveloped in your prayer-life, perhaps you could use some suggestions to help guide you toward more vibrant, exciting, confident, and effective prayer. They may not change everything overnight, but they may take you several steps closer to where you want to be.
• Make sure your conscience is clear before God. “The Lord . . . hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).
• Get alone with God. “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father” (Matthew 6:6).
• Study Jesus’ sample prayer. “This, then, is how you should pray,” Jesus said before giving us what we call The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9).
• Invite the involvement of the Holy Spirit, who knows your heart and can express to the Father what you cannot express (Romans 8:26).
• Be confident in your praying. God has enough grace and mercy to cover your requests (Hebrews 4:16).
Do your prayers seem undeveloped? Try these tips, and take the time needed to build up your relationship with God. —Dave Branon
REFLECTION
• Does the prayer we eavesdropped on sound familiar?
• What would I like to see happen in my prayer-life that has not been happening?
campus journal
READ: Luke 11:1-13
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Shhh. We’re listening in on a student who’s in his dorm, getting ready to pray. He’s just starting. Dear Lord. Um. Thanks for, You know, loving me. And, and, oh, yeah, thank You for salvation. And, uh, help me with like my schoolwork tomorrow. InJesus’nameamen.
Does that sound familiar? A bit like an actual prayer we might offer to God? A too-real slice of our prayer-life?
If so, then we have the dreaded Undeveloped Prayer-Life Syndrome (UPS). Symptoms include repetition of the same words. Lack of things to pray about. An uncomfortable awkwardness. A general feeling that not much is happening.
We all suffer with these symptoms from time to time. What’s really bad is if we don’t know any other way to pray but to mumble a few religious-sounding words and direct them toward the ceiling.
If you feel that you are undeveloped in your prayer-life, perhaps you could use some suggestions to help guide you toward more vibrant, exciting, confident, and effective prayer. They may not change everything overnight, but they may take you several steps closer to where you want to be.
• Make sure your conscience is clear before God. “The Lord . . . hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).
• Get alone with God. “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father” (Matthew 6:6).
• Study Jesus’ sample prayer. “This, then, is how you should pray,” Jesus said before giving us what we call The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9).
• Invite the involvement of the Holy Spirit, who knows your heart and can express to the Father what you cannot express (Romans 8:26).
• Be confident in your praying. God has enough grace and mercy to cover your requests (Hebrews 4:16).
Do your prayers seem undeveloped? Try these tips, and take the time needed to build up your relationship with God. —Dave Branon
REFLECTION
• Does the prayer we eavesdropped on sound familiar?
• What would I like to see happen in my prayer-life that has not been happening?
campus journal
Saturday, November 23, 2002
Best Game I Never Saw
By Dan Betzer
It is quite possible, my good friend, that you could put yourself in line for a memory, a miracle, or a milestone by just exerting a little extra effort today.
It was May 15, 1981. My family was living in Sandusky, Ohio, about fifty miles west of Cleveland. A buddy called and said, "Let's go see to the Indians play baseball tonight." Well, I was, am, and always will be an Indians fan, but on this particular day, it was chilly and drizzly--and old Municipal Stadium was situated right on the shores of blustery Lake Erie. I knew that it would be uncomfortable there so I told my friend that I would rather pass. A mere 7,290 fans showed up that night to watch "The Tribe" play the Toronto Blue Jays.
Now, 7,000 fans in that 80,000-seat ancient ball yard was like a BB in a boxcar. Ah, but what they saw--and what I could have seen, had I gone--made baseball history. Pitching for the Indians was Len Barker. All he did was throw a perfect game, 21 batters up and 21 batters down! He struck out eleven of them.
The Indians' 3-0 win was great, but totally incidental to the wonder of Barker's hall-of-fame performance. So... what if I had said to my friend, "Sure, I'll go with you to the game tonight. I'll just dress warmly enough to be comfortable. Let's do it!" Why, I would have seen with my own eyes one of the most magnificent feats in baseball history. What a memory that would have been! But, I missed it -- because I did not want to be "put out" or "uncomfortable" that night.
It is quite possible, my good friend, that you could put yourself in line for a memory, a miracle, or a milestone by just exerting a little extra effort today. Push yourself a little--you might be glad that you did!
cbn
By Dan Betzer
It is quite possible, my good friend, that you could put yourself in line for a memory, a miracle, or a milestone by just exerting a little extra effort today.
It was May 15, 1981. My family was living in Sandusky, Ohio, about fifty miles west of Cleveland. A buddy called and said, "Let's go see to the Indians play baseball tonight." Well, I was, am, and always will be an Indians fan, but on this particular day, it was chilly and drizzly--and old Municipal Stadium was situated right on the shores of blustery Lake Erie. I knew that it would be uncomfortable there so I told my friend that I would rather pass. A mere 7,290 fans showed up that night to watch "The Tribe" play the Toronto Blue Jays.
Now, 7,000 fans in that 80,000-seat ancient ball yard was like a BB in a boxcar. Ah, but what they saw--and what I could have seen, had I gone--made baseball history. Pitching for the Indians was Len Barker. All he did was throw a perfect game, 21 batters up and 21 batters down! He struck out eleven of them.
The Indians' 3-0 win was great, but totally incidental to the wonder of Barker's hall-of-fame performance. So... what if I had said to my friend, "Sure, I'll go with you to the game tonight. I'll just dress warmly enough to be comfortable. Let's do it!" Why, I would have seen with my own eyes one of the most magnificent feats in baseball history. What a memory that would have been! But, I missed it -- because I did not want to be "put out" or "uncomfortable" that night.
It is quite possible, my good friend, that you could put yourself in line for a memory, a miracle, or a milestone by just exerting a little extra effort today. Push yourself a little--you might be glad that you did!
cbn
Dry Eyes
Read: Matthew 5:1-10
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. —Matthew 5:4
I read a news report about a woman who hadn't shed a tear in 18 years. The reason for her dry eyes was physical, not emotional. Doctors said she was a victim of a rare condition called Sjogren's syndrome. For some unknown reason, antibodies attacked her tear glands as if they were undesirable foreign organisms.
This reminds me of a spiritual problem among the people of God—people who should and could cry, but don't. They need to learn what Jesus meant when He said, "Blessed are those who mourn" (Matthew 5:4).
Sometimes we think tears are a sign of weakness. But if this were the case, why did Jesus cry? (Luke 19:41). Why did James tell Christians to weep over their sins? (James 4:9).
True, people differ in the way they express their emotions. But literal tears aren't the real issue. What's important is the attitude of the heart. The real issue is how deeply we sense the implications of our sins. Are we filled with Godly sorrow? Are we pained by the tragic consequences our sin creates in our relationships with others? I'm not talking about putting on a phony show of sorrow, but do we feel some of the same sorrow God feels about evil? Are we willing to turn from it? Or do we have dry eyes? —Mart De Haan II
The Lord wants us to mourn our sin,
To grieve what brings Him pain;
And if the sorrow changes us,
Our tears won't be in vain. —Sper
Indifference to evil is a great evil.
daily bread
Read: Matthew 5:1-10
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. —Matthew 5:4
I read a news report about a woman who hadn't shed a tear in 18 years. The reason for her dry eyes was physical, not emotional. Doctors said she was a victim of a rare condition called Sjogren's syndrome. For some unknown reason, antibodies attacked her tear glands as if they were undesirable foreign organisms.
This reminds me of a spiritual problem among the people of God—people who should and could cry, but don't. They need to learn what Jesus meant when He said, "Blessed are those who mourn" (Matthew 5:4).
Sometimes we think tears are a sign of weakness. But if this were the case, why did Jesus cry? (Luke 19:41). Why did James tell Christians to weep over their sins? (James 4:9).
True, people differ in the way they express their emotions. But literal tears aren't the real issue. What's important is the attitude of the heart. The real issue is how deeply we sense the implications of our sins. Are we filled with Godly sorrow? Are we pained by the tragic consequences our sin creates in our relationships with others? I'm not talking about putting on a phony show of sorrow, but do we feel some of the same sorrow God feels about evil? Are we willing to turn from it? Or do we have dry eyes? —Mart De Haan II
The Lord wants us to mourn our sin,
To grieve what brings Him pain;
And if the sorrow changes us,
Our tears won't be in vain. —Sper
Indifference to evil is a great evil.
daily bread
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Today's scripture is 1 John 2:27
"But the anointing which ye have received of [God] abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth."
Have you ever noticed that you are sometimes aware of certain things even before you know what the Word says about them? That's because the Holy Spirit is inside you teaching you the truth. He speaks into your spirit. Then your spirit relays His promptings to your mind. Suddenly, you'll have a new thought. "I need to forgive that person,"
you'll think, or "I need to stop saying those unkind things."
As you become more aware of the Spirit of God in your everyday affairs, you'll be quicker to hear and obey those promptings. You'll actually get in the habit of allowing the Spirit of Truth to reveal the will of God to you. And, believe me, that's one habit God wants you to have!
Start tuning your ear to His still small voice within you. Honor Him and welcome His guidance into your everyday affairs. Listen for His promptings and be quick to obey. He's ready to speak to you.
bible shack
"But the anointing which ye have received of [God] abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth."
Have you ever noticed that you are sometimes aware of certain things even before you know what the Word says about them? That's because the Holy Spirit is inside you teaching you the truth. He speaks into your spirit. Then your spirit relays His promptings to your mind. Suddenly, you'll have a new thought. "I need to forgive that person,"
you'll think, or "I need to stop saying those unkind things."
As you become more aware of the Spirit of God in your everyday affairs, you'll be quicker to hear and obey those promptings. You'll actually get in the habit of allowing the Spirit of Truth to reveal the will of God to you. And, believe me, that's one habit God wants you to have!
Start tuning your ear to His still small voice within you. Honor Him and welcome His guidance into your everyday affairs. Listen for His promptings and be quick to obey. He's ready to speak to you.
bible shack
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
God's Song
Read: Ephesians 2:1-10
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. —Ephesians 2:10
A church organist was practicing a piece by Felix Mendelssohn and not doing too well. Frustrated, he gathered up his music and started to leave. He had not noticed a stranger come in and sit in a rear pew.
As the organist turned to go, the stranger came forward and asked if he could play the piece. "I never let anyone touch this organ!" came the blunt reply. Finally, after two more polite requests, the grumpy musician reluctantly gave him permission.
The stranger sat down and filled the sanctuary with beautiful, flawless music. When he finished, the organist asked, "Who are you?" The man replied, "I am Felix Mendelssohn." The organist had almost prevented the song's creator from playing his own music!
There are times when we too try to play the chords of our lives and prevent our Creator from making beautiful music. Like that stubborn organist, we only reluctantly take our hands off the keys. As His people, we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand" (Ephesians 2:10). But our lives won't produce beautiful music unless we let Him work through us.
God has a symphony written for our lives. Let's allow Him to have His way in us. —Dave Egner
Once we stop our own devising,
Quit the schemes of our own choosing,
Cease from all our fruitless striving,
God steps in with grace and power! —D. De Haan
God's ability is not limited by our inability.
daily bread
Read: Ephesians 2:1-10
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. —Ephesians 2:10
A church organist was practicing a piece by Felix Mendelssohn and not doing too well. Frustrated, he gathered up his music and started to leave. He had not noticed a stranger come in and sit in a rear pew.
As the organist turned to go, the stranger came forward and asked if he could play the piece. "I never let anyone touch this organ!" came the blunt reply. Finally, after two more polite requests, the grumpy musician reluctantly gave him permission.
The stranger sat down and filled the sanctuary with beautiful, flawless music. When he finished, the organist asked, "Who are you?" The man replied, "I am Felix Mendelssohn." The organist had almost prevented the song's creator from playing his own music!
There are times when we too try to play the chords of our lives and prevent our Creator from making beautiful music. Like that stubborn organist, we only reluctantly take our hands off the keys. As His people, we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand" (Ephesians 2:10). But our lives won't produce beautiful music unless we let Him work through us.
God has a symphony written for our lives. Let's allow Him to have His way in us. —Dave Egner
Once we stop our own devising,
Quit the schemes of our own choosing,
Cease from all our fruitless striving,
God steps in with grace and power! —D. De Haan
God's ability is not limited by our inability.
daily bread
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Today's scripture is Galatians 3:29
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
One of the problems that hung around me for years was poverty. But I remember the day I decided I wasn't going to be poor anymore. I was reading in the Word where it says that the blessing of Abraham has come upon the Gentiles by Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:14). Then I got down to the twenty-ninth verse where it says, "If ye be Christ's, then
are ye Abraham's seed, and HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE." Suddenly the truth hit me. I got so excited I could hardly stand myself.
I turned back over to Deuteronomy 28 and--line by line--I read those promised blessings. "Blessed in the city, blessed in the country. Blessed going out, blessed coming in. Blessed in your barns, blessed in your fields, blessed in all the works of your hands." Man, I had struck it rich!
I told Him, "I'm standing on Your Word, and I'm looking to You to take care of me. I'll never ask a man for a dollar." That was many years ago and I never have. You know why? Because that decision connected me to the power of God. It'll do the same for you.
bible shack
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
One of the problems that hung around me for years was poverty. But I remember the day I decided I wasn't going to be poor anymore. I was reading in the Word where it says that the blessing of Abraham has come upon the Gentiles by Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:14). Then I got down to the twenty-ninth verse where it says, "If ye be Christ's, then
are ye Abraham's seed, and HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE." Suddenly the truth hit me. I got so excited I could hardly stand myself.
I turned back over to Deuteronomy 28 and--line by line--I read those promised blessings. "Blessed in the city, blessed in the country. Blessed going out, blessed coming in. Blessed in your barns, blessed in your fields, blessed in all the works of your hands." Man, I had struck it rich!
I told Him, "I'm standing on Your Word, and I'm looking to You to take care of me. I'll never ask a man for a dollar." That was many years ago and I never have. You know why? Because that decision connected me to the power of God. It'll do the same for you.
bible shack
Monday, November 18, 2002
Musical Interludes
Read: Mark 6:30-34
He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." —Mark 6:31
God writes the music for our lives. Our role is to follow His lead—humming, harmonizing, blending, and singing in tune.
Serving the Lord, like singing, can be stirring and rewarding. But when we are set aside by illness, or replacement, or retirement, the interludes can be frustrating and unfulfilling. When God says to us, "Come . . . rest a while" (Mark 6:31), we may not want to stop. It seems that our performance is over, that we've come to the end of our song.
If we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with our inactivity, it will cause us to focus on our defects and our circumstances. But we need to remind ourselves that the Lord may be using our time of rest to make our music better.
The Great Conductor is counting time with precision. There is more to the arrangement than we know. If we keep our eyes on Him, in time He'll enable us to chime in again.
In the meantime we can enjoy the rest. The quiet times are opportunities to quiet our souls and compose ourselves for the measures that lie ahead. The rest is not a mistake, nor an omission, but a necessary part of the symphony God wrote in the beginning and is conducting for us every day.
The Conductor knows best. Wait on Him. —David Roper
Be silent unto God, my soul,
If this the score He writes for thee,
And "hold the rest"; play no false note
To mar His perfect harmony. —Flint
© 1944 Evangelical Publishers
God uses life's stops to prepare us for the next start.
daily bread
Read: Mark 6:30-34
He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." —Mark 6:31
God writes the music for our lives. Our role is to follow His lead—humming, harmonizing, blending, and singing in tune.
Serving the Lord, like singing, can be stirring and rewarding. But when we are set aside by illness, or replacement, or retirement, the interludes can be frustrating and unfulfilling. When God says to us, "Come . . . rest a while" (Mark 6:31), we may not want to stop. It seems that our performance is over, that we've come to the end of our song.
If we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with our inactivity, it will cause us to focus on our defects and our circumstances. But we need to remind ourselves that the Lord may be using our time of rest to make our music better.
The Great Conductor is counting time with precision. There is more to the arrangement than we know. If we keep our eyes on Him, in time He'll enable us to chime in again.
In the meantime we can enjoy the rest. The quiet times are opportunities to quiet our souls and compose ourselves for the measures that lie ahead. The rest is not a mistake, nor an omission, but a necessary part of the symphony God wrote in the beginning and is conducting for us every day.
The Conductor knows best. Wait on Him. —David Roper
Be silent unto God, my soul,
If this the score He writes for thee,
And "hold the rest"; play no false note
To mar His perfect harmony. —Flint
© 1944 Evangelical Publishers
God uses life's stops to prepare us for the next start.
daily bread
Sunday, November 17, 2002
"Where's The Piccolo?"
Read: John 6:1-14
There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? —John 6:9
At certain times in life we may feel insignificant and useless. Surrounded by people with greater talent than ours, we are tempted in our weak moments just to settle back and let somebody else do the work. We reason that what we have to offer won't make much difference anyway.
We forget the truth suggested by our Lord's use of five loaves and two small fish to feed a multitude (John 6:1-14). Each of us has something important to offer in His service.
Sir Michael Costa was conducting a rehearsal in which the orchestra was joined by a great chorus. About halfway through the session, with trumpets blaring, drums rolling, and violins singing their rich melody, the piccolo player muttered to himself, "What good am I doing? I might just as well not be playing. Nobody can hear me anyway." So he kept the instrument to his mouth, but he made no sound. Within moments, the conductor cried, "Stop! Stop! Where's the piccolo?" It was missed by the ear of the most important person of all.
It's much the same way with the use of our abilities for the Lord. Whether our talent is great or small, the performance isn't complete until we do our best with what we have. —Richard De Haan
The Master needs what you have to offer,
No matter if you think it's small;
His work on earth is done through His children,
So give Him your best, give your all. —Hess
In God's eyes it is a great thing to do a little thing well.
daily bread
Read: John 6:1-14
There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? —John 6:9
At certain times in life we may feel insignificant and useless. Surrounded by people with greater talent than ours, we are tempted in our weak moments just to settle back and let somebody else do the work. We reason that what we have to offer won't make much difference anyway.
We forget the truth suggested by our Lord's use of five loaves and two small fish to feed a multitude (John 6:1-14). Each of us has something important to offer in His service.
Sir Michael Costa was conducting a rehearsal in which the orchestra was joined by a great chorus. About halfway through the session, with trumpets blaring, drums rolling, and violins singing their rich melody, the piccolo player muttered to himself, "What good am I doing? I might just as well not be playing. Nobody can hear me anyway." So he kept the instrument to his mouth, but he made no sound. Within moments, the conductor cried, "Stop! Stop! Where's the piccolo?" It was missed by the ear of the most important person of all.
It's much the same way with the use of our abilities for the Lord. Whether our talent is great or small, the performance isn't complete until we do our best with what we have. —Richard De Haan
The Master needs what you have to offer,
No matter if you think it's small;
His work on earth is done through His children,
So give Him your best, give your all. —Hess
In God's eyes it is a great thing to do a little thing well.
daily bread
Saturday, November 16, 2002
Godly Giving
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4
How many people do you know who truly give just for the sake of giving because they know it is good and right to do? How many folks do you know who offer their services, time and emotions, simply because they have a real heart to help a fellow man?
I wish I could say I knew many such people, but, the reality is, few individuals I know give out of a cheerful and loving heart expecting nothing from man or God in return. Even in my own life, while my heart may be acting in love, a small subtle part of me sometimes hopes that God will offer me something in return, such as a prayer answered.
Unfortunately, God does not work this way. When a prayer is answered or a blessing bestowed, our Creator does not issue it as some sort of reward system or trophy for a job well done. No, my friends, God is above such juvenile behavior, and when the Lord gives, He gives because it is good and right to do so.
The next time you are moved to reach out and give to someone, whether it be volunteering some time to help feed the homeless, work with cancer patients, or offering a supportive shoulder to a friend in need, do so expecting nothing in return, and the simple yet profound joy of knowing you did the right thing because it was the godly thing to do, and not because you would receive earthy recognition, will be all the reward you will need!
God knows, not only our every word and deed, but He knows our true motives behind our actions. Show God what is in YOUR heart today!
daily wisdom
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4
How many people do you know who truly give just for the sake of giving because they know it is good and right to do? How many folks do you know who offer their services, time and emotions, simply because they have a real heart to help a fellow man?
I wish I could say I knew many such people, but, the reality is, few individuals I know give out of a cheerful and loving heart expecting nothing from man or God in return. Even in my own life, while my heart may be acting in love, a small subtle part of me sometimes hopes that God will offer me something in return, such as a prayer answered.
Unfortunately, God does not work this way. When a prayer is answered or a blessing bestowed, our Creator does not issue it as some sort of reward system or trophy for a job well done. No, my friends, God is above such juvenile behavior, and when the Lord gives, He gives because it is good and right to do so.
The next time you are moved to reach out and give to someone, whether it be volunteering some time to help feed the homeless, work with cancer patients, or offering a supportive shoulder to a friend in need, do so expecting nothing in return, and the simple yet profound joy of knowing you did the right thing because it was the godly thing to do, and not because you would receive earthy recognition, will be all the reward you will need!
God knows, not only our every word and deed, but He knows our true motives behind our actions. Show God what is in YOUR heart today!
daily wisdom
Nothing Left But God
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:1-17
Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. —2 Chronicles 20:15
A wise Bible teacher once said, "Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him—no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God's help, they're sunk."
He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor, "My life is really in bad shape." "How bad?" the pastor inquired. Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, "I'll tell you how bad—all I've got left is God." The pastor's face lit up. "I'm happy to assure you that a person with nothing left but God has more than enough for great victory!"
In today's Bible reading, the people of Judah were also in trouble. They admitted their lack of power and wisdom to conquer their foes. All they had left was God! But King Jehoshaphat and the people saw this as reason for hope, not despair. "Our eyes are upon You," they declared to God (2 Chronicles 20:12). And their hope was not disappointed as He fulfilled His promise: "The battle is not yours, but God's" (v.15).
Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God's reassuring promise that you need nothing more. —Joanie Yoder
In You, O Lord, we take delight,
Our every need You will supply;
We long to do what's good and right,
So, Lord, on You we will rely. —D. De Haan
When all you have is God, you have all you need.
daily bread
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:1-17
Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. —2 Chronicles 20:15
A wise Bible teacher once said, "Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him—no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God's help, they're sunk."
He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor, "My life is really in bad shape." "How bad?" the pastor inquired. Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, "I'll tell you how bad—all I've got left is God." The pastor's face lit up. "I'm happy to assure you that a person with nothing left but God has more than enough for great victory!"
In today's Bible reading, the people of Judah were also in trouble. They admitted their lack of power and wisdom to conquer their foes. All they had left was God! But King Jehoshaphat and the people saw this as reason for hope, not despair. "Our eyes are upon You," they declared to God (2 Chronicles 20:12). And their hope was not disappointed as He fulfilled His promise: "The battle is not yours, but God's" (v.15).
Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God's reassuring promise that you need nothing more. —Joanie Yoder
In You, O Lord, we take delight,
Our every need You will supply;
We long to do what's good and right,
So, Lord, on You we will rely. —D. De Haan
When all you have is God, you have all you need.
daily bread
Thursday, November 14, 2002
Today's scripture is Matthew 12:34-35
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
Words won't work without faith any more than faith will work without words! It takes them both to put the law of faith in motion.
Many believers don't realize that. They'll continually speak words of doubt and unbelief, then they'll jump up one day and say a couple of faith words and expect mountains to move -- and to their dismay, they don't.
Why not? Because as Matthew 12:34-35 says, it's the words that come from the heart that produce results. The person who just throws in a couple of faith words now and then isn't speaking them from the abundance of his heart, so they're not effective.
Does that mean you shouldn't start speaking words of faith until you're sure you have the faith to back them? No! Speaking words of faith is good spiritual exercise. If you want to receive healing by faith, for example, fasten your mind and your mouth on the Word of God where your health is concerned. Instead of talking about how miserable you feel, quote Isaiah 53:5. Say, "Jesus was wounded for my transgressions. He was bruised for my iniquities. The chastisement of my peace was upon Him; and with His stripes, praise God, I was healed!"
If you'll continue to meditate on those words and continue to say them, the truth in them will begin to sink in. They'll take root in your heart and begin to grow. And eventually you really will be speaking from the abundance of your heart.
When that happens, it won't matter what the circumstances look like. You'll know you have what you've been believing for and the devil himself won't be able to talk you out of it. You'll cross the line from hope to faith, and you'll start seeing those mountains move!
bible shack
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
Words won't work without faith any more than faith will work without words! It takes them both to put the law of faith in motion.
Many believers don't realize that. They'll continually speak words of doubt and unbelief, then they'll jump up one day and say a couple of faith words and expect mountains to move -- and to their dismay, they don't.
Why not? Because as Matthew 12:34-35 says, it's the words that come from the heart that produce results. The person who just throws in a couple of faith words now and then isn't speaking them from the abundance of his heart, so they're not effective.
Does that mean you shouldn't start speaking words of faith until you're sure you have the faith to back them? No! Speaking words of faith is good spiritual exercise. If you want to receive healing by faith, for example, fasten your mind and your mouth on the Word of God where your health is concerned. Instead of talking about how miserable you feel, quote Isaiah 53:5. Say, "Jesus was wounded for my transgressions. He was bruised for my iniquities. The chastisement of my peace was upon Him; and with His stripes, praise God, I was healed!"
If you'll continue to meditate on those words and continue to say them, the truth in them will begin to sink in. They'll take root in your heart and begin to grow. And eventually you really will be speaking from the abundance of your heart.
When that happens, it won't matter what the circumstances look like. You'll know you have what you've been believing for and the devil himself won't be able to talk you out of it. You'll cross the line from hope to faith, and you'll start seeing those mountains move!
bible shack
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Each Day
By Craig von Buseck
The Author wants this play to be a hit. He has paid the highest price to ensure its success. But only those who follow His direction and stay true to the script will receive an award-winning run.
Each day is a play in three acts, morning, mid-day, and evening.
Each day is to be cherished, for we do not know how often God will allow us to attend this theater of life. The players of the day can be walk-on extras, seen once or twice and then never again.
Many others, however, are familiar characters, written into the script to provide drama and suspense, comedy, tragedy, anxiety, joy, and a rainbow of emotions for the enjoyment and education of the central character -- and for the purposes and pleasure of the Author.
The Creator of each day is the Author of life. He is the one who chooses the characters, the setting, and the plot. In fact, the Author owns the theater.
Who, besides the Author, is watching this play? Who is in the audience? We are told that there is standing room only for this performance. There are a great many witnesses; actors whose lives have had a successful run, and who are now cheering on those still learning the trade.
Others are young thespians waiting for their time to take center stage, learning the craft from observance.
The Author wants this play to be a hit. He has paid the highest price to ensure its success. But only those who follow His direction and stay true to the script will receive an award-winning run.
Though it is difficult, and many desire to re-write the script or change the staging, the actors who remain true to the Spirit of the Author are promised as a reward the coveted crown of life.
Unfortunately, there are always those who leave the script behind and try to ad-lib. At first the crowds come out in large numbers, curious to see what the show has to offer. But theatergoers accustomed to the direction of the Author soon tire of the charade. The show closes after a brief run; sadly, the actor will never work with the Author again.
But there are also those shining lights; the performers willing to give it all, yielding to the direction of the Author. These are the award-winners. These are the chosen.
When their show has run its course, and the actor has finished the race, at the final curtain call, the actor bows gracefully to the applause of the audience, and then turns and directs the spotlight to the regal box seat reserved for the honored Author. In one final, dramatic gesture, the actor bends his knee, removes his thespian crown and places it before the Highly Exalted One, the Author, the Director, the theater owner -- the One who is worthy to receive all praise … each day.
cbn
By Craig von Buseck
The Author wants this play to be a hit. He has paid the highest price to ensure its success. But only those who follow His direction and stay true to the script will receive an award-winning run.
Each day is a play in three acts, morning, mid-day, and evening.
Each day is to be cherished, for we do not know how often God will allow us to attend this theater of life. The players of the day can be walk-on extras, seen once or twice and then never again.
Many others, however, are familiar characters, written into the script to provide drama and suspense, comedy, tragedy, anxiety, joy, and a rainbow of emotions for the enjoyment and education of the central character -- and for the purposes and pleasure of the Author.
The Creator of each day is the Author of life. He is the one who chooses the characters, the setting, and the plot. In fact, the Author owns the theater.
Who, besides the Author, is watching this play? Who is in the audience? We are told that there is standing room only for this performance. There are a great many witnesses; actors whose lives have had a successful run, and who are now cheering on those still learning the trade.
Others are young thespians waiting for their time to take center stage, learning the craft from observance.
The Author wants this play to be a hit. He has paid the highest price to ensure its success. But only those who follow His direction and stay true to the script will receive an award-winning run.
Though it is difficult, and many desire to re-write the script or change the staging, the actors who remain true to the Spirit of the Author are promised as a reward the coveted crown of life.
Unfortunately, there are always those who leave the script behind and try to ad-lib. At first the crowds come out in large numbers, curious to see what the show has to offer. But theatergoers accustomed to the direction of the Author soon tire of the charade. The show closes after a brief run; sadly, the actor will never work with the Author again.
But there are also those shining lights; the performers willing to give it all, yielding to the direction of the Author. These are the award-winners. These are the chosen.
When their show has run its course, and the actor has finished the race, at the final curtain call, the actor bows gracefully to the applause of the audience, and then turns and directs the spotlight to the regal box seat reserved for the honored Author. In one final, dramatic gesture, the actor bends his knee, removes his thespian crown and places it before the Highly Exalted One, the Author, the Director, the theater owner -- the One who is worthy to receive all praise … each day.
cbn
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
The Flood and The Blood
By Dan Betzer
The Ark was made of wood, the same as another implement of divine safety, the cross of Jesus Christ.
Recently our church presented a drama of Noah and the Ark, complete with a massive wooden ship right in the sanctuary. There were many terrific animals in the production, including a 1400-pound zebra, an alligator, a python, a leopard, a lion, some monkeys, birds, and you name it. Thousands of children, teens, and adults sat there with eyes like golf balls--especially when the storm hit with thunder, winds, and rain!
I have wondered what this planet was like before the great deluge. Many believe that there was more living space on Earth then, compared to the present 58,000,000 square miles that are only about a third of the total surface. Some believe that England was connected to the mainland of Europe before the flood. Fossils of plants have been found in great deserts such as the Sahara, indicating that there was once lush vegetation there.
Some think that the eastern coast of North America extended much farther eastward into the Atlantic and in the northern parts was even connected to Europe. We believe that western Kansas was once underwater and the home of great marine reptiles.
Genesis 6 begins the amazing story of Noah, a man of faith and conviction who God used to spare humanity. Over a period of decades, he and his boys laboriously constructed that 450-feet long Ark that would carry family and a bunch of animals to safety. The Ark was made of wood, the same as another implement of divine safety, the cross of Jesus Christ.
In Noah's time, those who availed themselves of the Ark survived. In our day, those who avail themselves of the blood of the Cross have abundant life beyond measure.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
The Ark was made of wood, the same as another implement of divine safety, the cross of Jesus Christ.
Recently our church presented a drama of Noah and the Ark, complete with a massive wooden ship right in the sanctuary. There were many terrific animals in the production, including a 1400-pound zebra, an alligator, a python, a leopard, a lion, some monkeys, birds, and you name it. Thousands of children, teens, and adults sat there with eyes like golf balls--especially when the storm hit with thunder, winds, and rain!
I have wondered what this planet was like before the great deluge. Many believe that there was more living space on Earth then, compared to the present 58,000,000 square miles that are only about a third of the total surface. Some believe that England was connected to the mainland of Europe before the flood. Fossils of plants have been found in great deserts such as the Sahara, indicating that there was once lush vegetation there.
Some think that the eastern coast of North America extended much farther eastward into the Atlantic and in the northern parts was even connected to Europe. We believe that western Kansas was once underwater and the home of great marine reptiles.
Genesis 6 begins the amazing story of Noah, a man of faith and conviction who God used to spare humanity. Over a period of decades, he and his boys laboriously constructed that 450-feet long Ark that would carry family and a bunch of animals to safety. The Ark was made of wood, the same as another implement of divine safety, the cross of Jesus Christ.
In Noah's time, those who availed themselves of the Ark survived. In our day, those who avail themselves of the blood of the Cross have abundant life beyond measure.
cbn
Monday, November 11, 2002
Legacy Of Forgiveness
Read: 1 John 2:1-12
Your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. —1 John 2:12
Five years after World War II ended, Marvin Maris met Taizo Fujishiro at a theological seminary in Chicago. Even though the men had served on opposite sides during the bitter conflict, Maris befriended Fujishiro, typed class notes for him, taught him to drive, and invited him to his home for Christmas. After Taizo returned to Japan, they stayed in touch.
Four decades later, Maris' granddaughter, Connie Wieck, went to Japan to teach English. She phoned Fujishiro and introduced herself. The next day they met for lunch, and Taizo told her all about her grandfather—his first American friend.
Connie later wrote: "Growing up in a town whose veterans were still bitter . . . , I had come to believe that forgiveness was beyond any firsthand witnesses to that history. The lasting friendship between my grandfather and Taizo proved otherwise."
The apostle Paul described the marvel of salvation by writing, "When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son" (Romans 5:10). And John said that those who are forgiven are to love others (1 John 2:9-12).
God's legacy of forgiveness extends from generation to generation as we humbly receive His gift of mercy in Christ and pass it on to others. —David McCasland
Jesus came our debt to pay,
Saved our soul in grace one day,
So in love we all should live,
Ready always to forgive. —Bosch
Forgiven sinners know love and show love.
daily bread
Read: 1 John 2:1-12
Your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. —1 John 2:12
Five years after World War II ended, Marvin Maris met Taizo Fujishiro at a theological seminary in Chicago. Even though the men had served on opposite sides during the bitter conflict, Maris befriended Fujishiro, typed class notes for him, taught him to drive, and invited him to his home for Christmas. After Taizo returned to Japan, they stayed in touch.
Four decades later, Maris' granddaughter, Connie Wieck, went to Japan to teach English. She phoned Fujishiro and introduced herself. The next day they met for lunch, and Taizo told her all about her grandfather—his first American friend.
Connie later wrote: "Growing up in a town whose veterans were still bitter . . . , I had come to believe that forgiveness was beyond any firsthand witnesses to that history. The lasting friendship between my grandfather and Taizo proved otherwise."
The apostle Paul described the marvel of salvation by writing, "When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son" (Romans 5:10). And John said that those who are forgiven are to love others (1 John 2:9-12).
God's legacy of forgiveness extends from generation to generation as we humbly receive His gift of mercy in Christ and pass it on to others. —David McCasland
Jesus came our debt to pay,
Saved our soul in grace one day,
So in love we all should live,
Ready always to forgive. —Bosch
Forgiven sinners know love and show love.
daily bread
Sunday, November 10, 2002
Today's scripture is John 15:6
"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered."
If I were to ask you to make a list of a hundred things you need to do to please the Lord today, you could do it, couldn't you? In fact, you probably have so many spiritual "do's" and "don'ts" cluttering up your mind that you'd hardly know where to start.
But you can relax. I'm not going to suggest you make a list of them. Instead, I'm going to help you simplify things by giving you only one: Abide in Jesus.
The one thing you're truly responsible for is your union with Him. If you keep your union and fellowship with Him intact, everything else will be taken care of.
Don't fall into the devil's trap. Instead, keep your thoughts and affections trained on the Lord. As you do that, the force of faith will begin to flow out of you. And that flow will repel every form of darkness. It will bring you in triumph through every storm.
Fellowship with Jesus today.
bible shack
"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered."
If I were to ask you to make a list of a hundred things you need to do to please the Lord today, you could do it, couldn't you? In fact, you probably have so many spiritual "do's" and "don'ts" cluttering up your mind that you'd hardly know where to start.
But you can relax. I'm not going to suggest you make a list of them. Instead, I'm going to help you simplify things by giving you only one: Abide in Jesus.
The one thing you're truly responsible for is your union with Him. If you keep your union and fellowship with Him intact, everything else will be taken care of.
Don't fall into the devil's trap. Instead, keep your thoughts and affections trained on the Lord. As you do that, the force of faith will begin to flow out of you. And that flow will repel every form of darkness. It will bring you in triumph through every storm.
Fellowship with Jesus today.
bible shack
Saturday, November 09, 2002
Ministry Out of Loss
By Dena J. Dyer
Is there a prayer God hasn't answered for you -- no matter how hard you pray? Do you feel hopeless, helpless, discouraged? Don't give up.
"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1, NIV).
A few months after I had a miscarriage, I felt compelled to write an article on how to help someone who has had a pregnancy loss. I included things to say (and especially things not to say) to a friend or family member who has suffered the death of an unborn child. It was therapeutic for me, and several people who read it said that it was helpful to them, as well.
Since then, I have had several opportunities to minister (through listening, sending an encouraging card or flowers, or simply just being there) to couples who have had miscarriages. It is not a ministry I would have chosen, but I do see God's hand in it.
Joni Erickson Tada and her husband run a ministry born out of suffering. In the October/November 1998 issue of Virtue, the quadriplegic recalled how she and Ken desired to have children but slowly realized it was impossible. One night as they lay in bed with Ken holding her hand, they redefined "family," praying for a spiritual outreach to young people -- and God answered.
Now, as a result of Ken's job as a teacher, annual family retreats through Joni's ministry to the disabled and quarterly barbecues in their backyard, they minister to hundreds of teens who long for a stable adult presence in their lives. "God corralled all these kids and brought them our way, so we look at them through different eyes -- not as the sons and daughters of other adults, but as our spiritual sons and daughters, in whom we can invest something eternally worthwhile. And that has been enormously fulfilling."
Is there a prayer God hasn't answered for you -- no matter how hard you pray? Do you feel hopeless, helpless, discouraged? Don't give up.
Search the scriptures, and pray to know God's heart. Maybe your Father has a unique ministry planned that will come from the fruits of your wilderness experience. Believe for that abundance, even in the middle of your desert.
Prayer: God, help me to trust you, however bleak my circumstances may seem. Give me the grace to accept whatever plan You have for my life.
cbn
By Dena J. Dyer
Is there a prayer God hasn't answered for you -- no matter how hard you pray? Do you feel hopeless, helpless, discouraged? Don't give up.
"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1, NIV).
A few months after I had a miscarriage, I felt compelled to write an article on how to help someone who has had a pregnancy loss. I included things to say (and especially things not to say) to a friend or family member who has suffered the death of an unborn child. It was therapeutic for me, and several people who read it said that it was helpful to them, as well.
Since then, I have had several opportunities to minister (through listening, sending an encouraging card or flowers, or simply just being there) to couples who have had miscarriages. It is not a ministry I would have chosen, but I do see God's hand in it.
Joni Erickson Tada and her husband run a ministry born out of suffering. In the October/November 1998 issue of Virtue, the quadriplegic recalled how she and Ken desired to have children but slowly realized it was impossible. One night as they lay in bed with Ken holding her hand, they redefined "family," praying for a spiritual outreach to young people -- and God answered.
Now, as a result of Ken's job as a teacher, annual family retreats through Joni's ministry to the disabled and quarterly barbecues in their backyard, they minister to hundreds of teens who long for a stable adult presence in their lives. "God corralled all these kids and brought them our way, so we look at them through different eyes -- not as the sons and daughters of other adults, but as our spiritual sons and daughters, in whom we can invest something eternally worthwhile. And that has been enormously fulfilling."
Is there a prayer God hasn't answered for you -- no matter how hard you pray? Do you feel hopeless, helpless, discouraged? Don't give up.
Search the scriptures, and pray to know God's heart. Maybe your Father has a unique ministry planned that will come from the fruits of your wilderness experience. Believe for that abundance, even in the middle of your desert.
Prayer: God, help me to trust you, however bleak my circumstances may seem. Give me the grace to accept whatever plan You have for my life.
cbn
Lipstick On A Bulldog
Read: Matthew 4:17-25
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. —Matthew 4:17
"In a lot of organizations, change is like putting lipstick on a bulldog. There's a tremendous amount of effort involved, and most times all you get is some cosmetics—and an angry bulldog." So writes Dave Murphy of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Real change, whether in a business, church, family, or in ourselves, can be difficult and elusive. While we long for a deep and lasting transformation, we often get only a temporary cover-up that solves nothing and satisfies no one.
The word repent is used in the Bible to describe the beginning of genuine spiritual change. Language scholar W. E. Vine says that to repent means "to change one's mind or purpose." In the New Testament it always involves a change for the better as a person turns away from sin while turning toward God. Jesus began His public ministry with the call, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).
When we feel sorry for doing wrong or for getting caught, it may be nothing more than a spiritual cosmetic. But true repentance occurs deep in our hearts and results in a visible difference in our actions.
When we turn to Christ and yield ourselves to Him, He produces real change—not just a cover-up. —David McCasland
Don't hide your sin and cover up,
Pretending there is nothing wrong;
Instead, confess it and repent,
And God will fill your heart with song. —Sper
Repentance is not just words but actions.
daily bread
Read: Matthew 4:17-25
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. —Matthew 4:17
"In a lot of organizations, change is like putting lipstick on a bulldog. There's a tremendous amount of effort involved, and most times all you get is some cosmetics—and an angry bulldog." So writes Dave Murphy of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Real change, whether in a business, church, family, or in ourselves, can be difficult and elusive. While we long for a deep and lasting transformation, we often get only a temporary cover-up that solves nothing and satisfies no one.
The word repent is used in the Bible to describe the beginning of genuine spiritual change. Language scholar W. E. Vine says that to repent means "to change one's mind or purpose." In the New Testament it always involves a change for the better as a person turns away from sin while turning toward God. Jesus began His public ministry with the call, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).
When we feel sorry for doing wrong or for getting caught, it may be nothing more than a spiritual cosmetic. But true repentance occurs deep in our hearts and results in a visible difference in our actions.
When we turn to Christ and yield ourselves to Him, He produces real change—not just a cover-up. —David McCasland
Don't hide your sin and cover up,
Pretending there is nothing wrong;
Instead, confess it and repent,
And God will fill your heart with song. —Sper
Repentance is not just words but actions.
daily bread
Thursday, November 07, 2002
A Death Too Soon
READ: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
The military gym where I work out often has MTV or BET emanating from its three TV screens. Much of the gym’s youthful clientele enjoys the ubiquitous hip-hop videos.
I’ll reserve judgment about that musical genre, but I can’t be so neutral about the substance (or lack thereof) of the videos. Women are routinely reduced to the sum total of their sexuality—and a superficial sexuality it is! The “dance” moves are little more than simulated sex. A “modest” wardrobe means one without much fabric in it. Dignity and subtlety are nonexistent.
It’s sadly ironic that a prominent star of some of these videos is no longer with us. Her name was Aaliyah, and she died much too young in a plane crash last year. From what I’ve read, I would have liked her had I known her. Unfortunately, Aaliyah will be remembered most for her videos and a movie released after her death: Queen of the Damned.
Aaliyah probably didn’t give much thought to the prospect of her untimely death. Few of us do. But it’s not likely she would have wanted those videos and that movie to be her permanent legacy. Surely she was capable of so much more.
Believers in Jesus Christ don’t need to fear death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57), but that doesn’t mean we never should give any thought to it. Death’s inevitability should prompt us to take a hard look at what our legacy will be. How will people remember us? Why?
“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,” the apostle Paul wrote (v.58). That doesn’t imply a parttime spiritual service that we turn on and off. It’s an everyday commitment to serving God in everything we do. Seldom is such work splashy or sensational. Never does it exploit or entice.
God values small acts of service, kindness, and gentle actions, and unrelenting commitment to doing the right thing—all done away from the glare of the spotlight. Anything less is its own reward.
“Your labor in the Lord is not in vain,” Paul concluded (v.58). When we live for God, we need not fear a death too soon. —Tim Gustafson
REFLECTION
• What am I doing today that will have lasting value?
• Which of my “accomplishments” might I regret later?
• How do I want others to remember me?
Live as if this is your last day on earth.
campus journal
READ: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
The military gym where I work out often has MTV or BET emanating from its three TV screens. Much of the gym’s youthful clientele enjoys the ubiquitous hip-hop videos.
I’ll reserve judgment about that musical genre, but I can’t be so neutral about the substance (or lack thereof) of the videos. Women are routinely reduced to the sum total of their sexuality—and a superficial sexuality it is! The “dance” moves are little more than simulated sex. A “modest” wardrobe means one without much fabric in it. Dignity and subtlety are nonexistent.
It’s sadly ironic that a prominent star of some of these videos is no longer with us. Her name was Aaliyah, and she died much too young in a plane crash last year. From what I’ve read, I would have liked her had I known her. Unfortunately, Aaliyah will be remembered most for her videos and a movie released after her death: Queen of the Damned.
Aaliyah probably didn’t give much thought to the prospect of her untimely death. Few of us do. But it’s not likely she would have wanted those videos and that movie to be her permanent legacy. Surely she was capable of so much more.
Believers in Jesus Christ don’t need to fear death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57), but that doesn’t mean we never should give any thought to it. Death’s inevitability should prompt us to take a hard look at what our legacy will be. How will people remember us? Why?
“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,” the apostle Paul wrote (v.58). That doesn’t imply a parttime spiritual service that we turn on and off. It’s an everyday commitment to serving God in everything we do. Seldom is such work splashy or sensational. Never does it exploit or entice.
God values small acts of service, kindness, and gentle actions, and unrelenting commitment to doing the right thing—all done away from the glare of the spotlight. Anything less is its own reward.
“Your labor in the Lord is not in vain,” Paul concluded (v.58). When we live for God, we need not fear a death too soon. —Tim Gustafson
REFLECTION
• What am I doing today that will have lasting value?
• Which of my “accomplishments” might I regret later?
• How do I want others to remember me?
Live as if this is your last day on earth.
campus journal
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
Prayer: A Matter Of Life Or Death!
By Linda Brown
Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation?
Prayer: It's a matter of life or death for our church; it's a matter of life or death for our nation. I'm convinced that in order to have the spiritual power we so desperately need, we MUST be united as a church and as a nation, and we MUST be persistent in our prayer life. If there is discord among the members of a church or the citizens of a nation, the Lord will never bless us. This is the enemy's strategy to get our focus off of God and onto one another. We MUST NOT allow ourselves to fall into this deadly trap! Thus, the need to join together as a community of love and prayer -- our only hope -- is our power against the world.
Imagine what we can accomplish when we are united. The story of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:5-6, presents a powerful illustration of what we can accomplish when we are united in spirit:
"But when the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower, he said: These people are working together because they all speak the same language. This is just the beginning. Soon they will be able to do anything they want."
And we can also look to American history for the power of prayer. With his army facing starvation at Valley Forge, General George Washington turned to God in prayer. During a bitter dispute that threatened to divide the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin rose and called on his colleagues to pray. At a crucial time during the Civil War, with his nation on the brink of disaster, Abraham Lincoln "got down on [his] knees before Almighty God and prayed."
In the midst of great trials, America's leaders have turned to God in prayer. These men of action knew they desperately needed His help for America to survive. As Ben Franklin said, "If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
Prayer worked for Washington, for Franklin, and for Lincoln. And it can help save America today. Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation? As it says in James 5:16, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (KJV). With so much at stake, help re-kindle the spiritual fire in our church and in our nation through prayer and unity.
cbn
By Linda Brown
Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation?
Prayer: It's a matter of life or death for our church; it's a matter of life or death for our nation. I'm convinced that in order to have the spiritual power we so desperately need, we MUST be united as a church and as a nation, and we MUST be persistent in our prayer life. If there is discord among the members of a church or the citizens of a nation, the Lord will never bless us. This is the enemy's strategy to get our focus off of God and onto one another. We MUST NOT allow ourselves to fall into this deadly trap! Thus, the need to join together as a community of love and prayer -- our only hope -- is our power against the world.
Imagine what we can accomplish when we are united. The story of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:5-6, presents a powerful illustration of what we can accomplish when we are united in spirit:
"But when the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower, he said: These people are working together because they all speak the same language. This is just the beginning. Soon they will be able to do anything they want."
And we can also look to American history for the power of prayer. With his army facing starvation at Valley Forge, General George Washington turned to God in prayer. During a bitter dispute that threatened to divide the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin rose and called on his colleagues to pray. At a crucial time during the Civil War, with his nation on the brink of disaster, Abraham Lincoln "got down on [his] knees before Almighty God and prayed."
In the midst of great trials, America's leaders have turned to God in prayer. These men of action knew they desperately needed His help for America to survive. As Ben Franklin said, "If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
Prayer worked for Washington, for Franklin, and for Lincoln. And it can help save America today. Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation? As it says in James 5:16, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (KJV). With so much at stake, help re-kindle the spiritual fire in our church and in our nation through prayer and unity.
cbn
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
Are You Broke Yet?
By Pat Young
I have learned that as long as I trust God, go to Him in faith believing, and rest in His peace, He will always come through for me. "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (Psalms 37:25).
Here it is payday and your check is gone before you get the money in your hands. A lot of us can relate to that. When I look over my debts I sometimes think "Lord, I'll be glad when I can receive my check and spend it at my own leisure." I realize it may take me awhile to arrive at that place but I am determined to reach that goal. There are times when paydays go very smoothly for me and then there are times I sit down and say, "who will I pay this time?"
Circumstances arise where we have no control over them. I remember last year when I managed to save some money and then my transmission in my van decided to go on a mission. It left my van in bad shape. Well, I had to have it repaired. A few months later the gas line in my car decided not to hold gas anymore. So that broke and had to be replaced.
And then we have the situations with our children. They can be money robbers too. Recently my daughter's wisdom teeth decided to cause her problems. They had to be removed from her mouth. (Not too wise in my eyes. Why didn't they have the wisdom to stay put?) But…they are now gone. It was another expense that had to be paid. So I found myself saying, "when will I stop being broke?" I was quickly reminded of God's Word:
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I repented and said, "Thank you Lord, for you have met my every need." I am not going to look at the circumstances but look at what the Lord is doing and has done. I am also looking at what He is going to do for my family and me.
As time has passed, I still have found my self struggling with whom to pay this time and nervously making the phone call to the debtor and saying " I will pay you on a certain date". During those rough times, I have learned that as long as I trust God, go to Him in faith believing, and rest in His peace, He will always come through for me.
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread (Psalms 37:25).
So I ask myself the question, "Am I broke yet?" No way! As long as I trust my Lord and walk upright before Him and believe His promises are true for my family and me, I will never be broke another day in my life!
cbn
By Pat Young
I have learned that as long as I trust God, go to Him in faith believing, and rest in His peace, He will always come through for me. "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (Psalms 37:25).
Here it is payday and your check is gone before you get the money in your hands. A lot of us can relate to that. When I look over my debts I sometimes think "Lord, I'll be glad when I can receive my check and spend it at my own leisure." I realize it may take me awhile to arrive at that place but I am determined to reach that goal. There are times when paydays go very smoothly for me and then there are times I sit down and say, "who will I pay this time?"
Circumstances arise where we have no control over them. I remember last year when I managed to save some money and then my transmission in my van decided to go on a mission. It left my van in bad shape. Well, I had to have it repaired. A few months later the gas line in my car decided not to hold gas anymore. So that broke and had to be replaced.
And then we have the situations with our children. They can be money robbers too. Recently my daughter's wisdom teeth decided to cause her problems. They had to be removed from her mouth. (Not too wise in my eyes. Why didn't they have the wisdom to stay put?) But…they are now gone. It was another expense that had to be paid. So I found myself saying, "when will I stop being broke?" I was quickly reminded of God's Word:
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I repented and said, "Thank you Lord, for you have met my every need." I am not going to look at the circumstances but look at what the Lord is doing and has done. I am also looking at what He is going to do for my family and me.
As time has passed, I still have found my self struggling with whom to pay this time and nervously making the phone call to the debtor and saying " I will pay you on a certain date". During those rough times, I have learned that as long as I trust God, go to Him in faith believing, and rest in His peace, He will always come through for me.
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread (Psalms 37:25).
So I ask myself the question, "Am I broke yet?" No way! As long as I trust my Lord and walk upright before Him and believe His promises are true for my family and me, I will never be broke another day in my life!
cbn
Monday, November 04, 2002
The Heart Of Idolatry
Read: Ezekiel 14:1-8
These men have set up their idols in their hearts. —Ezekiel 14:3
When my husband and I first went out as missionaries, I was concerned about the growth of materialism in our society. It never even crossed my mind that I myself could be materialistic. After all, hadn't we gone overseas with almost nothing? Weren't we having to live in an old, shabbily furnished, rundown apartment? I thought materialism couldn't touch us.
Nonetheless, feelings of discontent gradually began to take root in my heart. Before long I was craving nice things and secretly feeling resentful over not having them. Then one day God's Spirit opened my eyes with a disturbing insight: Materialism isn't necessarily having things; it can also be craving them. There I stood—guilty of materialism! The Lord had exposed my discontentment for what it really was—an idol in my heart. That day as I repented of this subtle sin, God recaptured my heart as His rightful throne. Needless to say, a deep contentment followed, based not on things but on Him.
In Ezekiel's day, the Lord exposed the idolatry in the hearts of His people (Ezekiel 14:3-7). And today He longs for us to rid our hearts of anything that destroys our contentment with Him. —Joanie Yoder
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee. —Cowper
An idol is anything that takes God's rightful place.
daily bread
Read: Ezekiel 14:1-8
These men have set up their idols in their hearts. —Ezekiel 14:3
When my husband and I first went out as missionaries, I was concerned about the growth of materialism in our society. It never even crossed my mind that I myself could be materialistic. After all, hadn't we gone overseas with almost nothing? Weren't we having to live in an old, shabbily furnished, rundown apartment? I thought materialism couldn't touch us.
Nonetheless, feelings of discontent gradually began to take root in my heart. Before long I was craving nice things and secretly feeling resentful over not having them. Then one day God's Spirit opened my eyes with a disturbing insight: Materialism isn't necessarily having things; it can also be craving them. There I stood—guilty of materialism! The Lord had exposed my discontentment for what it really was—an idol in my heart. That day as I repented of this subtle sin, God recaptured my heart as His rightful throne. Needless to say, a deep contentment followed, based not on things but on Him.
In Ezekiel's day, the Lord exposed the idolatry in the hearts of His people (Ezekiel 14:3-7). And today He longs for us to rid our hearts of anything that destroys our contentment with Him. —Joanie Yoder
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee. —Cowper
An idol is anything that takes God's rightful place.
daily bread
Sunday, November 03, 2002
Tuned In
Read: Jeremiah 5:20-25
Hear this now, O foolish people, . . . who have ears and hear not. —Jeremiah 5:21
One of my sons was a master at tuning out what he didn't want to hear. In church, his mind was a million miles away. He could tell you the number of panels in the ceiling and how many seats were in the choir loft. Many times I heard my wife say to him in the midst of a scolding, "Are you listening to me?"
We too are often guilty of tuning out what we don't want to hear, even messages from God. In his book Christian Reflections, C. S. Lewis says that a person who is determined to ignore God's voice will follow this advice: "Avoid silence, avoid solitude, avoid any train of thought that leads off the beaten track. Concentrate on money, sex, status, health, and (above all) your own grievances. Keep the radio on. Live in a crowd."
When we do something wrong, that's one time when we especially need to listen to God's voice. But often, in our stubbornness, we make sure we don't. The prophet Jeremiah spoke to those kinds of individuals, saying, "O foolish people, . . . who have ears and hear not . . . . This people has a defiant and rebellious heart" (Jeremiah 5:21,23).
Instead of closing your ears to God, read the Bible and pray to Him regularly. Take time to think about God and His many blessings. That's how to stay tuned in! —Dave Egner
Thinking It Over
How good is your relationship with the Lord?
Are you listening to Him?
Are there sins you need to confess?
What can you do to draw closer to Him?
God speaks to those who take time to listen.
daily bread
Read: Jeremiah 5:20-25
Hear this now, O foolish people, . . . who have ears and hear not. —Jeremiah 5:21
One of my sons was a master at tuning out what he didn't want to hear. In church, his mind was a million miles away. He could tell you the number of panels in the ceiling and how many seats were in the choir loft. Many times I heard my wife say to him in the midst of a scolding, "Are you listening to me?"
We too are often guilty of tuning out what we don't want to hear, even messages from God. In his book Christian Reflections, C. S. Lewis says that a person who is determined to ignore God's voice will follow this advice: "Avoid silence, avoid solitude, avoid any train of thought that leads off the beaten track. Concentrate on money, sex, status, health, and (above all) your own grievances. Keep the radio on. Live in a crowd."
When we do something wrong, that's one time when we especially need to listen to God's voice. But often, in our stubbornness, we make sure we don't. The prophet Jeremiah spoke to those kinds of individuals, saying, "O foolish people, . . . who have ears and hear not . . . . This people has a defiant and rebellious heart" (Jeremiah 5:21,23).
Instead of closing your ears to God, read the Bible and pray to Him regularly. Take time to think about God and His many blessings. That's how to stay tuned in! —Dave Egner
Thinking It Over
How good is your relationship with the Lord?
Are you listening to Him?
Are there sins you need to confess?
What can you do to draw closer to Him?
God speaks to those who take time to listen.
daily bread
Saturday, November 02, 2002
A Moses Mentality
By Martha Noebel
Moses said, he was a man slow of speech. He felt that God could not use him. We must move past this thought pattern and realize that God can use anyone. We all have gifts and talents and God wants to use them for His glory.
After recently reading a couple of great books, I am keenly aware of this one thing. There are so many people being deceived by the devil. He has caused them to believe in the Moses mentality of "I can't." They think they are inadequate and they feel they do not have anything to offer.
Moses said, he was a man slow of speech. He felt that God could not use him. We must move past this thought pattern and realize that God can use anyone. We all have gifts and talents and God wants to use them for His glory. God is going to bring a mighty "Breakthrough" to his people who are hungry for Him.
The two books I read were "God's Leading Lady" by Bishop T. D. Jakes and "Against All Odds" by Kimberly Daniels. Both of these books encouraged me to move out of the "Moses Mentality" and into the "If God Said It, It Must Be So" mindset. Here are three ways to help us with our attitudes.
1. Stop believing in the Moses mentality of "I can't".
2. Quit quenching the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you. Obey the Spirit of God.
3. Purpose to powerfully move out in the things of God.
We CAN do the things we need to do for God… no matter what they are. We WILL be obedient to the voice of God and obey ALL that the Spirit of God desires for us to do. We WILLFULLY purpose to move out in the things of God and trust Him for the results. God is with us! God is for us!
Jacob tells us in Genesis 35:3 of God's faithfulness to us no matter what we have done wrong or where we go. We can trust God to be with us in times of troubles, blessings, or even during our day to day things.
We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has stayed with me wherever I have gone" (Gen. 35:3 NLT).
Let me encourage you today to stop saying "I can't" and begin saying "I CAN!" God will lead us and guide us to the places specifically designed for us to minister. The Word of the Lord for you today is Yes. Yes to all the many things God has called you to do. Yes to all the deep desires of your heart. Walk on in God today.
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need (Philippians 4:13 NLT).
cbn
By Martha Noebel
Moses said, he was a man slow of speech. He felt that God could not use him. We must move past this thought pattern and realize that God can use anyone. We all have gifts and talents and God wants to use them for His glory.
After recently reading a couple of great books, I am keenly aware of this one thing. There are so many people being deceived by the devil. He has caused them to believe in the Moses mentality of "I can't." They think they are inadequate and they feel they do not have anything to offer.
Moses said, he was a man slow of speech. He felt that God could not use him. We must move past this thought pattern and realize that God can use anyone. We all have gifts and talents and God wants to use them for His glory. God is going to bring a mighty "Breakthrough" to his people who are hungry for Him.
The two books I read were "God's Leading Lady" by Bishop T. D. Jakes and "Against All Odds" by Kimberly Daniels. Both of these books encouraged me to move out of the "Moses Mentality" and into the "If God Said It, It Must Be So" mindset. Here are three ways to help us with our attitudes.
1. Stop believing in the Moses mentality of "I can't".
2. Quit quenching the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you. Obey the Spirit of God.
3. Purpose to powerfully move out in the things of God.
We CAN do the things we need to do for God… no matter what they are. We WILL be obedient to the voice of God and obey ALL that the Spirit of God desires for us to do. We WILLFULLY purpose to move out in the things of God and trust Him for the results. God is with us! God is for us!
Jacob tells us in Genesis 35:3 of God's faithfulness to us no matter what we have done wrong or where we go. We can trust God to be with us in times of troubles, blessings, or even during our day to day things.
We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has stayed with me wherever I have gone" (Gen. 35:3 NLT).
Let me encourage you today to stop saying "I can't" and begin saying "I CAN!" God will lead us and guide us to the places specifically designed for us to minister. The Word of the Lord for you today is Yes. Yes to all the many things God has called you to do. Yes to all the deep desires of your heart. Walk on in God today.
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need (Philippians 4:13 NLT).
cbn