We Three Kings of Orient Are
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
Although there is no scriptural basis for stating dogmatically that there were three wise men, the fact that three distinct gifts are mentioned has given rise to this traditional idea -- taken from the book Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth Osbeck.
Each of the participants involved with Christ's birth-Mary and Joseph, the inn keeper, the angels, shepherds, and wise men-has much to teach us.
Although there is no scriptural basis for stating dogmatically that there were three wise men, the fact that three distinct gifts are mentioned has given rise to this traditional idea. Master artists throughout the centuries have depicted three wise men on camels as one of their favorite nativity themes.
The number of wise men is not important, but the fact that they persisted in following the light that was given them until they found the object of their search, that they responded in worship, and that they returned home to share their experience with others all has much to tell us. Also, the gifts presented to the Christ child were both significant and appropriate: gold, symbolic of His kingly reign; frankincense, symbolic of His priestly ministry; myrrh, symbolic of our redemption through His death. How important it is that our gifts of love and devotion be offered to Christ after we have first found Him and then have bowed in true adoration before Him.
The author and composer of this well-known Christmas hymn was an Episcopalian minister from Pennsylvania. John H. Hopkins has been credited with contributing much to the development of music in his denomination during the nineteenth century, writing a number of fine hymns and hymn tunes. One of his publications, Carols, Hymns and Songs, enjoyed four editions.
We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising, worship Him, God on high.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia! Earth to heav'n replies.
cbn
Tuesday, December 31, 2002
Monday, December 30, 2002
No Secret
READ: Acts 26:9-32
Let me tell you what He has done for me.
Stephanie was telling me about her first week on the job as a physical therapist. Most of her co-workers were her age or a little older. She was welcomed into their group, but she faced a dilemma. Her new friends often went to bars after work. If they went to a basketball game, they drank and acted rowdy. A couple of the guys got a little “friendly” with her, and she began to feel uncomfortable.
She let them know that she was a believer in Jesus, and she did so in a wise and scriptural manner. Without being judgmental or condescending, she told them straight out that as a Christian she tries to live by her faith. She added that she liked them and hoped they liked her. After a couple of uncomfortable days, she found herself accepted by most of the group. One by one she had opportunity to speak to them about Jesus.
On the team, in the dorm, or at work, we might feel that we should keep our faith a secret. So we don’t say much about our personal lives or beliefs. We think avoiding certain subjects will make it easier to get along, and that way we won’t offend anyone.
Try telling that to the apostle Paul. He spoke about Jesus everywhere. He talked openly with King Agrippa about his faith and what it had cost him. When Festus interrupted and shouted that he was out of his mind, Paul simply kept reasoning with Agrippa (Acts 26:24-27).
If you’re in a situation where you aren’t sure how to handle your faith, it makes sense to be up front about Jesus and how you live. Be gentle and respectful. Avoid making judgments. Be honest. God will honor you when you make no secret about your faith. —Dave Egner
REFLECTION
• In what kind of situation am I most likely to hide my faith? What am I afraid might happen?
• What are some things I’ve seen other Christians do to try to cover up their faith?
• Am I willing to be courageous and share my faith with friends who don’t know Jesus?
Let’s reveal Jesus wherever He leads us.
campus journal
READ: Acts 26:9-32
Let me tell you what He has done for me.
Stephanie was telling me about her first week on the job as a physical therapist. Most of her co-workers were her age or a little older. She was welcomed into their group, but she faced a dilemma. Her new friends often went to bars after work. If they went to a basketball game, they drank and acted rowdy. A couple of the guys got a little “friendly” with her, and she began to feel uncomfortable.
She let them know that she was a believer in Jesus, and she did so in a wise and scriptural manner. Without being judgmental or condescending, she told them straight out that as a Christian she tries to live by her faith. She added that she liked them and hoped they liked her. After a couple of uncomfortable days, she found herself accepted by most of the group. One by one she had opportunity to speak to them about Jesus.
On the team, in the dorm, or at work, we might feel that we should keep our faith a secret. So we don’t say much about our personal lives or beliefs. We think avoiding certain subjects will make it easier to get along, and that way we won’t offend anyone.
Try telling that to the apostle Paul. He spoke about Jesus everywhere. He talked openly with King Agrippa about his faith and what it had cost him. When Festus interrupted and shouted that he was out of his mind, Paul simply kept reasoning with Agrippa (Acts 26:24-27).
If you’re in a situation where you aren’t sure how to handle your faith, it makes sense to be up front about Jesus and how you live. Be gentle and respectful. Avoid making judgments. Be honest. God will honor you when you make no secret about your faith. —Dave Egner
REFLECTION
• In what kind of situation am I most likely to hide my faith? What am I afraid might happen?
• What are some things I’ve seen other Christians do to try to cover up their faith?
• Am I willing to be courageous and share my faith with friends who don’t know Jesus?
Let’s reveal Jesus wherever He leads us.
campus journal
Sunday, December 29, 2002
Plenty To Praise
Read: Psalm 48
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. —Psalm 48:1
God—have you ever just sat back and marveled at how grand and glorious He is? Today, let's pause to ponder His majesty and greatness.
To help us do that, here are a few descriptions of God that I found while reading Psalms 1-48.
The Lord is a shield (3:3), my source of safety (4:8), my King (5:2), the Judge (7:8), the Most High (7:17), my refuge (9:9), the helper of the fatherless (10:14), the King forever (10:16), righteous (11:7).
God is my strength, rock, fortress, stronghold (18:1-3; 28:1; 31:4), my deliverer (18:2), my support (18:18), my Redeemer (19:14).
He is my shepherd (23:1), the King of glory (24:7), the Lord of hosts (24:10), the God of my salvation (25:5), my light and my salvation (27:1), my strength and shield (27:1; 28:7).
He is the God of glory (29:3), the Lord God of truth (31:5), the living God (42:2), my help in trouble (46:1), the King over all the earth (47:2).
That should be enough to meditate on for one day. No, that's enough for an eternity!
Let's start today to worship our God in earnest—the One who gives us so many reasons to praise Him. —Dave Branon
During your prayer time today, begin by praising
the Lord for some of the qualities listed above.
For more on this topic, read the online booklet
How Can I Know God Through His Book?
You can never praise God too much.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 48
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. —Psalm 48:1
God—have you ever just sat back and marveled at how grand and glorious He is? Today, let's pause to ponder His majesty and greatness.
To help us do that, here are a few descriptions of God that I found while reading Psalms 1-48.
The Lord is a shield (3:3), my source of safety (4:8), my King (5:2), the Judge (7:8), the Most High (7:17), my refuge (9:9), the helper of the fatherless (10:14), the King forever (10:16), righteous (11:7).
God is my strength, rock, fortress, stronghold (18:1-3; 28:1; 31:4), my deliverer (18:2), my support (18:18), my Redeemer (19:14).
He is my shepherd (23:1), the King of glory (24:7), the Lord of hosts (24:10), the God of my salvation (25:5), my light and my salvation (27:1), my strength and shield (27:1; 28:7).
He is the God of glory (29:3), the Lord God of truth (31:5), the living God (42:2), my help in trouble (46:1), the King over all the earth (47:2).
That should be enough to meditate on for one day. No, that's enough for an eternity!
Let's start today to worship our God in earnest—the One who gives us so many reasons to praise Him. —Dave Branon
During your prayer time today, begin by praising
the Lord for some of the qualities listed above.
For more on this topic, read the online booklet
How Can I Know God Through His Book?
You can never praise God too much.
daily bread
Saturday, December 28, 2002
Today's scripture is Ephesians 4:28
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
It always amazes me when I preach about prosperity and someone comes up to me and says, "I don't need much prosperity. I'm a simple person with a simple life. So I just ask God for enough to meet my needs."
They think that's humility, but it's not. It's selfishness! They don't realize it, but they're actually saying, "All I care about is meeting my own needs. I have no ambition to help meet anyone else's."
They could ask God for a million dollars, take out just enough to meet their needs, and give the rest away. But that doesn't even occur to them because when it comes to money, they've been brainwashed by a world that says if you have it, you've got to keep it.
Don't turn down the wealth God wants to give you just because you don't "need" it. Dare to accept it, then pass it along to those who do. Stop working for a living and start working for a "giving." Discover for yourself what riches were really meant to do.
bible shack
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
It always amazes me when I preach about prosperity and someone comes up to me and says, "I don't need much prosperity. I'm a simple person with a simple life. So I just ask God for enough to meet my needs."
They think that's humility, but it's not. It's selfishness! They don't realize it, but they're actually saying, "All I care about is meeting my own needs. I have no ambition to help meet anyone else's."
They could ask God for a million dollars, take out just enough to meet their needs, and give the rest away. But that doesn't even occur to them because when it comes to money, they've been brainwashed by a world that says if you have it, you've got to keep it.
Don't turn down the wealth God wants to give you just because you don't "need" it. Dare to accept it, then pass it along to those who do. Stop working for a living and start working for a "giving." Discover for yourself what riches were really meant to do.
bible shack
Friday, December 27, 2002
House of Cards
READ: Isaiah 30:12-18
The winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Have you ever tried to hold together a sinful situation? Living a double life really does take twice the work, and even that is not enough.
The situation can take several forms—a premarital sexual relationship, alcohol or drug use, cheating in a class. You try to hang on—maintaining the sin without suffering the consequences. You don’t realize that each day heats up the situation until, like a boiling pot with the lid latched on, the pressure reaches an explosive level.
The nation of Israel was facing that kind of hazard. In Isaiah 30, the prophet warned them that their nation would crumble like a weak wall or a cracked jar. Eventually, it would erode so that the collapse would be instant and complete.
Israel did not listen, and the nation did suffer the consequences. Rather than turn to God, who wanted them to repent and longed to show them compassion (v.18), they continued to follow their own way. And they paid the price.
Life is full of temptations that draw us toward sin. If we’re not careful, our energies will be spent trying to hold together a situation that we know is wrong. The longer we wait, the deeper we’re drawn in . . . and the more unpleasant when the whole thing finally falls apart.
Have you been testing forbidden waters? Be warned. Sometimes our sin can result in an unplanned pregnancy, academic trouble, even jail when we cross a line that we can’t cross back over. But even though there may be permanent consequences, the forgiveness of God can provide spiritual healing. Let God’s Word tell you about the consequences of that sin—not to mention the good results of staying strong in your faith.
If you’re in deep—get out. Owning up to your sin can be humbling. But it’s much worse when circumstances force you to own up. The weakened “house of cards” that represents a sinful lifestyle can fall at any time. Don’t wait for that to happen. —John Carvalho
REFLECTION
• What was the closest I ever came to getting involved in a situation that almost crumbled around me? (If you’re in that situation right now, find someone you can be honest with and talk through it.)
• How can I make sure that I never get so deeply involved in such a situation (again)?
• Lord, in my own strength, I can be easily deceived and fall into all sorts of sin. Help me to recognize those times when my life is beginning to crumble, and help me to repent.
Deal with sin now or it may ruin your future.
campus journal
READ: Isaiah 30:12-18
The winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Have you ever tried to hold together a sinful situation? Living a double life really does take twice the work, and even that is not enough.
The situation can take several forms—a premarital sexual relationship, alcohol or drug use, cheating in a class. You try to hang on—maintaining the sin without suffering the consequences. You don’t realize that each day heats up the situation until, like a boiling pot with the lid latched on, the pressure reaches an explosive level.
The nation of Israel was facing that kind of hazard. In Isaiah 30, the prophet warned them that their nation would crumble like a weak wall or a cracked jar. Eventually, it would erode so that the collapse would be instant and complete.
Israel did not listen, and the nation did suffer the consequences. Rather than turn to God, who wanted them to repent and longed to show them compassion (v.18), they continued to follow their own way. And they paid the price.
Life is full of temptations that draw us toward sin. If we’re not careful, our energies will be spent trying to hold together a situation that we know is wrong. The longer we wait, the deeper we’re drawn in . . . and the more unpleasant when the whole thing finally falls apart.
Have you been testing forbidden waters? Be warned. Sometimes our sin can result in an unplanned pregnancy, academic trouble, even jail when we cross a line that we can’t cross back over. But even though there may be permanent consequences, the forgiveness of God can provide spiritual healing. Let God’s Word tell you about the consequences of that sin—not to mention the good results of staying strong in your faith.
If you’re in deep—get out. Owning up to your sin can be humbling. But it’s much worse when circumstances force you to own up. The weakened “house of cards” that represents a sinful lifestyle can fall at any time. Don’t wait for that to happen. —John Carvalho
REFLECTION
• What was the closest I ever came to getting involved in a situation that almost crumbled around me? (If you’re in that situation right now, find someone you can be honest with and talk through it.)
• How can I make sure that I never get so deeply involved in such a situation (again)?
• Lord, in my own strength, I can be easily deceived and fall into all sorts of sin. Help me to recognize those times when my life is beginning to crumble, and help me to repent.
Deal with sin now or it may ruin your future.
campus journal
Thursday, December 26, 2002
Panic Prayer
Nehemiah 2:1-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer . . . present your requests to God.
Bold and boisterous, Tim Lee is just what you’d expect from a Marine. While walking point on patrol in Vietnam, Sgt. Lee stepped on a 65-pound box mine. The explosion took his legs and nearly his life.
God used that cataclysmic event to get Tim’s attention. Now Sgt. Lee is Rev. Lee, and he travels around the country speaking to schools, churches, and patriotic gatherings.
You’d think a man who won a stare-down with death would fear nothing. But Tim recalls the time President Reagan wanted to meet him to discuss a political matter he was lobbying for. Full of confidence before the meeting, Rev. Lee was trembling when the hour arrived. As the President strode up to greet him, Tim did the only thing he could—he prayed.
Although Rev. Lee had been praying about the situation for days, he didn’t hesitate to do a little last-second cramming—panic prayer if you will—when crunch-time came.
Nehemiah saw the king of Persia every day. As a captive from Judah, he was made the king’s cupbearer, a highly trusted position. Yet when the king discerned that his cupbearer was troubled, Nehemiah “was very much afraid” (Nehemiah 2:2). And why shouldn’t he be? He was about to ask his captor for a huge favor—the right to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Prayer wasn’t a last resort for Nehemiah. Half of chapter 1 records his anguished cry to the Lord. But in the crisis, Nehemiah’s instinctive reaction was to pray (v.4).
What’s causing you to panic today? What looming problem obscures the sun in your life? “Do not be anxious about anything,” Paul instructed us, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
It’s never too soon—or too late—to pray. —Tim Gustafson
REFLECTION
• What is my first reaction in a crisis?
• Do I have a daily prayer habit? How can I establish one?
• Will I make a short prayer list and watch my requests turn into praises?
Prayer turns panic into peace.
campus journal
Nehemiah 2:1-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer . . . present your requests to God.
Bold and boisterous, Tim Lee is just what you’d expect from a Marine. While walking point on patrol in Vietnam, Sgt. Lee stepped on a 65-pound box mine. The explosion took his legs and nearly his life.
God used that cataclysmic event to get Tim’s attention. Now Sgt. Lee is Rev. Lee, and he travels around the country speaking to schools, churches, and patriotic gatherings.
You’d think a man who won a stare-down with death would fear nothing. But Tim recalls the time President Reagan wanted to meet him to discuss a political matter he was lobbying for. Full of confidence before the meeting, Rev. Lee was trembling when the hour arrived. As the President strode up to greet him, Tim did the only thing he could—he prayed.
Although Rev. Lee had been praying about the situation for days, he didn’t hesitate to do a little last-second cramming—panic prayer if you will—when crunch-time came.
Nehemiah saw the king of Persia every day. As a captive from Judah, he was made the king’s cupbearer, a highly trusted position. Yet when the king discerned that his cupbearer was troubled, Nehemiah “was very much afraid” (Nehemiah 2:2). And why shouldn’t he be? He was about to ask his captor for a huge favor—the right to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Prayer wasn’t a last resort for Nehemiah. Half of chapter 1 records his anguished cry to the Lord. But in the crisis, Nehemiah’s instinctive reaction was to pray (v.4).
What’s causing you to panic today? What looming problem obscures the sun in your life? “Do not be anxious about anything,” Paul instructed us, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
It’s never too soon—or too late—to pray. —Tim Gustafson
REFLECTION
• What is my first reaction in a crisis?
• Do I have a daily prayer habit? How can I establish one?
• Will I make a short prayer list and watch my requests turn into praises?
Prayer turns panic into peace.
campus journal
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
A Wonderful Life
Read: Galatians 3:26-4:7
When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4
Each December, millions of people around the world watch Frank Capra's 1946 film It's A Wonderful Life. Although it wasn't a hit when it debuted, it has become a Christmas classic.
In a Time magazine essay, Roger Rosenblatt pondered the film's continuing appeal. He concluded that the story is really about friendship. That helps to explain why we often feel choked up as we watch George Bailey's family and friends rally around him in his time of greatest need. Rosenblatt said, "Just when George thinks he's alone in the world, the world shows up to declare its love for him."
That sentence seems to capture the essence of our celebration of the birth of Jesus. Just when we thought we were alone in the world, Christ came to declare God's love for us. Not only did God send His Son into the world at exactly the right time (Galatians 4:4-5), but He also demonstrated "His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). That's the message of Christmas that opens the door to a wonderful life—the joy of knowing Christ and living in His love.
Have you received the gift of eternal life that He offers to you? If not, do so today. —David McCasland
How To Receive Eternal Life
Realize that it is a gift, not a wage (Romans 6:23).
Recognize Jesus as its only source (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Receive it by faith, calling on Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
A wonderful life is yours when you know the Christ of Christmas.
daily bread
Read: Galatians 3:26-4:7
When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4
Each December, millions of people around the world watch Frank Capra's 1946 film It's A Wonderful Life. Although it wasn't a hit when it debuted, it has become a Christmas classic.
In a Time magazine essay, Roger Rosenblatt pondered the film's continuing appeal. He concluded that the story is really about friendship. That helps to explain why we often feel choked up as we watch George Bailey's family and friends rally around him in his time of greatest need. Rosenblatt said, "Just when George thinks he's alone in the world, the world shows up to declare its love for him."
That sentence seems to capture the essence of our celebration of the birth of Jesus. Just when we thought we were alone in the world, Christ came to declare God's love for us. Not only did God send His Son into the world at exactly the right time (Galatians 4:4-5), but He also demonstrated "His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). That's the message of Christmas that opens the door to a wonderful life—the joy of knowing Christ and living in His love.
Have you received the gift of eternal life that He offers to you? If not, do so today. —David McCasland
How To Receive Eternal Life
Realize that it is a gift, not a wage (Romans 6:23).
Recognize Jesus as its only source (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Receive it by faith, calling on Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
A wonderful life is yours when you know the Christ of Christmas.
daily bread
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
Weighed Down At Christmas
Read: Luke 4:14-21
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, . . . to set at liberty those who are oppressed. —Luke 4:18
During a December visit to New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, I paused to admire the magnificent Christmas tree. It was covered with angels and surrounded at its base by an elaborate 18th-century nativity scene. Nearly 200 figures, including shepherds, the Magi, and a crowd of townspeople, looked in anticipation toward the manger or gazed up in awe at the angels.
But one figure appeared different from the rest—a barefoot man, who carried a heavy load on his back and looked at the ground. It struck me that this man, like so many people today, was so weighed down that he couldn't see the Messiah.
Christmas can be a difficult time for those who carry the burden of hard work, stressful family situations, and personal loss. But we should remember that Christ came into our world to lift up all those who are bowed down. Jesus used the words of Isaiah to announce His God-given mission on earth: "To preach the gospel to the poor; . . . to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18).
Jesus came to lift our burdens so we can raise our eyes to welcome Him at Christmas. —David McCasland
Help us, Lord, to give our burdens
To Your tender, loving care;
Grant us faith to trust You fully,
Knowing that each one You bear. —D. De Haan
To find true joy at Christmas, look to Jesus.
daily bread
Read: Luke 4:14-21
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, . . . to set at liberty those who are oppressed. —Luke 4:18
During a December visit to New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, I paused to admire the magnificent Christmas tree. It was covered with angels and surrounded at its base by an elaborate 18th-century nativity scene. Nearly 200 figures, including shepherds, the Magi, and a crowd of townspeople, looked in anticipation toward the manger or gazed up in awe at the angels.
But one figure appeared different from the rest—a barefoot man, who carried a heavy load on his back and looked at the ground. It struck me that this man, like so many people today, was so weighed down that he couldn't see the Messiah.
Christmas can be a difficult time for those who carry the burden of hard work, stressful family situations, and personal loss. But we should remember that Christ came into our world to lift up all those who are bowed down. Jesus used the words of Isaiah to announce His God-given mission on earth: "To preach the gospel to the poor; . . . to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18).
Jesus came to lift our burdens so we can raise our eyes to welcome Him at Christmas. —David McCasland
Help us, Lord, to give our burdens
To Your tender, loving care;
Grant us faith to trust You fully,
Knowing that each one You bear. —D. De Haan
To find true joy at Christmas, look to Jesus.
daily bread
Monday, December 23, 2002
Nahum's Message
Read: Nahum 1:1-8
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. —Nahum 1:3
If you ever read the book of Nahum, you're likely to say, "There's not much joy in that book!" That's because Nahum spoke of the destruction of Assyria and its capital city Nineveh.
Nahum revealed the angry side of God as He railed against Assyria (2:13; 3:5). Many years before, in mercy and for His own purposes, He had sent the reluctant prophet Jonah to preach to Nineveh. At that time the people repented, and the city was spared.
Few things are worse than repenting of repentance, but that's what happened to Assyria. A later generation returned to their forefathers' wicked ways. Assyria then attacked Israel, and God determined to punish her.
"The Lord is slow to anger" (1:3). But He is just and will not let sin go unpunished (1:3-6). Nineveh was about to find that out.
Maybe that's why I was so disturbed after talking with an old friend. For many years he had professed to be a believer, but then he turned his back on Christ. His defection raises the question of whether he is a wayward Christian, or perhaps one who never truly believed. In either case, he will find out that the Lord does not let sin go unpunished.
Lord Jesus, I plead with You to protect me from ever repenting of my repentance. Amen. —Dave Egner
Our sinful ways can sap our joy
And isolate us from the Lord;
Confession and repentance, though,
Assure that we will be restored. —Sper
Once we turn away from sin, there should be no turning back.
daily bread
Read: Nahum 1:1-8
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. —Nahum 1:3
If you ever read the book of Nahum, you're likely to say, "There's not much joy in that book!" That's because Nahum spoke of the destruction of Assyria and its capital city Nineveh.
Nahum revealed the angry side of God as He railed against Assyria (2:13; 3:5). Many years before, in mercy and for His own purposes, He had sent the reluctant prophet Jonah to preach to Nineveh. At that time the people repented, and the city was spared.
Few things are worse than repenting of repentance, but that's what happened to Assyria. A later generation returned to their forefathers' wicked ways. Assyria then attacked Israel, and God determined to punish her.
"The Lord is slow to anger" (1:3). But He is just and will not let sin go unpunished (1:3-6). Nineveh was about to find that out.
Maybe that's why I was so disturbed after talking with an old friend. For many years he had professed to be a believer, but then he turned his back on Christ. His defection raises the question of whether he is a wayward Christian, or perhaps one who never truly believed. In either case, he will find out that the Lord does not let sin go unpunished.
Lord Jesus, I plead with You to protect me from ever repenting of my repentance. Amen. —Dave Egner
Our sinful ways can sap our joy
And isolate us from the Lord;
Confession and repentance, though,
Assure that we will be restored. —Sper
Once we turn away from sin, there should be no turning back.
daily bread
Sunday, December 22, 2002
Something Happened Here
Read: John 1:1-14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. —John 1:14
Christians are divided in their views of Christmas. Some want to give up on it and hand it over to the stores. Others want to salvage it and use it to say something important about the birth of Jesus to a weary secular world. I, for one, would like to take my place with the second group.
Years ago an old pioneer journeyed westward across the Great Plains of North America until he came to an abrupt halt at the edge of the Grand Canyon. He gawked at the sight before him—a vast chasm 1 mile deep, 18 miles across, and stretching out of sight. He gasped, "Something must have happened here!"
At the Christmas season, anyone who stops to look and listen must ask what the hustle and bustle is all about. A thoughtful man or woman, seeing the lights, the decorations, the festivities, and the religious services might also conclude, "Something must have happened here!"
Of course, something did happen. We need to tell the world about it. God has visited our planet. His Son Jesus Christ came to reveal God and to die for our sins (John 1:1-14). It's the best news ever! The Lord came and lived among us that we might live forever with Him.
That's why we can rejoice at Christmas. —Haddon Robinson
One day has left its mark in time
For all mankind to see;
It is the day when Christ was born—
That day made history. —D. De Haan
To make the most of Christmas, focus on Christ.
daily bread
Read: John 1:1-14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. —John 1:14
Christians are divided in their views of Christmas. Some want to give up on it and hand it over to the stores. Others want to salvage it and use it to say something important about the birth of Jesus to a weary secular world. I, for one, would like to take my place with the second group.
Years ago an old pioneer journeyed westward across the Great Plains of North America until he came to an abrupt halt at the edge of the Grand Canyon. He gawked at the sight before him—a vast chasm 1 mile deep, 18 miles across, and stretching out of sight. He gasped, "Something must have happened here!"
At the Christmas season, anyone who stops to look and listen must ask what the hustle and bustle is all about. A thoughtful man or woman, seeing the lights, the decorations, the festivities, and the religious services might also conclude, "Something must have happened here!"
Of course, something did happen. We need to tell the world about it. God has visited our planet. His Son Jesus Christ came to reveal God and to die for our sins (John 1:1-14). It's the best news ever! The Lord came and lived among us that we might live forever with Him.
That's why we can rejoice at Christmas. —Haddon Robinson
One day has left its mark in time
For all mankind to see;
It is the day when Christ was born—
That day made history. —D. De Haan
To make the most of Christmas, focus on Christ.
daily bread
Saturday, December 21, 2002
Drive-Thru Christmas
READ: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel-
which means, “God with us.”
There are drive-thru restaurants and drive-thru banks, drive-thru pharmacies and even . . . drive-thru funeral homes. So, it’s no surprise that drive-thru “live nativities” are so popular at Christmas.
Personally, I like the idea. It’s convenient. It provides access for people who are disabled or elderly. Visitors who have the time are welcome to get out of their cars and stroll among the cattle and sheep. But if your time is limited, you can cruise through in a few minutes, get your spiritual uplift, and still have time for hot chocolate on the way home. Your entire Christmas “fix” in one night.
How tempting to have a drive-thru mentality about Christmas! It’s so familiar. We enjoy the traditions. We love to sing the songs that are reserved for this once-a-year celebration. But most of the month of December is so busy, so rushed, it’s easy to forget about the meaning of this “holiday.”
At this time of year, we are remembering the birth of a baby. Isaiah had prophesied that the Savior would be born (9:6-7). The Christmas story is enjoyable and easy to listen to. But it was just the beginning. The rest of Jesus’ story includes pain, sacrifice, and death.
Instead of speeding through this month, take the time to reflect on the best present you have ever received—the gift of eternal life—and remember the sacrifice that was necessary to give you that gift. Think about His ministry, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to heaven.
Slow down. Resist the temptation to overspend, party, and eat till you burst. Get out of your car at the drive-thru nativity and remember what happened on that night so long ago. Imagine yourself out in the field with the shepherds when the angels told them: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11). —Cindy Kasper
REFLECTION
• Why is it so hard to “take it slow” through Christmas? How can I set better priorities?
• What will I give the Lord this Christmas to celebrate His birthday?
Go slow this Christmas.
campus journal
READ: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel-
which means, “God with us.”
There are drive-thru restaurants and drive-thru banks, drive-thru pharmacies and even . . . drive-thru funeral homes. So, it’s no surprise that drive-thru “live nativities” are so popular at Christmas.
Personally, I like the idea. It’s convenient. It provides access for people who are disabled or elderly. Visitors who have the time are welcome to get out of their cars and stroll among the cattle and sheep. But if your time is limited, you can cruise through in a few minutes, get your spiritual uplift, and still have time for hot chocolate on the way home. Your entire Christmas “fix” in one night.
How tempting to have a drive-thru mentality about Christmas! It’s so familiar. We enjoy the traditions. We love to sing the songs that are reserved for this once-a-year celebration. But most of the month of December is so busy, so rushed, it’s easy to forget about the meaning of this “holiday.”
At this time of year, we are remembering the birth of a baby. Isaiah had prophesied that the Savior would be born (9:6-7). The Christmas story is enjoyable and easy to listen to. But it was just the beginning. The rest of Jesus’ story includes pain, sacrifice, and death.
Instead of speeding through this month, take the time to reflect on the best present you have ever received—the gift of eternal life—and remember the sacrifice that was necessary to give you that gift. Think about His ministry, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to heaven.
Slow down. Resist the temptation to overspend, party, and eat till you burst. Get out of your car at the drive-thru nativity and remember what happened on that night so long ago. Imagine yourself out in the field with the shepherds when the angels told them: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11). —Cindy Kasper
REFLECTION
• Why is it so hard to “take it slow” through Christmas? How can I set better priorities?
• What will I give the Lord this Christmas to celebrate His birthday?
Go slow this Christmas.
campus journal
The Shepherds
Read: Luke 2:8-20
You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. —Luke 2:12
The angel bypassed Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel. He didn't go to Herodium, Herod's villa near Bethlehem. He appeared instead to a band of shepherds tending their flocks (Luke 2:8-9).
Back then no one thought God would be interested in shepherds, or that shepherds would be interested in God. Shepherds were notoriously irreligious, ranked by the rabbis with prostitutes and other "habitual sinners." They were outcasts, barred from the synagogue and polite society. They assumed that God would never accept them, and they feared Him.
But God spoke to them. I think He knew that these shepherds, like so many people who appear indifferent to spiritual things, were quietly longing for God.
All of us have a longing for something more. And no matter how hard we try to appear self-sufficient, sooner or later we run out of something essential—love, money, time, or life. Isolation, loneliness, and fear of death lead us to acknowledge our need for a Savior. But where can we find Him?
The angel's words to the shepherds were simple and direct: "There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). You can find Him too. —David Roper
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. —Anon.
God's gift to a dying world is the life-giving Savior.
daily bread
Read: Luke 2:8-20
You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. —Luke 2:12
The angel bypassed Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel. He didn't go to Herodium, Herod's villa near Bethlehem. He appeared instead to a band of shepherds tending their flocks (Luke 2:8-9).
Back then no one thought God would be interested in shepherds, or that shepherds would be interested in God. Shepherds were notoriously irreligious, ranked by the rabbis with prostitutes and other "habitual sinners." They were outcasts, barred from the synagogue and polite society. They assumed that God would never accept them, and they feared Him.
But God spoke to them. I think He knew that these shepherds, like so many people who appear indifferent to spiritual things, were quietly longing for God.
All of us have a longing for something more. And no matter how hard we try to appear self-sufficient, sooner or later we run out of something essential—love, money, time, or life. Isolation, loneliness, and fear of death lead us to acknowledge our need for a Savior. But where can we find Him?
The angel's words to the shepherds were simple and direct: "There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). You can find Him too. —David Roper
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. —Anon.
God's gift to a dying world is the life-giving Savior.
daily bread
Thursday, December 19, 2002
Seeds And Fruit
Read: Galatians 6:7-10
Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. —Galatians 6:7
I read a fable about a man who was browsing in a store when he made the shocking discovery that God was behind a sales counter. So the man walked over and asked, "What are You selling?" God replied, "What does your heart desire?" The man said, "I want happiness, peace of mind, and freedom from fear . . . for me and the whole world." God smiled and said, "I don't sell fruit here. Only seeds."
In Galatians 6, Paul stressed the importance of sowing seeds of God-honoring behavior, for "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (v.7). We can't expect to experience the fruit of God's blessings if we don't recognize the importance of doing our part.
It helps to follow the example of others who have sown good seed. Author Samuel Shoemaker said that a good example can either inspire us or cause us to say, "Oh yes, he (or she) is like that. He is not troubled by temper or nerves or impatience or worry as I am; he is just a happier temperament." Shoemaker continued, "It may not occur to us that perhaps he had to fight for his serenity, and that we might win if we would do the same."
Are you weary of the way you are? Ask God for His help and begin sowing seeds of new actions and responses today. In due season the Spirit will give the increase. —Joanie Yoder
We're always sowing seeds in life
By everything we do and say,
So let's make sure the fruit we reap
Comes from the good we do each day. —Hess
The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow.
daily bread
Read: Galatians 6:7-10
Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. —Galatians 6:7
I read a fable about a man who was browsing in a store when he made the shocking discovery that God was behind a sales counter. So the man walked over and asked, "What are You selling?" God replied, "What does your heart desire?" The man said, "I want happiness, peace of mind, and freedom from fear . . . for me and the whole world." God smiled and said, "I don't sell fruit here. Only seeds."
In Galatians 6, Paul stressed the importance of sowing seeds of God-honoring behavior, for "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (v.7). We can't expect to experience the fruit of God's blessings if we don't recognize the importance of doing our part.
It helps to follow the example of others who have sown good seed. Author Samuel Shoemaker said that a good example can either inspire us or cause us to say, "Oh yes, he (or she) is like that. He is not troubled by temper or nerves or impatience or worry as I am; he is just a happier temperament." Shoemaker continued, "It may not occur to us that perhaps he had to fight for his serenity, and that we might win if we would do the same."
Are you weary of the way you are? Ask God for His help and begin sowing seeds of new actions and responses today. In due season the Spirit will give the increase. —Joanie Yoder
We're always sowing seeds in life
By everything we do and say,
So let's make sure the fruit we reap
Comes from the good we do each day. —Hess
The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow.
daily bread
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Joy to the World!
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
Although it was originally a song of rejoicing for Jehovah's protection of His chosen people and the anticipation of the time when He would be the God of the whole earth, this psalm was intended by Watts to be a New Testament expression of praise --,taken from the book Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth Osbeck.
As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes instead the reverent but ecstatic joy that Christ's birth brought to humanity. For centuries hearts had yearned for God to reveal Himself personally. At last it happened as "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The entire Advent season should be filled with solemn rejoicing as we contemplate anew God's great gift, providing the means whereby sinful people might live eternally.
"Joy to the World" is a paraphrase of the last part of Psalm 98:
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. . . . Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity (vv. 4-9).
Although it was originally a song of rejoicing for Jehovah's protection of His chosen people and the anticipation of the time when He would be the God of the whole earth, this psalm was intended by Watts to be a New Testament expression of praise. It exalts the salvation that began when God became incarnate as the Babe of Bethlehem who was destined to remove the curse of Adam's fall. The text was originally titled "The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom" when it first appeared in a hymnal of 1719 by Isaac Watts. The music for this popular carol is thought to have been adapted by Lowell Mason, an American church musician, from some of the phrases used in parts of George Frederick Handel's beloved oratorio, The Messiah, first performed in 1742. Through the combined talents of an English literary genius of the eighteenth century, a German-born musical giant from the same period, and a nineteenth century American choir director and educator, another great hymn was born.
Joy to the world! the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, and heav'n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.
cbn
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
Although it was originally a song of rejoicing for Jehovah's protection of His chosen people and the anticipation of the time when He would be the God of the whole earth, this psalm was intended by Watts to be a New Testament expression of praise --,taken from the book Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth Osbeck.
As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes instead the reverent but ecstatic joy that Christ's birth brought to humanity. For centuries hearts had yearned for God to reveal Himself personally. At last it happened as "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The entire Advent season should be filled with solemn rejoicing as we contemplate anew God's great gift, providing the means whereby sinful people might live eternally.
"Joy to the World" is a paraphrase of the last part of Psalm 98:
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. . . . Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity (vv. 4-9).
Although it was originally a song of rejoicing for Jehovah's protection of His chosen people and the anticipation of the time when He would be the God of the whole earth, this psalm was intended by Watts to be a New Testament expression of praise. It exalts the salvation that began when God became incarnate as the Babe of Bethlehem who was destined to remove the curse of Adam's fall. The text was originally titled "The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom" when it first appeared in a hymnal of 1719 by Isaac Watts. The music for this popular carol is thought to have been adapted by Lowell Mason, an American church musician, from some of the phrases used in parts of George Frederick Handel's beloved oratorio, The Messiah, first performed in 1742. Through the combined talents of an English literary genius of the eighteenth century, a German-born musical giant from the same period, and a nineteenth century American choir director and educator, another great hymn was born.
Joy to the world! the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, and heav'n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.
cbn
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
For more than two hundred years, believers have been enlightened and blessed by the picturesque manner in which Charles Wesley has retold the truths of our Savior's birth, taken from the book Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth Osbeck.
Christmas carols as we know them now were abolished by the English Puritan parliament in 1627 because they were a part of a "worldly festival," which they considered the celebration of Christmas to be. As a result, there was a scarcity of Christmas hymns and carols in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley was one of the few written during this period. Wesley's fine text and the melody by master composer Felix Mendelssohn have given this hymn its great popularity and its standing as a classic among Christmas songs.
Like many of Charles Wesley's more than sixty-five hundred hymns, this text clearly presents biblical doctrine in poetic language. The first stanza describes the song of the angels outside Bethlehem with an invitation to join them in praise of Christ. The following stanzas present the truths of the virgin birth, Christ's deity, the immortality of the soul, the new birth, and a prayer for the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
For more than two hundred years, believers have been enlightened and blessed by the picturesque manner in which Charles Wesley has retold the truths of our Savior's birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heav'n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th' incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
cbn
By Kenneth W. Osbeck
For more than two hundred years, believers have been enlightened and blessed by the picturesque manner in which Charles Wesley has retold the truths of our Savior's birth, taken from the book Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth Osbeck.
Christmas carols as we know them now were abolished by the English Puritan parliament in 1627 because they were a part of a "worldly festival," which they considered the celebration of Christmas to be. As a result, there was a scarcity of Christmas hymns and carols in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley was one of the few written during this period. Wesley's fine text and the melody by master composer Felix Mendelssohn have given this hymn its great popularity and its standing as a classic among Christmas songs.
Like many of Charles Wesley's more than sixty-five hundred hymns, this text clearly presents biblical doctrine in poetic language. The first stanza describes the song of the angels outside Bethlehem with an invitation to join them in praise of Christ. The following stanzas present the truths of the virgin birth, Christ's deity, the immortality of the soul, the new birth, and a prayer for the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
For more than two hundred years, believers have been enlightened and blessed by the picturesque manner in which Charles Wesley has retold the truths of our Savior's birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heav'n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th' incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
cbn
Monday, December 16, 2002
Empty Chairs
Philippians 2:7(NCV) tells us "But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and become a servant."
Christmas can be a time of mixed emotions - joy for God’s wondrous gift, but also sorrow for me when I contemplate the empty chairs around the Christmas table. Our family has experienced losses due to a variety of reasons, and the silence of the empty chairs rings in my ears and pierces my heart. On that first Christmas, God’s kingdom also had a major vacancy because He sent His only son out of the Heavenly Realm and into our world.
Jesus came willingly, as he chose to be fully man in ministry for 3 years, to be crucified and to be raised triumphantly from the dead so we might have life eternal.
It is incomprehensible that Jesus left His chair empty in the heavenly and came to us so full of love. He chose to become like us, living every emotion and every tribulation that you or I would experience. He totally humbled himself in obedience to God, even to death on the cross.
So if sorrow grips your heart this Christmas, remember the chair Jesus left empty to come live with us. What a sacrifice! What a savior!
So I thank you Jesus, for leaving your chair empty in heaven for a period of time, arriving to us as a little baby. Thank you for the example you set, and for the beautiful gift of salvation you have offered us.
daily wisdom
Philippians 2:7(NCV) tells us "But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and become a servant."
Christmas can be a time of mixed emotions - joy for God’s wondrous gift, but also sorrow for me when I contemplate the empty chairs around the Christmas table. Our family has experienced losses due to a variety of reasons, and the silence of the empty chairs rings in my ears and pierces my heart. On that first Christmas, God’s kingdom also had a major vacancy because He sent His only son out of the Heavenly Realm and into our world.
Jesus came willingly, as he chose to be fully man in ministry for 3 years, to be crucified and to be raised triumphantly from the dead so we might have life eternal.
It is incomprehensible that Jesus left His chair empty in the heavenly and came to us so full of love. He chose to become like us, living every emotion and every tribulation that you or I would experience. He totally humbled himself in obedience to God, even to death on the cross.
So if sorrow grips your heart this Christmas, remember the chair Jesus left empty to come live with us. What a sacrifice! What a savior!
So I thank you Jesus, for leaving your chair empty in heaven for a period of time, arriving to us as a little baby. Thank you for the example you set, and for the beautiful gift of salvation you have offered us.
daily wisdom
Sunday, December 15, 2002
Isaiah 38--39
Sovereign God and Forgetful King
IT WAS A miracle. Hezekiah's life was extended by fifteen years! We might expect that he would live those fifteen years in unforgettable gratitude and trustfulness, but the Bible, with its usual dogged realism, records that it was not so. In the chapter which follows we will see how Hezekiah ignored the warnings he had been given and invited a treacherous enemy into his home.
Warming Up to God
Which do you believe is more dangerous to faith--adversity or prosperity? Why?
Read Isaiah 38--39.
Discovering the Word
1. What do you learn about prayer from the events in 38:1-8? How do you reconcile the Lord's word in verse 1 that Hezekiah would not recover and his promise in verse 5 that Hezekiah would live fifteen more years?
2. With what vivid metaphors does Hezekiah describe his deathly sickness (38:10-14)?
3. What reassurance does Hezekiah find in God's love in 38:15-20?
4. What punishment did Isaiah announce for Hezekiah's disloyalty (39:5-7)?
5. How do you interpret Hezekiah's response--his words and his thoughts (39:8)?
Applying the Word
1. What abiding truths do you find in chapter 38 to hold on to firmly in times of sickness and misfortune?
2. In what ways does this passage expand or change your understanding of who God is and how he answers our prayers?
Responding in Prayer
• Tell the Lord your heart's desires with confidence that he answers prayer.
inter varsity press
Sovereign God and Forgetful King
IT WAS A miracle. Hezekiah's life was extended by fifteen years! We might expect that he would live those fifteen years in unforgettable gratitude and trustfulness, but the Bible, with its usual dogged realism, records that it was not so. In the chapter which follows we will see how Hezekiah ignored the warnings he had been given and invited a treacherous enemy into his home.
Warming Up to God
Which do you believe is more dangerous to faith--adversity or prosperity? Why?
Read Isaiah 38--39.
Discovering the Word
1. What do you learn about prayer from the events in 38:1-8? How do you reconcile the Lord's word in verse 1 that Hezekiah would not recover and his promise in verse 5 that Hezekiah would live fifteen more years?
2. With what vivid metaphors does Hezekiah describe his deathly sickness (38:10-14)?
3. What reassurance does Hezekiah find in God's love in 38:15-20?
4. What punishment did Isaiah announce for Hezekiah's disloyalty (39:5-7)?
5. How do you interpret Hezekiah's response--his words and his thoughts (39:8)?
Applying the Word
1. What abiding truths do you find in chapter 38 to hold on to firmly in times of sickness and misfortune?
2. In what ways does this passage expand or change your understanding of who God is and how he answers our prayers?
Responding in Prayer
• Tell the Lord your heart's desires with confidence that he answers prayer.
inter varsity press
Saturday, December 14, 2002
Today's scripture is Ephesians 6:14-15, The Amplified Bible
"Stand therefore...having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."
Preparation. When it comes to fighting spiritual battles, that's a word you'd do well to remember. Most believers don't pay much attention to it. They don't prepare themselves in advance. They fiddle around until the devil makes his move, then they jump up and try to fight him with the Word... and they usually lose.
Don't let the devil catch you off guard. Be prepared! Start praying and speaking the Word of faith now over your family, your business, your church. Get your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Then if Satan causes trouble, you'll be wellequipped to run him out of town.
bible shack
"Stand therefore...having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."
Preparation. When it comes to fighting spiritual battles, that's a word you'd do well to remember. Most believers don't pay much attention to it. They don't prepare themselves in advance. They fiddle around until the devil makes his move, then they jump up and try to fight him with the Word... and they usually lose.
Don't let the devil catch you off guard. Be prepared! Start praying and speaking the Word of faith now over your family, your business, your church. Get your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Then if Satan causes trouble, you'll be wellequipped to run him out of town.
bible shack
When All Is Lost
Read: Philippians 3:7-14
What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. —Philippians 3:7
I was rummaging around my son's garage and found all the trophies he had won in his years of athletic competition. There they were in a box—about to be thrown out.
I thought of the blood, sweat, and tears that had gone into gaining those awards, yet now he was putting them in the trash. They no longer had any value to him.
It reminded me of a whimsical children's poem by Shel Silverstein called "Hector the Collector." It describes all the things that Hector collected over the years. He "loved them more than shining diamonds, loved them more than glistenin' gold." Then Hector called to all his friends, "Come and share my treasure trunk!" And all the people "came and looked and called it junk."
So it will be at the end of our lives. All our possessions—the things we've spent a lifetime working for—will be nothing but junk. That's when we'll surely know that the best things in life are not things.
But we can have the right perspective now, as Paul did. "What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ" (Philippians 3:7). We can keep a proper attitude about our possessions, because we possess the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. —David Roper
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today. —Miller
© Renewal 1950 Chancel Music, Inc
Our greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.
daily bread
Read: Philippians 3:7-14
What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. —Philippians 3:7
I was rummaging around my son's garage and found all the trophies he had won in his years of athletic competition. There they were in a box—about to be thrown out.
I thought of the blood, sweat, and tears that had gone into gaining those awards, yet now he was putting them in the trash. They no longer had any value to him.
It reminded me of a whimsical children's poem by Shel Silverstein called "Hector the Collector." It describes all the things that Hector collected over the years. He "loved them more than shining diamonds, loved them more than glistenin' gold." Then Hector called to all his friends, "Come and share my treasure trunk!" And all the people "came and looked and called it junk."
So it will be at the end of our lives. All our possessions—the things we've spent a lifetime working for—will be nothing but junk. That's when we'll surely know that the best things in life are not things.
But we can have the right perspective now, as Paul did. "What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ" (Philippians 3:7). We can keep a proper attitude about our possessions, because we possess the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. —David Roper
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today. —Miller
© Renewal 1950 Chancel Music, Inc
Our greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.
daily bread
Thursday, December 12, 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
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Today's scripture is Proverbs 16:3
"Roll your works upon the Lord--commit and trust them wholly to Him; [He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed."
It will work for you too if you'll do what it says. Roll your works over on God, commit your ways to Him, trust them wholly to Him. He'll start adjusting your thoughts to be like His until, at some point, you'll just know the right thing to do. Of course, faith is involved. One of the requirements is trust, and you won't be able to do that without feeding on God's Word. Then as you practice rolling your works upon the Lord and trusting Him, you become more confident in your ability to hear. Start now with whatever problem is bothering you. Pray and trust God with it. In other words, believe you receive when you pray. Stop worrying and begin believing.
Learn to live this way and it doesn't matter whether you've been a Christian 30 minutes or 30 years, your plans shall be established and succeed!
bible shack
"Roll your works upon the Lord--commit and trust them wholly to Him; [He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed."
It will work for you too if you'll do what it says. Roll your works over on God, commit your ways to Him, trust them wholly to Him. He'll start adjusting your thoughts to be like His until, at some point, you'll just know the right thing to do. Of course, faith is involved. One of the requirements is trust, and you won't be able to do that without feeding on God's Word. Then as you practice rolling your works upon the Lord and trusting Him, you become more confident in your ability to hear. Start now with whatever problem is bothering you. Pray and trust God with it. In other words, believe you receive when you pray. Stop worrying and begin believing.
Learn to live this way and it doesn't matter whether you've been a Christian 30 minutes or 30 years, your plans shall be established and succeed!
bible shack
Tuesday, December 10, 2002
The Christmas Angel
By Kathy Schultz
For Kathy Schultz, facing Christmas without her husband was unbearably lonely until God showed up Christmas Eve.
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it--the smells, the sights, and the sounds. Feelings run deep inside me when I begin to think about Christmas. There was always a magical feeling that I experienced. After all, it is Christ’s birthday! Could it be I’ve read too many Christmas books and seen too many Christmas movies? I admit that "It’s a Wonderful Life" is a favorite and I believe life is wonderful most of the time.
My husband had indulged my excitement and had contributed greatly to my loving Christmas. This past year my bubble was burst and I experienced a sadness that was almost too difficult to bear. I no longer thought life was wonderful. My husband had gone home to be with the Lord and I was alone at Christmas. Memories haunted me, and everywhere I looked I was reminded of our life together. Our traditions, which were special to me, were now all topsy-turvy. How could I ever get through my favorite time of the year without him? Only God knew. I determined, with God’s help, I could do this.
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13, NIV).
I was not going to let my grief rob my family of Christmas. It was still Christ’s birthday! After all, because Christ was born and died on the cross for my husband and me, I had the assurance my wonderful husband was spending eternity with Him.
The easy part was determining what I was going to do to celebrate Christmas. Putting my plan into practice was much more difficult. Christmas did not have to be celebrated in the same manner. Some traditions needed to change, but some I knew had to stay or the meaning of Christmas would be lost.
I cherished the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Our family had always gone to the 11:00 p.m. service, lighted the candles, and sung "Silent Night" together. My husband and I had done this from the time we had started dating 37 years ago. I wanted to go to church, but nothing could have prepared me for that evening. It was truly my favorite time… I loved hearing how Jesus was born (Luke 2). The angels, the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the wise men seeking Him were all so important. I wanted to seek Jesus as well.
Neither of my children could go to the service with me, so off I went. As I arrived at the church my heart just sank. Everyone was there with someone--moms, dads, children, aunts, and uncles. Family is so important at a time like that. I mustered up the courage God must have given and managed to walk to the front door. Thankfully, at that moment, I saw a family I knew, and I managed to ask if I could sit with them. "Sure," they replied. It was all I could do to sit in the pew without crying buckets. Tears began filling my eyes, and down my face they rolled. It was almost getting uncontrollable. "God, please help me," I prayed. "I want to be here, I need to hear why we have Christmas once again."
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him…" (Psalm 145:18a).
I had no sooner whispered my prayer when the most marvelous thing happened. The little girl sitting right next to me--my Christmas angel--put her hand in mine and squeezed. It was as if God had given me the love I so desperately needed. In that one moment, I realized the angels that sang on that night many years ago at the Savior's birth still come and minister to us today. God let me know, in that tiny squeeze, He was there for me and that He loved me!
"Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2:14).
cbn
By Kathy Schultz
For Kathy Schultz, facing Christmas without her husband was unbearably lonely until God showed up Christmas Eve.
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it--the smells, the sights, and the sounds. Feelings run deep inside me when I begin to think about Christmas. There was always a magical feeling that I experienced. After all, it is Christ’s birthday! Could it be I’ve read too many Christmas books and seen too many Christmas movies? I admit that "It’s a Wonderful Life" is a favorite and I believe life is wonderful most of the time.
My husband had indulged my excitement and had contributed greatly to my loving Christmas. This past year my bubble was burst and I experienced a sadness that was almost too difficult to bear. I no longer thought life was wonderful. My husband had gone home to be with the Lord and I was alone at Christmas. Memories haunted me, and everywhere I looked I was reminded of our life together. Our traditions, which were special to me, were now all topsy-turvy. How could I ever get through my favorite time of the year without him? Only God knew. I determined, with God’s help, I could do this.
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13, NIV).
I was not going to let my grief rob my family of Christmas. It was still Christ’s birthday! After all, because Christ was born and died on the cross for my husband and me, I had the assurance my wonderful husband was spending eternity with Him.
The easy part was determining what I was going to do to celebrate Christmas. Putting my plan into practice was much more difficult. Christmas did not have to be celebrated in the same manner. Some traditions needed to change, but some I knew had to stay or the meaning of Christmas would be lost.
I cherished the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Our family had always gone to the 11:00 p.m. service, lighted the candles, and sung "Silent Night" together. My husband and I had done this from the time we had started dating 37 years ago. I wanted to go to church, but nothing could have prepared me for that evening. It was truly my favorite time… I loved hearing how Jesus was born (Luke 2). The angels, the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the wise men seeking Him were all so important. I wanted to seek Jesus as well.
Neither of my children could go to the service with me, so off I went. As I arrived at the church my heart just sank. Everyone was there with someone--moms, dads, children, aunts, and uncles. Family is so important at a time like that. I mustered up the courage God must have given and managed to walk to the front door. Thankfully, at that moment, I saw a family I knew, and I managed to ask if I could sit with them. "Sure," they replied. It was all I could do to sit in the pew without crying buckets. Tears began filling my eyes, and down my face they rolled. It was almost getting uncontrollable. "God, please help me," I prayed. "I want to be here, I need to hear why we have Christmas once again."
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him…" (Psalm 145:18a).
I had no sooner whispered my prayer when the most marvelous thing happened. The little girl sitting right next to me--my Christmas angel--put her hand in mine and squeezed. It was as if God had given me the love I so desperately needed. In that one moment, I realized the angels that sang on that night many years ago at the Savior's birth still come and minister to us today. God let me know, in that tiny squeeze, He was there for me and that He loved me!
"Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2:14).
cbn
Monday, December 09, 2002
Faith Of A Child
Read: Matthew 18:1-5
Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3
One Sunday I heard Mike talk about his relationship with his two fathers—the one who raised him as a child, and his Father in heaven.
First he described his childhood trust toward his earthly father as "simple and uncomplicated." He expected his dad to fix broken things and to give advice. He dreaded displeasing him, however, because he often forgot that his father's love and forgiveness always followed.
Mike continued, "Some years ago I made a mess of things and hurt a lot of people. Because of my guilt, I ended a happy, simple relationship with my heavenly Father. I forgot that I could ask Him to fix what I had broken and seek His advice."
Years passed. Eventually Mike became desperate for God, yet he wondered what to do. His pastor said simply, "Say you're sorry to God, and mean it!"
Instead, Mike asked complicated questions, like: "How does this work?" and "What if . . .?"
Finally his pastor prayed, "Please, God, give Mike the faith of a child!" Mike later testified joyfully, "The Lord did!"
That day Mike found closeness with his heavenly Father. The key for him and for us is to practice the simple and uncomplicated faith of a child. —Joanie Yoder
Have you noticed that the childlike faith
Of a little girl or boy
Has so often shown to older folks
How to know salvation's joy? —Branon
Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.
daily bread
Read: Matthew 18:1-5
Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3
One Sunday I heard Mike talk about his relationship with his two fathers—the one who raised him as a child, and his Father in heaven.
First he described his childhood trust toward his earthly father as "simple and uncomplicated." He expected his dad to fix broken things and to give advice. He dreaded displeasing him, however, because he often forgot that his father's love and forgiveness always followed.
Mike continued, "Some years ago I made a mess of things and hurt a lot of people. Because of my guilt, I ended a happy, simple relationship with my heavenly Father. I forgot that I could ask Him to fix what I had broken and seek His advice."
Years passed. Eventually Mike became desperate for God, yet he wondered what to do. His pastor said simply, "Say you're sorry to God, and mean it!"
Instead, Mike asked complicated questions, like: "How does this work?" and "What if . . .?"
Finally his pastor prayed, "Please, God, give Mike the faith of a child!" Mike later testified joyfully, "The Lord did!"
That day Mike found closeness with his heavenly Father. The key for him and for us is to practice the simple and uncomplicated faith of a child. —Joanie Yoder
Have you noticed that the childlike faith
Of a little girl or boy
Has so often shown to older folks
How to know salvation's joy? —Branon
Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.
daily bread
Sunday, December 08, 2002
The Courier
Read: Daniel 10
From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. —Daniel 10:12
Among his duties as a soldier during World War II, my friend Oscar was a military courier. He would carry messages to other units near the front lines. At dark he made his way through brush and trees to deliver information vital to the battle plan. Several times he ran into enemy patrols and had to change his course. More than once he was shot at.
In our Bible reading today, Daniel described a time that an angel was a courier, carrying a message from heaven to earth. Satan, though, tried to keep the message from getting through. His minion (referred to as the prince of Persia) succeeded in slowing up the angel who had been sent with God's message (Daniel 10:13). And no wonder—it outlined Satan's battle plans.
I'm sure that Satan and his helpers continue to try to block God's messages to man, even in our everyday lives. When we're reading the Bible, for example, interruptions may come. When a sermon is being preached, we may have distracting thoughts. When we feel we need to tell someone about Jesus, our attempts may be hindered. In situations like these, we must humbly cry out to God for help (v.12). He is able to get His message through. —Dave Egner
For Further Study
Read What Can We Learn From The Angels?
Read What In The World Is Satan Doing?
The wiles of Satan are no match for the wisdom of God.
daily bread
Read: Daniel 10
From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. —Daniel 10:12
Among his duties as a soldier during World War II, my friend Oscar was a military courier. He would carry messages to other units near the front lines. At dark he made his way through brush and trees to deliver information vital to the battle plan. Several times he ran into enemy patrols and had to change his course. More than once he was shot at.
In our Bible reading today, Daniel described a time that an angel was a courier, carrying a message from heaven to earth. Satan, though, tried to keep the message from getting through. His minion (referred to as the prince of Persia) succeeded in slowing up the angel who had been sent with God's message (Daniel 10:13). And no wonder—it outlined Satan's battle plans.
I'm sure that Satan and his helpers continue to try to block God's messages to man, even in our everyday lives. When we're reading the Bible, for example, interruptions may come. When a sermon is being preached, we may have distracting thoughts. When we feel we need to tell someone about Jesus, our attempts may be hindered. In situations like these, we must humbly cry out to God for help (v.12). He is able to get His message through. —Dave Egner
For Further Study
Read What Can We Learn From The Angels?
Read What In The World Is Satan Doing?
The wiles of Satan are no match for the wisdom of God.
daily bread
Saturday, December 07, 2002
Through His Eyes
By Barbara Cuffee
It’s amazing how we view life experiences that cause us pain or discomfort as negative forces at work. But if we were to view them through His eyes, we would see a different picture.
Recently I had the opportunity to do just that with the death of my mother.
I remember when I first heard the doctors’ report, I prayed, binding the enemy who came to steal life from her body, and loosening God’s power to heal and restore her. I never stopped to ask God, "What is your desire in this situation?"
Then one day I went to visit my mom at the hospital and spent two hours listening to her talk to Jesus. Not once did she open her eyes to even see that I was there, yet I witnessed my mother’s conversation with Jesus as He gave her a glimpse of Heaven! She began to ask, "Where am I now Jesus?" as her face beamed with excitement.
"Jesus, I need a little more air," I heard her say as she was struggling to receive oxygen. And then, "That’s it, a little more. OK, thank you, Jesus."
Another time she said, "Jesus, my feet are cold. I need some more cover." Again she voiced, "That’s it. Thank you, Jesus." At that moment I looked to see if the cover moved.
The Lord quickened in my spirit Philippians 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (KJV).
The next day my mom was a new person, sitting up in bed and eating, doing all the things she hadn’t done the day before.
In the days that followed, my mother’s health worsened. I began to ask God, "What is Your desire for her?" For the first time I had peace in saying, "God, may Your will be done in her life." I was able to say, "Lord, take her home," rather than watch her suffer, because God had given me a glimpse of the joy she had in Him.
As I have learned, we must always view every situation through God’s eyes to see the true picture.
cbn
By Barbara Cuffee
It’s amazing how we view life experiences that cause us pain or discomfort as negative forces at work. But if we were to view them through His eyes, we would see a different picture.
Recently I had the opportunity to do just that with the death of my mother.
I remember when I first heard the doctors’ report, I prayed, binding the enemy who came to steal life from her body, and loosening God’s power to heal and restore her. I never stopped to ask God, "What is your desire in this situation?"
Then one day I went to visit my mom at the hospital and spent two hours listening to her talk to Jesus. Not once did she open her eyes to even see that I was there, yet I witnessed my mother’s conversation with Jesus as He gave her a glimpse of Heaven! She began to ask, "Where am I now Jesus?" as her face beamed with excitement.
"Jesus, I need a little more air," I heard her say as she was struggling to receive oxygen. And then, "That’s it, a little more. OK, thank you, Jesus."
Another time she said, "Jesus, my feet are cold. I need some more cover." Again she voiced, "That’s it. Thank you, Jesus." At that moment I looked to see if the cover moved.
The Lord quickened in my spirit Philippians 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (KJV).
The next day my mom was a new person, sitting up in bed and eating, doing all the things she hadn’t done the day before.
In the days that followed, my mother’s health worsened. I began to ask God, "What is Your desire for her?" For the first time I had peace in saying, "God, may Your will be done in her life." I was able to say, "Lord, take her home," rather than watch her suffer, because God had given me a glimpse of the joy she had in Him.
As I have learned, we must always view every situation through God’s eyes to see the true picture.
cbn
Thursday, December 05, 2002
Reform School
READ:Galatians 1:11-24
I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
When Brandon Harlee was a disruptive sixth-grader in an inner-city school, someone stepped into his life and gave him a chance. All the statistics said he would never graduate from high school, and would likely end up in jail. But Brandon and 40 other boys like him were removed from their drug-filled, crime-ridden neighborhoods and sent 6,000 miles away to Kenya. There at a boarding school named Baraka (a Swahili word for “blessing”) they received a second chance to experience childhood while learning to see themselves in a new way.
In Andrew Goldstein’s TIME magazine article, he describes the boys’ visit to a nearby Kenyan town where many local barefoot kids envied their Nike high-tops and begged them for money. “Suddenly the students are no longer apprentice hoodlums from the slums,” Goldstein writes. “They’re rich Americans with more than enough to eat, and bright opportunities.”
Does that kind of reform school produce lasting change? Yes and no. Some of the boys refused to cooperate and were sent home. Others completed their 2 years and returned with a new direction in life. It all depended on their response.
When we’re faced with unwelcome circumstances, we can react with resentment or acceptance. Maybe our employer or school requires us to live in a place we don’t like. Illness or death in our family may completely alter our future plans. We have to decide if it’s a God-given opportunity or the end of the world.
Just after Saul of Tarsus met Jesus Christ on the Damascus road, the former persecutor of Christians said, “I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus” (Galatians 1:17). We know very little about this 3-year period except that it removed him from his normal environment at a critical period in his life. It was during this time that he received the understanding of the gospel of Christ that would set the direction of his life.
God may put us in new circumstances so we can learn to know and trust Him more. That kind of spiritual “reform school” can be a life-changing time. It depends on how we respond. —Dave McCasland
REFLECTION
• What kind of unwelcome change am I facing today?
• How do I think God might be involved in my altered circumstances?
• Who decides whether I react with resentment or acceptance?
“When you’re through changing, you’re through.” —Bruce Barton
cbn
READ:Galatians 1:11-24
I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
When Brandon Harlee was a disruptive sixth-grader in an inner-city school, someone stepped into his life and gave him a chance. All the statistics said he would never graduate from high school, and would likely end up in jail. But Brandon and 40 other boys like him were removed from their drug-filled, crime-ridden neighborhoods and sent 6,000 miles away to Kenya. There at a boarding school named Baraka (a Swahili word for “blessing”) they received a second chance to experience childhood while learning to see themselves in a new way.
In Andrew Goldstein’s TIME magazine article, he describes the boys’ visit to a nearby Kenyan town where many local barefoot kids envied their Nike high-tops and begged them for money. “Suddenly the students are no longer apprentice hoodlums from the slums,” Goldstein writes. “They’re rich Americans with more than enough to eat, and bright opportunities.”
Does that kind of reform school produce lasting change? Yes and no. Some of the boys refused to cooperate and were sent home. Others completed their 2 years and returned with a new direction in life. It all depended on their response.
When we’re faced with unwelcome circumstances, we can react with resentment or acceptance. Maybe our employer or school requires us to live in a place we don’t like. Illness or death in our family may completely alter our future plans. We have to decide if it’s a God-given opportunity or the end of the world.
Just after Saul of Tarsus met Jesus Christ on the Damascus road, the former persecutor of Christians said, “I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus” (Galatians 1:17). We know very little about this 3-year period except that it removed him from his normal environment at a critical period in his life. It was during this time that he received the understanding of the gospel of Christ that would set the direction of his life.
God may put us in new circumstances so we can learn to know and trust Him more. That kind of spiritual “reform school” can be a life-changing time. It depends on how we respond. —Dave McCasland
REFLECTION
• What kind of unwelcome change am I facing today?
• How do I think God might be involved in my altered circumstances?
• Who decides whether I react with resentment or acceptance?
“When you’re through changing, you’re through.” —Bruce Barton
cbn
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
Letting the Light Shine
By Dan Betzer
Imagine changing a burned out bulb on the top of the Empire State Building.
It has only been within the last five years that the Lord has helped me overcome my aversion to heights. Since then, I've dangled from a helicopter at 3,500 feet and hung over cliffs to get good photographs.
But I'm still a long, long way from doing what Deke Johnson, Tom Silliman and Keith Unfried do.
Charlie LeDuff of the New York Times gave us the story:
"It was a cold and windy January evening, which doesn't mean much, unless you are one of the men hired to change the light bulb at the pinnacle of the Empire State Building in New York City. The 10-inch, 620-watt aviation beacon had gone dark.
"The winds at the top would reach 30 mph and the temperature drop to zero. To check out the light safely, four TV stations had to be shut down and 16 radio stations rerouted their signals through other antennas.
"Silliman said, 'You touch a live wire up there and it'll cook you like popcorn.'
"The workers emerge from a hatch 1,250 feet above the ground and climb 204 more feet on a steel ladder. Where they stand is a crow's nest just four feet wide that has no railings. To go off the edge means a straight-down plummet to certain death.
"The Empire State Building is hit 100 times each year by lightning. Johnson said, 'If lightning hits while you're up there, you're toast.' "
I read this story by LeDuff in the Times and wondered, "What makes any sane person do something like that?" The pay? Hardly -- a mere $17.50 per hour.
Missionaries often put their very lives in the hands of God in order to turn on the light of the Gospel to every tribe and nation.
In my own fellowship of believers, some have become martyrs so that others may hear of Jesus' love.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
Imagine changing a burned out bulb on the top of the Empire State Building.
It has only been within the last five years that the Lord has helped me overcome my aversion to heights. Since then, I've dangled from a helicopter at 3,500 feet and hung over cliffs to get good photographs.
But I'm still a long, long way from doing what Deke Johnson, Tom Silliman and Keith Unfried do.
Charlie LeDuff of the New York Times gave us the story:
"It was a cold and windy January evening, which doesn't mean much, unless you are one of the men hired to change the light bulb at the pinnacle of the Empire State Building in New York City. The 10-inch, 620-watt aviation beacon had gone dark.
"The winds at the top would reach 30 mph and the temperature drop to zero. To check out the light safely, four TV stations had to be shut down and 16 radio stations rerouted their signals through other antennas.
"Silliman said, 'You touch a live wire up there and it'll cook you like popcorn.'
"The workers emerge from a hatch 1,250 feet above the ground and climb 204 more feet on a steel ladder. Where they stand is a crow's nest just four feet wide that has no railings. To go off the edge means a straight-down plummet to certain death.
"The Empire State Building is hit 100 times each year by lightning. Johnson said, 'If lightning hits while you're up there, you're toast.' "
I read this story by LeDuff in the Times and wondered, "What makes any sane person do something like that?" The pay? Hardly -- a mere $17.50 per hour.
Missionaries often put their very lives in the hands of God in order to turn on the light of the Gospel to every tribe and nation.
In my own fellowship of believers, some have become martyrs so that others may hear of Jesus' love.
cbn
Tuesday, December 03, 2002
The Decision
By Gail Casteen
Being freed from the burden of perfectionism
At the tender age of four, I knew Jesus was who He said he was, the Son of the Living God. That, for some reason was easy to accept and believe. But as I grew up, my life was fraught with sorrow, some joy, victimization, occasional victory, loss, hints of peace, tremendous turmoil, adventure, failure and more than my share of bad choices with the resulting consequences. Though I did not question who He was, I certainly wondered why He seemed to be intimately involved in my life at times and so desperately unavailable at others.
There were times when I was a shining Christian example and other times when I was an unimpressive bundle of mediocrity with a lack-luster testimony. I could not explain why as a Christian I could successfully make the climb to the very heights of the mountaintop, and yet plunge in a matter of moments so helplessly to the rock-strewn valley below. I often found myself wondering when (or if) I would ever have "hinds feet in high places" (2 Samuel 22:34).
Most of my life was overshadowed with shame, because I was not living more like Jesus. I seemed powerless to conduct my life with consistency and confidence. I longed to be stable and solid in my walk with God. I felt like every time I failed to meet my personal standard of Christian perfection, I had failed God, and He could not approve of me, much less use me for His purposes.
One Sunday I heard my pastor say, "People don’t see things as they really are. They see things as they are." His statement captured my imagination, and I felt a flame of hope ignite in my heart. Maybe, just maybe, I was seeing life from the wrong perspective.
I conjured up my personal description of the perfect Christian when I was very young. Maybe the walk with God was far more practical and less complicated than the demands I had set on myself. Maybe I could change how I was seeing life by changing me. All I needed to know was how to change my perception of myself, of God and of my definition of a real Christian.
Then I saw it. I could make a decision. I could decide to take God at His Word. I could decide to align myself with the written Word of God. I could decide that what He said was just as much for me as it was for anyone else. I could decide that when the negative thoughts rose up in my mind, I could say, "No. That is not true. This is what God says."
Living according to the Word has been uncomfortable at best, since my life was planted so solidly in negative thoughts and beliefs. It has been hard at times to recognize the lie, then to find the Truth and hold tenaciously to it. But it is changing me. Occasionally, the change is huge and immediate; more often, changes are small and require effort and focus. But the changes continue to come.
I have seen remarkable changes in my attitudes, words, hopes and my interactions with people in a variety of situations. I am celebrating because I am finally rid of my ridiculous list of demands for the "perfect Christian." Only the Truth could have freed me from that thing! It is thrilling to walk into a new day with anticipation and peace.
One of my friends recently stopped me, "You are GLOWING! Do you have someone ‘new’ in your life?" My response was immediate. "Yes! It’s me!"
Change is yours simply by making a decision. Listen for the lies that hound your thoughts, then go to the Bible and find the Truth about that issue. Decide to hold on to the Truth no matter what you see or how you feel. Speak it out loud every opportunity you get. If your grasp on the Truth slips, and the lie gets a moment of your day, don’t despair. Simply turn around (repent), forgive yourself (most of us forget to do that), grab hold of the Truth and run with it into your next moment. As you exercise the decision, it will be easier and easier to recognize the lies and hold solidly to the Truth. It is a daily experience. Your life won’t be perfect, but you will begin to encounter exhilarating change.
As you decide to agree with His Truth, you will see the power of the Gospel begin to rise in your life. You will find yourself becoming refreshment to those you encounter and to yourself as well. Your life will become a testimony to the love of the Living God, to the power of the Holy Spirit, and it will be a reflection of the life of Jesus.
Make the decision. Make it now. Make it a minute from now. Make the decision later today, and again tomorrow until the decision to adhere to His Truth becomes a way of life for you. The decision opens the door to being aware that you possess the priceless treasures of the kingdom -- righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Actively take charge of your thinking and decide to align with His Living Word.
"Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring" (Hosea 6:3).
cbn
By Gail Casteen
Being freed from the burden of perfectionism
At the tender age of four, I knew Jesus was who He said he was, the Son of the Living God. That, for some reason was easy to accept and believe. But as I grew up, my life was fraught with sorrow, some joy, victimization, occasional victory, loss, hints of peace, tremendous turmoil, adventure, failure and more than my share of bad choices with the resulting consequences. Though I did not question who He was, I certainly wondered why He seemed to be intimately involved in my life at times and so desperately unavailable at others.
There were times when I was a shining Christian example and other times when I was an unimpressive bundle of mediocrity with a lack-luster testimony. I could not explain why as a Christian I could successfully make the climb to the very heights of the mountaintop, and yet plunge in a matter of moments so helplessly to the rock-strewn valley below. I often found myself wondering when (or if) I would ever have "hinds feet in high places" (2 Samuel 22:34).
Most of my life was overshadowed with shame, because I was not living more like Jesus. I seemed powerless to conduct my life with consistency and confidence. I longed to be stable and solid in my walk with God. I felt like every time I failed to meet my personal standard of Christian perfection, I had failed God, and He could not approve of me, much less use me for His purposes.
One Sunday I heard my pastor say, "People don’t see things as they really are. They see things as they are." His statement captured my imagination, and I felt a flame of hope ignite in my heart. Maybe, just maybe, I was seeing life from the wrong perspective.
I conjured up my personal description of the perfect Christian when I was very young. Maybe the walk with God was far more practical and less complicated than the demands I had set on myself. Maybe I could change how I was seeing life by changing me. All I needed to know was how to change my perception of myself, of God and of my definition of a real Christian.
Then I saw it. I could make a decision. I could decide to take God at His Word. I could decide to align myself with the written Word of God. I could decide that what He said was just as much for me as it was for anyone else. I could decide that when the negative thoughts rose up in my mind, I could say, "No. That is not true. This is what God says."
Living according to the Word has been uncomfortable at best, since my life was planted so solidly in negative thoughts and beliefs. It has been hard at times to recognize the lie, then to find the Truth and hold tenaciously to it. But it is changing me. Occasionally, the change is huge and immediate; more often, changes are small and require effort and focus. But the changes continue to come.
I have seen remarkable changes in my attitudes, words, hopes and my interactions with people in a variety of situations. I am celebrating because I am finally rid of my ridiculous list of demands for the "perfect Christian." Only the Truth could have freed me from that thing! It is thrilling to walk into a new day with anticipation and peace.
One of my friends recently stopped me, "You are GLOWING! Do you have someone ‘new’ in your life?" My response was immediate. "Yes! It’s me!"
Change is yours simply by making a decision. Listen for the lies that hound your thoughts, then go to the Bible and find the Truth about that issue. Decide to hold on to the Truth no matter what you see or how you feel. Speak it out loud every opportunity you get. If your grasp on the Truth slips, and the lie gets a moment of your day, don’t despair. Simply turn around (repent), forgive yourself (most of us forget to do that), grab hold of the Truth and run with it into your next moment. As you exercise the decision, it will be easier and easier to recognize the lies and hold solidly to the Truth. It is a daily experience. Your life won’t be perfect, but you will begin to encounter exhilarating change.
As you decide to agree with His Truth, you will see the power of the Gospel begin to rise in your life. You will find yourself becoming refreshment to those you encounter and to yourself as well. Your life will become a testimony to the love of the Living God, to the power of the Holy Spirit, and it will be a reflection of the life of Jesus.
Make the decision. Make it now. Make it a minute from now. Make the decision later today, and again tomorrow until the decision to adhere to His Truth becomes a way of life for you. The decision opens the door to being aware that you possess the priceless treasures of the kingdom -- righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Actively take charge of your thinking and decide to align with His Living Word.
"Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring" (Hosea 6:3).
cbn
Monday, December 02, 2002
Today's scripture is Hebrews 13:7
"Remember your leaders and superiors in authority, [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living...and imitate their faith."
Apart from the Word of God itself and prayer, nothing can do more for you than watching and imitating a real man of faith.
Find someone who's operating in more faith and power than you are and learn from him. Watch Jesus in them and then copy Him. Sooner or later, others will start seeing
Jesus in you.
scripture online:
http://bibleshack.com/ds/2kings2-1-15.shtml
bible shack
"Remember your leaders and superiors in authority, [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living...and imitate their faith."
Apart from the Word of God itself and prayer, nothing can do more for you than watching and imitating a real man of faith.
Find someone who's operating in more faith and power than you are and learn from him. Watch Jesus in them and then copy Him. Sooner or later, others will start seeing
Jesus in you.
scripture online:
http://bibleshack.com/ds/2kings2-1-15.shtml
bible shack
Sunday, December 01, 2002
CHRISTmas
READ: Matthew 27:26-31
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
There are so many things to love about Christmas. Twinkling lights. Carols. Cookies. A break from school. Gifts. Sleigh rides. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. (Okay, so I’ve never really roasted chestnuts on a fire, but it sounds good.)
Those things are fun and can be enjoyed. But it’s amazing how these wrappings of Christmas can cover up the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
Behind the Christmas lights, gifts, and music, there is a person—Jesus Christ. He was born “the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). His mother “wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger (2:7). He grew to be a boy who longed to please His heavenly Father (v.49). Then, as a grown man, yet fully God, He comforted and healed hurting people (Matthew 4:24). He became our Savior, who willingly endured torture, shame, and death for you and me (Matthew 27:30-31). He suffered all this to take our sin and to give us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Some may think we’ve lost the spirit of Christmas if we start talking about the suffering of Christ. But if our only thought is what we’re going to buy for Mom and Dad and our little brother, we have missed the life-changing message of Christmas.
The message is that we can have changed hearts because of what Jesus did for us. Our sin doesn’t have to control us any longer. We have no more excuses because our lustful desires have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 5:24). This doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with temptation and sin (James 1:14), but we have the power through the Holy Spirit to be like Christ: gentle, controlled, patient, loving, faithful, good, and peaceful. And by following Jesus’ example we can be lights in the darkness, and we can invite those who don’t have faith in Christ to unwrap the gift of salvation.
If you feel overwhelmed this season and can’t see past the Christmas lights, look further to the painful journey Jesus took and what that means to you. —Allison Stevens
REFLECTION
• How does the true meaning of Christmas influence the way I celebrate Christmas?
• What sinful desires have I crucified with Christ? With which ones do I continue to struggle?
• How does Jesus’ life impact my life? (Galatians 5:22-23).
Christ came to take our blame.
campus journal
READ: Matthew 27:26-31
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
There are so many things to love about Christmas. Twinkling lights. Carols. Cookies. A break from school. Gifts. Sleigh rides. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. (Okay, so I’ve never really roasted chestnuts on a fire, but it sounds good.)
Those things are fun and can be enjoyed. But it’s amazing how these wrappings of Christmas can cover up the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
Behind the Christmas lights, gifts, and music, there is a person—Jesus Christ. He was born “the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). His mother “wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger (2:7). He grew to be a boy who longed to please His heavenly Father (v.49). Then, as a grown man, yet fully God, He comforted and healed hurting people (Matthew 4:24). He became our Savior, who willingly endured torture, shame, and death for you and me (Matthew 27:30-31). He suffered all this to take our sin and to give us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Some may think we’ve lost the spirit of Christmas if we start talking about the suffering of Christ. But if our only thought is what we’re going to buy for Mom and Dad and our little brother, we have missed the life-changing message of Christmas.
The message is that we can have changed hearts because of what Jesus did for us. Our sin doesn’t have to control us any longer. We have no more excuses because our lustful desires have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 5:24). This doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with temptation and sin (James 1:14), but we have the power through the Holy Spirit to be like Christ: gentle, controlled, patient, loving, faithful, good, and peaceful. And by following Jesus’ example we can be lights in the darkness, and we can invite those who don’t have faith in Christ to unwrap the gift of salvation.
If you feel overwhelmed this season and can’t see past the Christmas lights, look further to the painful journey Jesus took and what that means to you. —Allison Stevens
REFLECTION
• How does the true meaning of Christmas influence the way I celebrate Christmas?
• What sinful desires have I crucified with Christ? With which ones do I continue to struggle?
• How does Jesus’ life impact my life? (Galatians 5:22-23).
Christ came to take our blame.
campus journal