The Pursuit Of Happiness
Read: Matthew 5:1-10
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:3
Everyone is looking for happiness, and people follow many avenues trying to find it. They look for it in money, parties, self-improvement programs, fancy cars, luxurious homes, or promoting a cause.
That's the wrong list. The right one is found in Matthew 5. Jesus taught us that deep and lasting happiness comes from being right with God. He said we are blessed, or happy, when we are:
Poor in spirit—recognizing our desperate need for God.
Mourning—realizing the awfulness of sin and being genuinely sorry for it.
Meek—demonstrating self-control, even when we are mistreated.
Hungry and thirsty for righteousness—longing to be holy and pure.
Merciful—showing mercy to others, just as God shows mercy to us.
Pure in heart—being singleminded and sincere in our devotion to Christ.
Peacemakers—sharing the peace Christ offers, and promoting peace with one another.
Persecuted—being willing to suffer for Jesus' sake.
Looking for happiness? Follow Jesus' way. —Dave Branon
Happy are they who love the Lord,
Whose hearts have Christ confessed,
Who by His cross have found their life,
Beneath His yoke their rest. —Bridges
Happiness depends on what you are, not on what you have.
daily bread
Monday, December 29, 2003
Friday, December 19, 2003
The Real Meaning Of Christmas
By Martha Noebel
We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.
It's that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.
Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.
Luke 2: 4-19 says:
"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.
Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." I John 1:9
We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.
Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a "Merry Christmas." The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season! Rejoice!
cbn
By Martha Noebel
We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.
It's that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.
Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.
Luke 2: 4-19 says:
"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.
Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." I John 1:9
We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.
Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a "Merry Christmas." The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season! Rejoice!
cbn
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
IMITATE THE GOOD
3 John 11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
As much as I appreciated my college basketball coach, I know there is one thing we did not agree on. He did not like my imitation of Pete Maravich--the greatest showman and scorer in NCAA men's basketball history. My coach was old school, and he wanted things handled pretty much by the book. I, on the other hand, was a charter member of the "Let's make this game as much fun as we can by showing off" club. That's why I spent so much time practicing "Pistol" Pete's fancy moves.
I know my coach was not happy with me during one game when I put together a between-the-legs, behind-the-back pass while on a fast break. Flying full-speed down the court, I dribbled the ball between my legs from my right hand to my left, then cradled the ball in my left hand, and flipped it behind my back to the man coming down the court in the right lane on the break. It was a thing of absolute hoops beauty.
As I sat on the bench a moment later contemplating my love for fancy passes, I knew my coach was not a happy man. To him, my imitation of the Pistol was imitating evil. He thought all that fancy stuff was a waste of time and energy. He would have preferred that I imitated something good--like the two-handed chest pass.
In real life, imitation of evil is far more serious. When we choose to follow the lead of someone who is influencing us to do something wrong, we disobey God. The middle of 3 John 11 says, "Anyone who does what is good is from God." This is a goodness that flows from Jesus and His attributes.
Knowing who to follow these days isn't easy. But one set of questions can guide our choices about who to imitate: Do they do what is good? Do they make godly choices? Do they stand for what is right? Do they care what God thinks? If your answers to those questions are yes, yes, yes, and yes, then that person is someone you can follow.
Think of your influences: media, friends, music, even sports. Which are you imitating? The good or the evil? --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Who or what are the five most influential people or things in my life? Are they good or are they not good?
* How can I imitate good without offending others and being a goody-goody that nobody wants to be around?
* Why is being good important anyway? Can I really explain what value there is in being moral instead of doing whatever I feel is right?
LINKS:
Miss America's Unpopular Stand
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/002/27.52.html
Power For Competing
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/7c3/7c3078.html
bottom line: Dedicate yourself to God, imitate what is good.
soul journey
3 John 11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
As much as I appreciated my college basketball coach, I know there is one thing we did not agree on. He did not like my imitation of Pete Maravich--the greatest showman and scorer in NCAA men's basketball history. My coach was old school, and he wanted things handled pretty much by the book. I, on the other hand, was a charter member of the "Let's make this game as much fun as we can by showing off" club. That's why I spent so much time practicing "Pistol" Pete's fancy moves.
I know my coach was not happy with me during one game when I put together a between-the-legs, behind-the-back pass while on a fast break. Flying full-speed down the court, I dribbled the ball between my legs from my right hand to my left, then cradled the ball in my left hand, and flipped it behind my back to the man coming down the court in the right lane on the break. It was a thing of absolute hoops beauty.
As I sat on the bench a moment later contemplating my love for fancy passes, I knew my coach was not a happy man. To him, my imitation of the Pistol was imitating evil. He thought all that fancy stuff was a waste of time and energy. He would have preferred that I imitated something good--like the two-handed chest pass.
In real life, imitation of evil is far more serious. When we choose to follow the lead of someone who is influencing us to do something wrong, we disobey God. The middle of 3 John 11 says, "Anyone who does what is good is from God." This is a goodness that flows from Jesus and His attributes.
Knowing who to follow these days isn't easy. But one set of questions can guide our choices about who to imitate: Do they do what is good? Do they make godly choices? Do they stand for what is right? Do they care what God thinks? If your answers to those questions are yes, yes, yes, and yes, then that person is someone you can follow.
Think of your influences: media, friends, music, even sports. Which are you imitating? The good or the evil? --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Who or what are the five most influential people or things in my life? Are they good or are they not good?
* How can I imitate good without offending others and being a goody-goody that nobody wants to be around?
* Why is being good important anyway? Can I really explain what value there is in being moral instead of doing whatever I feel is right?
LINKS:
Miss America's Unpopular Stand
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/002/27.52.html
Power For Competing
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/7c3/7c3078.html
bottom line: Dedicate yourself to God, imitate what is good.
soul journey
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Handel-ing the Messiah
By Dan Betzer
In this letter, Jennens sent a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write.
My friend Dr. Don Meyer, the president of Valley Forge Christian College, has written a delightful little book called "Think About It." It is a compilation of newspaper columns Don has written for area publications.
One selection concerns George Frideric Handel, the great composer. In the early 1700s, Handel's popularity had begun to wane and creditors were knocking. His health was marred by depression, insomnia, and rheumatism. In his late 50s, he faced a bleak future.
Then, in 1741, Handel received a letter from a wealthy landowner, Charles Jennens, who had written some lyrics for him in the past. In this letter, Jennens sent a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write.
Within seven days he had completed part one of "Messiah," which concerned Jesus' birth. He wrote the redemption part in another nine days and then, in less than one week, Handel completed the resurrection and future reign of Christ portion including the "Hallelujah Chorus."
On April 13, 1742, "Messiah" made its debut in Dublin to a rousing reception. Handel lived another 17 years and led many more performances of his masterpiece.
Why do we stand today when this great work is presented? When King George II of England first heard "Messiah," he stood. Since no one remains seated when a king stands, the audience also stood. The majestic "Hallelujah Chorus" was performed in our church this week and we all stood and applauded! And were blessed.
Just think -- Handel might never have written "Messiah" had Jennens not sent him that letter.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
In this letter, Jennens sent a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write.
My friend Dr. Don Meyer, the president of Valley Forge Christian College, has written a delightful little book called "Think About It." It is a compilation of newspaper columns Don has written for area publications.
One selection concerns George Frideric Handel, the great composer. In the early 1700s, Handel's popularity had begun to wane and creditors were knocking. His health was marred by depression, insomnia, and rheumatism. In his late 50s, he faced a bleak future.
Then, in 1741, Handel received a letter from a wealthy landowner, Charles Jennens, who had written some lyrics for him in the past. In this letter, Jennens sent a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write.
Within seven days he had completed part one of "Messiah," which concerned Jesus' birth. He wrote the redemption part in another nine days and then, in less than one week, Handel completed the resurrection and future reign of Christ portion including the "Hallelujah Chorus."
On April 13, 1742, "Messiah" made its debut in Dublin to a rousing reception. Handel lived another 17 years and led many more performances of his masterpiece.
Why do we stand today when this great work is presented? When King George II of England first heard "Messiah," he stood. Since no one remains seated when a king stands, the audience also stood. The majestic "Hallelujah Chorus" was performed in our church this week and we all stood and applauded! And were blessed.
Just think -- Handel might never have written "Messiah" had Jennens not sent him that letter.
cbn
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
JESUS' BLOOD
Romans 5:9-11
9 Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
William Harvey (1578-1657) had a problem. The founder of the science of physiology was faced with a reality that didn't jibe with current thought.
As he carefully studied the circulatory systems of mammals, he found that their valves and veins allowed blood to flow only one way. But since the time of Galen (born about 130 AD), scientists had been convinced that the red stuff flowed back and forth in veins and arteries--kind of like the ebb and flow of an ocean tide.
Harvey decided to reveal his finding. The revolutionary idea was accepted and it changed the course for scientific study of blood flow in the body. Harvey, a believer in God, said, "Life therefore resides in the blood (as we are informed in the sacred writings)."
The sacred writings he was referring to are Leviticus 17:11,14: "The life of a creature is in the blood. . . . the life of every creature is its blood."
For the believer in Jesus, these words carry great significance. God had revealed to Moses that blood was special in His eyes. To atone for sin, He required that this special substance--symbolic of life itself--be used. Therefore, the vital fluid of countless lambs, bulls, and other creatures was applied by priests to ancient altars.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed His precious blood so that our holy God would find us acceptable. "We have now been justified by His blood,"
wrote Paul in Romans 5:9. His sacrifice provided the way for people to be saved from their sins.
In Revelation 5 the apostle John wrote, "With Your blood You purchased men for God" (v.9). And, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (v.12).
Praise Jesus right now for the reality that He shed His life-giving blood for you. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why is it so important that Jesus shed His blood for me?
* When I drink the communion cup, what comes to mind about Jesus' blood?
LINKS:
Why Did Christ Have To Die?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0202
How can it be morally right for Jesus Christ to die for our sins?
http://www.questions.org/answer/god/christ/righttodie.xml/
bottom line: Without Jesus' blood we would be lost.
soul journey
Romans 5:9-11
9 Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
William Harvey (1578-1657) had a problem. The founder of the science of physiology was faced with a reality that didn't jibe with current thought.
As he carefully studied the circulatory systems of mammals, he found that their valves and veins allowed blood to flow only one way. But since the time of Galen (born about 130 AD), scientists had been convinced that the red stuff flowed back and forth in veins and arteries--kind of like the ebb and flow of an ocean tide.
Harvey decided to reveal his finding. The revolutionary idea was accepted and it changed the course for scientific study of blood flow in the body. Harvey, a believer in God, said, "Life therefore resides in the blood (as we are informed in the sacred writings)."
The sacred writings he was referring to are Leviticus 17:11,14: "The life of a creature is in the blood. . . . the life of every creature is its blood."
For the believer in Jesus, these words carry great significance. God had revealed to Moses that blood was special in His eyes. To atone for sin, He required that this special substance--symbolic of life itself--be used. Therefore, the vital fluid of countless lambs, bulls, and other creatures was applied by priests to ancient altars.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed His precious blood so that our holy God would find us acceptable. "We have now been justified by His blood,"
wrote Paul in Romans 5:9. His sacrifice provided the way for people to be saved from their sins.
In Revelation 5 the apostle John wrote, "With Your blood You purchased men for God" (v.9). And, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (v.12).
Praise Jesus right now for the reality that He shed His life-giving blood for you. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why is it so important that Jesus shed His blood for me?
* When I drink the communion cup, what comes to mind about Jesus' blood?
LINKS:
Why Did Christ Have To Die?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0202
How can it be morally right for Jesus Christ to die for our sins?
http://www.questions.org/answer/god/christ/righttodie.xml/
bottom line: Without Jesus' blood we would be lost.
soul journey
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Mary - Obedient Servant
By Candy Arrington
Mary didn't question God's call on her life. She only asked for clarification. She wanted to understand the mechanics of how something that seemed in opposition to natural law could be accomplished. Once the angel answered that question, she yielded herself totally to God's plan.
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38
Gabriel's visit to Mary was unexpected and terrifying. But despite her fear and confusion, Mary didn't run from the situation. Instead, she listened with enough composure to understand the announcement. Then she asked a simple question, "How can this be?"
Mary didn't question God's call on her life. She only asked for clarification. She wanted to understand the mechanics of how something that seemed in opposition to natural law could be accomplished. Once the angel answered that question, she yielded herself totally to God's plan.
I can imagine that if an angel appeared to a teenage girl today with this shocking news - you're going to have a baby, although you are a virgin and unwed - there would be numerous questions or an exclamation of "No way!" I'm sure Mary realized the potential problems inherent in God's mission for her life yet she didn't voice any of those. Instead she calmly trusted that if this was God's plan for her it must be the best plan.
This tells us something of Mary's relationship with God. Her faith was obviously deep enough for her to offer herself as a willing servant. Perhaps it was Mary's servant-heartedness that caused God to select her as the one "highly favored among women." It seems appropriate that God chose this obedient teenage girl to be the mother of a child who would later offer himself in the greatest act of servanthood ever.
The Bible leaves us in suspense about the specific reaction of Mary's parents to her news. Perhaps they were skeptical of the authenticity of her story or even angry and disappointed with her. Clearly, part of the way they handled the situation was to send her to stay with Elizabeth, out of public view and away from gossiping tongues.
Joseph was embarrassed by Mary's pregnancy and planned to distance himself from her by breaking their engagement. When the angel appeared to him, verifying Mary's story, Joseph also acted in obedience to God's plan for their lives. I'm sure that Mary, Joseph, and their families experienced all the conflicting emotions that we do today when faced with a situation that seems out of our control and life-altering. Sometimes God asks us to do things that bring skepticism and criticism from those around us. Often, obedience to God's will involves some degree of discomfort.
Although Mary found favor with God, her life was not without suffering. Upon seeing the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. Mary was alive during Jesus' ministry, his arrest, trial, and present when he was crucified. She saw the fulfillment of God's plan, but she also endured a mother's anguish as she watched her son die a brutal death.
The true test of our faith and trust comes in our obedience to God. I wonder what would happen if, like Mary, we willingly offered ourselves, without questions or delay, to God's purpose and plan for our lives.
cbn
By Candy Arrington
Mary didn't question God's call on her life. She only asked for clarification. She wanted to understand the mechanics of how something that seemed in opposition to natural law could be accomplished. Once the angel answered that question, she yielded herself totally to God's plan.
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38
Gabriel's visit to Mary was unexpected and terrifying. But despite her fear and confusion, Mary didn't run from the situation. Instead, she listened with enough composure to understand the announcement. Then she asked a simple question, "How can this be?"
Mary didn't question God's call on her life. She only asked for clarification. She wanted to understand the mechanics of how something that seemed in opposition to natural law could be accomplished. Once the angel answered that question, she yielded herself totally to God's plan.
I can imagine that if an angel appeared to a teenage girl today with this shocking news - you're going to have a baby, although you are a virgin and unwed - there would be numerous questions or an exclamation of "No way!" I'm sure Mary realized the potential problems inherent in God's mission for her life yet she didn't voice any of those. Instead she calmly trusted that if this was God's plan for her it must be the best plan.
This tells us something of Mary's relationship with God. Her faith was obviously deep enough for her to offer herself as a willing servant. Perhaps it was Mary's servant-heartedness that caused God to select her as the one "highly favored among women." It seems appropriate that God chose this obedient teenage girl to be the mother of a child who would later offer himself in the greatest act of servanthood ever.
The Bible leaves us in suspense about the specific reaction of Mary's parents to her news. Perhaps they were skeptical of the authenticity of her story or even angry and disappointed with her. Clearly, part of the way they handled the situation was to send her to stay with Elizabeth, out of public view and away from gossiping tongues.
Joseph was embarrassed by Mary's pregnancy and planned to distance himself from her by breaking their engagement. When the angel appeared to him, verifying Mary's story, Joseph also acted in obedience to God's plan for their lives. I'm sure that Mary, Joseph, and their families experienced all the conflicting emotions that we do today when faced with a situation that seems out of our control and life-altering. Sometimes God asks us to do things that bring skepticism and criticism from those around us. Often, obedience to God's will involves some degree of discomfort.
Although Mary found favor with God, her life was not without suffering. Upon seeing the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. Mary was alive during Jesus' ministry, his arrest, trial, and present when he was crucified. She saw the fulfillment of God's plan, but she also endured a mother's anguish as she watched her son die a brutal death.
The true test of our faith and trust comes in our obedience to God. I wonder what would happen if, like Mary, we willingly offered ourselves, without questions or delay, to God's purpose and plan for our lives.
cbn
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Christmas Reminders
By Linda J. Gilden
God's gift was for all seasons. And, every time we share that gift, it's Christmas!
Christmas has become extremely commercialized. Everywhere we look we see Christmas trees, lights, presents, signs enticing us to buy this or that for the people on our lists. But let's try to keep our thoughts focused on the real meaning of the season.
When we see a wreath, let's remember that God's love is never ending.
When we see the lights, let's remember that Jesus is the light of the world.
When we see candles, let's remember that our lights, however small, shine brightly enough to spread to those around us.
When we see presents, let's remember that God gave us the greatest gift of all in His Son, Jesus Christ.
When we see a Christmas tree, let's remember a tree on top of a hill called Calvary.
When we see snow, let's remember the One who cleanses our sins in a way that makes them pure white.
When we sing carols, let's remember the importance of making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
When we sit down to Christmas dinner, let's remember that Jesus is the bread of life.
When we see all those around us in need, whether physically, financially, emotionally, or spiritually, let's remember that Christmas really shouldn't be limited to one season of the year.
God's gift was for all seasons. And, every time we share that gift, it's Christmas!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
cbn
By Linda J. Gilden
God's gift was for all seasons. And, every time we share that gift, it's Christmas!
Christmas has become extremely commercialized. Everywhere we look we see Christmas trees, lights, presents, signs enticing us to buy this or that for the people on our lists. But let's try to keep our thoughts focused on the real meaning of the season.
When we see a wreath, let's remember that God's love is never ending.
When we see the lights, let's remember that Jesus is the light of the world.
When we see candles, let's remember that our lights, however small, shine brightly enough to spread to those around us.
When we see presents, let's remember that God gave us the greatest gift of all in His Son, Jesus Christ.
When we see a Christmas tree, let's remember a tree on top of a hill called Calvary.
When we see snow, let's remember the One who cleanses our sins in a way that makes them pure white.
When we sing carols, let's remember the importance of making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
When we sit down to Christmas dinner, let's remember that Jesus is the bread of life.
When we see all those around us in need, whether physically, financially, emotionally, or spiritually, let's remember that Christmas really shouldn't be limited to one season of the year.
God's gift was for all seasons. And, every time we share that gift, it's Christmas!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
cbn
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
PURGE THE EVIL
Deuteronomy 17:2-7
2 If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the Lord gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God in violation of His covenant, 3 and contrary to My command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars of the sky, 4 and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, 5 take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death. 6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. 7 The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you.
Take it from me, you never outgrow the awful feeling you get when someone calls you a name like "tattle-tale," "snitch," or "traitor." Anyone who takes a stand against evil may be called all of those and more. But wearing the name is better than sharing the blame when trouble hits.
The modern concept of friendship expects unquestioned loyalty. If you're my friend, you're supposed to stick up for me no matter what I do, and vice versa. It's like an unspoken covenant. But it's the opposite of God's plan. And it eventually destroys rather than saves friendships. Sometimes it even destroys people. I'm sure you can think of some examples.
Nine times in the book of Deuteronomy, God's people are told to "purge the evil" from among them. I'm intrigued that God gave this responsibility to humans rather than keep it for Himself. After all, we're such unreliable judges. Some of us want to deny the existence of evil. Others want to define evil as the existence of anything that obstructs our freedom or pursuit of pleasure. In between are those who want to play with evil for their own fun and profit or appease evil to avoid the inconvenience of conflict.
Despite our limitations, God's plan for getting rid of evil involves us. He doesn't peer down at us like a cat ready to pounce when we make one wrong move. He is creating a community of people committed to the conviction that goodness is good for everyone, and evil is good for no one.
In other words, God's plan for ruling creation and keeping order belongs to each of us!
Sin is destructive, and wherever it is allowed to grow someone always gets hurt. If you have a friend who is dabbling in risky behavior, do
the right thing, the good thing, and be a snitch. You might lose a friend, but you could save a life. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* What opportunities is God giving me to stand against evil?
* Am I willing to do it even if it will make a good friend angry? Am I willing to risk my social standing to save someone else's life?
LINKS:
When A Friend Messes Up
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/006/11.66.html
bottom line: Peace is the absence of evil--not conflict.
soul journey
Deuteronomy 17:2-7
2 If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the Lord gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God in violation of His covenant, 3 and contrary to My command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars of the sky, 4 and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, 5 take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death. 6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness. 7 The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you.
Take it from me, you never outgrow the awful feeling you get when someone calls you a name like "tattle-tale," "snitch," or "traitor." Anyone who takes a stand against evil may be called all of those and more. But wearing the name is better than sharing the blame when trouble hits.
The modern concept of friendship expects unquestioned loyalty. If you're my friend, you're supposed to stick up for me no matter what I do, and vice versa. It's like an unspoken covenant. But it's the opposite of God's plan. And it eventually destroys rather than saves friendships. Sometimes it even destroys people. I'm sure you can think of some examples.
Nine times in the book of Deuteronomy, God's people are told to "purge the evil" from among them. I'm intrigued that God gave this responsibility to humans rather than keep it for Himself. After all, we're such unreliable judges. Some of us want to deny the existence of evil. Others want to define evil as the existence of anything that obstructs our freedom or pursuit of pleasure. In between are those who want to play with evil for their own fun and profit or appease evil to avoid the inconvenience of conflict.
Despite our limitations, God's plan for getting rid of evil involves us. He doesn't peer down at us like a cat ready to pounce when we make one wrong move. He is creating a community of people committed to the conviction that goodness is good for everyone, and evil is good for no one.
In other words, God's plan for ruling creation and keeping order belongs to each of us!
Sin is destructive, and wherever it is allowed to grow someone always gets hurt. If you have a friend who is dabbling in risky behavior, do
the right thing, the good thing, and be a snitch. You might lose a friend, but you could save a life. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* What opportunities is God giving me to stand against evil?
* Am I willing to do it even if it will make a good friend angry? Am I willing to risk my social standing to save someone else's life?
LINKS:
When A Friend Messes Up
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/006/11.66.html
bottom line: Peace is the absence of evil--not conflict.
soul journey
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
TIME TO GET MOVING
Deuteronomy 1:6-8
6 The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and advance into the hill country of
the Amorites; go to all the neighboring people in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore He would give to your fathers--to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--and to their descendants after them."
Monica Seles was riding high in 1993. The 19-year-old was No. 1 in women's tennis, breaking records and opponents--until the day a guy jumped out of the stands and plunged a 9-inch boning knife into her back.
For the next 2 years, Monica rehabbed--physically, emotionally, and mentally. Her biggest battles were against fear, depression, and loss. She couldn't sleep in the dark for fear of the shadows. But with the support of family, coaches, and counselors, Monica made her return to the tennis tour. She had been stuck on a mountain of doubt, but found the courage to move forward.
When we open up Deuteronomy, we see God's people looking back at a time when they were stuck on a mountain. But God said, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance" (1:6-7). There were many obstacles: the physical effects of wandering in the gritty, windy desert with no home; the emotional ups and downs of God's supernatural provision, and His punishments for their disobedience; doubts about their mental toughness in taking on stronger opponents.
Ultimately, they moved forward because God told them to go. He had made a promise--it was theirs to claim. God has made promises to you too, including: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). No matter what He calls you to do, He's with you. He won't leave you to find your way alone in the dark in fear of the shadows.
Monica Seles still carries a scar. She says it tingles when rain is coming. No doubt the Israelites carried the scars from their wandering as they made their way into the Promised Land. There were bumps and battles along the way, but they made it. And so will you, because "the Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you" (Deuteronomy 1:30). Find your courage in Him. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Am I stuck on a mountain of fear or circumstances? What will it take to get moving again?
* What are my biggest battles? Why are they so scary?
* What has God promised me? Take a look at these passages: Acts 2:38-39; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Titus 1:2; James 1:12; 1 John 2:24-25.
LINKS:
When Fear Seems Overwhelming: Finding Courage And Hope
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb031
bottom line: God's presence is a mountain of courage.
soul journey
Deuteronomy 1:6-8
6 The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and advance into the hill country of
the Amorites; go to all the neighboring people in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore He would give to your fathers--to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--and to their descendants after them."
Monica Seles was riding high in 1993. The 19-year-old was No. 1 in women's tennis, breaking records and opponents--until the day a guy jumped out of the stands and plunged a 9-inch boning knife into her back.
For the next 2 years, Monica rehabbed--physically, emotionally, and mentally. Her biggest battles were against fear, depression, and loss. She couldn't sleep in the dark for fear of the shadows. But with the support of family, coaches, and counselors, Monica made her return to the tennis tour. She had been stuck on a mountain of doubt, but found the courage to move forward.
When we open up Deuteronomy, we see God's people looking back at a time when they were stuck on a mountain. But God said, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance" (1:6-7). There were many obstacles: the physical effects of wandering in the gritty, windy desert with no home; the emotional ups and downs of God's supernatural provision, and His punishments for their disobedience; doubts about their mental toughness in taking on stronger opponents.
Ultimately, they moved forward because God told them to go. He had made a promise--it was theirs to claim. God has made promises to you too, including: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). No matter what He calls you to do, He's with you. He won't leave you to find your way alone in the dark in fear of the shadows.
Monica Seles still carries a scar. She says it tingles when rain is coming. No doubt the Israelites carried the scars from their wandering as they made their way into the Promised Land. There were bumps and battles along the way, but they made it. And so will you, because "the Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you" (Deuteronomy 1:30). Find your courage in Him. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Am I stuck on a mountain of fear or circumstances? What will it take to get moving again?
* What are my biggest battles? Why are they so scary?
* What has God promised me? Take a look at these passages: Acts 2:38-39; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Titus 1:2; James 1:12; 1 John 2:24-25.
LINKS:
When Fear Seems Overwhelming: Finding Courage And Hope
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb031
bottom line: God's presence is a mountain of courage.
soul journey
Monday, December 01, 2003
Always Thankful
By Steven Halter
We should be thankful everyday, not just when we attend a church service or observe a special day of thanks. This is because there is always something to be grateful for.
In the stressful and troubled world in which we live, it can seem difficult for us to find something to be thankful for. When we listen to or read the news, it is mostly bad news that is reported. We hear of crime, terrorism, tragedies and disasters. We rush about at a hectic pace day after day, trying to keep up with the demands of modern life. And the list of problems could go on and on.
Yet, it is precisely because of the problems around us that we need to devote ourselves to giving thanks. When darkness grows around us, we cannot afford to become neglectful in this spiritual practice. Instead, we need to renew our commitment to thankfulness. In fact, being thankful can be therapeutic. It can bring healing to a troubled heart. On the other hand, a lack of thankfulness can lead to depression as we focus on negative things. However, Paul the apostle wrote that we should not let our minds dwell on negative thoughts. Instead, we should dwell on those things that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). When we make a practice of thanking God for His many blessings, we will be focusing on the good things He has given us, and He can begin to bring healing and strength to us.
Always Being Thankful
There are some key points to keep in mind concerning giving thanks. The first is that we should always be thankful. We should be thankful everyday, not just when we attend a church service or observe a special day of thanks. This is because there is always something to be grateful for.
We always have our spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. For example, we have been forgiven of our sins through Jesus' death on the cross (Matthew 26:28). Despite our present imperfections, God has declared us to have right standing before Him (2 Cor-inthians 5:21). By God's grace and mercy we have been adopted as children of God (Romans 8:15). We are unconditionally loved by the Father, the Maker of heaven and earth (Romans 5:8).
In Old Testament times, the people of God would often sing something like this:
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting (1 Chronicles 16:34, NAU).
There are also the temporal blessings we receive from God. He sends us rain, sunshine, and provides us with natural resources. Many of us have abundant food and more than adequate shelter. These and many other blessings are often taken for granted, but we need to have hearts full of gratitude for all of the wonderful things he has given us, whether great or small.
In All Circumstances As mentioned above, we live in a troubled world that can threaten to overwhelm us with the pervasiveness and magnitude of its troubles. It can affect us not just in our global outlook, but also in our individual lives. But no matter how bad our circumstances may be, we can always be thankful to God. Our circumstances themselves may not always inspire thankfulness, but if we turn our thoughts to God's many blessings, both spiritual and temporal, our hearts will again be filled with thankfulness to Him. The Apostle Paul said:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, NRS).
Even in difficult circumstances, we should continually keep in mind that God desires to bring good out of the situation that we are in.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV).
This does not mean that every situation is good in and of itself, or that every situation leads to something good by itself. On the contrary, it is when God actively works in a situation that good can come out of it - even in the darkest of situations.
Often the good that comes out of a situation may not be readily apparent. We shouldn't expect God to turn every outward circumstance in our favor. Instead, God often works in situations to strengthen us inwardly by His Spirit and to mold us into the image of Christ. This is brought out clearly by the context in the following verse.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29, NIV).
However, we need to be cooperative with what God desires to do in our hearts for the molding process to be the most effective.
The Extent of Our Thankfulness
A crucial issue for believers is the issue of how much we should be thankful for. An important verse to consider is the following:
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20, NIV).
So then, should we be thankful for every single thing, or only for every good thing? For many Christians, the answer to this question will be determined largely by their theological or church background. Nevertheless, when we carefully study this verse in the context of the whole Bible, it will be easier to determine what the best answer to that question is.
First, we need to recognize that the Bible contains many figures of speech. In this verse, Paul is not intending that we understand him to mean that we should give thanks for "everything without exception". When we consider the context of the whole book of Ephesians, we see that Paul is referring to every blessing that comes from God. For in Ephesians, Paul speaks often of God's blessings. In Ephesians we find the word "grace" twelve times, the word "love" fourteen times, and a reference to spiritual "riches" four times.
Clearly, Paul is not telling us to be thankful even for things that are evil. Can you imagine saying, "I give thanks to God the Father for this evil thing, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"? It would be unbiblical and ungodly. Paul elsewhere wrote, "Hate what is evil" (Romans 12:9). The psalmist wrote, "Let those who love the LORD hate evil" (Psalm 97:10). Hebrews says that Jesus Himself "hated wickedness" (Hebrews 1:9). These verses reveal that it is impossible to rightly understand Ephesians 5:20 as saying that we should be thankful for all things without exception. Evil is certainly an exception.
Seeing this one exception can help us to understand this verse better. It is better understood to mean that we should give thanks for "every good thing", "every blessing", or "everything that is worthy of thanks". We don't need to give thanks for evil, or for every adversity or difficulty. Those things that are of God we should be thankful for. But those things that are from Satan we should take spiritual authority against. And adversities that are a result of this fallen world we should pray about, and even take action to change them as we are led by the Word and the Spirit. We must beware of falling into the trap of passivity concerning those things that are not of God.
Summing It Up
How can we sum up all of these principles? Here is one suggestion concerning how we should align our hearts, words, and actions regarding thankfulness to God:
Always be thankful to God in all circumstances for all of His blessings.
cbn
By Steven Halter
We should be thankful everyday, not just when we attend a church service or observe a special day of thanks. This is because there is always something to be grateful for.
In the stressful and troubled world in which we live, it can seem difficult for us to find something to be thankful for. When we listen to or read the news, it is mostly bad news that is reported. We hear of crime, terrorism, tragedies and disasters. We rush about at a hectic pace day after day, trying to keep up with the demands of modern life. And the list of problems could go on and on.
Yet, it is precisely because of the problems around us that we need to devote ourselves to giving thanks. When darkness grows around us, we cannot afford to become neglectful in this spiritual practice. Instead, we need to renew our commitment to thankfulness. In fact, being thankful can be therapeutic. It can bring healing to a troubled heart. On the other hand, a lack of thankfulness can lead to depression as we focus on negative things. However, Paul the apostle wrote that we should not let our minds dwell on negative thoughts. Instead, we should dwell on those things that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). When we make a practice of thanking God for His many blessings, we will be focusing on the good things He has given us, and He can begin to bring healing and strength to us.
Always Being Thankful
There are some key points to keep in mind concerning giving thanks. The first is that we should always be thankful. We should be thankful everyday, not just when we attend a church service or observe a special day of thanks. This is because there is always something to be grateful for.
We always have our spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. For example, we have been forgiven of our sins through Jesus' death on the cross (Matthew 26:28). Despite our present imperfections, God has declared us to have right standing before Him (2 Cor-inthians 5:21). By God's grace and mercy we have been adopted as children of God (Romans 8:15). We are unconditionally loved by the Father, the Maker of heaven and earth (Romans 5:8).
In Old Testament times, the people of God would often sing something like this:
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting (1 Chronicles 16:34, NAU).
There are also the temporal blessings we receive from God. He sends us rain, sunshine, and provides us with natural resources. Many of us have abundant food and more than adequate shelter. These and many other blessings are often taken for granted, but we need to have hearts full of gratitude for all of the wonderful things he has given us, whether great or small.
In All Circumstances As mentioned above, we live in a troubled world that can threaten to overwhelm us with the pervasiveness and magnitude of its troubles. It can affect us not just in our global outlook, but also in our individual lives. But no matter how bad our circumstances may be, we can always be thankful to God. Our circumstances themselves may not always inspire thankfulness, but if we turn our thoughts to God's many blessings, both spiritual and temporal, our hearts will again be filled with thankfulness to Him. The Apostle Paul said:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, NRS).
Even in difficult circumstances, we should continually keep in mind that God desires to bring good out of the situation that we are in.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV).
This does not mean that every situation is good in and of itself, or that every situation leads to something good by itself. On the contrary, it is when God actively works in a situation that good can come out of it - even in the darkest of situations.
Often the good that comes out of a situation may not be readily apparent. We shouldn't expect God to turn every outward circumstance in our favor. Instead, God often works in situations to strengthen us inwardly by His Spirit and to mold us into the image of Christ. This is brought out clearly by the context in the following verse.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29, NIV).
However, we need to be cooperative with what God desires to do in our hearts for the molding process to be the most effective.
The Extent of Our Thankfulness
A crucial issue for believers is the issue of how much we should be thankful for. An important verse to consider is the following:
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20, NIV).
So then, should we be thankful for every single thing, or only for every good thing? For many Christians, the answer to this question will be determined largely by their theological or church background. Nevertheless, when we carefully study this verse in the context of the whole Bible, it will be easier to determine what the best answer to that question is.
First, we need to recognize that the Bible contains many figures of speech. In this verse, Paul is not intending that we understand him to mean that we should give thanks for "everything without exception". When we consider the context of the whole book of Ephesians, we see that Paul is referring to every blessing that comes from God. For in Ephesians, Paul speaks often of God's blessings. In Ephesians we find the word "grace" twelve times, the word "love" fourteen times, and a reference to spiritual "riches" four times.
Clearly, Paul is not telling us to be thankful even for things that are evil. Can you imagine saying, "I give thanks to God the Father for this evil thing, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"? It would be unbiblical and ungodly. Paul elsewhere wrote, "Hate what is evil" (Romans 12:9). The psalmist wrote, "Let those who love the LORD hate evil" (Psalm 97:10). Hebrews says that Jesus Himself "hated wickedness" (Hebrews 1:9). These verses reveal that it is impossible to rightly understand Ephesians 5:20 as saying that we should be thankful for all things without exception. Evil is certainly an exception.
Seeing this one exception can help us to understand this verse better. It is better understood to mean that we should give thanks for "every good thing", "every blessing", or "everything that is worthy of thanks". We don't need to give thanks for evil, or for every adversity or difficulty. Those things that are of God we should be thankful for. But those things that are from Satan we should take spiritual authority against. And adversities that are a result of this fallen world we should pray about, and even take action to change them as we are led by the Word and the Spirit. We must beware of falling into the trap of passivity concerning those things that are not of God.
Summing It Up
How can we sum up all of these principles? Here is one suggestion concerning how we should align our hearts, words, and actions regarding thankfulness to God:
Always be thankful to God in all circumstances for all of His blessings.
cbn
Sunday, November 30, 2003
GENOCIDE OR JUDGMENT?
Deuteronomy 9:1-5
1 Hear, O Israel. You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities
that have walls up to the sky. 2 The people are strong and tall--Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: "Who can stand up against the Anakites?" 3 But be assured today that the Lord your God is the One who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; He will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you. 4 After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 9:1-5 often brings up one of the most difficult questions Christians are asked: "How can God be just, loving, and merciful, and yet command Israel to annihilate the Canaanite population--men, women, and children?"
Answering that question requires both wisdom and humility. We know that justice requires judgment--because sin and evil unchecked by the reality of eventual judgment will ultimately lead people to self-centered, soul-killing cruelty. God in love and mercy has always provided a way for people to avoid pending judgment. He's written His law on every human heart (Romans 2) and has declared His law in specific Scriptures (Exodus 20). The ultimate way out of eternal judgment is repentance for transgressing the law and acceptance of the blood of Jesus as "payment" for that transgression.
Every person by nature knows what is good and what is evil. Refusing to do good and pursuing evil will bring about God's eventual judgment. The world's first civilization became so evil that God destroyed it with a flood (Genesis 6), Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by fire from the sky, and in Deuteronomy 2 we read that the hopelessly depraved Canaanites were judged by the sword of Israel.
They were all judged by God for refusing to do what they knew was good and right. In these judgments God saw to it that they were warned or were given knowledge of the right path prior to His act of judgment.
What about the humility part? That's our confessing that we don't understand all of our Creator's ways and will not act as His judge.
We take comfort, however, in the confirmation of the prophet Ezekiel: "'As surely as I live,' declares the Sovereign Lord, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live'" (Ezekiel 33:11). --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How does my faith in God include trusting Him to be fair in His dealings with everyone else?
* How could God be good if He never judged evil?
* How responsible would I be if I were never called to account for my actions?
bottom line: If there is no judgment, there is no justice.
soul journey
Deuteronomy 9:1-5
1 Hear, O Israel. You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities
that have walls up to the sky. 2 The people are strong and tall--Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: "Who can stand up against the Anakites?" 3 But be assured today that the Lord your God is the One who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; He will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you. 4 After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 9:1-5 often brings up one of the most difficult questions Christians are asked: "How can God be just, loving, and merciful, and yet command Israel to annihilate the Canaanite population--men, women, and children?"
Answering that question requires both wisdom and humility. We know that justice requires judgment--because sin and evil unchecked by the reality of eventual judgment will ultimately lead people to self-centered, soul-killing cruelty. God in love and mercy has always provided a way for people to avoid pending judgment. He's written His law on every human heart (Romans 2) and has declared His law in specific Scriptures (Exodus 20). The ultimate way out of eternal judgment is repentance for transgressing the law and acceptance of the blood of Jesus as "payment" for that transgression.
Every person by nature knows what is good and what is evil. Refusing to do good and pursuing evil will bring about God's eventual judgment. The world's first civilization became so evil that God destroyed it with a flood (Genesis 6), Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by fire from the sky, and in Deuteronomy 2 we read that the hopelessly depraved Canaanites were judged by the sword of Israel.
They were all judged by God for refusing to do what they knew was good and right. In these judgments God saw to it that they were warned or were given knowledge of the right path prior to His act of judgment.
What about the humility part? That's our confessing that we don't understand all of our Creator's ways and will not act as His judge.
We take comfort, however, in the confirmation of the prophet Ezekiel: "'As surely as I live,' declares the Sovereign Lord, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live'" (Ezekiel 33:11). --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How does my faith in God include trusting Him to be fair in His dealings with everyone else?
* How could God be good if He never judged evil?
* How responsible would I be if I were never called to account for my actions?
bottom line: If there is no judgment, there is no justice.
soul journey
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
PAIN UNDERSTOOD
Hebrews 4:14-15:3
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
Like many people, I had to go through wisdom teeth extraction. Being a novice at having even minor surgery, I had no idea how much misery I'd have to endure--not so much during the operation as in the aftermath. I couldn't eat or talk for days.
The wound was aching constantly and the pain was sometimes acute. It could even be felt without opening my mouth. After a week, I visited the dentist to remove my stitches and was diagnosed as having a wound infection. So I was treated with another dose of antibiotics.
During this difficult time, my mom said something that struck a chord in my heart. While watching me slowly swallow some oatmeal, she commented, "I am so glad you can eat. It hurts me to see you in pain. It is just like when I gave birth to you. The pain pierced right through my heart."
Although I know my pain was not as bad as childbirth, her comments reminded me of God's love for us. Another mother once shared with me that her daughter had fallen and ended up with a big open gash that required stitches. When her little girl fell asleep on her lap after the surgery, she looked at her daughter's wound and felt her own heart aching.
If our earthly parents feel so deeply for us, how much more does our heavenly Father!
When we go through trying times, we can come with confidence to the throne of grace. Jesus is our High Priest, who understands our pain because of what He endured on the cross. We can approach Him in prayer, knowing that He not only understands but will also give us grace in our time of weakness. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus as our High Priest?
* Do I sometimes feel alone when I am suffering? How do I apply today's Scripture reading to my situation? * What can I do to help my family and friends who might be going through temptations or trials?
LINKS:
How Has God Loved Us?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0102
God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108
bottom line: With Jesus, you're never alone in your trials.
soul journey
Hebrews 4:14-15:3
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
Like many people, I had to go through wisdom teeth extraction. Being a novice at having even minor surgery, I had no idea how much misery I'd have to endure--not so much during the operation as in the aftermath. I couldn't eat or talk for days.
The wound was aching constantly and the pain was sometimes acute. It could even be felt without opening my mouth. After a week, I visited the dentist to remove my stitches and was diagnosed as having a wound infection. So I was treated with another dose of antibiotics.
During this difficult time, my mom said something that struck a chord in my heart. While watching me slowly swallow some oatmeal, she commented, "I am so glad you can eat. It hurts me to see you in pain. It is just like when I gave birth to you. The pain pierced right through my heart."
Although I know my pain was not as bad as childbirth, her comments reminded me of God's love for us. Another mother once shared with me that her daughter had fallen and ended up with a big open gash that required stitches. When her little girl fell asleep on her lap after the surgery, she looked at her daughter's wound and felt her own heart aching.
If our earthly parents feel so deeply for us, how much more does our heavenly Father!
When we go through trying times, we can come with confidence to the throne of grace. Jesus is our High Priest, who understands our pain because of what He endured on the cross. We can approach Him in prayer, knowing that He not only understands but will also give us grace in our time of weakness. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus as our High Priest?
* Do I sometimes feel alone when I am suffering? How do I apply today's Scripture reading to my situation? * What can I do to help my family and friends who might be going through temptations or trials?
LINKS:
How Has God Loved Us?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0102
God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108
bottom line: With Jesus, you're never alone in your trials.
soul journey
Monday, November 10, 2003
Today's scripture is Ephesians 2:6-7
"God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
All my life people told me the reason God saved us was so that when we got to Glory, we could spend the rest of eternity loving Him and worshiping Him. But, you know, that's just not so. It sounds pretty good, but it's just something somebody made up. God isn't selfish. He's just the opposite. He's the ultimate giver. The ultimate lover. He doesn't do anything just so He can get something in return.
Why then did He save us? The Word of God tells us He did it so that in the ages to come, He could show us the exceeding riches of His grace. Think about that! God is going to spend eternity showing the riches of His grace to you and me.
As a believer, you have the most glorious future ahead of you that anyone could ever ask. But don't wait until you get to Glory to enjoy it. You can start right now. You've already been seated in heavenly places!
bible shack
"God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
All my life people told me the reason God saved us was so that when we got to Glory, we could spend the rest of eternity loving Him and worshiping Him. But, you know, that's just not so. It sounds pretty good, but it's just something somebody made up. God isn't selfish. He's just the opposite. He's the ultimate giver. The ultimate lover. He doesn't do anything just so He can get something in return.
Why then did He save us? The Word of God tells us He did it so that in the ages to come, He could show us the exceeding riches of His grace. Think about that! God is going to spend eternity showing the riches of His grace to you and me.
As a believer, you have the most glorious future ahead of you that anyone could ever ask. But don't wait until you get to Glory to enjoy it. You can start right now. You've already been seated in heavenly places!
bible shack
Sunday, November 09, 2003
A Life-And-Death Issue
Read: Psalm 90:1-10
The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10
By altering the gene that controls aging, scientists believe they can extend the average human lifespan to 100 by the end of this century. This would be well beyond the proverbial 70 years mentioned in Psalm 90:10. But even if people do live longer, life's final chapter will still read, "It is soon cut off" (v.10).
Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120. He saw death as inevitable in a world cursed by the effects of sin. Yet he didn't become pessimistic. He asked God to teach him to number his days so he could gain "a heart of wisdom" (v.12). He wanted to be satisfied with God's mercy so he could rejoice and be glad (v.14). He also asked God to show His glory to the next generation (v.16). That's how Moses faced the reality of death thousands of years ago.
Like all people since Adam and Eve, we suffer the effects of sin, and death is certain (Romans 6:23). Yet we can live with hope and joy, because God sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. And if we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God's forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life-and-death issue? —Dennis De Haan
THINKING IT OVER
If you were to die today, would you
be prepared to meet God?
To be ready, embrace Jesus' promise to
everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16; 11:25-26).
You're not ready to live until you're ready to die.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 90:1-10
The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10
By altering the gene that controls aging, scientists believe they can extend the average human lifespan to 100 by the end of this century. This would be well beyond the proverbial 70 years mentioned in Psalm 90:10. But even if people do live longer, life's final chapter will still read, "It is soon cut off" (v.10).
Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120. He saw death as inevitable in a world cursed by the effects of sin. Yet he didn't become pessimistic. He asked God to teach him to number his days so he could gain "a heart of wisdom" (v.12). He wanted to be satisfied with God's mercy so he could rejoice and be glad (v.14). He also asked God to show His glory to the next generation (v.16). That's how Moses faced the reality of death thousands of years ago.
Like all people since Adam and Eve, we suffer the effects of sin, and death is certain (Romans 6:23). Yet we can live with hope and joy, because God sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. And if we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God's forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life-and-death issue? —Dennis De Haan
THINKING IT OVER
If you were to die today, would you
be prepared to meet God?
To be ready, embrace Jesus' promise to
everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16; 11:25-26).
You're not ready to live until you're ready to die.
daily bread
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Thanksgiving: The Forgotten Holiday
By Candy Arrington
Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, you might want to focus on thanks-giving this November by following these simple tips.
Sandwiched somewhere between Halloween and Christmas is a Thursday holiday that is slowly becoming more miniscule in the minds of millions of Americans – Thanksgiving. If you search hard, you might find one small section of Thanksgiving cards, autumn decorations, and a turkey platter amid the aisles and miles of Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, and toys.
For some, Thanksgiving is a day to get a list together prior to a day of marathon Christmas shopping. Somehow our perception of Thanksgiving Day has gone askew. We've forgotten the reason for celebration that first Thanksgiving. Gratitude for survival!
Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their original population died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast not to try out their latest recipes, but to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for His provision in difficult circumstances.
Perhaps you'd like to redirect your family toward gratitude this year. Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, focus on thanks-giving this November by doing the following:
• Week 1 – Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During a time of family devotions or at a meal, have each family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God's qualities.
• Week 2 – Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. This week, any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the week, donate the money to the soup kitchen or mobile meals to help with Thanksgiving meals.
• Week 3 – Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.
• Week 4 – Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise chorus or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal instead of saying a blessing. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Use your creativity to come up with others and enjoy making Thanksgiving a holiday to remember.
cbn
By Candy Arrington
Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, you might want to focus on thanks-giving this November by following these simple tips.
Sandwiched somewhere between Halloween and Christmas is a Thursday holiday that is slowly becoming more miniscule in the minds of millions of Americans – Thanksgiving. If you search hard, you might find one small section of Thanksgiving cards, autumn decorations, and a turkey platter amid the aisles and miles of Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, and toys.
For some, Thanksgiving is a day to get a list together prior to a day of marathon Christmas shopping. Somehow our perception of Thanksgiving Day has gone askew. We've forgotten the reason for celebration that first Thanksgiving. Gratitude for survival!
Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their original population died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast not to try out their latest recipes, but to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for His provision in difficult circumstances.
Perhaps you'd like to redirect your family toward gratitude this year. Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, focus on thanks-giving this November by doing the following:
• Week 1 – Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During a time of family devotions or at a meal, have each family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God's qualities.
• Week 2 – Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. This week, any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the week, donate the money to the soup kitchen or mobile meals to help with Thanksgiving meals.
• Week 3 – Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.
• Week 4 – Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise chorus or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal instead of saying a blessing. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Use your creativity to come up with others and enjoy making Thanksgiving a holiday to remember.
cbn
Through Walls of Flames
By Cheri Cowell
If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward.
As we watched the video news footage coming from the fires in California, all of us had heavy hearts. We found ourselves asking, What would we do? What would we take of our possessions if forced to flee? I found myself wondering if I could handle loosing everything.
I, like you, and those who lost their homes, have so many special things. I have gifts from friends no longer here, family heirlooms never able to be replaced, and little things only I would recognize as priceless. It would be heartbreaking to loose all these things. I cannot comprehend the loss, but I do know that God understands. He even tells us about surviving a fire in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:
For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT)
Paul states that as Christians we are building upon a solid foundation, Jesus Christ. But what are we using as our building materials, he asks? Are we more concerned with what we look like, who we please, how we feel, or what we have? What are the types of things we use to build up our self-esteems or as building blocks for our standing in the community we live?
Paul tells us there will be a time of testing when our true motives will be revealed. Now, please don't read into this that God sent the fires in California to test those people. But God can use this tragedy to help us test ourselves. We are to look at our own building blocks to see if we have used inferior materials in building our homes.
This week, as I've been enjoying my decorated-for-Fall home, I found myself asking these questions … When I look at my possessions am I more concerned with loosing them than I am about building my life with God? If I were to loose everything and still have my relationship with God, would I count myself as blessed? Would I be happy?
A fire will reveal our true priorities. If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward. What greater reward then to stand the test of flames and come through them still holding your greatest possessions?
cbn
By Cheri Cowell
If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward.
As we watched the video news footage coming from the fires in California, all of us had heavy hearts. We found ourselves asking, What would we do? What would we take of our possessions if forced to flee? I found myself wondering if I could handle loosing everything.
I, like you, and those who lost their homes, have so many special things. I have gifts from friends no longer here, family heirlooms never able to be replaced, and little things only I would recognize as priceless. It would be heartbreaking to loose all these things. I cannot comprehend the loss, but I do know that God understands. He even tells us about surviving a fire in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:
For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT)
Paul states that as Christians we are building upon a solid foundation, Jesus Christ. But what are we using as our building materials, he asks? Are we more concerned with what we look like, who we please, how we feel, or what we have? What are the types of things we use to build up our self-esteems or as building blocks for our standing in the community we live?
Paul tells us there will be a time of testing when our true motives will be revealed. Now, please don't read into this that God sent the fires in California to test those people. But God can use this tragedy to help us test ourselves. We are to look at our own building blocks to see if we have used inferior materials in building our homes.
This week, as I've been enjoying my decorated-for-Fall home, I found myself asking these questions … When I look at my possessions am I more concerned with loosing them than I am about building my life with God? If I were to loose everything and still have my relationship with God, would I count myself as blessed? Would I be happy?
A fire will reveal our true priorities. If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward. What greater reward then to stand the test of flames and come through them still holding your greatest possessions?
cbn
Thursday, November 06, 2003
DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY
Matthew 6:25-34
25 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The phone bill and VISA statement arrive on the same day that the car breaks down on the highway and the dog food runs out. My bank account balance is at an all-time low, and I wonder how I will ever find the money to afford everything. I throw the mail on the counter and putter around the kitchen, angrily lashing out at God for not taking care of me and providing for my needs.
A few hours later I meet a friend for coffee that I can't afford at the shop down the street. We make small talk for a few minutes until she tells me that she has cancer. We cry together and before too long we part without praying together. I return home and angrily ask God why He would hurt my precious friend. How could He not take care of her? I worry about what she will do, and how long she will live.
I go to church on Sunday out of habit, still very angry and with a bitter attitude. The message is one of hope and assurance that the Father in heaven does know our needs, and He hears our prayers. He remembers the birds and feeds them, and they do not need to be bothered by collecting and storing up food for the winter because He
provides for them. And so, He can provide for us. I confess my sin of bitterness. When I leave, I feel refreshed and forgiven.
In the mailbox on Monday there is a letter from a friend I haven't seen for a while. I sit outside on the porch and open the envelope which reveals a check for enough money to pay the bills, fix the car, and buy some dog food.
I look up from the paper to see a little bird pecking at the lawn. His head jerks up, and out of nowhere, a slimy pink worm wriggles between its beak. The bird lifts its wings and flies off into the sun.
God is in control, and He does provide. Trust in Him today! --Jerusha Dyck (New Brunswick, Canada) Written by a fellow
Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I recently worried about something that today seems silly?
* How can I remind myself that God has control over my life?
LINKS:
How Much Does God Control?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0109
bottom line: God is holding your future in His hands!
soul journey
Matthew 6:25-34
25 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The phone bill and VISA statement arrive on the same day that the car breaks down on the highway and the dog food runs out. My bank account balance is at an all-time low, and I wonder how I will ever find the money to afford everything. I throw the mail on the counter and putter around the kitchen, angrily lashing out at God for not taking care of me and providing for my needs.
A few hours later I meet a friend for coffee that I can't afford at the shop down the street. We make small talk for a few minutes until she tells me that she has cancer. We cry together and before too long we part without praying together. I return home and angrily ask God why He would hurt my precious friend. How could He not take care of her? I worry about what she will do, and how long she will live.
I go to church on Sunday out of habit, still very angry and with a bitter attitude. The message is one of hope and assurance that the Father in heaven does know our needs, and He hears our prayers. He remembers the birds and feeds them, and they do not need to be bothered by collecting and storing up food for the winter because He
provides for them. And so, He can provide for us. I confess my sin of bitterness. When I leave, I feel refreshed and forgiven.
In the mailbox on Monday there is a letter from a friend I haven't seen for a while. I sit outside on the porch and open the envelope which reveals a check for enough money to pay the bills, fix the car, and buy some dog food.
I look up from the paper to see a little bird pecking at the lawn. His head jerks up, and out of nowhere, a slimy pink worm wriggles between its beak. The bird lifts its wings and flies off into the sun.
God is in control, and He does provide. Trust in Him today! --Jerusha Dyck (New Brunswick, Canada) Written by a fellow
Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I recently worried about something that today seems silly?
* How can I remind myself that God has control over my life?
LINKS:
How Much Does God Control?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0109
bottom line: God is holding your future in His hands!
soul journey
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Not Your Sugar Daddy
By Tony Evans
"Why do you call me, 'Lord,Lord,' and do not do what I say?" --Luke 6:46
Read It: John 6:14-15
If you want to know why more people don't see God at work in their circumstances, all you have to do is read today's text. After Jesus had fed the multitude, the people said, "This has got to be Messiah. He's the one. Get Him! He's going to be our King whether He likes it or not. Anyone who can take sardines and crackers and turn them into Moby Dick sandwiches ought to be King!" We are talking welfare like you've never seen it before.
But Jesus withdrew. He was not interested in being their "Sugar Daddy." He was not interested in being their new welfare system. He's not interested in being yours either, by the way. Jesus is interested in building the kingdom of God. If all you want from Jesus is His goodies, He's going to do with you like He did with the crowd in His day. He will withdraw from you.
See, Jesus does not hang out with people who want His benefits but don't want a relationship. He's not going to walk with people who get up in the morning and say, "Lord, give me what I need today," but never get around to, "Lord, make me what you want me to be today."
He's also not excited about people who say, "Lord, give me recognition on my job even though I'm too ashamed to give You glory among my co-workers"; or, "Lord, give me more money in my pocket even though I can't make any available to Your kingdom"; or, "Lord, sharpen my skills even though I won't use them for Your kingdom."
If that's the way you pray, God may help you out a time or two like He did the people in Jesus' day. But over the long haul, if you only want a welfare relationship with God, He won't hang out with you, because He came to be your King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not your spiritual Sugar Daddy.
God wants a relationship with you. When you come to Him for Him alone, then you will see Him overcome the insurmountable circumstances in your life. If we are going to be the people of God, a people He can bless and use, we've got to do it His way.
Think About It
Do you want Jesus or just His goodies?
cbn
By Tony Evans
"Why do you call me, 'Lord,Lord,' and do not do what I say?" --Luke 6:46
Read It: John 6:14-15
If you want to know why more people don't see God at work in their circumstances, all you have to do is read today's text. After Jesus had fed the multitude, the people said, "This has got to be Messiah. He's the one. Get Him! He's going to be our King whether He likes it or not. Anyone who can take sardines and crackers and turn them into Moby Dick sandwiches ought to be King!" We are talking welfare like you've never seen it before.
But Jesus withdrew. He was not interested in being their "Sugar Daddy." He was not interested in being their new welfare system. He's not interested in being yours either, by the way. Jesus is interested in building the kingdom of God. If all you want from Jesus is His goodies, He's going to do with you like He did with the crowd in His day. He will withdraw from you.
See, Jesus does not hang out with people who want His benefits but don't want a relationship. He's not going to walk with people who get up in the morning and say, "Lord, give me what I need today," but never get around to, "Lord, make me what you want me to be today."
He's also not excited about people who say, "Lord, give me recognition on my job even though I'm too ashamed to give You glory among my co-workers"; or, "Lord, give me more money in my pocket even though I can't make any available to Your kingdom"; or, "Lord, sharpen my skills even though I won't use them for Your kingdom."
If that's the way you pray, God may help you out a time or two like He did the people in Jesus' day. But over the long haul, if you only want a welfare relationship with God, He won't hang out with you, because He came to be your King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not your spiritual Sugar Daddy.
God wants a relationship with you. When you come to Him for Him alone, then you will see Him overcome the insurmountable circumstances in your life. If we are going to be the people of God, a people He can bless and use, we've got to do it His way.
Think About It
Do you want Jesus or just His goodies?
cbn
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Thank you
Years ago I gave a speech called "Powerful Phrases for Positive People." These are very simple – but powerful – phrases that we all like to hear: "I’m proud of you." "I believe in you." "I trust you." "I love you." "You can do it."
With Thanksgiving Day approaching, we all should be focused on another one of these powerful phrases, in particular: "I thank you." We can never wear out that phrase. It should always be on the tip of our tongue if we are truly grateful to others who help us each day and to God who has richly blessed us with more abundance and freedom than any country in history.
Despite God’s abundant blessings, we’re often too slow to give thanks and too quick to complain. Maybe we’re so focused on ourselves and busy with our lives that we forget to give thanks. Or maybe it’s because those of us in America have become complacent with a level of luxury and leisure beyond the imagination of much of the world’s population.
We tend to take our blessings for granted, like the story about a homeowner who hired a real-estate agent to prepare an ad to sell his home. The homeowner was reading the ad in the paper about his home’s many attractive features. He called the real-estate agent to say he no longer wished to sell. When asked what changed his mind, the homeowner said, "After reading your ad, I realized I already live in the house I always wanted to live in."
In this season of Thanksgiving in particular, it’s time to count our blessings and pull out that simple phrase, "I thank you."
daily wisdom
Years ago I gave a speech called "Powerful Phrases for Positive People." These are very simple – but powerful – phrases that we all like to hear: "I’m proud of you." "I believe in you." "I trust you." "I love you." "You can do it."
With Thanksgiving Day approaching, we all should be focused on another one of these powerful phrases, in particular: "I thank you." We can never wear out that phrase. It should always be on the tip of our tongue if we are truly grateful to others who help us each day and to God who has richly blessed us with more abundance and freedom than any country in history.
Despite God’s abundant blessings, we’re often too slow to give thanks and too quick to complain. Maybe we’re so focused on ourselves and busy with our lives that we forget to give thanks. Or maybe it’s because those of us in America have become complacent with a level of luxury and leisure beyond the imagination of much of the world’s population.
We tend to take our blessings for granted, like the story about a homeowner who hired a real-estate agent to prepare an ad to sell his home. The homeowner was reading the ad in the paper about his home’s many attractive features. He called the real-estate agent to say he no longer wished to sell. When asked what changed his mind, the homeowner said, "After reading your ad, I realized I already live in the house I always wanted to live in."
In this season of Thanksgiving in particular, it’s time to count our blessings and pull out that simple phrase, "I thank you."
daily wisdom
Monday, November 03, 2003
PRICELESS!
Ephesians 1:3-8
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will--6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Our value as human beings keeps going up. Because of new transplant techniques and recent techno logical breakthroughs, and because we are living longer, the medical field has a greater need for organs and body parts. As waiting lists grow, the demand increases and prices skyrocket. The latest strategy is to divide livers in half and use them for two patients, doubling their value.
Strict regulations govern the harvesting and sale of vital organs, but the price can still be high. Black-market kidneys, for example, were selling for millions of dollars--and probably still do. In some states, families of donors can receive tax credits up to $15,000 for hearts or livers. Clandestine, illegal Internet sales at exorbitant costs are a major problem.
Plasma donors, whose blood is replaced after the plasma is extracted, can make $3,000 a year. Infertility clinics will pay
$5,000 to $8,000 for eggs. Wigmakers and doll shops will pay $30 an ounce for "good quality hair more than 16 inches long." Skin is in high demand for burn victims and cosmetic procedures.
No one is suggesting this, but if you sold off your body piece by piece on today's market, you'd get millions. But that's a drop in the bucket compared to what you're worth to God. He who made you sent His Son to die on the cross for you. He paid an enormous price for your redemption (Ephesians 1:7-8). He provided the ransom; He set you free from guilt, sin, and death.
You could pay off college loans, buy a house, or drive a Hummer with the current value of your body. But what is that (if it were possible)? Nothing, compared with the price the Father paid in giving the life of His one and only Son--of watching Him become sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21).
No question. Salvation, with all it entails, is our most valuable possession. It's priceless! --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I feel that I am worth the price Christ paid for me? How does God's love for me increase my sense of self-worth?
* I can never repay the cost of my redemption. What can I do to express my gratitude to God for what He has done for me?
LINKS:
Self-Esteem: What Does The Bible Say?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0503
"Good Enough" 'Cause God Said So
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/001/2.26.html
bottom line: Your value is out of this world.
soul journey
Ephesians 1:3-8
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will--6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Our value as human beings keeps going up. Because of new transplant techniques and recent techno logical breakthroughs, and because we are living longer, the medical field has a greater need for organs and body parts. As waiting lists grow, the demand increases and prices skyrocket. The latest strategy is to divide livers in half and use them for two patients, doubling their value.
Strict regulations govern the harvesting and sale of vital organs, but the price can still be high. Black-market kidneys, for example, were selling for millions of dollars--and probably still do. In some states, families of donors can receive tax credits up to $15,000 for hearts or livers. Clandestine, illegal Internet sales at exorbitant costs are a major problem.
Plasma donors, whose blood is replaced after the plasma is extracted, can make $3,000 a year. Infertility clinics will pay
$5,000 to $8,000 for eggs. Wigmakers and doll shops will pay $30 an ounce for "good quality hair more than 16 inches long." Skin is in high demand for burn victims and cosmetic procedures.
No one is suggesting this, but if you sold off your body piece by piece on today's market, you'd get millions. But that's a drop in the bucket compared to what you're worth to God. He who made you sent His Son to die on the cross for you. He paid an enormous price for your redemption (Ephesians 1:7-8). He provided the ransom; He set you free from guilt, sin, and death.
You could pay off college loans, buy a house, or drive a Hummer with the current value of your body. But what is that (if it were possible)? Nothing, compared with the price the Father paid in giving the life of His one and only Son--of watching Him become sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21).
No question. Salvation, with all it entails, is our most valuable possession. It's priceless! --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I feel that I am worth the price Christ paid for me? How does God's love for me increase my sense of self-worth?
* I can never repay the cost of my redemption. What can I do to express my gratitude to God for what He has done for me?
LINKS:
Self-Esteem: What Does The Bible Say?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0503
"Good Enough" 'Cause God Said So
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/001/2.26.html
bottom line: Your value is out of this world.
soul journey
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Today's scripture is Romans 5:15
"But God's free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass...For if many died through one man's falling away--his lapse, his offense--much more profusely did God's grace and the freegift [that comes] through...Jesus Christ, abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many."
If you ever need someone to tell you how to turn things around, go to God. He's an expert on the subject. He's suffered more losses than anyone who's ever lived. Just think about it. He lost Lucifer, His top-ranked, most anointed angel. And He lost at least a third of His other angels as well when Lucifer fell. Then He lost the man and woman He had created; and because He'd given them dominion over the earth, when He lost them, He lost it too. Any way you figure it, that's a lot of real estate down the drain!
Yet, in spite of all that, God is no loser. He's the greatest winner of all time. Do you know why? Because He knows how to turn the losses around. He knows how to use the law of giving and receiving to transform losses into gains. Don't despair over your losses. Redeem them the same way God redeemed His. Give and put the most powerful principle in the universe to work for you.
bible shack
"But God's free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass...For if many died through one man's falling away--his lapse, his offense--much more profusely did God's grace and the freegift [that comes] through...Jesus Christ, abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many."
If you ever need someone to tell you how to turn things around, go to God. He's an expert on the subject. He's suffered more losses than anyone who's ever lived. Just think about it. He lost Lucifer, His top-ranked, most anointed angel. And He lost at least a third of His other angels as well when Lucifer fell. Then He lost the man and woman He had created; and because He'd given them dominion over the earth, when He lost them, He lost it too. Any way you figure it, that's a lot of real estate down the drain!
Yet, in spite of all that, God is no loser. He's the greatest winner of all time. Do you know why? Because He knows how to turn the losses around. He knows how to use the law of giving and receiving to transform losses into gains. Don't despair over your losses. Redeem them the same way God redeemed His. Give and put the most powerful principle in the universe to work for you.
bible shack
Saturday, November 01, 2003
Leave The Light On
Read: John 1:1-14
[John] came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. —John 1:7
A motel chain once had a series of radio commercials that ended with the reassuring words, "We'll leave the light on for you." My mother used to say the same thing to me.
Sometimes I worked the late shift at the factory, or I would come home late from college. No matter what the reason or the time, the porch light was burning. Its warm beams seemed to say, "This is where you belong. Someone loves you here. You are home."
Jesus said that we who know Him as Savior and Lord are lights in this sin-darkened world (Matthew 5:14-16). We are reflections of Christ, who is "the true Light" (John 1:9).
As John the Baptist was a "witness of the Light" and pointed people to Jesus (v.7), so can we. Our faithful walk of obedience to Him is a beacon of God's love and truth. Our lives and words are beams of warm light piercing the cold darkness of this world. We are like a porch light late at night, drawing unbelievers to Jesus, assuring them that Someone loves them and waits to welcome them home.
Perhaps a member of your family is still in the darkness. Maybe you're concerned about a friend or co-worker. Don't stop praying for them. Keep finding ways to draw their attention to the Lord. Be sure to leave the light on. —Dave Egner
If we should hide our shining light
And not reflect God's Son,
Then how will people in sin's night
Be guided, helped, and won? —Branon
You can attract people to Christ when you have His light in your life.
daily bread
Read: John 1:1-14
[John] came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. —John 1:7
A motel chain once had a series of radio commercials that ended with the reassuring words, "We'll leave the light on for you." My mother used to say the same thing to me.
Sometimes I worked the late shift at the factory, or I would come home late from college. No matter what the reason or the time, the porch light was burning. Its warm beams seemed to say, "This is where you belong. Someone loves you here. You are home."
Jesus said that we who know Him as Savior and Lord are lights in this sin-darkened world (Matthew 5:14-16). We are reflections of Christ, who is "the true Light" (John 1:9).
As John the Baptist was a "witness of the Light" and pointed people to Jesus (v.7), so can we. Our faithful walk of obedience to Him is a beacon of God's love and truth. Our lives and words are beams of warm light piercing the cold darkness of this world. We are like a porch light late at night, drawing unbelievers to Jesus, assuring them that Someone loves them and waits to welcome them home.
Perhaps a member of your family is still in the darkness. Maybe you're concerned about a friend or co-worker. Don't stop praying for them. Keep finding ways to draw their attention to the Lord. Be sure to leave the light on. —Dave Egner
If we should hide our shining light
And not reflect God's Son,
Then how will people in sin's night
Be guided, helped, and won? —Branon
You can attract people to Christ when you have His light in your life.
daily bread
Are Your Lights On?
By Pat Young
You need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
I know most of us or perhaps all of us at one time in our lives have experienced the lights going out, whether in our homes, or in a place of business, school or church. Some of you may have experienced having your lights turned off because you forgot to pay your light bill, or just could not afford to pay the bill on time. I have experienced my lights going out several times through circumstances I had no control over. Usually a storm or an accident in the neighborhood causes it. Then "out go the lights."
Well, we know when the lights are out we are in darkness. We cannot see a thing. If we are not familiar with the surroundings, we are not able to even feel our way around to get to flash lights, candles, matches, or whatever we need. So it's a bad situation to be in -- DARKNESS.
Now, when things are functioning properly, we go home, turn on the light switch and we have light. We see everything. Sometimes things we don't want to see! Furniture needs dusting, floors need cleaning, and the list goes on. But it is still good to have light.
Before we gave our lives to Christ we were lost in darkness. Someone had to come along with his or her light shining bright, and tell us how to come out of darkness and into Christ's marvelous light.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Jesus paid the price for all of us in full. He died on the cross and rose again. When we accept Christ in our lives our lights never have to go out. No matter what circumstances come our way, we never have to worry about paying our bill on time. It's been paid in full forever.
Without lights you're walking around in darkness, trying to make it, or trying to find your way. But you need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
No matter what problems arise, we can still let our lights shine. When people treat you bad -- let your light shine. When sickness comes upon you -- let your light shine. If money runs out -- let your light shine. We choose daily whom we will serve. Let us choose to serve Christ and let our lights shine BRIGHT!
cbn
By Pat Young
You need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
I know most of us or perhaps all of us at one time in our lives have experienced the lights going out, whether in our homes, or in a place of business, school or church. Some of you may have experienced having your lights turned off because you forgot to pay your light bill, or just could not afford to pay the bill on time. I have experienced my lights going out several times through circumstances I had no control over. Usually a storm or an accident in the neighborhood causes it. Then "out go the lights."
Well, we know when the lights are out we are in darkness. We cannot see a thing. If we are not familiar with the surroundings, we are not able to even feel our way around to get to flash lights, candles, matches, or whatever we need. So it's a bad situation to be in -- DARKNESS.
Now, when things are functioning properly, we go home, turn on the light switch and we have light. We see everything. Sometimes things we don't want to see! Furniture needs dusting, floors need cleaning, and the list goes on. But it is still good to have light.
Before we gave our lives to Christ we were lost in darkness. Someone had to come along with his or her light shining bright, and tell us how to come out of darkness and into Christ's marvelous light.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Jesus paid the price for all of us in full. He died on the cross and rose again. When we accept Christ in our lives our lights never have to go out. No matter what circumstances come our way, we never have to worry about paying our bill on time. It's been paid in full forever.
Without lights you're walking around in darkness, trying to make it, or trying to find your way. But you need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
No matter what problems arise, we can still let our lights shine. When people treat you bad -- let your light shine. When sickness comes upon you -- let your light shine. If money runs out -- let your light shine. We choose daily whom we will serve. Let us choose to serve Christ and let our lights shine BRIGHT!
cbn
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Come To Me
Read: John 10:1-18
When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. —John 10:4
After a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, many people inside the building were trapped by a cloud of thick, blinding smoke. Police officer Isaac Hoopi ran into the blackness, searching for survivors, and heard people calling for help. He began shouting back, over and over: "Head toward my voice! Head toward my voice!"
Six people, who had lost all sense of direction in a smoke-filled hallway, heard the officer's shouts and followed. Hoopi's voice led them out of the building to safety.
"Head toward My voice!" That's also the invitation of Jesus to each of us when we are in danger or when we have lost our way. Jesus described the true spiritual shepherd of the sheep as one who "calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice" (John 10:3-4).
Are we listening for Jesus' voice during our times of prayer and Bible reading? When we're in difficult circumstances, are we walking toward Him instead of groping in the dark?
Jesus is "the good shepherd" (v.11). Whatever our need for guidance or protection, He calls us to heed His voice and follow Him. —David McCasland
When you hear the Shepherd's voice
As He calls you, "Come to Me,"
In your life make Him your choice
And a faithful follower be. —Hess
You don't need to know where you're going if you're following the Shepherd.
daily bread
Read: John 10:1-18
When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. —John 10:4
After a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, many people inside the building were trapped by a cloud of thick, blinding smoke. Police officer Isaac Hoopi ran into the blackness, searching for survivors, and heard people calling for help. He began shouting back, over and over: "Head toward my voice! Head toward my voice!"
Six people, who had lost all sense of direction in a smoke-filled hallway, heard the officer's shouts and followed. Hoopi's voice led them out of the building to safety.
"Head toward My voice!" That's also the invitation of Jesus to each of us when we are in danger or when we have lost our way. Jesus described the true spiritual shepherd of the sheep as one who "calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice" (John 10:3-4).
Are we listening for Jesus' voice during our times of prayer and Bible reading? When we're in difficult circumstances, are we walking toward Him instead of groping in the dark?
Jesus is "the good shepherd" (v.11). Whatever our need for guidance or protection, He calls us to heed His voice and follow Him. —David McCasland
When you hear the Shepherd's voice
As He calls you, "Come to Me,"
In your life make Him your choice
And a faithful follower be. —Hess
You don't need to know where you're going if you're following the Shepherd.
daily bread
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
THE PLAYBOOK
Psalm 119:97-104
97 Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they
are ever with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey Your word. 102 I have not departed from Your laws, for You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Imagine a football coach getting this note from his rookie quarterback halfway through training camp:
Oh, how I love your playbook! I meditate on it all day long. Your schemes make me wiser than my enemies, for those schemes are ever with me. I have more insight than all my coaches, for I meditate on your teachings. I have more understanding than the veterans, for I obey your rules. I have kept my feet from every rules violation so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your rules, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your playbook; therefore I hate every wrong move on or off the field.
Now, that coach would either kick the kid off the team for mockery, or if he discovered that he was sincere, he would know he had a gem on his hands.
Those in authority value respect and careful attention to learning from the people they are called upon to teach. The coach loves the eager learner who asks questions and actually listens to advice. The veteran player appreciates the rookie who will pay attention to his or her advice.
And God finds our attention to His Word a real joy. He loves it when we find His words sweet to the taste, His commands delightful to obey, and His standards worth striving to follow.
Do we love God's law? Do we often spend time thinking about His standards and how we can apply them? Do we realize that trusting God's instructions will keep us off the wrong paths that can lead only to destruction?
God's playbook is our greatest guide to life on earth. Let's dig into it and learn to play by the rules--God's rules. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* How much time do I spend looking at the playbook of God's Word so I know what He wants me to do?
* If someone were to ask me to give him a little tour of the Bible, would I be able to lead him through it in a helpful way?
LINKS:
How Can I Understand The Bible?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0401
bottom line: Study God's Word to stay on the straight path.
soul journey
Psalm 119:97-104
97 Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they
are ever with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey Your word. 102 I have not departed from Your laws, for You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Imagine a football coach getting this note from his rookie quarterback halfway through training camp:
Oh, how I love your playbook! I meditate on it all day long. Your schemes make me wiser than my enemies, for those schemes are ever with me. I have more insight than all my coaches, for I meditate on your teachings. I have more understanding than the veterans, for I obey your rules. I have kept my feet from every rules violation so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your rules, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your playbook; therefore I hate every wrong move on or off the field.
Now, that coach would either kick the kid off the team for mockery, or if he discovered that he was sincere, he would know he had a gem on his hands.
Those in authority value respect and careful attention to learning from the people they are called upon to teach. The coach loves the eager learner who asks questions and actually listens to advice. The veteran player appreciates the rookie who will pay attention to his or her advice.
And God finds our attention to His Word a real joy. He loves it when we find His words sweet to the taste, His commands delightful to obey, and His standards worth striving to follow.
Do we love God's law? Do we often spend time thinking about His standards and how we can apply them? Do we realize that trusting God's instructions will keep us off the wrong paths that can lead only to destruction?
God's playbook is our greatest guide to life on earth. Let's dig into it and learn to play by the rules--God's rules. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* How much time do I spend looking at the playbook of God's Word so I know what He wants me to do?
* If someone were to ask me to give him a little tour of the Bible, would I be able to lead him through it in a helpful way?
LINKS:
How Can I Understand The Bible?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0401
bottom line: Study God's Word to stay on the straight path.
soul journey
Today's scripture is Proverbs 29:1,
The Amplified Bible
"He who being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Some people have the mistaken idea that when the direction of the Holy Spirit comes to them, they can just ignore it for a while if they want to and then obey Him later in their own good time. They think to themselves, "I know what I'm doing is wrong. I know my lifestyle isn't right, but I'm just going to do it a while longer. Then I'll get things straightened out with the Lord."
Let me warn you, that is an extremely dangerous thing to do. Because God says that when you refuse His guidance, your heart grows hard. It's not that God's grace doesn't extend to you any- more. It's not that He wouldn't forgive you if you turned to Him. It's just that sin will callous your heart to the point where you can't hear Him calling.
When the Spirit of God comes to correct you, follow His instructions and follow them quickly. Keep your heart tender. Obey the Lord!
bible shack
The Amplified Bible
"He who being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Some people have the mistaken idea that when the direction of the Holy Spirit comes to them, they can just ignore it for a while if they want to and then obey Him later in their own good time. They think to themselves, "I know what I'm doing is wrong. I know my lifestyle isn't right, but I'm just going to do it a while longer. Then I'll get things straightened out with the Lord."
Let me warn you, that is an extremely dangerous thing to do. Because God says that when you refuse His guidance, your heart grows hard. It's not that God's grace doesn't extend to you any- more. It's not that He wouldn't forgive you if you turned to Him. It's just that sin will callous your heart to the point where you can't hear Him calling.
When the Spirit of God comes to correct you, follow His instructions and follow them quickly. Keep your heart tender. Obey the Lord!
bible shack
Sunday, October 26, 2003
LOOKING PAST
2 Samuel 12:15-24
15 The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. . . . 18 On the seventh day the child died. . . .20 David washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon.
Helen Keller. Fanny Crosby. Two amazing women who both lost their sight as babies. Fanny Crosby wrote more than 9,000 poems, many of which were converted into hymns that we continue to sing today. Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, graduated from college magna cum laude, and throughout her life gave lectures and wrote numerous books and articles. Both women led extraordinary lives despite their physical disabilities.
I don't have the disabilities those women had, but I had a devastating experience at age 12, which God eventually used to bless me. I was raped and abused by an elementary school teacher. For many years after my experience, I was bitter against God because I had been sinned against. Finally, I realized I had no choice but to look up.
Instead of growing bitter during a trial, we can do as David did--turn to God. After the death of his first child with Bathsheba, caused by his sin, he "went into the house of the Lord and worshiped" (2 Samuel 12:20). He said in Psalm 51, "Create in me a pure heart, O God. . . . and restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (vv.10,12).
Jesus is the Restorer of souls and He has restored mine. Now I can look back and be thankful that the man who victimized me did not kill me. God used that experience to teach me to love others as Jesus continues to love me--unconditionally.
I pray that as you look past your trials and forward to the blessings that can come from them, you will realize that He is the Restorer of your joy (v.12). The Lord will use your trials to draw you closer to Him. "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be
your glory" (Isaiah 60:19). --Stefani Hall (New Mexico)
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I been bitter against the Lord?
* Will I look beyond the face of trials to seek the face of Jesus?
bottom line: Bitterness hinders God's work in you.
soul journey
2 Samuel 12:15-24
15 The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. . . . 18 On the seventh day the child died. . . .20 David washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon.
Helen Keller. Fanny Crosby. Two amazing women who both lost their sight as babies. Fanny Crosby wrote more than 9,000 poems, many of which were converted into hymns that we continue to sing today. Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, graduated from college magna cum laude, and throughout her life gave lectures and wrote numerous books and articles. Both women led extraordinary lives despite their physical disabilities.
I don't have the disabilities those women had, but I had a devastating experience at age 12, which God eventually used to bless me. I was raped and abused by an elementary school teacher. For many years after my experience, I was bitter against God because I had been sinned against. Finally, I realized I had no choice but to look up.
Instead of growing bitter during a trial, we can do as David did--turn to God. After the death of his first child with Bathsheba, caused by his sin, he "went into the house of the Lord and worshiped" (2 Samuel 12:20). He said in Psalm 51, "Create in me a pure heart, O God. . . . and restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (vv.10,12).
Jesus is the Restorer of souls and He has restored mine. Now I can look back and be thankful that the man who victimized me did not kill me. God used that experience to teach me to love others as Jesus continues to love me--unconditionally.
I pray that as you look past your trials and forward to the blessings that can come from them, you will realize that He is the Restorer of your joy (v.12). The Lord will use your trials to draw you closer to Him. "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be
your glory" (Isaiah 60:19). --Stefani Hall (New Mexico)
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I been bitter against the Lord?
* Will I look beyond the face of trials to seek the face of Jesus?
bottom line: Bitterness hinders God's work in you.
soul journey
Saturday, October 25, 2003
BRING IT
Isaiah 59:9-15
9 Justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 10 Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like men without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead. . . . 12 For our offenses are many in Your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: 13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
In Isaiah 59 the prophet was bringing it! He was not holding back. All around him, he saw people who were not living in truth (v.15). There was a decided lack of justice and righteousness in his world. His people were messed up.
Just like you and me, he longed for truth to save the day. Perhaps unlike us, however, he recognized that the way out of
the abyss of living a lie begins with the understanding of the true offense.
We have no problem labeling our sins . . . mistreatment of others, apathy, and other offenses. But the core issue is found in verses 12-13, where Isaiah states, "Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God."
We can feel guilty all we want about our sins. We can name them one by one. But until we acknowledge that the root of our sin is rebellion against God, our lives will lack complete truth.
Christian writer A. W. Tozer had a good grasp on what it means to understand our condition before God. He wrote: "For a long time I have believed that truth, to be understood, must be lived; that Bible doctrine is wholly ineffective until it has been digested and assimilated by the total life. . . . Truth in the Scriptures is more than a fact. A fact may be detached, impersonal, cold, and totally disassociated from life. Truth, on the other hand, is warm, living, and spiritual" (from the book That Incredible Christian).
As we dig deeper into God's Word, we find that the words probe ever further into our hearts. We no longer see sin as simply "bad" or "ugly." We begin to truly grasp that sin is a result of turning our backs on God. It's flat-out rebellion.
Live in truth today. Confess to God your own rebellion against Him. Bring it to Him and hold nothing back. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why is it important to understand that rebellion against God is the core issue of sin?
* How have I been rebelling against Him?
LINKS:
What is Satan's motive for rebellion?
http://www.questions.org/answer/bible/satan/satanmotive.xml
I Turned My Back On God
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/001/2.30.html
bottom line: Sinful acts begin with rebellion.
soul journey
Isaiah 59:9-15
9 Justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 10 Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like men without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead. . . . 12 For our offenses are many in Your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: 13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
In Isaiah 59 the prophet was bringing it! He was not holding back. All around him, he saw people who were not living in truth (v.15). There was a decided lack of justice and righteousness in his world. His people were messed up.
Just like you and me, he longed for truth to save the day. Perhaps unlike us, however, he recognized that the way out of
the abyss of living a lie begins with the understanding of the true offense.
We have no problem labeling our sins . . . mistreatment of others, apathy, and other offenses. But the core issue is found in verses 12-13, where Isaiah states, "Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God."
We can feel guilty all we want about our sins. We can name them one by one. But until we acknowledge that the root of our sin is rebellion against God, our lives will lack complete truth.
Christian writer A. W. Tozer had a good grasp on what it means to understand our condition before God. He wrote: "For a long time I have believed that truth, to be understood, must be lived; that Bible doctrine is wholly ineffective until it has been digested and assimilated by the total life. . . . Truth in the Scriptures is more than a fact. A fact may be detached, impersonal, cold, and totally disassociated from life. Truth, on the other hand, is warm, living, and spiritual" (from the book That Incredible Christian).
As we dig deeper into God's Word, we find that the words probe ever further into our hearts. We no longer see sin as simply "bad" or "ugly." We begin to truly grasp that sin is a result of turning our backs on God. It's flat-out rebellion.
Live in truth today. Confess to God your own rebellion against Him. Bring it to Him and hold nothing back. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why is it important to understand that rebellion against God is the core issue of sin?
* How have I been rebelling against Him?
LINKS:
What is Satan's motive for rebellion?
http://www.questions.org/answer/bible/satan/satanmotive.xml
I Turned My Back On God
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/001/2.30.html
bottom line: Sinful acts begin with rebellion.
soul journey
Thursday, October 23, 2003
TAKING CREDIT OR GIVING PRAISE
Psalm 136:1-9, 26
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by His understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights--His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. . . . 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
"There are two kinds of people," observed Indira Gandhi, former prime minister of India: "those who do the work, and those who take the credit."
I discovered this quotation on a Web site of nature photos. It was imposed over a beautiful picture of fallen autumn leaves. The caption read: "Taking credit for someone else's work? Well, that's like lying, isn't it?" It took a moment for me to realize the irony. The photographer was doing exactly what she seemed to be against.
After all, God is the one who did the work of creating the scene. The photographer simply noticed its beauty and captured it on film. Nowhere on the Web site did she give God credit for creating such colorful leaves or for arranging them in such a stunning way.
I'm ashamed to admit how many times I do the same thing. Strangers sometimes compliment me on one of two things--my hair or my coat. And I say "thank you," as if I did something deserving of praise. But I didn't.
The reason people notice my hair has more to do with what I don't do than what I do. I don't color it, curl it, or cut it. I simply wash it, comb it, and twist it into a cord on the back of my head. God deserves all the credit because He makes it grow.
I can't take credit for my coat either. It's a black, full-length, hooded raincoat that I wear whenever the weather is cool, even if it's not raining, because it covers everything. That means I can look good no matter what else I'm wearing. The coat was a gift I bought for myself when I was offered a new job. I didn't design it, and I couldn't have afforded it if God hadn't been so generous to me.
Instead of taking credit that isn't ours, let's give praise to the Person to whom it belongs--God. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* What compliments do I receive for which I need to give God the glory?
* How can I turn God's gifts into opportunities to praise and worship Him?
bottom line: God alone deserves all glory.
soul journey
Psalm 136:1-9, 26
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by His understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights--His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. . . . 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
"There are two kinds of people," observed Indira Gandhi, former prime minister of India: "those who do the work, and those who take the credit."
I discovered this quotation on a Web site of nature photos. It was imposed over a beautiful picture of fallen autumn leaves. The caption read: "Taking credit for someone else's work? Well, that's like lying, isn't it?" It took a moment for me to realize the irony. The photographer was doing exactly what she seemed to be against.
After all, God is the one who did the work of creating the scene. The photographer simply noticed its beauty and captured it on film. Nowhere on the Web site did she give God credit for creating such colorful leaves or for arranging them in such a stunning way.
I'm ashamed to admit how many times I do the same thing. Strangers sometimes compliment me on one of two things--my hair or my coat. And I say "thank you," as if I did something deserving of praise. But I didn't.
The reason people notice my hair has more to do with what I don't do than what I do. I don't color it, curl it, or cut it. I simply wash it, comb it, and twist it into a cord on the back of my head. God deserves all the credit because He makes it grow.
I can't take credit for my coat either. It's a black, full-length, hooded raincoat that I wear whenever the weather is cool, even if it's not raining, because it covers everything. That means I can look good no matter what else I'm wearing. The coat was a gift I bought for myself when I was offered a new job. I didn't design it, and I couldn't have afforded it if God hadn't been so generous to me.
Instead of taking credit that isn't ours, let's give praise to the Person to whom it belongs--God. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* What compliments do I receive for which I need to give God the glory?
* How can I turn God's gifts into opportunities to praise and worship Him?
bottom line: God alone deserves all glory.
soul journey
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Pride and Provision
By Ruth Waff
My pride had almost robbed me of the blessing of an answered prayer.
It was Sunday morning and I was excited. Monday would be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Our church had a one-year program called Training Bible School. When people asked me what that meant, I used to joke saying we go jogging with the Bible under our arms. Actually it was a combination of Bible school and street evangelism. I had felt God directing me to join the program, and tomorrow would be my first day.
I thanked God for a new day, and I prayed that He would provide the $20 I needed to buy a one-month pass for the subway. I lived with my parents, and they provided all I needed. So right or wrong, I put a little condition in my prayer. I said, "Lord, Mom and Dad have been so good to me. Please, let the money for the pass come some other way. They have done so much for me already."
I jumped out of bed and got ready for church. I forgot all about my prayer…
Later that day, we went back to church for the evening service. After the meeting, people gathered talking and laughing in small circles in front of the church. I was in one of them with some of my friends when I felt someone putting something in my pocket. I turned around and saw my friend Rose-Marie walking back to her little circle. I stuck my hand in my pocket and pulled up what I thought might be a note. Instead, I pulled out a twenty-dollar bill… for all around me to see. I was shocked and very embarrassed.
My pride had kicked in. I walked over and pulled Rose-Marie aside. I said, "Why did you give me the money? I don’t need any money!"
She looked me straight in the eye and said firmly, "If God told me you need it, I know you need it. Don’t cheat me out of the blessing of doing what He wants me to do."
I was quiet for a little while and a tear started rolling down my cheek. I gave her a big hug and apologized for not being truthful. I told her about my prayer that morning and her face broke into a radiant smile. "See? God is so good. He's blessing me by blessing you."
What was I thinking? That the money was going to fall down from heaven? I have heard of that happening, but it is a rare thing. Most of the time He uses people like Rose-Marie, who are sensitive to His voice and willing to serve. My pride had almost robbed me of the blessing of an answered prayer.
I learned something that evening. If you ask God to provide for you, you have to be willing to open your hand and receive. You have to trust He knows best and receive His provision in whatever way He chooses to bring it to you.
"Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Luke 12:29b-31, NLT).
When I paid for my subway pass Monday morning I felt pure joy. The new chapter in my life had started with a great little miracle. I could not wait to see what was ahead of me.
"What's next, Lord? I am ready for whatever you have in store!"
cbn
By Ruth Waff
My pride had almost robbed me of the blessing of an answered prayer.
It was Sunday morning and I was excited. Monday would be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Our church had a one-year program called Training Bible School. When people asked me what that meant, I used to joke saying we go jogging with the Bible under our arms. Actually it was a combination of Bible school and street evangelism. I had felt God directing me to join the program, and tomorrow would be my first day.
I thanked God for a new day, and I prayed that He would provide the $20 I needed to buy a one-month pass for the subway. I lived with my parents, and they provided all I needed. So right or wrong, I put a little condition in my prayer. I said, "Lord, Mom and Dad have been so good to me. Please, let the money for the pass come some other way. They have done so much for me already."
I jumped out of bed and got ready for church. I forgot all about my prayer…
Later that day, we went back to church for the evening service. After the meeting, people gathered talking and laughing in small circles in front of the church. I was in one of them with some of my friends when I felt someone putting something in my pocket. I turned around and saw my friend Rose-Marie walking back to her little circle. I stuck my hand in my pocket and pulled up what I thought might be a note. Instead, I pulled out a twenty-dollar bill… for all around me to see. I was shocked and very embarrassed.
My pride had kicked in. I walked over and pulled Rose-Marie aside. I said, "Why did you give me the money? I don’t need any money!"
She looked me straight in the eye and said firmly, "If God told me you need it, I know you need it. Don’t cheat me out of the blessing of doing what He wants me to do."
I was quiet for a little while and a tear started rolling down my cheek. I gave her a big hug and apologized for not being truthful. I told her about my prayer that morning and her face broke into a radiant smile. "See? God is so good. He's blessing me by blessing you."
What was I thinking? That the money was going to fall down from heaven? I have heard of that happening, but it is a rare thing. Most of the time He uses people like Rose-Marie, who are sensitive to His voice and willing to serve. My pride had almost robbed me of the blessing of an answered prayer.
I learned something that evening. If you ask God to provide for you, you have to be willing to open your hand and receive. You have to trust He knows best and receive His provision in whatever way He chooses to bring it to you.
"Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Luke 12:29b-31, NLT).
When I paid for my subway pass Monday morning I felt pure joy. The new chapter in my life had started with a great little miracle. I could not wait to see what was ahead of me.
"What's next, Lord? I am ready for whatever you have in store!"
cbn
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
The Big Picture
By Tomeco N. Woods
Insight from the account of Jacob's marriages to Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29-30).
Your life may be painted with dismay and despair, but each struggle you endure is a brush stroke in the masterpiece called "You."
I used to get angry when I read the account of Jacob's marriages to Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29-30). I was angry with Laban because of his trickery. I was angry with Leah for going along with it, and I felt sorry for Rachel who seemed to be the innocent bystander in it all. I imagined the pain she must have felt the night of the wedding, knowing that her sister Leah had been given to Jacob. I imagined the tears that must have fallen each year that Leah conceived and brought forth children while Rachel remained barren. I even grew angry with Jacob for continuing to return to Leah although he must have known how it broke Rachel's heart each time.
Later, however, I revisited Genesis 29 and received a different revelation. God softened my heart toward Leah. Leah was born during a time in which birth defects and deformities of any sort were viewed as a sign of God's displeasure or judgement. She was described as "tender eyed" ("weak eyed" in some translations), which I have also heard described as cross-eyed. Because of a condition that is now easily correctable, she was probably made to live under the assumption that God cursed her. In addition, Leah was subjected to a second class lifestyle in the shadow of her beautiful sister Rachel.
I am sure that teasing and rejection were a common occurrence in Leah's life, not only from her peers but also from her family. Rather than the unconditional love and acceptance that we expect from parents, Leah received discouragement and insult from her father. What did Laban's actions do to her self-esteem? He thought so little of her appearance, charm and personality he felt it necessary to trick a man into marrying her.
It was at that point that I began to sympathize with Leah. I pitied her, but I should not have. The revelation came that we should not feel sorry for God's children regardless of the hardships and trials we see them facing. We should never be sorry to see the work of God unfolding in the lives of other believers, because we know that everything is working for good.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 KJV
It is true that Leah had a rough life. She was married to a man who was deeply in love with another woman. That other woman happened to be her barren sister who hated Leah because she could bear children. Leah tried desperately to win the love and respect of her husband. She knew Jacob was merely with her out of a sense of duty or obligation, yet she tried to please him by giving him what her sister had thus far been unable to give -- children. Still, she remained unloved.
In Jacob's eyes, Rachel was the wife of promise. Rachel could do no wrong, and when she finally bore his children, those sons became his favorites. In the small picture, Leah's life was rather pitiful. She was stuck in a loveless marriage, her father thought very little of her, and her sister hated her. All she had was her children, and they were no treat themselves.
Rueben, her eldest child, had questionable relations with his father's concubine (who was also his half brother's mother). The vengeful spirits of Simeon and Levi forced Jacob and his entire household to move from their home. Isaachar was deemed lazy by his own father. All of Leah's sons were involved in selling their brother Joseph into slavery.
Leah had the type of life that today could have landed her on a sordid daytime talk show. Still, I believe we are not to read her life's story and pity her, but rather rejoice for her. Yes, the small picture was a grim one for her, but as believers we are called to look at the big picture.
The big picture shows that although rejected by man, Leah was accepted by God. Although Jacob chose Rachel, God chose Leah. After all, from Leah's son Levi came Moses and Aaron and subsequently the priesthood of Israel. We see in the big picture of her life the births of David and Solomon, descendents of her son Judah and Israel's two greatest earthly kings.
More importantly, though, we see in later generations from that same lineage of Judah the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of kings.
The small picture of your life may not look like much. Perhaps you are constantly told you are stupid, ugly or worthless. Maybe your marriage seems empty and loveless. It may be that your children have broken your heart and gone astray, or perhaps you feel you are trapped in a dead end job. Regardless of how shadowy the small picture may appear, remember the divine Artist who is creating the masterpiece of your life stroke by stroke.
As your life unfolds on the canvass, you may not understand the direction God is taking.
"Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be…" I John 3:2a KJV
We may not understand the process, but it is not our job to intervene.
"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?" Romans 9:20-21 KJV
In spite of how chaotic and undisciplined the paint strokes of circumstance may appear in your life, keep your hope and trust in God. I assure you, your big picture will be a work of art.
cbn
By Tomeco N. Woods
Insight from the account of Jacob's marriages to Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29-30).
Your life may be painted with dismay and despair, but each struggle you endure is a brush stroke in the masterpiece called "You."
I used to get angry when I read the account of Jacob's marriages to Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29-30). I was angry with Laban because of his trickery. I was angry with Leah for going along with it, and I felt sorry for Rachel who seemed to be the innocent bystander in it all. I imagined the pain she must have felt the night of the wedding, knowing that her sister Leah had been given to Jacob. I imagined the tears that must have fallen each year that Leah conceived and brought forth children while Rachel remained barren. I even grew angry with Jacob for continuing to return to Leah although he must have known how it broke Rachel's heart each time.
Later, however, I revisited Genesis 29 and received a different revelation. God softened my heart toward Leah. Leah was born during a time in which birth defects and deformities of any sort were viewed as a sign of God's displeasure or judgement. She was described as "tender eyed" ("weak eyed" in some translations), which I have also heard described as cross-eyed. Because of a condition that is now easily correctable, she was probably made to live under the assumption that God cursed her. In addition, Leah was subjected to a second class lifestyle in the shadow of her beautiful sister Rachel.
I am sure that teasing and rejection were a common occurrence in Leah's life, not only from her peers but also from her family. Rather than the unconditional love and acceptance that we expect from parents, Leah received discouragement and insult from her father. What did Laban's actions do to her self-esteem? He thought so little of her appearance, charm and personality he felt it necessary to trick a man into marrying her.
It was at that point that I began to sympathize with Leah. I pitied her, but I should not have. The revelation came that we should not feel sorry for God's children regardless of the hardships and trials we see them facing. We should never be sorry to see the work of God unfolding in the lives of other believers, because we know that everything is working for good.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 KJV
It is true that Leah had a rough life. She was married to a man who was deeply in love with another woman. That other woman happened to be her barren sister who hated Leah because she could bear children. Leah tried desperately to win the love and respect of her husband. She knew Jacob was merely with her out of a sense of duty or obligation, yet she tried to please him by giving him what her sister had thus far been unable to give -- children. Still, she remained unloved.
In Jacob's eyes, Rachel was the wife of promise. Rachel could do no wrong, and when she finally bore his children, those sons became his favorites. In the small picture, Leah's life was rather pitiful. She was stuck in a loveless marriage, her father thought very little of her, and her sister hated her. All she had was her children, and they were no treat themselves.
Rueben, her eldest child, had questionable relations with his father's concubine (who was also his half brother's mother). The vengeful spirits of Simeon and Levi forced Jacob and his entire household to move from their home. Isaachar was deemed lazy by his own father. All of Leah's sons were involved in selling their brother Joseph into slavery.
Leah had the type of life that today could have landed her on a sordid daytime talk show. Still, I believe we are not to read her life's story and pity her, but rather rejoice for her. Yes, the small picture was a grim one for her, but as believers we are called to look at the big picture.
The big picture shows that although rejected by man, Leah was accepted by God. Although Jacob chose Rachel, God chose Leah. After all, from Leah's son Levi came Moses and Aaron and subsequently the priesthood of Israel. We see in the big picture of her life the births of David and Solomon, descendents of her son Judah and Israel's two greatest earthly kings.
More importantly, though, we see in later generations from that same lineage of Judah the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of kings.
The small picture of your life may not look like much. Perhaps you are constantly told you are stupid, ugly or worthless. Maybe your marriage seems empty and loveless. It may be that your children have broken your heart and gone astray, or perhaps you feel you are trapped in a dead end job. Regardless of how shadowy the small picture may appear, remember the divine Artist who is creating the masterpiece of your life stroke by stroke.
As your life unfolds on the canvass, you may not understand the direction God is taking.
"Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be…" I John 3:2a KJV
We may not understand the process, but it is not our job to intervene.
"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?" Romans 9:20-21 KJV
In spite of how chaotic and undisciplined the paint strokes of circumstance may appear in your life, keep your hope and trust in God. I assure you, your big picture will be a work of art.
cbn
Monday, October 20, 2003
WALKING IMAGES
John 16:7-15
7 I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment . . . 12 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said theSpirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you.
An ad agency located in the city of Big Ben has come up with a new advertising ploy--using people's faces. The Cunning Stunts group from London has employed college students to wear logos on their foreheads.
People are paid about $7 an hour to wear the semi-permanent tattoos as they mix and mingle in public places. With the images stamped on their skin, the students are literally walking billboards for stuff like magazines and radio stations.
"The idea came when we realized how much coverage students gained in the newspapers during recent demonstrations," said Nikki Horton of Cunning Stunts. "This is a new way for them to supplement their meager income, but it's also the new advertising medium."
This bizarre way to earn money made me think of the much better way God has designed for us to project Jesus' image to the world. We have the Holy Spirit working within us to help our outward expressions become more and more like our Lord's.
In John 16, Jesus was helping His disciples prepare for their mission. He told them that the Holy Spirit would be coming to
them (v.7), and that the Spirit would allow His work to spread farther than the limits of His own localized ministry. He also
explained that the Holy Spirit would:
* Convict unbelievers of their unrighteousness.
* Direct believers into a more perfect representation of Jesus.
In verse 14 we read, "He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you." Isn't that amazing! Jesus is revealed by the Holy Spirit in our lives. His glory shines from us as we submit to the Spirit and grow into a more complete reflection of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit glorifies the Son of God by revealing Jesus' reality in the lives of believers. No need for any logos on our foreheads. You and I are to be walking images of His glory. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I sensed the Holy Spirit working to make me more like Jesus?
* What would my friends and family say is the image I am projecting to the world?
LINKS:
The Mind Of Christ
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0209
The Promise Of The Spirit
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0306
bottom line: The Spirit helps us reflect Jesus more wholly.
soul journey
John 16:7-15
7 I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment . . . 12 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said theSpirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you.
An ad agency located in the city of Big Ben has come up with a new advertising ploy--using people's faces. The Cunning Stunts group from London has employed college students to wear logos on their foreheads.
People are paid about $7 an hour to wear the semi-permanent tattoos as they mix and mingle in public places. With the images stamped on their skin, the students are literally walking billboards for stuff like magazines and radio stations.
"The idea came when we realized how much coverage students gained in the newspapers during recent demonstrations," said Nikki Horton of Cunning Stunts. "This is a new way for them to supplement their meager income, but it's also the new advertising medium."
This bizarre way to earn money made me think of the much better way God has designed for us to project Jesus' image to the world. We have the Holy Spirit working within us to help our outward expressions become more and more like our Lord's.
In John 16, Jesus was helping His disciples prepare for their mission. He told them that the Holy Spirit would be coming to
them (v.7), and that the Spirit would allow His work to spread farther than the limits of His own localized ministry. He also
explained that the Holy Spirit would:
* Convict unbelievers of their unrighteousness.
* Direct believers into a more perfect representation of Jesus.
In verse 14 we read, "He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you." Isn't that amazing! Jesus is revealed by the Holy Spirit in our lives. His glory shines from us as we submit to the Spirit and grow into a more complete reflection of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit glorifies the Son of God by revealing Jesus' reality in the lives of believers. No need for any logos on our foreheads. You and I are to be walking images of His glory. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I sensed the Holy Spirit working to make me more like Jesus?
* What would my friends and family say is the image I am projecting to the world?
LINKS:
The Mind Of Christ
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0209
The Promise Of The Spirit
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0306
bottom line: The Spirit helps us reflect Jesus more wholly.
soul journey
Sunday, October 19, 2003
IDENTITY THEFT
John 10:1-10
1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what He was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
In 2002, the US Federal Trade Commission received more than 160,000 complaints about stolen identity information such as a driver's license, credit card, or social security number, which are then used to steal money or commit fraud. It costs the average victim $1,000 to try to undo the damage to credit accounts and personal reputation.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the US. An Associated Press article reports: "In November (2002) federal authorities broke up what they called the biggest identity theft case in US history and charged three men with stealing credit information for 30,000 people."
That's huge, but there's an even larger and more destructive scheme for robbing people of their identity. And it's been around for a long time. When Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, He also described the enemy of the sheep as the thief who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10).
Have you ever thought that one thing Satan wants to steal from you is your identity? Instead of your being the unique person God created you to be, the enemy of your soul seeks to reduce you to a one-dimensional cardboard cutout with no spiritual life or power.
In his book Be Yourself and God's, the late Richard Halverson said, "Man was made to have fellowship with God, to be ruled by God, and man is never himself until he submits to this Divine rule. The harder a man tries to be himself without being right with God, the less like himself he becomes and the more like everyone else he is." Dr. Halverson's insights are true.
After Jesus described the thief who comes to steal, He went on to say, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (v.10). As you give yourself to Jesus, you become the one-of-a-kind person you're meant to be. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* Who am I? Would I like to be someone else?
* What would I like to tell Jesus about the person I want to be?
LINKS:
How Powerful Is The Devil?
http://www.questions.org/answer/bible/satan/devilpower.xml
bottom line: Look to Jesus to know your true identity.
soul journey
John 10:1-10
1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what He was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
In 2002, the US Federal Trade Commission received more than 160,000 complaints about stolen identity information such as a driver's license, credit card, or social security number, which are then used to steal money or commit fraud. It costs the average victim $1,000 to try to undo the damage to credit accounts and personal reputation.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the US. An Associated Press article reports: "In November (2002) federal authorities broke up what they called the biggest identity theft case in US history and charged three men with stealing credit information for 30,000 people."
That's huge, but there's an even larger and more destructive scheme for robbing people of their identity. And it's been around for a long time. When Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, He also described the enemy of the sheep as the thief who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10).
Have you ever thought that one thing Satan wants to steal from you is your identity? Instead of your being the unique person God created you to be, the enemy of your soul seeks to reduce you to a one-dimensional cardboard cutout with no spiritual life or power.
In his book Be Yourself and God's, the late Richard Halverson said, "Man was made to have fellowship with God, to be ruled by God, and man is never himself until he submits to this Divine rule. The harder a man tries to be himself without being right with God, the less like himself he becomes and the more like everyone else he is." Dr. Halverson's insights are true.
After Jesus described the thief who comes to steal, He went on to say, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (v.10). As you give yourself to Jesus, you become the one-of-a-kind person you're meant to be. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* Who am I? Would I like to be someone else?
* What would I like to tell Jesus about the person I want to be?
LINKS:
How Powerful Is The Devil?
http://www.questions.org/answer/bible/satan/devilpower.xml
bottom line: Look to Jesus to know your true identity.
soul journey