Knowing God
By Tomeco Woods
When we encounter things that seem to be unbearable, we ask, "Why ?"
When we encounter things that seem to be unbearable, we want to know, "Why Lord?"
I am reminded of my 8-year-old daughter who asks a lot of questions. I am almost positive her first complete sentence was a question, and they haven’t stopped coming since. Her favorite inquisition is "Why?" "Mommy, why are zebras called zebras?" and "Mommy, why does gravity make things fall down instead of up?" Once, when I didn’t have an answer to one of her many questions, I heard, "Why don’t you know?" At times it can be frustrating to say the least, but I must admit she inherited her inquisitive nature from me.
A few months ago when I entered into one of those testing phases all believers must periodically endure, I stayed true to form. I fell on bended knee, raised my arms toward heaven, and with tear-stained eyes I cried out to God, "How could you let this happen to me?"
Rather than strike me down immediately, which He had every right to do, I heard God sigh to Himself and say, "Don’t you get it yet?" He led me to read the book of Job, which I had read more than once in the past. I shamefully admit that even then I questioned why God would direct me to it once again. What could He possibly reveal to me that He had not already revealed? Regardless, after a couple of days of shuffling my feet, I yielded and began to read.
We all know Job’s story. We know all that he went through in his life. We know his honorable beginning. We know his prosperity. We know Satan’s conversation with God, and we know what resulted from that conversation. God allowed Job to be tested. He asked, "Why?" We tend to do the same when we go through things that seem to be "one thing after another." Do you want to know why?
"Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee" (Job 42: 1-5, KJV).
I believe verse 5 tells us why: "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee."
We go through trials so our knowledge of Christ will continue to grow from what we have heard into what we KNOW. I’m sure Job heard God was a healer, but until he was sick he didn’t KNOW. Job probably heard God was a comforter, but until he lost his loved ones he didn’t KNOW. He probably heard that God was a friend to the friendless, but he didn’t KNOW until his friends had betrayed him. He probably heard God was a provider, but how could he have KNOWN until he was broke?
I did not experience the trials that I faced because God hated me. I did not face them because I had done some wrong to deserve them. On the contrary, God loved me so much that He wanted to show me more of Himself. He wanted me to KNOW Him to be all that I have heard and read He was. God loved me so much that He wanted me to have an Old Testament knowledge of who He is.
In Genesis 4:1, 4:17 and 38:9, as well as 1 Samuel 1:19, we read of husbands "knowing" their wives and the wives then conceiving children. It is this same sense of knowledge that Christ desires for His bride, the Church. It is after we have achieved this new level of intimacy that the ministries and visions of God for our lives are conceived within us. It is only after we have moved from an intellectual understanding of God into a true knowledge of His majesty that we will begin to grow into the men and women of God that He desires us to be.
Everything we experience serves this one purpose -- that we may know more of God. I say to you today, use this time of testing to get to know Him, and by all means ENDURE!
cbn
Friday, January 31, 2003
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
It's Just Too Much Fun!
By Gail Casteen
I decided that I was going to give my tithe AND some offerings even if it meant I couldn't pay my rent! (That was always my biggest concern). This time though, something big was stirring in my heart about abandoning all my fears regarding giving.
How would I know it could be so much fun!?! It seemed more like an obligation… a necessary action… a must-do kind of thing. After all, the Bible says you HAVE to give. Of course I don't HAVE to give, but if I want God's favor and blessing, I have to give...
…or so I thought.
When I was a little kid trotting off to Sunday School with my parents, I remember my younger sister and I were given a dime to put in the envelope every week. As we got older, it became a quarter, then a dollar… back then, that was a LOT of money. I knew we had to do it because "God says so."
I was always told, "It is better to give than to receive." I think it would have helped if my folks could have pointed out the fact that we WERE receiving… After all, Dad was the church janitor. It was his full time job (he had 3 or 4 side jobs.) But we benefited directly from the gifts given each week. We had a car… it was old but it got us from point A to point B most of the time. When it didn't, it wasn't such a big deal. We could just ride our bikes or walk… after all it was a tiny town.
We had a house… sure it was old, the floorboards were uneven and they creaked a lot. It was heated with space heaters… cold air came in from the cracks in the floor as well as through the poor fitting windows and doors. But there was always plastic to put on the screens in the winter and fans for the summer. Sure there were mice and bugs. We just got rid of them as best we could when they showed up. Besides… there were some great climbing trees and lots of "wild animals" … squirrels, 'possums, and an occasional garden snake or two. It wasn't so bad.
We had nice clothes. No, they weren't store bought, but they were OK. Mom was a terrific seamstress and could whip up more clothes in a week than most people could in a month. Every year, my younger sister and I would earn our way to church camp. Mom always made a whole new summer wardrobe for us to wear when we went. We had an automatic washing machine, which was really cool in light of the fact that we had an old wringer washer that worked just fine. It was just that the new automatic washer with the spin cycle made my mom so happy. So that was groovy.
She made bread and noodles by hand. And the pies… she could cook (and bake) up a storm. There was always plenty of food in the fridge and the pantry. We were never hungry… unless we elected to be, and that was our problem.
So how much does a person have to receive before they recognize it as receiving and as a blessing? It took me a LONG time. I kept giving… maybe not always 10%. There have been times that an adult I was in a situation where I couldn't even afford to purchase light bulbs. There were times that we had no heat, no water and no electricity. Once we had a house for a while, but we went into foreclosure and lost it. When friends brought bags of groceries, I was ashamed instead of thankful. I knew it was a God thing that they thought of us. What was wrong with us that we couldn't support ourselves?
Then the unthinkable happened. My marriage fell apart, and I had two young children to support. With finances having been so tough anyway, there was virtually nothing available for starting over again. But friends took us in, fed us and housed us until I could get work. Even though my family lived halfway across the country, they saw to it that I had money in my pocket for gasoline, insurance and for helping our friends offset some of the cost of housing us. Still I was miserable because I wasn't taking care of my children and myself…. I felt I was far too dependent on others.
If only I'd learned to see the blessing of God… I would have seen Him furnishing my apartment when we found one… sure it was with other people's throw away stuff, but I didn't have to sleep on the floor any longer, and there was a table for dining and homework. I would have seen Him paying my bills when someone in the church would anonymously pay my electric bill for a month. I would have realized that every month when the rent was paid on time that I was receiving His blessing. When people gave us clothing and the church gave us Thanksgiving food and Christmas gifts, He was blessing us.
I gave… sometimes. I HAD to give. It was required. I was sporadic about it and sometimes I was so fearful that I wouldn't be able to pay my rent that I would skip a month of tithing intending to pay it back later… Of course, that never happened.
What bothered me the most about giving was the fact that when I did give, I did it out of obligation and certainly not with a cheerful heart. In my head I knew God was taking care of us. From the time we went out on our own, our rent was paid on time every month without fail. We had food, electricity, water and a car that worked (well, most of the time.) Is that God or what?
Then it happened. I decided that I was going to give my tithe AND some offerings even if it meant I couldn't pay my rent! (That was always my biggest concern). This time though, something big was stirring in my heart about abandoning all my fears regarding giving. I had a friend to whom I held myself accountable. Every time I got a paycheck I called her if I wavered at all about fulfilling my promise to do this. I don't have to call her any more. I can't wait to get paid! This has become almost like a game between God and I. I'm having the time of my life.
I am keeping track of the score in a little book. So far, He's ahead, but I am going to keep trying. However, how am I ever going to pass Him up on the gift of a cheerful heart? I cannot begin to describe how good it is to give with a cheerful heart. I remember the years of dread and the sense of obligation I felt when it came to giving. How did I EVER live like that? There is something to this giving thing. Even when I think I am "low on dough" and God prompts me to give, I get that money out as fast as I possibly can! He always beats me to the punch. The gifts come back to us in many forms and because they are from Him, we are continually being enriched.
My heart's desire for years has been to have a home of my own for my children and I. I can honestly say that if I have to stay in the apartment forever, I will do so gladly, as long as I can keep giving. It's just too much fun!
cbn
By Gail Casteen
I decided that I was going to give my tithe AND some offerings even if it meant I couldn't pay my rent! (That was always my biggest concern). This time though, something big was stirring in my heart about abandoning all my fears regarding giving.
How would I know it could be so much fun!?! It seemed more like an obligation… a necessary action… a must-do kind of thing. After all, the Bible says you HAVE to give. Of course I don't HAVE to give, but if I want God's favor and blessing, I have to give...
…or so I thought.
When I was a little kid trotting off to Sunday School with my parents, I remember my younger sister and I were given a dime to put in the envelope every week. As we got older, it became a quarter, then a dollar… back then, that was a LOT of money. I knew we had to do it because "God says so."
I was always told, "It is better to give than to receive." I think it would have helped if my folks could have pointed out the fact that we WERE receiving… After all, Dad was the church janitor. It was his full time job (he had 3 or 4 side jobs.) But we benefited directly from the gifts given each week. We had a car… it was old but it got us from point A to point B most of the time. When it didn't, it wasn't such a big deal. We could just ride our bikes or walk… after all it was a tiny town.
We had a house… sure it was old, the floorboards were uneven and they creaked a lot. It was heated with space heaters… cold air came in from the cracks in the floor as well as through the poor fitting windows and doors. But there was always plastic to put on the screens in the winter and fans for the summer. Sure there were mice and bugs. We just got rid of them as best we could when they showed up. Besides… there were some great climbing trees and lots of "wild animals" … squirrels, 'possums, and an occasional garden snake or two. It wasn't so bad.
We had nice clothes. No, they weren't store bought, but they were OK. Mom was a terrific seamstress and could whip up more clothes in a week than most people could in a month. Every year, my younger sister and I would earn our way to church camp. Mom always made a whole new summer wardrobe for us to wear when we went. We had an automatic washing machine, which was really cool in light of the fact that we had an old wringer washer that worked just fine. It was just that the new automatic washer with the spin cycle made my mom so happy. So that was groovy.
She made bread and noodles by hand. And the pies… she could cook (and bake) up a storm. There was always plenty of food in the fridge and the pantry. We were never hungry… unless we elected to be, and that was our problem.
So how much does a person have to receive before they recognize it as receiving and as a blessing? It took me a LONG time. I kept giving… maybe not always 10%. There have been times that an adult I was in a situation where I couldn't even afford to purchase light bulbs. There were times that we had no heat, no water and no electricity. Once we had a house for a while, but we went into foreclosure and lost it. When friends brought bags of groceries, I was ashamed instead of thankful. I knew it was a God thing that they thought of us. What was wrong with us that we couldn't support ourselves?
Then the unthinkable happened. My marriage fell apart, and I had two young children to support. With finances having been so tough anyway, there was virtually nothing available for starting over again. But friends took us in, fed us and housed us until I could get work. Even though my family lived halfway across the country, they saw to it that I had money in my pocket for gasoline, insurance and for helping our friends offset some of the cost of housing us. Still I was miserable because I wasn't taking care of my children and myself…. I felt I was far too dependent on others.
If only I'd learned to see the blessing of God… I would have seen Him furnishing my apartment when we found one… sure it was with other people's throw away stuff, but I didn't have to sleep on the floor any longer, and there was a table for dining and homework. I would have seen Him paying my bills when someone in the church would anonymously pay my electric bill for a month. I would have realized that every month when the rent was paid on time that I was receiving His blessing. When people gave us clothing and the church gave us Thanksgiving food and Christmas gifts, He was blessing us.
I gave… sometimes. I HAD to give. It was required. I was sporadic about it and sometimes I was so fearful that I wouldn't be able to pay my rent that I would skip a month of tithing intending to pay it back later… Of course, that never happened.
What bothered me the most about giving was the fact that when I did give, I did it out of obligation and certainly not with a cheerful heart. In my head I knew God was taking care of us. From the time we went out on our own, our rent was paid on time every month without fail. We had food, electricity, water and a car that worked (well, most of the time.) Is that God or what?
Then it happened. I decided that I was going to give my tithe AND some offerings even if it meant I couldn't pay my rent! (That was always my biggest concern). This time though, something big was stirring in my heart about abandoning all my fears regarding giving. I had a friend to whom I held myself accountable. Every time I got a paycheck I called her if I wavered at all about fulfilling my promise to do this. I don't have to call her any more. I can't wait to get paid! This has become almost like a game between God and I. I'm having the time of my life.
I am keeping track of the score in a little book. So far, He's ahead, but I am going to keep trying. However, how am I ever going to pass Him up on the gift of a cheerful heart? I cannot begin to describe how good it is to give with a cheerful heart. I remember the years of dread and the sense of obligation I felt when it came to giving. How did I EVER live like that? There is something to this giving thing. Even when I think I am "low on dough" and God prompts me to give, I get that money out as fast as I possibly can! He always beats me to the punch. The gifts come back to us in many forms and because they are from Him, we are continually being enriched.
My heart's desire for years has been to have a home of my own for my children and I. I can honestly say that if I have to stay in the apartment forever, I will do so gladly, as long as I can keep giving. It's just too much fun!
cbn
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Early Morning Adventure
By Kathy Schultz
Whom do we place our trust in? Do we trust in God? We need to be like Alexandra, even when things are going poorly in our estimation. We need to hang on to God.
I am so tired. I took my daughter and granddaughter to the airport this morning at 5:00 a.m. The trip to the airport turned out to be a somewhat frustrating yet funny time.
After arriving at the airport, Alexandra my granddaughter managed to trip over her suitcase and land on the floor. Then when I tried to get in line, I ducked under the ropes and knocked them down. My daughter informed us we were in the wrong line and that we needed to move. Of course, she did not want to be seen with the two of us after all the confusion.
About this time the airport employee checked in my granddaughter's luggage. Big crocodile tears came running down her cheeks. She did not understand why the man was taking her suitcase. This was a little girl's dream suitcase. It was pink and purple bought especially for this trip. It was her first suitcase ever and she did not want this stranger taking it from her. We had to stop and reassure her that she would get the suitcase back at the end of the journey. She then had to place her backpack on the conveyor belt and we got apprehensive. Thankfully, she could see where that was going. We told her that she could retrieve it in a moment.
As if that weren't enough, we went to the designated area to wait for our flight and over the intercom came an announcement for "Washington/Dulles". Wouldn't you know, she piped right up and told us she did NOT want to see George Washington. She wanted to go to DisneyWorld. My daughter Cindy was undone at that point and we both howled. What a morning!
I left them both going down the ramp, hand in hand, headed for the airplane that would take them to Orlando and it wasn't even 6:00 a.m.! After I left the airport, I made a couple of stops at the store and off to work I went. I was at work by 7:15 a.m. It felt like the day should soon be over but it was only beginning.
Have you ever had a morning like this? God must laugh with us. I remember thinking about how we thought we were prepared before leaving for the airport. Somehow, you never plan for the mishaps that occur. No one thought to explain to my granddaughter how the suitcase would be taken from her. In our minds we had prepared her for the trip, but we obviously forgot some of the details. Certainly, we did not think of how they would announce the flight. This little girl had to put her trust in us, the airline, the pilots, and people she had never seen before. Fortunately, she was there with her mother, who would guide her through to her destination. She knew she could trust her Mom and just needed to hold tightly to her hand.
Whom do we place our trust in? Do we trust in God? We need to be like Alexandra, even when things are going poorly in our estimation. We need to hang on to God. He will see us through!
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:9-11 NASB).
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge (Psalms 62:5-8 New Living Translation).
Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens (Hebrews 10:35, 36 New Living Translation).
The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusts in Him and I am helped (Psalm 28:7 KJV).
My daughter called that evening to say they had arrived safely. Excitement and joy filled my granddaughter's voice as she told me she had already seen Mickey Mouse! She made it to her destination just as we promised she would. It is such a joy to trust in our loved ones and in our God. He will not fail us.
cbn
By Kathy Schultz
Whom do we place our trust in? Do we trust in God? We need to be like Alexandra, even when things are going poorly in our estimation. We need to hang on to God.
I am so tired. I took my daughter and granddaughter to the airport this morning at 5:00 a.m. The trip to the airport turned out to be a somewhat frustrating yet funny time.
After arriving at the airport, Alexandra my granddaughter managed to trip over her suitcase and land on the floor. Then when I tried to get in line, I ducked under the ropes and knocked them down. My daughter informed us we were in the wrong line and that we needed to move. Of course, she did not want to be seen with the two of us after all the confusion.
About this time the airport employee checked in my granddaughter's luggage. Big crocodile tears came running down her cheeks. She did not understand why the man was taking her suitcase. This was a little girl's dream suitcase. It was pink and purple bought especially for this trip. It was her first suitcase ever and she did not want this stranger taking it from her. We had to stop and reassure her that she would get the suitcase back at the end of the journey. She then had to place her backpack on the conveyor belt and we got apprehensive. Thankfully, she could see where that was going. We told her that she could retrieve it in a moment.
As if that weren't enough, we went to the designated area to wait for our flight and over the intercom came an announcement for "Washington/Dulles". Wouldn't you know, she piped right up and told us she did NOT want to see George Washington. She wanted to go to DisneyWorld. My daughter Cindy was undone at that point and we both howled. What a morning!
I left them both going down the ramp, hand in hand, headed for the airplane that would take them to Orlando and it wasn't even 6:00 a.m.! After I left the airport, I made a couple of stops at the store and off to work I went. I was at work by 7:15 a.m. It felt like the day should soon be over but it was only beginning.
Have you ever had a morning like this? God must laugh with us. I remember thinking about how we thought we were prepared before leaving for the airport. Somehow, you never plan for the mishaps that occur. No one thought to explain to my granddaughter how the suitcase would be taken from her. In our minds we had prepared her for the trip, but we obviously forgot some of the details. Certainly, we did not think of how they would announce the flight. This little girl had to put her trust in us, the airline, the pilots, and people she had never seen before. Fortunately, she was there with her mother, who would guide her through to her destination. She knew she could trust her Mom and just needed to hold tightly to her hand.
Whom do we place our trust in? Do we trust in God? We need to be like Alexandra, even when things are going poorly in our estimation. We need to hang on to God. He will see us through!
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:9-11 NASB).
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge (Psalms 62:5-8 New Living Translation).
Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens (Hebrews 10:35, 36 New Living Translation).
The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusts in Him and I am helped (Psalm 28:7 KJV).
My daughter called that evening to say they had arrived safely. Excitement and joy filled my granddaughter's voice as she told me she had already seen Mickey Mouse! She made it to her destination just as we promised she would. It is such a joy to trust in our loved ones and in our God. He will not fail us.
cbn
Monday, January 27, 2003
Hunched Over
READ: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
When you are tempted, [God] will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Politicians want to see inside your backpack. They’re weighing in on just how much your back can stand.
In the US, nearly 5,000 students are sent packing to emergency rooms every year because of backpack-related injuries. A New Jersey lawmaker says, “I was in the Army and these kids are carrying bigger backpacks than what we used to carry. These kids are hunched over.”
It’s nice that politicians care about our spines. But there’s a bigger weight problem all of us face—the weight of temptation. What are you being tempted to do today? Lie? Cheat? Goof off at work? Look at dirty pictures on a Web site?
God knows all about this weight problem. And He’s giving you a way to lighten the load. All you have to do is recognize it. But if you’re hunched over, under the weight of temptation, you might have a hard time looking up and seeing the way out.
In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul reminded the people of the times Israel had given in to temptation. The people thought they were standing tall and strong (1 Corinthians 10:12). They didn’t even recognize the dangers.
So the first step is to learn to recognize when temptation comes calling. Don’t let yourself become so used to the weight that you don’t even notice the pressure anymore.
Next, remember that the kinds of temptations weighing you down have also been experienced by others. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (v.13). Even Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). You’re not alone.
The third step is the most exciting. “When you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God wants you to learn to say, “No, I don’t have to give in to sin. What are my options?”
There’s always an alternative to giving in, always something else you can do instead. Rise up under the weight of temptation and look for the way God wants you to go. Don’t stay hunched over! —Tracy Carbaugh
REFLECTION
• Am I feeling “hunched over” today? What temptation is weighing me down? What is the way out that God is providing for me?
• Does someone I know feel the weight of the same temptations I do? How can we work together to get out from under them?
Don’t wait—flee temptation’s weight!
campus journal
READ: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
When you are tempted, [God] will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Politicians want to see inside your backpack. They’re weighing in on just how much your back can stand.
In the US, nearly 5,000 students are sent packing to emergency rooms every year because of backpack-related injuries. A New Jersey lawmaker says, “I was in the Army and these kids are carrying bigger backpacks than what we used to carry. These kids are hunched over.”
It’s nice that politicians care about our spines. But there’s a bigger weight problem all of us face—the weight of temptation. What are you being tempted to do today? Lie? Cheat? Goof off at work? Look at dirty pictures on a Web site?
God knows all about this weight problem. And He’s giving you a way to lighten the load. All you have to do is recognize it. But if you’re hunched over, under the weight of temptation, you might have a hard time looking up and seeing the way out.
In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul reminded the people of the times Israel had given in to temptation. The people thought they were standing tall and strong (1 Corinthians 10:12). They didn’t even recognize the dangers.
So the first step is to learn to recognize when temptation comes calling. Don’t let yourself become so used to the weight that you don’t even notice the pressure anymore.
Next, remember that the kinds of temptations weighing you down have also been experienced by others. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (v.13). Even Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). You’re not alone.
The third step is the most exciting. “When you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God wants you to learn to say, “No, I don’t have to give in to sin. What are my options?”
There’s always an alternative to giving in, always something else you can do instead. Rise up under the weight of temptation and look for the way God wants you to go. Don’t stay hunched over! —Tracy Carbaugh
REFLECTION
• Am I feeling “hunched over” today? What temptation is weighing me down? What is the way out that God is providing for me?
• Does someone I know feel the weight of the same temptations I do? How can we work together to get out from under them?
Don’t wait—flee temptation’s weight!
campus journal
Sunday, January 26, 2003
The Value Of A Life
Read: 2 Samuel 9
Mephibosheth . . . shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons. —2 Samuel 9:11
A British factory worker and his wife were excited when, after many years of marriage, they discovered they were going to have their first child. According to author Jill Briscoe, who told this true story, the man eagerly relayed the good news to his fellow workers. He told them God had answered his prayers. But they made fun of him for asking God for a child.
When the baby was born, he was diagnosed as having Down syndrome. As the father made his way to work for the first time after the birth, he wondered how to face his co-workers. "God, please give me wisdom," he prayed. Just as he feared, some said mockingly, "So, God gave you this child!" The new father stood for a long time, silently asking God for help. At last he said, "I'm glad the Lord gave this child to me and not to you."
As this man accepted his disabled son as God's gift to him, so King David was pleased to show kindness to Saul's grandson who was "lame in his feet" (2 Samuel 9:3). Some may have rejected Mephibosheth because he was lame, but David's action showed that he valued him.
In God's eyes, every person is important. He sent His only Son to die for us. May we remember with gratitude how much He values each human life. —Dave Branon
Lord, we would see in those we meet
The likeness of Your image there,
And may their special dignity
Grow stronger from our love and care. —D. De Haan
Everyone is valuable to God.
daily bread
Read: 2 Samuel 9
Mephibosheth . . . shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons. —2 Samuel 9:11
A British factory worker and his wife were excited when, after many years of marriage, they discovered they were going to have their first child. According to author Jill Briscoe, who told this true story, the man eagerly relayed the good news to his fellow workers. He told them God had answered his prayers. But they made fun of him for asking God for a child.
When the baby was born, he was diagnosed as having Down syndrome. As the father made his way to work for the first time after the birth, he wondered how to face his co-workers. "God, please give me wisdom," he prayed. Just as he feared, some said mockingly, "So, God gave you this child!" The new father stood for a long time, silently asking God for help. At last he said, "I'm glad the Lord gave this child to me and not to you."
As this man accepted his disabled son as God's gift to him, so King David was pleased to show kindness to Saul's grandson who was "lame in his feet" (2 Samuel 9:3). Some may have rejected Mephibosheth because he was lame, but David's action showed that he valued him.
In God's eyes, every person is important. He sent His only Son to die for us. May we remember with gratitude how much He values each human life. —Dave Branon
Lord, we would see in those we meet
The likeness of Your image there,
And may their special dignity
Grow stronger from our love and care. —D. De Haan
Everyone is valuable to God.
daily bread
Saturday, January 25, 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
Happy Without
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts. —1 Timothy 6:9
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) believed that if you are truly wise you will not be obsessed with possessions. Practicing to an extreme what he preached, he even refused to wear shoes.
Socrates loved to visit the marketplace, though, and gaze with admiration at the great abundance of wares on display. When a friend asked why he was so allured, he replied, "I love to go there and discover how many things I am perfectly happy without."
That type of attitude runs counter to the commercial messages that continually bombard our eyes and ears. Advertisers spend millions to tell us about all the latest products that we can't be happy without.
The apostle Paul advised his spiritual son Timothy, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8). If we become enamored with things, Paul warned, we may wander from the faith and be pierced with the pangs of frustrated desire (vv.9-10).
Let's ask ourselves, "What am I truly happy without?" The answer will reveal much about our relationship with the Lord and our contentment with Him. —Vernon Grounds
Lord, help me not to set my heart
On things that pass away;
Make me content with what I have,
And give You thanks each day. —Sper
Contentment comes not from great wealth but from few wants.
daily bread
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts. —1 Timothy 6:9
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) believed that if you are truly wise you will not be obsessed with possessions. Practicing to an extreme what he preached, he even refused to wear shoes.
Socrates loved to visit the marketplace, though, and gaze with admiration at the great abundance of wares on display. When a friend asked why he was so allured, he replied, "I love to go there and discover how many things I am perfectly happy without."
That type of attitude runs counter to the commercial messages that continually bombard our eyes and ears. Advertisers spend millions to tell us about all the latest products that we can't be happy without.
The apostle Paul advised his spiritual son Timothy, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8). If we become enamored with things, Paul warned, we may wander from the faith and be pierced with the pangs of frustrated desire (vv.9-10).
Let's ask ourselves, "What am I truly happy without?" The answer will reveal much about our relationship with the Lord and our contentment with Him. —Vernon Grounds
Lord, help me not to set my heart
On things that pass away;
Make me content with what I have,
And give You thanks each day. —Sper
Contentment comes not from great wealth but from few wants.
daily bread
Thursday, January 23, 2003
Sum of All Mirrors
READ: Romans 12:1-8
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.
What did Layne Staley see when he looked in the mirror? We’ll never know. The former lead singer of the grunge band Alice In Chains was found dead in his apartment in April 2002.
Staley, who wrote drug-induced lyrics that denied God and screamed hopelessness, died alone in silent despair. His life eerily mirrored a man he admired—Kurt Cobain. The lead singer for Nirvana committed suicide almost 10 years ago.
In a 1996 interview, Layne reflected on Cobain’s death: “I saw all the suffering that Kurt Cobain went through. I didn’t know him well, but I just saw this real vibrant person turn into a real shy, timid, withdrawn person who could hardly get a ‘hello’ out. At the end of the day or at the end of the party, when everyone goes home, you’re stuck with yourself.”
What was Layne Staley stuck with? From his lyrics you learn that he felt he was a “man in the box” with no way out . . . no hope.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Jesus has provided you with an image that doesn’t require drug abuse or fan adulation to prop it up. It’s real.
In Romans 12, Paul wrote about what can be your true reflection as a believer in Jesus:
• A living sacrifice—As you pour out your life for Christ, He fills you with His joy and strength (v.1).
• A humble servant—Not thinking too high or too low of yourself, but confidently—by faith—seeing your value in Christ alone (v.3).
• A family member—You’re not alone in this world. Other believers in Jesus are here to love you and allow you to love them (vv.4-5).
• A gifted person—You, by grace, have a special gift to share with others! (vv.6-8).
You are not “stuck” with yourself. You are not a person trapped in a box. Rejoice in the person you’ve become in Jesus—you’ve been set free to reflect Him! —Tom Felten
REFLECTION
• What is my self-image based on?
• How does God view me differently than I view myself?
The true view of you is found in Jesus.
campus journal
READ: Romans 12:1-8
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.
What did Layne Staley see when he looked in the mirror? We’ll never know. The former lead singer of the grunge band Alice In Chains was found dead in his apartment in April 2002.
Staley, who wrote drug-induced lyrics that denied God and screamed hopelessness, died alone in silent despair. His life eerily mirrored a man he admired—Kurt Cobain. The lead singer for Nirvana committed suicide almost 10 years ago.
In a 1996 interview, Layne reflected on Cobain’s death: “I saw all the suffering that Kurt Cobain went through. I didn’t know him well, but I just saw this real vibrant person turn into a real shy, timid, withdrawn person who could hardly get a ‘hello’ out. At the end of the day or at the end of the party, when everyone goes home, you’re stuck with yourself.”
What was Layne Staley stuck with? From his lyrics you learn that he felt he was a “man in the box” with no way out . . . no hope.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Jesus has provided you with an image that doesn’t require drug abuse or fan adulation to prop it up. It’s real.
In Romans 12, Paul wrote about what can be your true reflection as a believer in Jesus:
• A living sacrifice—As you pour out your life for Christ, He fills you with His joy and strength (v.1).
• A humble servant—Not thinking too high or too low of yourself, but confidently—by faith—seeing your value in Christ alone (v.3).
• A family member—You’re not alone in this world. Other believers in Jesus are here to love you and allow you to love them (vv.4-5).
• A gifted person—You, by grace, have a special gift to share with others! (vv.6-8).
You are not “stuck” with yourself. You are not a person trapped in a box. Rejoice in the person you’ve become in Jesus—you’ve been set free to reflect Him! —Tom Felten
REFLECTION
• What is my self-image based on?
• How does God view me differently than I view myself?
The true view of you is found in Jesus.
campus journal
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
A Talk with Grandmama
By Marsha Brickhouse Smith
" So many people are searching for something, trying to find out who they are. I tell you in my day, we did not have much time for searching, we were too busy being."
I took my grandmother's hands in mine, carefully looking at them. These hands had made biscuits for my Granddaddy. These hands had soothed fevered brows. These hands had held mine as I took my first steps. These were hands I loved with every fiber of my being.
"Grandmama, what do you think life is all about? I mean we go through so many times that hurt us so deeply, and when we love, we run the risk of getting hurt all over again."
She smiled a smile ... a smile that showed wisdom of years and love for me, and she spoke these words, "Honey, life is all about loving, and giving, and watching your babies grow. It ain't about being rich, or climbing the social ladder. It is about honoring your fellow man, about keeping your word, and about loving through it all. It is about realizing you only get one chance on life's stage. And it is about realizing nobody else has the part you do. God gave you a part to play out on this stage, and nobody can play it like you do."
"You talk about loving and being hurt, well, I tell you that is for sure. But you know what, it is worth it all. Just think, even if you lost your love, at least you knew it. At least for a little while on the stage of life you touched the edge of splendor."
"Life is about realizing you are here for a purpose, and then life is about doing what God put you here to do. So many people are searching for something, trying to find out who they are. I tell you in my day, we did not have much time for searching, we were too busy being."
"And one more thing, life is about realizing you did not get here by yourself. Somebody up there loves you far more than you can imagine. The good Lord has put a dream inside each one of us, and we are to live out that dream to the best of our ability."
We sat on the porch late into the evening. I leaned my head upon her knee as she talked of her younger days, of loving Granddaddy, and of her babies. As I listened the crickets began their night symphony. The stars began to shine as we got up. I lingered as I heard her voice echoing through me, "Life is about loving, about being, and about living out your dream."
I would remember this night for many years to come, just as I would the years of love, and Grandmama. Years have passed, the crickets still perform their evening symphony, and Grandmama's voice still echoes through time and space.
"Remember you get one chance on life's stage, and only YOU can play your part. "
Life's a stage. We are on it, the curtain has risen, and the dream has been born. There is no rehearsal. This is the real run.
I know one thing for sure, Grandmama knew her part well.
cbn
By Marsha Brickhouse Smith
" So many people are searching for something, trying to find out who they are. I tell you in my day, we did not have much time for searching, we were too busy being."
I took my grandmother's hands in mine, carefully looking at them. These hands had made biscuits for my Granddaddy. These hands had soothed fevered brows. These hands had held mine as I took my first steps. These were hands I loved with every fiber of my being.
"Grandmama, what do you think life is all about? I mean we go through so many times that hurt us so deeply, and when we love, we run the risk of getting hurt all over again."
She smiled a smile ... a smile that showed wisdom of years and love for me, and she spoke these words, "Honey, life is all about loving, and giving, and watching your babies grow. It ain't about being rich, or climbing the social ladder. It is about honoring your fellow man, about keeping your word, and about loving through it all. It is about realizing you only get one chance on life's stage. And it is about realizing nobody else has the part you do. God gave you a part to play out on this stage, and nobody can play it like you do."
"You talk about loving and being hurt, well, I tell you that is for sure. But you know what, it is worth it all. Just think, even if you lost your love, at least you knew it. At least for a little while on the stage of life you touched the edge of splendor."
"Life is about realizing you are here for a purpose, and then life is about doing what God put you here to do. So many people are searching for something, trying to find out who they are. I tell you in my day, we did not have much time for searching, we were too busy being."
"And one more thing, life is about realizing you did not get here by yourself. Somebody up there loves you far more than you can imagine. The good Lord has put a dream inside each one of us, and we are to live out that dream to the best of our ability."
We sat on the porch late into the evening. I leaned my head upon her knee as she talked of her younger days, of loving Granddaddy, and of her babies. As I listened the crickets began their night symphony. The stars began to shine as we got up. I lingered as I heard her voice echoing through me, "Life is about loving, about being, and about living out your dream."
I would remember this night for many years to come, just as I would the years of love, and Grandmama. Years have passed, the crickets still perform their evening symphony, and Grandmama's voice still echoes through time and space.
"Remember you get one chance on life's stage, and only YOU can play your part. "
Life's a stage. We are on it, the curtain has risen, and the dream has been born. There is no rehearsal. This is the real run.
I know one thing for sure, Grandmama knew her part well.
cbn
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Plain Brown Wrapper
By Kathy Schultz
We expect the answers to our prayers to be easily identified. Sometimes the answer appears differently from what we expect and not in the way we anticipate.
My granddaughter is a typical seven-year-old girl. She and I both love dolls and reading. For my own enjoyment and to encourage my granddaughter's reading of history, I ordered her an American Girl Doll catalog. The catalog has dolls that come with fictional stories placed during certain periods of American history.
I let my granddaughter know all about the catalog and she caught my excitement. She began to anticipate the catalog's arrival. Each afternoon, she would retrieve the mail and report the catalog was not there. Yesterday, she again reported the catalog had not arrived and the disappointment could be heard in her voice. In her hand, amongst several envelopes, was a magazine wrapped in brown paper. She did not know what she was holding until she tore open the wrapper and looked inside. Much to her surprise, it was the catalog! Excitement replaced the disappointment once she realized this was the long awaited catalog. She thought the catalog would be bright and pretty and easy to identify. It had not come wrapped as she had expected.
How often do we expect things to come a certain way? We expect the answers to our prayers to be easily identified. Sometimes the answer appears differently from what we expect and not in the way we anticipate. The answer could be in our hands, simply wrapped up in plain brown paper. Like Alex, I need to open the wrapper and pull out the item.
One fine example was the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. After all, He was born in a manger and not a palace. The people of His day were not looking for Him to arrive in such a lowly manner, but the shepherds and the Wise Men looked beyond their expectations and found Jesus.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, (Jesus) who was lying in a manger (Luke 2:16).
We can also find Jesus just as the shepherds did. We need to remember He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His ways are not our ways.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
I am so often sure I know what is going to happen in a certain situation. I think I know how God is going to answer. That is when I find out I have missed the blessing God has in store for me. I fail to look behind the cover! Like my granddaughter, I am disappointed, thinking nothing has happened. But the answer may have already arrived. We just need to keep on asking and looking. The scripture says we will find it if we keep on seeking.
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone, who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks (Matthew 7:7-8 NLT).
Alex looked at the catalog, read and reread all the descriptions of the dolls for most of the evening. What joy awaited her once she looked inside the wrapper! May we too look inside the wrappers and find our blessings and joys. Remember that they may come in unexpected ways.
cbn
By Kathy Schultz
We expect the answers to our prayers to be easily identified. Sometimes the answer appears differently from what we expect and not in the way we anticipate.
My granddaughter is a typical seven-year-old girl. She and I both love dolls and reading. For my own enjoyment and to encourage my granddaughter's reading of history, I ordered her an American Girl Doll catalog. The catalog has dolls that come with fictional stories placed during certain periods of American history.
I let my granddaughter know all about the catalog and she caught my excitement. She began to anticipate the catalog's arrival. Each afternoon, she would retrieve the mail and report the catalog was not there. Yesterday, she again reported the catalog had not arrived and the disappointment could be heard in her voice. In her hand, amongst several envelopes, was a magazine wrapped in brown paper. She did not know what she was holding until she tore open the wrapper and looked inside. Much to her surprise, it was the catalog! Excitement replaced the disappointment once she realized this was the long awaited catalog. She thought the catalog would be bright and pretty and easy to identify. It had not come wrapped as she had expected.
How often do we expect things to come a certain way? We expect the answers to our prayers to be easily identified. Sometimes the answer appears differently from what we expect and not in the way we anticipate. The answer could be in our hands, simply wrapped up in plain brown paper. Like Alex, I need to open the wrapper and pull out the item.
One fine example was the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. After all, He was born in a manger and not a palace. The people of His day were not looking for Him to arrive in such a lowly manner, but the shepherds and the Wise Men looked beyond their expectations and found Jesus.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, (Jesus) who was lying in a manger (Luke 2:16).
We can also find Jesus just as the shepherds did. We need to remember He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His ways are not our ways.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).
I am so often sure I know what is going to happen in a certain situation. I think I know how God is going to answer. That is when I find out I have missed the blessing God has in store for me. I fail to look behind the cover! Like my granddaughter, I am disappointed, thinking nothing has happened. But the answer may have already arrived. We just need to keep on asking and looking. The scripture says we will find it if we keep on seeking.
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone, who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks (Matthew 7:7-8 NLT).
Alex looked at the catalog, read and reread all the descriptions of the dolls for most of the evening. What joy awaited her once she looked inside the wrapper! May we too look inside the wrappers and find our blessings and joys. Remember that they may come in unexpected ways.
cbn
Monday, January 20, 2003
Exploiting Goodness
READ: Nehemiah 9
For many years you were patient with them. . . .Yet they paid no attention.
Before I taught my first college class, a seasoned teacher gave me this advice: “Make students think you’re as mean as a snarling dog for the first month. That way they’ll appreciate it more when you finally smile.”
Instead of following his suggestion, I told my freshmen English students that I wanted to make class enjoyable. I wanted them to love language and writing as much as I did. To accomplish that, I thought I had to make class fun.
But fun for them turned into work for me.
They mistook kindness for weakness, mercy for leniency, and patience for permissiveness. They became disrespectful, disobedient, and delinquent. I became angry, frustrated, and short-tempered.
One day after a failed attempt to get them to be quiet, I blurted, “You make me feel like God.”
My presumptuous statement got their attention.
“You make me feel like God,” I said, “because everything that I intend for your good you use against me. I don’t want to be angry or harsh. But if that’s what it takes for you to learn, that’s what I’ll be.”
My students weren’t the first to exploit goodness for selfish purposes. The Bible has many stories, songs, and prayers about God’s similar experiences with His people. The psalm written by Asaph (Psalm 78) and the prayer of confession recorded by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9) both affirm that goodness starts with God’s care and provision, but it is interrupted repeatedly by human failure and unfaithfulness.
Lest we judge the Israelites too harshly, however, the human condition didn’t improve even after Jesus personally demonstrated the way to live. To Christians living in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote: “Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
Sometimes we conclude that God’s goodness to us in such things as wealth and opportunity is proof of our own goodness. But that’s a dangerous and wrong assumption. As the apostle said, God’s goodness ought to lead us to repentance—not to pride. —Julie Ackerman Link
REFLECTION
• What good things am I taking for granted?
• Does the goodness of God and others make me grateful or greedy? Humble or arrogant? Kind or ruthless? Patient or impatient? Responsible or irresponsible? Obedient or disobedient? Generous or selfish? Loving or self-centered?
Goodness begins and ends with God.
campus journal
READ: Nehemiah 9
For many years you were patient with them. . . .Yet they paid no attention.
Before I taught my first college class, a seasoned teacher gave me this advice: “Make students think you’re as mean as a snarling dog for the first month. That way they’ll appreciate it more when you finally smile.”
Instead of following his suggestion, I told my freshmen English students that I wanted to make class enjoyable. I wanted them to love language and writing as much as I did. To accomplish that, I thought I had to make class fun.
But fun for them turned into work for me.
They mistook kindness for weakness, mercy for leniency, and patience for permissiveness. They became disrespectful, disobedient, and delinquent. I became angry, frustrated, and short-tempered.
One day after a failed attempt to get them to be quiet, I blurted, “You make me feel like God.”
My presumptuous statement got their attention.
“You make me feel like God,” I said, “because everything that I intend for your good you use against me. I don’t want to be angry or harsh. But if that’s what it takes for you to learn, that’s what I’ll be.”
My students weren’t the first to exploit goodness for selfish purposes. The Bible has many stories, songs, and prayers about God’s similar experiences with His people. The psalm written by Asaph (Psalm 78) and the prayer of confession recorded by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9) both affirm that goodness starts with God’s care and provision, but it is interrupted repeatedly by human failure and unfaithfulness.
Lest we judge the Israelites too harshly, however, the human condition didn’t improve even after Jesus personally demonstrated the way to live. To Christians living in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote: “Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
Sometimes we conclude that God’s goodness to us in such things as wealth and opportunity is proof of our own goodness. But that’s a dangerous and wrong assumption. As the apostle said, God’s goodness ought to lead us to repentance—not to pride. —Julie Ackerman Link
REFLECTION
• What good things am I taking for granted?
• Does the goodness of God and others make me grateful or greedy? Humble or arrogant? Kind or ruthless? Patient or impatient? Responsible or irresponsible? Obedient or disobedient? Generous or selfish? Loving or self-centered?
Goodness begins and ends with God.
campus journal
Sunday, January 19, 2003
Awesome
READ: Exodus 3:1-6
I am the Lord, who makes you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord.
Pizza, spectacular sporting events, and God. What do all of these have in common? All have been referred to as AWESOME! I certainly know what is meant by the first two items on the list. Awesome is a word, however, that should be reserved exclusively for Almighty God.
The word awesome, in the biblical sense, means “to show the proper sense of respect and wonder that is inspired and demanded by an encounter with or meditation on the character and activity of God.”
Moses had that transforming encounter with the presence of God on Mount Sinai. God got his attention with the miraculous sight of a bush engulfed in flames. Not only that, but He amazed him as He called out Moses’ name from the burning bush (v.4).
Often God has to do something uncommon to get our attention so we can realize who He is and direct our full attention to Him. God would not let Moses treat Him as common, trite, or ordinary. He instructed him not to come any closer and to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground (v.5). After these instructions, the Lord introduced Himself to Moses, and Moses responded with the respect and wonder that was demanded by his encounter with God (v.6). God’s awesome presence calls for quiet reverence and quintessential respect.
Wouldn’t it be great to say the word awesome and have people immediately realize that you are referring exclusively to God!
I enjoy pizza (preferably Chicago-style deep dish), but a large cheese and sausage does not inspire reverence. Sporting events are wonderful recreational pastimes, but they hardly demand wonder and respect.
God created the entire world from nothing, created humanity from the dust of the ground, breathed into man the breath of life, and brought salvation to undeserving sinners like us through Jesus Christ. Now, that’s AWESOME. —Marvin Williams
REFLECTION
• Do I remember the last time I trembled at the awesomeness of God?
• How will I let the knowledge of God transform my life today?
• In what way have I made the “sacred” common and the “holy” familiar?
Visions of God lead to reverence before God.
campus journal
READ: Exodus 3:1-6
I am the Lord, who makes you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord.
Pizza, spectacular sporting events, and God. What do all of these have in common? All have been referred to as AWESOME! I certainly know what is meant by the first two items on the list. Awesome is a word, however, that should be reserved exclusively for Almighty God.
The word awesome, in the biblical sense, means “to show the proper sense of respect and wonder that is inspired and demanded by an encounter with or meditation on the character and activity of God.”
Moses had that transforming encounter with the presence of God on Mount Sinai. God got his attention with the miraculous sight of a bush engulfed in flames. Not only that, but He amazed him as He called out Moses’ name from the burning bush (v.4).
Often God has to do something uncommon to get our attention so we can realize who He is and direct our full attention to Him. God would not let Moses treat Him as common, trite, or ordinary. He instructed him not to come any closer and to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground (v.5). After these instructions, the Lord introduced Himself to Moses, and Moses responded with the respect and wonder that was demanded by his encounter with God (v.6). God’s awesome presence calls for quiet reverence and quintessential respect.
Wouldn’t it be great to say the word awesome and have people immediately realize that you are referring exclusively to God!
I enjoy pizza (preferably Chicago-style deep dish), but a large cheese and sausage does not inspire reverence. Sporting events are wonderful recreational pastimes, but they hardly demand wonder and respect.
God created the entire world from nothing, created humanity from the dust of the ground, breathed into man the breath of life, and brought salvation to undeserving sinners like us through Jesus Christ. Now, that’s AWESOME. —Marvin Williams
REFLECTION
• Do I remember the last time I trembled at the awesomeness of God?
• How will I let the knowledge of God transform my life today?
• In what way have I made the “sacred” common and the “holy” familiar?
Visions of God lead to reverence before God.
campus journal
Saturday, January 18, 2003
Peaceful Snowfall
By Lisandrea Wentland
Suddenly, I have something more in common with my neighbors, as we joyfully accept a free day off of work and a fleeting struggle against nature.
The most lovely winter snow has fallen in layers of light, wet and ice across the state. Just when I was longing for my old New England, we received this New Year's gift. And, suddenly, I have something more in common with my neighbors, as we joyfully accept a free day off of work and a fleeting struggle against nature.
I've seen the unusual and the unexpected unite strangers, and it's phenomenal. People whose eyes never meet during their day-to-day neighboring find themselves reaching out in rare friendship to help one another. We saw this in the fall of 2001, as flags appeared in apartment windows, on tailgates and flapping proudly in rows at every car dealership in America.
On one wet, blustery day walking across my college campus, I peered out from under my grand, red golf umbrella to catch the eye of passersby, gazing at me from under their own coverings as well. Some attempted to hide from the wind and rain under textbooks, some under wretched and mangled miniature umbrellas, but all were smiling at the insanity of fighting against the storm as we sped to our classes or the parking lot. I remember appreciating our human bond as ethereal - complete strangers sharing the human condition in humorous receipt.
So it is again today with young brothers and sisters chasing each other around the yard, flinging packed snowballs in complete abandon. They laugh, scream, fall and express all of our feelings about this snow, this day, this opportunity.
Journalists and newscasters starve for images to help us etch these memories into our minds. The television carries nothing but storm reports, interviews with men and women in line at the airport, people scraping their ice-crusted windows, a man bent determinedly over his full grocery cart, forcing it through a parking lot obstacle course. Flakes of snow even remind some of the ash that fell day after day in the gaping hole of the world's capital, New York City.
We work against these storms of life, looking for miracles to sustain us. We need these blankets of snow and strength to cover our yards and our national heartache. We long for this human commonness to grow and heal us. Pray that today brings signs of newness - coming miracles and surprises in layers of peace, joy and love.
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you (Isaiah 42:9).
cbn
By Lisandrea Wentland
Suddenly, I have something more in common with my neighbors, as we joyfully accept a free day off of work and a fleeting struggle against nature.
The most lovely winter snow has fallen in layers of light, wet and ice across the state. Just when I was longing for my old New England, we received this New Year's gift. And, suddenly, I have something more in common with my neighbors, as we joyfully accept a free day off of work and a fleeting struggle against nature.
I've seen the unusual and the unexpected unite strangers, and it's phenomenal. People whose eyes never meet during their day-to-day neighboring find themselves reaching out in rare friendship to help one another. We saw this in the fall of 2001, as flags appeared in apartment windows, on tailgates and flapping proudly in rows at every car dealership in America.
On one wet, blustery day walking across my college campus, I peered out from under my grand, red golf umbrella to catch the eye of passersby, gazing at me from under their own coverings as well. Some attempted to hide from the wind and rain under textbooks, some under wretched and mangled miniature umbrellas, but all were smiling at the insanity of fighting against the storm as we sped to our classes or the parking lot. I remember appreciating our human bond as ethereal - complete strangers sharing the human condition in humorous receipt.
So it is again today with young brothers and sisters chasing each other around the yard, flinging packed snowballs in complete abandon. They laugh, scream, fall and express all of our feelings about this snow, this day, this opportunity.
Journalists and newscasters starve for images to help us etch these memories into our minds. The television carries nothing but storm reports, interviews with men and women in line at the airport, people scraping their ice-crusted windows, a man bent determinedly over his full grocery cart, forcing it through a parking lot obstacle course. Flakes of snow even remind some of the ash that fell day after day in the gaping hole of the world's capital, New York City.
We work against these storms of life, looking for miracles to sustain us. We need these blankets of snow and strength to cover our yards and our national heartache. We long for this human commonness to grow and heal us. Pray that today brings signs of newness - coming miracles and surprises in layers of peace, joy and love.
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you (Isaiah 42:9).
cbn
Dreams
By Ellen Prohaska
To find our own dreams fulfilled we must become the kind of person who can encourage others in their dreams.
Recently I had the opportunity to hear an out of town speaker. This gifted anointed teacher/speaker talked about dreams. God places dreams within us. Our dreams or deep desires are part of His plan for our lives. He gives us dreams and no one can take them away. However, we have a vital part if they are to be fulfilled. Using the life of Joseph (Gen. 27) she took us through four steps that are essential to our dreams becoming a reality.
I was concerned that I didn't have a pen or pencil to take notes. I saw a friend across the room was taking notes and decided to ask her if I could get a copy. Now I realize that not having a pen was a great thing because I really got the information into my spirit. I needed to hear this word for my own life and, as I listened I thought of others that I wanted to hear this.
It was the beginning of some very unusual happenings for me. That night I was talking on the telephone to a friend who had recently been laid-off from work. I found myself giving her a complete run through of this short teaching on your dreams. She listened attentively and then said, "you really did a good job of repeating this for me." I knew I had been excited when hearing it; now I realized how excited I was about wanting to share it with others.
A few days later I had the opportunity to again repeat this teaching to one of the teens at church. He stood there ignoring all the distractions and listened intently. Then he said, "Thank you, I needed to hear that."
On Sunday I visited a friend's church. I had never been there before and knew only the couple who had invited me. During the service a couple was asked to come forward for prayer. It seemed that some work they had undertaken wasn't coming together successfully. Once again I was seeing those who were struggling with the death of their dreams. I visited with several people after the service, but didn't see this couple. As I was walking to my car I was thinking about the four points. I started to pull out of my parking space when they walked up to the car beside me. So I stopped and got out and asked if I could share something with them. Once again I found this teaching bubbling out of me and meeting a very current need. What a blessing!
I realized that my wish for others to hear this message was being fulfilled -- just not in the way I thought. By now I suppose you are wondering what those four steps are. In summary they are:
1. Hold unto your dream
2. Practice your dream
3. Sow into other people's dreams
4. Forgive
To find our own dreams fulfilled we must become the kind of person who can encourage others in their dreams. When someone shares a hope or dream with us, we need to understand that it is a fragile thing we have been entrusted with. We can help give life or death by the words we speak. Be an encourager! Live out your dreams and remind others that God is faithful to perform what he has promised.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6 KJV
cbn
By Ellen Prohaska
To find our own dreams fulfilled we must become the kind of person who can encourage others in their dreams.
Recently I had the opportunity to hear an out of town speaker. This gifted anointed teacher/speaker talked about dreams. God places dreams within us. Our dreams or deep desires are part of His plan for our lives. He gives us dreams and no one can take them away. However, we have a vital part if they are to be fulfilled. Using the life of Joseph (Gen. 27) she took us through four steps that are essential to our dreams becoming a reality.
I was concerned that I didn't have a pen or pencil to take notes. I saw a friend across the room was taking notes and decided to ask her if I could get a copy. Now I realize that not having a pen was a great thing because I really got the information into my spirit. I needed to hear this word for my own life and, as I listened I thought of others that I wanted to hear this.
It was the beginning of some very unusual happenings for me. That night I was talking on the telephone to a friend who had recently been laid-off from work. I found myself giving her a complete run through of this short teaching on your dreams. She listened attentively and then said, "you really did a good job of repeating this for me." I knew I had been excited when hearing it; now I realized how excited I was about wanting to share it with others.
A few days later I had the opportunity to again repeat this teaching to one of the teens at church. He stood there ignoring all the distractions and listened intently. Then he said, "Thank you, I needed to hear that."
On Sunday I visited a friend's church. I had never been there before and knew only the couple who had invited me. During the service a couple was asked to come forward for prayer. It seemed that some work they had undertaken wasn't coming together successfully. Once again I was seeing those who were struggling with the death of their dreams. I visited with several people after the service, but didn't see this couple. As I was walking to my car I was thinking about the four points. I started to pull out of my parking space when they walked up to the car beside me. So I stopped and got out and asked if I could share something with them. Once again I found this teaching bubbling out of me and meeting a very current need. What a blessing!
I realized that my wish for others to hear this message was being fulfilled -- just not in the way I thought. By now I suppose you are wondering what those four steps are. In summary they are:
1. Hold unto your dream
2. Practice your dream
3. Sow into other people's dreams
4. Forgive
To find our own dreams fulfilled we must become the kind of person who can encourage others in their dreams. When someone shares a hope or dream with us, we need to understand that it is a fragile thing we have been entrusted with. We can help give life or death by the words we speak. Be an encourager! Live out your dreams and remind others that God is faithful to perform what he has promised.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6 KJV
cbn
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
The Lifter of My Head
By Pat Young
Thou O lord, art a shield about me, you're my glory and the lifter of my head … hallelujah … you're my glory and the lifter of my head.
Have you ever noticed while attending to your daily business that you are walking with your head hanging down? I have caught myself several times hanging my head as I walk, and it is not a good feeling. During those times I am in deep thought, discouraged, or full of worry. You actually feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Thank God, I am quickly reminded of His word:
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head (Psalm 3:3).
Another reason that it is not wise to walk with your head down is the fact that you may walk into someone or something! There is one more point I would like to mention. It is the importance of holding your head up when someone is talking to you. I tell my daughter quite often, "honey child, look up, and give me eye to eye contact when we are talking. Look at my nose if it helps you." I am trying to instill confidence in her now while she is young. I stress to her the importance of knowing who she is in Christ and as an individual. Another scripture that encourages me as a child of God is:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1,2).
When problems arise and the cares of this world are attacking us, remember that God is in control. We can stand tall, throw our shoulders back, and hold our heads up in confidence knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Very often, a song rings in my heart. It is a part of Psalm 3:3.
Thou O lord, art a shield about me, you're my glory and the lifter of my head … hallelujah … you're my glory and the lifter of my head.
It ministers to me at the time I need it most. That is how God works. He meets us where we are. He loves us so much, that He gives us a song or a scripture to encourage us along life's way. He truly is the glory and the lifter of our heads!
cbn
By Pat Young
Thou O lord, art a shield about me, you're my glory and the lifter of my head … hallelujah … you're my glory and the lifter of my head.
Have you ever noticed while attending to your daily business that you are walking with your head hanging down? I have caught myself several times hanging my head as I walk, and it is not a good feeling. During those times I am in deep thought, discouraged, or full of worry. You actually feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Thank God, I am quickly reminded of His word:
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head (Psalm 3:3).
Another reason that it is not wise to walk with your head down is the fact that you may walk into someone or something! There is one more point I would like to mention. It is the importance of holding your head up when someone is talking to you. I tell my daughter quite often, "honey child, look up, and give me eye to eye contact when we are talking. Look at my nose if it helps you." I am trying to instill confidence in her now while she is young. I stress to her the importance of knowing who she is in Christ and as an individual. Another scripture that encourages me as a child of God is:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1,2).
When problems arise and the cares of this world are attacking us, remember that God is in control. We can stand tall, throw our shoulders back, and hold our heads up in confidence knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Very often, a song rings in my heart. It is a part of Psalm 3:3.
Thou O lord, art a shield about me, you're my glory and the lifter of my head … hallelujah … you're my glory and the lifter of my head.
It ministers to me at the time I need it most. That is how God works. He meets us where we are. He loves us so much, that He gives us a song or a scripture to encourage us along life's way. He truly is the glory and the lifter of our heads!
cbn
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
How Do You Know it's Real?
By Aaron Bull
No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
I'm sure this has been discussed, debated, preached, or what have you since the dawn of time. I've had many conversations with others for years about it. The question is, "how can you rely on something that you can't see?"
What a great question!
A while back, while tying up loose ends before leaving my old job and returning to CBN, I was having a conversation with a dear friend of mine. She had a discussion with someone who asked her how she could have faith. She couldn't see it. She couldn't touch it. She certainly couldn't taste it, hear it, etc… I don't remember if she was stumped by the question or not, but I have to admit that when she shared this with me I wondered how I would answer that question. Even though I've been a Christian since I was a young kid, I have to admit that, at first, I struggled with my answer. Then, as I was listening to her, I quickly asked God how I could best serve Him with my answer when and if this question was asked of me..
Then some things came to mind. Have you ever told someone that you would see them tomorrow while leaving your place of business? Have you ever decided to start and grow a savings account, a retirement fund, or a college fund? Have you ever waved goodbye to a loved one as they stepped on a plane while anticipating their arrival? Have you ever wondered if you would have your next breath? I'll bet you have. There are countless examples.
Why do we expect each of those issues to come to a conclusion? Why do we not only expect, but are usually certain, that each of those issues and more will occur when they are supposed to? No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
Don't believe me? Let's go back to my prior examples. You have faith that you will return to your office tomorrow. You have faith that your retirement fund will grow, not counting the last year or so in the market of course. You have faith that your loved one will return when they go on vacation, a business trip, or whatever. You have faith that you will be here tomorrow, whether or not you are heading to work. I'm pretty certain you are breathing while reading this.
Why shouldn't we expect each of these to happen? They are the logical conclusions to each of the scenarios, and more, that I presented. However, the Bible does not promise tomorrow.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).
The only absolute promise that we have is that God loves us no matter what we've done. He's proved it time and time again with countless examples. The easiest and most known example is that of John 3:16. Just in case you've forgotten it:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
He DOES NOT promise tomorrow, but what He does promise is His love and redemption for each of us.
As to faith, it only takes a little, a smidgen, a tiny bit. Every one of us has at least a little bit of faith. Otherwise we wouldn't assume that we would return to work each weekday morning. Jesus talked about faith in Matthew 17:20:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Faith as small as a mustard seed -- that's an incredible example. Do you realize the size of a mustard seed and then the size that the tree or plant grows into!? If not, please check it out. I hope and pray your promise of tomorrow, your Father's love for you and your faith is based in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know that some of you don't believe in Jesus. If you don't I ask you to please re-evaluate where your faith is based. For those of you who do believe, it might be a good time to re-evaluate where you faith is rooted as well. Take that look and have faith that you will find it, because hint, hint, He promises that too in Proverbs 2:3-5.
cbn
By Aaron Bull
No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
I'm sure this has been discussed, debated, preached, or what have you since the dawn of time. I've had many conversations with others for years about it. The question is, "how can you rely on something that you can't see?"
What a great question!
A while back, while tying up loose ends before leaving my old job and returning to CBN, I was having a conversation with a dear friend of mine. She had a discussion with someone who asked her how she could have faith. She couldn't see it. She couldn't touch it. She certainly couldn't taste it, hear it, etc… I don't remember if she was stumped by the question or not, but I have to admit that when she shared this with me I wondered how I would answer that question. Even though I've been a Christian since I was a young kid, I have to admit that, at first, I struggled with my answer. Then, as I was listening to her, I quickly asked God how I could best serve Him with my answer when and if this question was asked of me..
Then some things came to mind. Have you ever told someone that you would see them tomorrow while leaving your place of business? Have you ever decided to start and grow a savings account, a retirement fund, or a college fund? Have you ever waved goodbye to a loved one as they stepped on a plane while anticipating their arrival? Have you ever wondered if you would have your next breath? I'll bet you have. There are countless examples.
Why do we expect each of those issues to come to a conclusion? Why do we not only expect, but are usually certain, that each of those issues and more will occur when they are supposed to? No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
Don't believe me? Let's go back to my prior examples. You have faith that you will return to your office tomorrow. You have faith that your retirement fund will grow, not counting the last year or so in the market of course. You have faith that your loved one will return when they go on vacation, a business trip, or whatever. You have faith that you will be here tomorrow, whether or not you are heading to work. I'm pretty certain you are breathing while reading this.
Why shouldn't we expect each of these to happen? They are the logical conclusions to each of the scenarios, and more, that I presented. However, the Bible does not promise tomorrow.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).
The only absolute promise that we have is that God loves us no matter what we've done. He's proved it time and time again with countless examples. The easiest and most known example is that of John 3:16. Just in case you've forgotten it:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
He DOES NOT promise tomorrow, but what He does promise is His love and redemption for each of us.
As to faith, it only takes a little, a smidgen, a tiny bit. Every one of us has at least a little bit of faith. Otherwise we wouldn't assume that we would return to work each weekday morning. Jesus talked about faith in Matthew 17:20:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Faith as small as a mustard seed -- that's an incredible example. Do you realize the size of a mustard seed and then the size that the tree or plant grows into!? If not, please check it out. I hope and pray your promise of tomorrow, your Father's love for you and your faith is based in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know that some of you don't believe in Jesus. If you don't I ask you to please re-evaluate where your faith is based. For those of you who do believe, it might be a good time to re-evaluate where you faith is rooted as well. Take that look and have faith that you will find it, because hint, hint, He promises that too in Proverbs 2:3-5.
cbn
Monday, January 13, 2003
Today's scripture is Romans 8:15
"For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption--the Spirit producing sonship--in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba! [That is,] Father!"
In the New Testament there's a Greek word for father-- Abba. The most accurate translation for that word in English is Daddy. It's a word that signifies closeness. It speaks of a relationship that's been developed through time spent together.
Growing up, my father was sometimes my Father and sometimes my Daddy. When we were out duck hunting, he was Daddy. When he gave commands he meant to be obeyed instantly, he was Father.
God is like that too. He's your Father and He's your Daddy. There are times you'll be very serious and down to business with one another. Other times you'll be more lighthearted. But either way, once you fellowship with Him enough to get to know Him, I guarantee, you'll want to be close to Him all the time.
bible shack
"For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption--the Spirit producing sonship--in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba! [That is,] Father!"
In the New Testament there's a Greek word for father-- Abba. The most accurate translation for that word in English is Daddy. It's a word that signifies closeness. It speaks of a relationship that's been developed through time spent together.
Growing up, my father was sometimes my Father and sometimes my Daddy. When we were out duck hunting, he was Daddy. When he gave commands he meant to be obeyed instantly, he was Father.
God is like that too. He's your Father and He's your Daddy. There are times you'll be very serious and down to business with one another. Other times you'll be more lighthearted. But either way, once you fellowship with Him enough to get to know Him, I guarantee, you'll want to be close to Him all the time.
bible shack
Sunday, January 12, 2003
Cut Down To Size
Read: James 4:1-12
I say . . . to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. —Romans 12:3
A man who had just been elected to the British Parliament brought his family to London. He felt important as he told them about his new job and gave them a tour of the city. When they entered Westminster Abbey, his 8-year-old daughter was awestruck by the size of that magnificent structure. Her proud father asked, "What, my dear, are you thinking about?" She replied, "Daddy, I was just thinking about how big you are in our house, but how small you look here!"
Without knowing it, that little girl said something her father needed to hear. Pride can creep into our lives so easily, and from time to time it's good to be "cut down to size." We need to be reminded not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (Romans 12:3). It's easy to become proud when we stay in our own little circles of life. But when we are thrust into larger situations, with increased demands, pressures, and competition, we come to the shocking realization that "big fish in small ponds" shrink quickly in a large ocean.
James said, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (4:6). So let's ask the Lord to help us see ourselves as we really are. With His help, we'll learn to rid ourselves of foolish pride. —Richard De Haan
Help us, O Lord, lest our heart become proud,
For all of our talents by You are endowed;
Nothing we have can we claim as our own—
What mercy and grace in our life You have shown! —D. De Haan
Those who know God will be humble; those who know themselves cannot be proud.
daily bread
Read: James 4:1-12
I say . . . to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. —Romans 12:3
A man who had just been elected to the British Parliament brought his family to London. He felt important as he told them about his new job and gave them a tour of the city. When they entered Westminster Abbey, his 8-year-old daughter was awestruck by the size of that magnificent structure. Her proud father asked, "What, my dear, are you thinking about?" She replied, "Daddy, I was just thinking about how big you are in our house, but how small you look here!"
Without knowing it, that little girl said something her father needed to hear. Pride can creep into our lives so easily, and from time to time it's good to be "cut down to size." We need to be reminded not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (Romans 12:3). It's easy to become proud when we stay in our own little circles of life. But when we are thrust into larger situations, with increased demands, pressures, and competition, we come to the shocking realization that "big fish in small ponds" shrink quickly in a large ocean.
James said, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (4:6). So let's ask the Lord to help us see ourselves as we really are. With His help, we'll learn to rid ourselves of foolish pride. —Richard De Haan
Help us, O Lord, lest our heart become proud,
For all of our talents by You are endowed;
Nothing we have can we claim as our own—
What mercy and grace in our life You have shown! —D. De Haan
Those who know God will be humble; those who know themselves cannot be proud.
daily bread
Saturday, January 11, 2003
Today's scripture is Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Be not conformed to this world. If you live like the world, you'll be overcome by the world. It's as simple as that. So don't let the world squeeze you into its own mold.
Instead..."be transformed" by the entire renewal of your mind. Overcome the world by having your mind transformed to think like God thinks. In other words, when you see something in the Word, say, "I agree with that. From now on I'm acting on that instead of what I used to think." For example, when sin calls your name, don't answer. Agree with the Word instead and say, "I'm dead to that, Devil. You can't pull me into it anymore!"
As you do that, you'll find yourself changing. You will find yourself living like a world overcomer!
bible shack
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Be not conformed to this world. If you live like the world, you'll be overcome by the world. It's as simple as that. So don't let the world squeeze you into its own mold.
Instead..."be transformed" by the entire renewal of your mind. Overcome the world by having your mind transformed to think like God thinks. In other words, when you see something in the Word, say, "I agree with that. From now on I'm acting on that instead of what I used to think." For example, when sin calls your name, don't answer. Agree with the Word instead and say, "I'm dead to that, Devil. You can't pull me into it anymore!"
As you do that, you'll find yourself changing. You will find yourself living like a world overcomer!
bible shack
Impetuous Peter and Me…
By Gail Casteen
When Jesus restored the ear of the soldier at His arrest, He changed the lives of two men forever.
Imagine facing the worst event of your life, knowing exactly what is coming and how very difficult it will be. Now imagine while struggling through that dark moment, helping a foe and a friend in one selfless move. It is hard to fathom, but it happened and is well documented.
It was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had been betrayed with a kiss and was being led away into the night to stand a mockery of a trial. In his best effort to protect his Messiah, Peter pulled his sword and severed the ear from the head of a soldier. Then Jesus made a highly unpredictable move. He touched and healed the man's ear!
When Jesus restored the ear of the soldier at His arrest, He changed the lives of two men forever. Of course, being the man of compassion that He was, Jesus certainly saw this soldier suffering and in agony from such a brutal wound. Even though he was one of the 'bad guys,' the love and compassion of Jesus reached beyond what the man was doing to the fact that he was hurting and needed healing.
When I was a child I could not understand why Jesus would help someone who was there with the intention of hurting Him. I knew I could never be as loving and forgiving as Jesus, and was not certain I wanted to try. As an adult I am thankful for the grace and mercy He extends to me because as it turns out, I am the bad guy.
There was another man impacted by Jesus' action. Jesus courageously rescued Peter that night. There Peter stood, bloody weapon in his hand, somewhat frustrated that he had missed his mark -- the soldier's head. Yet, his pride was perhaps somewhat pacified by the fact that he had made a notable statement of his allegiance to the Lord. He was more than willing to fight the bad guy to protect Jesus.
Between the moment he struck and when Jesus restored the man's ear, he realized the consequences he would have to pay for that action. He probably saw what Jesus did for him the instant it happened. When Jesus healed the soldier's ear, the evidence that would have supported prosecution for the attempted murder of an officer of the law vanished. There would be no argument in court against Peter regarding that incident. He was acquitted before he was accused!
Much in the same way Peter did that night, I commit a punishable offense, yet Jesus steps in and by His power and love removes the evidence. It is after I have done the damage that I see His action on my behalf has removed the evidence against me. My slate has been cleaned by the work of Jesus' blood.
In Lamentations 3: 21-23 the Bible says,
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
I hear Jesus' voice ringing in my head and heart, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." Here I stand, undeserving, wrong, yet loved completely. He reaches out with compassion and mercy to heal my ear. Now, I can hear His message of love and life designed to restore and renew someone like me. When I am called to step up to the Judge's bench, there will be no evidence to hold against me. "Just as if I had never sinned."
cbn
By Gail Casteen
When Jesus restored the ear of the soldier at His arrest, He changed the lives of two men forever.
Imagine facing the worst event of your life, knowing exactly what is coming and how very difficult it will be. Now imagine while struggling through that dark moment, helping a foe and a friend in one selfless move. It is hard to fathom, but it happened and is well documented.
It was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had been betrayed with a kiss and was being led away into the night to stand a mockery of a trial. In his best effort to protect his Messiah, Peter pulled his sword and severed the ear from the head of a soldier. Then Jesus made a highly unpredictable move. He touched and healed the man's ear!
When Jesus restored the ear of the soldier at His arrest, He changed the lives of two men forever. Of course, being the man of compassion that He was, Jesus certainly saw this soldier suffering and in agony from such a brutal wound. Even though he was one of the 'bad guys,' the love and compassion of Jesus reached beyond what the man was doing to the fact that he was hurting and needed healing.
When I was a child I could not understand why Jesus would help someone who was there with the intention of hurting Him. I knew I could never be as loving and forgiving as Jesus, and was not certain I wanted to try. As an adult I am thankful for the grace and mercy He extends to me because as it turns out, I am the bad guy.
There was another man impacted by Jesus' action. Jesus courageously rescued Peter that night. There Peter stood, bloody weapon in his hand, somewhat frustrated that he had missed his mark -- the soldier's head. Yet, his pride was perhaps somewhat pacified by the fact that he had made a notable statement of his allegiance to the Lord. He was more than willing to fight the bad guy to protect Jesus.
Between the moment he struck and when Jesus restored the man's ear, he realized the consequences he would have to pay for that action. He probably saw what Jesus did for him the instant it happened. When Jesus healed the soldier's ear, the evidence that would have supported prosecution for the attempted murder of an officer of the law vanished. There would be no argument in court against Peter regarding that incident. He was acquitted before he was accused!
Much in the same way Peter did that night, I commit a punishable offense, yet Jesus steps in and by His power and love removes the evidence. It is after I have done the damage that I see His action on my behalf has removed the evidence against me. My slate has been cleaned by the work of Jesus' blood.
In Lamentations 3: 21-23 the Bible says,
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
I hear Jesus' voice ringing in my head and heart, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." Here I stand, undeserving, wrong, yet loved completely. He reaches out with compassion and mercy to heal my ear. Now, I can hear His message of love and life designed to restore and renew someone like me. When I am called to step up to the Judge's bench, there will be no evidence to hold against me. "Just as if I had never sinned."
cbn
Thursday, January 09, 2003
Finding The Truth
Read: Colossians 2:1-12
As you therefore have received Christ . . . , so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. —Colossians 2:6-7
How would you answer the following questions:
1. Did Jesus ever sin?
2. Was Jesus resurrected?
3. Do all religions teach the same basic ideas?
According to George Barna and Mark Hatch in their book Boiling Point, many people who call themselves Christians have a hard time with questions like these. When Barna and Hatch surveyed professing believers, one-fourth said Jesus committed sins, one-third said He did not rise from the dead, and one-third said all religions are basically the same.
These are troubling statistics, for they reveal a serious lack of biblical understanding. The answers to the questions above are concepts that are clearly defined in Scripture and are foundational to the truth of the gospel.
So, what can we do to make sure that we are "established in the faith"? (Colossians 2:7). First, we must dedicate ourselves to read and study the Bible. Second, we should seek the help of godly teachers and dependable resources. Third, we must ask God to lead us to truth and to keep us from error.
As God's people, we must love the truth, look for the truth, and live by the truth. —Dave Branon
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Jesus didn't sin: 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 1:19; 2:22.
Jesus was resurrected: John 20-21; 1 Cor. 15:1-20.
Jesus is the only way to God: John 14:6; Acts 4:12.
Truth is not determined by how many people believe it.
daily bread
Read: Colossians 2:1-12
As you therefore have received Christ . . . , so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. —Colossians 2:6-7
How would you answer the following questions:
1. Did Jesus ever sin?
2. Was Jesus resurrected?
3. Do all religions teach the same basic ideas?
According to George Barna and Mark Hatch in their book Boiling Point, many people who call themselves Christians have a hard time with questions like these. When Barna and Hatch surveyed professing believers, one-fourth said Jesus committed sins, one-third said He did not rise from the dead, and one-third said all religions are basically the same.
These are troubling statistics, for they reveal a serious lack of biblical understanding. The answers to the questions above are concepts that are clearly defined in Scripture and are foundational to the truth of the gospel.
So, what can we do to make sure that we are "established in the faith"? (Colossians 2:7). First, we must dedicate ourselves to read and study the Bible. Second, we should seek the help of godly teachers and dependable resources. Third, we must ask God to lead us to truth and to keep us from error.
As God's people, we must love the truth, look for the truth, and live by the truth. —Dave Branon
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Jesus didn't sin: 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 1:19; 2:22.
Jesus was resurrected: John 20-21; 1 Cor. 15:1-20.
Jesus is the only way to God: John 14:6; Acts 4:12.
Truth is not determined by how many people believe it.
daily bread
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Breaking Through The News
By Cathy Irvin
Do you like to pray but run out of things to pray for after 5 or 10 minutes? Do you want to start a prayer ministry in your home? How about inviting your neighbors together to pray for the needs in the newspaper?
Looking to start an "out of the box" ministry? I have an idea for you.
Recently I subscribed to the newspaper. Usually I scan it for pertinent information. I keep saying that I don't want all this negative, bad news. The only reason I started the newspaper was because they offered me a good deal. Suddenly it hit me why I really ordered it. It wasn't the low cost. It was the need to pray for what is happening both on a local and worldwide level.
One situation that really alarmed me was the news concerning a young 24 year old woman who jumped off the bridge after she drowned her children? The children were found lying side by side in the bed. We say "Oh God why?" I know prayer won't change the situation but I could not help but weep for the husband/father, the girl's parents and friends who were left behind.
I can pray that someone will be more sensitive to hear those silent cries. I can pray that those despondent people will open up and share their feelings. They need to talk to someone before it comes to ending lives. I wish she had asked someone to take her children in order to give them a chance. These poor children did not have a say in the matter. As a great grandmother, I cried when I saw their little faces in the paper.
Yet we must ask God what we can do to prevent these kinds of things from happening. We need to know our neighbors. Perhaps we can ask God to help us to be sensitive if we see a young single mother with children. We can ask them if they need any help, like cooking a meal or watching their children for them to have a break.
As I continued to read in the newspaper, I saw many of the decisions our President has to make every single day. They were BIG decisions and I know he needs God's wisdom each and every day. These are crucial times.
Now back to my suggestion for an "out of the box" ministry. Do you like to pray but run out of things to pray for after 5 or 10 minutes? Do you want to start a prayer ministry in your home?
Here's the idea. How about inviting your neighbors together to pray for the needs in the newspaper? You can pray for those missing children you read about so they can be found, pray for people starving in other lands to get the resources they need, or any other thing that the Lord shows you to pray for. It is a good way to get involved. Everyone in your group can bring their paper and pick out a certain article to pray about. It is even more effective if, as the host, you make a pot of coffee or set out some juice. An example of what you could call yourselves is the Sun Risers or Night Watchers, depending upon what time of day you have it.
In order to make this a two-fold purpose, you can organize a potluck dinner once a month or every other month. Not only will you be ministering to the needs in the newspaper, developing awesome relationships with your neighbors who have joined your prayer group, but you could reach out to those in need around you.
You might want to send out invitations to those that don't attend your newspaper ministry club, especially the single mother, the elderly, and the widow. You can make a bulletin board with prayer requests and have them add a name or a prayer need. Make it simple. This way you get to know your neighbors and can pray for them.
Call your neighbors on the right and left and give them your phone number in case they need you. If we know our own community, we can be on the lookout for any serious problems. Someone may call and say they are depressed. You can comfort them. The widow may be lonely and you could offer a visit or a call. We may help someone we know from becoming a victim in the newspaper. The vision of this ministry is to see "a break though in the news!" With God's help, you can do it.
He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Luke 10:2).
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
Do you like to pray but run out of things to pray for after 5 or 10 minutes? Do you want to start a prayer ministry in your home? How about inviting your neighbors together to pray for the needs in the newspaper?
Looking to start an "out of the box" ministry? I have an idea for you.
Recently I subscribed to the newspaper. Usually I scan it for pertinent information. I keep saying that I don't want all this negative, bad news. The only reason I started the newspaper was because they offered me a good deal. Suddenly it hit me why I really ordered it. It wasn't the low cost. It was the need to pray for what is happening both on a local and worldwide level.
One situation that really alarmed me was the news concerning a young 24 year old woman who jumped off the bridge after she drowned her children? The children were found lying side by side in the bed. We say "Oh God why?" I know prayer won't change the situation but I could not help but weep for the husband/father, the girl's parents and friends who were left behind.
I can pray that someone will be more sensitive to hear those silent cries. I can pray that those despondent people will open up and share their feelings. They need to talk to someone before it comes to ending lives. I wish she had asked someone to take her children in order to give them a chance. These poor children did not have a say in the matter. As a great grandmother, I cried when I saw their little faces in the paper.
Yet we must ask God what we can do to prevent these kinds of things from happening. We need to know our neighbors. Perhaps we can ask God to help us to be sensitive if we see a young single mother with children. We can ask them if they need any help, like cooking a meal or watching their children for them to have a break.
As I continued to read in the newspaper, I saw many of the decisions our President has to make every single day. They were BIG decisions and I know he needs God's wisdom each and every day. These are crucial times.
Now back to my suggestion for an "out of the box" ministry. Do you like to pray but run out of things to pray for after 5 or 10 minutes? Do you want to start a prayer ministry in your home?
Here's the idea. How about inviting your neighbors together to pray for the needs in the newspaper? You can pray for those missing children you read about so they can be found, pray for people starving in other lands to get the resources they need, or any other thing that the Lord shows you to pray for. It is a good way to get involved. Everyone in your group can bring their paper and pick out a certain article to pray about. It is even more effective if, as the host, you make a pot of coffee or set out some juice. An example of what you could call yourselves is the Sun Risers or Night Watchers, depending upon what time of day you have it.
In order to make this a two-fold purpose, you can organize a potluck dinner once a month or every other month. Not only will you be ministering to the needs in the newspaper, developing awesome relationships with your neighbors who have joined your prayer group, but you could reach out to those in need around you.
You might want to send out invitations to those that don't attend your newspaper ministry club, especially the single mother, the elderly, and the widow. You can make a bulletin board with prayer requests and have them add a name or a prayer need. Make it simple. This way you get to know your neighbors and can pray for them.
Call your neighbors on the right and left and give them your phone number in case they need you. If we know our own community, we can be on the lookout for any serious problems. Someone may call and say they are depressed. You can comfort them. The widow may be lonely and you could offer a visit or a call. We may help someone we know from becoming a victim in the newspaper. The vision of this ministry is to see "a break though in the news!" With God's help, you can do it.
He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Luke 10:2).
cbn
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
Love In Action
By Ruth Waff
A helping hand talks so much louder than words sometimes. There are a lot of people, one may be sitting on the same bench than you on Sunday morning, who desperately need to see someone cares beyond a "hi" and "bye."
We had been going through some trying times, and this Sunday afternoon I was feeling somewhat discouraged. Our financial situation was not a pretty picture. And still… God has always been faithful, always come through, so why should I be downhearted?
We wanted to put the house up for sale and there were so many things needed to be done. Gutters needing fixing, walls and ceilings needing painting, the yard needing some serious work, and the list could go on and on. That's when the phone rang and a cheerful lady said, "We're having our small-group-meeting right now and we were wondering if you would like some help getting the house fixed up. We heard you were going to put it up for sale." I told her that would be wonderful.
On a Saturday morning a few weeks later, a group of 18-19 people of all ages were at our house ready to roll up their sleeves and work. And that they did! Our neighbors looked from a distance with amazement wondering whom all these people were. I personally felt an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and was totally blown away by the generosity. The pretty pansies planted by the pastor, his wife and several of the kids. The trimmed bushes and yard by Paul and his team. The garage door and front porch painted (along with some people's hair and neck!) by Rose, Shirley, Josh and so many others. The gutter fixed by Marvin and his gang. The ceiling and walls patched by Pete's handy-work. Pastor Harold even climbed up on the roof and gave the window-frames a touch-up. Believe me, the list is much longer than that.
When 2 PM came around, the house had experienced a major lift, and so had my spirit. It was much more than the windows that Leon worked on, or the pansies, or the gutter… it was the love that we had experienced. Unsolicited and unselfish action which expressed love. We felt embraced by our church family, knit together by love and care. I can't express how much those six hours impacted me, because words sometimes are not enough to convey feelings. I just know that we didn't feel alone in our struggle… God had sent loving people our way to show us that He was still in control and cared about our trivial burdens.
Maybe there's a single mom or an elderly person in your congregation who could use an encouragement. A helping hand talks so much louder than words sometimes. There are a lot of people, one may be sitting on the same bench than you on Sunday morning, who desperately need to see someone cares beyond a "hi" and "bye." As I thanked the wonderful team that blessed us so, I heard back, "it was so much fun, it did so much for our little group to do something like this together." That shows that as they gave, God blessed back, so we all got a share of His touch that day.
...by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35 NIV).
cbn
By Ruth Waff
A helping hand talks so much louder than words sometimes. There are a lot of people, one may be sitting on the same bench than you on Sunday morning, who desperately need to see someone cares beyond a "hi" and "bye."
We had been going through some trying times, and this Sunday afternoon I was feeling somewhat discouraged. Our financial situation was not a pretty picture. And still… God has always been faithful, always come through, so why should I be downhearted?
We wanted to put the house up for sale and there were so many things needed to be done. Gutters needing fixing, walls and ceilings needing painting, the yard needing some serious work, and the list could go on and on. That's when the phone rang and a cheerful lady said, "We're having our small-group-meeting right now and we were wondering if you would like some help getting the house fixed up. We heard you were going to put it up for sale." I told her that would be wonderful.
On a Saturday morning a few weeks later, a group of 18-19 people of all ages were at our house ready to roll up their sleeves and work. And that they did! Our neighbors looked from a distance with amazement wondering whom all these people were. I personally felt an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and was totally blown away by the generosity. The pretty pansies planted by the pastor, his wife and several of the kids. The trimmed bushes and yard by Paul and his team. The garage door and front porch painted (along with some people's hair and neck!) by Rose, Shirley, Josh and so many others. The gutter fixed by Marvin and his gang. The ceiling and walls patched by Pete's handy-work. Pastor Harold even climbed up on the roof and gave the window-frames a touch-up. Believe me, the list is much longer than that.
When 2 PM came around, the house had experienced a major lift, and so had my spirit. It was much more than the windows that Leon worked on, or the pansies, or the gutter… it was the love that we had experienced. Unsolicited and unselfish action which expressed love. We felt embraced by our church family, knit together by love and care. I can't express how much those six hours impacted me, because words sometimes are not enough to convey feelings. I just know that we didn't feel alone in our struggle… God had sent loving people our way to show us that He was still in control and cared about our trivial burdens.
Maybe there's a single mom or an elderly person in your congregation who could use an encouragement. A helping hand talks so much louder than words sometimes. There are a lot of people, one may be sitting on the same bench than you on Sunday morning, who desperately need to see someone cares beyond a "hi" and "bye." As I thanked the wonderful team that blessed us so, I heard back, "it was so much fun, it did so much for our little group to do something like this together." That shows that as they gave, God blessed back, so we all got a share of His touch that day.
...by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35 NIV).
cbn
Monday, January 06, 2003
Matthew 14
The Revelation of the King (Part 1)
CRISES ARE UNCOMFORTABLE. They force us to make painful decisions, even when we don't want to decide. In Matthew 14 Jesus places the disciples in tough situations where they must act on what they have learned about him. The focus shifts from parables about the kingdom to the identity of the king.
Warming Up to God
Teachers use tests during our school years. But tests are not limited to school; God also uses tests throughout our lives. How do you think you've been tested lately?
Read Matthew 14.
Discovering the Word
1. In verses 1-2 Herod speculates about Jesus' identity. What led him to believe that Jesus is John the Baptist (vv. 3-123)?
2. How is the feeding of the five thousand (vv. 13-21) a test for the disciples?
3. Herod and Jesus, the two kings in this passage, both serve banquets. What does each king's banquet reveal about his character and authority?
4. Imagine you are in the boat with the anxious disciples (vv. 22-26). Describe what you would see, hear and feel.
5. How is Peter's trying experience on the water a vivid picture of faith and doubt (vv. 28-31)?
Applying the Word
1. When are you most tempted to take your eyes off the Lord and to sink in doubt?
2. In verse 33 the disciples worship Jesus and declare, "Truly you are the Son of God." What do you see in this incident that leads you to worship Jesus?
3. How can these things help you to trust Jesus the next time you are tempted to doubt?
Responding in Prayer
Spend a few minutes worshiping Jesus, the Son of God.
inter varsity press
The Revelation of the King (Part 1)
CRISES ARE UNCOMFORTABLE. They force us to make painful decisions, even when we don't want to decide. In Matthew 14 Jesus places the disciples in tough situations where they must act on what they have learned about him. The focus shifts from parables about the kingdom to the identity of the king.
Warming Up to God
Teachers use tests during our school years. But tests are not limited to school; God also uses tests throughout our lives. How do you think you've been tested lately?
Read Matthew 14.
Discovering the Word
1. In verses 1-2 Herod speculates about Jesus' identity. What led him to believe that Jesus is John the Baptist (vv. 3-123)?
2. How is the feeding of the five thousand (vv. 13-21) a test for the disciples?
3. Herod and Jesus, the two kings in this passage, both serve banquets. What does each king's banquet reveal about his character and authority?
4. Imagine you are in the boat with the anxious disciples (vv. 22-26). Describe what you would see, hear and feel.
5. How is Peter's trying experience on the water a vivid picture of faith and doubt (vv. 28-31)?
Applying the Word
1. When are you most tempted to take your eyes off the Lord and to sink in doubt?
2. In verse 33 the disciples worship Jesus and declare, "Truly you are the Son of God." What do you see in this incident that leads you to worship Jesus?
3. How can these things help you to trust Jesus the next time you are tempted to doubt?
Responding in Prayer
Spend a few minutes worshiping Jesus, the Son of God.
inter varsity press
Sunday, January 05, 2003
What Are You Reading?
READ: Psalm 119:129-136
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
So, when you have time alone with God, do you always use Campus Journal? Did you know that you wouldn’t make us mad if you just skipped reading CJ and dug in to the Scriptures instead? (for one day anyway!).
After all, a devotional page might be irrelevant to what’s going on in your life. But the Bible never is! That’s because it’s a “living and active” Book that teaches us God’s principles, and gives us the guidance we need to live a life that is pleasing to Him (Hebrews 4:12).
If you’re still reading, here are some suggestions on where you can find guidance for your life today:
• If you’re afraid (Psalms 27; 91; 121; 139)
• If you want to be sure of eternal life (John 3)
• If you don’t feel like obeying God (book of Jonah)
• If you’re suffering (book of Job)
• If you’re sick (James 5)
• If you need some common sense (book of Proverbs)
• If you’re happy (Psalms 95-101)
• If you’re feeling guilty (Psalm 51)
• If you’re tempted to sin (1 Corinthians 10)
• If you need to make a decision (Proverbs 3; James 1)
• If you want to know what real love looks like (1 Corinthians 13)
• If you’re thinking about death (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 5)
• If you wonder about the world’s future (Matthew 24; 1 Timothy 4; book of Revelation)
• If you wonder about God’s power (Genesis 1; Exodus 1-15; Isaiah 40)
• If you’re wondering what being a follower of Jesus is all about (John 13-16)
Our spiritual life needs regular nourishment just as our physical bodies do. When Jesus was in the desert for 40 days without food, the devil came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus responded, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). We need God’s “food”!
Read the Bible every day. It’s the only way to keep your relationship with God strong and growing! —Cindy Kasper
REFLECTION
• My pattern for reading the Bible is: A few verses a day? A chapter or more a day? Follow a regular Bible-reading schedule? Don’t usually read the Bible every day. Rarely open my Bible except on Sunday.
• Can I identify anything in my pattern that needs to change? What will I do to make reading the Bible a priority?
Your reading matter matters to God.
campus journal
READ: Psalm 119:129-136
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
So, when you have time alone with God, do you always use Campus Journal? Did you know that you wouldn’t make us mad if you just skipped reading CJ and dug in to the Scriptures instead? (for one day anyway!).
After all, a devotional page might be irrelevant to what’s going on in your life. But the Bible never is! That’s because it’s a “living and active” Book that teaches us God’s principles, and gives us the guidance we need to live a life that is pleasing to Him (Hebrews 4:12).
If you’re still reading, here are some suggestions on where you can find guidance for your life today:
• If you’re afraid (Psalms 27; 91; 121; 139)
• If you want to be sure of eternal life (John 3)
• If you don’t feel like obeying God (book of Jonah)
• If you’re suffering (book of Job)
• If you’re sick (James 5)
• If you need some common sense (book of Proverbs)
• If you’re happy (Psalms 95-101)
• If you’re feeling guilty (Psalm 51)
• If you’re tempted to sin (1 Corinthians 10)
• If you need to make a decision (Proverbs 3; James 1)
• If you want to know what real love looks like (1 Corinthians 13)
• If you’re thinking about death (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 5)
• If you wonder about the world’s future (Matthew 24; 1 Timothy 4; book of Revelation)
• If you wonder about God’s power (Genesis 1; Exodus 1-15; Isaiah 40)
• If you’re wondering what being a follower of Jesus is all about (John 13-16)
Our spiritual life needs regular nourishment just as our physical bodies do. When Jesus was in the desert for 40 days without food, the devil came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus responded, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). We need God’s “food”!
Read the Bible every day. It’s the only way to keep your relationship with God strong and growing! —Cindy Kasper
REFLECTION
• My pattern for reading the Bible is: A few verses a day? A chapter or more a day? Follow a regular Bible-reading schedule? Don’t usually read the Bible every day. Rarely open my Bible except on Sunday.
• Can I identify anything in my pattern that needs to change? What will I do to make reading the Bible a priority?
Your reading matter matters to God.
campus journal
Saturday, January 04, 2003
What Time Is It Anyway?
By Cathy Irvin
It is a time to trust God and not a time to live in fear. It is time for revival to come into our hearts. This means to change the way we have lived.
We hear daily about the times in which we live. "What time is it anyway"? With all the terrorists in the land, it is " A Wake Up Call". Let me explain what that means to me in a nutshell. We have been doing our own thing for so long that is now God's time to do His.
It is a time for the things that God has on His agenda. One thing He wants is a time of seeking Him. This means we must look to God for the answers to our problems and not man's ideas on the matter.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God (Psalm 14:2).
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15).
I believe daybreak is coming after this dark hour and on the horizon the SON will shine as the noonday sun. He wants this to be a time of crying out for wisdom. The greatest thing we can ask the Lord for in these turbulent times is knowledge. We all need direction for the future of our land, our families, and our destiny's.
It is more than a time of war. It is a time to praise the living God. This sets confusion in the enemy's camp. It is not just the terrorists who are our enemies. The real enemy of this world is Satan. He is the one ruling the hearts of terrorists and he goes about seeking whom he can devour. He is using these people as a tool in his hands. They are like mere puppets.
I want you to know that it is a time to hear some Good News. Jesus is in control! Regardless of what it looks like, things are not always as they appear. God says so in His Word:
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; He hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy (Psalm 145:19-20).
It is a time to trust God and not a time to live in fear. It is time for revival to come into our hearts. This means to change the way we have lived. We have lived for ourselves and we need to live a life pleasing to God.
It is a time to pray! Does prayer really change things? We have heard about modern day revivals that have sprouted up across the land. Several years ago revival broke out in Brownsville, FL, Toronto, Canada, and Kansas City, MO. All of them are going on to this day. The one in Kansas City that originally started in Smithton, MO. had to move because of their growth. People are hungry for the Lord. God wants revival to be like wildfire in every city. America needs to wake up. Your destiny calls to you. It is time.
What time is it? It is time for Revival!
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
It is a time to trust God and not a time to live in fear. It is time for revival to come into our hearts. This means to change the way we have lived.
We hear daily about the times in which we live. "What time is it anyway"? With all the terrorists in the land, it is " A Wake Up Call". Let me explain what that means to me in a nutshell. We have been doing our own thing for so long that is now God's time to do His.
It is a time for the things that God has on His agenda. One thing He wants is a time of seeking Him. This means we must look to God for the answers to our problems and not man's ideas on the matter.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God (Psalm 14:2).
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15).
I believe daybreak is coming after this dark hour and on the horizon the SON will shine as the noonday sun. He wants this to be a time of crying out for wisdom. The greatest thing we can ask the Lord for in these turbulent times is knowledge. We all need direction for the future of our land, our families, and our destiny's.
It is more than a time of war. It is a time to praise the living God. This sets confusion in the enemy's camp. It is not just the terrorists who are our enemies. The real enemy of this world is Satan. He is the one ruling the hearts of terrorists and he goes about seeking whom he can devour. He is using these people as a tool in his hands. They are like mere puppets.
I want you to know that it is a time to hear some Good News. Jesus is in control! Regardless of what it looks like, things are not always as they appear. God says so in His Word:
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; He hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy (Psalm 145:19-20).
It is a time to trust God and not a time to live in fear. It is time for revival to come into our hearts. This means to change the way we have lived. We have lived for ourselves and we need to live a life pleasing to God.
It is a time to pray! Does prayer really change things? We have heard about modern day revivals that have sprouted up across the land. Several years ago revival broke out in Brownsville, FL, Toronto, Canada, and Kansas City, MO. All of them are going on to this day. The one in Kansas City that originally started in Smithton, MO. had to move because of their growth. People are hungry for the Lord. God wants revival to be like wildfire in every city. America needs to wake up. Your destiny calls to you. It is time.
What time is it? It is time for Revival!
cbn
Every Step Counts
Read: Genesis 5:21-6:9
Enoch walked with God. —Genesis 5:24
People who want to feel better, reduce stress, and shed unwanted pounds are discovering that walking may be the best exercise of all. A fitness philosophy of 10,000 steps a day, which first took hold in Japan, is gaining popularity in other countries. Experts advise starting slowly and working toward a higher goal, realizing each day that every step counts.
It's even more important to stay spiritually fit by "walking with God," which the Bible describes as an intimate, growing relationship with the Lord. "Enoch walked with God three hundred years" (Genesis 5:22). "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God" (6:9). Both men are mentioned in Hebrews 11, where they are commended for their faith. "Enoch . . . had this testimony, that he pleased God" (v.5). "Noah . . . became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (v.7).
To walk with God, we need to keep in step without running ahead or lagging behind. Along the way, we talk with the Lord, listen to Him, and enjoy His presence. We trust His guidance when we cannot see what lies ahead. It is not just the destination that's important, but the journey we take together.
There's no better time than now to begin walking with God, because each day every step counts. —David McCasland
Knowing God will take a lifetime,
Walking with Him day by day,
Learning all we can about Him,
Loving Him in every way. —Sper
You are headed in the right direction when you walk with God.
daily bread
Read: Genesis 5:21-6:9
Enoch walked with God. —Genesis 5:24
People who want to feel better, reduce stress, and shed unwanted pounds are discovering that walking may be the best exercise of all. A fitness philosophy of 10,000 steps a day, which first took hold in Japan, is gaining popularity in other countries. Experts advise starting slowly and working toward a higher goal, realizing each day that every step counts.
It's even more important to stay spiritually fit by "walking with God," which the Bible describes as an intimate, growing relationship with the Lord. "Enoch walked with God three hundred years" (Genesis 5:22). "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God" (6:9). Both men are mentioned in Hebrews 11, where they are commended for their faith. "Enoch . . . had this testimony, that he pleased God" (v.5). "Noah . . . became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (v.7).
To walk with God, we need to keep in step without running ahead or lagging behind. Along the way, we talk with the Lord, listen to Him, and enjoy His presence. We trust His guidance when we cannot see what lies ahead. It is not just the destination that's important, but the journey we take together.
There's no better time than now to begin walking with God, because each day every step counts. —David McCasland
Knowing God will take a lifetime,
Walking with Him day by day,
Learning all we can about Him,
Loving Him in every way. —Sper
You are headed in the right direction when you walk with God.
daily bread
Thursday, January 02, 2003
Will We Pass The Test?
Read: Genesis 3:1-19
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, . . . she took of its fruit and ate. —Genesis 3:6
Coyotes can't resist a tasty sheep dinner. That's why a number of years ago researchers experimented with about 500 different chemicals to develop a solution to spray on sheep that would make them "coyote proof." A compound that tasted like spicy hot sauce offered the most promise.
Scientists theorized that if the tests were successful, coyotes might lose their taste for sheep. If that were to happen, the temptation that makes coyotes a public nuisance in sheep country would be gone, and man would become the wild dog's best friend.
Sometimes I wonder why God didn't do something like that in the Garden of Eden. Why didn't He make the tree of the knowledge of good and evil bear ugly fruit? Why didn't He surround it with a chain-link fence with barbed wire at the top? Why did God even create the tree in the first place? Part of the answer, I believe, is that temptation to do evil brought Adam and Eve face to face with the ultimate moral question: Would they show confidence in their Creator and lovingly obey Him with all their heart?
We face a similar test every day. What are we going to do? Will we flunk the test? Or will we trust God completely and obey His commands? —Mart De Haan II
Along life's road are obstacles—
Our choice becomes a test;
Help us, O Lord, to know Your way
That we may choose what's best. —D. De Haan
Every temptation is an opportunity to trust God.
daily bread
Read: Genesis 3:1-19
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, . . . she took of its fruit and ate. —Genesis 3:6
Coyotes can't resist a tasty sheep dinner. That's why a number of years ago researchers experimented with about 500 different chemicals to develop a solution to spray on sheep that would make them "coyote proof." A compound that tasted like spicy hot sauce offered the most promise.
Scientists theorized that if the tests were successful, coyotes might lose their taste for sheep. If that were to happen, the temptation that makes coyotes a public nuisance in sheep country would be gone, and man would become the wild dog's best friend.
Sometimes I wonder why God didn't do something like that in the Garden of Eden. Why didn't He make the tree of the knowledge of good and evil bear ugly fruit? Why didn't He surround it with a chain-link fence with barbed wire at the top? Why did God even create the tree in the first place? Part of the answer, I believe, is that temptation to do evil brought Adam and Eve face to face with the ultimate moral question: Would they show confidence in their Creator and lovingly obey Him with all their heart?
We face a similar test every day. What are we going to do? Will we flunk the test? Or will we trust God completely and obey His commands? —Mart De Haan II
Along life's road are obstacles—
Our choice becomes a test;
Help us, O Lord, to know Your way
That we may choose what's best. —D. De Haan
Every temptation is an opportunity to trust God.
daily bread
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
New Year's Celebrations
Read: Psalm 31:14-24
I trust in You, O Lord . . . . My times are in Your hand. —Psalm 31:14-15
I don't know what your family does to bring in the new year, but it's celebrated in many different ways around the world.
In Japan, people dress in new clothes and decorate their houses with bamboo and pine branches—symbols of long life.
In Scotland, groups of friends or families get together for dinner at a host's house and exchange gifts soon after midnight.
In Greece, the children leave shoes by the fireplace, hoping St. Basil will fill them with gifts.
For many years, my wife and I have spent New Year's Eve with friends, eating dinner together, playing games, and enjoying good conversation. As midnight approaches, we read from the Bible and pray. We thank God for the year that has passed, and we ask Him to use us to accomplish His will in our troubled, suffering world in the year ahead.
The times and seasons and years, including this new year, are in God's hand (Psalm 31:15). As Christians, we have nothing to fear, for God's goodness is great (v.19). We can walk with Christ each day and join the psalmist in saying, "As for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God' " (v.14). —Dave Egner
God will never fail us, He will not forsake;
His eternal covenant He will never break,
Resting on His promise, what have we to fear?
God is all-sufficient for the coming year. —Havergal
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 31:14-24
I trust in You, O Lord . . . . My times are in Your hand. —Psalm 31:14-15
I don't know what your family does to bring in the new year, but it's celebrated in many different ways around the world.
In Japan, people dress in new clothes and decorate their houses with bamboo and pine branches—symbols of long life.
In Scotland, groups of friends or families get together for dinner at a host's house and exchange gifts soon after midnight.
In Greece, the children leave shoes by the fireplace, hoping St. Basil will fill them with gifts.
For many years, my wife and I have spent New Year's Eve with friends, eating dinner together, playing games, and enjoying good conversation. As midnight approaches, we read from the Bible and pray. We thank God for the year that has passed, and we ask Him to use us to accomplish His will in our troubled, suffering world in the year ahead.
The times and seasons and years, including this new year, are in God's hand (Psalm 31:15). As Christians, we have nothing to fear, for God's goodness is great (v.19). We can walk with Christ each day and join the psalmist in saying, "As for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God' " (v.14). —Dave Egner
God will never fail us, He will not forsake;
His eternal covenant He will never break,
Resting on His promise, what have we to fear?
God is all-sufficient for the coming year. —Havergal
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
daily bread