It's Too Easy
Read: Romans 4:1-8
To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. —Romans 4:5
I read about an instant cake mix that was a big flop. The instructions said all you had to do was add water and bake. The company couldn't understand why it didn't sell—until their research discovered that the buying public felt uneasy about a mix that required only water. People thought it was too easy. So the company altered the formula and changed the recipe to call for adding water and an egg to the mix. The idea worked, and sales jumped dramatically.
That story reminds me of how some people react to the plan of salvation. To them it sounds too easy and simple to be true, even though the Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith, . . . it is the gift of God, not of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). They feel that there is something more they must do, something they must add to God's "recipe" for salvation. They think they must perform good works to gain God's favor and earn eternal life. But the Bible is clear—we are saved "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5).
Unlike the cake-mix manufacturer, God has not changed His "formula" to make salvation more marketable. The gospel we proclaim must be free of works, even though it may sound too easy. —Richard De Haan
Salvation is a gift of God,
Not something earned or won;
He freely gives eternal life
To all who trust His Son. —Sper
We are saved by God's mercy, not by our merit—by Christ's dying, not by our doing.
daily bread
Saturday, May 31, 2003
Friday, May 30, 2003
Spiritually Full or Undernourished
By Cathy Irvin
None of us are without spot or blemish, but if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, His Word tells us we shall be filled. This means doing our part to get spiritual nourishment during the week and then at our mid-week or Sunday services, we will come away satisfied.
Have you ever said, "I am not being spiritually fed"? Yet do we find ourselves not getting our own bible study time in by being alone with the Lord each day?. Are we satisfied in thinking that all we need is for the pastor to give us a full course meal on Sunday morning or shouldn't we find a Bible study, Sunday school class, or a Care group to attend?
It is time for us all to take responsibility for our Christian maturity. We can't blame the church for the emptiness we feel. We need to recognize that what we get out of the local church is what we put in. This would include our prayer life, our at-home worship to the Lord, and our daily studying of the Word of God. Then we will see real changes in our spiritual lives.
I am a firm believer that counseling is necessary for some people but not for every little thing. Many of the answers to life's problems are already in God's Word. I have seen pastors and church workers almost burned out from the constant counseling sessions. I pray for my pastor that he may not be overloaded. His job is to concentrate on his study time, not being pulled in and out of too many counseling appointments.
We are not to be unhealthy, undernourished Christians, but we find that this comes about when there is a lack of getting into the Word of God for ourselves. We need to do our part in nourishing our spiritual lives. The Pastors and guest speakers give messages and we are to have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. We are being fed the Word but perhaps the problem is that we are not "hearing" what is being said. If we do not spend quality time with the Lord in prayer, worshipping, and renewing our minds with the Word, then we will be weak Christians. It stands to reason that if we become sensitive to the voice of the Lord (fine-tuned in our spirit), then we will hear what the Lord is speaking to us as individuals and as a corporate body.
The Lord tells us to grow up "In Him." Read the scriptures in the book of Ephesians and Colossians 2:3. They are what some call "meaty" chapters. They can help you if you are looking to get fed.
You may say that you do all these things, but each Sunday you seem to be hearing a watered-down message. In that case, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as to which church you should be attending. If you are not planted in the right place, He will lead you to the best church that will meet your needs.
He says we are to drink from the fountain of living waters… that is Him. Get into the Word and you will be fed. Please know that there are no perfect churches. None of us are without spot or blemish, but if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, His Word tells us we shall be filled. This means doing our part to get spiritual nourishment during the week and then at our mid-week or Sunday services, we will come away satisfied.
When we find our place and spend time with the Lord, believe me, we will have more than enough on our spiritual plates to digest during the week. That is because we will have opened our hearts to the Lord and received what we need from God.
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
None of us are without spot or blemish, but if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, His Word tells us we shall be filled. This means doing our part to get spiritual nourishment during the week and then at our mid-week or Sunday services, we will come away satisfied.
Have you ever said, "I am not being spiritually fed"? Yet do we find ourselves not getting our own bible study time in by being alone with the Lord each day?. Are we satisfied in thinking that all we need is for the pastor to give us a full course meal on Sunday morning or shouldn't we find a Bible study, Sunday school class, or a Care group to attend?
It is time for us all to take responsibility for our Christian maturity. We can't blame the church for the emptiness we feel. We need to recognize that what we get out of the local church is what we put in. This would include our prayer life, our at-home worship to the Lord, and our daily studying of the Word of God. Then we will see real changes in our spiritual lives.
I am a firm believer that counseling is necessary for some people but not for every little thing. Many of the answers to life's problems are already in God's Word. I have seen pastors and church workers almost burned out from the constant counseling sessions. I pray for my pastor that he may not be overloaded. His job is to concentrate on his study time, not being pulled in and out of too many counseling appointments.
We are not to be unhealthy, undernourished Christians, but we find that this comes about when there is a lack of getting into the Word of God for ourselves. We need to do our part in nourishing our spiritual lives. The Pastors and guest speakers give messages and we are to have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. We are being fed the Word but perhaps the problem is that we are not "hearing" what is being said. If we do not spend quality time with the Lord in prayer, worshipping, and renewing our minds with the Word, then we will be weak Christians. It stands to reason that if we become sensitive to the voice of the Lord (fine-tuned in our spirit), then we will hear what the Lord is speaking to us as individuals and as a corporate body.
The Lord tells us to grow up "In Him." Read the scriptures in the book of Ephesians and Colossians 2:3. They are what some call "meaty" chapters. They can help you if you are looking to get fed.
You may say that you do all these things, but each Sunday you seem to be hearing a watered-down message. In that case, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as to which church you should be attending. If you are not planted in the right place, He will lead you to the best church that will meet your needs.
He says we are to drink from the fountain of living waters… that is Him. Get into the Word and you will be fed. Please know that there are no perfect churches. None of us are without spot or blemish, but if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, His Word tells us we shall be filled. This means doing our part to get spiritual nourishment during the week and then at our mid-week or Sunday services, we will come away satisfied.
When we find our place and spend time with the Lord, believe me, we will have more than enough on our spiritual plates to digest during the week. That is because we will have opened our hearts to the Lord and received what we need from God.
cbn
Thursday, May 29, 2003
A Departing Blessing
Read: Luke 24:44-53
While He blessed them, . . . He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. —Luke 24:51
A cancer-stricken believer was dying. I was in his room as his family gathered around him. One by one he spoke to his children, to their spouses, and to his young grand children. He gave each a loving, tender blessing. Even his warnings were spoken with gentleness. He reminded them to keep the Lord in the center of their lives. We wept together, knowing that soon he would no longer be with us. A few days later he was gone.
Our Savior was doing much the same thing just before He ascended to heaven. Rather than weep as they saw Him leave, His disciples were filled with great joy, even though they understood only dimly how they would experience His blessings. But Jesus would soon send the Holy Spirit to indwell them (Acts 1-2). He would carry on a ministry of intercession for them "at the right hand of God" (Romans 8:34). And the promise of His return would comfort them (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
As we think about our Savior ascending to heaven, let's rejoice in the blessings He left us. And as we have occasion, let's encourage our loved ones to keep Jesus at the center of their lives. Someday we will depart from this earth, and our example and words may be the most precious blessing we can leave behind. —Dave Egner
Your parting words, O Lord, give hope,
They're filled with promise, joy, and love;
Help us to share what You have done
With grace and power from above. —D. De Haan
Christ departed so that the Holy Spirit could be imparted.
daily bread
Read: Luke 24:44-53
While He blessed them, . . . He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. —Luke 24:51
A cancer-stricken believer was dying. I was in his room as his family gathered around him. One by one he spoke to his children, to their spouses, and to his young grand children. He gave each a loving, tender blessing. Even his warnings were spoken with gentleness. He reminded them to keep the Lord in the center of their lives. We wept together, knowing that soon he would no longer be with us. A few days later he was gone.
Our Savior was doing much the same thing just before He ascended to heaven. Rather than weep as they saw Him leave, His disciples were filled with great joy, even though they understood only dimly how they would experience His blessings. But Jesus would soon send the Holy Spirit to indwell them (Acts 1-2). He would carry on a ministry of intercession for them "at the right hand of God" (Romans 8:34). And the promise of His return would comfort them (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
As we think about our Savior ascending to heaven, let's rejoice in the blessings He left us. And as we have occasion, let's encourage our loved ones to keep Jesus at the center of their lives. Someday we will depart from this earth, and our example and words may be the most precious blessing we can leave behind. —Dave Egner
Your parting words, O Lord, give hope,
They're filled with promise, joy, and love;
Help us to share what You have done
With grace and power from above. —D. De Haan
Christ departed so that the Holy Spirit could be imparted.
daily bread
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
A Portrait of the Heavenly Father
By Dan Betzer
How well do you know your Heavenly Father?
Many years ago, as a teenager, in fact, I heard a wonderful sermon from Dr. Robert Ashcroft, the father of our present Attorney General of the United States.
Dr. Ashcroft's message was called "A Portrait of my Heavenly Father." He took a small picture from his billfold and told us it was his earthly father and then gave us a verbal picture of him. "Now," he continued, as he picked up the Bible, "let me give you a portrait of my Heavenly Father."
And for the next half an hour or so he described the wonders of God. He talked about God 's attributes, about His decrees, about His nature and character. And it was fascinating to me how few of those things that I knew at that time.
I have often wondered how many of today's Christian believers know much about their Heavenly Father. Let me give you a little test you can take: Get a watch with a second hand on it and then start talking about God. Use full sentences with subjects and verbs. Don't pad your monologue with a lot of "hallelujahs" and "amens" --you know, like preachers do.
And don't talk about what God has DONE for you but only who He IS. And no repeating yourself.
How long do you think you could talk easily about Him? You say, "Oh, probably an hour." The typical Christian believer has exhausted his knowledge about God in just a minute or two.
Do you know about God's immutability? Can you discuss His justice? Can you verbalize to some extent the depths of His mercy? Really, just how much DO you know about your Heavenly Father?
Now you may be asking, "Well, where do you get that information?" Your best source, of course, is the Bible. Study it. The more you know about God, the more you will love Him.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
How well do you know your Heavenly Father?
Many years ago, as a teenager, in fact, I heard a wonderful sermon from Dr. Robert Ashcroft, the father of our present Attorney General of the United States.
Dr. Ashcroft's message was called "A Portrait of my Heavenly Father." He took a small picture from his billfold and told us it was his earthly father and then gave us a verbal picture of him. "Now," he continued, as he picked up the Bible, "let me give you a portrait of my Heavenly Father."
And for the next half an hour or so he described the wonders of God. He talked about God 's attributes, about His decrees, about His nature and character. And it was fascinating to me how few of those things that I knew at that time.
I have often wondered how many of today's Christian believers know much about their Heavenly Father. Let me give you a little test you can take: Get a watch with a second hand on it and then start talking about God. Use full sentences with subjects and verbs. Don't pad your monologue with a lot of "hallelujahs" and "amens" --you know, like preachers do.
And don't talk about what God has DONE for you but only who He IS. And no repeating yourself.
How long do you think you could talk easily about Him? You say, "Oh, probably an hour." The typical Christian believer has exhausted his knowledge about God in just a minute or two.
Do you know about God's immutability? Can you discuss His justice? Can you verbalize to some extent the depths of His mercy? Really, just how much DO you know about your Heavenly Father?
Now you may be asking, "Well, where do you get that information?" Your best source, of course, is the Bible. Study it. The more you know about God, the more you will love Him.
cbn
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
The Watering Hole
“...how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" -Luke 11:13
Here in sunny south Florida we have had the most beautiful winter we have had in years. It has been cool, clear, and purely delightful. However... it has been terribly dry. This morning I saw one of the squirrels, who nests high up in one of the coconut palms, coming towards the wood deck.
On the decking, there’s a defunct jacuzzi under an old canvas cover, which is so stretched it has pockets that hold water. The doves around dusk, and the squirrels, apparently regard this as their watering hole. As this little squirrel approached, he peered into what was a pitiful tiny bit of a pool. He bent over and drank what he could. Could be my imagination, but it seemed to me he acted disappointed as he went off in search of water some other place.
In our country we are usually able to access water through our faucets. Occasions such as hurricanes, water mains bursting and bacteria entering, have all brought to my attention how precious drinking water becomes when it can’t be taken for granted. We can live without food, but not without water. Jesus said we can have ‘living water’ (John 4). Spiritually speaking, we can’t live without that kind of water, either. How fortunate we are to have free access to that ‘water’, the gift of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. I am so very grateful I can keep on drinking at this wonderful watering hole of living water, that our loving heavenly father has provided for all of us, anytime, anywhere..
daily wisdom
“...how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" -Luke 11:13
Here in sunny south Florida we have had the most beautiful winter we have had in years. It has been cool, clear, and purely delightful. However... it has been terribly dry. This morning I saw one of the squirrels, who nests high up in one of the coconut palms, coming towards the wood deck.
On the decking, there’s a defunct jacuzzi under an old canvas cover, which is so stretched it has pockets that hold water. The doves around dusk, and the squirrels, apparently regard this as their watering hole. As this little squirrel approached, he peered into what was a pitiful tiny bit of a pool. He bent over and drank what he could. Could be my imagination, but it seemed to me he acted disappointed as he went off in search of water some other place.
In our country we are usually able to access water through our faucets. Occasions such as hurricanes, water mains bursting and bacteria entering, have all brought to my attention how precious drinking water becomes when it can’t be taken for granted. We can live without food, but not without water. Jesus said we can have ‘living water’ (John 4). Spiritually speaking, we can’t live without that kind of water, either. How fortunate we are to have free access to that ‘water’, the gift of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. I am so very grateful I can keep on drinking at this wonderful watering hole of living water, that our loving heavenly father has provided for all of us, anytime, anywhere..
daily wisdom
Monday, May 26, 2003
Karma & Dogma
Maybe you’ve seen the bumper sticker:
MY KARMA RAN OVER MY DOGMA.
Besides being a cute play on words, it expresses a dilemma we all face—what can I do when my past overpowers my present; when what I’ve done seems stronger than what I want to do; when how I feel is more influential than what I believe?
Karma is a Hindu concept rooted in the idea of reincarnation. The law of karma says that my actions in a previous life dictate my present circumstances. If I do good things now, I’ll have a better situation in my next life. “What goes around comes around.”
Dogma is a creed, doctrine, or belief. Christianity is founded on the Bible as our authority for how to live and serve God each day. What we believe should determine what we do. But doctrine can often seem brittle and void of any warmth or feeling. When we’re discouraged by difficulty or failure, it’s easy to give in to the idea that we are who we are and can’t really change. So, if it feels good, do it.
The good news of the gospel is that Christ has broken into time with a totally new dimension of living: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). It is not our improved personal performance but our faith in the Son of God that puts us on a different road and gives us the power to stay on it.
Notice how many times the words mind and body are linked in Romans 8. When Christ lives within us, He inhabits and empowers every part of our lives. We no longer have to obey the negative thoughts of our minds or the destructive appetites of our bodies. Romans 8 is a passage that calls for study, meditation, and prayerful consideration. Its life-giving doctrine leads to a life controlled by the Holy Spirit, filled with power and peace. —Dave McCasland
bottom line: Life in Jesus defines our dogma.
soul journey
Maybe you’ve seen the bumper sticker:
MY KARMA RAN OVER MY DOGMA.
Besides being a cute play on words, it expresses a dilemma we all face—what can I do when my past overpowers my present; when what I’ve done seems stronger than what I want to do; when how I feel is more influential than what I believe?
Karma is a Hindu concept rooted in the idea of reincarnation. The law of karma says that my actions in a previous life dictate my present circumstances. If I do good things now, I’ll have a better situation in my next life. “What goes around comes around.”
Dogma is a creed, doctrine, or belief. Christianity is founded on the Bible as our authority for how to live and serve God each day. What we believe should determine what we do. But doctrine can often seem brittle and void of any warmth or feeling. When we’re discouraged by difficulty or failure, it’s easy to give in to the idea that we are who we are and can’t really change. So, if it feels good, do it.
The good news of the gospel is that Christ has broken into time with a totally new dimension of living: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). It is not our improved personal performance but our faith in the Son of God that puts us on a different road and gives us the power to stay on it.
Notice how many times the words mind and body are linked in Romans 8. When Christ lives within us, He inhabits and empowers every part of our lives. We no longer have to obey the negative thoughts of our minds or the destructive appetites of our bodies. Romans 8 is a passage that calls for study, meditation, and prayerful consideration. Its life-giving doctrine leads to a life controlled by the Holy Spirit, filled with power and peace. —Dave McCasland
bottom line: Life in Jesus defines our dogma.
soul journey
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Our God Is Marching On
Read: Habakkuk 2:6-20
The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. —Habakkuk 2:20
In 1861, during the US Civil War, author and lecturer Julia Ward Howe visited Washington, DC. One day she went outside the city and saw a large number of soldiers marching. Early the next morning she awoke with words for a song in her mind.
She was aware of all the ugliness of the war, but her faith led her to write: "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." She saw, I believe, that in spite of and through all the ugliness, God was "marching on" toward the day when He will right the wrongs of the ages.
The prophet Habakkuk came to a similar conclusion. Chapter 1 of his book tells us how troubled he was when he learned that God was going to punish the people of Judah by letting them be conquered by the wicked Babylonians. In chapter 2, God assured His servant that—in spite of and through all the ugliness and wrongs of history—He is "marching on" toward the day when "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" (v.14).
If we believe that God is "marching on," in spite of all the brutal conflicts that mark our day, we will not despair. We can quietly await the final verdict from our Lord, who rules the universe from "His holy temple" (v.20). —Herb Vander Lugt
God rules as Sovereign on His throne,
He judges great and small;
And those who would His earth destroy
Beneath His rod shall fall. —D. De Haan
Someday the scales of justice will be perfectly balanced.
daily bread
Read: Habakkuk 2:6-20
The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. —Habakkuk 2:20
In 1861, during the US Civil War, author and lecturer Julia Ward Howe visited Washington, DC. One day she went outside the city and saw a large number of soldiers marching. Early the next morning she awoke with words for a song in her mind.
She was aware of all the ugliness of the war, but her faith led her to write: "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." She saw, I believe, that in spite of and through all the ugliness, God was "marching on" toward the day when He will right the wrongs of the ages.
The prophet Habakkuk came to a similar conclusion. Chapter 1 of his book tells us how troubled he was when he learned that God was going to punish the people of Judah by letting them be conquered by the wicked Babylonians. In chapter 2, God assured His servant that—in spite of and through all the ugliness and wrongs of history—He is "marching on" toward the day when "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" (v.14).
If we believe that God is "marching on," in spite of all the brutal conflicts that mark our day, we will not despair. We can quietly await the final verdict from our Lord, who rules the universe from "His holy temple" (v.20). —Herb Vander Lugt
God rules as Sovereign on His throne,
He judges great and small;
And those who would His earth destroy
Beneath His rod shall fall. —D. De Haan
Someday the scales of justice will be perfectly balanced.
daily bread
Saturday, May 24, 2003
The Winning Combination
Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-19
Godliness with contentment is great gain. —1 Timothy 6:6
I have often been encouraged by people without their realizing it. I remember walking through the main lounge of a Christian retirement community late one evening. The residents had gone to their rooms for the night, except for one elderly woman. Unaware of my presence, she patiently worked on a jigsaw puzzle and joyfully hummed to herself. She seemed to be quite content.
I began to wonder, "How can people find true contentment, no matter what their circumstances?" The apostle Paul addressed this issue in 1 Timothy 6. He warned against corrupt people who see godliness as a means for financial profit (v.5). A more subtle error among Christians is the belief that godliness-plus-money is life's winning combination. Paul corrected both errors by stating the real winning combination: "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (v.6). He urged believers to be satisfied with food and clothing (vv.7-8). "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (v.10), but loving and trusting God is the root of all contentment.
How about you? Are you experiencing the joy that comes when godliness is combined with contentment? If so, you've got the winning combination. —Joanie Yoder
O Lord, give me the grace to be
Content with what You give to me.
No, more than that, let me rejoice
In all You send, for it's Your choice! —Anon.
True contentment is not in having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have.
daily bread
Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-19
Godliness with contentment is great gain. —1 Timothy 6:6
I have often been encouraged by people without their realizing it. I remember walking through the main lounge of a Christian retirement community late one evening. The residents had gone to their rooms for the night, except for one elderly woman. Unaware of my presence, she patiently worked on a jigsaw puzzle and joyfully hummed to herself. She seemed to be quite content.
I began to wonder, "How can people find true contentment, no matter what their circumstances?" The apostle Paul addressed this issue in 1 Timothy 6. He warned against corrupt people who see godliness as a means for financial profit (v.5). A more subtle error among Christians is the belief that godliness-plus-money is life's winning combination. Paul corrected both errors by stating the real winning combination: "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (v.6). He urged believers to be satisfied with food and clothing (vv.7-8). "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (v.10), but loving and trusting God is the root of all contentment.
How about you? Are you experiencing the joy that comes when godliness is combined with contentment? If so, you've got the winning combination. —Joanie Yoder
O Lord, give me the grace to be
Content with what You give to me.
No, more than that, let me rejoice
In all You send, for it's Your choice! —Anon.
True contentment is not in having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have.
daily bread
Confession & Consequences
Read: Joshua 7:1-6,19-26
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. —Psalm 32:5
She brutally murdered two people in 1983, but in prison Karla Tucker confessed her sins to God and became a vibrant Christian. Many people hoped her transformation would persuade legal authorities to change her punishment to life imprisonment. But the courts rejected all appeals, and her execution was carried out in 1998.
I thought about Karla as I was reading the tragic story of Achan. I was impressed by his confession: "Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done" (Joshua 7:20). Those words make me think it possible that he, like King David many years later (Psalm 32:5), was forgiven by God. But Achan's sin had caused the death of 36 Israelites (Joshua 7:5), and he had to pay the penalty for his actions.
Even after we have received God's forgiveness, we may still have to face the consequences of our sin. If we have lied, mistreated someone, behaved irresponsibly, damaged someone's property, or broken a law of the land, we still must do our best to make right any wrongs we have committed.
Yes, it's wonderful to know we're forgiven when we confess our sins to God. But that doesn't mean we're exempt from all of sin's consequences. That's why confessing sin is good, but saying no to sin is even better. —Herb Vander Lugt
We love You, Lord, and want to do
What's pleasing in Your sight;
Help us to fear sin's consequence,
So we will do what's right. —Sper
Sin brings fear, but confession brings freedom.
daily bread
Read: Joshua 7:1-6,19-26
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. —Psalm 32:5
She brutally murdered two people in 1983, but in prison Karla Tucker confessed her sins to God and became a vibrant Christian. Many people hoped her transformation would persuade legal authorities to change her punishment to life imprisonment. But the courts rejected all appeals, and her execution was carried out in 1998.
I thought about Karla as I was reading the tragic story of Achan. I was impressed by his confession: "Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done" (Joshua 7:20). Those words make me think it possible that he, like King David many years later (Psalm 32:5), was forgiven by God. But Achan's sin had caused the death of 36 Israelites (Joshua 7:5), and he had to pay the penalty for his actions.
Even after we have received God's forgiveness, we may still have to face the consequences of our sin. If we have lied, mistreated someone, behaved irresponsibly, damaged someone's property, or broken a law of the land, we still must do our best to make right any wrongs we have committed.
Yes, it's wonderful to know we're forgiven when we confess our sins to God. But that doesn't mean we're exempt from all of sin's consequences. That's why confessing sin is good, but saying no to sin is even better. —Herb Vander Lugt
We love You, Lord, and want to do
What's pleasing in Your sight;
Help us to fear sin's consequence,
So we will do what's right. —Sper
Sin brings fear, but confession brings freedom.
daily bread
Thursday, May 22, 2003
Putting On the Suit
By Laura Bagby
How many times have you gone into a store or school or business and asked some individual for help only to hear the standard answer, "I think you have mistaken me. I don't work here"?
I have done it countless times and wondered what made me think that person was a cashier or stock person or supervisor or journalist or secretary or teacher.
On the flip side, I too have been the object of mistaken identity. Several years ago, while working as a cashier in a gift store at a national park, I would often be mistaken for a ranger. Why the confusion? Well, I guess that with my natural carefree appearance and my green and tan uniform I looked the part. I appeared to be something I was not. Assumptions were made; a conclusion was reached--only I wasn't the real thing.
How true this can be on the spiritual level. Appearances can fool us. We see someone who looks like a decent, upstanding, law-abiding citizen only to find that they were dressed as wolves in sheep's clothing (Mathew 7:15) and just the opposite of what we thought.
As Christians, let us never be accused of causing confusion, especially the kind that causes others to fall away from the path of life, from the life submitted to Jesus Christ. We cause others to stray by presenting to the world an undistinguishable picture of worldliness. Arrayed in clothes of anger, bitterness, gossip, mediocrity, immodesty, pride, and every other kind of evil, we project an image that is less like Jesus and more like the unbelievers we say we are trying to save. God calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. God calls us to be easily distinguishable from the world, not to be buddy-buddy.
Just as certain career professionals like your local policeman or fireman or judge have easily recognizable attire that makes them distinctive, so we as Christians also have a standard uniform that sets us apart--only the uniform is physically invisible and goes deeper than skin, even as far as clothing our own hearts.
Isaiah 61:10 describes what our appearance should be once we are in Christ Jesus: "For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." In Colossians, Paul gets even more specific about how we should dress ourselves as Christians: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (3:12). This is what should be visible in our smile, our step, our attitude, though our godly attire can not be seen by the naked eye.
And as we live and move in the fruits of the Holy Spirit -- in gentleness, peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control -- the light of God's love will so shine, that we won't need a Christian T-shirt or a Christian bumper sticker to proclaim whose side we are on -- it will be known to all without a doubt.
Suited up, we are just about ready to take our professional role as ambassadors for Christ (2Corinthians 5:20). There is just one more layer to our uniform of righteousness. When it comes to dealing with forces of evil, this outer layer is absolutely essential.
Through prayer, we also gain access to demon-resistant clothing. We call it the armor of God, that action hero suit that is spiritually fireproof from the flaming accusations of the enemy. With our helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, sword of the Word of God, belt of truth, shield of faith, and shoes of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6: 13-17), we have a spiritual seal of protection and a badge of authority to fight effectively.
In a split-second our ownership is set for eternity. With the full armor of God in place, the evil forces shrink back in terror because what they see is not flesh and blood; no, my friend, they see the words "God's Child: Bought by the blood of Jesus Christ and forever sealed by the Holy Spirit." In the realm of eternity, there is no chance for a mistaken identity.
What about you? Do others see Christ in you, or do they see a worldly soul? Oh my brothers and sisters, let us never be lukewarm.
As we pray and are changed by the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit, let's make sure to suit up before the big game. Let's make known our team spirit as we display the colors of Christ for all to see.
Go Team!
cbn
By Laura Bagby
How many times have you gone into a store or school or business and asked some individual for help only to hear the standard answer, "I think you have mistaken me. I don't work here"?
I have done it countless times and wondered what made me think that person was a cashier or stock person or supervisor or journalist or secretary or teacher.
On the flip side, I too have been the object of mistaken identity. Several years ago, while working as a cashier in a gift store at a national park, I would often be mistaken for a ranger. Why the confusion? Well, I guess that with my natural carefree appearance and my green and tan uniform I looked the part. I appeared to be something I was not. Assumptions were made; a conclusion was reached--only I wasn't the real thing.
How true this can be on the spiritual level. Appearances can fool us. We see someone who looks like a decent, upstanding, law-abiding citizen only to find that they were dressed as wolves in sheep's clothing (Mathew 7:15) and just the opposite of what we thought.
As Christians, let us never be accused of causing confusion, especially the kind that causes others to fall away from the path of life, from the life submitted to Jesus Christ. We cause others to stray by presenting to the world an undistinguishable picture of worldliness. Arrayed in clothes of anger, bitterness, gossip, mediocrity, immodesty, pride, and every other kind of evil, we project an image that is less like Jesus and more like the unbelievers we say we are trying to save. God calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. God calls us to be easily distinguishable from the world, not to be buddy-buddy.
Just as certain career professionals like your local policeman or fireman or judge have easily recognizable attire that makes them distinctive, so we as Christians also have a standard uniform that sets us apart--only the uniform is physically invisible and goes deeper than skin, even as far as clothing our own hearts.
Isaiah 61:10 describes what our appearance should be once we are in Christ Jesus: "For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." In Colossians, Paul gets even more specific about how we should dress ourselves as Christians: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (3:12). This is what should be visible in our smile, our step, our attitude, though our godly attire can not be seen by the naked eye.
And as we live and move in the fruits of the Holy Spirit -- in gentleness, peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control -- the light of God's love will so shine, that we won't need a Christian T-shirt or a Christian bumper sticker to proclaim whose side we are on -- it will be known to all without a doubt.
Suited up, we are just about ready to take our professional role as ambassadors for Christ (2Corinthians 5:20). There is just one more layer to our uniform of righteousness. When it comes to dealing with forces of evil, this outer layer is absolutely essential.
Through prayer, we also gain access to demon-resistant clothing. We call it the armor of God, that action hero suit that is spiritually fireproof from the flaming accusations of the enemy. With our helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, sword of the Word of God, belt of truth, shield of faith, and shoes of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6: 13-17), we have a spiritual seal of protection and a badge of authority to fight effectively.
In a split-second our ownership is set for eternity. With the full armor of God in place, the evil forces shrink back in terror because what they see is not flesh and blood; no, my friend, they see the words "God's Child: Bought by the blood of Jesus Christ and forever sealed by the Holy Spirit." In the realm of eternity, there is no chance for a mistaken identity.
What about you? Do others see Christ in you, or do they see a worldly soul? Oh my brothers and sisters, let us never be lukewarm.
As we pray and are changed by the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit, let's make sure to suit up before the big game. Let's make known our team spirit as we display the colors of Christ for all to see.
Go Team!
cbn
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Directions for Life
By Kathy Schultz
Do I listen to His word correctly? Or do I go off with missed information and find myself hopelessly lost?
Have you taken directions from someone and totally misunderstood what they said? This happened to me the other day. A good friend gave me detailed directions to his new home over the phone. It was in an area that I was somewhat familiar with, but not totally. I was anxious to see his new house, so off I went. I drove slowly reading every sign, but somehow I missed something. I was totally bewildered. You might even say I was lost. That is hard to admit. I had the directions written out on paper. What in the world went wrong? I drove around and around again, trying to see where I made the mistake. Finally, in desperation, I swallowed my pride and called my friend. He laughed and teased me a bit but was happy to repeat the directions.
I couldn't believe it. I thought he said go right at the light, but what he really said was go right through (not at) the light. What a huge difference that one word made in finding my way.
God showed me a lesson in my dilemma. Do I listen to His word correctly? Do I go off with missed information and find myself hopelessly lost? Do I think because the area is somewhat familiar I don't need to listen attentively? Sometimes I get my directions messed up. Thankfully, I can call and get the correct directions from God when I am lost. He, like my friend, is eager and happy to give me the correct information.
Reading the Bible, praying, and then listening to what it really says can keep me going in the right direction. Isn't that wonderful to know that we don't have to keep wandering around hopelessly?
Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you (Psalms 25:4, 5 New Living Translation).
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 New Living Translation).
The next time anyone gives me directions, I will ask them to repeat them. If I'm reading God's word, I can reread the directions as well. I can spend more time listening instead of talking when I am praying. Sometimes I need to hear things over and over again to get it right. It is not a good feeling to be wandering aimlessly around with not a clue to where you went wrong. One word might make all the difference. It did for me.
cbn
By Kathy Schultz
Do I listen to His word correctly? Or do I go off with missed information and find myself hopelessly lost?
Have you taken directions from someone and totally misunderstood what they said? This happened to me the other day. A good friend gave me detailed directions to his new home over the phone. It was in an area that I was somewhat familiar with, but not totally. I was anxious to see his new house, so off I went. I drove slowly reading every sign, but somehow I missed something. I was totally bewildered. You might even say I was lost. That is hard to admit. I had the directions written out on paper. What in the world went wrong? I drove around and around again, trying to see where I made the mistake. Finally, in desperation, I swallowed my pride and called my friend. He laughed and teased me a bit but was happy to repeat the directions.
I couldn't believe it. I thought he said go right at the light, but what he really said was go right through (not at) the light. What a huge difference that one word made in finding my way.
God showed me a lesson in my dilemma. Do I listen to His word correctly? Do I go off with missed information and find myself hopelessly lost? Do I think because the area is somewhat familiar I don't need to listen attentively? Sometimes I get my directions messed up. Thankfully, I can call and get the correct directions from God when I am lost. He, like my friend, is eager and happy to give me the correct information.
Reading the Bible, praying, and then listening to what it really says can keep me going in the right direction. Isn't that wonderful to know that we don't have to keep wandering around hopelessly?
Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you (Psalms 25:4, 5 New Living Translation).
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 New Living Translation).
The next time anyone gives me directions, I will ask them to repeat them. If I'm reading God's word, I can reread the directions as well. I can spend more time listening instead of talking when I am praying. Sometimes I need to hear things over and over again to get it right. It is not a good feeling to be wandering aimlessly around with not a clue to where you went wrong. One word might make all the difference. It did for me.
cbn
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Battle Praise
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22
When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people . . . who had come against Judah. —2 Chronicles 20:22
Visitors to the Military Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, can hear stirring music that dates back to the early years of the Ottoman Empire. Whenever their troops marched off to war, bands accompanied them.
Centuries earlier, worship singers led the people of Judah into battle, but there was a big difference. Whereas the Ottomans used music to instill self-confidence in their soldiers, the Jews used it to express their confidence in God.
Threatened by huge armies, King Jehoshaphat of Judah knew that his people were powerless to defend themselves. So he cried out to God for help (2 Chronicles 20:12). The Lord's answer came through Jahaziel, who said, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed . . . , for the battle is not yours, but God's" (v.15).
Jehoshaphat responded by worshiping and then by appointing singers to lead the army (vv.18,21). As the people sang, "Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever," God confused the invaders and they killed one another (vv.22-24).
No matter what battles we may face today, the Lord will help us when we cry out to Him. Instead of retreating in fear, we can march ahead with confidence in God's power and sing praise to Him. —Julie Link
Does all the world seem against you
And you're in the battle alone?
It's often when you are most helpless
That God's mighty power is known. —Anon.
Praise is the voice of faith.
daily bread
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22
When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people . . . who had come against Judah. —2 Chronicles 20:22
Visitors to the Military Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, can hear stirring music that dates back to the early years of the Ottoman Empire. Whenever their troops marched off to war, bands accompanied them.
Centuries earlier, worship singers led the people of Judah into battle, but there was a big difference. Whereas the Ottomans used music to instill self-confidence in their soldiers, the Jews used it to express their confidence in God.
Threatened by huge armies, King Jehoshaphat of Judah knew that his people were powerless to defend themselves. So he cried out to God for help (2 Chronicles 20:12). The Lord's answer came through Jahaziel, who said, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed . . . , for the battle is not yours, but God's" (v.15).
Jehoshaphat responded by worshiping and then by appointing singers to lead the army (vv.18,21). As the people sang, "Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever," God confused the invaders and they killed one another (vv.22-24).
No matter what battles we may face today, the Lord will help us when we cry out to Him. Instead of retreating in fear, we can march ahead with confidence in God's power and sing praise to Him. —Julie Link
Does all the world seem against you
And you're in the battle alone?
It's often when you are most helpless
That God's mighty power is known. —Anon.
Praise is the voice of faith.
daily bread
Monday, May 19, 2003
Open the Damper
Galatians 5:16-26
As I write this, the temperature is a chilly 29o F. I’m housesitting for some friends. My responsibilities are to take care of their dogs, Hershey and Coffee, and to keep the wood fire going.
I’m doing fine with the chocolate lab (Hershey, of course), and the golden retriever. I took them for their walk this morning, fed them, and gave them TLC. Both are now asleep at my feet.
The woodstove, however, was a problem. I just couldn’t seem to get it going very well. I lit the paper and the fire was soon ablaze. But 15 minutes later—no fire. Just a couple of little red embers. So I reset the fire and tried again. Still no luck. What’s worse, I’m an experienced fire builder. I know how to do this. “This is humiliating,” I tell the dogs. They agree, sleepily.
So I go through a mental checklist. Dry wood. Laid out properly so air can flow through. Paper and kindling. Then I saw, at the bottom of the big iron stove, a lever that said LO-HI. For some reason it was set at LO, so very little air was flowing through the fire. I wrestled with the lever until I got it over to HI. Now the fire’s roaring. It needed air!
The Greek word for “air” is pneuma. For instance, a “pneumatic” drill is an air drill. The word is also part of the Holy Spirit’s name. The Holy Spirit is the “wind” or “breath” of God. He lives within us to keep the fire of our faith and witness burning brightly. Through Him, love, good works, and joy abound (Galatians 5:22-23).
Feeling spiritually cooled off? Nothing happening? No joy, no witness, no praise? You’re likely not “in step with the Spirit” (v.25). It’s time to “open the damper” and let the air of His influence flow freely again through you. Pray and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit today. —Dave Egner
bottom line: Kindle your faith with the breath of God’s Spirit.
soul journey
Galatians 5:16-26
As I write this, the temperature is a chilly 29o F. I’m housesitting for some friends. My responsibilities are to take care of their dogs, Hershey and Coffee, and to keep the wood fire going.
I’m doing fine with the chocolate lab (Hershey, of course), and the golden retriever. I took them for their walk this morning, fed them, and gave them TLC. Both are now asleep at my feet.
The woodstove, however, was a problem. I just couldn’t seem to get it going very well. I lit the paper and the fire was soon ablaze. But 15 minutes later—no fire. Just a couple of little red embers. So I reset the fire and tried again. Still no luck. What’s worse, I’m an experienced fire builder. I know how to do this. “This is humiliating,” I tell the dogs. They agree, sleepily.
So I go through a mental checklist. Dry wood. Laid out properly so air can flow through. Paper and kindling. Then I saw, at the bottom of the big iron stove, a lever that said LO-HI. For some reason it was set at LO, so very little air was flowing through the fire. I wrestled with the lever until I got it over to HI. Now the fire’s roaring. It needed air!
The Greek word for “air” is pneuma. For instance, a “pneumatic” drill is an air drill. The word is also part of the Holy Spirit’s name. The Holy Spirit is the “wind” or “breath” of God. He lives within us to keep the fire of our faith and witness burning brightly. Through Him, love, good works, and joy abound (Galatians 5:22-23).
Feeling spiritually cooled off? Nothing happening? No joy, no witness, no praise? You’re likely not “in step with the Spirit” (v.25). It’s time to “open the damper” and let the air of His influence flow freely again through you. Pray and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit today. —Dave Egner
bottom line: Kindle your faith with the breath of God’s Spirit.
soul journey
Sunday, May 18, 2003
No Partiality
Read: James 2:1-9
Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. —James 2:1
A man attended a church regularly for several months, but he was always ignored. Because no one knew who he was, and he looked out-of-place with his old and worn-out clothes, no one ever took the time to speak to him.
One Sunday as he took a seat in church, he intentionally left his hat on. As the pastor stood on the platform and looked out over the audience, he noticed the man with the hat right away. So he summoned one of the deacons and asked him to tell the man that he forgot to remove his hat. When the deacon spoke to the man, he responded with a big smile and said, "I thought that would do it. I have attended this church for 6 months, and you are the first person who has ever talked to me."
There is no place for prejudice or favoritism in the family of God. We who have been born again through faith in Jesus are equals in God's sight. And that equality should be evident in the way we treat other believers.
We must be hospitable and courteous to all, regardless of their race, social status, or appearance. When we show favoritism, we sin against people whom God loves and for whom Christ died. Let's be gracious to everyone and be careful to avoid showing partiality. —Richard De Haan
All those who know and love the Lord
Must show by word and deed
That they will not discriminate
But welcome those in need. —D. De Haan
Prejudice builds walls; love breaks them down.
daily bread
Read: James 2:1-9
Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. —James 2:1
A man attended a church regularly for several months, but he was always ignored. Because no one knew who he was, and he looked out-of-place with his old and worn-out clothes, no one ever took the time to speak to him.
One Sunday as he took a seat in church, he intentionally left his hat on. As the pastor stood on the platform and looked out over the audience, he noticed the man with the hat right away. So he summoned one of the deacons and asked him to tell the man that he forgot to remove his hat. When the deacon spoke to the man, he responded with a big smile and said, "I thought that would do it. I have attended this church for 6 months, and you are the first person who has ever talked to me."
There is no place for prejudice or favoritism in the family of God. We who have been born again through faith in Jesus are equals in God's sight. And that equality should be evident in the way we treat other believers.
We must be hospitable and courteous to all, regardless of their race, social status, or appearance. When we show favoritism, we sin against people whom God loves and for whom Christ died. Let's be gracious to everyone and be careful to avoid showing partiality. —Richard De Haan
All those who know and love the Lord
Must show by word and deed
That they will not discriminate
But welcome those in need. —D. De Haan
Prejudice builds walls; love breaks them down.
daily bread
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Today's scripture is 1 Samuel 16:7
"For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
Too often we ask God to fix the problems around us when what He really wants to do is solve the problem within us. I did that myself for years where my weight was concerned. I prayed and prayed for God to help me lose weight. Yet I experienced repeated failure. I lost literally hundreds of pounds, only to gain them right back again.
Finally one day, I made a firm decision. I told God, "I am not going one step further until I find out what to do about this!" Then I went on a fast, shut myself away from everyone, and determined to hear from God.
During that fast the Lord revealed the real source of my problem. He showed me that I wanted to lose weight, but I didn't want to permanently change my eating habits. I was like an alcoholic who wants to be able to drink constantly and not be affected by it. I wanted to eat nine times a day and still weigh 166 pounds!
Suddenly I realized God wasn't content simply to rid me of the extra pounds on the outside of me--He wanted to rid me of the sin of gluttony on the inside of me. So I repented of that sin right then and there. (It was then that I realized just how hard it is for a man who drinks to face the fact that he's an alcoholic. It hurts to admit something like that.) Then, instead of asking God for deliverance from my weight problem, I asked Him for deliverance from my food problem.
Sure enough, He did it.
If your prayers don't seem to be changing the problems around you, maybe it's time to take a look inside. Maybe it's time to ask God to go to work on the heart of the matter.
bible shack
"For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
Too often we ask God to fix the problems around us when what He really wants to do is solve the problem within us. I did that myself for years where my weight was concerned. I prayed and prayed for God to help me lose weight. Yet I experienced repeated failure. I lost literally hundreds of pounds, only to gain them right back again.
Finally one day, I made a firm decision. I told God, "I am not going one step further until I find out what to do about this!" Then I went on a fast, shut myself away from everyone, and determined to hear from God.
During that fast the Lord revealed the real source of my problem. He showed me that I wanted to lose weight, but I didn't want to permanently change my eating habits. I was like an alcoholic who wants to be able to drink constantly and not be affected by it. I wanted to eat nine times a day and still weigh 166 pounds!
Suddenly I realized God wasn't content simply to rid me of the extra pounds on the outside of me--He wanted to rid me of the sin of gluttony on the inside of me. So I repented of that sin right then and there. (It was then that I realized just how hard it is for a man who drinks to face the fact that he's an alcoholic. It hurts to admit something like that.) Then, instead of asking God for deliverance from my weight problem, I asked Him for deliverance from my food problem.
Sure enough, He did it.
If your prayers don't seem to be changing the problems around you, maybe it's time to take a look inside. Maybe it's time to ask God to go to work on the heart of the matter.
bible shack
New Shoes
By Tomeco N. Woods
Sometimes God must make our lives so uncomfortable we have no choice but to change.
My daughter’s feet seem to grow like grass in the spring. Every few months I know it is time to go shoe shopping because she will begin to complain, "These shoes hurt my toes." This cycle will continue until she has reached the size and height that God has determined her to be.
Like my daughter’s feet, believers continue to grow until we have become the men and women of God that He has predestined us to be. We must steadily grow toward the goal of perfection. "But wait," you say, "No one is perfect except Christ." The perfection of which I speak, however, is not a state of sinlessness, but rather spiritual maturity. It is God’s will for us to be perfect: mature and complete in Him.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).
Have you ever heard people say, "Pastor really stepped on my toes today," meaning the Word that went forth addressed their individual lives and convicted them of some error? When our toes begin hurting even in our favorite shoes (those areas in our lives we thought we had spiritually mastered), it is God’s way of informing us that we have grown. Sometimes, though, we get so comfortable where we are that we refuse to move forward.
"We have been members of the same church since childhood, why should we change now that we are middle-aged?"
"I have been with the company for 17 years. I am three years from retirement. The Lord can not be telling me to leave now."
"I faithfully give my ten percent tithe. What does God mean I should start giving fifteen percent instead?"
Whether because of fear or doubt, which are the same thing, we remain in our comfort zones because it is familiar territory. We like having the safety net of a "guaranteed" paycheck from our employers rather than the risk of opening our own businesses. We must open our spiritual eyes and begin to look at things the way God does.
The economy is evidence alone that there is no such thing as "guaranteed" employment any longer. The only financial guarantee is that if you are a child of God, He will supply all your need (Philippians 4:19). If God has promised you a business of your own, He must have also promised to send the customers as well. If the customers do not come right away, He must have promised to sustain you in the meantime. If God is sending you to a new ministry or to a new fellowship within your current ministry, it is because your purpose in the old one is complete. God’s goal for you in that ministry has been met, and it is time to move forward. We always want God to manifest Himself in greater ways in our lives, but we never want to do greater things for Him. You can not continually give $5.00 offerings and expect to receive million dollar blessings.
Your current position in ministry or on the job was fine for a season, but it is sinful to remain there once that season has passed. It is sinful because remaining anywhere after God has told you to move is rebellion.
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23).
We need to recognize the seasons in our lives and move and act accordingly. Often, we hold up our own blessings because we have failed to let go and move forward. When Joseph was sold into slavery and sent to Egypt, it was necessary so that he would be in place to bless God’s people. Years passed, Joseph was elevated and the famine drove Israel into Egypt, but when the famine came and went Israel did not. The memory of Joseph faded in the minds of the Egyptians, but not as rapidly as did his influence. A new pharaoh arose who was threatened by the presence of Israel. Hence came the oppression and bondage. God used pharaoh to make Israel so uncomfortable in Egypt they had no choice but to leave (Exodus 3).
In 2 Kings 7 (verses 3-8) we read the account of a group of lepers who dwelled outside of the gates of the besieged city. They were not allowed to enter the city because of their condition. They could not go beyond the immediate vicinity of the city because the Syrian army surrounded it. Tired of being in limbo, they finally decided to make a move. If they stayed where they were, they would die of starvation. If they broke the law and entered the city, they could possibly die of starvation. But if they went to the Syrian camp, there was a chance they would be fed. Even if the Syrians killed them, the lepers reasoned their fate would be no less than if they stayed put.
"If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die" (2 Kings 7:4).
In later verses we find that when the lepers stepped out in faith and went to the enemy’s camp, God had a blessing waiting for them that they did not even have room to receive. God made the footsteps of four leprous men sound like an Egyptian army and caused the Syrians to flee in fear leaving behind all they owned.
What do you have to lose by stepping out in faith? The better question is what do you have to gain? If your spiritual feet are cramping relentlessly, perhaps it is God’s way of telling you it is time for a new pair of shoes. Do not be afraid to heed God’s call and step out into unfamiliar territory. God will honor your obedience and the blessing that will come is far beyond anything you could imagine in your wildest dreams. Stop trying to figure out what God is doing, where He is taking you and why. Do not try to dull the pain by adding corn pads and insoles. Alleviate the pain in your feet and go shoe shopping. The pain is God’s way of telling you it is time for new shoes.
cbn
By Tomeco N. Woods
Sometimes God must make our lives so uncomfortable we have no choice but to change.
My daughter’s feet seem to grow like grass in the spring. Every few months I know it is time to go shoe shopping because she will begin to complain, "These shoes hurt my toes." This cycle will continue until she has reached the size and height that God has determined her to be.
Like my daughter’s feet, believers continue to grow until we have become the men and women of God that He has predestined us to be. We must steadily grow toward the goal of perfection. "But wait," you say, "No one is perfect except Christ." The perfection of which I speak, however, is not a state of sinlessness, but rather spiritual maturity. It is God’s will for us to be perfect: mature and complete in Him.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).
Have you ever heard people say, "Pastor really stepped on my toes today," meaning the Word that went forth addressed their individual lives and convicted them of some error? When our toes begin hurting even in our favorite shoes (those areas in our lives we thought we had spiritually mastered), it is God’s way of informing us that we have grown. Sometimes, though, we get so comfortable where we are that we refuse to move forward.
"We have been members of the same church since childhood, why should we change now that we are middle-aged?"
"I have been with the company for 17 years. I am three years from retirement. The Lord can not be telling me to leave now."
"I faithfully give my ten percent tithe. What does God mean I should start giving fifteen percent instead?"
Whether because of fear or doubt, which are the same thing, we remain in our comfort zones because it is familiar territory. We like having the safety net of a "guaranteed" paycheck from our employers rather than the risk of opening our own businesses. We must open our spiritual eyes and begin to look at things the way God does.
The economy is evidence alone that there is no such thing as "guaranteed" employment any longer. The only financial guarantee is that if you are a child of God, He will supply all your need (Philippians 4:19). If God has promised you a business of your own, He must have also promised to send the customers as well. If the customers do not come right away, He must have promised to sustain you in the meantime. If God is sending you to a new ministry or to a new fellowship within your current ministry, it is because your purpose in the old one is complete. God’s goal for you in that ministry has been met, and it is time to move forward. We always want God to manifest Himself in greater ways in our lives, but we never want to do greater things for Him. You can not continually give $5.00 offerings and expect to receive million dollar blessings.
Your current position in ministry or on the job was fine for a season, but it is sinful to remain there once that season has passed. It is sinful because remaining anywhere after God has told you to move is rebellion.
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23).
We need to recognize the seasons in our lives and move and act accordingly. Often, we hold up our own blessings because we have failed to let go and move forward. When Joseph was sold into slavery and sent to Egypt, it was necessary so that he would be in place to bless God’s people. Years passed, Joseph was elevated and the famine drove Israel into Egypt, but when the famine came and went Israel did not. The memory of Joseph faded in the minds of the Egyptians, but not as rapidly as did his influence. A new pharaoh arose who was threatened by the presence of Israel. Hence came the oppression and bondage. God used pharaoh to make Israel so uncomfortable in Egypt they had no choice but to leave (Exodus 3).
In 2 Kings 7 (verses 3-8) we read the account of a group of lepers who dwelled outside of the gates of the besieged city. They were not allowed to enter the city because of their condition. They could not go beyond the immediate vicinity of the city because the Syrian army surrounded it. Tired of being in limbo, they finally decided to make a move. If they stayed where they were, they would die of starvation. If they broke the law and entered the city, they could possibly die of starvation. But if they went to the Syrian camp, there was a chance they would be fed. Even if the Syrians killed them, the lepers reasoned their fate would be no less than if they stayed put.
"If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die" (2 Kings 7:4).
In later verses we find that when the lepers stepped out in faith and went to the enemy’s camp, God had a blessing waiting for them that they did not even have room to receive. God made the footsteps of four leprous men sound like an Egyptian army and caused the Syrians to flee in fear leaving behind all they owned.
What do you have to lose by stepping out in faith? The better question is what do you have to gain? If your spiritual feet are cramping relentlessly, perhaps it is God’s way of telling you it is time for a new pair of shoes. Do not be afraid to heed God’s call and step out into unfamiliar territory. God will honor your obedience and the blessing that will come is far beyond anything you could imagine in your wildest dreams. Stop trying to figure out what God is doing, where He is taking you and why. Do not try to dull the pain by adding corn pads and insoles. Alleviate the pain in your feet and go shoe shopping. The pain is God’s way of telling you it is time for new shoes.
cbn
Thursday, May 15, 2003
I Was Deceived
Read: John 8:34-47
[The devil] is a liar and the father of it. —John 8:44
It was dusk. My wife and I had just strolled across the famous Charles Bridge in Prague when a man approached us with a wad of money in his hand. "Forty-two Czech korunas for one dollar," he said. The official rate was about 35Ks for one US dollar. So I exchanged 50 dollars for 2,100 Czech korunas.
That evening I told my son about my good fortune. "Dad, I should have told you," he apologized. "Never exchange money on the street." We looked at the bills. The 100K note was a good Czech bill, but the two 1,000K bills were worthless. They looked like Czech money but were Bulgarian notes no longer in circulation. I had been deceived—and robbed!
Satan employs similar tactics (John 8:44). He capitalizes on the deceitfulness of sin, using its "passing pleasures" (Hebrews 11:25) to hide the pain that always follows. Sin may be attractive, even offering something that in and of itself is good—but behind it is deception.
Our best defense against that deception is to have a growing knowledge of God's Word. As we follow the psalmist's example, we'll keep from being deceived by sin: "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). —Dennis De Haan
Give me, O Lord, a strong desire
To look within Your Word each day;
Help me to hide it in my heart,
Lest from its truth my feet would stray. —Branon
God's truth uncovers Satan's lies.
daily bread
Read: John 8:34-47
[The devil] is a liar and the father of it. —John 8:44
It was dusk. My wife and I had just strolled across the famous Charles Bridge in Prague when a man approached us with a wad of money in his hand. "Forty-two Czech korunas for one dollar," he said. The official rate was about 35Ks for one US dollar. So I exchanged 50 dollars for 2,100 Czech korunas.
That evening I told my son about my good fortune. "Dad, I should have told you," he apologized. "Never exchange money on the street." We looked at the bills. The 100K note was a good Czech bill, but the two 1,000K bills were worthless. They looked like Czech money but were Bulgarian notes no longer in circulation. I had been deceived—and robbed!
Satan employs similar tactics (John 8:44). He capitalizes on the deceitfulness of sin, using its "passing pleasures" (Hebrews 11:25) to hide the pain that always follows. Sin may be attractive, even offering something that in and of itself is good—but behind it is deception.
Our best defense against that deception is to have a growing knowledge of God's Word. As we follow the psalmist's example, we'll keep from being deceived by sin: "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). —Dennis De Haan
Give me, O Lord, a strong desire
To look within Your Word each day;
Help me to hide it in my heart,
Lest from its truth my feet would stray. —Branon
God's truth uncovers Satan's lies.
daily bread
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
The Castaways
By Dan Betzer
When you feel shipwrecked in life, remember God has a rescue ship on the way for you.
The apostle Paul used the word "castaway." It referred to serving the Lord all of his life, being on the front line, and then, at the end of his days, becoming useless to the Kingdom of God.
Many Americans have seen the Tom Hanks film Cast Away, a modern-day Robinson Crusoe saga of a man who survives a plane crash and lives alone for years on a remote island.
Surviving is something we all face from time to time. I think of my friend Ken, who just lost his precious and extremely beautiful wife Betty. They had been married for nearly fifty years, and even before marriage, they were buddies from grade school on.
He has truly crashed into a dark, relentless sea of loneliness. Surviving for him will be tough.
I think of others who have gone through disappointment or disillusionment. Shortly after Darlene and I were married (oh, that's been nearly a half-century ago!), we made a move that we knew God had put upon our hearts.
We lost everything we had -- possessions, a whole lot of folks we thought were our friends, and even a beloved association with a ministry. We were as alone as you can be; castaways to most people.
I remember we prayed one night, "Lord, we know we are in your will. Please help us not to get bitter over this situation. There must be a plan!"
Many times, in looking back on those long-ago days, we have observed that it was the best thing that ever happened to us. The ordeal enabled us to emerge from a binding cocoon and to fly as monarch butterflies. We never could have had the life we have had without that "castaway" experience.
I reach out to encourage you today, dear friend. Your world may seem desolate and hopeless today. I believe there's a rescue ship on the way.
What a story you'll have to tell as you fly up and away to new victories!
cbn
By Dan Betzer
When you feel shipwrecked in life, remember God has a rescue ship on the way for you.
The apostle Paul used the word "castaway." It referred to serving the Lord all of his life, being on the front line, and then, at the end of his days, becoming useless to the Kingdom of God.
Many Americans have seen the Tom Hanks film Cast Away, a modern-day Robinson Crusoe saga of a man who survives a plane crash and lives alone for years on a remote island.
Surviving is something we all face from time to time. I think of my friend Ken, who just lost his precious and extremely beautiful wife Betty. They had been married for nearly fifty years, and even before marriage, they were buddies from grade school on.
He has truly crashed into a dark, relentless sea of loneliness. Surviving for him will be tough.
I think of others who have gone through disappointment or disillusionment. Shortly after Darlene and I were married (oh, that's been nearly a half-century ago!), we made a move that we knew God had put upon our hearts.
We lost everything we had -- possessions, a whole lot of folks we thought were our friends, and even a beloved association with a ministry. We were as alone as you can be; castaways to most people.
I remember we prayed one night, "Lord, we know we are in your will. Please help us not to get bitter over this situation. There must be a plan!"
Many times, in looking back on those long-ago days, we have observed that it was the best thing that ever happened to us. The ordeal enabled us to emerge from a binding cocoon and to fly as monarch butterflies. We never could have had the life we have had without that "castaway" experience.
I reach out to encourage you today, dear friend. Your world may seem desolate and hopeless today. I believe there's a rescue ship on the way.
What a story you'll have to tell as you fly up and away to new victories!
cbn
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
The Light That Dispels All Darkness
By Marsha B. Smith
Surely any darkness we are walking through will turn to light as we embrace Him and His Word.
Psalm 32:8,10
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
Open your eyes to the reality of God's unfailing love which surrounds you.
I remember as a child, after I said my prayers, I would ask Mama to leave the light on until I fell asleep. There was something comforting about that light, for when the light was on, I could see and was not afraid. There was a wonderful security in the light to me as a small child, for it dispelled the darkness.
Now that I am grown, I still find warmth inside whenever I see a porch light on or a light in a window. As a writer, whenever I see a light, for some reason I feel closer home. As a teenager, I used to love to hear Mama say, "We will leave the porch light on for you." And to this day, whenever I visit Mama and Dad, I see that porch light burning bright and I know I am home.
As Christians, we know that there is an eternal light that will always shine brightly for us through the darkness. We never have to be afraid for our light is Jesus.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). David, who wrote that, knew all about fear, for he faced a giant. He faced many struggles and heartache, but he knew about The Light of God.
There is something about the morning when the darkness has been overcome by the light, something of brilliance and majesty in the sunrise. I like to think it is another of God’s reminders of His love.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5).
Many times in our lives we feel overcome by the darkness as we deal with sickness, grief, loneliness and pain. At times it seems to almost overcome us and threaten to swallow us up. But all we have to do is call on Him, on His name, the name of Jesus; and in His light the darkness flees. We are bathed in the light of His love.
So regardless of what you are walking through, remember this:
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart" (2 Peter 1:19).
Jesus lives in our hearts. He is our Day Star and our light of love. He will always be our light. We will walk on, for surely any darkness we are walking through will turn to light as we embrace Him and His Word.
And we have no need to fear the future, for His word tells us that "there shall be no night there: and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5).
Sometimes in prayer during those times when I feel overcome by circumstances, I can hear Him say, " Fear not, My Child. I am with you, and my light goes before you. I will always leave the light on for you, my precious Child. It will light the way for you now on earth and someday lead you back home to Me."
cbn
By Marsha B. Smith
Surely any darkness we are walking through will turn to light as we embrace Him and His Word.
Psalm 32:8,10
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
Open your eyes to the reality of God's unfailing love which surrounds you.
I remember as a child, after I said my prayers, I would ask Mama to leave the light on until I fell asleep. There was something comforting about that light, for when the light was on, I could see and was not afraid. There was a wonderful security in the light to me as a small child, for it dispelled the darkness.
Now that I am grown, I still find warmth inside whenever I see a porch light on or a light in a window. As a writer, whenever I see a light, for some reason I feel closer home. As a teenager, I used to love to hear Mama say, "We will leave the porch light on for you." And to this day, whenever I visit Mama and Dad, I see that porch light burning bright and I know I am home.
As Christians, we know that there is an eternal light that will always shine brightly for us through the darkness. We never have to be afraid for our light is Jesus.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). David, who wrote that, knew all about fear, for he faced a giant. He faced many struggles and heartache, but he knew about The Light of God.
There is something about the morning when the darkness has been overcome by the light, something of brilliance and majesty in the sunrise. I like to think it is another of God’s reminders of His love.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5).
Many times in our lives we feel overcome by the darkness as we deal with sickness, grief, loneliness and pain. At times it seems to almost overcome us and threaten to swallow us up. But all we have to do is call on Him, on His name, the name of Jesus; and in His light the darkness flees. We are bathed in the light of His love.
So regardless of what you are walking through, remember this:
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart" (2 Peter 1:19).
Jesus lives in our hearts. He is our Day Star and our light of love. He will always be our light. We will walk on, for surely any darkness we are walking through will turn to light as we embrace Him and His Word.
And we have no need to fear the future, for His word tells us that "there shall be no night there: and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5).
Sometimes in prayer during those times when I feel overcome by circumstances, I can hear Him say, " Fear not, My Child. I am with you, and my light goes before you. I will always leave the light on for you, my precious Child. It will light the way for you now on earth and someday lead you back home to Me."
cbn
Monday, May 12, 2003
An End To Revenge
Read: Romans 12:9-21
Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. —Romans 12:19
The newspaper headline read: NO END TO CYCLE OF REVENGE IN MIDEAST. In the wake of suicide bombings and military retaliation, the article told of a 28-year-old man consumed with avenging his uncle's death. "When someone dear to you is killed," he said, "you can't sleep; you have to do something." But even after killing two men he considered enemies, he still had no sense of satisfaction. No one can ever win by trying to even the score.
Is there a cycle of revenge in your life today? Perhaps it's an on going verbal battle with a co-worker, a spouse, or a child. It may be a simmering feud with a neighbor or even someone at church. Whatever it is, our Lord wants it to end.
Revenge is a weapon of such devastating power that God alone can handle it. He said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" (Romans 12:19). The weapon He has entrusted to us is kindness: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink . . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (vv.20-21).
This doesn't mean that we shouldn't appeal to courts for justice in some cases. But because God is just, we don't have to personally repay those who wrong us. With kindness and love, we can bring an end to revenge. —David McCasland
Now evil prospers, falsehood reigns,
And darkness dims the light;
But we rejoice to know that Christ
Will one day set things right. —Sper
Revenge gets you even with your enemy; forgiveness puts you above him.
daily bread
Read: Romans 12:9-21
Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. —Romans 12:19
The newspaper headline read: NO END TO CYCLE OF REVENGE IN MIDEAST. In the wake of suicide bombings and military retaliation, the article told of a 28-year-old man consumed with avenging his uncle's death. "When someone dear to you is killed," he said, "you can't sleep; you have to do something." But even after killing two men he considered enemies, he still had no sense of satisfaction. No one can ever win by trying to even the score.
Is there a cycle of revenge in your life today? Perhaps it's an on going verbal battle with a co-worker, a spouse, or a child. It may be a simmering feud with a neighbor or even someone at church. Whatever it is, our Lord wants it to end.
Revenge is a weapon of such devastating power that God alone can handle it. He said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" (Romans 12:19). The weapon He has entrusted to us is kindness: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink . . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (vv.20-21).
This doesn't mean that we shouldn't appeal to courts for justice in some cases. But because God is just, we don't have to personally repay those who wrong us. With kindness and love, we can bring an end to revenge. —David McCasland
Now evil prospers, falsehood reigns,
And darkness dims the light;
But we rejoice to know that Christ
Will one day set things right. —Sper
Revenge gets you even with your enemy; forgiveness puts you above him.
daily bread
Sunday, May 11, 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
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Chin Up
By Martha Noebel
It was like she was in a sea of situations and if she could just get her chin up, then she would not drown.
I was worshipping God in chapel one afternoon. I felt compassion for the one standing next to me as she had many needs. She was longing for a touch from God. Finances, her children, her home, all these issues and more were weighing her down. As a single mom, she was struggling as you can imagine. It seemed like she was drowning in all the problems.
Then the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me to tell her to "Chin Up." It was like she was in a sea of situations and if she could just get her chin up, then she would not drown. I thought that sounded funny but you know it is true. If spiritually she would get her chin up, then what she would be doing is tilting her head back and looking up. Looking Up! That's the answer. She would be looking to the only One who could meet her every need.
Sometimes we need that gentle reminder to look up. The Word says:
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;" Hebrews 12:2a KJV
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 1:21 KJV
God will meet our needs because He loves us so much. His mercies are new every morning. Whatever we are going through, our breakthrough is right around the corner.
Here is a good scripture on breaking through. God wants us to break through every circumstance. He wants to lead us into a place of victory.
"One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head." Micah 2:13 NLT
When Jesus needed a miracle, He chinned up. He looked up to the Father and prayed. Matthew 14:19 NIV says:
"And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people."
What was the end result? Verse 20 states, "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." That was no small task as there were about five thousand men, women and children fed. Now that was a miracle.
Our deliverance is promised to us. Our miracles are coming. We need to continue looking up to God for the answers, trusting Him for the end results.
I will take a stand for my family and myself so we can breakthrough in all areas. I will not be defeated. You can join me in this attitude of winning. Chin Up! Look up! It's miracle time.
cbn
By Martha Noebel
It was like she was in a sea of situations and if she could just get her chin up, then she would not drown.
I was worshipping God in chapel one afternoon. I felt compassion for the one standing next to me as she had many needs. She was longing for a touch from God. Finances, her children, her home, all these issues and more were weighing her down. As a single mom, she was struggling as you can imagine. It seemed like she was drowning in all the problems.
Then the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me to tell her to "Chin Up." It was like she was in a sea of situations and if she could just get her chin up, then she would not drown. I thought that sounded funny but you know it is true. If spiritually she would get her chin up, then what she would be doing is tilting her head back and looking up. Looking Up! That's the answer. She would be looking to the only One who could meet her every need.
Sometimes we need that gentle reminder to look up. The Word says:
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;" Hebrews 12:2a KJV
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 1:21 KJV
God will meet our needs because He loves us so much. His mercies are new every morning. Whatever we are going through, our breakthrough is right around the corner.
Here is a good scripture on breaking through. God wants us to break through every circumstance. He wants to lead us into a place of victory.
"One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head." Micah 2:13 NLT
When Jesus needed a miracle, He chinned up. He looked up to the Father and prayed. Matthew 14:19 NIV says:
"And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people."
What was the end result? Verse 20 states, "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." That was no small task as there were about five thousand men, women and children fed. Now that was a miracle.
Our deliverance is promised to us. Our miracles are coming. We need to continue looking up to God for the answers, trusting Him for the end results.
I will take a stand for my family and myself so we can breakthrough in all areas. I will not be defeated. You can join me in this attitude of winning. Chin Up! Look up! It's miracle time.
cbn
Thursday, May 08, 2003
Got Faith?
By Laura Bagby
Faith: all that's needed is the size of a mustard seed to move mountains.
Faith: all that's needed is the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. But what if you don't have a mustard seed worth of faith? What if your speck is so small it's microscopic? Been there?
I have.
Many a day I have walked trembling in fear -- and not in the fear of the Lord, either. Nope. I am talking anxious, unnerving, finger-biting fear. The Goliaths of the world are huge, my debts are burgeoning, and I don't have the answers when I am supposed to. It's a scary place.
Why don't I have the faith to believe that God is what He says He is and that He is going to do all that He says He will do? I have asked the Lord many times. Well, here is, I think, the answer.
I ran across this Scripture recently and I think it's telling of the condition a lot of us Christians get ourselves into, and it has to do with reading our Bibles.
If you are like me, prayer is easy. I always have something to say to God, even if it ends up phrased more as complaints dripping with self-righteousness than in true holy submission.
But Bible-reading, well, sometimes it seems so laborious, dry. And if you are like me, you might walk away thinking, "What did I really learn from that passage? Is this really all that important? Can't I just listen to a sermon?"
But little by little, reading that word, that passage, that chapter in Scripture is the means to filling up your faith tank. How do I know this? In the Bible, in Romans 10:17, it says, "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (NIV). The word of Christ referred to is obviously the Bible. Read the Word, my friend, and you will gain faith. See, it's easy!
But how does this happen? Is it something magical?
No. It's personal; it's relational.
God doesn't swoop down upon you as you read the Scriptures and go POOF! and then you are automatically tanked up with a full measure of faith.
No it builds -- sometimes gradually, and sometimes in spurts.
It's just like building a friendship. Why do you trust some friends more than others? You know that they are trustworthy, right? And how do you know they are trustworthy? You spend enough time with them that you know they are who they say that they are.
The same goes for Jesus. If you don't have faith, you need to know your Lord and Savior better.
Pull out that Bible and pray that God will reveal Himself to you and trust that He is doing just that. You aren't necessarily going to feel anything. That's OK. But one day, when the enemy attacks, you will have God's words on your lips, and you will have faith to meet that devil head-on.
Get the Word. And get moving!
cbn
By Laura Bagby
Faith: all that's needed is the size of a mustard seed to move mountains.
Faith: all that's needed is the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. But what if you don't have a mustard seed worth of faith? What if your speck is so small it's microscopic? Been there?
I have.
Many a day I have walked trembling in fear -- and not in the fear of the Lord, either. Nope. I am talking anxious, unnerving, finger-biting fear. The Goliaths of the world are huge, my debts are burgeoning, and I don't have the answers when I am supposed to. It's a scary place.
Why don't I have the faith to believe that God is what He says He is and that He is going to do all that He says He will do? I have asked the Lord many times. Well, here is, I think, the answer.
I ran across this Scripture recently and I think it's telling of the condition a lot of us Christians get ourselves into, and it has to do with reading our Bibles.
If you are like me, prayer is easy. I always have something to say to God, even if it ends up phrased more as complaints dripping with self-righteousness than in true holy submission.
But Bible-reading, well, sometimes it seems so laborious, dry. And if you are like me, you might walk away thinking, "What did I really learn from that passage? Is this really all that important? Can't I just listen to a sermon?"
But little by little, reading that word, that passage, that chapter in Scripture is the means to filling up your faith tank. How do I know this? In the Bible, in Romans 10:17, it says, "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (NIV). The word of Christ referred to is obviously the Bible. Read the Word, my friend, and you will gain faith. See, it's easy!
But how does this happen? Is it something magical?
No. It's personal; it's relational.
God doesn't swoop down upon you as you read the Scriptures and go POOF! and then you are automatically tanked up with a full measure of faith.
No it builds -- sometimes gradually, and sometimes in spurts.
It's just like building a friendship. Why do you trust some friends more than others? You know that they are trustworthy, right? And how do you know they are trustworthy? You spend enough time with them that you know they are who they say that they are.
The same goes for Jesus. If you don't have faith, you need to know your Lord and Savior better.
Pull out that Bible and pray that God will reveal Himself to you and trust that He is doing just that. You aren't necessarily going to feel anything. That's OK. But one day, when the enemy attacks, you will have God's words on your lips, and you will have faith to meet that devil head-on.
Get the Word. And get moving!
cbn
Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Today's scripture is Proverbs 10:19
"In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent."
We believers need to start watching our language! We need to quit throwing words around like they weren't important and start using them like our lives depended on it--because, according to the Word of God, they do! (Prov. 18:21).
Too many of us have what Proverbs 19:1 calls a perverted mouth. Having a perverted mouth means more than lying and using profanity. It means having a disobedient mouth. It means saying things that are out of line with the Word of God.
Just use the wisdom God has given you. Train your mouth to be obedient to His Word. Then, when you need it most, you'll find that Word dwelling richly in you.
bible shack
"In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent."
We believers need to start watching our language! We need to quit throwing words around like they weren't important and start using them like our lives depended on it--because, according to the Word of God, they do! (Prov. 18:21).
Too many of us have what Proverbs 19:1 calls a perverted mouth. Having a perverted mouth means more than lying and using profanity. It means having a disobedient mouth. It means saying things that are out of line with the Word of God.
Just use the wisdom God has given you. Train your mouth to be obedient to His Word. Then, when you need it most, you'll find that Word dwelling richly in you.
bible shack
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
In The Dark
By Barbara Cuffee
Have you ever wondered why it seems that the longer you remain in the dark, the clearer it gets?
Have you ever wondered why it seems that the longer you remain in the dark, the clearer things become? It is awesome how God causes this to be so in the natural as well as in the spiritual.
I remember many times as a child being afraid of the dark. My father would say, "Do not be afraid. Just keep looking and you will begin to see." That reminds me of how eloquently our Heavenly Father says the same thing:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid" (Psalm 27:1, KJV)?
When I reflect on the course of my life, I find that I gain the most spiritual insight during times of deep despair. Not only do I learn how faithful God is, but I also learn how and why He orchestrates these situations.
During one of my most desolate times, I learned exactly what these Scriptures mean.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that Love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, KJV).
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18, KJV).
I have often wondered, "Lord, why is there so much pain? Why must I feel the agony of rejection and loss?" Through my crying out to God, I heard His voice reminding me of a prayer I whispered years ago but had forgotten. He said, "My child, remember you asked Me to show you those who were broken hearted and hurting?" "Yes, "I cried. "How can you minister to them unless you have felt their pain?" At that moment, the tears of sadness turned to tears of joy, because in this dark place, I was able to see the light!
God is a loving and merciful Father, and everything we encounter in our lives is because of His love. It causes us to grab hold of Him, exercise our faith, and mature into vessels fit for His service. Suddenly, I realized He answered my prayer and was equipping me to do the work I requested so long ago!
Whenever you find yourself in the dark, do not be afraid. Remember this:
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105, KJV).
God wants to use us to light the pathway for others in darkness so they can find their way to Him.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, KJV).
When you are walking through a dark time in your life, be encouraged by this verse:
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).
Being in the dark is not a bad thing; it can be a time to grow in God, a time to learn to trust God, and a time to be thankful for all God has done for us. This will give us compassion for others as God shows them the light in their darkness.
cbn
By Barbara Cuffee
Have you ever wondered why it seems that the longer you remain in the dark, the clearer it gets?
Have you ever wondered why it seems that the longer you remain in the dark, the clearer things become? It is awesome how God causes this to be so in the natural as well as in the spiritual.
I remember many times as a child being afraid of the dark. My father would say, "Do not be afraid. Just keep looking and you will begin to see." That reminds me of how eloquently our Heavenly Father says the same thing:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid" (Psalm 27:1, KJV)?
When I reflect on the course of my life, I find that I gain the most spiritual insight during times of deep despair. Not only do I learn how faithful God is, but I also learn how and why He orchestrates these situations.
During one of my most desolate times, I learned exactly what these Scriptures mean.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that Love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, KJV).
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18, KJV).
I have often wondered, "Lord, why is there so much pain? Why must I feel the agony of rejection and loss?" Through my crying out to God, I heard His voice reminding me of a prayer I whispered years ago but had forgotten. He said, "My child, remember you asked Me to show you those who were broken hearted and hurting?" "Yes, "I cried. "How can you minister to them unless you have felt their pain?" At that moment, the tears of sadness turned to tears of joy, because in this dark place, I was able to see the light!
God is a loving and merciful Father, and everything we encounter in our lives is because of His love. It causes us to grab hold of Him, exercise our faith, and mature into vessels fit for His service. Suddenly, I realized He answered my prayer and was equipping me to do the work I requested so long ago!
Whenever you find yourself in the dark, do not be afraid. Remember this:
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105, KJV).
God wants to use us to light the pathway for others in darkness so they can find their way to Him.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, KJV).
When you are walking through a dark time in your life, be encouraged by this verse:
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).
Being in the dark is not a bad thing; it can be a time to grow in God, a time to learn to trust God, and a time to be thankful for all God has done for us. This will give us compassion for others as God shows them the light in their darkness.
cbn
Monday, May 05, 2003
Yielding Control
Read: Romans 8:1-11
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. —Romans 8:6
During a visit with a friend suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, I asked what lessons God was teaching her as she traveled down this difficult road. Her immediate response was, "Loss of control."
She had always been a highly organized, independent person whose corporate job involved long hours and frequent travel. Now she had to depend on others for everything from getting dressed to brushing her teeth. Unable to move her arms or legs, she had control over only what she thought and what she said. She knew that soon she would even lose her power of speech. "I used to stress over my job," she said, "and never really gave it to the Lord. Now, with almost all control gone, I can stress about [my physical limitation] or surrender it to Christ."
The question facing each of us is, "Will I retain control of my life or yield it to the Lord today?" To live only for what I want is to be controlled by the sinful nature. Paul said that this leads to death, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).
To one degree or another, we will all lose control of our lives as we grow older. Yielding control to God is a choice we can make every day—starting today. —David McCasland
Although I may not understand
The path You've laid for me,
Complete surrender to Your will—
Lord, this my prayer shall be. —Sherbert
© 1978 William F. Sherbert
True freedom comes not from choosing our way, but from yielding to God's way.
daily bread
Read: Romans 8:1-11
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. —Romans 8:6
During a visit with a friend suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, I asked what lessons God was teaching her as she traveled down this difficult road. Her immediate response was, "Loss of control."
She had always been a highly organized, independent person whose corporate job involved long hours and frequent travel. Now she had to depend on others for everything from getting dressed to brushing her teeth. Unable to move her arms or legs, she had control over only what she thought and what she said. She knew that soon she would even lose her power of speech. "I used to stress over my job," she said, "and never really gave it to the Lord. Now, with almost all control gone, I can stress about [my physical limitation] or surrender it to Christ."
The question facing each of us is, "Will I retain control of my life or yield it to the Lord today?" To live only for what I want is to be controlled by the sinful nature. Paul said that this leads to death, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).
To one degree or another, we will all lose control of our lives as we grow older. Yielding control to God is a choice we can make every day—starting today. —David McCasland
Although I may not understand
The path You've laid for me,
Complete surrender to Your will—
Lord, this my prayer shall be. —Sherbert
© 1978 William F. Sherbert
True freedom comes not from choosing our way, but from yielding to God's way.
daily bread
Sunday, May 04, 2003
Profitable Reading
Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. —2 Timothy 3:15
Bible scholar William Barclay recalls the experience of a group of British soldiers during World War I. For a long time the men were in a relatively quiet standoff with the enemy. Among them was an atheist who, trying to fill up the empty days, went to the chaplain to ask if any books were available. The only book the chaplain had was the Bible.
The atheist refused the Bible at first, but then he took it and began to read the Old Testament at random. He came across the story of Esther and was so engrossed by it that he decided to read the whole Bible. As he did, he realized that what he was reading was true, and he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
The apostle Paul stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "all Scripture . . . is profitable." It gives people the wisdom that leads to "salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (v.15). Even passages that may seem boring and lacking in spiritual value have the power to transform people's lives.
If in our own reading we come across passages that we find uninspiring at first, let's trust the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and change our lives. Remember, when it comes to the Bible, all of it—from Genesis to Revelation—is inspired and profitable (v.16). —Vernon Grounds
The Bible has power to arrest and convict,
To reveal God's truth to our soul;
For in it we find the good news of the One
Who alone can cleanse and make whole. —Fitzhugh
Many books can inform you; only the Bible can transform you.
daily bread
Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. —2 Timothy 3:15
Bible scholar William Barclay recalls the experience of a group of British soldiers during World War I. For a long time the men were in a relatively quiet standoff with the enemy. Among them was an atheist who, trying to fill up the empty days, went to the chaplain to ask if any books were available. The only book the chaplain had was the Bible.
The atheist refused the Bible at first, but then he took it and began to read the Old Testament at random. He came across the story of Esther and was so engrossed by it that he decided to read the whole Bible. As he did, he realized that what he was reading was true, and he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
The apostle Paul stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "all Scripture . . . is profitable." It gives people the wisdom that leads to "salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (v.15). Even passages that may seem boring and lacking in spiritual value have the power to transform people's lives.
If in our own reading we come across passages that we find uninspiring at first, let's trust the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and change our lives. Remember, when it comes to the Bible, all of it—from Genesis to Revelation—is inspired and profitable (v.16). —Vernon Grounds
The Bible has power to arrest and convict,
To reveal God's truth to our soul;
For in it we find the good news of the One
Who alone can cleanse and make whole. —Fitzhugh
Many books can inform you; only the Bible can transform you.
daily bread
Saturday, May 03, 2003
The Race Of Life
By Cathy Irvin
We are racing towards our DESTINY. We need to focus on that last mile because heaven awaits us.
How long do you think a NASCAR driver would travel on a racetrack without oil in his engine or water in his radiator? We are in a race to win the crown that awaits us at the end of life's journey. It is important to take along the necessary things to make it to the end.
Like the race car driver who needs oil and water to run his car, we need certain things too. We need the oil in our lamps. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Water speaks of the washing of the Word to cleanse our minds and soul.
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1 NIV).
...to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word... (Ephesians 5:26 NIV).
We may stumble or sometimes slow down but as long as we keep on going we will make it. No driver in a race goes back to the starting line. They need to stay focused on where they are heading especially during the last mile of the race. There is no going back and starting over. We must press toward the mark of that high calling in Christ Jesus.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
The way to win is by PRESSING IN. Press into God by praying, daily reading and studying the Bible. Let the water of His Word wash you. This will keep you holy.
The oil of the Holy Spirit in your lamp will refresh you during the race. This is the anointing of God's presence in your life.
Yes, this is the only race that really counts. We are racing towards our DESTINY. We need to focus on that last mile because heaven awaits us. There we will meet Jesus Christ our Lord, the one who died for us. On your mark, get set, ready, GO!
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
We are racing towards our DESTINY. We need to focus on that last mile because heaven awaits us.
How long do you think a NASCAR driver would travel on a racetrack without oil in his engine or water in his radiator? We are in a race to win the crown that awaits us at the end of life's journey. It is important to take along the necessary things to make it to the end.
Like the race car driver who needs oil and water to run his car, we need certain things too. We need the oil in our lamps. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Water speaks of the washing of the Word to cleanse our minds and soul.
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1 NIV).
...to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word... (Ephesians 5:26 NIV).
We may stumble or sometimes slow down but as long as we keep on going we will make it. No driver in a race goes back to the starting line. They need to stay focused on where they are heading especially during the last mile of the race. There is no going back and starting over. We must press toward the mark of that high calling in Christ Jesus.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
The way to win is by PRESSING IN. Press into God by praying, daily reading and studying the Bible. Let the water of His Word wash you. This will keep you holy.
The oil of the Holy Spirit in your lamp will refresh you during the race. This is the anointing of God's presence in your life.
Yes, this is the only race that really counts. We are racing towards our DESTINY. We need to focus on that last mile because heaven awaits us. There we will meet Jesus Christ our Lord, the one who died for us. On your mark, get set, ready, GO!
cbn
Jesus Understands
Read: Hebrews 2:9-18
[Jesus] was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15
Seven-year-old Andy had to have his left arm amputated, and it wasn't easy to adjust to the loss. When he returned to school, his teacher wanted his classmates to understand how difficult the normal activities of life were for Andy. So one morning she told the other students to keep their left arm behind their back. That meant they all had to do everything with their right hand.
Little things like turning the pages of a book, writing neatly, and keeping the paper from slipping became difficult. Buttoning clothing took extra effort, and tying one's shoes became impossible. Andy's classmates discovered that the only way they could really understand his problem was to experience for themselves the difficulties he faced.
Because the Lord Jesus, God's Son, became a man, He can identify with our trials and temptations. He understands the heartaches, pain, and difficulties we face. Since "He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). And because He was without sin (4:15), He was able to die in our place as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (2:14-17).
How thankful we can be that we have a Savior who understands and cares! —Richard De Haan
God understands your heartache,
He knows the bitter pain;
O trust Him in the darkness,
You cannot trust in vain. —Smith
No one understands like Jesus.
daily bread
Read: Hebrews 2:9-18
[Jesus] was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15
Seven-year-old Andy had to have his left arm amputated, and it wasn't easy to adjust to the loss. When he returned to school, his teacher wanted his classmates to understand how difficult the normal activities of life were for Andy. So one morning she told the other students to keep their left arm behind their back. That meant they all had to do everything with their right hand.
Little things like turning the pages of a book, writing neatly, and keeping the paper from slipping became difficult. Buttoning clothing took extra effort, and tying one's shoes became impossible. Andy's classmates discovered that the only way they could really understand his problem was to experience for themselves the difficulties he faced.
Because the Lord Jesus, God's Son, became a man, He can identify with our trials and temptations. He understands the heartaches, pain, and difficulties we face. Since "He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). And because He was without sin (4:15), He was able to die in our place as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (2:14-17).
How thankful we can be that we have a Savior who understands and cares! —Richard De Haan
God understands your heartache,
He knows the bitter pain;
O trust Him in the darkness,
You cannot trust in vain. —Smith
No one understands like Jesus.
daily bread
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Rescue of Another Kind
By Gail Casteen
God reminds us of His love for us. For me, it was through a bunch of bunnies.
When we decided to get a rabbit for my 12-year-old son Edward, it never occurred to me that my spiritual life would be impacted by the experience of finding just the right one. We had searched high and low at shelters, pet shops and on the Internet. Then we found them -- the Rabbit Rescuers.
Saturday afternoon, Edward, Evan (my 16-year-old) and I hopped into the car and made the drive to a nearby community to visit the Tidewater Rabbit Rescue. Sande and his wife, Diane, had done everything necessary to comply with city codes and regulations in order to create a safe haven for several rabbits (and a small assortment of birds and dogs). Being the animal lovers we are, the three of us were thoroughly delighted with the menagerie we found there. Evan fell in love with a cockatiel named Schatzi and I was wowed by the huge golden retriever named Cody. Edward headed straight for the rabbits.
Once we'd met all the human visitors, Diane began to introduce us to the rabbits. For over an hour she introduced us to each rabbit by name, known history, age and personality. It was astounding to hear her, with such great aplomb and love, tell us about each bunny.
Sande could have taught a college level course on the nutrition, health issues, care, habits and handling of any rabbit known to man. He was absolutely fascinating and seemed more than pleased to field any and every question that came his way. Each rabbit had been rescued, given a complete health check-up, and had been there for at least a month so that any problem might be recognized and appropriately addressed.
It wasn’t until we were on our way home that I began to see a wonderful object lesson unfold. At the Rabbit Rescue each rabbit was called by name: the rabbits were loved and protected indefinitely. It brought to mind Isaiah 43:1, which says, "The Lord who created you says: 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine'…."
God’s love for me began to sweep over me as I drove. I realized I could be like the "Great Whites"-- the gang of three huge, hostile rabbits that will quite happily bite anyone who dares poke their fingers in the cage. I could be like Ruby who has only one eye and can be quite moody on occasion. Maybe her perception of life is a bit distorted. I could be like Pancho the white rabbit who loves to be loved more than he loves food. I could be like Esther who has survived health problems that fill a sizable medical chart. I could be like Muffy, the smoky colored lop-eared bunny who is so sweet and easy going that anyone could hug her all day and she would never resist. I could be scared of life itself like Tina, the mini-rex who cowers in a little plastic box inside her cage.
I could be a hopeless mental case, like the funny bunny. I could be ANYTHING and still, He loves me. My Rescuer loves me so much that He chooses to keep on pouring His marvelous redemptive love into my life no matter how I respond.
Sometimes I am aware of His Presence and binkies are the order of the day. A binkie, by the way, is how a rabbit displays great joy. They thump their back feet really hard, propelling themselves into the air. While they are in flight, they make a 180-degree turn. As they land they dart across the room to do it all over again. Binkies are a happy sight to behold!
Many times He pours His goodness out on me and I sit idly by not even remotely aware that He is fully active in my life at that very moment. He knows I love Him and He knows my expressions of that love are limited at best. Still He pours Himself into my life without reservation as if I fully understood the depths of His actions and motives.
I felt as if He were saying, "I know your past and I am not afraid to make you My own. I know your weaknesses and I am able and more than willing to strengthen you. Your personality is what endears you to Me. It does not matter how others perceive you; you are precious to Me. I know you are hungry and thirsty and I continually provide you with the best nourishment available, because I value you. You were feeling abandoned, rejected and lonely; I have sheltered you in the shadow of My wing. You will never find a safer place. I knew you were in need of help, that is why I gave up the Best I had to rescue you."
What could I say to someone Who loves me that much? I did pray this: "Dear God, forgive me when I fail to acknowledge Your hand on my life. Help me to understand how wide and long and high and deep Your love is for me. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness to those who see me, and let it be a blessing to You. I pray that I no longer take situations and circumstances in my life for granted, but recognize that You are behind everything that would draw me (or even push me) toward You."
He has a way of reminding us that He loves us more than we can fathom. For me, it was a bunch of bunnies. What is it for you?
cbn
By Gail Casteen
God reminds us of His love for us. For me, it was through a bunch of bunnies.
When we decided to get a rabbit for my 12-year-old son Edward, it never occurred to me that my spiritual life would be impacted by the experience of finding just the right one. We had searched high and low at shelters, pet shops and on the Internet. Then we found them -- the Rabbit Rescuers.
Saturday afternoon, Edward, Evan (my 16-year-old) and I hopped into the car and made the drive to a nearby community to visit the Tidewater Rabbit Rescue. Sande and his wife, Diane, had done everything necessary to comply with city codes and regulations in order to create a safe haven for several rabbits (and a small assortment of birds and dogs). Being the animal lovers we are, the three of us were thoroughly delighted with the menagerie we found there. Evan fell in love with a cockatiel named Schatzi and I was wowed by the huge golden retriever named Cody. Edward headed straight for the rabbits.
Once we'd met all the human visitors, Diane began to introduce us to the rabbits. For over an hour she introduced us to each rabbit by name, known history, age and personality. It was astounding to hear her, with such great aplomb and love, tell us about each bunny.
Sande could have taught a college level course on the nutrition, health issues, care, habits and handling of any rabbit known to man. He was absolutely fascinating and seemed more than pleased to field any and every question that came his way. Each rabbit had been rescued, given a complete health check-up, and had been there for at least a month so that any problem might be recognized and appropriately addressed.
It wasn’t until we were on our way home that I began to see a wonderful object lesson unfold. At the Rabbit Rescue each rabbit was called by name: the rabbits were loved and protected indefinitely. It brought to mind Isaiah 43:1, which says, "The Lord who created you says: 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine'…."
God’s love for me began to sweep over me as I drove. I realized I could be like the "Great Whites"-- the gang of three huge, hostile rabbits that will quite happily bite anyone who dares poke their fingers in the cage. I could be like Ruby who has only one eye and can be quite moody on occasion. Maybe her perception of life is a bit distorted. I could be like Pancho the white rabbit who loves to be loved more than he loves food. I could be like Esther who has survived health problems that fill a sizable medical chart. I could be like Muffy, the smoky colored lop-eared bunny who is so sweet and easy going that anyone could hug her all day and she would never resist. I could be scared of life itself like Tina, the mini-rex who cowers in a little plastic box inside her cage.
I could be a hopeless mental case, like the funny bunny. I could be ANYTHING and still, He loves me. My Rescuer loves me so much that He chooses to keep on pouring His marvelous redemptive love into my life no matter how I respond.
Sometimes I am aware of His Presence and binkies are the order of the day. A binkie, by the way, is how a rabbit displays great joy. They thump their back feet really hard, propelling themselves into the air. While they are in flight, they make a 180-degree turn. As they land they dart across the room to do it all over again. Binkies are a happy sight to behold!
Many times He pours His goodness out on me and I sit idly by not even remotely aware that He is fully active in my life at that very moment. He knows I love Him and He knows my expressions of that love are limited at best. Still He pours Himself into my life without reservation as if I fully understood the depths of His actions and motives.
I felt as if He were saying, "I know your past and I am not afraid to make you My own. I know your weaknesses and I am able and more than willing to strengthen you. Your personality is what endears you to Me. It does not matter how others perceive you; you are precious to Me. I know you are hungry and thirsty and I continually provide you with the best nourishment available, because I value you. You were feeling abandoned, rejected and lonely; I have sheltered you in the shadow of My wing. You will never find a safer place. I knew you were in need of help, that is why I gave up the Best I had to rescue you."
What could I say to someone Who loves me that much? I did pray this: "Dear God, forgive me when I fail to acknowledge Your hand on my life. Help me to understand how wide and long and high and deep Your love is for me. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness to those who see me, and let it be a blessing to You. I pray that I no longer take situations and circumstances in my life for granted, but recognize that You are behind everything that would draw me (or even push me) toward You."
He has a way of reminding us that He loves us more than we can fathom. For me, it was a bunch of bunnies. What is it for you?
cbn