GENOCIDE OR JUDGMENT?
Deuteronomy 9:1-5
1 Hear, O Israel. You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities
that have walls up to the sky. 2 The people are strong and tall--Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: "Who can stand up against the Anakites?" 3 But be assured today that the Lord your God is the One who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; He will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you. 4 After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 9:1-5 often brings up one of the most difficult questions Christians are asked: "How can God be just, loving, and merciful, and yet command Israel to annihilate the Canaanite population--men, women, and children?"
Answering that question requires both wisdom and humility. We know that justice requires judgment--because sin and evil unchecked by the reality of eventual judgment will ultimately lead people to self-centered, soul-killing cruelty. God in love and mercy has always provided a way for people to avoid pending judgment. He's written His law on every human heart (Romans 2) and has declared His law in specific Scriptures (Exodus 20). The ultimate way out of eternal judgment is repentance for transgressing the law and acceptance of the blood of Jesus as "payment" for that transgression.
Every person by nature knows what is good and what is evil. Refusing to do good and pursuing evil will bring about God's eventual judgment. The world's first civilization became so evil that God destroyed it with a flood (Genesis 6), Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by fire from the sky, and in Deuteronomy 2 we read that the hopelessly depraved Canaanites were judged by the sword of Israel.
They were all judged by God for refusing to do what they knew was good and right. In these judgments God saw to it that they were warned or were given knowledge of the right path prior to His act of judgment.
What about the humility part? That's our confessing that we don't understand all of our Creator's ways and will not act as His judge.
We take comfort, however, in the confirmation of the prophet Ezekiel: "'As surely as I live,' declares the Sovereign Lord, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live'" (Ezekiel 33:11). --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How does my faith in God include trusting Him to be fair in His dealings with everyone else?
* How could God be good if He never judged evil?
* How responsible would I be if I were never called to account for my actions?
bottom line: If there is no judgment, there is no justice.
soul journey
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
PAIN UNDERSTOOD
Hebrews 4:14-15:3
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
Like many people, I had to go through wisdom teeth extraction. Being a novice at having even minor surgery, I had no idea how much misery I'd have to endure--not so much during the operation as in the aftermath. I couldn't eat or talk for days.
The wound was aching constantly and the pain was sometimes acute. It could even be felt without opening my mouth. After a week, I visited the dentist to remove my stitches and was diagnosed as having a wound infection. So I was treated with another dose of antibiotics.
During this difficult time, my mom said something that struck a chord in my heart. While watching me slowly swallow some oatmeal, she commented, "I am so glad you can eat. It hurts me to see you in pain. It is just like when I gave birth to you. The pain pierced right through my heart."
Although I know my pain was not as bad as childbirth, her comments reminded me of God's love for us. Another mother once shared with me that her daughter had fallen and ended up with a big open gash that required stitches. When her little girl fell asleep on her lap after the surgery, she looked at her daughter's wound and felt her own heart aching.
If our earthly parents feel so deeply for us, how much more does our heavenly Father!
When we go through trying times, we can come with confidence to the throne of grace. Jesus is our High Priest, who understands our pain because of what He endured on the cross. We can approach Him in prayer, knowing that He not only understands but will also give us grace in our time of weakness. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus as our High Priest?
* Do I sometimes feel alone when I am suffering? How do I apply today's Scripture reading to my situation? * What can I do to help my family and friends who might be going through temptations or trials?
LINKS:
How Has God Loved Us?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0102
God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108
bottom line: With Jesus, you're never alone in your trials.
soul journey
Hebrews 4:14-15:3
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
Like many people, I had to go through wisdom teeth extraction. Being a novice at having even minor surgery, I had no idea how much misery I'd have to endure--not so much during the operation as in the aftermath. I couldn't eat or talk for days.
The wound was aching constantly and the pain was sometimes acute. It could even be felt without opening my mouth. After a week, I visited the dentist to remove my stitches and was diagnosed as having a wound infection. So I was treated with another dose of antibiotics.
During this difficult time, my mom said something that struck a chord in my heart. While watching me slowly swallow some oatmeal, she commented, "I am so glad you can eat. It hurts me to see you in pain. It is just like when I gave birth to you. The pain pierced right through my heart."
Although I know my pain was not as bad as childbirth, her comments reminded me of God's love for us. Another mother once shared with me that her daughter had fallen and ended up with a big open gash that required stitches. When her little girl fell asleep on her lap after the surgery, she looked at her daughter's wound and felt her own heart aching.
If our earthly parents feel so deeply for us, how much more does our heavenly Father!
When we go through trying times, we can come with confidence to the throne of grace. Jesus is our High Priest, who understands our pain because of what He endured on the cross. We can approach Him in prayer, knowing that He not only understands but will also give us grace in our time of weakness. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus as our High Priest?
* Do I sometimes feel alone when I am suffering? How do I apply today's Scripture reading to my situation? * What can I do to help my family and friends who might be going through temptations or trials?
LINKS:
How Has God Loved Us?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0102
God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108
bottom line: With Jesus, you're never alone in your trials.
soul journey
Monday, November 10, 2003
Today's scripture is Ephesians 2:6-7
"God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
All my life people told me the reason God saved us was so that when we got to Glory, we could spend the rest of eternity loving Him and worshiping Him. But, you know, that's just not so. It sounds pretty good, but it's just something somebody made up. God isn't selfish. He's just the opposite. He's the ultimate giver. The ultimate lover. He doesn't do anything just so He can get something in return.
Why then did He save us? The Word of God tells us He did it so that in the ages to come, He could show us the exceeding riches of His grace. Think about that! God is going to spend eternity showing the riches of His grace to you and me.
As a believer, you have the most glorious future ahead of you that anyone could ever ask. But don't wait until you get to Glory to enjoy it. You can start right now. You've already been seated in heavenly places!
bible shack
"God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
All my life people told me the reason God saved us was so that when we got to Glory, we could spend the rest of eternity loving Him and worshiping Him. But, you know, that's just not so. It sounds pretty good, but it's just something somebody made up. God isn't selfish. He's just the opposite. He's the ultimate giver. The ultimate lover. He doesn't do anything just so He can get something in return.
Why then did He save us? The Word of God tells us He did it so that in the ages to come, He could show us the exceeding riches of His grace. Think about that! God is going to spend eternity showing the riches of His grace to you and me.
As a believer, you have the most glorious future ahead of you that anyone could ever ask. But don't wait until you get to Glory to enjoy it. You can start right now. You've already been seated in heavenly places!
bible shack
Sunday, November 09, 2003
A Life-And-Death Issue
Read: Psalm 90:1-10
The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10
By altering the gene that controls aging, scientists believe they can extend the average human lifespan to 100 by the end of this century. This would be well beyond the proverbial 70 years mentioned in Psalm 90:10. But even if people do live longer, life's final chapter will still read, "It is soon cut off" (v.10).
Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120. He saw death as inevitable in a world cursed by the effects of sin. Yet he didn't become pessimistic. He asked God to teach him to number his days so he could gain "a heart of wisdom" (v.12). He wanted to be satisfied with God's mercy so he could rejoice and be glad (v.14). He also asked God to show His glory to the next generation (v.16). That's how Moses faced the reality of death thousands of years ago.
Like all people since Adam and Eve, we suffer the effects of sin, and death is certain (Romans 6:23). Yet we can live with hope and joy, because God sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. And if we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God's forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life-and-death issue? —Dennis De Haan
THINKING IT OVER
If you were to die today, would you
be prepared to meet God?
To be ready, embrace Jesus' promise to
everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16; 11:25-26).
You're not ready to live until you're ready to die.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 90:1-10
The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10
By altering the gene that controls aging, scientists believe they can extend the average human lifespan to 100 by the end of this century. This would be well beyond the proverbial 70 years mentioned in Psalm 90:10. But even if people do live longer, life's final chapter will still read, "It is soon cut off" (v.10).
Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120. He saw death as inevitable in a world cursed by the effects of sin. Yet he didn't become pessimistic. He asked God to teach him to number his days so he could gain "a heart of wisdom" (v.12). He wanted to be satisfied with God's mercy so he could rejoice and be glad (v.14). He also asked God to show His glory to the next generation (v.16). That's how Moses faced the reality of death thousands of years ago.
Like all people since Adam and Eve, we suffer the effects of sin, and death is certain (Romans 6:23). Yet we can live with hope and joy, because God sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. And if we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God's forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life-and-death issue? —Dennis De Haan
THINKING IT OVER
If you were to die today, would you
be prepared to meet God?
To be ready, embrace Jesus' promise to
everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16; 11:25-26).
You're not ready to live until you're ready to die.
daily bread
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Thanksgiving: The Forgotten Holiday
By Candy Arrington
Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, you might want to focus on thanks-giving this November by following these simple tips.
Sandwiched somewhere between Halloween and Christmas is a Thursday holiday that is slowly becoming more miniscule in the minds of millions of Americans – Thanksgiving. If you search hard, you might find one small section of Thanksgiving cards, autumn decorations, and a turkey platter amid the aisles and miles of Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, and toys.
For some, Thanksgiving is a day to get a list together prior to a day of marathon Christmas shopping. Somehow our perception of Thanksgiving Day has gone askew. We've forgotten the reason for celebration that first Thanksgiving. Gratitude for survival!
Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their original population died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast not to try out their latest recipes, but to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for His provision in difficult circumstances.
Perhaps you'd like to redirect your family toward gratitude this year. Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, focus on thanks-giving this November by doing the following:
• Week 1 – Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During a time of family devotions or at a meal, have each family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God's qualities.
• Week 2 – Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. This week, any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the week, donate the money to the soup kitchen or mobile meals to help with Thanksgiving meals.
• Week 3 – Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.
• Week 4 – Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise chorus or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal instead of saying a blessing. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Use your creativity to come up with others and enjoy making Thanksgiving a holiday to remember.
cbn
By Candy Arrington
Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, you might want to focus on thanks-giving this November by following these simple tips.
Sandwiched somewhere between Halloween and Christmas is a Thursday holiday that is slowly becoming more miniscule in the minds of millions of Americans – Thanksgiving. If you search hard, you might find one small section of Thanksgiving cards, autumn decorations, and a turkey platter amid the aisles and miles of Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, and toys.
For some, Thanksgiving is a day to get a list together prior to a day of marathon Christmas shopping. Somehow our perception of Thanksgiving Day has gone askew. We've forgotten the reason for celebration that first Thanksgiving. Gratitude for survival!
Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their original population died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast not to try out their latest recipes, but to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for His provision in difficult circumstances.
Perhaps you'd like to redirect your family toward gratitude this year. Just as many enlist the help of an advent wreath to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth in December, focus on thanks-giving this November by doing the following:
• Week 1 – Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During a time of family devotions or at a meal, have each family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God's qualities.
• Week 2 – Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. This week, any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the week, donate the money to the soup kitchen or mobile meals to help with Thanksgiving meals.
• Week 3 – Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.
• Week 4 – Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise chorus or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal instead of saying a blessing. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Use your creativity to come up with others and enjoy making Thanksgiving a holiday to remember.
cbn
Through Walls of Flames
By Cheri Cowell
If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward.
As we watched the video news footage coming from the fires in California, all of us had heavy hearts. We found ourselves asking, What would we do? What would we take of our possessions if forced to flee? I found myself wondering if I could handle loosing everything.
I, like you, and those who lost their homes, have so many special things. I have gifts from friends no longer here, family heirlooms never able to be replaced, and little things only I would recognize as priceless. It would be heartbreaking to loose all these things. I cannot comprehend the loss, but I do know that God understands. He even tells us about surviving a fire in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:
For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT)
Paul states that as Christians we are building upon a solid foundation, Jesus Christ. But what are we using as our building materials, he asks? Are we more concerned with what we look like, who we please, how we feel, or what we have? What are the types of things we use to build up our self-esteems or as building blocks for our standing in the community we live?
Paul tells us there will be a time of testing when our true motives will be revealed. Now, please don't read into this that God sent the fires in California to test those people. But God can use this tragedy to help us test ourselves. We are to look at our own building blocks to see if we have used inferior materials in building our homes.
This week, as I've been enjoying my decorated-for-Fall home, I found myself asking these questions … When I look at my possessions am I more concerned with loosing them than I am about building my life with God? If I were to loose everything and still have my relationship with God, would I count myself as blessed? Would I be happy?
A fire will reveal our true priorities. If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward. What greater reward then to stand the test of flames and come through them still holding your greatest possessions?
cbn
By Cheri Cowell
If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward.
As we watched the video news footage coming from the fires in California, all of us had heavy hearts. We found ourselves asking, What would we do? What would we take of our possessions if forced to flee? I found myself wondering if I could handle loosing everything.
I, like you, and those who lost their homes, have so many special things. I have gifts from friends no longer here, family heirlooms never able to be replaced, and little things only I would recognize as priceless. It would be heartbreaking to loose all these things. I cannot comprehend the loss, but I do know that God understands. He even tells us about surviving a fire in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:
For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT)
Paul states that as Christians we are building upon a solid foundation, Jesus Christ. But what are we using as our building materials, he asks? Are we more concerned with what we look like, who we please, how we feel, or what we have? What are the types of things we use to build up our self-esteems or as building blocks for our standing in the community we live?
Paul tells us there will be a time of testing when our true motives will be revealed. Now, please don't read into this that God sent the fires in California to test those people. But God can use this tragedy to help us test ourselves. We are to look at our own building blocks to see if we have used inferior materials in building our homes.
This week, as I've been enjoying my decorated-for-Fall home, I found myself asking these questions … When I look at my possessions am I more concerned with loosing them than I am about building my life with God? If I were to loose everything and still have my relationship with God, would I count myself as blessed? Would I be happy?
A fire will reveal our true priorities. If what we count as most precious survives a fire (our love for others, our relationships, and our faith) then we will have received our reward. What greater reward then to stand the test of flames and come through them still holding your greatest possessions?
cbn
Thursday, November 06, 2003
DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY
Matthew 6:25-34
25 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The phone bill and VISA statement arrive on the same day that the car breaks down on the highway and the dog food runs out. My bank account balance is at an all-time low, and I wonder how I will ever find the money to afford everything. I throw the mail on the counter and putter around the kitchen, angrily lashing out at God for not taking care of me and providing for my needs.
A few hours later I meet a friend for coffee that I can't afford at the shop down the street. We make small talk for a few minutes until she tells me that she has cancer. We cry together and before too long we part without praying together. I return home and angrily ask God why He would hurt my precious friend. How could He not take care of her? I worry about what she will do, and how long she will live.
I go to church on Sunday out of habit, still very angry and with a bitter attitude. The message is one of hope and assurance that the Father in heaven does know our needs, and He hears our prayers. He remembers the birds and feeds them, and they do not need to be bothered by collecting and storing up food for the winter because He
provides for them. And so, He can provide for us. I confess my sin of bitterness. When I leave, I feel refreshed and forgiven.
In the mailbox on Monday there is a letter from a friend I haven't seen for a while. I sit outside on the porch and open the envelope which reveals a check for enough money to pay the bills, fix the car, and buy some dog food.
I look up from the paper to see a little bird pecking at the lawn. His head jerks up, and out of nowhere, a slimy pink worm wriggles between its beak. The bird lifts its wings and flies off into the sun.
God is in control, and He does provide. Trust in Him today! --Jerusha Dyck (New Brunswick, Canada) Written by a fellow
Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I recently worried about something that today seems silly?
* How can I remind myself that God has control over my life?
LINKS:
How Much Does God Control?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0109
bottom line: God is holding your future in His hands!
soul journey
Matthew 6:25-34
25 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The phone bill and VISA statement arrive on the same day that the car breaks down on the highway and the dog food runs out. My bank account balance is at an all-time low, and I wonder how I will ever find the money to afford everything. I throw the mail on the counter and putter around the kitchen, angrily lashing out at God for not taking care of me and providing for my needs.
A few hours later I meet a friend for coffee that I can't afford at the shop down the street. We make small talk for a few minutes until she tells me that she has cancer. We cry together and before too long we part without praying together. I return home and angrily ask God why He would hurt my precious friend. How could He not take care of her? I worry about what she will do, and how long she will live.
I go to church on Sunday out of habit, still very angry and with a bitter attitude. The message is one of hope and assurance that the Father in heaven does know our needs, and He hears our prayers. He remembers the birds and feeds them, and they do not need to be bothered by collecting and storing up food for the winter because He
provides for them. And so, He can provide for us. I confess my sin of bitterness. When I leave, I feel refreshed and forgiven.
In the mailbox on Monday there is a letter from a friend I haven't seen for a while. I sit outside on the porch and open the envelope which reveals a check for enough money to pay the bills, fix the car, and buy some dog food.
I look up from the paper to see a little bird pecking at the lawn. His head jerks up, and out of nowhere, a slimy pink worm wriggles between its beak. The bird lifts its wings and flies off into the sun.
God is in control, and He does provide. Trust in Him today! --Jerusha Dyck (New Brunswick, Canada) Written by a fellow
Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I recently worried about something that today seems silly?
* How can I remind myself that God has control over my life?
LINKS:
How Much Does God Control?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0109
bottom line: God is holding your future in His hands!
soul journey
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Not Your Sugar Daddy
By Tony Evans
"Why do you call me, 'Lord,Lord,' and do not do what I say?" --Luke 6:46
Read It: John 6:14-15
If you want to know why more people don't see God at work in their circumstances, all you have to do is read today's text. After Jesus had fed the multitude, the people said, "This has got to be Messiah. He's the one. Get Him! He's going to be our King whether He likes it or not. Anyone who can take sardines and crackers and turn them into Moby Dick sandwiches ought to be King!" We are talking welfare like you've never seen it before.
But Jesus withdrew. He was not interested in being their "Sugar Daddy." He was not interested in being their new welfare system. He's not interested in being yours either, by the way. Jesus is interested in building the kingdom of God. If all you want from Jesus is His goodies, He's going to do with you like He did with the crowd in His day. He will withdraw from you.
See, Jesus does not hang out with people who want His benefits but don't want a relationship. He's not going to walk with people who get up in the morning and say, "Lord, give me what I need today," but never get around to, "Lord, make me what you want me to be today."
He's also not excited about people who say, "Lord, give me recognition on my job even though I'm too ashamed to give You glory among my co-workers"; or, "Lord, give me more money in my pocket even though I can't make any available to Your kingdom"; or, "Lord, sharpen my skills even though I won't use them for Your kingdom."
If that's the way you pray, God may help you out a time or two like He did the people in Jesus' day. But over the long haul, if you only want a welfare relationship with God, He won't hang out with you, because He came to be your King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not your spiritual Sugar Daddy.
God wants a relationship with you. When you come to Him for Him alone, then you will see Him overcome the insurmountable circumstances in your life. If we are going to be the people of God, a people He can bless and use, we've got to do it His way.
Think About It
Do you want Jesus or just His goodies?
cbn
By Tony Evans
"Why do you call me, 'Lord,Lord,' and do not do what I say?" --Luke 6:46
Read It: John 6:14-15
If you want to know why more people don't see God at work in their circumstances, all you have to do is read today's text. After Jesus had fed the multitude, the people said, "This has got to be Messiah. He's the one. Get Him! He's going to be our King whether He likes it or not. Anyone who can take sardines and crackers and turn them into Moby Dick sandwiches ought to be King!" We are talking welfare like you've never seen it before.
But Jesus withdrew. He was not interested in being their "Sugar Daddy." He was not interested in being their new welfare system. He's not interested in being yours either, by the way. Jesus is interested in building the kingdom of God. If all you want from Jesus is His goodies, He's going to do with you like He did with the crowd in His day. He will withdraw from you.
See, Jesus does not hang out with people who want His benefits but don't want a relationship. He's not going to walk with people who get up in the morning and say, "Lord, give me what I need today," but never get around to, "Lord, make me what you want me to be today."
He's also not excited about people who say, "Lord, give me recognition on my job even though I'm too ashamed to give You glory among my co-workers"; or, "Lord, give me more money in my pocket even though I can't make any available to Your kingdom"; or, "Lord, sharpen my skills even though I won't use them for Your kingdom."
If that's the way you pray, God may help you out a time or two like He did the people in Jesus' day. But over the long haul, if you only want a welfare relationship with God, He won't hang out with you, because He came to be your King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not your spiritual Sugar Daddy.
God wants a relationship with you. When you come to Him for Him alone, then you will see Him overcome the insurmountable circumstances in your life. If we are going to be the people of God, a people He can bless and use, we've got to do it His way.
Think About It
Do you want Jesus or just His goodies?
cbn
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Thank you
Years ago I gave a speech called "Powerful Phrases for Positive People." These are very simple – but powerful – phrases that we all like to hear: "I’m proud of you." "I believe in you." "I trust you." "I love you." "You can do it."
With Thanksgiving Day approaching, we all should be focused on another one of these powerful phrases, in particular: "I thank you." We can never wear out that phrase. It should always be on the tip of our tongue if we are truly grateful to others who help us each day and to God who has richly blessed us with more abundance and freedom than any country in history.
Despite God’s abundant blessings, we’re often too slow to give thanks and too quick to complain. Maybe we’re so focused on ourselves and busy with our lives that we forget to give thanks. Or maybe it’s because those of us in America have become complacent with a level of luxury and leisure beyond the imagination of much of the world’s population.
We tend to take our blessings for granted, like the story about a homeowner who hired a real-estate agent to prepare an ad to sell his home. The homeowner was reading the ad in the paper about his home’s many attractive features. He called the real-estate agent to say he no longer wished to sell. When asked what changed his mind, the homeowner said, "After reading your ad, I realized I already live in the house I always wanted to live in."
In this season of Thanksgiving in particular, it’s time to count our blessings and pull out that simple phrase, "I thank you."
daily wisdom
Years ago I gave a speech called "Powerful Phrases for Positive People." These are very simple – but powerful – phrases that we all like to hear: "I’m proud of you." "I believe in you." "I trust you." "I love you." "You can do it."
With Thanksgiving Day approaching, we all should be focused on another one of these powerful phrases, in particular: "I thank you." We can never wear out that phrase. It should always be on the tip of our tongue if we are truly grateful to others who help us each day and to God who has richly blessed us with more abundance and freedom than any country in history.
Despite God’s abundant blessings, we’re often too slow to give thanks and too quick to complain. Maybe we’re so focused on ourselves and busy with our lives that we forget to give thanks. Or maybe it’s because those of us in America have become complacent with a level of luxury and leisure beyond the imagination of much of the world’s population.
We tend to take our blessings for granted, like the story about a homeowner who hired a real-estate agent to prepare an ad to sell his home. The homeowner was reading the ad in the paper about his home’s many attractive features. He called the real-estate agent to say he no longer wished to sell. When asked what changed his mind, the homeowner said, "After reading your ad, I realized I already live in the house I always wanted to live in."
In this season of Thanksgiving in particular, it’s time to count our blessings and pull out that simple phrase, "I thank you."
daily wisdom
Monday, November 03, 2003
PRICELESS!
Ephesians 1:3-8
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will--6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Our value as human beings keeps going up. Because of new transplant techniques and recent techno logical breakthroughs, and because we are living longer, the medical field has a greater need for organs and body parts. As waiting lists grow, the demand increases and prices skyrocket. The latest strategy is to divide livers in half and use them for two patients, doubling their value.
Strict regulations govern the harvesting and sale of vital organs, but the price can still be high. Black-market kidneys, for example, were selling for millions of dollars--and probably still do. In some states, families of donors can receive tax credits up to $15,000 for hearts or livers. Clandestine, illegal Internet sales at exorbitant costs are a major problem.
Plasma donors, whose blood is replaced after the plasma is extracted, can make $3,000 a year. Infertility clinics will pay
$5,000 to $8,000 for eggs. Wigmakers and doll shops will pay $30 an ounce for "good quality hair more than 16 inches long." Skin is in high demand for burn victims and cosmetic procedures.
No one is suggesting this, but if you sold off your body piece by piece on today's market, you'd get millions. But that's a drop in the bucket compared to what you're worth to God. He who made you sent His Son to die on the cross for you. He paid an enormous price for your redemption (Ephesians 1:7-8). He provided the ransom; He set you free from guilt, sin, and death.
You could pay off college loans, buy a house, or drive a Hummer with the current value of your body. But what is that (if it were possible)? Nothing, compared with the price the Father paid in giving the life of His one and only Son--of watching Him become sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21).
No question. Salvation, with all it entails, is our most valuable possession. It's priceless! --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I feel that I am worth the price Christ paid for me? How does God's love for me increase my sense of self-worth?
* I can never repay the cost of my redemption. What can I do to express my gratitude to God for what He has done for me?
LINKS:
Self-Esteem: What Does The Bible Say?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0503
"Good Enough" 'Cause God Said So
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/001/2.26.html
bottom line: Your value is out of this world.
soul journey
Ephesians 1:3-8
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will--6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Our value as human beings keeps going up. Because of new transplant techniques and recent techno logical breakthroughs, and because we are living longer, the medical field has a greater need for organs and body parts. As waiting lists grow, the demand increases and prices skyrocket. The latest strategy is to divide livers in half and use them for two patients, doubling their value.
Strict regulations govern the harvesting and sale of vital organs, but the price can still be high. Black-market kidneys, for example, were selling for millions of dollars--and probably still do. In some states, families of donors can receive tax credits up to $15,000 for hearts or livers. Clandestine, illegal Internet sales at exorbitant costs are a major problem.
Plasma donors, whose blood is replaced after the plasma is extracted, can make $3,000 a year. Infertility clinics will pay
$5,000 to $8,000 for eggs. Wigmakers and doll shops will pay $30 an ounce for "good quality hair more than 16 inches long." Skin is in high demand for burn victims and cosmetic procedures.
No one is suggesting this, but if you sold off your body piece by piece on today's market, you'd get millions. But that's a drop in the bucket compared to what you're worth to God. He who made you sent His Son to die on the cross for you. He paid an enormous price for your redemption (Ephesians 1:7-8). He provided the ransom; He set you free from guilt, sin, and death.
You could pay off college loans, buy a house, or drive a Hummer with the current value of your body. But what is that (if it were possible)? Nothing, compared with the price the Father paid in giving the life of His one and only Son--of watching Him become sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21).
No question. Salvation, with all it entails, is our most valuable possession. It's priceless! --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I feel that I am worth the price Christ paid for me? How does God's love for me increase my sense of self-worth?
* I can never repay the cost of my redemption. What can I do to express my gratitude to God for what He has done for me?
LINKS:
Self-Esteem: What Does The Bible Say?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0503
"Good Enough" 'Cause God Said So
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/001/2.26.html
bottom line: Your value is out of this world.
soul journey
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Today's scripture is Romans 5:15
"But God's free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass...For if many died through one man's falling away--his lapse, his offense--much more profusely did God's grace and the freegift [that comes] through...Jesus Christ, abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many."
If you ever need someone to tell you how to turn things around, go to God. He's an expert on the subject. He's suffered more losses than anyone who's ever lived. Just think about it. He lost Lucifer, His top-ranked, most anointed angel. And He lost at least a third of His other angels as well when Lucifer fell. Then He lost the man and woman He had created; and because He'd given them dominion over the earth, when He lost them, He lost it too. Any way you figure it, that's a lot of real estate down the drain!
Yet, in spite of all that, God is no loser. He's the greatest winner of all time. Do you know why? Because He knows how to turn the losses around. He knows how to use the law of giving and receiving to transform losses into gains. Don't despair over your losses. Redeem them the same way God redeemed His. Give and put the most powerful principle in the universe to work for you.
bible shack
"But God's free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass...For if many died through one man's falling away--his lapse, his offense--much more profusely did God's grace and the freegift [that comes] through...Jesus Christ, abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many."
If you ever need someone to tell you how to turn things around, go to God. He's an expert on the subject. He's suffered more losses than anyone who's ever lived. Just think about it. He lost Lucifer, His top-ranked, most anointed angel. And He lost at least a third of His other angels as well when Lucifer fell. Then He lost the man and woman He had created; and because He'd given them dominion over the earth, when He lost them, He lost it too. Any way you figure it, that's a lot of real estate down the drain!
Yet, in spite of all that, God is no loser. He's the greatest winner of all time. Do you know why? Because He knows how to turn the losses around. He knows how to use the law of giving and receiving to transform losses into gains. Don't despair over your losses. Redeem them the same way God redeemed His. Give and put the most powerful principle in the universe to work for you.
bible shack
Saturday, November 01, 2003
Leave The Light On
Read: John 1:1-14
[John] came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. —John 1:7
A motel chain once had a series of radio commercials that ended with the reassuring words, "We'll leave the light on for you." My mother used to say the same thing to me.
Sometimes I worked the late shift at the factory, or I would come home late from college. No matter what the reason or the time, the porch light was burning. Its warm beams seemed to say, "This is where you belong. Someone loves you here. You are home."
Jesus said that we who know Him as Savior and Lord are lights in this sin-darkened world (Matthew 5:14-16). We are reflections of Christ, who is "the true Light" (John 1:9).
As John the Baptist was a "witness of the Light" and pointed people to Jesus (v.7), so can we. Our faithful walk of obedience to Him is a beacon of God's love and truth. Our lives and words are beams of warm light piercing the cold darkness of this world. We are like a porch light late at night, drawing unbelievers to Jesus, assuring them that Someone loves them and waits to welcome them home.
Perhaps a member of your family is still in the darkness. Maybe you're concerned about a friend or co-worker. Don't stop praying for them. Keep finding ways to draw their attention to the Lord. Be sure to leave the light on. —Dave Egner
If we should hide our shining light
And not reflect God's Son,
Then how will people in sin's night
Be guided, helped, and won? —Branon
You can attract people to Christ when you have His light in your life.
daily bread
Read: John 1:1-14
[John] came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. —John 1:7
A motel chain once had a series of radio commercials that ended with the reassuring words, "We'll leave the light on for you." My mother used to say the same thing to me.
Sometimes I worked the late shift at the factory, or I would come home late from college. No matter what the reason or the time, the porch light was burning. Its warm beams seemed to say, "This is where you belong. Someone loves you here. You are home."
Jesus said that we who know Him as Savior and Lord are lights in this sin-darkened world (Matthew 5:14-16). We are reflections of Christ, who is "the true Light" (John 1:9).
As John the Baptist was a "witness of the Light" and pointed people to Jesus (v.7), so can we. Our faithful walk of obedience to Him is a beacon of God's love and truth. Our lives and words are beams of warm light piercing the cold darkness of this world. We are like a porch light late at night, drawing unbelievers to Jesus, assuring them that Someone loves them and waits to welcome them home.
Perhaps a member of your family is still in the darkness. Maybe you're concerned about a friend or co-worker. Don't stop praying for them. Keep finding ways to draw their attention to the Lord. Be sure to leave the light on. —Dave Egner
If we should hide our shining light
And not reflect God's Son,
Then how will people in sin's night
Be guided, helped, and won? —Branon
You can attract people to Christ when you have His light in your life.
daily bread
Are Your Lights On?
By Pat Young
You need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
I know most of us or perhaps all of us at one time in our lives have experienced the lights going out, whether in our homes, or in a place of business, school or church. Some of you may have experienced having your lights turned off because you forgot to pay your light bill, or just could not afford to pay the bill on time. I have experienced my lights going out several times through circumstances I had no control over. Usually a storm or an accident in the neighborhood causes it. Then "out go the lights."
Well, we know when the lights are out we are in darkness. We cannot see a thing. If we are not familiar with the surroundings, we are not able to even feel our way around to get to flash lights, candles, matches, or whatever we need. So it's a bad situation to be in -- DARKNESS.
Now, when things are functioning properly, we go home, turn on the light switch and we have light. We see everything. Sometimes things we don't want to see! Furniture needs dusting, floors need cleaning, and the list goes on. But it is still good to have light.
Before we gave our lives to Christ we were lost in darkness. Someone had to come along with his or her light shining bright, and tell us how to come out of darkness and into Christ's marvelous light.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Jesus paid the price for all of us in full. He died on the cross and rose again. When we accept Christ in our lives our lights never have to go out. No matter what circumstances come our way, we never have to worry about paying our bill on time. It's been paid in full forever.
Without lights you're walking around in darkness, trying to make it, or trying to find your way. But you need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
No matter what problems arise, we can still let our lights shine. When people treat you bad -- let your light shine. When sickness comes upon you -- let your light shine. If money runs out -- let your light shine. We choose daily whom we will serve. Let us choose to serve Christ and let our lights shine BRIGHT!
cbn
By Pat Young
You need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
I know most of us or perhaps all of us at one time in our lives have experienced the lights going out, whether in our homes, or in a place of business, school or church. Some of you may have experienced having your lights turned off because you forgot to pay your light bill, or just could not afford to pay the bill on time. I have experienced my lights going out several times through circumstances I had no control over. Usually a storm or an accident in the neighborhood causes it. Then "out go the lights."
Well, we know when the lights are out we are in darkness. We cannot see a thing. If we are not familiar with the surroundings, we are not able to even feel our way around to get to flash lights, candles, matches, or whatever we need. So it's a bad situation to be in -- DARKNESS.
Now, when things are functioning properly, we go home, turn on the light switch and we have light. We see everything. Sometimes things we don't want to see! Furniture needs dusting, floors need cleaning, and the list goes on. But it is still good to have light.
Before we gave our lives to Christ we were lost in darkness. Someone had to come along with his or her light shining bright, and tell us how to come out of darkness and into Christ's marvelous light.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Jesus paid the price for all of us in full. He died on the cross and rose again. When we accept Christ in our lives our lights never have to go out. No matter what circumstances come our way, we never have to worry about paying our bill on time. It's been paid in full forever.
Without lights you're walking around in darkness, trying to make it, or trying to find your way. But you need the light of Christ. No one living in darkness will ever find their way without it. Like the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus is that light at the end of everyone's tunnel.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
No matter what problems arise, we can still let our lights shine. When people treat you bad -- let your light shine. When sickness comes upon you -- let your light shine. If money runs out -- let your light shine. We choose daily whom we will serve. Let us choose to serve Christ and let our lights shine BRIGHT!
cbn