Bible Reading Guide:
Saturday:
Beginning to End: Esther 1-5
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 10-12 & John 11:30-57
Historical: Ezek. 1-3
Chronological: Psalm 119:1-88
Blended: 2 Kings 22-23 & Matthew 16
Sunday:
Beginning to End: Esther 6-10
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 13-14 & John 12:1-26
Historical:Ezek. 4-7
Chronological: I Kings 3-4, 2 Chron. 1 & Psalm 2
Blended: 2 Kings 24-25 & Matthew 17
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
See What God Has Done!
"The heavens tell the glory of God." Psalm 19:1
How vital that we pray, armed with the knowledge that God is in heaven. Pray with any lesser conviction and your prayers are timid, shallow, and hollow. But spend some time walking in the workshop of the heavens, seeing what God has done, and watch how your prayers are energized . . .
Behold the sun! Every square yard of the sun is constantly emitting 130,000 horse power, or the equivalent of 450 eight-cylinder automobile engines. And yet our sun, as powerful as it is, is but one minor star in the 100 billion orbs which make up our Milky Way Galaxy. Hold a dime in your fingers and extend it arm's length toward the sky, allowing it to eclipse your vision, and you will block out fifteen million stars from your view . . . By showing us the heavens, Jesus is showing us His Father's workshop . . . He taps us on the shoulder and says, "Your Father can handle that for you." - The Great House of God
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 12-15
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 7-9 & John 11:1-29
Historical: Jeremiah 51-52
Chronological: I Kings 1-2, Psalm 37, 71 & 94
Blended: 2 Kings 19-21 & Matthew 15:21-39
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
How vital that we pray, armed with the knowledge that God is in heaven. Pray with any lesser conviction and your prayers are timid, shallow, and hollow. But spend some time walking in the workshop of the heavens, seeing what God has done, and watch how your prayers are energized . . .
Behold the sun! Every square yard of the sun is constantly emitting 130,000 horse power, or the equivalent of 450 eight-cylinder automobile engines. And yet our sun, as powerful as it is, is but one minor star in the 100 billion orbs which make up our Milky Way Galaxy. Hold a dime in your fingers and extend it arm's length toward the sky, allowing it to eclipse your vision, and you will block out fifteen million stars from your view . . . By showing us the heavens, Jesus is showing us His Father's workshop . . . He taps us on the shoulder and says, "Your Father can handle that for you." - The Great House of God
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 12-15
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 7-9 & John 11:1-29
Historical: Jeremiah 51-52
Chronological: I Kings 1-2, Psalm 37, 71 & 94
Blended: 2 Kings 19-21 & Matthew 15:21-39
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, May 28, 2009
God is Enough
"Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45
The greatest lesson a soul has to learn is that God, and God alone, is enough for all its needs. This is the lesson that all God's dealings with us are meant to teach, and this is the crowning discovery of our entire Christian life. GOD IS ENOUGH!
No soul can really be at rest until it has given up dependence one everything else and has been forced to depend on the Lord alone. As long as our expectation is from other things, nothing but disappointment awaits us. Feelings may change, doctrines and dogmas may be upset, the Christian work may come to nought, prayers may seem to lose their fervency, promises may seem to fail, everything that we have believed in or depended on may seem to be swept away, and only God is left - just God, the bare God if I may be allowed the expression, simply and only God.
If God is what He would seem to be from His revealings; if he is indeed the "God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3); if He is our shepherd; if He is really and truly our Father, if, in short, all the many aspects He has told us of His character and His ways are actually true, then we must come to the positive conviction that He is, in Himself alone, enough for all our needs and that we may safely rest in Him absolutely and forever.
By Hannah Whitall Smith, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 10-11
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 4-6 & John 10:24-42
Historical: Jeremiah 49-50
Chronological: Psalm 111-118
Blended: 2 Kings 17-18 & Matthew 15:1-20
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The greatest lesson a soul has to learn is that God, and God alone, is enough for all its needs. This is the lesson that all God's dealings with us are meant to teach, and this is the crowning discovery of our entire Christian life. GOD IS ENOUGH!
No soul can really be at rest until it has given up dependence one everything else and has been forced to depend on the Lord alone. As long as our expectation is from other things, nothing but disappointment awaits us. Feelings may change, doctrines and dogmas may be upset, the Christian work may come to nought, prayers may seem to lose their fervency, promises may seem to fail, everything that we have believed in or depended on may seem to be swept away, and only God is left - just God, the bare God if I may be allowed the expression, simply and only God.
If God is what He would seem to be from His revealings; if he is indeed the "God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3); if He is our shepherd; if He is really and truly our Father, if, in short, all the many aspects He has told us of His character and His ways are actually true, then we must come to the positive conviction that He is, in Himself alone, enough for all our needs and that we may safely rest in Him absolutely and forever.
By Hannah Whitall Smith, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 10-11
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 4-6 & John 10:24-42
Historical: Jeremiah 49-50
Chronological: Psalm 111-118
Blended: 2 Kings 17-18 & Matthew 15:1-20
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Morning Thoughts
If you know me you will know that I'm a person who loves to get up with the birds and spend time with the Lord. I especially love it when spring comes around and I can watch the day awaken and listen to the birds sing their songs. And spending time with the Lord always awakens me along with nature.
Over the past year I've also started to dive into photography. My heart sings and feels one with God when I go on a photo walk and photograph nature. I love to stop look and listen to what's around me and train my eyes to see the smallest detail God has created for me to enjoy.
Below is my journal entry one summer morning after seeing, listening and feeling the world wake up.
"O God, You are my God, I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You. In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better then life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Fro You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You: Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:1-8
"By awesome deeds You answered us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea; who establishes the mountains by His strength, being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." Psalm 65:5-8
I love the last part, "You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." Anyone who has taken the time to watch the sun rise or set can literally hear it especially in the morning. It's like the earth and animals wake up with it and start to sing their morning songs. I especially like watching sunsets on the ocean beach. Listening to the waves crash against the shore as it says good night to the sun and the gulls cry out as they take their last flight over the sand.
Thank you Lord for the beautiful world you created us to live in, for blessing me with your grace and salvation and making my dawn and sunset shout for joy with you.
Krista Jones
6.24.08
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 8-9
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 1-3 & John 10:1-23
Historical: Jeremiah 46-48
Chronological: I Chron. 26-29 & Psalm 127
Blended: 2 Kings 15-16 & Matthew 14:22-36
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Over the past year I've also started to dive into photography. My heart sings and feels one with God when I go on a photo walk and photograph nature. I love to stop look and listen to what's around me and train my eyes to see the smallest detail God has created for me to enjoy.
Below is my journal entry one summer morning after seeing, listening and feeling the world wake up.
"O God, You are my God, I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You. In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better then life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Fro You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You: Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:1-8
"By awesome deeds You answered us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea; who establishes the mountains by His strength, being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples. They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." Psalm 65:5-8
I love the last part, "You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." Anyone who has taken the time to watch the sun rise or set can literally hear it especially in the morning. It's like the earth and animals wake up with it and start to sing their morning songs. I especially like watching sunsets on the ocean beach. Listening to the waves crash against the shore as it says good night to the sun and the gulls cry out as they take their last flight over the sand.
Thank you Lord for the beautiful world you created us to live in, for blessing me with your grace and salvation and making my dawn and sunset shout for joy with you.
Krista Jones
6.24.08
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 8-9
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 1-3 & John 10:1-23
Historical: Jeremiah 46-48
Chronological: I Chron. 26-29 & Psalm 127
Blended: 2 Kings 15-16 & Matthew 14:22-36
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Morsel of Kindness
"Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need but does not help. Then God's love is not living in that person." I John 3:17
Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar. Tolstoy reached into his pocket to vie the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty. Tolstoy turned to the man and said, "I'm sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give."
The beggar brightened and said, "You have given me more than I asked for - you have called me brother."
To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast. - He Still Moves Mountains
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 7
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 28-29 & John 9:24-41
Historical: Jeremiah 42-45
Chronological: Psalm 131, 138-139 & 143-145
Blended: 2 Kings 13-14 & Matthew 14:1-21
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the BibleA
Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar. Tolstoy reached into his pocket to vie the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty. Tolstoy turned to the man and said, "I'm sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give."
The beggar brightened and said, "You have given me more than I asked for - you have called me brother."
To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast. - He Still Moves Mountains
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 7
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 28-29 & John 9:24-41
Historical: Jeremiah 42-45
Chronological: Psalm 131, 138-139 & 143-145
Blended: 2 Kings 13-14 & Matthew 14:1-21
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the BibleA
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Messiah
I am truly amazed with the book of Isaiah. I've read it several times over the years yet this time around is different. Amongst the different prophecies and judgments, I have seen verses that are peppered throughout about the coming Messiah.
"A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover He will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness." Isaiah 16:5
This verse leads me back to Isaiah 11 in which it talks about how the Messiah, like David, will be empowered by the Holy Spirit which will give Him wisdom to "undertake wise purposes and with the power to carry them out." (Study notes). If we jump to John 8:29 we read the words of Jesus about Himself, "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always to the things that are pleasing to Him."
"In that day there will be an alter to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord near its border. It will become a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the lord because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them." Isaiah 19:19-20. My study notes say of verse 20 that "The "Savior" is the promised Son of the house of David" which refers me back to Isaiah 11.
Whatever Isaiah prophesied about Jesus came true. God sent Jesus to deliver us (Isaiah 19:20); He will be empowered by the Holy Spirit and will carry out all that God instructs Him to do (Isaiah 11:2-4 & John 8:29); His throne will be established in lovingkindness, He will judge in faithfulness, seek justice and be prompt in righteousness (Isaiah 16:5)
After reading these few verses I see that we have to respond to Jesus. We have a choice to either follow Him or not. God sent Him to be our Savior. To save us from sin and death. To give us eternal everlasting joyful life - John 3:16.
Krista Jones
8.1.08
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 4-6
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 25-27 & John 9:1-23
Historical: Jeremiah 38-41
Chronological: I Chron. 23-25
Blended: 2 Kings 10-12 & Matthew 13:31-58
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover He will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness." Isaiah 16:5
This verse leads me back to Isaiah 11 in which it talks about how the Messiah, like David, will be empowered by the Holy Spirit which will give Him wisdom to "undertake wise purposes and with the power to carry them out." (Study notes). If we jump to John 8:29 we read the words of Jesus about Himself, "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always to the things that are pleasing to Him."
"In that day there will be an alter to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord near its border. It will become a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the lord because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them." Isaiah 19:19-20. My study notes say of verse 20 that "The "Savior" is the promised Son of the house of David" which refers me back to Isaiah 11.
Whatever Isaiah prophesied about Jesus came true. God sent Jesus to deliver us (Isaiah 19:20); He will be empowered by the Holy Spirit and will carry out all that God instructs Him to do (Isaiah 11:2-4 & John 8:29); His throne will be established in lovingkindness, He will judge in faithfulness, seek justice and be prompt in righteousness (Isaiah 16:5)
After reading these few verses I see that we have to respond to Jesus. We have a choice to either follow Him or not. God sent Him to be our Savior. To save us from sin and death. To give us eternal everlasting joyful life - John 3:16.
Krista Jones
8.1.08
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Neh. 4-6
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 25-27 & John 9:1-23
Historical: Jeremiah 38-41
Chronological: I Chron. 23-25
Blended: 2 Kings 10-12 & Matthew 13:31-58
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Weekend Bible Reading
Bible Reading Guide:
Saturday:
Beginning to End: Ezra 8-10
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 19-21 & John 8:1-27
Historical: Jeremiah 32-34
Chronological: 2 Samuel 24, I Chron. 21-22 & Psalm 30
Blended: 2 Kings 4-6 & Matthew 12:24-50
Sunday:
Beginning to End: Neh. 1-3
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 122-24 & John 8:28-59
Historical: Jeremiah 35-37
Chronological: Psalm 108-110
Blended: 2 Kings 7-9 & Matthew 13:1-30
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday:
Beginning to End: Ezra 8-10
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 19-21 & John 8:1-27
Historical: Jeremiah 32-34
Chronological: 2 Samuel 24, I Chron. 21-22 & Psalm 30
Blended: 2 Kings 4-6 & Matthew 12:24-50
Sunday:
Beginning to End: Neh. 1-3
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 122-24 & John 8:28-59
Historical: Jeremiah 35-37
Chronological: Psalm 108-110
Blended: 2 Kings 7-9 & Matthew 13:1-30
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, May 22, 2009
Making Decisions by Hearing God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways." Isaiah 55:8-9
God speaks to his children in many varied ways. God has said that his ways are not our ways. If left to our reasoning, we will fail to fully walk in the full counsel of God, which leads to poor decisions.
Thus, our goal is to avoid being deceived and to develop a listening ear that hears the voice of God with confidence. Our goal is to have such intimacy with God that we can walk in the full blessing of our decisions and to be assured they are not based on our own reasoning alone. This does not mean that we do not use the intellectual and logical skills that He has equipped us with.
A.W. Tozer said that the man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice - any choice will be the right one. J. Oswald Sanders explains his method of receiving guidance from God for decisions; "I try to gather all the information and all the facts that are involved in a decision, and then weigh them up and pray over them in the Lord's presence, and trust the Holy Spirit to sway my mind in the direction of God's will. And God generally guides by presenting reasons to my mind for acting in a certain way."
The apostle Paul said, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God has equipped us with everything we need to make good decisions. Hearing His voice is the first step toward making right choices in life.
Do you have a decision to make? Submit that decision to the Lord, ask God for clarity. Ask Him to make the desires of your heart the same desires that He has for you in this matter. Await His perfect timing on the matter. Then you can be assured of making the right decisions.
By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Ezra 4-7
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 16-18 & John 7:28-53
Historical: Jeremiah 30-31
Chronological: Psalm 95 & 97-99
Blended: 2 Kings 1-3& Matthew 12:1-23
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
God speaks to his children in many varied ways. God has said that his ways are not our ways. If left to our reasoning, we will fail to fully walk in the full counsel of God, which leads to poor decisions.
Thus, our goal is to avoid being deceived and to develop a listening ear that hears the voice of God with confidence. Our goal is to have such intimacy with God that we can walk in the full blessing of our decisions and to be assured they are not based on our own reasoning alone. This does not mean that we do not use the intellectual and logical skills that He has equipped us with.
A.W. Tozer said that the man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice - any choice will be the right one. J. Oswald Sanders explains his method of receiving guidance from God for decisions; "I try to gather all the information and all the facts that are involved in a decision, and then weigh them up and pray over them in the Lord's presence, and trust the Holy Spirit to sway my mind in the direction of God's will. And God generally guides by presenting reasons to my mind for acting in a certain way."
The apostle Paul said, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God has equipped us with everything we need to make good decisions. Hearing His voice is the first step toward making right choices in life.
Do you have a decision to make? Submit that decision to the Lord, ask God for clarity. Ask Him to make the desires of your heart the same desires that He has for you in this matter. Await His perfect timing on the matter. Then you can be assured of making the right decisions.
By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Ezra 4-7
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 16-18 & John 7:28-53
Historical: Jeremiah 30-31
Chronological: Psalm 95 & 97-99
Blended: 2 Kings 1-3& Matthew 12:1-23
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Developing Talents at Any Age
"For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him." Ecclesiastes 8:6
I have known my daughter-in-law, Judi, since she was a teenager. Watching her grow into a mature and creative adult has been a pleasure. She is a successful singer, wife, mother and dress designer. Her home, where she often hosts Bible studies, is a masterpiece design of her creation. We are all generally proud of our children, but I say this about Judi because I remember when she felt like she could do very little, and had few talents to offer the Lord. The truth is, God has given talents to each of us. We cannot all sing or design a home that looks like Judi's, but we can develop the talents God give us for His glory.
Life is an ongoing process, gradual growth in grace and in the talents God has placed within us. The talents we use change from season to season so there is a lifetime to develop them. God will bring to the surface at the proper time talents that laid dormant for years.
You never need say, "What's the use now - my life is half over?" As we press on in our walk with God, we realize that what He has for us is far too much to cram into the first thirty, forty or fifty years of our lives.
"There is a time for everything," Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, so keep looking for and developing new talents. God will bring them out in you, as you yield yourself to Him.
By Nancy Corbett Cole, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Ezra 1-3
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 13-15 & John 7:1-27
Historical: Jeremiah 26-29
Chronological: 2 Samuel 22-23 & Psalm 57
Blended: I Kings 21-22 & Matthew 11
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
I have known my daughter-in-law, Judi, since she was a teenager. Watching her grow into a mature and creative adult has been a pleasure. She is a successful singer, wife, mother and dress designer. Her home, where she often hosts Bible studies, is a masterpiece design of her creation. We are all generally proud of our children, but I say this about Judi because I remember when she felt like she could do very little, and had few talents to offer the Lord. The truth is, God has given talents to each of us. We cannot all sing or design a home that looks like Judi's, but we can develop the talents God give us for His glory.
Life is an ongoing process, gradual growth in grace and in the talents God has placed within us. The talents we use change from season to season so there is a lifetime to develop them. God will bring to the surface at the proper time talents that laid dormant for years.
You never need say, "What's the use now - my life is half over?" As we press on in our walk with God, we realize that what He has for us is far too much to cram into the first thirty, forty or fifty years of our lives.
"There is a time for everything," Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, so keep looking for and developing new talents. God will bring them out in you, as you yield yourself to Him.
By Nancy Corbett Cole, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Ezra 1-3
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 13-15 & John 7:1-27
Historical: Jeremiah 26-29
Chronological: 2 Samuel 22-23 & Psalm 57
Blended: I Kings 21-22 & Matthew 11
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
No Fear of Death
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (Revelation 2:11).
The first death we must endure unless the LORD should suddenly come to His temple. For this let us abide in readiness, awaiting it without fear, since Jesus has transformed death from a dreary cavern into a passage leading to glory.
The thing to be feared is not the first but the second death, not the parting of the soul from the body but the final separation of the entire man from God. This is death indeed. This death kills all peace, joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone, all is gone. Such a death is far worse than ceasing to be: it is existence without the life which makes existence worth the having.
Now, if by God's grace we fight on to the end and conquer in the glorious war, no second death can lay its chill finger upon us, We shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of life which fadeth not away. How this nerves us for the fight! Eternal life is worth a life's battle. To escape the hurt of the second death is a thing worth struggling for throughout a lifetime.
LORD, give us faith so that we may overcome, and then grant us grace to remain unharmed though sin and Satan dog our heels!
By C. H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 35-36
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 10-12 & John 6:45-71
Historical: Jeremiah 23-25
Chronological: Psalm 5, 38 & 41-42
Blended: I Kings 19-20 & Matthew 10:21-42
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The first death we must endure unless the LORD should suddenly come to His temple. For this let us abide in readiness, awaiting it without fear, since Jesus has transformed death from a dreary cavern into a passage leading to glory.
The thing to be feared is not the first but the second death, not the parting of the soul from the body but the final separation of the entire man from God. This is death indeed. This death kills all peace, joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone, all is gone. Such a death is far worse than ceasing to be: it is existence without the life which makes existence worth the having.
Now, if by God's grace we fight on to the end and conquer in the glorious war, no second death can lay its chill finger upon us, We shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of life which fadeth not away. How this nerves us for the fight! Eternal life is worth a life's battle. To escape the hurt of the second death is a thing worth struggling for throughout a lifetime.
LORD, give us faith so that we may overcome, and then grant us grace to remain unharmed though sin and Satan dog our heels!
By C. H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 35-36
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 10-12 & John 6:45-71
Historical: Jeremiah 23-25
Chronological: Psalm 5, 38 & 41-42
Blended: I Kings 19-20 & Matthew 10:21-42
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Not of the Extraordinary
"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside, of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Exod. 3:1,2).
The vision came in the midst of common toil, and that is where the Lord delights to give His revelations. He seeks a man who is on the ordinary road, and the Divine fire leaps out at his feet. The mystic ladder can rise from the market place to Heaven. It can connect the realm of drudgery with the realms of grace.
My Father God, help me to expect Thee on the ordinary road. I do not ask for sensational happenings. Commune with me through ordinary work and duty. Be my Companion when I take the common journey. Let the humble life be transfigured by Thy presence.
Some Christians think they must be always up to mounts of extraordinary joy and revelation; this is not after God's method. Those spiritual visits to high places, and that wonderful intercourse with the unseen world, are not in the promises; the daily life of communion is. And it is enough. We shall have the exceptional revelation if it be right for us.
There were but three disciples allowed to see the transfiguration, and those three entered the gloom of Gethsemane. No one can stay on the mount of privilege. There are duties in the valley. Christ found His life-work, not in the glory, but in the valley and was there truly and fully the Messiah. The value of the vision and glory is but their gift of fitness for work and endurance. --Selected
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 32-34
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 7-9 & John 6:22-44
Historical: Jeremiah 18-22
Chronological: 2 Samuel 19-21
Blended: I Kings 16-18 & Matthew 10:1-20
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The vision came in the midst of common toil, and that is where the Lord delights to give His revelations. He seeks a man who is on the ordinary road, and the Divine fire leaps out at his feet. The mystic ladder can rise from the market place to Heaven. It can connect the realm of drudgery with the realms of grace.
My Father God, help me to expect Thee on the ordinary road. I do not ask for sensational happenings. Commune with me through ordinary work and duty. Be my Companion when I take the common journey. Let the humble life be transfigured by Thy presence.
Some Christians think they must be always up to mounts of extraordinary joy and revelation; this is not after God's method. Those spiritual visits to high places, and that wonderful intercourse with the unseen world, are not in the promises; the daily life of communion is. And it is enough. We shall have the exceptional revelation if it be right for us.
There were but three disciples allowed to see the transfiguration, and those three entered the gloom of Gethsemane. No one can stay on the mount of privilege. There are duties in the valley. Christ found His life-work, not in the glory, but in the valley and was there truly and fully the Messiah. The value of the vision and glory is but their gift of fitness for work and endurance. --Selected
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 32-34
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 7-9 & John 6:22-44
Historical: Jeremiah 18-22
Chronological: 2 Samuel 19-21
Blended: I Kings 16-18 & Matthew 10:1-20
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, May 18, 2009
Moving Ahead of God
"The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Gen. 16:2
Have you ever felt that you were supposed to receive something from God but it just hasn't materialized? You wait and wait until finally you decide that maybe God wants you to help out the situation. This is exactly what happened in the case of Abraham and Sarah.
God had promised them a son, but as years passed by they were still without a child. They took their eyes off the One who had made the promise and decided to take matters into their own hands. So, Abraham lay with Sarah's maidservant, Hagar, and she bore a son, Ishmael (see Genesis 16). The son of promise, Isaac, came later through Sarah, just like God had promised. However, the modern day conflict between the Arabs and Israelis is the fruit of this act of disobedience that occurred centuries ago.
I recall a time when I launched a business enterprise only to fall on my face. It had all the hallmarks of a Godly venture, but I was premature and guilty of presumption instead of faith. The resulting financial losses are lasting reminders of a decision that was based on a horizontal choice instead of a vertical dependence that required patience until God said, "Go."
The way to avoid making "Ishmael" decisions is to seek God fully on the matter in prayer, be in an accountable relationship with your spouse and close associates who know you well, and gain agreement through two or more people. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"(Jer 17:9).
Whenever we want something strongly, it is a dangerous place because we no longer look at the matter objectively with a willingness to change our viewpoint. We have to approach a matter as being "dead" to the issue in order to fully see God's perspective.
By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 28-31
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 4-6 & John 6:1-21
Historical: Jeremiah 14-17
Chronological: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62 & 64
Blended: I Kings 14-15 & Matthew 9:18-38
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Have you ever felt that you were supposed to receive something from God but it just hasn't materialized? You wait and wait until finally you decide that maybe God wants you to help out the situation. This is exactly what happened in the case of Abraham and Sarah.
God had promised them a son, but as years passed by they were still without a child. They took their eyes off the One who had made the promise and decided to take matters into their own hands. So, Abraham lay with Sarah's maidservant, Hagar, and she bore a son, Ishmael (see Genesis 16). The son of promise, Isaac, came later through Sarah, just like God had promised. However, the modern day conflict between the Arabs and Israelis is the fruit of this act of disobedience that occurred centuries ago.
I recall a time when I launched a business enterprise only to fall on my face. It had all the hallmarks of a Godly venture, but I was premature and guilty of presumption instead of faith. The resulting financial losses are lasting reminders of a decision that was based on a horizontal choice instead of a vertical dependence that required patience until God said, "Go."
The way to avoid making "Ishmael" decisions is to seek God fully on the matter in prayer, be in an accountable relationship with your spouse and close associates who know you well, and gain agreement through two or more people. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"(Jer 17:9).
Whenever we want something strongly, it is a dangerous place because we no longer look at the matter objectively with a willingness to change our viewpoint. We have to approach a matter as being "dead" to the issue in order to fully see God's perspective.
By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 28-31
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 4-6 & John 6:1-21
Historical: Jeremiah 14-17
Chronological: Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62 & 64
Blended: I Kings 14-15 & Matthew 9:18-38
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Weekend Bible Reading
Bible Reading Guide:
Saturday:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 21-24
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 24-25 & John 5:1-24
Historical: Jeremiah 7-9
Chronological: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28 & 55
Blended: I Kings 10-11 & Matthew 8:18-34
Sunday:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 25-27
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 1-3 & John 5:25-47
Historical: Jeremiah 10-13
Chronological: 2 Samuel 16-18
Blended: I Kings 12-13 & Matthew 9:1-17
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 21-24
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 24-25 & John 5:1-24
Historical: Jeremiah 7-9
Chronological: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28 & 55
Blended: I Kings 10-11 & Matthew 8:18-34
Sunday:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 25-27
Old and New Testaments Together: I Chron. 1-3 & John 5:25-47
Historical: Jeremiah 10-13
Chronological: 2 Samuel 16-18
Blended: I Kings 12-13 & Matthew 9:1-17
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wisdom from Psalms
"Your loving kindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgements are like a great deep. O Lord, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." Psalm 36:5-9
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and he delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 18-20
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 22-23 & John 4:31-54
Historical: Jeremiah 4-6
Chronological: 2 Samuel 13-15
Blended: I Kings 8-9 & Matthew 8:1-17
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and he delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 18-20
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 22-23 & John 4:31-54
Historical: Jeremiah 4-6
Chronological: 2 Samuel 13-15
Blended: I Kings 8-9 & Matthew 8:1-17
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, May 14, 2009
"Because you made all things."
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you made all things. Everything existed and was made, because you wanted it." Revelation 4:11
Farther in heave, hear our praise. Holy Father, we are thankful that we have more than enough clothes to wear, thankful that we have places to sleep and that we won't go to bed hungry. We're thankful that even if all of this were taken away from us, we'd still have our hope of eternity. You have been gracious to us.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 13-17
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 19-21 & John 4:1-30
Historical: Jeremiah 1-3
Chronological: Psalm 32, 51, 86 & 122
Blended: I Kings 6-7 & Matthew 7
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Farther in heave, hear our praise. Holy Father, we are thankful that we have more than enough clothes to wear, thankful that we have places to sleep and that we won't go to bed hungry. We're thankful that even if all of this were taken away from us, we'd still have our hope of eternity. You have been gracious to us.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 13-17
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 19-21 & John 4:1-30
Historical: Jeremiah 1-3
Chronological: Psalm 32, 51, 86 & 122
Blended: I Kings 6-7 & Matthew 7
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Incomparable Christ
Jesus Christ is the most incomparable personality of all human history.
Socrates taught forty years, Plato fifty, and Aristotle forty. Jesus' public ministry lasted less than three years, yet the influence of His life far outweighs the combined 130 years of the three gretest philosophers of all antiquity.
Jesus never painted a picture, yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and many other artists found in Him their inspiration.
Jesus did not write poetry, but Dante Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets have been inspired by Him like no other. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that the name of Jesus "Is not so much written as ploughed into the history of this world."
Jesus wrote no music, yet Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, and a myriad of others reached the highest perfection of melody in compositions about Him.
Jesus has affected human society like no other. The incomparable Christ is the good news. And what makes it such good news is that man is so undeserving but that God is so gracious.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 9-12
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 17-18 & John 3:19-36
Historical: Isaiah 64-66
Chronological: 2 Samuel 11-12 & I Chron. 20
Blended: I Kings 3-5 & Matthew 6:19-34
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Socrates taught forty years, Plato fifty, and Aristotle forty. Jesus' public ministry lasted less than three years, yet the influence of His life far outweighs the combined 130 years of the three gretest philosophers of all antiquity.
Jesus never painted a picture, yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and many other artists found in Him their inspiration.
Jesus did not write poetry, but Dante Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets have been inspired by Him like no other. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that the name of Jesus "Is not so much written as ploughed into the history of this world."
Jesus wrote no music, yet Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, and a myriad of others reached the highest perfection of melody in compositions about Him.
Jesus has affected human society like no other. The incomparable Christ is the good news. And what makes it such good news is that man is so undeserving but that God is so gracious.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 9-12
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 17-18 & John 3:19-36
Historical: Isaiah 64-66
Chronological: 2 Samuel 11-12 & I Chron. 20
Blended: I Kings 3-5 & Matthew 6:19-34
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Are You Horizontal or Vertical?
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." Isaiah 5:21
Many of us have been trained to make decisions and respond to problems in a horizontal way instead of vertical. Operating from a horizontal basis means we try to fix the problem through our own self-efforts by bringing greater pressure upon it through our reasoning or our natural skills. Operating from a vertical position means we are seeking God for the answer and waiting for him to impact the problem. Perhaps it is a spouse who fails to put their clothes away, or a boss who is overly critical, or an employee that you clash with. When we operate horizontally we attempt to shame or coerce the other to change their ways.
God knows the solution to the problem before it ever exists. Our responsibility is to ask God for help to solve the problem and to rely on Him for the outcome. The minute we take on the responsibility, God quietly stands by to let us experience failure until we decide to seek Him for the answer.
One of the best examples of the contrast between a vertical and horizontal dimension in scripture is that of King Saul and David (see 1 Samuel 25). King Saul thought the way to preserve his kingdom was to kill David. While in pursuit of him there were several occasions when David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but David chose to wait upon God's timing and await his own deliverance because he understood authority. David had such respect for those who had been put in authority by God over him that he would not take matters into his own hands.
Saul represents the exact opposite of this principle. He thought David was the problem and sought to get rid of him through force. As a result, he lost his kingdom because he chose to rule horizontally instead of vertically under God's rule in his life.
No matter what problem you face today, stay vertical with God.
By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 6-8
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 15-16 & John 3:1-18
Historical: Isaiah 59-63
Chronological: Psalm 65-67 & 69-70
Blended: I Kings 1-2 & Matthew 6:1-18
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Many of us have been trained to make decisions and respond to problems in a horizontal way instead of vertical. Operating from a horizontal basis means we try to fix the problem through our own self-efforts by bringing greater pressure upon it through our reasoning or our natural skills. Operating from a vertical position means we are seeking God for the answer and waiting for him to impact the problem. Perhaps it is a spouse who fails to put their clothes away, or a boss who is overly critical, or an employee that you clash with. When we operate horizontally we attempt to shame or coerce the other to change their ways.
God knows the solution to the problem before it ever exists. Our responsibility is to ask God for help to solve the problem and to rely on Him for the outcome. The minute we take on the responsibility, God quietly stands by to let us experience failure until we decide to seek Him for the answer.
One of the best examples of the contrast between a vertical and horizontal dimension in scripture is that of King Saul and David (see 1 Samuel 25). King Saul thought the way to preserve his kingdom was to kill David. While in pursuit of him there were several occasions when David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but David chose to wait upon God's timing and await his own deliverance because he understood authority. David had such respect for those who had been put in authority by God over him that he would not take matters into his own hands.
Saul represents the exact opposite of this principle. He thought David was the problem and sought to get rid of him through force. As a result, he lost his kingdom because he chose to rule horizontally instead of vertically under God's rule in his life.
No matter what problem you face today, stay vertical with God.
By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 6-8
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 15-16 & John 3:1-18
Historical: Isaiah 59-63
Chronological: Psalm 65-67 & 69-70
Blended: I Kings 1-2 & Matthew 6:1-18
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, May 11, 2009
Superstitious Shadows
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." I Timothy 4:7
Faith honors God by accepting the biblical revelation of the divine character. Faith lets God be what He says He is and adjusts its concepts accordingly. Superstition degrades the reputation of God by believing things unworthy of Him. One rests upon fact and the other upon fancy.
As I said before, there is probably a streak of superstition in everyone, even in the genuine Christian. Any notions we may have of God that have not been corrected and purified by the Word and the Spirit are likely to have some element of error in them, and the religious beliefs resulting from them will of necessity contain a certain amount of superstition. The Christian who flares indignant at such a statement as this and denies that it describes him is not therefore free from superstition; he merely compounds his faults by adding bigotry and anger to the rest.
But if superstition dishonors God, is it not an evil thing and is not the Christian who harbors it guilty of serious sin against the Majesty in the heavens? . . .
Thought: Faith accepts God as He is revealed in Scripture and changes thought and action accordingly. Superstition seeks to change God to fit superstitious thought and action.
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Size of the Soul"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 2-5
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 13-14 & John 2
Historical: Isaiah 54-58
Chronological: 2 Samuel 10, I Chron. 19 & Psalm 20
Blended: Jonah & Matthew 5:27-48
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Faith honors God by accepting the biblical revelation of the divine character. Faith lets God be what He says He is and adjusts its concepts accordingly. Superstition degrades the reputation of God by believing things unworthy of Him. One rests upon fact and the other upon fancy.
As I said before, there is probably a streak of superstition in everyone, even in the genuine Christian. Any notions we may have of God that have not been corrected and purified by the Word and the Spirit are likely to have some element of error in them, and the religious beliefs resulting from them will of necessity contain a certain amount of superstition. The Christian who flares indignant at such a statement as this and denies that it describes him is not therefore free from superstition; he merely compounds his faults by adding bigotry and anger to the rest.
But if superstition dishonors God, is it not an evil thing and is not the Christian who harbors it guilty of serious sin against the Majesty in the heavens? . . .
Thought: Faith accepts God as He is revealed in Scripture and changes thought and action accordingly. Superstition seeks to change God to fit superstitious thought and action.
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Size of the Soul"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 2-5
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 13-14 & John 2
Historical: Isaiah 54-58
Chronological: 2 Samuel 10, I Chron. 19 & Psalm 20
Blended: Jonah & Matthew 5:27-48
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Weekend Bible Reading
Bible Reading Guide:
Saturday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 25-27
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 7-9 & John 1:1-28
Historical: Isaiah 45-48
Chronological: 2 Samuel 8-9 & I Chron. 18
Blended: Numbers 32-34 & Matthew 4
Sunday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 28 - 2 Chron. 1
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 10-12 & John 1:29-51
Historical: Isaiah 49-53
Chronological: Psalm 50, 53, 60 & 75
Blended: Numbers 35-36 & Matthew 5:1-26
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 25-27
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 7-9 & John 1:1-28
Historical: Isaiah 45-48
Chronological: 2 Samuel 8-9 & I Chron. 18
Blended: Numbers 32-34 & Matthew 4
Sunday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 28 - 2 Chron. 1
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 10-12 & John 1:29-51
Historical: Isaiah 49-53
Chronological: Psalm 50, 53, 60 & 75
Blended: Numbers 35-36 & Matthew 5:1-26
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, May 08, 2009
Timing is Everything
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
For several decades, George Burns and Gracie Allen entertained audiences with their unique humor. With George as the straight man and Gracie as the dizzy but lovable wife, they moved from vaudeville to radio to television - and into the hearts of millions.
Fro this husband and wife comedy team, everything depended on depending on each other. His questions set up her repaid-fire explanations. Her concluding one-liners needed his deadpan responses. The ability to reply at the right tie - and in the appropriate manner - made their comedy sparkle.
There's a mystique about timing. When it's right, it's fabulous. When it's wrong it's a disaster. It takes listening to the inner self to make it world. Not just in comedy, but in all of life.
We speak of the right timing to get married, to start a business, to have children, to change jobs, to risk a new venture, even to take a vacation. Some of us sense this timing intuitively; others plan it. Either way, we know that timing makes a difference. It affects our outlook and success, so sometimes we stop and say, "It's not the right time yet." And even if they don't understand, people make room for a delayed decision.
Oddly, we forget to give the same room to God.
Maybe it's because we know He's capable of doing anything, but we get impatient waiting for God. We forget that He waits for the right timing too. IN fact, He knows the perfect timing, even though it looks illogical to us. His ways are not our ways, and neither are his timetables our timetables.
But when we wait for His timing, nothing can compare with its abiding impact on us.
By Judith Couchman, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 22-24
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 4-6 & Luke 24:36-53
Historical: Isaiah 42-44
Chronological: Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36 & 39
Blended: Numbers 29-31 & Matthew 3
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
For several decades, George Burns and Gracie Allen entertained audiences with their unique humor. With George as the straight man and Gracie as the dizzy but lovable wife, they moved from vaudeville to radio to television - and into the hearts of millions.
Fro this husband and wife comedy team, everything depended on depending on each other. His questions set up her repaid-fire explanations. Her concluding one-liners needed his deadpan responses. The ability to reply at the right tie - and in the appropriate manner - made their comedy sparkle.
There's a mystique about timing. When it's right, it's fabulous. When it's wrong it's a disaster. It takes listening to the inner self to make it world. Not just in comedy, but in all of life.
We speak of the right timing to get married, to start a business, to have children, to change jobs, to risk a new venture, even to take a vacation. Some of us sense this timing intuitively; others plan it. Either way, we know that timing makes a difference. It affects our outlook and success, so sometimes we stop and say, "It's not the right time yet." And even if they don't understand, people make room for a delayed decision.
Oddly, we forget to give the same room to God.
Maybe it's because we know He's capable of doing anything, but we get impatient waiting for God. We forget that He waits for the right timing too. IN fact, He knows the perfect timing, even though it looks illogical to us. His ways are not our ways, and neither are his timetables our timetables.
But when we wait for His timing, nothing can compare with its abiding impact on us.
By Judith Couchman, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 22-24
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 4-6 & Luke 24:36-53
Historical: Isaiah 42-44
Chronological: Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36 & 39
Blended: Numbers 29-31 & Matthew 3
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Do You Worship The Work?
"We are God’s fellow workers . . ." 1 Corinthians 3:9
Beware of any work for God that causes or allows you to avoid concentrating on Him. A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God. This will mean that all the other boundaries of life, whether they are mental, moral, or spiritual limits, are completely free with the freedom God gives His child; that is, a worshiping child, not a wayward one. A worker who lacks this serious controlling emphasis of concentration on God is apt to become overly burdened by his work. He is a slave to his own limits, having no freedom of his body, mind, or spirit. Consequently, he becomes burned out and defeated. There is no freedom and no delight in life at all. His nerves, mind, and heart are so overwhelmed that God’s blessing cannot rest on him.
But the opposite case is equally true--once our concentration is on God, all the limits of our life are free and under the control and mastery of God alone. There is no longer any responsibility on you for the work. The only responsibility you have is to stay in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your cooperation with Him. The freedom that comes after sanctification is the freedom of a child, and the things that used to hold your life down are gone. But be careful to remember that you have been freed for only one thing--to be absolutely devoted to your co-Worker.
We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might . . ." (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ).
By Oswald Cambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 18-21
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 1-3 & Luke 24:1-35
Historical: Isaiah 36-41
Chronological: 2 Samuel 7 & I Chron. 17
Blended: Numbers 26-28 & Matthew 2
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Beware of any work for God that causes or allows you to avoid concentrating on Him. A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God. This will mean that all the other boundaries of life, whether they are mental, moral, or spiritual limits, are completely free with the freedom God gives His child; that is, a worshiping child, not a wayward one. A worker who lacks this serious controlling emphasis of concentration on God is apt to become overly burdened by his work. He is a slave to his own limits, having no freedom of his body, mind, or spirit. Consequently, he becomes burned out and defeated. There is no freedom and no delight in life at all. His nerves, mind, and heart are so overwhelmed that God’s blessing cannot rest on him.
But the opposite case is equally true--once our concentration is on God, all the limits of our life are free and under the control and mastery of God alone. There is no longer any responsibility on you for the work. The only responsibility you have is to stay in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your cooperation with Him. The freedom that comes after sanctification is the freedom of a child, and the things that used to hold your life down are gone. But be careful to remember that you have been freed for only one thing--to be absolutely devoted to your co-Worker.
We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might . . ." (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ).
By Oswald Cambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 18-21
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 1-3 & Luke 24:1-35
Historical: Isaiah 36-41
Chronological: 2 Samuel 7 & I Chron. 17
Blended: Numbers 26-28 & Matthew 2
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Agreeing With God
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." Matthew 15:8
The caller to the radio program mentioned religion, so the radio talk show host began to rant about hypocrites. “I can’t stand religious hypocrites,” he said. “They talk about religion, but they’re no better than I am. That’s why I don’t like all this religious stuff.”
This man didn’t realize it, but he was agreeing with God. God has made it clear that He can’t stand hypocrisy either. It’s ironic, though, that something God opposes is used by some people as an excuse not to seek Him.
Jesus said this about hypocrisy: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9).
Notice what Jesus said to perhaps the biggest hypocrites of His day, the Pharisees. In Matthew 23, He called them hypocrites—not once, not twice, but seven times! They were religious people who were putting on a big show, but God knew their hearts. He knew they were far from Him.
Non-Christians who point out hypocrisy in us when they see it are right in doing so. They are agreeing with God, who also despises it. Our task is to make sure our lives honor the One who deserves our total dedication. — Dave Branon
Hypocrisy is a common sin
That grieves the Lord above;
He longs for those who’ll worship Him
In faith and truth and love. —Bosch
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 15-17
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 21-22 & Luke 23:26-56
Historical: Isaiah 31-35
Chronological: Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105 & 132
Blended: Numbers 23-25 & Matthew 1
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The caller to the radio program mentioned religion, so the radio talk show host began to rant about hypocrites. “I can’t stand religious hypocrites,” he said. “They talk about religion, but they’re no better than I am. That’s why I don’t like all this religious stuff.”
This man didn’t realize it, but he was agreeing with God. God has made it clear that He can’t stand hypocrisy either. It’s ironic, though, that something God opposes is used by some people as an excuse not to seek Him.
Jesus said this about hypocrisy: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9).
Notice what Jesus said to perhaps the biggest hypocrites of His day, the Pharisees. In Matthew 23, He called them hypocrites—not once, not twice, but seven times! They were religious people who were putting on a big show, but God knew their hearts. He knew they were far from Him.
Non-Christians who point out hypocrisy in us when they see it are right in doing so. They are agreeing with God, who also despises it. Our task is to make sure our lives honor the One who deserves our total dedication. — Dave Branon
Hypocrisy is a common sin
That grieves the Lord above;
He longs for those who’ll worship Him
In faith and truth and love. —Bosch
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 15-17
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 21-22 & Luke 23:26-56
Historical: Isaiah 31-35
Chronological: Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105 & 132
Blended: Numbers 23-25 & Matthew 1
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Mankind's Box
"For in HIm dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9
If we were to think of this world as a time-space dimension, then a closed box could represent it, with God outside of the box. It is impossible for mankind to escape the box because, by definition, the natural cannot enter into the supernatural. That which is confined to time and space cannot escape into eternity and infinity.
Because there is something within man that longs to know what is outside the box, he invents deities into existence, which is how religious proliferate. Different religions become an extension of man's desire to escape his box, but man's longing to transcend the box cannot be overcome because he is confined to the box by his very nature.
Is there a way to escape this box? Yes, the good news is there is a way, and it's through Christ. Christianity acknowledges that you can't get out of your box but proclaims that God has invaded the box from the outside. Jesus Christ has entered into your world to show you how you can dwell with God forever. Won't you accept His invitation?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 12-14
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 19-20 & Luke 23:1-25
Historical: Isaiah 28-30
Chronological: Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47 & 68
Blended: Numbers 20-22 & Rev. 22
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
If we were to think of this world as a time-space dimension, then a closed box could represent it, with God outside of the box. It is impossible for mankind to escape the box because, by definition, the natural cannot enter into the supernatural. That which is confined to time and space cannot escape into eternity and infinity.
Because there is something within man that longs to know what is outside the box, he invents deities into existence, which is how religious proliferate. Different religions become an extension of man's desire to escape his box, but man's longing to transcend the box cannot be overcome because he is confined to the box by his very nature.
Is there a way to escape this box? Yes, the good news is there is a way, and it's through Christ. Christianity acknowledges that you can't get out of your box but proclaims that God has invaded the box from the outside. Jesus Christ has entered into your world to show you how you can dwell with God forever. Won't you accept His invitation?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 12-14
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 19-20 & Luke 23:1-25
Historical: Isaiah 28-30
Chronological: Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47 & 68
Blended: Numbers 20-22 & Rev. 22
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, May 04, 2009
What's Your Emotion?
"Lord, I will thank you with all my heart; I will sing to you." Psalm 138:1
It's incredible that anyone could look at the kindness of God, the faithfulness of God, and the goodness of God and not feel any emotion of gratitude.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Saviour"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 9-11
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 16-18 & Luke 22:47-71
Historical: Isaiah 23-27
Chronological: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23 & I Chron. 13-16
Blended: Numbers 17-19 & Rev. 21
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
It's incredible that anyone could look at the kindness of God, the faithfulness of God, and the goodness of God and not feel any emotion of gratitude.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Saviour"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 9-11
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 16-18 & Luke 22:47-71
Historical: Isaiah 23-27
Chronological: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23 & I Chron. 13-16
Blended: Numbers 17-19 & Rev. 21
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Weekend Bible Reading
Bible Reading Guide:
Saturday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 6
Old and New Testaments Together: I Kings 12-13 & Luke 22:1-30
Historical: Isaiah 13-17
Chronological: Psalm 133
Blended: Numbers 13-14 & Rev. 19
Sunday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 7-8
Old and New Testaments Together: I Kings 14-15 & Luke 22:31-46
Historical: Isaiah 18-22
Chronological: Psalm 106-107
Blended: Numbers 15-16 & Rev. 20
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 6
Old and New Testaments Together: I Kings 12-13 & Luke 22:1-30
Historical: Isaiah 13-17
Chronological: Psalm 133
Blended: Numbers 13-14 & Rev. 19
Sunday:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 7-8
Old and New Testaments Together: I Kings 14-15 & Luke 22:31-46
Historical: Isaiah 18-22
Chronological: Psalm 106-107
Blended: Numbers 15-16 & Rev. 20
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, May 01, 2009
May's Memory Verse
James 1:2-4
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
James 1:2-4 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
April's Memory Verse: Jeremiah 30:17
March's Memory Verse: James 1:5
February's Memory Verse: John 15:5
January's Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21
December's Memory Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23
November's Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
October's Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:1-3
September's Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:9
January's Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 3-5
Old and New Testaments Together: I King 10-11 & Luke 21:20-38
Historical: Isaiah 9-12
Chronological: 2 Samuel 5:1-10 & I Chron. 11-12
Blended: Numbers 9-11 & Rev. 18
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
James 1:2-4 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
April's Memory Verse: Jeremiah 30:17
March's Memory Verse: James 1:5
February's Memory Verse: John 15:5
January's Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21
December's Memory Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23
November's Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
October's Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:1-3
September's Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:9
January's Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 3-5
Old and New Testaments Together: I King 10-11 & Luke 21:20-38
Historical: Isaiah 9-12
Chronological: 2 Samuel 5:1-10 & I Chron. 11-12
Blended: Numbers 9-11 & Rev. 18
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
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