"The Lord was with Joseph." Genesis 39:2
At the age of 16, pianist Leon Fleisher made his formal debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic. He went on to win prestigious international competitions and played in the world’s finest concert halls. But at the age of 37, Fleisher was struck with dystonia, a neurological condition that crippled his right hand. After a period of despondency and withdrawal, he turned to teaching and conducting, because, as he said, he loved music more than he loved the piano.
When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that “the Lord was with” Joseph (vv.2-3,21,23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God’s presence with him.
Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him? — David C. McCasland
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away;
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way. —Overton
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
His Work, His Way
"So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law" (Mal 2:9).
My work, My way - When you and I live in this world without Christ we live a life just as Esau lived his life. Esau despised his birthright and failed to enter into a relationship with God that allowed him to fulfill his destiny. In essence, Esau fulfilled his work, his way. His life represented the carnal life of the flesh.
His work, my way - When you and I become born-again by the Spirit of God, we begin to focus our attention on living for Christ. We realize it is His work we are doing but it takes time before we learn what it means to do His work, His way.
My work, His way - As the Holy Spirit does His work in us, we learn to walk with God. We learn what it means to see our work as His work and we desire to do it His way. The Israelites were guilty of not knowing His ways and were unable to move into the Promised Land because of not understanding how to do Their work, His ways.
His work, His way - When we begin to walk with God we begin to realize that all that we do is His work and He calls us to do it His way. When we begin to walk with God in this manner we begin to see the Kingdom of God manifested in our working lives. We begin to experience His power and learn what it means to do His work, His way.
In order to experience God in this way, each of us must give our working lives to the Lord and ask him to teach us His way. Moses asked God: "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you" (Ex 33:12). Moses realized He needed God to teach him His ways in order for him to prosper in His relationship with God.
What best describes your life today? Your work, your way; Your work, His way; His work, your way; or His work, His way? Pray that you learn to do His work, His way.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
My work, My way - When you and I live in this world without Christ we live a life just as Esau lived his life. Esau despised his birthright and failed to enter into a relationship with God that allowed him to fulfill his destiny. In essence, Esau fulfilled his work, his way. His life represented the carnal life of the flesh.
His work, my way - When you and I become born-again by the Spirit of God, we begin to focus our attention on living for Christ. We realize it is His work we are doing but it takes time before we learn what it means to do His work, His way.
My work, His way - As the Holy Spirit does His work in us, we learn to walk with God. We learn what it means to see our work as His work and we desire to do it His way. The Israelites were guilty of not knowing His ways and were unable to move into the Promised Land because of not understanding how to do Their work, His ways.
His work, His way - When we begin to walk with God we begin to realize that all that we do is His work and He calls us to do it His way. When we begin to walk with God in this manner we begin to see the Kingdom of God manifested in our working lives. We begin to experience His power and learn what it means to do His work, His way.
In order to experience God in this way, each of us must give our working lives to the Lord and ask him to teach us His way. Moses asked God: "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you" (Ex 33:12). Moses realized He needed God to teach him His ways in order for him to prosper in His relationship with God.
What best describes your life today? Your work, your way; Your work, His way; His work, your way; or His work, His way? Pray that you learn to do His work, His way.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Overcomer
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree Of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God" (Revelation 2:7).
No man may turn his back in the day of battle or refuse to go to the holy war. We must fight if we would reign, and we must carry on the warfare till we overcome every enemy, or else this promise is not for us, since it is only for "him that overcometh." We are to overcome the false prophets who have come into the world and all the evils which accompany their teaching. We are to overcome our own faintness of heart and tendency to decline from our first love. Read the whole of the Spirit's word to the church at Ephesus.
If by grace we win the day, as we shall if we truly follow our conquering Leader, then we shall be admitted to the very center of the paradise of God and shall be permitted to pass by the cherub and his flaming sword and come to that guarded tree, whereof if a man eat, he shall live forever. We shall thus escape that endless death which is the doom of sin and gain that everlasting life which is the seal of innocence, the outgrowth of immortal principles of Godlike holiness. Come, my heart, pluck up courage! To flee the conflict will be to lose the joys of the new and better Eden; to fight unto victory is to walk with God in paradise.
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
No man may turn his back in the day of battle or refuse to go to the holy war. We must fight if we would reign, and we must carry on the warfare till we overcome every enemy, or else this promise is not for us, since it is only for "him that overcometh." We are to overcome the false prophets who have come into the world and all the evils which accompany their teaching. We are to overcome our own faintness of heart and tendency to decline from our first love. Read the whole of the Spirit's word to the church at Ephesus.
If by grace we win the day, as we shall if we truly follow our conquering Leader, then we shall be admitted to the very center of the paradise of God and shall be permitted to pass by the cherub and his flaming sword and come to that guarded tree, whereof if a man eat, he shall live forever. We shall thus escape that endless death which is the doom of sin and gain that everlasting life which is the seal of innocence, the outgrowth of immortal principles of Godlike holiness. Come, my heart, pluck up courage! To flee the conflict will be to lose the joys of the new and better Eden; to fight unto victory is to walk with God in paradise.
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Power of a Word
Proverbs 12:18 gives us some valuable advice,
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health."
Did you ever know someone who is good at making cutting remarks? They spoke like the piercings of a sword?
Over twenty years ago I was at the house of some friends. We were all just kind of hanging out and I made a comment to one of the brothers in the family. It was a clever little comment and was basically meant to take a jab at him.
A couple of the family members heard it and snickered and said, "Oh, way to go, Bayless! You got him!" But as soon as I said it, his countenance fell, and my heart just sank. While I looked for an opportunity to apologize to him that night, I didn't do it because he ended up leaving early.
I've regretted that comment ever since. I repented, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleansed me from that sin. But you know what? Those words were out, and I couldn't get them back.
Shortly after that night, he went feet first into a very destructive lifestyle involving his sexuality. I have to think that quite possibly my words pushed him away from God. It may have been that little jab of the sword that pushed him off the edge.
The New Testament says in Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but only that which is good for edification or for building up that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Are your words ministering grace to those who hear them? Are they building up? Or are they tearing down?
By Bayless Conley, tkaen from "Answers for Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health."
Did you ever know someone who is good at making cutting remarks? They spoke like the piercings of a sword?
Over twenty years ago I was at the house of some friends. We were all just kind of hanging out and I made a comment to one of the brothers in the family. It was a clever little comment and was basically meant to take a jab at him.
A couple of the family members heard it and snickered and said, "Oh, way to go, Bayless! You got him!" But as soon as I said it, his countenance fell, and my heart just sank. While I looked for an opportunity to apologize to him that night, I didn't do it because he ended up leaving early.
I've regretted that comment ever since. I repented, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleansed me from that sin. But you know what? Those words were out, and I couldn't get them back.
Shortly after that night, he went feet first into a very destructive lifestyle involving his sexuality. I have to think that quite possibly my words pushed him away from God. It may have been that little jab of the sword that pushed him off the edge.
The New Testament says in Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but only that which is good for edification or for building up that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Are your words ministering grace to those who hear them? Are they building up? Or are they tearing down?
By Bayless Conley, tkaen from "Answers for Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Have you found new life?
"So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…." John 6:67-68
Did you know that there are more conversations recorded between Jesus and Simon Peter than any other two people in Scripture? It's true, and I want to bring your attention to one such conversation. Jesus is saying something so important to you and me through it.
Jesus had been teaching to a crowd of people and he started calling them to a commitment… to the demands of a daring faith. And as he called them, some people began to walk away from him. You see, many who followed Jesus were only attracted to the miracles that he performed. They didn't want to hear about the cost of discipleship.
And so as these others departed, Jesus turned to his disciples and said, "Do you want to go away as well?" And Simon Peter responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…."
Simon Peter got it! This commoner… this uneducated fisherman… was committed. He would follow Jesus anywhere, because in Christ Jesus he found new hope and a purpose for living!
You see, when you meet the Savior of the world, he changes your life and nothing else can ever satisfy.
Don't walk away from Jesus. Commit your life to him, follow him, and receive new life!
WHEN YOU MEET THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD…
NOTHING ELSE CAN EVER SATISFY.
By Jack Graham, taken from "Powerpoint Daily Devotional"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Did you know that there are more conversations recorded between Jesus and Simon Peter than any other two people in Scripture? It's true, and I want to bring your attention to one such conversation. Jesus is saying something so important to you and me through it.
Jesus had been teaching to a crowd of people and he started calling them to a commitment… to the demands of a daring faith. And as he called them, some people began to walk away from him. You see, many who followed Jesus were only attracted to the miracles that he performed. They didn't want to hear about the cost of discipleship.
And so as these others departed, Jesus turned to his disciples and said, "Do you want to go away as well?" And Simon Peter responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…."
Simon Peter got it! This commoner… this uneducated fisherman… was committed. He would follow Jesus anywhere, because in Christ Jesus he found new hope and a purpose for living!
You see, when you meet the Savior of the world, he changes your life and nothing else can ever satisfy.
Don't walk away from Jesus. Commit your life to him, follow him, and receive new life!
WHEN YOU MEET THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD…
NOTHING ELSE CAN EVER SATISFY.
By Jack Graham, taken from "Powerpoint Daily Devotional"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What I Believe
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"Romans 10:14
Sometimes people ask me why I do what I do. I have a very simple answer to that question, which is that I really do believe the things that we read in the Bible are true.
For example, I really believe what the Bible says about our lives being "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). I really believe there is an eternity, there is an afterlife, there is a heaven, and there is a hell. I really believe that only those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will go to heaven. And I also believe that I need to share this message with as many people as possible.
I received the following letter from someone who came to Christ at one of our Harvest Crusades some years ago:
My younger brother went to sleep one night and never woke up. He was 23 years old, and he had just graduated from college. He moved to Philadelphia after he graduated... I found out the Harvest Crusade was coming to Philadelphia, so I took my younger brother with me to hear the gospel. He was not yet a believer. He went forward at the invitation and gave his life to Christ, and God called him home... one month after his commitment to Christ. My brother lives today because of your ministry... he is in the arms of Jesus, and that's where I will meet him again.
That is why I do what I do. That is why I want to get the gospel out. And that is why we were placed on this earth: to come into a relationship with God, to know Him, and to glorify Him with our lives.
By Greg Laurie, taken from "Harvest Daily Devotional"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sometimes people ask me why I do what I do. I have a very simple answer to that question, which is that I really do believe the things that we read in the Bible are true.
For example, I really believe what the Bible says about our lives being "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). I really believe there is an eternity, there is an afterlife, there is a heaven, and there is a hell. I really believe that only those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will go to heaven. And I also believe that I need to share this message with as many people as possible.
I received the following letter from someone who came to Christ at one of our Harvest Crusades some years ago:
My younger brother went to sleep one night and never woke up. He was 23 years old, and he had just graduated from college. He moved to Philadelphia after he graduated... I found out the Harvest Crusade was coming to Philadelphia, so I took my younger brother with me to hear the gospel. He was not yet a believer. He went forward at the invitation and gave his life to Christ, and God called him home... one month after his commitment to Christ. My brother lives today because of your ministry... he is in the arms of Jesus, and that's where I will meet him again.
That is why I do what I do. That is why I want to get the gospel out. And that is why we were placed on this earth: to come into a relationship with God, to know Him, and to glorify Him with our lives.
By Greg Laurie, taken from "Harvest Daily Devotional"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sin's Sinfulness
"There is a sin that leads to death. . . . All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death." First John 5:16;150;17
A great preacher, now deceased, to whom I used often to listen with profit and delight, would sometimes shout dramatically, "God never classifies sin."
His words were intended as a protest against a careless attitude toward certain forms of sin, and in their context I agree with them. Nevertheless God does classify sin and so does the law of the land, and so does the conscience of every man.
As various serpents differ from each other in their power to kill, so various sins carry different kinds of venom, all bad, but not all equally bad, their power to injure depending upon the high or low concentration of iniquity they carry in them.
Within the precincts of religion are sometimes found certain sins which I want here to mention. These may be classified under three heads: Sins committed out of weakness, respectable sins more or less allowed by everyone, and sins that have been woven into the religious fabric until they have become a necessary part of it.
No sin is to be excused. Every sin carries its own penalty. But the sin committed on impulse or the sin committed out of weakness over the protests of the heart surely does not carry the same deadly charge as those done with brazen deliberation. From such a sin there is complete deliverance by the power of Christ; and from such there is more likely to be, since it is a grief to those who commit it.
Thought: John points out that all wrongdoing is sin. He goes on to say that there is sin that leads to death and there is sin that does not. That some sin is more damaging than other sin seems obvious. There is sin that not only seriously affects the sinner but has deadly effects on other people as well.
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
A great preacher, now deceased, to whom I used often to listen with profit and delight, would sometimes shout dramatically, "God never classifies sin."
His words were intended as a protest against a careless attitude toward certain forms of sin, and in their context I agree with them. Nevertheless God does classify sin and so does the law of the land, and so does the conscience of every man.
As various serpents differ from each other in their power to kill, so various sins carry different kinds of venom, all bad, but not all equally bad, their power to injure depending upon the high or low concentration of iniquity they carry in them.
Within the precincts of religion are sometimes found certain sins which I want here to mention. These may be classified under three heads: Sins committed out of weakness, respectable sins more or less allowed by everyone, and sins that have been woven into the religious fabric until they have become a necessary part of it.
No sin is to be excused. Every sin carries its own penalty. But the sin committed on impulse or the sin committed out of weakness over the protests of the heart surely does not carry the same deadly charge as those done with brazen deliberation. From such a sin there is complete deliverance by the power of Christ; and from such there is more likely to be, since it is a grief to those who commit it.
Thought: John points out that all wrongdoing is sin. He goes on to say that there is sin that leads to death and there is sin that does not. That some sin is more damaging than other sin seems obvious. There is sin that not only seriously affects the sinner but has deadly effects on other people as well.
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Credibility
"[Have] your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that . . . they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God." 1 Peter 2:12
The recent global financial crisis caused people to pay closer attention to their credit report. When credit was easy to get, some people became careless about how they used it. They didn’t bother to save for what they wanted; they just borrowed. Being in debt was no big deal. But in a crisis, that is no longer the case. Having good credit is suddenly very important.
After an advertisement for a credit repair service, a local newscaster said, “Credit repair isn’t something you can buy; it’s something you have to work for.”
The same principle applies to the credibility of our lives. We can’t buy it; it’s something we have to work for. We may be able to “borrow” credibility for a while by associating ourselves with credible people, but sooner or later we will need our own.
Credibility has to do with the ability to elicit belief. The reason it’s essential for Christians is that our lives affect God’s reputation (1 Peter 2:12). When we call ourselves by Christ’s name, His reputation is tied to ours. If people have reason not to believe us, they may not believe God.
The way to earn credibility is to live honorably. Then others will believe and glorify God. — Julie Ackerman Link
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The recent global financial crisis caused people to pay closer attention to their credit report. When credit was easy to get, some people became careless about how they used it. They didn’t bother to save for what they wanted; they just borrowed. Being in debt was no big deal. But in a crisis, that is no longer the case. Having good credit is suddenly very important.
After an advertisement for a credit repair service, a local newscaster said, “Credit repair isn’t something you can buy; it’s something you have to work for.”
The same principle applies to the credibility of our lives. We can’t buy it; it’s something we have to work for. We may be able to “borrow” credibility for a while by associating ourselves with credible people, but sooner or later we will need our own.
Credibility has to do with the ability to elicit belief. The reason it’s essential for Christians is that our lives affect God’s reputation (1 Peter 2:12). When we call ourselves by Christ’s name, His reputation is tied to ours. If people have reason not to believe us, they may not believe God.
The way to earn credibility is to live honorably. Then others will believe and glorify God. — Julie Ackerman Link
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Grace From The King
"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24
Every believer receives the grace of God as a result of responding to the good news. And the good news is that salvation is by grace.
The apostle Paul said, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people It is offered totally apart from anything we could ever do to receive God's favor. It is the unmerited favor of God, who in His mercy and loving-kindness grants us salvation as a gift. All we have to do is simply respond by believing in His Son.
We enter the kingdom of God only by the grace of God. There is no place or self-congratulations or human achievement. Remember to thank God for granting you such a gracious salvation.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Every believer receives the grace of God as a result of responding to the good news. And the good news is that salvation is by grace.
The apostle Paul said, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people It is offered totally apart from anything we could ever do to receive God's favor. It is the unmerited favor of God, who in His mercy and loving-kindness grants us salvation as a gift. All we have to do is simply respond by believing in His Son.
We enter the kingdom of God only by the grace of God. There is no place or self-congratulations or human achievement. Remember to thank God for granting you such a gracious salvation.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, January 22, 2010
Living Well
"Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders." Psalm 119:27
What do Bible stories tell us about living this human life well, living it totally? Primarily and mostly they tell us that it means dealing with God. It means dealign with a lot of other things as well: danger and parents and enemies and friends and lovers and children and wives and pride and humiliation and . . . sickness and death and sexuality . . . and fear and peace - to say nothing of diapers . . . and breakfast and traffic jams and clogged drainpipes and bounced checks. But always, at the forefront and in the background of circumstances, events, and people, it's God.
By Eugene H. Peterson, taken from "God's Message For Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
What do Bible stories tell us about living this human life well, living it totally? Primarily and mostly they tell us that it means dealing with God. It means dealign with a lot of other things as well: danger and parents and enemies and friends and lovers and children and wives and pride and humiliation and . . . sickness and death and sexuality . . . and fear and peace - to say nothing of diapers . . . and breakfast and traffic jams and clogged drainpipes and bounced checks. But always, at the forefront and in the background of circumstances, events, and people, it's God.
By Eugene H. Peterson, taken from "God's Message For Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Asking Questions
"But I will call t God for help, and the Lord will save me. Morning, noon, and night. I am troubled and upset, but He will listen to me." Psalm 55:16-17
It's not a sin to doubt. Disbelief is sin, but questioning - sincerely seeking - is acceptable to God because in the presence of God you may ask any question you want.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
It's not a sin to doubt. Disbelief is sin, but questioning - sincerely seeking - is acceptable to God because in the presence of God you may ask any question you want.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Breath of Life
This morning I came across a well known children's Sunday School story. It's the story of Ezekiel having a vision of the Valley of Dry Bone (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
I can remember being a little scared when we heard this story. Bones coming together and forming flesh over them to eventually being a living breathing army was a bit yucky in my little mind. But now, this time around, I see that God is using this vision as an example of restoration. Throughout the whole book of Ezekiel I've read nothing but judgement, death and destruction. And yet, here is one of the first messages of hope.
Here God has taken dry bone that have long been dead. Bones that there seems to be no hope in every coming to life again. He first brings the bones together. Then He causes flesh to appear on them. But even though that forms the body it doesn't make them alive. They're still dead. "And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them." (Verse 8).
They needed the breath of life from God to be blown into them to make them truly alive. "Then He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'thus says the Lord God, 'Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, and they will come to life.' So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army." (verses 9-10).
I find it interesting that the act of breathing not only removes carbon dioxide waste but also results in loss of water from the body. "Exhaled air has a relative humidity of 100% because of water diffusing across the moist surface of breathing passages and alveoli." Humm . . . . so this bring to mind that God is the Living Water, "Jesus answered and said to her (women at the well), 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water . . . . .' Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." John 4:10, 13-14.
When God was breathing life into these bodies, He was not only filling them with air but living water. Our bodies are mostly made up of water so this makes sense.
I continue to pray for restoration in our lives, marriages and peace from anxiety. If God can call dry dead bones to life, He can bring to life what has been lost. I pray again like I did yesterday that He would give me a deep thirst for Him!
Jesus, Love of my soul
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life be past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge here I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
- Charles Wesley
Krista Jones
9.11.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
I can remember being a little scared when we heard this story. Bones coming together and forming flesh over them to eventually being a living breathing army was a bit yucky in my little mind. But now, this time around, I see that God is using this vision as an example of restoration. Throughout the whole book of Ezekiel I've read nothing but judgement, death and destruction. And yet, here is one of the first messages of hope.
Here God has taken dry bone that have long been dead. Bones that there seems to be no hope in every coming to life again. He first brings the bones together. Then He causes flesh to appear on them. But even though that forms the body it doesn't make them alive. They're still dead. "And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them." (Verse 8).
They needed the breath of life from God to be blown into them to make them truly alive. "Then He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'thus says the Lord God, 'Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, and they will come to life.' So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army." (verses 9-10).
I find it interesting that the act of breathing not only removes carbon dioxide waste but also results in loss of water from the body. "Exhaled air has a relative humidity of 100% because of water diffusing across the moist surface of breathing passages and alveoli." Humm . . . . so this bring to mind that God is the Living Water, "Jesus answered and said to her (women at the well), 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water . . . . .' Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." John 4:10, 13-14.
When God was breathing life into these bodies, He was not only filling them with air but living water. Our bodies are mostly made up of water so this makes sense.
I continue to pray for restoration in our lives, marriages and peace from anxiety. If God can call dry dead bones to life, He can bring to life what has been lost. I pray again like I did yesterday that He would give me a deep thirst for Him!
Jesus, Love of my soul
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life be past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge here I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
- Charles Wesley
Krista Jones
9.11.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Freedom to Live as Servants of God
"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." First Peter 2:16
Every man in a free society must decide whether he will exploit his liberty or curtail it for intelligent and moral ends. He may take upon him the responsibility of a business and a family and thus be useful to the race, or he may shun all obligations and end on skid row. The tramp is freer than president or king, but his freedom is his undoing. While he lives he remains socially sterile and when he dies he leaves behind him nothing to make the world glad he lived.
The Christian cannot escape the peril of too much liberty. He is indeed free, but his very freedom may prove a source of real temptation to him. He is free from the chains of sin, free from the moral consequences of evil acts now forgiven, free from the curse of the law and the displeasure of God. Grace has opened the prison door for him, and like Barabbas of old he walks at liberty because Another died in his stead.
All this the instructed Christian knows and he refuses to let false teachers and misguided religionists rivet a yoke of bondage upon his neck. But now what shall he do with his freedom? Two possibilities offer themselves. He may accept his blood-won freedom as a cloak for the flesh, as the New Testament declares that some have done, or he may kneel like the camel to receive his voluntary burden. And what is this burden? The woes of his fellowmen which he must do what he can to assuage; the debt which he along with Paul owes to the lost world; the sound of hungry children crying in the night; the church in Babylonian captivity; the swift onrush of evil doctrines and the success of false prophets; the slow decay of the moral foundations of the so-called Christian nations and whatever else demands self-sacrifice, cross-carrying, long prayer vigils and courageous witness to alleviate and correct.
Thought: The limited freedom that is ours we may exercise as a cloak for evil or to serve God. Beneath the cloak sin chains form again. Serving God results in growing assurance of faith in Christ (1 Timothy 3:13). How are you using your freedom?
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Every man in a free society must decide whether he will exploit his liberty or curtail it for intelligent and moral ends. He may take upon him the responsibility of a business and a family and thus be useful to the race, or he may shun all obligations and end on skid row. The tramp is freer than president or king, but his freedom is his undoing. While he lives he remains socially sterile and when he dies he leaves behind him nothing to make the world glad he lived.
The Christian cannot escape the peril of too much liberty. He is indeed free, but his very freedom may prove a source of real temptation to him. He is free from the chains of sin, free from the moral consequences of evil acts now forgiven, free from the curse of the law and the displeasure of God. Grace has opened the prison door for him, and like Barabbas of old he walks at liberty because Another died in his stead.
All this the instructed Christian knows and he refuses to let false teachers and misguided religionists rivet a yoke of bondage upon his neck. But now what shall he do with his freedom? Two possibilities offer themselves. He may accept his blood-won freedom as a cloak for the flesh, as the New Testament declares that some have done, or he may kneel like the camel to receive his voluntary burden. And what is this burden? The woes of his fellowmen which he must do what he can to assuage; the debt which he along with Paul owes to the lost world; the sound of hungry children crying in the night; the church in Babylonian captivity; the swift onrush of evil doctrines and the success of false prophets; the slow decay of the moral foundations of the so-called Christian nations and whatever else demands self-sacrifice, cross-carrying, long prayer vigils and courageous witness to alleviate and correct.
Thought: The limited freedom that is ours we may exercise as a cloak for evil or to serve God. Beneath the cloak sin chains form again. Serving God results in growing assurance of faith in Christ (1 Timothy 3:13). How are you using your freedom?
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, January 18, 2010
"Loved unto the End"
"For the LORD will not cast off for ever." Lamentations 3:31
He may cast away for a season but not forever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them or throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the LORD to cast off those whom He loves, for "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows; but, indeed, it is not so. The LORD's love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.
He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that He can no more cast him of than He can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The LORD Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride. Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the LORD who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. "The LORD hath not cast away his people which he foreknew" (Romans 11:2). "He hateth putting away" (Malachi 2:16).
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
He may cast away for a season but not forever. A woman may leave off her ornaments for a few days, but she will not forget them or throw them upon the dunghill. It is not like the LORD to cast off those whom He loves, for "having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." Some talk of our being in grace and out of it, as if we were like rabbits that run in and out of their burrows; but, indeed, it is not so. The LORD's love is a far more serious and abiding matter than this.
He chose us from eternity, and He will love us throughout eternity. He loved us so as to die for us, and we may therefore be sure that His love will never die. His honor is so wrapped up in the salvation of the believer that He can no more cast him of than He can cast off His own robes of office as King of glory. No, no! The LORD Jesus, as a Head, never casts off His members; as a Husband, He never casts off His bride. Did you think you were cast off? Why did you think so evil of the LORD who has betrothed you to Himself? Cast off such thoughts, and never let them lodge in your soul again. "The LORD hath not cast away his people which he foreknew" (Romans 11:2). "He hateth putting away" (Malachi 2:16).
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Discovering Your Purpose
"You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something" (Psalm 139: 15). (Msg)
If you are going to discover how God wants to use your life and work, you must know why you were created. If you start trying to determine your purpose in life before understanding why you were created, you will inevitably get hung up on the things you do as the basis for fulfillment in your life, which will only lead to frustration and disappointment.
First and foremost, God created you to know Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. In fact, God says that if a man is going to boast about anything in life, "boast about this: that he understands and knows me" (Jer. 9:24). Mankind's relationship with God was lost in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus' death on the cross, however, allows us to restore this relationship with God and to have an intimate fellowship with Him. The apostle Paul came to understand this when he said, "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" (Phil. 3:10, THE MESSAGE).
Establishing this relationship with God is vital to understanding your purpose. If you don't have this relationship with God, you will seek to fulfill your purpose out of wrong motives; such as fear, insecurity, pride, money, relationships, guilt, or unresolved anger. God's desire is for you to be motivated out of love for Him and to desire to worship Him in all that you do. As you develop your relationship with God, He will begin to reveal His purpose for your life. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord" (Jer. 29:11).
Today, ask God to help you discover your unique purpose.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God Is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
If you are going to discover how God wants to use your life and work, you must know why you were created. If you start trying to determine your purpose in life before understanding why you were created, you will inevitably get hung up on the things you do as the basis for fulfillment in your life, which will only lead to frustration and disappointment.
First and foremost, God created you to know Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. In fact, God says that if a man is going to boast about anything in life, "boast about this: that he understands and knows me" (Jer. 9:24). Mankind's relationship with God was lost in the Garden when Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus' death on the cross, however, allows us to restore this relationship with God and to have an intimate fellowship with Him. The apostle Paul came to understand this when he said, "I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself" (Phil. 3:10, THE MESSAGE).
Establishing this relationship with God is vital to understanding your purpose. If you don't have this relationship with God, you will seek to fulfill your purpose out of wrong motives; such as fear, insecurity, pride, money, relationships, guilt, or unresolved anger. God's desire is for you to be motivated out of love for Him and to desire to worship Him in all that you do. As you develop your relationship with God, He will begin to reveal His purpose for your life. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord" (Jer. 29:11).
Today, ask God to help you discover your unique purpose.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God Is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A Mysterious Union
"Taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:7
The humanity and deity of Christ is a mysterious union we can never fully understand. But the Bible emphasizes both.
Luke 23:39-43 provides a good example. At the cross, ". . . one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we received the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"
In His humanness, Jesus was a victim, mercilessly hammered to a cross after being spat upon, mocked, and humiliated. But in His deity, He promised the thief on the cross eternal life, as only God can.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The humanity and deity of Christ is a mysterious union we can never fully understand. But the Bible emphasizes both.
Luke 23:39-43 provides a good example. At the cross, ". . . one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we received the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"
In His humanness, Jesus was a victim, mercilessly hammered to a cross after being spat upon, mocked, and humiliated. But in His deity, He promised the thief on the cross eternal life, as only God can.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Wonderful Guarantee
"I will strengthen thee" (Isaiah 41:10).
When called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought and less than we need. But let not our heart sink within us while we have such a word as this to fall back upon, for it guarantees us all that we can possibly need. God has strength omnipotent; that strength He can communicate to us; and His promise is that He will do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts; and thus He will give us strength. There is no telling how much power God can put into a man. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance.
Do we not remember seasons of labor and trial in which we received such special strength that we wondered at ourselves? In the midst of danger we were calm, under bereavement we were resigned, in slander we were self-contained, and in sickness we were patient. The fact is that God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us, We rise out of our feeble selves. Cowards play the man, foolish ones have wisdom given them, and the silent receive in the self-same hour what they shall speak, My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave. LORD, strengthen me "according to thy word."
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
When called to serve or to suffer, we take stock of our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought and less than we need. But let not our heart sink within us while we have such a word as this to fall back upon, for it guarantees us all that we can possibly need. God has strength omnipotent; that strength He can communicate to us; and His promise is that He will do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts; and thus He will give us strength. There is no telling how much power God can put into a man. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no more a hindrance.
Do we not remember seasons of labor and trial in which we received such special strength that we wondered at ourselves? In the midst of danger we were calm, under bereavement we were resigned, in slander we were self-contained, and in sickness we were patient. The fact is that God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us, We rise out of our feeble selves. Cowards play the man, foolish ones have wisdom given them, and the silent receive in the self-same hour what they shall speak, My own weakness makes me shrink, but God's promise makes me brave. LORD, strengthen me "according to thy word."
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Shepherding
This morning I came across Ezekiel 34 and within it I learned a little bit about Shepherding.
Ezekiel 34:1-10 talk about how the shepherds of Israel, the kings and their officials, prophets and priests, had failed in keeping God's commandments. They not only didn't keep His commandments, but partook in the sinning of the nations around them which lead Israel down the wrong path and into destruction. Because of this, their sheep were scattered and they were punished.
Ezekiel 34:11-31 talk about the restoration of Israel. He starts out by saying in verses 11-12, "For thus says the Lord God, Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day." Here God is saying that He will take control of the flock from the faithless shepherds and save the flock from the nations they have been scattered into.
Verses 14-15 says, "I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down on good grazing ground and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord God." I like these verses because it reminds me of how faithful God is to us. Although we get lost and/or have been lost, He found us and brought us back to Himself. And by doing so we dwell with Him, are feed wonderful spiritual food and become spiritually rich.
Verses 24-29 says, "I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate harmful beasts from the land so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing. Also the tree of the field will yield it's fruit and the earth will yield its increase, and they will be secure on their land. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They will no longer be prey to the nations and the beasts of the earth will not devour them; but they will live securely, and no one will make them afraid. I will establish for them a renowned planting place, and they will not again be victims of famine in the land, and they will not endure the insults of the nations anymore."
I like the last verse of the chapter, verse 31, "As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God," declares the Lord God.
It is so wonderful that we have a God who is like our shepherd. Shepherds protected their flocks with their lives. If one went missing they'd go in search of it. When they found the lost sheep they'd bring it back to the flock and care for it. When we obey God's commandments and stay close to Him, we are blessed, secure, fed and protected. We no longer are slaves to sin as He has freed us from it through His Son, Jesus. John 10:11 says, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
Thank you God for being my Shepherd. For constantly finding me when I wonder off in what looks like better pastures. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for me so that I might be free!
Krista Jones
9.10.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Ezekiel 34:1-10 talk about how the shepherds of Israel, the kings and their officials, prophets and priests, had failed in keeping God's commandments. They not only didn't keep His commandments, but partook in the sinning of the nations around them which lead Israel down the wrong path and into destruction. Because of this, their sheep were scattered and they were punished.
Ezekiel 34:11-31 talk about the restoration of Israel. He starts out by saying in verses 11-12, "For thus says the Lord God, Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day." Here God is saying that He will take control of the flock from the faithless shepherds and save the flock from the nations they have been scattered into.
Verses 14-15 says, "I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down on good grazing ground and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord God." I like these verses because it reminds me of how faithful God is to us. Although we get lost and/or have been lost, He found us and brought us back to Himself. And by doing so we dwell with Him, are feed wonderful spiritual food and become spiritually rich.
Verses 24-29 says, "I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate harmful beasts from the land so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing. Also the tree of the field will yield it's fruit and the earth will yield its increase, and they will be secure on their land. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They will no longer be prey to the nations and the beasts of the earth will not devour them; but they will live securely, and no one will make them afraid. I will establish for them a renowned planting place, and they will not again be victims of famine in the land, and they will not endure the insults of the nations anymore."
I like the last verse of the chapter, verse 31, "As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God," declares the Lord God.
It is so wonderful that we have a God who is like our shepherd. Shepherds protected their flocks with their lives. If one went missing they'd go in search of it. When they found the lost sheep they'd bring it back to the flock and care for it. When we obey God's commandments and stay close to Him, we are blessed, secure, fed and protected. We no longer are slaves to sin as He has freed us from it through His Son, Jesus. John 10:11 says, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
Thank you God for being my Shepherd. For constantly finding me when I wonder off in what looks like better pastures. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for me so that I might be free!
Krista Jones
9.10.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Life of Power to Follow
"Jesus answered him, ’Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.’"John 13:36
"And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ’Follow Me’ " (John 21:19). Three years earlier Jesus had said, "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19), and Peter followed with no hesitation. The irresistible attraction of Jesus was upon him and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Later he came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then he received the Holy Spirit and Jesus said again, "Follow Me" (John 21:19). Now no one is in front of Peter except the Lord Jesus Christ. The first "Follow Me" was nothing mysterious; it was an external following. Jesus is now asking for an internal sacrifice and yielding (see John 21:18 ).
Between these two times Peter denied Jesus with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75). But then he came completely to the end of himself and all of his self-sufficiency. There was no part of himself he would ever rely on again. In his state of destitution, he was finally ready to receive all that the risen Lord had for him. ". . . He breathed on them, and said to them, ’Receive the Holy Spirit’ " (John 20:22 ). No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.
All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to "receive the Holy Spirit." "Receive the Holy Spirit "— the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ’Follow Me’ " (John 21:19). Three years earlier Jesus had said, "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19), and Peter followed with no hesitation. The irresistible attraction of Jesus was upon him and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Later he came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then he received the Holy Spirit and Jesus said again, "Follow Me" (John 21:19). Now no one is in front of Peter except the Lord Jesus Christ. The first "Follow Me" was nothing mysterious; it was an external following. Jesus is now asking for an internal sacrifice and yielding (see John 21:18 ).
Between these two times Peter denied Jesus with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75). But then he came completely to the end of himself and all of his self-sufficiency. There was no part of himself he would ever rely on again. In his state of destitution, he was finally ready to receive all that the risen Lord had for him. ". . . He breathed on them, and said to them, ’Receive the Holy Spirit’ " (John 20:22 ). No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.
All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to "receive the Holy Spirit." "Receive the Holy Spirit "— the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Pieces of Life
"Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is is." Matthew 22:21
Our citizenship is in heaven," say those who pray, and they are ardent in pursing the prizes of that place. But this passion for the unseen in no way detracts from their involvement in daily affairs; working well and playing fair, signing petitions and paying taxes, rebuking the wicked and encouraging the righteous, getting wet in the rain and smelling the flowers. Theirs is a tremendous, kaleidoscopic assemblage of bits and pieces of touched, smelled, seen and tasted reality that is received and offered in acts of prayer.
By Eugene H. Peterson, taken from "God's Message for Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Our citizenship is in heaven," say those who pray, and they are ardent in pursing the prizes of that place. But this passion for the unseen in no way detracts from their involvement in daily affairs; working well and playing fair, signing petitions and paying taxes, rebuking the wicked and encouraging the righteous, getting wet in the rain and smelling the flowers. Theirs is a tremendous, kaleidoscopic assemblage of bits and pieces of touched, smelled, seen and tasted reality that is received and offered in acts of prayer.
By Eugene H. Peterson, taken from "God's Message for Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, January 11, 2010
Why?
"No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." I Corinthians 2:11
A misconception people have in dealing with life's troubles is that it's wrong to ask why - that a Christian simply accepts and never questions. Abraham, Moses, and David all interceded and struggled to understand God. but the lives of these men model for us a total reliance on God, even in the midst of questioning.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
A misconception people have in dealing with life's troubles is that it's wrong to ask why - that a Christian simply accepts and never questions. Abraham, Moses, and David all interceded and struggled to understand God. but the lives of these men model for us a total reliance on God, even in the midst of questioning.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Locked In
"I suffer trouble . . . even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained." 2 Timothy 2:9
Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, describes his life after a massive stroke left him with a condition called “Locked-In Syndrome.” Although he was almost completely paralyzed, Bauby was able to write his book by blinking his left eyelid. An aide would recite a coded alphabet, until Bauby blinked to choose the letter of a word he was dictating. The book required about 200,000 blinks to write. Bauby used the only physical ability left him to communicate with others.
In 2 Timothy we read of Paul experiencing a different kind of “locked-in syndrome.” Under house arrest, the apostle learned that his execution might be imminent. With this in view, he told Timothy: “I suffer trouble . . . even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9). In spite of his isolation, Paul welcomed visitors, wrote letters of encouragement, and rejoiced at the spread of God’s Word.
For some of us, circumstances may have isolated us from others. Lying in a hospital bed, serving time in a prison, or being a shut-in can make us feel that we are experiencing our own “locked-in syndrome.” If this is true for you, why not prayerfully reflect on some ways you can still reach out to others. — Dennis Fisher
Give me to serve in humble sphere,
I ask not aught beside!
Content to fill a little place,
If God be glorified. —Anon.
No deed is too small when done for Christ.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, describes his life after a massive stroke left him with a condition called “Locked-In Syndrome.” Although he was almost completely paralyzed, Bauby was able to write his book by blinking his left eyelid. An aide would recite a coded alphabet, until Bauby blinked to choose the letter of a word he was dictating. The book required about 200,000 blinks to write. Bauby used the only physical ability left him to communicate with others.
In 2 Timothy we read of Paul experiencing a different kind of “locked-in syndrome.” Under house arrest, the apostle learned that his execution might be imminent. With this in view, he told Timothy: “I suffer trouble . . . even to the point of chains; but the Word of God is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9). In spite of his isolation, Paul welcomed visitors, wrote letters of encouragement, and rejoiced at the spread of God’s Word.
For some of us, circumstances may have isolated us from others. Lying in a hospital bed, serving time in a prison, or being a shut-in can make us feel that we are experiencing our own “locked-in syndrome.” If this is true for you, why not prayerfully reflect on some ways you can still reach out to others. — Dennis Fisher
Give me to serve in humble sphere,
I ask not aught beside!
Content to fill a little place,
If God be glorified. —Anon.
No deed is too small when done for Christ.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Living with Christ
"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." Romans 6:8
Another reason that our religion must interfere with our private lives is that we live in the world, the Bible name for human society. The regenerated man has been inwardly separated from society as Israel was separated from Egypt at the crossing of the Red Sea. The Christian is a man of heaven temporarily living on earth. Though in spirit divided from the race of fallen men he must yet in the flesh live among them. In many things he is like them, but in others he differs so radically from them that they cannot but see and resent it. From the days of Cain and Abel the man of earth has punished the man of heaven for being different. The long history of persecution and martyrdom confirms this.
But we must not get the impression that the Christian life is one continuous conflict, one unbroken irritating struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. A thousand times no. A heart that learns to die with Christ soon knows the blessed experience of rising with Him, and all the world’s persecutions cannot still the high note of holy joy that springs up in the soul that has become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Thought: There is that conflict between our sinful nature and the Spirit. But as we submit to the Spirit's control, there is also the peace of Christ (John 14:27) and His joy (John 15:11) to calm and brighten our way, because having died with Christ we may also live with Him.
By A.W. Tozer taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Another reason that our religion must interfere with our private lives is that we live in the world, the Bible name for human society. The regenerated man has been inwardly separated from society as Israel was separated from Egypt at the crossing of the Red Sea. The Christian is a man of heaven temporarily living on earth. Though in spirit divided from the race of fallen men he must yet in the flesh live among them. In many things he is like them, but in others he differs so radically from them that they cannot but see and resent it. From the days of Cain and Abel the man of earth has punished the man of heaven for being different. The long history of persecution and martyrdom confirms this.
But we must not get the impression that the Christian life is one continuous conflict, one unbroken irritating struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. A thousand times no. A heart that learns to die with Christ soon knows the blessed experience of rising with Him, and all the world’s persecutions cannot still the high note of holy joy that springs up in the soul that has become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Thought: There is that conflict between our sinful nature and the Spirit. But as we submit to the Spirit's control, there is also the peace of Christ (John 14:27) and His joy (John 15:11) to calm and brighten our way, because having died with Christ we may also live with Him.
By A.W. Tozer taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, January 08, 2010
The Cross
The cross. Before Christ the cross was known at the "accursed tree". It was an instrument of torture. It was a place where hardened and wicked criminals were punished. It was a mark of deep shame and disgrace.
That all changed when Christ died on the cross for us. I like what my devotional had to say about it. "It is not an accident or a tragedy, but the universal sign of God's love for sinful man. The cross is the only adequate explanation of John 3:16. Our Father was not compelled to permit the cross; His love for us constrained Him. Willingly Christ gave His life because He loved us and desired us to live with Him in His eternal kingdom." - Streams in the Desert, Vol. 2 (Sept. 6).
I like what Romans 8:31-39 has to say about this.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, no life, no angels, nor principalities, no things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
My study notes say of these verses that no one can condemn us because, 1) Christ died for us; 2) He is alive and seated at the right hand of God, the position of power; and 3) He is interceding for us.
These verses also say that our suffering doesn't separate us from Christ. But what it does do is carry us towards our ultimate goal.
These verses also say that it is impossible to go beyond the reach of God's love.
Love is something that I sometimes can not define. I know when I feel loved and I know when I feel love towards others. Receiving or giving has the same affect upon me. I feel safe, warm, joyful, giddy, protective/protected, longing and secure. But in order to love and be loved you have to know how to trust. When you love someone and know they love you, you are putting your trust in their hands. Love costs and if we're willing to pay the price we know the wonderful joy it brings into our lives.
Jesus went to the cross loving us so much that He was willing to give His life up for us. He loved His Father so much that He was willing to obey Him at all cost, even the cost of His life. We look back at what He did for us on the cross and feel the love that radiates from it for us. We feel the safe, warm, joyful, giddy, protected and secure feeling from the One who saved us through pain, torture, shame and disgrace. Jesus knew the price love would cost Him and yet, He gave us His all.
Under and Eastern sky
Amid the rabble cry,
A man went forth to die
For me!
Thorn-crowned His blessed head,
Blood-stained His every tread,
To Calvary He was Led
For me!
The cross. At one time it was the "accursed tree" full of pain, torture, shame and disgrace. Now, it is a sign of love, forgiveness and eternal life. Love lead Christ to Calvary.
Krista Jones
9.6.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
That all changed when Christ died on the cross for us. I like what my devotional had to say about it. "It is not an accident or a tragedy, but the universal sign of God's love for sinful man. The cross is the only adequate explanation of John 3:16. Our Father was not compelled to permit the cross; His love for us constrained Him. Willingly Christ gave His life because He loved us and desired us to live with Him in His eternal kingdom." - Streams in the Desert, Vol. 2 (Sept. 6).
I like what Romans 8:31-39 has to say about this.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, no life, no angels, nor principalities, no things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
My study notes say of these verses that no one can condemn us because, 1) Christ died for us; 2) He is alive and seated at the right hand of God, the position of power; and 3) He is interceding for us.
These verses also say that our suffering doesn't separate us from Christ. But what it does do is carry us towards our ultimate goal.
These verses also say that it is impossible to go beyond the reach of God's love.
Love is something that I sometimes can not define. I know when I feel loved and I know when I feel love towards others. Receiving or giving has the same affect upon me. I feel safe, warm, joyful, giddy, protective/protected, longing and secure. But in order to love and be loved you have to know how to trust. When you love someone and know they love you, you are putting your trust in their hands. Love costs and if we're willing to pay the price we know the wonderful joy it brings into our lives.
Jesus went to the cross loving us so much that He was willing to give His life up for us. He loved His Father so much that He was willing to obey Him at all cost, even the cost of His life. We look back at what He did for us on the cross and feel the love that radiates from it for us. We feel the safe, warm, joyful, giddy, protected and secure feeling from the One who saved us through pain, torture, shame and disgrace. Jesus knew the price love would cost Him and yet, He gave us His all.
Under and Eastern sky
Amid the rabble cry,
A man went forth to die
For me!
Thorn-crowned His blessed head,
Blood-stained His every tread,
To Calvary He was Led
For me!
The cross. At one time it was the "accursed tree" full of pain, torture, shame and disgrace. Now, it is a sign of love, forgiveness and eternal life. Love lead Christ to Calvary.
Krista Jones
9.6.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, January 07, 2010
The Lord Has Need of Him
They said, the Lord hath need of him - Luke 19:34
Oh, could I hear Thee say as much of me, my blessed Lord! Here, where two ways meet, I have been standing long, waiting for a purpose worthy to fill my soul, and task the powers that are, as yet, only in the first burst of young life.
Thou needest much and many in Thy great redemptive work. The boat to cross the lake; the line to catch the fish; the bread and fish to feed the crowds; the baskets to gather up the fragments; the chalice to hold the wine; the dish to hold the sop; the little child to be the text for Thy sermon; the clay for the blind man's eyes; the tender women to minister of their substance; the apostles to preach Thy Gospel. Canst Thou not find a nitch for me also?
Thou requirest undivided loyalty. - Born of the Virgin's womb, laid in death where man's dust had never come, Thou must have a colt on which none had ever sat. I cannot give Thee a heart which has never known another; but I profess to Thee that there is no rival now. Thou mayest have all. Thine is the Kingdom.
Thou requirest patience and humility. - But these, also, Thou hast taught. I have waited patiently till this glad hour, and am quieted and humbled like a weaned child. No longer do I seek great things for myself. It is enough for me to be and do anything, if only Thou shalt be glorified.
Thou requirest, perhaps, but one brief service. - To serve Thee always with increasing fervor would be my choice; but if Thou needest only one brief, glad hour of ministry, like that the good Ananias did to Thy Church when he ministered to Saul, then be it so. To prepare for it, and revert to it, would be my satisfaction in having lived.
By F.B. Meyer, taken from "Our Daily Homily"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Oh, could I hear Thee say as much of me, my blessed Lord! Here, where two ways meet, I have been standing long, waiting for a purpose worthy to fill my soul, and task the powers that are, as yet, only in the first burst of young life.
Thou needest much and many in Thy great redemptive work. The boat to cross the lake; the line to catch the fish; the bread and fish to feed the crowds; the baskets to gather up the fragments; the chalice to hold the wine; the dish to hold the sop; the little child to be the text for Thy sermon; the clay for the blind man's eyes; the tender women to minister of their substance; the apostles to preach Thy Gospel. Canst Thou not find a nitch for me also?
Thou requirest undivided loyalty. - Born of the Virgin's womb, laid in death where man's dust had never come, Thou must have a colt on which none had ever sat. I cannot give Thee a heart which has never known another; but I profess to Thee that there is no rival now. Thou mayest have all. Thine is the Kingdom.
Thou requirest patience and humility. - But these, also, Thou hast taught. I have waited patiently till this glad hour, and am quieted and humbled like a weaned child. No longer do I seek great things for myself. It is enough for me to be and do anything, if only Thou shalt be glorified.
Thou requirest, perhaps, but one brief service. - To serve Thee always with increasing fervor would be my choice; but if Thou needest only one brief, glad hour of ministry, like that the good Ananias did to Thy Church when he ministered to Saul, then be it so. To prepare for it, and revert to it, would be my satisfaction in having lived.
By F.B. Meyer, taken from "Our Daily Homily"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Forgiving Those Who Judge You
"After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10).
Have you ever been wrongly judged? Have you ever had people assume there was sin in your life because of the troubles you may have experienced? Or perhaps they judged your motives as wrong. What if the people judging you were your closest friends?
This was exactly what happened in the life of Job. His friends did not understand how a godly person could ever go through his degree of adversity his unless God was judging him for his sin. However, his friends were wrong and God intervened. "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has," said God to Job's three friends.
Nothing has really changed after thousands of years. I recall going through a seven year "Job" experience. Friends in the marketplace could not understand why I would experience such calamity unless I had made poor choices. Those in the Church often wrongly equated trouble with sin. Sometimes this can be true, but often trouble is simply a consequence of a call on one's life such as Joseph and the apostle Paul experienced.
Joseph was required to forgive his brothers. Jesus was required to forgive Judas and the disciples for betrayal. You and I are required to forgive those who wrongfully judge us.
This forgiveness is often THE most important step in gaining restoration in our own lives. The scripture above reveals that it was not until Job prayed for his friends that he was restored in the things he had lost.
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? It may be the missing piece of your puzzle for restoration.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God Is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Have you ever been wrongly judged? Have you ever had people assume there was sin in your life because of the troubles you may have experienced? Or perhaps they judged your motives as wrong. What if the people judging you were your closest friends?
This was exactly what happened in the life of Job. His friends did not understand how a godly person could ever go through his degree of adversity his unless God was judging him for his sin. However, his friends were wrong and God intervened. "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has," said God to Job's three friends.
Nothing has really changed after thousands of years. I recall going through a seven year "Job" experience. Friends in the marketplace could not understand why I would experience such calamity unless I had made poor choices. Those in the Church often wrongly equated trouble with sin. Sometimes this can be true, but often trouble is simply a consequence of a call on one's life such as Joseph and the apostle Paul experienced.
Joseph was required to forgive his brothers. Jesus was required to forgive Judas and the disciples for betrayal. You and I are required to forgive those who wrongfully judge us.
This forgiveness is often THE most important step in gaining restoration in our own lives. The scripture above reveals that it was not until Job prayed for his friends that he was restored in the things he had lost.
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? It may be the missing piece of your puzzle for restoration.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God Is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Nothing Old
"And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new" (Revelation 21:5).
Glory be to His name! All things need making new, for they are sadly battered and worn by sin. It is time that the old vesture was rolled up and laid aside, and that creation put on her Sunday suit. But no one else can make all things new except the LORD who made them at the first; for it needs as much power to make out of evil as to make out of nothing. Our LORD Jesus has undertaken the task, and He is fully competent for the performance of it. Already he has commenced His labor, and for centuries He has persevered in making new the hearts of men and the order of society. By and by He will make new the whole constitution of human government, and human nature shall be changed by His grace; and there shall come a day when the body shall be made new and raised like unto His glorious body. What a joy to belong to a kingdom in which everything is being made new by the power of its King! We are not dying out: we are hastening on to a more glorious life. Despite the opposition of the powers of evil, our glorious LORD Jesus is accomplishing His purpose and making us, and all things about us, "new" and as full of beauty as when they first came from the hand of the LORD.
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Glory be to His name! All things need making new, for they are sadly battered and worn by sin. It is time that the old vesture was rolled up and laid aside, and that creation put on her Sunday suit. But no one else can make all things new except the LORD who made them at the first; for it needs as much power to make out of evil as to make out of nothing. Our LORD Jesus has undertaken the task, and He is fully competent for the performance of it. Already he has commenced His labor, and for centuries He has persevered in making new the hearts of men and the order of society. By and by He will make new the whole constitution of human government, and human nature shall be changed by His grace; and there shall come a day when the body shall be made new and raised like unto His glorious body. What a joy to belong to a kingdom in which everything is being made new by the power of its King! We are not dying out: we are hastening on to a more glorious life. Despite the opposition of the powers of evil, our glorious LORD Jesus is accomplishing His purpose and making us, and all things about us, "new" and as full of beauty as when they first came from the hand of the LORD.
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, January 04, 2010
The Great Life
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled . . . " John 14:27
Whenever we experience something difficult in our personal life, we are tempted to blame God. But we are the ones in the wrong, not God. Blaming God is evidence that we are refusing to let go of some disobedience somewhere in our lives. But as soon as we let go, everything becomes as clear as daylight to us. As long as we try to serve two masters, ourselves and God, there will be difficulties combined with doubt and confusion. Our attitude must be one of complete reliance on God. Once we get to that point, there is nothing easier than living the life of a saint. We encounter difficulties when we try to usurp the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own purposes.
God’s mark of approval, whenever you obey Him, is peace. He sends an immeasurable, deep peace; not a natural peace, "as the world gives," but the peace of Jesus. Whenever peace does not come, wait until it does, or seek to find out why it is not coming. If you are acting on your own impulse, or out of a sense of the heroic, to be seen by others, the peace of Jesus will not exhibit itself. This shows no unity with God or confidence in Him. The spirit of simplicity, clarity, and unity is born through the Holy Spirit, not through your decisions. God counters our self-willed decisions with an appeal for simplicity and unity.
My questions arise whenever I cease to obey. When I do obey God, problems come, not between me and God, but as a means to keep my mind examining with amazement the revealed truth of God. But any problem that comes between God and myself is the result of disobedience. Any problem that comes while I obey God (and there will be many), increases my overjoyed delight, because I know that my Father knows and cares, and I can watch and anticipate how He will unravel my problems.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Whenever we experience something difficult in our personal life, we are tempted to blame God. But we are the ones in the wrong, not God. Blaming God is evidence that we are refusing to let go of some disobedience somewhere in our lives. But as soon as we let go, everything becomes as clear as daylight to us. As long as we try to serve two masters, ourselves and God, there will be difficulties combined with doubt and confusion. Our attitude must be one of complete reliance on God. Once we get to that point, there is nothing easier than living the life of a saint. We encounter difficulties when we try to usurp the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own purposes.
God’s mark of approval, whenever you obey Him, is peace. He sends an immeasurable, deep peace; not a natural peace, "as the world gives," but the peace of Jesus. Whenever peace does not come, wait until it does, or seek to find out why it is not coming. If you are acting on your own impulse, or out of a sense of the heroic, to be seen by others, the peace of Jesus will not exhibit itself. This shows no unity with God or confidence in Him. The spirit of simplicity, clarity, and unity is born through the Holy Spirit, not through your decisions. God counters our self-willed decisions with an appeal for simplicity and unity.
My questions arise whenever I cease to obey. When I do obey God, problems come, not between me and God, but as a means to keep my mind examining with amazement the revealed truth of God. But any problem that comes between God and myself is the result of disobedience. Any problem that comes while I obey God (and there will be many), increases my overjoyed delight, because I know that my Father knows and cares, and I can watch and anticipate how He will unravel my problems.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Weekend Bible Reading
Live It!
"You are to them as a very lovely song . . . they hear your words, but they do not do them." Ezekiel 33:32
Each year, one of my goals is to read the entire Bible. While listing it among my New Year’s resolutions, I noticed a bookmark on my desk. On one side was a brief appeal for people to take in foster children. On the other side were these words referring to that appeal: “Don’t read it. Live it. Real children. Real stories. Real life.” The people who produced the bookmark knew how easily we absorb information without acting on it. They wanted people to respond.
Regular intake of God’s Word is a worthy practice, but it’s not an end in itself. The prophet Ezekiel spoke to an audience who loved to listen but refused to act. The Lord said to Ezekiel: “Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them” (33:32).
Jesus said: “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24).
How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will we read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it says?
Don’t just read it. Live it! — David C. McCasland
The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day;
But it won’t help if we don’t read
Then follow what its pages say. —Sper
The value of the Bible consists not only in knowing it but obeying it.
Take from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"You are to them as a very lovely song . . . they hear your words, but they do not do them." Ezekiel 33:32
Each year, one of my goals is to read the entire Bible. While listing it among my New Year’s resolutions, I noticed a bookmark on my desk. On one side was a brief appeal for people to take in foster children. On the other side were these words referring to that appeal: “Don’t read it. Live it. Real children. Real stories. Real life.” The people who produced the bookmark knew how easily we absorb information without acting on it. They wanted people to respond.
Regular intake of God’s Word is a worthy practice, but it’s not an end in itself. The prophet Ezekiel spoke to an audience who loved to listen but refused to act. The Lord said to Ezekiel: “Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them” (33:32).
Jesus said: “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24).
How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will we read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it says?
Don’t just read it. Live it! — David C. McCasland
The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day;
But it won’t help if we don’t read
Then follow what its pages say. —Sper
The value of the Bible consists not only in knowing it but obeying it.
Take from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, January 01, 2010
January's Memory Verse
John 1:12
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."
John 1:12 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.
If you'd like to see a list of past verses click on the "Memory Verse" label below.
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