"We have been made as the filth of the world . . ." 1 Corinthians 4:13
These words are not an exaggeration. The only reason they may not be true of us who call ourselves ministers of the gospel is not that Paul forgot or misunderstood the exact truth of them, but that we are too cautious and concerned about our own desires to allow ourselves to become the refuse or "filth of the world." "Fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . ." ( Colossians 1:24 ) is not the result of the holiness of sanctification, but the evidence of consecration-being "separated to the gospel of God . . ." ( Romans 1:1 ).
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you . . ." (1 Peter 4:12). If we do think the things we encounter are strange, it is because we are fearful and cowardly. We pay such close attention to our own interests and desires that we stay out of the mire and say, "I won’t submit; I won’t bow or bend." And you don’t have to— you can be saved by the "skin of your teeth" if you like. You can refuse to let God count you as one who is "separated to the gospel . . . ." Or you can say, "I don’t care if I am treated like ’the filth of the world’ as long as the gospel is proclaimed." A true servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to experience martyrdom for the reality of the gospel of God. When a moral person is confronted with contempt, immorality, disloyalty, or dishonesty, he is so repulsed by the offense that he turns away and in despair closes his heart to the offender. But the miracle of the redemptive reality of God is that the worst and the vilest offender can never exhaust the depths of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but "to reveal His Son in me. . ." (Galatians 1:16 ).
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
What Will I Do?
"Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22
A man who has been my mentor and friend for many years often says that his goal in studying the Bible is always personal application. I appreciate his emphasis on putting learning into practice, because it’s too easy for those of us who study, discuss, teach, and write about the Bible to take a merely intellectual approach to the Word.
Oswald Chambers said: “There is a danger with the children of God of getting too familiar with sublime things. We talk so much about these wonderful realities, and forget that we have to exhibit them in our lives. It is perilously possible to mistake the exposition of the truth for the truth; to run away with the idea that because we are able to expound these things, we are living them too.”
James reminds us that the person “who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (1:25). The key issue is not what is preached or written, but what is done.
When I study God’s Word, my first question should not be, “What am I going to say about this?” but “What am I going to do about this?” — David C. McCasland
We take delight to teach God’s Word,
We say, “Amen, it’s true!”
But it’s of little use to us
Unless His will we do. —D. De Haan
One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it. —Chambers
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
A man who has been my mentor and friend for many years often says that his goal in studying the Bible is always personal application. I appreciate his emphasis on putting learning into practice, because it’s too easy for those of us who study, discuss, teach, and write about the Bible to take a merely intellectual approach to the Word.
Oswald Chambers said: “There is a danger with the children of God of getting too familiar with sublime things. We talk so much about these wonderful realities, and forget that we have to exhibit them in our lives. It is perilously possible to mistake the exposition of the truth for the truth; to run away with the idea that because we are able to expound these things, we are living them too.”
James reminds us that the person “who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (1:25). The key issue is not what is preached or written, but what is done.
When I study God’s Word, my first question should not be, “What am I going to say about this?” but “What am I going to do about this?” — David C. McCasland
We take delight to teach God’s Word,
We say, “Amen, it’s true!”
But it’s of little use to us
Unless His will we do. —D. De Haan
One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it. —Chambers
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Think Heaven
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2
When I lose my cell phone, I will get another phone and dial my number in an attempt to find it, hoping it is not on mute. Then when I hear it ringing somewhere, I will go on a search to find it. It is a single-minded, active, and diligent investigation. That is what the apostle Paul was speaking of when he wrote, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). That is how we should be looking at heaven.
Another way to translate this verse is, "Think heaven." In the original language, the verb is in the present tense, which could be translated, "Keep seeking heaven." So to put it all together, the apostle Paul was saying, "Constantly keep seeking and thinking about heaven."
So how can we be thinking about heaven? What is our point of reference? The problem is that we have a caricatured version of heaven in mind. We are not going to sit around on fluffy, white clouds, spending eternity in boredom. The Bible has a lot to specifically say about heaven.
That is why, when people write books about their alleged experiences of dying and going to heaven and returning to earth, it takes me to the pages of Scripture. It is not true if it contradicts Scripture. I know that I need a better source, a more authoritative source on heaven. I turn to Scripture so that I can know how to think when I think about heaven.
Even though our feet must be on earth, our minds should be in heaven. Yet many of us will go through a day, even a week, without a single thought of heaven. As Warren Wiersbe said, "For the Christian, heaven isn't a simply a destination; it's a motivation."
By Greg Laurie, taken from "Harvest Daily Devotional"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
When I lose my cell phone, I will get another phone and dial my number in an attempt to find it, hoping it is not on mute. Then when I hear it ringing somewhere, I will go on a search to find it. It is a single-minded, active, and diligent investigation. That is what the apostle Paul was speaking of when he wrote, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). That is how we should be looking at heaven.
Another way to translate this verse is, "Think heaven." In the original language, the verb is in the present tense, which could be translated, "Keep seeking heaven." So to put it all together, the apostle Paul was saying, "Constantly keep seeking and thinking about heaven."
So how can we be thinking about heaven? What is our point of reference? The problem is that we have a caricatured version of heaven in mind. We are not going to sit around on fluffy, white clouds, spending eternity in boredom. The Bible has a lot to specifically say about heaven.
That is why, when people write books about their alleged experiences of dying and going to heaven and returning to earth, it takes me to the pages of Scripture. It is not true if it contradicts Scripture. I know that I need a better source, a more authoritative source on heaven. I turn to Scripture so that I can know how to think when I think about heaven.
Even though our feet must be on earth, our minds should be in heaven. Yet many of us will go through a day, even a week, without a single thought of heaven. As Warren Wiersbe said, "For the Christian, heaven isn't a simply a destination; it's a motivation."
By Greg Laurie, taken from "Harvest Daily Devotional"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
He Freely Gives
"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32).
If this is not a promise in form, it is in fact. Indeed, it is more than one promise, it is a conglomerate of promises. It is a mass of rubies, and emeralds, and diamonds, with a nugget of gold for their setting. It is a question which can never be answered so as to cause us any anxiety of heart. What can the LORD deny us after giving us Jesus? If we need all things in heaven and earth, He will grant them to us: for if there had been a limit anywhere, He would have kept back His own Son.
What do I want today? I have only to ask for it. I may seek earnestly, but not as if I had to use pressure and extort an unwilling gift from the LORD's hand; for He will give freely. Of His own He gave us His own Son. Certainly no one would have proposed such a gift to Him. No one would have ventured to ask for it. It would have been too presumptuous. He freely gave His Only-begotten, and, O my soul, canst thou not trust thy heavenly Father to give thee anything, to give thee everything? Thy poor prayer would have no force with Omnipotence if force were needed; but His love, like a spring, rises of itself and overflows for the supply of all thy needs.
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
If this is not a promise in form, it is in fact. Indeed, it is more than one promise, it is a conglomerate of promises. It is a mass of rubies, and emeralds, and diamonds, with a nugget of gold for their setting. It is a question which can never be answered so as to cause us any anxiety of heart. What can the LORD deny us after giving us Jesus? If we need all things in heaven and earth, He will grant them to us: for if there had been a limit anywhere, He would have kept back His own Son.
What do I want today? I have only to ask for it. I may seek earnestly, but not as if I had to use pressure and extort an unwilling gift from the LORD's hand; for He will give freely. Of His own He gave us His own Son. Certainly no one would have proposed such a gift to Him. No one would have ventured to ask for it. It would have been too presumptuous. He freely gave His Only-begotten, and, O my soul, canst thou not trust thy heavenly Father to give thee anything, to give thee everything? Thy poor prayer would have no force with Omnipotence if force were needed; but His love, like a spring, rises of itself and overflows for the supply of all thy needs.
By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, February 08, 2010
Being Chosen
"'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" At once they left their nets and followed him (Matt 4:19-20).
Do you recall how good it felt when you were chosen to be on a team? It makes one feel special to be preferred over another.
During the time of Jesus rabbis' were well known in their community. Each rabbi had a following of students. Jesus was developing as a "superstar" rabbi. He was unlike the others. He did things differently. He often confronted the accepted thinking of other rabbis and Pharisees. The younger men had great respect for Jesus, the rabbi. To be selected by Jesus would be a great honor because most rabbis would usually select only the cream of the crop in the community as their disciples. By these standards, Peter and the other disciples would not have qualified. But Jesus had a purpose in mind for Peter and the disciples.
God is the one who calls people into relationship with Himself and to their calling in life. It is for His purposes, not ours. Jesus chose each of his disciples from the workplace instead of the rabbinical schools. They did not choose Jesus, Jesus chose them and it was deemed a great honor in their culture to be chosen by such a rabbi (Jn 15:16).
Jesus called you into relationship with Himself because His desire is for you to be a faithful priest in your work life, family, and city. "I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind." (1 Samuel 2:35). He desires that you be a willing participant in his agenda. He has not called you for your purposes, but His.
Sometimes we think it's all about us. It has to be all about Him in order for us to fulfill what is in His heart and mind for His overall plan for His Kingdom. He doesn't need us, but He has chosen to use us.
God has an agenda for planet earth. He has chosen you and me as the primary instrument for accomplishing His plan. Are you willing to be his faithful priest and king to do what is in His heart and mind? Why not say "yes" to His agenda.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Do you recall how good it felt when you were chosen to be on a team? It makes one feel special to be preferred over another.
During the time of Jesus rabbis' were well known in their community. Each rabbi had a following of students. Jesus was developing as a "superstar" rabbi. He was unlike the others. He did things differently. He often confronted the accepted thinking of other rabbis and Pharisees. The younger men had great respect for Jesus, the rabbi. To be selected by Jesus would be a great honor because most rabbis would usually select only the cream of the crop in the community as their disciples. By these standards, Peter and the other disciples would not have qualified. But Jesus had a purpose in mind for Peter and the disciples.
God is the one who calls people into relationship with Himself and to their calling in life. It is for His purposes, not ours. Jesus chose each of his disciples from the workplace instead of the rabbinical schools. They did not choose Jesus, Jesus chose them and it was deemed a great honor in their culture to be chosen by such a rabbi (Jn 15:16).
Jesus called you into relationship with Himself because His desire is for you to be a faithful priest in your work life, family, and city. "I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind." (1 Samuel 2:35). He desires that you be a willing participant in his agenda. He has not called you for your purposes, but His.
Sometimes we think it's all about us. It has to be all about Him in order for us to fulfill what is in His heart and mind for His overall plan for His Kingdom. He doesn't need us, but He has chosen to use us.
God has an agenda for planet earth. He has chosen you and me as the primary instrument for accomplishing His plan. Are you willing to be his faithful priest and king to do what is in His heart and mind? Why not say "yes" to His agenda.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Quiet Time With God
"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2
The word connected captures our contemporary experience of life. Many people rarely go anywhere without a cell phone, iPod, laptop, or pager. We have become accessible 24 hours a day. Some psychologists see this craving to stay connected as an addiction. Yet a growing number of people are deliberately limiting their use of technology. Being a “tech-no” is their way of preserving times of quiet, while limiting the flow of information into their lives.
Many followers of Christ find that a daily time of Bible reading and prayer is essential in their walk of faith. This “quiet time” is a disconnection from external distractions in order to connect with God. The “green pastures” and “still waters” of Psalm 23:2 are more than an idyllic country scene. They speak of our communion with God whereby He restores our souls and leads us in His paths (v.3).
All of us can make time to meet with God, but do we? In Robert Foster’s booklet “7 Minutes With God,” he suggests a way to begin: Start with a brief prayer for guidance, then read the Bible for a few minutes, and close with a short time of prayer that includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication for others. It’s vital to take time today to connect with the Lord, who is our life. — David C. McCasland
We need to set aside the time
To read God’s Word and pray,
And listen for the Spirit’s voice
To guide us in His way. —Sper
Time spent with God is time well spent.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The word connected captures our contemporary experience of life. Many people rarely go anywhere without a cell phone, iPod, laptop, or pager. We have become accessible 24 hours a day. Some psychologists see this craving to stay connected as an addiction. Yet a growing number of people are deliberately limiting their use of technology. Being a “tech-no” is their way of preserving times of quiet, while limiting the flow of information into their lives.
Many followers of Christ find that a daily time of Bible reading and prayer is essential in their walk of faith. This “quiet time” is a disconnection from external distractions in order to connect with God. The “green pastures” and “still waters” of Psalm 23:2 are more than an idyllic country scene. They speak of our communion with God whereby He restores our souls and leads us in His paths (v.3).
All of us can make time to meet with God, but do we? In Robert Foster’s booklet “7 Minutes With God,” he suggests a way to begin: Start with a brief prayer for guidance, then read the Bible for a few minutes, and close with a short time of prayer that includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication for others. It’s vital to take time today to connect with the Lord, who is our life. — David C. McCasland
We need to set aside the time
To read God’s Word and pray,
And listen for the Spirit’s voice
To guide us in His way. —Sper
Time spent with God is time well spent.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Limiting Christ's Lordship
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not what I say?" Luke 6:46
One of the most incredible phenomena in the world today is the immense and universal popularity of Jesus Christ.
Yet the teachings of Christ are wholly contrary to the beliefs of the modern world. The spiritual philosophy underlying the kingdom of God is radically opposed to that of civilized society. In short, the Christ of the New Testament and the world of mankind are so sharply opposed to each other as to amount to downright hostility. To achieve a compromise is impossible.
We can only conclude that Jesus is universally popular today because He is universally misunderstood.
Everyone admires Jesus, but almost no one takes Him seriously. He is considered a kindly idealist who loved babies and underprivileged persons. He is pictured as a gentle dreamer who was naïve enough to believe in human goodness and brave enough to die for His belief. The world thinks of Him as meek, selfless and loving, and values Him because He was what we all are at heart, or would be if things were not so tough and we had more time to cultivate our virtues. Or He is a sweet, holy symbol of something too fine, too beautiful, to be real, but something which we would not lose nevertheless from our treasure house of precious things.
Because the human mind has two compartments, the practical and the ideal, people are able to live comfortably with their dreamy, romantic conception of Jesus while paying no attention whatsoever to His words. It is this neat division between the fanciful and the real that enables countless thousands of persons to say "Lord, Lord" in all sincerity while living every moment in flat defiance of His authority.
Thought: Christ is only our Lord as we submit to His lordship. That means making Christ Lord of all areas of our life. Are we attempting to limit His lordship in our lives?
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
One of the most incredible phenomena in the world today is the immense and universal popularity of Jesus Christ.
Yet the teachings of Christ are wholly contrary to the beliefs of the modern world. The spiritual philosophy underlying the kingdom of God is radically opposed to that of civilized society. In short, the Christ of the New Testament and the world of mankind are so sharply opposed to each other as to amount to downright hostility. To achieve a compromise is impossible.
We can only conclude that Jesus is universally popular today because He is universally misunderstood.
Everyone admires Jesus, but almost no one takes Him seriously. He is considered a kindly idealist who loved babies and underprivileged persons. He is pictured as a gentle dreamer who was naïve enough to believe in human goodness and brave enough to die for His belief. The world thinks of Him as meek, selfless and loving, and values Him because He was what we all are at heart, or would be if things were not so tough and we had more time to cultivate our virtues. Or He is a sweet, holy symbol of something too fine, too beautiful, to be real, but something which we would not lose nevertheless from our treasure house of precious things.
Because the human mind has two compartments, the practical and the ideal, people are able to live comfortably with their dreamy, romantic conception of Jesus while paying no attention whatsoever to His words. It is this neat division between the fanciful and the real that enables countless thousands of persons to say "Lord, Lord" in all sincerity while living every moment in flat defiance of His authority.
Thought: Christ is only our Lord as we submit to His lordship. That means making Christ Lord of all areas of our life. Are we attempting to limit His lordship in our lives?
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Warfare of the Spirit"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, February 05, 2010
Lessons from Daniel
I love Daniel. He was a man who followed God no matter what it cost him. We know that Daniel was born into a family of Judean nobility during Josiah's reign. We know that he and his friends were among the first young Jewish hostages taken into Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. We know that three years of his youth he was trained in the wisdom of the Chaldeans and was given a new name, Belteshazzar.
Interesting facts: Daniel's name means, "God is (my) Judge." Belteschaar (a pagan deity) means, "Protect his life!" Now if I were Daniel I would a) not be happy to be taken away from my home and family and be forced to live under a pagan lifestyle. A lifestyle that forced me to learn things that really were worthless; and b) I would also balk at having my name changed to a pagan god's name. But, of course, I'm far from being a Daniel as he took things in stride understanding that God was with him. Daniel chose to make the best of his situation, go with the flow and trust that God would provide for his every need. Even the pagan god's name that was given to him indicates that God was protecting him as it means, "Protect his life!".
In Chapter 1 we read the account of Daniel and his friends being taken into Babylon and start their training. "Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king's court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans." (Daniel 1:3-4)
From the get-go we see that Daniel is very concerned about his faith and keeping God's commandments. He saw that choice food that was being served to them was contaminated because the first portion of it was offered to idols, the wine poured out on a pagan alter and ceremonially unclean animals were used not being properly prepared and slaughtered according to the law. "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself." (Daniel 1:8)
He took a chance and made a proposition to the commander and asked if he and his friends could only have water and vegetables to eat instead of the choice food. Gutsy! And yet, because he was obeying God's commandments God protected him and caused him to find favor in the commander's eyes. And by the end of the chapter we know that Daniel and his friends were far more healthier, stronger and wiser then those who feasted on the choice food and wine. Because of this they were elevated into the king's service. "Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered into the king's personal service. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm." (Daniel 1:18-20)
In Chapter 2 we see that the king has an undisclosed disturbing dream that no one can interpret. And because of this the king orders that if they could not help him that he would destroy them and their families. Again, we see that God continues to protect Daniel and his friends because they are lumped in with the others. Here, unlike Daniel, I would get my panties in a bunch and be annoyed that I was being lumped in with people I was nothing like. But thankfully, again, Daniel is far from who I am and he kept his cool trusting that God would continue to protect him. As he comes before the king he knows that he alone cannot interpret the dream but only through God's guidance can he do so. What does he do? Goes directly to God in prayer, "Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:17-18).
I love the next few verses, "Daniel said, 'Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give you thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and power; even now You have made known to me what we requested of you, for You have made known to us the king's matter.'" (Daniel 2:20-23). Here Daniel is giving glory where glory is due. He takes nothing on himself but give all to God and makes it known to the king where the interpretation of the dream is really coming from - God and not he.
Lessons from Daniel - Always keep God in the front of you no matter what the circumstances. When difficulties arise run directly to God and submit all to Him in prayer. This requires lots of patience, understanding, trust and faith.
Krista Jones
9.15.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Interesting facts: Daniel's name means, "God is (my) Judge." Belteschaar (a pagan deity) means, "Protect his life!" Now if I were Daniel I would a) not be happy to be taken away from my home and family and be forced to live under a pagan lifestyle. A lifestyle that forced me to learn things that really were worthless; and b) I would also balk at having my name changed to a pagan god's name. But, of course, I'm far from being a Daniel as he took things in stride understanding that God was with him. Daniel chose to make the best of his situation, go with the flow and trust that God would provide for his every need. Even the pagan god's name that was given to him indicates that God was protecting him as it means, "Protect his life!".
In Chapter 1 we read the account of Daniel and his friends being taken into Babylon and start their training. "Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king's court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans." (Daniel 1:3-4)
From the get-go we see that Daniel is very concerned about his faith and keeping God's commandments. He saw that choice food that was being served to them was contaminated because the first portion of it was offered to idols, the wine poured out on a pagan alter and ceremonially unclean animals were used not being properly prepared and slaughtered according to the law. "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself." (Daniel 1:8)
He took a chance and made a proposition to the commander and asked if he and his friends could only have water and vegetables to eat instead of the choice food. Gutsy! And yet, because he was obeying God's commandments God protected him and caused him to find favor in the commander's eyes. And by the end of the chapter we know that Daniel and his friends were far more healthier, stronger and wiser then those who feasted on the choice food and wine. Because of this they were elevated into the king's service. "Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered into the king's personal service. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm." (Daniel 1:18-20)
In Chapter 2 we see that the king has an undisclosed disturbing dream that no one can interpret. And because of this the king orders that if they could not help him that he would destroy them and their families. Again, we see that God continues to protect Daniel and his friends because they are lumped in with the others. Here, unlike Daniel, I would get my panties in a bunch and be annoyed that I was being lumped in with people I was nothing like. But thankfully, again, Daniel is far from who I am and he kept his cool trusting that God would continue to protect him. As he comes before the king he knows that he alone cannot interpret the dream but only through God's guidance can he do so. What does he do? Goes directly to God in prayer, "Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:17-18).
I love the next few verses, "Daniel said, 'Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give you thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and power; even now You have made known to me what we requested of you, for You have made known to us the king's matter.'" (Daniel 2:20-23). Here Daniel is giving glory where glory is due. He takes nothing on himself but give all to God and makes it known to the king where the interpretation of the dream is really coming from - God and not he.
Lessons from Daniel - Always keep God in the front of you no matter what the circumstances. When difficulties arise run directly to God and submit all to Him in prayer. This requires lots of patience, understanding, trust and faith.
Krista Jones
9.15.08
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Opposing God's Leadership
"The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them" (Num 12:9)
Beware of trying to depose a leader that God has raised in your midst. Leaders are placed by God in business, government, churches - almost every place where leaders are required. When God places a person in position of authority, it is a grievous sin to go against that leadership. God Himself opposes those who come against His leadership.
God's leaders are not perfect. They make mistakes. That is why following a leader can require a faith that goes beyond faith in the leader. Our faith lies in the God who elevated the leader to his or her position.
Miriam and Aaron, the older brother and sister of Moses, had a family dispute about Moses' wife, who was an Ethiopian and Cushite. She most likely was a black woman. We do not know the nature of the dispute, but it was a typical family conflict.
However, the family conflict began to impact God's agenda for a nation. They were now meddling in God's business. And He did not like that in the least. God literally brought Aaron and Miriam into the switching house. He judged both Miriam and Aaron for their rebellion against His ordained leader. "Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Num 12:8).
Miriam was stricken with leprosy and had it not been for Moses' appeal on her behalf, she would have been cast out for good. God gave her a second chance but it required being cast away from the camp for seven days. Miriam and Aaron repented for their rebellion.
If you struggle with a leader that God has over you, pray for that leader. If God wants to remove that leader, He can do it. Think twice about conspiring to remove a leader whom God has not chosen to remove yet.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God Is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Beware of trying to depose a leader that God has raised in your midst. Leaders are placed by God in business, government, churches - almost every place where leaders are required. When God places a person in position of authority, it is a grievous sin to go against that leadership. God Himself opposes those who come against His leadership.
God's leaders are not perfect. They make mistakes. That is why following a leader can require a faith that goes beyond faith in the leader. Our faith lies in the God who elevated the leader to his or her position.
Miriam and Aaron, the older brother and sister of Moses, had a family dispute about Moses' wife, who was an Ethiopian and Cushite. She most likely was a black woman. We do not know the nature of the dispute, but it was a typical family conflict.
However, the family conflict began to impact God's agenda for a nation. They were now meddling in God's business. And He did not like that in the least. God literally brought Aaron and Miriam into the switching house. He judged both Miriam and Aaron for their rebellion against His ordained leader. "Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Num 12:8).
Miriam was stricken with leprosy and had it not been for Moses' appeal on her behalf, she would have been cast out for good. God gave her a second chance but it required being cast away from the camp for seven days. Miriam and Aaron repented for their rebellion.
If you struggle with a leader that God has over you, pray for that leader. If God wants to remove that leader, He can do it. Think twice about conspiring to remove a leader whom God has not chosen to remove yet.
By Os Hillman, taken from "Today God Is First"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
We Are Becoming
"When the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled." I Cornithians 13:10 (The Message)
Not one of us, at this moment, is complete. In another hour, another day, we will have changed. We are in process of becoming either less or more. There are a million chemical and electrical interchanges going on in each of us this very moment. There are intricate moral decisions and spiritual transactions taking place. What are we becoming. Less or more?
By Eugene H. Peterson, taken from "God's Message for Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Not one of us, at this moment, is complete. In another hour, another day, we will have changed. We are in process of becoming either less or more. There are a million chemical and electrical interchanges going on in each of us this very moment. There are intricate moral decisions and spiritual transactions taking place. What are we becoming. Less or more?
By Eugene H. Peterson, taken from "God's Message for Each Day"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
He knows our thoughts
"You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do." Psalm 139:3
Perhaps the reason that God doesn't always give us the answer to the whys of our existence is that He knows we haven't got the capacity to understand the answer. In learning to depend on God, we must accept that we may not know all the answers, but we know who knows the answers.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Perhaps the reason that God doesn't always give us the answer to the whys of our existence is that He knows we haven't got the capacity to understand the answer. In learning to depend on God, we must accept that we may not know all the answers, but we know who knows the answers.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, February 01, 2010
February's Memory Verse
Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28 (New American Standard Bible)
Last Month's Memory Verse:
John 3:16
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28 (New American Standard Bible)
Last Month's Memory Verse:
John 3:16
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Redirected
"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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
