October 31
The great Apostle Paul rested his hope on Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Paul, highly esteemed in the hierarchy of the Jewish faith, whose academic and theological training had prepared him to assume a high position among the scholars and religious men of his day, set it all aside when he found Christ.
Of himself after his experience with Jesus on the Road to Damascus, Paul said, “I am determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified” I Corinthians 2:2. Paul knew that none of his accomplishments or accolades were of any consequence compared to the great gift of salvation Jesus gives.
It had become his passion to share this great gift Christ had bestowed upon him with all those he could reach with the knowledge of the gospel. Although he had a great longing to lay aside his tabernacle of flesh and go home to the Lord, he was determined that until he drew his last breath, he would serve the purposes of the Kingdom.
In II Corinthians 5:6-9, Paul declared, “While we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight and we are confident that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. So, we labor that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.” Like Paul, we must devote ourselves to serving Jesus—and awaiting our moment to be with Him.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
By the Power of His Name
October 30
The people of Christ have been given great and precious promises. Our Lord has empowered His followers to do works that parallel those He did when He traversed the dusty streets of Palestine . We ply these gifts with varying degrees of faith and varying levels of success, but we do endeavor to use them.
Perhaps the least noticed, least dramatic of the gifts is the salvation of the lost. How many times we have sat in church, heads bowed, eyes closed while hands were raised by those desirous of receiving salvation. It’s rather comical—as though we’re trying to sneak people into the Kingdom of Christ !
Less concealable is the healing of the sick. People who have suffered from affliction, whether physical or mental or emotional, are transformed immediately when the balm of Gilead has poured over them. Financial needs, too, are generally received with jubilation. But whatever the nature of the miracle may be, one thing we who endeavor to stand on the Word and receive the promises know for certain—it is not in our strength that the good work is done.
As Peter said in Acts 3:6-16 when he encountered the lame beggar on the steps of the Temple, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Then he said to the amazed onlookers, “Why are you astounded at this? Why do you stare at us as though we did this in our own power or godliness? It is the power of Jesus that made this man whole.” So we, by the power of Jesus name, will see His glory.
The people of Christ have been given great and precious promises. Our Lord has empowered His followers to do works that parallel those He did when He traversed the dusty streets of Palestine . We ply these gifts with varying degrees of faith and varying levels of success, but we do endeavor to use them.
Perhaps the least noticed, least dramatic of the gifts is the salvation of the lost. How many times we have sat in church, heads bowed, eyes closed while hands were raised by those desirous of receiving salvation. It’s rather comical—as though we’re trying to sneak people into the Kingdom of Christ !
Less concealable is the healing of the sick. People who have suffered from affliction, whether physical or mental or emotional, are transformed immediately when the balm of Gilead has poured over them. Financial needs, too, are generally received with jubilation. But whatever the nature of the miracle may be, one thing we who endeavor to stand on the Word and receive the promises know for certain—it is not in our strength that the good work is done.
As Peter said in Acts 3:6-16 when he encountered the lame beggar on the steps of the Temple, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Then he said to the amazed onlookers, “Why are you astounded at this? Why do you stare at us as though we did this in our own power or godliness? It is the power of Jesus that made this man whole.” So we, by the power of Jesus name, will see His glory.
By the Power of His Name
October 30
The people of Christ have been given great and precious promises. Our Lord has empowered His followers to do works that parallel those He did when He traversed the dusty streets of Palestine . We ply these gifts with varying degrees of faith and varying levels of success, but we do endeavor to use them.
Perhaps the least noticed, least dramatic of the gifts is the salvation of the lost. How many times we have sat in church, heads bowed, eyes closed while hands were raised by those desirous of receiving salvation. It’s rather comical—as though we’re trying to sneak people into the Kingdom of Christ !
Less concealable is the healing of the sick. People who have suffered from affliction, whether physical or mental or emotional, are transformed immediately when the balm of Gilead has poured over them. Financial needs, too, are generally received with jubilation. But whatever the nature of the miracle may be, one thing we who endeavor to stand on the Word and receive the promises know for certain—it is not in our strength that the good work is done.
As Peter said in Acts 3:6-16 when he encountered the lame beggar on the steps of the Temple, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Then he said to the amazed onlookers, “Why are you astounded at this? Why do you stare at us as though we did this in our own power or godliness? It is the power of Jesus that made this man whole.” So we, by the power of Jesus name, will see His glory.
The people of Christ have been given great and precious promises. Our Lord has empowered His followers to do works that parallel those He did when He traversed the dusty streets of Palestine . We ply these gifts with varying degrees of faith and varying levels of success, but we do endeavor to use them.
Perhaps the least noticed, least dramatic of the gifts is the salvation of the lost. How many times we have sat in church, heads bowed, eyes closed while hands were raised by those desirous of receiving salvation. It’s rather comical—as though we’re trying to sneak people into the Kingdom of Christ !
Less concealable is the healing of the sick. People who have suffered from affliction, whether physical or mental or emotional, are transformed immediately when the balm of Gilead has poured over them. Financial needs, too, are generally received with jubilation. But whatever the nature of the miracle may be, one thing we who endeavor to stand on the Word and receive the promises know for certain—it is not in our strength that the good work is done.
As Peter said in Acts 3:6-16 when he encountered the lame beggar on the steps of the Temple, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Then he said to the amazed onlookers, “Why are you astounded at this? Why do you stare at us as though we did this in our own power or godliness? It is the power of Jesus that made this man whole.” So we, by the power of Jesus name, will see His glory.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Betwixt and Between
October 29
Apart from faith in Jesus, we are a conflicted people. A prime example of that realistic assessment of our human foible is the fact that if we want for financial resources, we fret inconsolably about our lack. If, however, we possess financial abundance, we concern ourselves about the threat of its loss.
If we are ill, we spend our substance to regain the health we’ve lost. If we are well, we spend our substance to maintain physical viability. If we are intellectually challenged, we are counted as fools. If we possess mental acuity, we strive to possess the ascendancy our knowledge opens to us.
We seem ever to be ‘betwixt and between.’ Yet the Word of God addresses our condition and addresses our preoccupation with it. In Luke 12:25, 26, Jesus says, “Can any of you add a cubit to your stature by worrying? If then you cannot do even a little thing like this, why worry about the big things?”
Those of us who are vertically challenged may attempt to augment our height by wearing high heels and by selecting our clothing to deceive the eye into elongating our stature, but we cannot change it. Jesus tells us, that we must leave this and all matters—trifles in the eternal scheme of things—in His hand.
Apart from faith in Jesus, we are a conflicted people. A prime example of that realistic assessment of our human foible is the fact that if we want for financial resources, we fret inconsolably about our lack. If, however, we possess financial abundance, we concern ourselves about the threat of its loss.
If we are ill, we spend our substance to regain the health we’ve lost. If we are well, we spend our substance to maintain physical viability. If we are intellectually challenged, we are counted as fools. If we possess mental acuity, we strive to possess the ascendancy our knowledge opens to us.
We seem ever to be ‘betwixt and between.’ Yet the Word of God addresses our condition and addresses our preoccupation with it. In Luke 12:25, 26, Jesus says, “Can any of you add a cubit to your stature by worrying? If then you cannot do even a little thing like this, why worry about the big things?”
Those of us who are vertically challenged may attempt to augment our height by wearing high heels and by selecting our clothing to deceive the eye into elongating our stature, but we cannot change it. Jesus tells us, that we must leave this and all matters—trifles in the eternal scheme of things—in His hand.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Consider the Ravens
October 27
Other than the paramount purpose of the entirety of scripture, to establish the absolute necessity man has for a Savior and the undeniable reality that Jesus is the only Savior there is, the one factor that the Bible conveys with utmost clarity is the total dependence of man upon our God—for everything.
We may delude ourselves into thinking we are self-sufficient, that we can make our own way in life. We may convince ourselves that by our intellect or our skillful ability we can attain financial success. We may consider ourselves to be wise communicators who can chart the course of our relationships effectively.
We may be fully persuaded that we have insight into the character of God Himself that enables us to effect what we believe are His purposes, but even in this, we cannot succeed if we do not lean fully upon the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to guide our efforts.
Our ineptitude is apparent from what Jesus says in Luke 12:24. Here He clearly conveys the fullness of our supply—supply that is not contingent upon ourselves. Rather, He says, “Consider the ravens. They don’t sow or reap; they don’t gather into barns, yet God feeds them.” Our provision, too, is from His hand.
Other than the paramount purpose of the entirety of scripture, to establish the absolute necessity man has for a Savior and the undeniable reality that Jesus is the only Savior there is, the one factor that the Bible conveys with utmost clarity is the total dependence of man upon our God—for everything.
We may delude ourselves into thinking we are self-sufficient, that we can make our own way in life. We may convince ourselves that by our intellect or our skillful ability we can attain financial success. We may consider ourselves to be wise communicators who can chart the course of our relationships effectively.
We may be fully persuaded that we have insight into the character of God Himself that enables us to effect what we believe are His purposes, but even in this, we cannot succeed if we do not lean fully upon the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to guide our efforts.
Our ineptitude is apparent from what Jesus says in Luke 12:24. Here He clearly conveys the fullness of our supply—supply that is not contingent upon ourselves. Rather, He says, “Consider the ravens. They don’t sow or reap; they don’t gather into barns, yet God feeds them.” Our provision, too, is from His hand.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Open to Requests
October 26
Jesus is rather like the ‘oldies but goodies’ station on the radio—He’s open to requests. He has made it abundantly clear in His Word that He desires to do good things for His people. Jesus is in the prayer-answering business. Yet there may be times when we are denied. What provokes those times?
There is an example in Luke 10:40 that may give some insight into the ‘Why?’ of that perplexity. In this situation, Jesus is a guest in the home of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus. We can assume that they were close followers of Jesus and that He was in their home frequently.
We can further assume that there was a familiarity among them that is a trait of all people who are close to each other—whether family members or intimate friends—there is an openness that allows each to express his heart. Martha obviously felt this ability to be herself with Jesus. She felt put upon and freely told Him so. ”Martha was distracted by her many tasks and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister Mary has left me to serve alone?” Martha wanted Jesus to reprimand Mary for neglecting to be a hostess.
Instead, He denied Martha—He would not allow Mary to be relegated to service at the expense of her time with Him. He wanted Martha to set aside her serving and focus on Him as well. The times He denies us the things we supplicate may be when those things would ultimately lead us away from Him. He will deny us the things that would cause us to focus on the mundane things of time rather than the treasures of eternity. He wants our value system to be based on His, not on the paltry trappings the world considers precious.
Jesus is rather like the ‘oldies but goodies’ station on the radio—He’s open to requests. He has made it abundantly clear in His Word that He desires to do good things for His people. Jesus is in the prayer-answering business. Yet there may be times when we are denied. What provokes those times?
There is an example in Luke 10:40 that may give some insight into the ‘Why?’ of that perplexity. In this situation, Jesus is a guest in the home of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus. We can assume that they were close followers of Jesus and that He was in their home frequently.
We can further assume that there was a familiarity among them that is a trait of all people who are close to each other—whether family members or intimate friends—there is an openness that allows each to express his heart. Martha obviously felt this ability to be herself with Jesus. She felt put upon and freely told Him so. ”Martha was distracted by her many tasks and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister Mary has left me to serve alone?” Martha wanted Jesus to reprimand Mary for neglecting to be a hostess.
Instead, He denied Martha—He would not allow Mary to be relegated to service at the expense of her time with Him. He wanted Martha to set aside her serving and focus on Him as well. The times He denies us the things we supplicate may be when those things would ultimately lead us away from Him. He will deny us the things that would cause us to focus on the mundane things of time rather than the treasures of eternity. He wants our value system to be based on His, not on the paltry trappings the world considers precious.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Where Can You Find Jesus?
October 25
Where can you find Jesus? Your heart is longing for Him and you know in your mind that you are incapable of saving yourself. Sin has you wrapped around its axle and there’s no extricating yourself from its control over you without the intervention of the Savior.
Oh, you’re not a horrid person. You don’t murder, you don’t steal, you don’t harbor hatred or prejudice within your heart—you simply suffer from the consequence of the fall as do all men born of flesh. You know you must be reborn in your spirit and for that to happen, you must allow the Spirit of God to touch you.
How do you then open yourself to Him, so He may “guide you into all truth”? (John 16:13) A profound key to unlocking this quandary is in Luke 2:46. The family of twelve-year-old Jesus had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Upon the third day of their journey back home, they discovered that Jesus was not among the group. They retraced their steps to find Him.
“After three days they found Him in the temple complex, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Today’s searcher may still find Jesus among the people of God, among the ones who ponder the profound questions of life. A wonderful starting place for the search is in God’s house, with people who have found Him and seek to know Him better.
Where can you find Jesus? Your heart is longing for Him and you know in your mind that you are incapable of saving yourself. Sin has you wrapped around its axle and there’s no extricating yourself from its control over you without the intervention of the Savior.
Oh, you’re not a horrid person. You don’t murder, you don’t steal, you don’t harbor hatred or prejudice within your heart—you simply suffer from the consequence of the fall as do all men born of flesh. You know you must be reborn in your spirit and for that to happen, you must allow the Spirit of God to touch you.
How do you then open yourself to Him, so He may “guide you into all truth”? (John 16:13) A profound key to unlocking this quandary is in Luke 2:46. The family of twelve-year-old Jesus had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Upon the third day of their journey back home, they discovered that Jesus was not among the group. They retraced their steps to find Him.
“After three days they found Him in the temple complex, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Today’s searcher may still find Jesus among the people of God, among the ones who ponder the profound questions of life. A wonderful starting place for the search is in God’s house, with people who have found Him and seek to know Him better.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Faithful--Like Him
October 24
We sometimes ask ourselves why we should continue to try. Why should we continue to expend our energy to maintain fiscal soundness in an economy that is inscrutable to the ordinary investor and that is unraveling under the watch of those who are tasked with maintaining its stability?
Why should we strive to keep our family together when tempers flare and wills clash at every provocation? Why not simply acknowledge our incompatibility and walk away from a bad situation? Why continue to beseech heaven on the behalf of needs that continue to go unmet? Why not simply resign to fate?
Because that’s not what the God who fashioned us intends for us to do! He has given us the power to transform our circumstances through our faithfulness—our faithfulness to work diligently to improve them, our faithfulness to strive lovingly to transform them, our faithfulness to pray fervently to overcome them!
In Hebrews 10:23, Paul says, “Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.” We can be faithful because the One who promised, the One we trust, is faithful. We pattern ourselves after His example, then we may be sure we will see the beneficent outcome of faithfulness!
We sometimes ask ourselves why we should continue to try. Why should we continue to expend our energy to maintain fiscal soundness in an economy that is inscrutable to the ordinary investor and that is unraveling under the watch of those who are tasked with maintaining its stability?
Why should we strive to keep our family together when tempers flare and wills clash at every provocation? Why not simply acknowledge our incompatibility and walk away from a bad situation? Why continue to beseech heaven on the behalf of needs that continue to go unmet? Why not simply resign to fate?
Because that’s not what the God who fashioned us intends for us to do! He has given us the power to transform our circumstances through our faithfulness—our faithfulness to work diligently to improve them, our faithfulness to strive lovingly to transform them, our faithfulness to pray fervently to overcome them!
In Hebrews 10:23, Paul says, “Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.” We can be faithful because the One who promised, the One we trust, is faithful. We pattern ourselves after His example, then we may be sure we will see the beneficent outcome of faithfulness!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Best
October 23
We want what’s best for our children, our families, for ourselves. We do our best to achieve financial goals that will assure the security we desire well into the future. We make lifestyle choices that will facilitate the good ends we yearn for our loved ones to enjoy. We vote for political candidates who promise hope.
Sometimes we are misled. Our good intentions along with our best efforts go awry. Our financial investments result in loss rather than gain. Our food and activity choices do not measure up to our expectations. Our elected officials renege on the promises that caused us to place our hopeful expectation in their leadership.
Although life on planet Earth is fraught with disappointment and dashed expectation, we have the assurance from the Author and Finisher of life that if we will but turn our expectation toward Him, we will never be disappointed. The Word says, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness” Jeremiah 31:14.
I Thessalonians 5:23 goes on to say, “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your spirit, soul and body be kept sound and blameless.” The totality of that blessing covers it all. With sanctification through the shed blood of Christ comes eternal salvation as well as well being of spirit, soul and body.
We want what’s best for our children, our families, for ourselves. We do our best to achieve financial goals that will assure the security we desire well into the future. We make lifestyle choices that will facilitate the good ends we yearn for our loved ones to enjoy. We vote for political candidates who promise hope.
Sometimes we are misled. Our good intentions along with our best efforts go awry. Our financial investments result in loss rather than gain. Our food and activity choices do not measure up to our expectations. Our elected officials renege on the promises that caused us to place our hopeful expectation in their leadership.
Although life on planet Earth is fraught with disappointment and dashed expectation, we have the assurance from the Author and Finisher of life that if we will but turn our expectation toward Him, we will never be disappointed. The Word says, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness” Jeremiah 31:14.
I Thessalonians 5:23 goes on to say, “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your spirit, soul and body be kept sound and blameless.” The totality of that blessing covers it all. With sanctification through the shed blood of Christ comes eternal salvation as well as well being of spirit, soul and body.
Friday, October 22, 2010
That Unavoidable Moment
October 22
There is a day coming for which we do not want to be unprepared. It is the day when our Savior and Lord, the God of all Creation will call us home. We prefer not to reflect too frequently upon that day and its inevitability, but it is approaching for each of us and none of us knows the day or the hour.
It may be that we will be taken suddenly and without warning—an accident might occur that will expedite us to our eternal reward. It may be a prolonged illness that will achieve its dire end and we shall be gone from the land of the living.
It could be that we will be among those on that day when the “…trump of God shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first and those who are alive and remain shall be caught up to be forever with the Lord…” I Thessalonians 4:16, 17. However, whenever that day comes for us, it surely will come.
Luke 21:34 admonishes us therefore to, “Be on your guard so that your minds are not dulled…or that day will come on you unexpectedly.” There is but one thing we can and must do to be prepared for that day and we are here reminded that we cannot leave it undone. We must receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord so we will not be lost when that unavoidable moment arrives.
There is a day coming for which we do not want to be unprepared. It is the day when our Savior and Lord, the God of all Creation will call us home. We prefer not to reflect too frequently upon that day and its inevitability, but it is approaching for each of us and none of us knows the day or the hour.
It may be that we will be taken suddenly and without warning—an accident might occur that will expedite us to our eternal reward. It may be a prolonged illness that will achieve its dire end and we shall be gone from the land of the living.
It could be that we will be among those on that day when the “…trump of God shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first and those who are alive and remain shall be caught up to be forever with the Lord…” I Thessalonians 4:16, 17. However, whenever that day comes for us, it surely will come.
Luke 21:34 admonishes us therefore to, “Be on your guard so that your minds are not dulled…or that day will come on you unexpectedly.” There is but one thing we can and must do to be prepared for that day and we are here reminded that we cannot leave it undone. We must receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord so we will not be lost when that unavoidable moment arrives.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Good Imitation
October 21
Few people have a vast array of material possessions that would be considered to be of great value. Oh, yes, we have a lot of ‘stuff,’ but its ultimate worth is modest. A few items that began as simple possessions of humble people have acquired great value simply because they have endured the ravages of time.
Some things are deliberately made to appear old—distressed wood being an example of such an item. To enhance a certain décor, some decorators select items that seem weathered and worn. A trained eye can spot the fakes. For the most part, imitations are not prized and the authentic items are highly esteemed.
In one area, however, it is good to be an imitation. Ephesians 5:1, 2 says, “Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and walk in love as the Messiah also loved and gave Himself for us.” We are to be imitators of Christ who came to earth as a man and bore our sins upon Himself. We are to love as He loved and to give as He gave.
We are to imitate the amazing love of God that devised such a wondrous plan of redemption. Further, this passage admonishes us to recognize that in imitating our Father God and His love, we are being like children who imitate their parents. With this in mind, we must be very careful to give our children something precious and eternal to imitate as they emulate us.
Few people have a vast array of material possessions that would be considered to be of great value. Oh, yes, we have a lot of ‘stuff,’ but its ultimate worth is modest. A few items that began as simple possessions of humble people have acquired great value simply because they have endured the ravages of time.
Some things are deliberately made to appear old—distressed wood being an example of such an item. To enhance a certain décor, some decorators select items that seem weathered and worn. A trained eye can spot the fakes. For the most part, imitations are not prized and the authentic items are highly esteemed.
In one area, however, it is good to be an imitation. Ephesians 5:1, 2 says, “Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and walk in love as the Messiah also loved and gave Himself for us.” We are to be imitators of Christ who came to earth as a man and bore our sins upon Himself. We are to love as He loved and to give as He gave.
We are to imitate the amazing love of God that devised such a wondrous plan of redemption. Further, this passage admonishes us to recognize that in imitating our Father God and His love, we are being like children who imitate their parents. With this in mind, we must be very careful to give our children something precious and eternal to imitate as they emulate us.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Ultimately--Glorify Jesus
October 20
God has a glorious purpose in performing signs and wonders in the behalf of men that extends beyond His love for His children. God desires to achieve many good and worthwhile things through the lives of those who profess faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
The first matter with which He deals in the life of any man is the drawing of him by the power of His Holy Spirit into the Arc of Safety, into the salvation that is provided by the acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Without this inaugural step, nothing else can be accrued to a man’s heavenly account.
It is not our good works that save us, it is not our sincere effort to comply with the law of God that saves us, for our own efforts, no matter how consistent or how sincerely attempted, must fall short of God’s perfect standard of holiness. But once a man has received Christ as his Savior, he is set on a path of service to Him and to the purposes of His Kingdom.
Philippians 2:13 tells us, “It is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purposes.” The life of the believer is not his own but the Lord’s and it is His good pleasure to use the man of faith to further faith—to win others to Christ, to pray the prayer of faith that saves the lost, heals the sick, delivers the dying and ultimately—glorifies Jesus.
God has a glorious purpose in performing signs and wonders in the behalf of men that extends beyond His love for His children. God desires to achieve many good and worthwhile things through the lives of those who profess faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
The first matter with which He deals in the life of any man is the drawing of him by the power of His Holy Spirit into the Arc of Safety, into the salvation that is provided by the acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Without this inaugural step, nothing else can be accrued to a man’s heavenly account.
It is not our good works that save us, it is not our sincere effort to comply with the law of God that saves us, for our own efforts, no matter how consistent or how sincerely attempted, must fall short of God’s perfect standard of holiness. But once a man has received Christ as his Savior, he is set on a path of service to Him and to the purposes of His Kingdom.
Philippians 2:13 tells us, “It is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purposes.” The life of the believer is not his own but the Lord’s and it is His good pleasure to use the man of faith to further faith—to win others to Christ, to pray the prayer of faith that saves the lost, heals the sick, delivers the dying and ultimately—glorifies Jesus.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Stretch Forth Your Hand
October 19
The Book of Acts follows the four gospels of Jesus Christ. The writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John convey the miraculous birth, life, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message of the gospels is of hope and inspiration and faith in the One who came to save mankind from sin.
But if the ‘good news,’ which is what the word ‘gospel’ means, ended there, it would afford us grace to face death but little hope to face life. The Book of Acts affirms that the glorious message of Jesus—His salvation, His love, His power—does not conclude with the Book of John but continues into the Book of Acts.
The primary difference between the gospels and Acts is that in the former, the story of Jesus’ walk among men is told; in Acts, the continuation of His work through believers is told. Jesus affirmed in Luke 24:49 that His followers would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to continue His work when He had returned to Heaven.
Acts 2:39 extends the promise to “…all who are afar off.” All who believe in Jesus may do His work and realize the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. Acts 4:29, 30 should be the prayer of everyone who names His name, “Grant that Your servants may speak Your word boldly by stretching forth Your hand to heal and do signs and wonders in the name of God’s holy child Jesus.”
The Book of Acts follows the four gospels of Jesus Christ. The writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John convey the miraculous birth, life, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message of the gospels is of hope and inspiration and faith in the One who came to save mankind from sin.
But if the ‘good news,’ which is what the word ‘gospel’ means, ended there, it would afford us grace to face death but little hope to face life. The Book of Acts affirms that the glorious message of Jesus—His salvation, His love, His power—does not conclude with the Book of John but continues into the Book of Acts.
The primary difference between the gospels and Acts is that in the former, the story of Jesus’ walk among men is told; in Acts, the continuation of His work through believers is told. Jesus affirmed in Luke 24:49 that His followers would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to continue His work when He had returned to Heaven.
Acts 2:39 extends the promise to “…all who are afar off.” All who believe in Jesus may do His work and realize the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. Acts 4:29, 30 should be the prayer of everyone who names His name, “Grant that Your servants may speak Your word boldly by stretching forth Your hand to heal and do signs and wonders in the name of God’s holy child Jesus.”
Monday, October 18, 2010
That Better Hope
October 18
Psalm 19:7 tells us, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” This is a truth that many will never grasp because the ‘law’ is a foreign notion to them. We live in an age pervaded by a spirit of rebellion; conformation to a body of law is distained.
We have a government that perverts the law of God and distains the Constitution which our founding fathers established on the law of Nature’s God. Individuals are lawless entities unto themselves who put pleasure and self-realization above conformance to God’s righteous standard.
Man is a fallen creature who cannot please a Holy God. Man must bow under the weight of his sin and inability to comply with the perfect law of God. Because God loves mankind, He has made a way for fallen humanity to be made righteous in His sight, for without righteousness, no man can ever see God.
To be in God’s presence, one must be holy as He is holy. Through Christ, the provision for our cleansing, our redemption, has been made. Hebrews 7:19 tells us that “The law perfected nothing, but a better hope is introduced through which we draw near to God.” That better hope is Jesus.
May each day hold answers to prayer and anticipation for future blessings as you continue to stand on His Word, abide by His law and trust in His salvation. Jesus is
faithful.
Psalm 19:7 tells us, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” This is a truth that many will never grasp because the ‘law’ is a foreign notion to them. We live in an age pervaded by a spirit of rebellion; conformation to a body of law is distained.
We have a government that perverts the law of God and distains the Constitution which our founding fathers established on the law of Nature’s God. Individuals are lawless entities unto themselves who put pleasure and self-realization above conformance to God’s righteous standard.
Man is a fallen creature who cannot please a Holy God. Man must bow under the weight of his sin and inability to comply with the perfect law of God. Because God loves mankind, He has made a way for fallen humanity to be made righteous in His sight, for without righteousness, no man can ever see God.
To be in God’s presence, one must be holy as He is holy. Through Christ, the provision for our cleansing, our redemption, has been made. Hebrews 7:19 tells us that “The law perfected nothing, but a better hope is introduced through which we draw near to God.” That better hope is Jesus.
May each day hold answers to prayer and anticipation for future blessings as you continue to stand on His Word, abide by His law and trust in His salvation. Jesus is
faithful.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Knowing
October 17
To those who don’t believe, faith is a foolhardy exercise in self delusion. To those who do not believe, having faith in God—in His goodness, His mercy, His love, His provision, His care for His creation, His salvation—is relegated to the same category as believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy.
Yet, even the skeptic and the scoffer must acknowledge that there is a realm that suspends what can be perceived with the senses and taps into the unseen. It may not be readily discerned on a day-to-day or minute-to-minute basis, but it becomes evident frequently enough to give credence to its reality.
The medical doctor who has been treating a terminally ill patient, a man of science not of faith, is confronted by the deliverance of his patient from the clutches of death by the intervention of God’s unseen hand. At this juncture in his life, the physician must acknowledge that there is a sphere beyond medicine where life and death situations are determined.
In Hebrews 11:1, it is stated thusly: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” The person of faith has spiritually “touched the hem of Jesus’ garment” (Luke 8:44) and knows in the depth of his being that the Lord’s healing virtue will deliver him. Whether his need is physical or spiritual or emotional or financial, the substance of faith is knowing it will be met.
To those who don’t believe, faith is a foolhardy exercise in self delusion. To those who do not believe, having faith in God—in His goodness, His mercy, His love, His provision, His care for His creation, His salvation—is relegated to the same category as believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy.
Yet, even the skeptic and the scoffer must acknowledge that there is a realm that suspends what can be perceived with the senses and taps into the unseen. It may not be readily discerned on a day-to-day or minute-to-minute basis, but it becomes evident frequently enough to give credence to its reality.
The medical doctor who has been treating a terminally ill patient, a man of science not of faith, is confronted by the deliverance of his patient from the clutches of death by the intervention of God’s unseen hand. At this juncture in his life, the physician must acknowledge that there is a sphere beyond medicine where life and death situations are determined.
In Hebrews 11:1, it is stated thusly: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” The person of faith has spiritually “touched the hem of Jesus’ garment” (Luke 8:44) and knows in the depth of his being that the Lord’s healing virtue will deliver him. Whether his need is physical or spiritual or emotional or financial, the substance of faith is knowing it will be met.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
One Undeniable Evidence
October 16
There is one distinguishing characteristic that God states of Himself and extends to those who believe in Him as the paramount aspect of their own lives that He desires be seen in them. We know Jesus has stated that He is, “the Way, the Truth, the Life…” (John 14:6), but He does not extend these to us.
He does not, by extrapolation, give us the authority to be the way, the truth, or the life. He reserves these attributes for Himself. Though we may witness in the behalf of His Kingdom and His purpose of the way, truth, and life; though our lives may be living epistles that are carefully scrutinized by those who observe us, we are merely letters that men may read that tell them about these aspects of His character.
In I John 4:16 we are given the one significant thing that will set us apart from all other men, from all other religionists. Here, the beloved apostle says, “We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love and the one who remains in love remains in God.”
Love. “…the one who remains in love remains in God.” We, the ones who profess to know Jesus and to love Jesus, we who are the blood-bought, blood-washed children of the Living God, have one undeniable evidence of our relationship with Him. We will always love as He loves.
There is one distinguishing characteristic that God states of Himself and extends to those who believe in Him as the paramount aspect of their own lives that He desires be seen in them. We know Jesus has stated that He is, “the Way, the Truth, the Life…” (John 14:6), but He does not extend these to us.
He does not, by extrapolation, give us the authority to be the way, the truth, or the life. He reserves these attributes for Himself. Though we may witness in the behalf of His Kingdom and His purpose of the way, truth, and life; though our lives may be living epistles that are carefully scrutinized by those who observe us, we are merely letters that men may read that tell them about these aspects of His character.
In I John 4:16 we are given the one significant thing that will set us apart from all other men, from all other religionists. Here, the beloved apostle says, “We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love and the one who remains in love remains in God.”
Love. “…the one who remains in love remains in God.” We, the ones who profess to know Jesus and to love Jesus, we who are the blood-bought, blood-washed children of the Living God, have one undeniable evidence of our relationship with Him. We will always love as He loves.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Greater Things Than This
October 15
Jesus was in the process of selecting His disciples, choosing the men who would follow Him through His three year ministry and propagate the good news after His death and resurrection. When He encountered Nathanael, He said something to him that immediately piqued Nathanael’s interest.
In John 1:47, Jesus said to the prospective member of His team, “Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile.” In vs. 48, Nathanael responded, “How do You know me?” Nathanael was clearly surprised that a stranger recognized the aspect of his character for which he was most noted.
By way of explanation, Jesus answered Nathanael’s quarry by saying, “Before Philip called you under the fig tree, I saw you.” Philip was the one who informed Nathanael that Jesus was the promised One, the One of whom Moses and the prophets had written. Philip’s witness to Nathanael played a significant role in his life. It transformed him from an ordinary man into one of ‘the twelve.’
In John 1:50, Jesus told Nathanael, “Do you believe only because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” We see from this exchange that the introduction we give to the unbelievers in our lives is a significant first step in their salvation and in their walk with the Lord. Yet, it is only the beginning of the glory they will see as they follow after Him.
Jesus was in the process of selecting His disciples, choosing the men who would follow Him through His three year ministry and propagate the good news after His death and resurrection. When He encountered Nathanael, He said something to him that immediately piqued Nathanael’s interest.
In John 1:47, Jesus said to the prospective member of His team, “Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile.” In vs. 48, Nathanael responded, “How do You know me?” Nathanael was clearly surprised that a stranger recognized the aspect of his character for which he was most noted.
By way of explanation, Jesus answered Nathanael’s quarry by saying, “Before Philip called you under the fig tree, I saw you.” Philip was the one who informed Nathanael that Jesus was the promised One, the One of whom Moses and the prophets had written. Philip’s witness to Nathanael played a significant role in his life. It transformed him from an ordinary man into one of ‘the twelve.’
In John 1:50, Jesus told Nathanael, “Do you believe only because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” We see from this exchange that the introduction we give to the unbelievers in our lives is a significant first step in their salvation and in their walk with the Lord. Yet, it is only the beginning of the glory they will see as they follow after Him.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dead Man Walking
October 14
Discerning between life and death does not require a medical degree. Some things necessitate a doctor’s knowledge to recognize and skill to correct but the ability to differentiate between living, breathing life and stone cold death is not one of them.
In the natural realm, once the thin line between life and death is crossed, anyone can observe the transition—barring a miracle of God who can, if He wills, restore life to the one who is demised. In the spiritual realm, it is not always quite so obvious when the individual in question is not fully alive.
In the course of our daily lives, we walk among the dead. Some of us are the dead. We interact as though we were alive, we function as though we were alive, but the part of us that was created for eternity—our spirit—has not been reborn through belief in Christ as Savior so we are ‘dead men walking.’ We mouth the truths of scripture and tell it to others but don’t believe it ourselves.
Revelation 3:1 says, “I know your works, you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.” In the realm of the spirit, there are those who preach the gospel, pray for healing for the sick, see miracles abound in response to their prayers—they give every appearance of faith—but they are not living for Jesus. They are living for self-aggrandizement so there is no real life in them.
Discerning between life and death does not require a medical degree. Some things necessitate a doctor’s knowledge to recognize and skill to correct but the ability to differentiate between living, breathing life and stone cold death is not one of them.
In the natural realm, once the thin line between life and death is crossed, anyone can observe the transition—barring a miracle of God who can, if He wills, restore life to the one who is demised. In the spiritual realm, it is not always quite so obvious when the individual in question is not fully alive.
In the course of our daily lives, we walk among the dead. Some of us are the dead. We interact as though we were alive, we function as though we were alive, but the part of us that was created for eternity—our spirit—has not been reborn through belief in Christ as Savior so we are ‘dead men walking.’ We mouth the truths of scripture and tell it to others but don’t believe it ourselves.
Revelation 3:1 says, “I know your works, you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.” In the realm of the spirit, there are those who preach the gospel, pray for healing for the sick, see miracles abound in response to their prayers—they give every appearance of faith—but they are not living for Jesus. They are living for self-aggrandizement so there is no real life in them.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Reflecting Him to the Lost
October 13
Knowing God is something that revolutionizes the life of the person who finally grasps who He is. Even though human knowledge of Him is finite and none of us can know Him in absolute reality until we see Him face-to-face (I Corinthians 13:12), yet the more intimate we become with His truth, the clearer is our vision.
When we begin to grasp an understanding of the essence and character of the One who made us for Himself, we are transformed in the light of who He is. As we see Him clearly, we yearn to reflect Him to those who know Him not. We guard our conversation, our comportment, for we long to evidence Him to others.
How can we, who have very limited human vision, possibly hope to convey an accurate image of He who is Spirit and Truth to the lost and dying unbelievers around us? One thing we know absolutely—we will not be able to demonstrate Him to others because of our godliness or our sincerity of effort. We know we can allow Him to reflect Himself to others through us because we have been commissioned to do so by Jesus Himself (Mark 16:15-18).
As we are reminded in II Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.” When we know Jesus, when we understand that He who is Life gave His life so we need never die, then are we galvanized in our witness and emboldened in our outreach to others. We know that within us is the knowledge that impacts a life for eternity and we cannot keep it to ourselves.
Knowing God is something that revolutionizes the life of the person who finally grasps who He is. Even though human knowledge of Him is finite and none of us can know Him in absolute reality until we see Him face-to-face (I Corinthians 13:12), yet the more intimate we become with His truth, the clearer is our vision.
When we begin to grasp an understanding of the essence and character of the One who made us for Himself, we are transformed in the light of who He is. As we see Him clearly, we yearn to reflect Him to those who know Him not. We guard our conversation, our comportment, for we long to evidence Him to others.
How can we, who have very limited human vision, possibly hope to convey an accurate image of He who is Spirit and Truth to the lost and dying unbelievers around us? One thing we know absolutely—we will not be able to demonstrate Him to others because of our godliness or our sincerity of effort. We know we can allow Him to reflect Himself to others through us because we have been commissioned to do so by Jesus Himself (Mark 16:15-18).
As we are reminded in II Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.” When we know Jesus, when we understand that He who is Life gave His life so we need never die, then are we galvanized in our witness and emboldened in our outreach to others. We know that within us is the knowledge that impacts a life for eternity and we cannot keep it to ourselves.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Heart to Know Me
October 12
Our Creator made us for fellowship with Himself. He had fashioned the vast universe with the word of His mouth (see Genesis, Chapters one and two) and could simply have sat back and delighted in His handiwork, but it had pleased Him to make man to share the wonders of creation with Him.
From the Genesis account, we know that God walked with Adam and Eve until their sin caused them to hide themselves from Him. Nothing can be hidden from the eye of the Holy One, but He sought His fallen masterpiece of creation and when He had found them, made a covering for their transgression.
The calamity of their fall from grace lay most profoundly in their loss of fellowship with the One who had made them for Himself. Adam and Eve, after being given the privilege of naming the creatures God had made and communing with Him daily, were now reduced to accepting the shed blood of animals to cover their sin.
But the Lover of their souls would not leave them in this state of separation from all that is holy and good, from all that makes life worthwhile. No. He made provision for them to return to Him again! In Jeremiah 24:7 He says very clearly, “I will give them a heart to know Me...They will be My people and I will be their God.” Jesus fulfills this promise for all who will receive Him as Savior.
Our Creator made us for fellowship with Himself. He had fashioned the vast universe with the word of His mouth (see Genesis, Chapters one and two) and could simply have sat back and delighted in His handiwork, but it had pleased Him to make man to share the wonders of creation with Him.
From the Genesis account, we know that God walked with Adam and Eve until their sin caused them to hide themselves from Him. Nothing can be hidden from the eye of the Holy One, but He sought His fallen masterpiece of creation and when He had found them, made a covering for their transgression.
The calamity of their fall from grace lay most profoundly in their loss of fellowship with the One who had made them for Himself. Adam and Eve, after being given the privilege of naming the creatures God had made and communing with Him daily, were now reduced to accepting the shed blood of animals to cover their sin.
But the Lover of their souls would not leave them in this state of separation from all that is holy and good, from all that makes life worthwhile. No. He made provision for them to return to Him again! In Jeremiah 24:7 He says very clearly, “I will give them a heart to know Me...They will be My people and I will be their God.” Jesus fulfills this promise for all who will receive Him as Savior.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Honorable in All Things
October 10
Hebrews, Chapter 13 is a long list of lifestyle choices. It begins with the admonition that believers allow ‘brotherly love’ to continue. That inaugural statement affirms the priority that love plays in the day-to-day lives of Christians. Because God is love (I John 4:16) we who are His must walk in love.
That love is to pervade our actions and our prayers. It is to cover everyone that we can imagine. Paul lists those who are in bondage and those who suffer adversity as being among those who are to be covered by our prayers. We may assume that means those imprisoned as well as those bound by sin.
It tasks the believer to pray for marriages—that the honor of the institution be maintained. It admonishes that we be content with what we have rather than coveting the possessions or the prestige of others. We are to pray for those who exert leadership over us. We are to pray for the integrity of the church—that believers be not led away by false doctrine.
We must ever be mindful of the great sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we must live honorably in order that we represent Him faithfully before others. As Paul states in Hebrews 13:18, we will then be “convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything,” so Jesus will be lifted up, not disparaged, by the living epistle of our lives.
Hebrews, Chapter 13 is a long list of lifestyle choices. It begins with the admonition that believers allow ‘brotherly love’ to continue. That inaugural statement affirms the priority that love plays in the day-to-day lives of Christians. Because God is love (I John 4:16) we who are His must walk in love.
That love is to pervade our actions and our prayers. It is to cover everyone that we can imagine. Paul lists those who are in bondage and those who suffer adversity as being among those who are to be covered by our prayers. We may assume that means those imprisoned as well as those bound by sin.
It tasks the believer to pray for marriages—that the honor of the institution be maintained. It admonishes that we be content with what we have rather than coveting the possessions or the prestige of others. We are to pray for those who exert leadership over us. We are to pray for the integrity of the church—that believers be not led away by false doctrine.
We must ever be mindful of the great sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we must live honorably in order that we represent Him faithfully before others. As Paul states in Hebrews 13:18, we will then be “convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything,” so Jesus will be lifted up, not disparaged, by the living epistle of our lives.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Purposeful Witness of Your Purposeful God
October 9
Our God is purposeful. He does nothing without having an end in mind. He states in Romans 8:28 that “all things work together for good to those who love God…” and we see evidence of that from His earliest interaction with His people. Things are not always as they first appear when God is at work.
This thought is expounded in Isaiah 43:2 where the Lord assures His people, “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; they will not overflow you. When you pass through the fire, you will not be burned, neither will the flames kindle upon you.”
Our mighty God and Savior does not promise to keep us out of difficult situations, rather, He promises to be with us and deliver us from the problems that confront us. He receives far greater glory when His people go through the trials of life as faithful children who know their Deliverer will indeed cause them to emerge from troubling situations victoriously.
Isaiah 43:10 goes on, “You are my witnesses, saith the Lord …whom I have chosen that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am HE! There is no god before Me or after Me…beside Me there is no Savior.” When we have grasped the reality of who HE is, the great I AM, Jesus becomes all-in-all to us and we purposefully set about to share the knowledge of Him with everyone.
Our God is purposeful. He does nothing without having an end in mind. He states in Romans 8:28 that “all things work together for good to those who love God…” and we see evidence of that from His earliest interaction with His people. Things are not always as they first appear when God is at work.
This thought is expounded in Isaiah 43:2 where the Lord assures His people, “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; they will not overflow you. When you pass through the fire, you will not be burned, neither will the flames kindle upon you.”
Our mighty God and Savior does not promise to keep us out of difficult situations, rather, He promises to be with us and deliver us from the problems that confront us. He receives far greater glory when His people go through the trials of life as faithful children who know their Deliverer will indeed cause them to emerge from troubling situations victoriously.
Isaiah 43:10 goes on, “You are my witnesses, saith the Lord …whom I have chosen that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am HE! There is no god before Me or after Me…beside Me there is no Savior.” When we have grasped the reality of who HE is, the great I AM, Jesus becomes all-in-all to us and we purposefully set about to share the knowledge of Him with everyone.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Infinately Better to Wait
October 8
An example of a man who received a promise but waited long for its fulfillment is found in the story of Abraham and Isaac that is in Genesis 15, 17, 21, 22. God had assured Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would have a son who would be the progenitor of the Promised Messiah. When decades had passed and their marriage was fruitless, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands.
The method of the day was that a surrogate wife (Hagar in this case) would bear the child that the legal wife (Sarah) could not have. The need for an heir would be satisfied in this way. Romans 4:1 reiterates Abraham’s folly. Here we are told, “What then can we say that Abraham our forefather according to the flesh has found?”
What we see through Abraham is what we yearn to see in ourselves. That even after we have tried our own solution and failed to realize an answer, God is faithful. Ishmael’s birth (the child of Hagar) caused great strife in Abraham’s home. Sarah was jealous of Hagar. After Sarah conceived and bore her own son to Abraham, she was horrible to Hagar and Ishmael. Strife between the two branches of Abraham’s family (Moslems and Jews) exists to this day!
The fruit of the promise that was meant to bless all of mankind (Jesus) was birthed in strife and wrapped in conflict because one man endeavored to fulfill God’s promise to him rather than allow the Lord to fulfill it in His time. May we learn from Abraham’s lesson and patiently await the fulfillment of all God’s word to us. We have learned from Abraham that it is infinitely better to await God’s perfect time than to endeavor to force His promise into our schedule.
An example of a man who received a promise but waited long for its fulfillment is found in the story of Abraham and Isaac that is in Genesis 15, 17, 21, 22. God had assured Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would have a son who would be the progenitor of the Promised Messiah. When decades had passed and their marriage was fruitless, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands.
The method of the day was that a surrogate wife (Hagar in this case) would bear the child that the legal wife (Sarah) could not have. The need for an heir would be satisfied in this way. Romans 4:1 reiterates Abraham’s folly. Here we are told, “What then can we say that Abraham our forefather according to the flesh has found?”
What we see through Abraham is what we yearn to see in ourselves. That even after we have tried our own solution and failed to realize an answer, God is faithful. Ishmael’s birth (the child of Hagar) caused great strife in Abraham’s home. Sarah was jealous of Hagar. After Sarah conceived and bore her own son to Abraham, she was horrible to Hagar and Ishmael. Strife between the two branches of Abraham’s family (Moslems and Jews) exists to this day!
The fruit of the promise that was meant to bless all of mankind (Jesus) was birthed in strife and wrapped in conflict because one man endeavored to fulfill God’s promise to him rather than allow the Lord to fulfill it in His time. May we learn from Abraham’s lesson and patiently await the fulfillment of all God’s word to us. We have learned from Abraham that it is infinitely better to await God’s perfect time than to endeavor to force His promise into our schedule.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
May Our Faith Stand in Jesus
October 7
One of the reasons unbelievers pose most often for their denial of Christ and the veracity of His Word, the Bible, is the fact of unanswered prayer. When someone pours his heart out to God and walks away disappointed, he will either acquiesce to the denial of his answer or use it as an excuse to prove God’s non-existence.
The choice presents itself often. We know our Heavenly Father desires that we “walk by faith, not by sight” II Corinthians 5:7. He has never wanted those who follow after Christ to do so for the blessings. He wants those who profess faith in Him to hold on to Him because of who He is, not because of what He can give.
Toward that end, our prayers are often met with failure to attain the thing for which we’ve beseeched Him. Luke 9:39, 40 reminds us that we are not alone. Even the disciples sometimes came away from their missionary efforts as abject failures. Even those who walked closest to Jesus sometimes did not see results.
Here a man comes to Jesus and says of his son, “Often a spirit seizes him…and it throws him into convulsions…I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” The passage goes on to tell us that Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child. The message seems to be that only HE has ultimate power.
May our faith stand in who JESUS is, not in what He has the power to do.
One of the reasons unbelievers pose most often for their denial of Christ and the veracity of His Word, the Bible, is the fact of unanswered prayer. When someone pours his heart out to God and walks away disappointed, he will either acquiesce to the denial of his answer or use it as an excuse to prove God’s non-existence.
The choice presents itself often. We know our Heavenly Father desires that we “walk by faith, not by sight” II Corinthians 5:7. He has never wanted those who follow after Christ to do so for the blessings. He wants those who profess faith in Him to hold on to Him because of who He is, not because of what He can give.
Toward that end, our prayers are often met with failure to attain the thing for which we’ve beseeched Him. Luke 9:39, 40 reminds us that we are not alone. Even the disciples sometimes came away from their missionary efforts as abject failures. Even those who walked closest to Jesus sometimes did not see results.
Here a man comes to Jesus and says of his son, “Often a spirit seizes him…and it throws him into convulsions…I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” The passage goes on to tell us that Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child. The message seems to be that only HE has ultimate power.
May our faith stand in who JESUS is, not in what He has the power to do.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Weary but Winning
October 6
Some things require time. A person doesn’t become educated in a day. Attaining a battery of knowledge requires the steady application of study and research in order to achieve mastery. Wars are not won with a single battle but through the rigors of many encounters with a relentless foe.
It can be disconcerting to plod along, to ‘keep on keeping on’ when the outcome seems tenuous at best and the potential for defeat hangs like a dark cloud over the circumstances that are faced. The psalmist understood the concern that looms over the mind of one who cannot see a clear road to victory.
In Psalm 13:4-5, David says, “My foes will rejoice because I am shaken; but I have trusted in Your faithful love and my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.” Though David knew he had been chosen by God to be King of Israel, though he knew ultimate victory was his, still the daily battle was wearing.
Like him, the believer today must face the day-to-day skirmishes that dog his heels. Like him, the believer today must wage continual warfare against the relentless foe who would rejoice in seeing him fail to achieve the purposes of God for his life. And like David, the man of faith today will achieve his victory!
Some things require time. A person doesn’t become educated in a day. Attaining a battery of knowledge requires the steady application of study and research in order to achieve mastery. Wars are not won with a single battle but through the rigors of many encounters with a relentless foe.
It can be disconcerting to plod along, to ‘keep on keeping on’ when the outcome seems tenuous at best and the potential for defeat hangs like a dark cloud over the circumstances that are faced. The psalmist understood the concern that looms over the mind of one who cannot see a clear road to victory.
In Psalm 13:4-5, David says, “My foes will rejoice because I am shaken; but I have trusted in Your faithful love and my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.” Though David knew he had been chosen by God to be King of Israel, though he knew ultimate victory was his, still the daily battle was wearing.
Like him, the believer today must face the day-to-day skirmishes that dog his heels. Like him, the believer today must wage continual warfare against the relentless foe who would rejoice in seeing him fail to achieve the purposes of God for his life. And like David, the man of faith today will achieve his victory!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Beyond Imagination
October 5
God must have a sense of humor. He, at times, gives the most amazingly illogical directives to His people at the point of their greatest need. Consider the Israelites as they were being led out of Egypt. They were being pursued by Pharaoh, who regretted setting them free and lavishing them with his wealth.
So far, so good, but God led the people right to the Red Sea! Talk about being between a ‘rock and a hard place!’ Oh, yes, the sea parted and the people of God escaped on dry ground while the pursuing army was swallowed by the sea—but who’d have dreamed that would be the outcome! (Exodus chs. 3-14)
Then there’s the amazing story in Joshua 6:4-5 where we are told God instructed the Israelites—not the army, but the musicians—to march around the city and, “…on the seventh day, march around the city seven times…then the city wall will collapse and the people will advance.” The musicians, not the army, conquered Jericho!
The Word is replete with instances where God chose to apply a unique technique to solve the problems of His people, to show Himself strong in an unconventional way that left no room for error. It was HIS miraculous (humorous) intervention that solved the problem, not the resources of man. Your problems, too, will succumb to God’s solution—one that you cannot imagine.
God must have a sense of humor. He, at times, gives the most amazingly illogical directives to His people at the point of their greatest need. Consider the Israelites as they were being led out of Egypt. They were being pursued by Pharaoh, who regretted setting them free and lavishing them with his wealth.
So far, so good, but God led the people right to the Red Sea! Talk about being between a ‘rock and a hard place!’ Oh, yes, the sea parted and the people of God escaped on dry ground while the pursuing army was swallowed by the sea—but who’d have dreamed that would be the outcome! (Exodus chs. 3-14)
Then there’s the amazing story in Joshua 6:4-5 where we are told God instructed the Israelites—not the army, but the musicians—to march around the city and, “…on the seventh day, march around the city seven times…then the city wall will collapse and the people will advance.” The musicians, not the army, conquered Jericho!
The Word is replete with instances where God chose to apply a unique technique to solve the problems of His people, to show Himself strong in an unconventional way that left no room for error. It was HIS miraculous (humorous) intervention that solved the problem, not the resources of man. Your problems, too, will succumb to God’s solution—one that you cannot imagine.
Monday, October 4, 2010
His Train Fills the Temple
October 4
The awe and majesty of the Christ we serve is beyond our ability to fathom. As the Word tells us, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has man the ability to imagine the things that God has prepared for those who love Him” I Corinthians 2:9.
We who profess to know God, who have heard His voice, who have felt His presence, who have embraced His will, have a measure of understanding of the glorious wonder of this One who is able to warm our heart by His Spirit and guide our path by His wisdom.
But we haven’t any conceptualization of the amazing sight that the prophet beheld in Isaiah 6:1 where he says, “In the year that King Uzziah was called to his fathers, I saw the Lord, seated on a high and lofty throne and His robe filled the temple.”
The KJV says, “…I saw the Lord, high and lifted up and His train filled the temple.” He is called, “the lofty One who inhabits eternity…” Isaiah 57:15. Our knowledge of Him, though sealed and expanded by the Holy Spirit, can be complete only when we reach our eternal home and we are in His presence..
The awe and majesty of the Christ we serve is beyond our ability to fathom. As the Word tells us, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has man the ability to imagine the things that God has prepared for those who love Him” I Corinthians 2:9.
We who profess to know God, who have heard His voice, who have felt His presence, who have embraced His will, have a measure of understanding of the glorious wonder of this One who is able to warm our heart by His Spirit and guide our path by His wisdom.
But we haven’t any conceptualization of the amazing sight that the prophet beheld in Isaiah 6:1 where he says, “In the year that King Uzziah was called to his fathers, I saw the Lord, seated on a high and lofty throne and His robe filled the temple.”
The KJV says, “…I saw the Lord, high and lifted up and His train filled the temple.” He is called, “the lofty One who inhabits eternity…” Isaiah 57:15. Our knowledge of Him, though sealed and expanded by the Holy Spirit, can be complete only when we reach our eternal home and we are in His presence..
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Wash Ourselves Clean
October 3
Jesus has bathed us in His blood and washed us clean of every sin that we have ever done, ever thought of doing or will ever do. We stand righteous before our Holy God because Jesus our Savior has imparted His righteousness to us. We placed our lives at His feet, and He robed us in His glorious righteousness.
Yet, as the Bible tells us, there is an on-going cleansing for which we are responsible (John 13:5-10). Jesus indicates to Peter in this passage that our traversing through the sin and stain of the world is like walking along a dusty road—the soil of it gets upon us.
Even though we’re washed of sin, cleansed of it forever by Jesus’ blood, we must regularly assess ourselves—our words, our deeds, our thoughts—and repent of those small and large things that are contrary to the will and purposes of our Savior and God.
As Paul says in II Corinthians 7:1, “We should wash ourselves clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, making our sanctification complete in the fear of God.” We should not presume upon the perfect work of Jesus but show our high regard for it by not allowing the stain of our foibles to mar His image in us.
Jesus has bathed us in His blood and washed us clean of every sin that we have ever done, ever thought of doing or will ever do. We stand righteous before our Holy God because Jesus our Savior has imparted His righteousness to us. We placed our lives at His feet, and He robed us in His glorious righteousness.
Yet, as the Bible tells us, there is an on-going cleansing for which we are responsible (John 13:5-10). Jesus indicates to Peter in this passage that our traversing through the sin and stain of the world is like walking along a dusty road—the soil of it gets upon us.
Even though we’re washed of sin, cleansed of it forever by Jesus’ blood, we must regularly assess ourselves—our words, our deeds, our thoughts—and repent of those small and large things that are contrary to the will and purposes of our Savior and God.
As Paul says in II Corinthians 7:1, “We should wash ourselves clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, making our sanctification complete in the fear of God.” We should not presume upon the perfect work of Jesus but show our high regard for it by not allowing the stain of our foibles to mar His image in us.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Our Fall from Faith--and Power
October 2
The fall from faith is gradual. The lack of the power associated with faith in Jesus Christ is not even noted by the individual or the nation that has once been blessed to possess it but has gradually slipped away from its benefits.
Our nation, the United States of America, has been on a ‘fast track’ to financial success and military prowess virtually from the founding of our country. Those who are believers in Christ attribute the vast achievements that have been made for mankind during the centuries since its existence to the fact that this vast land was laid at the feet of our Heavenly Father at its inception.
Contrary to the erroneous teaching in our textbooks and the flagrant distortion of truth that is put forth in the media, most of the founding fathers of this country were practicing Christians. Even those most distant in the implementation of their faith were supporters of the religion of Jesus. The references made to ‘freedom of religion’ were with the understanding that all religions practiced here were Christian.
Our undoing has come because, “Lies and not faithfulness prevail in the land, for they proceed from one evil to another and they do not take Me into account” (Jeremiah 9:3). That speaks to where we are today! We have factored the Lord out of the equation of our national life and reduced ourselves to debtors who are no longer the head but the tail. Our rejection of the Christian faith has precipitated our fall from grace—and, alas, many haven’t noticed our plummet!
The fall from faith is gradual. The lack of the power associated with faith in Jesus Christ is not even noted by the individual or the nation that has once been blessed to possess it but has gradually slipped away from its benefits.
Our nation, the United States of America, has been on a ‘fast track’ to financial success and military prowess virtually from the founding of our country. Those who are believers in Christ attribute the vast achievements that have been made for mankind during the centuries since its existence to the fact that this vast land was laid at the feet of our Heavenly Father at its inception.
Contrary to the erroneous teaching in our textbooks and the flagrant distortion of truth that is put forth in the media, most of the founding fathers of this country were practicing Christians. Even those most distant in the implementation of their faith were supporters of the religion of Jesus. The references made to ‘freedom of religion’ were with the understanding that all religions practiced here were Christian.
Our undoing has come because, “Lies and not faithfulness prevail in the land, for they proceed from one evil to another and they do not take Me into account” (Jeremiah 9:3). That speaks to where we are today! We have factored the Lord out of the equation of our national life and reduced ourselves to debtors who are no longer the head but the tail. Our rejection of the Christian faith has precipitated our fall from grace—and, alas, many haven’t noticed our plummet!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Note: Two Posts for October 1
Be sure to read the post for October 1 as well as the BONUS post for October 1. Each is the Lord's word of encouragement for you for today.
October 1 BONUS
Here is something we can all apply to our walk and our witness for Christ. It diagnoses the reason we see so little in the way of the evidence of the Lord's gifts to the Church in our day-to-day experience and suggests how we may remedy that unfortunate condition.
THE ANEMIC BRIDE OF CHRIST
The Bride of Christ is ill and frail. She is being consumed by a malady that she does not recognize because she’s borne it so long! What an indictment against the Church—the Bride of the One who heals and sets free—is suffering from the sin-sickness of faithlessness!
In Christ’s day and in many cultures today, a bride is lavished with gifts from her intended and from his family. She is given gold, fine jewels, beautiful clothing—all as a token of their welcome of her into their family. Christ lavished gifts upon His Bride. He told her she had the gifts of prophecy, healing, discernment, speaking in tongues, faith to move mountains...
He told her she could do great exploits in His name—much as a loving young husband tells his new wife she may use his checkbook any way she wishes! The bride writes the check. The groom covers the bill. Jesus told His Bride she could speak a word in His name and it would be done—He would cover all the checks she writes. “Pray for the sick and they shall recover.” “Ask anything in faith believing and it shall be done.”
The Lord has lavished His Bride with spiritual wealth that boggles the imagination! She should be praying for the needs of the lost and dying world around her, but she is suffering from the illness of doubt and unbelief that plagues the rest of the world! She can’t minister to them because she’s suffering from the same affliction herself! And she doesn’t know it because her lethargy has put her into a spiritual somnolence that inures her to her own need!
Will the Bride’s spiritual lethargy render her incapable of bearing fruit for the Kingdom of her Bridegroom? It will if she doesn’t shake herself from it and begin to nurture souls! But first she must allow herself to be anointed afresh! She must give herself over to the One she professes to love and allow Him to deliver her from her weak condition to restored, vital Spirit-infused energy!
Jesus is returning soon for a beautiful Bride without spot or wrinkle. She cannot be spiritually anemic and consumed with the world! She must be vibrant! She must be full of the Holy Ghost and Fire! There must be a passion in her bosom for her Bridegroom that propels her forward in the pursuit of holiness and Spiritual power!
May the Bride consume the Bread of Life and drink the Living Water that she lacks so she may be strengthened, so she may use the gifts—the power—she’s been given to do the work of the Bridegroom! The hour is late. His return is near.
THE ANEMIC BRIDE OF CHRIST
The Bride of Christ is ill and frail. She is being consumed by a malady that she does not recognize because she’s borne it so long! What an indictment against the Church—the Bride of the One who heals and sets free—is suffering from the sin-sickness of faithlessness!
In Christ’s day and in many cultures today, a bride is lavished with gifts from her intended and from his family. She is given gold, fine jewels, beautiful clothing—all as a token of their welcome of her into their family. Christ lavished gifts upon His Bride. He told her she had the gifts of prophecy, healing, discernment, speaking in tongues, faith to move mountains...
He told her she could do great exploits in His name—much as a loving young husband tells his new wife she may use his checkbook any way she wishes! The bride writes the check. The groom covers the bill. Jesus told His Bride she could speak a word in His name and it would be done—He would cover all the checks she writes. “Pray for the sick and they shall recover.” “Ask anything in faith believing and it shall be done.”
The Lord has lavished His Bride with spiritual wealth that boggles the imagination! She should be praying for the needs of the lost and dying world around her, but she is suffering from the illness of doubt and unbelief that plagues the rest of the world! She can’t minister to them because she’s suffering from the same affliction herself! And she doesn’t know it because her lethargy has put her into a spiritual somnolence that inures her to her own need!
Will the Bride’s spiritual lethargy render her incapable of bearing fruit for the Kingdom of her Bridegroom? It will if she doesn’t shake herself from it and begin to nurture souls! But first she must allow herself to be anointed afresh! She must give herself over to the One she professes to love and allow Him to deliver her from her weak condition to restored, vital Spirit-infused energy!
Jesus is returning soon for a beautiful Bride without spot or wrinkle. She cannot be spiritually anemic and consumed with the world! She must be vibrant! She must be full of the Holy Ghost and Fire! There must be a passion in her bosom for her Bridegroom that propels her forward in the pursuit of holiness and Spiritual power!
May the Bride consume the Bread of Life and drink the Living Water that she lacks so she may be strengthened, so she may use the gifts—the power—she’s been given to do the work of the Bridegroom! The hour is late. His return is near.
The Source of Beauty
October 1
We don’t usually think of the Bible as a reference book for beauty tips, but indeed, it is. There mention made even of the beauty of the feet of those who carry the good news of Christ to the lost (Isaiah 52:7).
It speaks as well of the ‘beauty of holiness’ in Psalm 110:3 and it addresses the vanity of beauty and the deceitfulness of the favor it brings its possessor in Proverbs 31:30.
Yet it does advise the reader on the way to achieve the essence of beauty—the kind of beauty that will not fade away with the passage of the years and the accompanying loss of youthful allure. It reveals the sure foundation for the kind of appearance that transcends mere physical endowment.
In Proverbs 15:13, the Word tells us, “A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.” Joy is the source of beauty that transcends ones natural endowments and spreads abroad the cheerfulness of heart that radiates as absolute beauty into the un-loveliness we see around us.
We don’t usually think of the Bible as a reference book for beauty tips, but indeed, it is. There mention made even of the beauty of the feet of those who carry the good news of Christ to the lost (Isaiah 52:7).
It speaks as well of the ‘beauty of holiness’ in Psalm 110:3 and it addresses the vanity of beauty and the deceitfulness of the favor it brings its possessor in Proverbs 31:30.
Yet it does advise the reader on the way to achieve the essence of beauty—the kind of beauty that will not fade away with the passage of the years and the accompanying loss of youthful allure. It reveals the sure foundation for the kind of appearance that transcends mere physical endowment.
In Proverbs 15:13, the Word tells us, “A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.” Joy is the source of beauty that transcends ones natural endowments and spreads abroad the cheerfulness of heart that radiates as absolute beauty into the un-loveliness we see around us.
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