January 31, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 24-26 PM – Matthew 17:14-27

The Truth
2 Peter 1:12-15

12 “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth."

The bedrock of the American judicial system is truth. From the investigators to the lawyers to the judges or juries, discerning what is true is critical to the integrity of the process. Anything less than the truth could literally be the difference between life and death.

If factual truth is critical to the judicial process, how much more is divine truth critical to understanding life. We want to know: What is God like? Why we are here? How we can overcome sin? How we can live in pleasing service to God? What does the future hold? These questions and many more like them are too important to leave to chance. We need reliable answers.

Every time we read the scripture we handle the holy truth of God. His Word is reliable and trustworthy. We need to learn it, yes. More importantly, we need to establish our lives on it. For the truth of God’s Word can be for us the difference between eternal life and death.

Lord, thank You, for the Word of truth upon which I can build my life.

January 30, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 22-23 PM – Matthew 17:1-13

Thus Says the Lord
Jeremiah 30:1-2

2"Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying: 'Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you."

“Because I said so!” Sometimes I heard those words from my parents after repeatedly questioning some instruction or decision they had made known to me. In essence, I needed to abide by their wishes if for no other reason than who they were. After all, they had authority over me, responsibility for me, and had proven they could be trusted to act in my best interest.

God spoke to Jeremiah, Write a book. This was not just any book. The content was to be nothing less – and nothing more for that matter – than what God had revealed. The message would have meaning and authority because it was Word from the Lord.

When we read the Bible, we are challenged, comforted, and convicted. We are informed, instructed, and inspired. The Word overwhelms us. It does so because as we read it through and through we hear this clarion affirmation: Thus says the Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for the Bible. I read it and obey it because I firmly believe it is Your Word.

January 29, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 19-21 PM – Matthew 16:13-28

A Place of Everlasting Light

Revelation 22:4-5

5 "There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."

Our adventure inside Mammoth Cave was exciting until the guide turned out all the lights. For several minutes we sat engulfed in a thick blackness heavy enough to feel. Panic replaced joy as insecurity and momentary fear invaded our minds. What if something happened and the electrical current failed to come back on and light the way? The thought was sobering and frightening.

We will never experience insecurity and fear of darkness in heaven, for it will be a place of everlasting light. Instead of night, the Lord’s brightness will eternally flood every corner. As we bask in the radiance of His presence, we will see His blessed face, look into His loving eyes, and praise him for His overwhelming mercy.

Thank You, God, for and eternal home of security, light and love.

January 28, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 16-18 PM – Matthew 16:1-12

A Place Where God Reigns
Revelation 22:1-3

3 "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him."

A place where God reigns – that statement alone is a description of heaven. Only there will our longings for peace and righteousness be filled. Because sin invaded the Garden of Eden, it received a curse; but this will not be true of heaven. Nothing accursed will be in God’s presence.

We will be eternally in a place where God reigns with complete control. In awe and reverence we will join together around His incomparable throne of grace. With heart and soul we will offer praise. Imagine endlessly exalting the Suffering Servant, thanking the merciful Judge, and serving the most high God. The Lamb’s reign will be without end, and God’s children will share in His glorious rule. We will revere His name forever.

Oh God, help me to faithfully serve You on earth until I can serve You in heaven.

January 27, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 14-15 PM – Matthew 15:21-39

A Place For God’s Children
Revelation 21:23-27

24 "And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it."

Adam drew a picture of a Christmas tree with yellow, jagged lines surrounding it. Handing it to his grandmother he explained, “Mimi, these lines show the glorying.” What he meant to illustrate was the tree was glowing. In childlike simplicity, he had intentionally conveyed a truth about the relationship of “glowing” to “glory.”

The shining glory that accompanies God’s presence glows so brightly there will be no need for the sun or moon to shine in heaven. All who are saved will walk in the light of His matchless splendor. The redeemed kings of the earth will add their honor and glory to His. God’s presence will permeate every inch of heaven and we will pay homage with the saints from every nation in the place made for God’s children.

Oh God, help me to be diligent about sharing the promises of heaven.

January 26, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 12-13 PM – Matthew 15:1-20

A Place With No Sorrow
Revelation 21:1-5

4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

September 11, 2001, was a catastrophic day that defies understanding and description. It was a day of tears, death, sorrow, and pain that affected Americans and people around the world. Heartbreaking reminders are forever seared across our hearts and minds. The extent of the maiming, loss of life, property, jobs, and security will not be fully realized until the end of time.

The greatest hope survivors and all people have is the mind-boggling promise of heaven, the place with no more sorrow. All who accept Jesus as Savior will be there. Think of it – a place where God will wipe away all tears; a place without pain and the horrors of death; a place of such unbelievable beauty that it exceeds all dreams, imaginations, and exaggerations. Because Jesus died for us, Christians will join Him in a place where all such things are passed away.

Thank You, Lord, that my sorrows and pain will one day pass away.

January 25, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 10-11 PM – Matthew 14:22-36

A Place Where Jesus Is

John 14:3-4

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also

Before he married, Bill, a pharmaceutical salesman at the time, was sent to Texas, where he and his wife to be were to live. His proposal of marriage included a promise to prepare a place for them and then come back to Oklahoma to get his bride. Because of his love for her, he accepted the responsibility of finding an apartment, uncrating the furniture, and even hiring someone to make draperies.

Someone is also preparing a place for me. It is a mansion, not an apartment; and it is located on a street of gold. My Savior, who loves me, is getting ready for me. God’s love compelled Him to come to earth to live and die for our sins. He arose and is now back in heaven preparing an eternal home for His children. When He comes back, He will take us with Him. Just being in a place where Jesus is will be heaven.

Thank You, Lord, for your sacrificial love and saving grace.

January 24, 2007

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 8-9 PM – Matthew 14:1-21

A Place Prepared
John 14:1-21

2 In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you

Houses come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. We spend much money on proper housing but often forget the importance of homes. What kind of home we have is not determined by the kind of house in which we live. Many shacks are wonderful homes because of the love, acceptance, and encouragement found within their walls; while many fine houses merely shelter people.

Real estate signs that advertise “Home for Sale” are often all to true. When we neglect Christian morals and principles, homes “sell out” to sin and become vulnerable. The family unit suffers and so dies our country, for a nation is only as strong as its homes.

God has prepared many mansions for His children. These mansions are not houses – they are homes where our Heavenly Father is waiting to welcome us. What a homecoming that will be.

Thank You, kind Father, for the beautiful place You have prepared for Your children.

January 23, 2007

The Promise of Heaven

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 5-7 PM – Matthew 13:24-58

An Eternal Dwelling
2 Corinthians 5:1-4

1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens

I love to watch the world’s finest athletes contend for honors in the Olympic Games. Their sleek bodies are masterpieces of physical fitness, perfectly conditioned for strength and endurance. Like ours, however, their physical frames are vulnerable, impermanent, and subject to death.

Paul referred to our earthly forms as flimsy tabernacles – frail structures that house transient people. Life on earth is but a brief journey for people seeking permanent homes. In heaven we will have new bodies perfectly equipped for that wonderful life.

Think of it – we will be free of sickness, disease, and pain. We will never grieve or grow old. Our eternal dwelling place will be more glorious than we can comprehend. Do you have your place reserved? I hope so. I want to meet you in heaven.

Oh, Lord, help me to prepare for heaven and to share the good news of salvation.

January 22, 2007

The Promise of Life’s Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 3-4 PM – Matthew 13:1-23

Because God Gives Breath to All
Job 12:7-10

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10).

The traveling exhibit on the Holocaust is a train car used to take the Jews to concentration camps. As one walks into the train car, he can not help but feel sad. I once heard on a documentary that spy pilots flying over the massive graves and carnage were in disbelief of what they had witnessed. They could not fathom anyone could have such a disregard for human life. They knew the value life was priceless.

We are God’s creation. Every breath we draw is through His mercy. We are in the very hands of God. He holds “the breath of all mankind.”

Thank You, God for the gift of life and every breath I take.

January 21, 2007

The Promise of Life’s Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 1-2 PM – Matthew 12:22-50

Because Jesus Loved Children
Mark 10:13-16

And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them (Mark 10:16).

I am sure the disciples thought they were doing Jesus a favor. But when Jesus saw them sending the children away, He stopped them. Because Jesus loved children, He took time to meet their needs and to fellowship with them. The children went away with a special blessing. Jesus said people are to receive the kingdom of God as a little child. It is not an accident we were not born with the full knowledge of speech, or the ability to walk. It is not because God could not give us these abilities at birth, but rather because He chose not to. Perhaps it’s because He knew we would need to learn the basic concept of dependency and trust.

A baby’s cry is his voice no matter what language or culture in which the baby is born. A baby has to depend on someone else to feed him when he is hungry or thirsty. In the same way we are to depend on Jesus to satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me to depend on You.

January 20, 2007

The Promise of Life’s Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Genesis 48-50 PM – Matthew 12:1-21

Because God Keeps on Leading

Psalm 139:17-24

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24).

Wow. Powerful words. David humbled himself before God with all his heart, soul, and mind. Have you ever had one of those guests in your home that seem to spend the entire evening casually running their fingers over the furniture and then checking their fingers to see how much dust they had collected.

David opened his “house” for inspection. It only makes sense that we want to keep our “houses” spotless, we clean them daily. David asked God to search him and then asked God to “lead…[him] in the way everlasting.” Only God can prepare us for our final inspection. David knew the only way to stay on the right path was to follow the One who created it.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts”
(Psalm 139:23)

January 19, 2007

The Promise of Life’s Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Genesis 46-47 : PM – Matthew 11:20-30

Because God is Always Present

Psalm 139:13-16

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well (Psalm 139:14).

How amazing to think God in all His grandeur made each of us. We were not simply mass-produced or carbon copied. In Psalm 139:14 David wrote, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Because God created us, He knows us intimately.

These verses became true for a young lady when she prematurely went into labor. Her baby was born too early to live. The baby died the same day she was born. Even in her grief, God comforted the young woman as she remembered these words: “Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Ps. 139:16 NIV).

Our lives are no mystery to God. He knew that little baby in her mother’s womb. He knew she would go home with Him that day. In the same way God knows each of us. Our lives were not set into motion without purpose. As we seek God daily, that purpose is revealed.

Dear God, thank You, for creating me.

January 18, 2007

Read the Bible through:
AM – Genesis 43-45 : PM – Matthew 11:1-19

The Promise of Life’s Value

Because God is Always Present

Psalm 139:7-12

Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You

It was the first big trip she took without her parents. She was excited because she was going to share a hotel room with two older girls from her church. She was having a great time, and the best thing was her parents were nowhere in sight. This was her chance to spread her wings and do whatever she wanted to do. That is until she met a lady at the conference who graciously introduced herself and said, “Have you called your dad?”

Her dad had called a friend and asked her to check on her. It would have been easier for him to call her directly at her hotel room, but he had a point to make. Wherever she would go, he would be thinking of her and trusting she would be making the right choices.

God is always present. He cares what we do in life because He loves us.

Thank You, God, for caring enough to always be with me.

January 17, 2007

Read the Bible through:

AM – Genesis 41-42 PM – Matthew 10

The Promise of Life’s Value

Because God Acts in My Life
Psalm 139:5-6

5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me

A mother of two small children received a call that her mother had fallen ill. They went to see her even though they could hardly afford to make the trip. Before they left to return home, they prayed God would protect them. After three hours of traveling, a tire blew out. A panic arose as the mother remembered they were down to their last five dollars. She pulled the kids out of the car; and before she knew it, a tow truck was backing up to hook the car to it.


Once they arrived at the garage, men came out and started to work on the car. A new tire was being rolled out. The mother frantically tried to explain to the owner to stop because she did not have the money to pay, but he just kept about his business. About 30 minutes later, he came back and told her, “You’re set to go, no charge.” Imagine her joy as she realized God’s hand had been upon them.

I thank You, Lord, for protecting me daily.

January 16, 2007

The Promise of Life’s Value

Because god knows me
Psalm 139:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM – Genesis 39-40 : PM – Matthew 9:27-38

You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off (Psalm 139:2).

We used to have a dining room table set that was handed down to my wife by her grandmother. It looked beautiful. The only problem was one of the chairs back would fall off whenever we lifted it up. So I devised a plan that when we would have company I would be sure to sit in that chair. But invariably someone would pick that chair up and as soon as they did the back would come off. It seemed the harder we tried to hide the fact that it was broken the more obvious it would become. Of course, our friends were always mortified they had broken our “antique” chair. We finally gave up trying to hide our broken chair.

In the same way we cannot hide our brokenness from God. He knows us completely because He is our craftsman. He knows our every action, our every thought, and our every passing moment. We are of great value to Him.

Dear God, I thank You that every moment of my life is important to You.

January 15, 2007

The Promise of Deliverance

A Way Out
1 Corinthians 10:13

Read the Bible through:
AM – Genesis 37-38 : PM – Matthew 9:1-26

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:13).

This verse reminds me of the story in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer where Tom and Becky got lost in a cave for three days. Tom tied a string of rope to a rock in the cavern where he was and went as far as he could into different passages. In one passage, at the end of his rope and ready to turn back, he saw a gleam of sunlight in the distance. Following it, he found an exit.

Sometimes when I am in the middle of the darkest trials or I am facing temptations, I look around and have difficulty believing there is a way out. I fail to look up. I tend to look at my circumstance instead of looking to the One who can lead me through the difficulty. I have to remind myself to lookup and follow the Light. When I do, God is faithful to lead me.

Lord, You are faithful; and You already know the way I should go. Remind me to look to You.

January 14, 2008

Read the Bible Through
AM – Genesis 34-36 : PM - Matthew 8:18-34

FORGIVENESS COMES THROUGH CONFESSION
(Psalm 32:5)

5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Once there was a king who had suffered much from his rebellious subjects. But one day they surrendered their arms, threw themselves at his feet, and begged for mercy. He pardoned them all. One of his friends said to him, "Did you not say that every rebel should die?" "Yes," replied the king, "but I see no rebels here."

The word “Selah” in our passage means “This is true.”
It is true that when David confessed his sin with genuine repentance and no longer denied the evil of his rebellious actions that God forgave him.

It is also true that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Lord, Wash me thoroughly And cleanse me from my sin.
(Psalm 51:2)

Jan. 13, 2008

Read the Bible Through
AM – Genesis 32-33 : PM - Matthew 8:1-17

PROMISE OF DIVINE GUIDANCE
FORGIVENESS LEADS TO TRUST AND OBEDIENCE
(Psalm 32:8-11)

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Last night a member of our church ask the church to pray for her family as they will soon make an important decision concerning a job offer. After the service I asked to share the following blessing with her from Psalm 38:8 – “May the Lord instruct you and teach you in the way you should go and guide you with His eye.”

Someone has compared life to a medical prescription. The pharmacist mixes the ingredients and produces medicine that will help you get well. If you took those ingredients separately, or if you changed the proportions, you might do irreparable damage, or even cause death. God knows how to mix the ingredients of life.

We know in part, but God knows fully and completely. And one day, when we see Jesus Christ, God will show us the whole picture. Then we will understand the meaning of “I will guide you with my eye.” so-called tragedies of life.

Lord, thank you for guiding my life in the direction of your will.

Jan. 12, 2008

Read the Bible Through
AM - Genesis 30-31 : PM - Matthew 7:15-29

PUT THAT ON MY ACCOUNT
Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:2).

We don’t use the word “Impute” much any more. It literally means “to put on one’s account.”

When I enrolled in college I had no idea how I was going to pay my housing costs and tuition. At that time tuition and room and board cost about the same. I knew I was going to have to pay it all, but I had only saved up enough to pay for half of it. When I got to the registration line I found out that a Business Man in Tulsa had contacted the school and paid over $4,500. He paid my debt, the entire year of tuition and books and promised to pay the same each year if I would earn and keep a 3.5 grade average. His money was imputed to my account.

All my life I thought if ever I was going to dwell in heaven, I would have to deserve it. My life would have to be good enough. In other words, I would have to pay an admission price of good works to enter the door of heaven. I was amazed to learn that it’s no so! I don’t have to pay for it. Jesus already paid for it and I can have eternal life as a gift. That is the Gospel, the good news of the Christian faith: God offers heaven to us as a gift. Heaven is free to us because it was paid for by Christ.

Lord, thank you for imputing my sin debt onto your account

Jan. 11, 2008

Read the Bible Through
AM - Genesis 28-29 : PM Matthew 7:1-14

Calling Evil Good
Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:2).

The Bible uses the word “Iniquity” to speak of sin. “Iniquity” means to “call good evil and evil good”

My niece sent me the following story which I feel describes “iniquity” in the life of a child.
Little Carol’s birthday was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell her mother what she wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday."

Now, Carol was a bit of a troublemaker. She had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Carol's mother asked her if she thought she deserved to get a bike for her birthday. Little Carol, of course, thought she did.

Carol's mother recommended that she write a letter to God and tell him why she deserved a bike for her birthday. Little Carol stomped up the steps to her room and sat down to write God a letter.

LETTER 1: Dear God:
I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one.
Your friend,
Carol

Carol knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year, so she tore up the letter and started over.

LETTER 2: Dear God:
This is your friend Carol. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I would like a red bike for my birthday.

Thank you,
Carol

Carol knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started again.

LETTER 3: Dear God:
I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good girl if you just send me a red bike for my birthday.

Thank you,
Carol

Carol knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother she wanted to go to church. Carol's mother thought her plan had worked and that Carol was going to ask God to forgive her for being bad and to help her to be better.

Carol walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked she say a statue of the Virgin Mary. Looking around and seeing no one there, she picked up the statue and ran out of the church, into her house, and up to her room. She shut the door and sat down and wrote her letter to God.

LETTER 4: I GOT YOUR MAMA. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE. Signed,
YOU KNOW WHO

Too often we are like little Carol. We present ourselves as being better than we really know we are. Then we try to bargain with God to get what we want.

Lord, help me to recognize and admit that I am not as good as I could be.

Jan. 10, 2008

Read the Bible Through
AM - Genesis 25-27 : Matthew 6:19-34

STEPPING OVER THE LINE
Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1).

One of the words that the Bible uses to describe sin is “TRANSGRESSION.” It means to “step outside the boundary.”

Last night as I watched LSU and Ohio State play for National Football Championship. A defensive back for Ohio State intercepted an LSU pass returned it down the sideline 45 yards for a touchdown. The LSU fans were delirious. The players where “Body Bumping” one another. The coaches were congratulating one another. Then there was silence. The referee announced the player had stepped out of bounds near the 15 yard line. This meant that there was no touchdown.

It is against NCAA rules to step across the sideline when running with the ball. Once you step outside the line, everything else you do is for naught.

That is the way it is in man’s life. God has given us some guidelines and when we step outside those lines we negate all our efforts to please Him. But, just like in a football game, we are given another chance. Oh yes, there is a setback but God forgives if we will admit to Him we were out of bounds and gives us another opportunity.

Thank You God, for forgiving my transgressions and help me to for give those who transgress against me.

Jan. 9, 2008

Read the Bible Through

AM - Genesis 23-24 : PM - Matthew 6:1-18

MISSING THE MARK

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1).

There are several words that describe “sin” in the Bible. One word is “sin.” It’s basic meaning is “falling short or missing the mark.” This word implies that we are created for great and godly ways, but we fall short of the goal and miss not only the bulls-eye of the target but miss the target altogether.

A mountaineer had the reputation as the best shot in the county. This reputation was based on the targets on trees that had his initials on them. Each target had a bullet hole dead center. One day someone learned the secret of his accuracy. The man fired at a tree; then he drew a target with the bullet hole in the center. All of us could be crack shots if we used his approach to shooting.

The moral and spiritual equivalent to this is to judge our selves by our own standards rather than by God’s. We are missing His target but hitting our own target dead center.

Father, I confess today that I have missed the mark of Your high calling for my life. Thank You for covering that sin with the blood of your Son.