May 1, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 5-6 : PM – Luke 12:1-12

Faithfulness
Jeremiah 35:18-19

18 "And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you , 19 therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever."'”

Did it ever occur to even on Rechabite to question commitment to faithfulness? If the Rechabites were human – and they were – quite possibly some did question. They weren’t perfect; they were just committed to obedience regardless. If they did question, their questions perhaps emerged from hearts of faith like Mary, who simply believed what was happening was for good and not harm and remained faithful regardless.

The Rechabites were similarly committed. And God promised to bless them, too. Their descendants would always have one to stand before God.

Lord, thank You for whatever You allow You have already provided what I need to remain faithful

April 30, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 3-4 : PM – Luke 11:29-54

Obedience
Jeremiah 35:12-17

16 "Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me.”

I have seen it happen so many times. Little children running ahead of mother or father and stumbling to the pavement. They were told to hold their parent’s hand, and they could help them not to fall. But they would not listen. They would run off again, stumble and fall again.

The people of Judah, unlike the obedient Rechabites, habitually pulled away from the commands of God. They refused to listen. They ran off to do their own thing. Idolatry became so ingrained they couldn’t distinguish between true and false worship. God called to them time and again; but they never wholeheartedly took His hand saying, “God is right!”

The Rechabites were more obedient to the Lord than were the people of Judah. Not to listen was not an option for them.

Lord, sensitize me so, as with the Rechabites, listening to You and obeying is my only option.

April 29, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 1-2 : PM – Luke 11:14-28

Obedience
Jeremiah 35:8-10

8 "Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters”

The Rechabites simply obeyed. So did their children. And grandchildren. And great-grandchildren. What a heritage.
A young woman invited Jesus into her life 80 years ago. The next Sunday she began teaching in Sunday School. Thus began her life of obedience to the Lord’s commands that lasted until she was 96. She left behind 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grand-children, and 7 great-greats, repeatedly challenging them to obey the Lord’s commands. What a heritage of obedience she set when she accepted God’s claims on her life at the age of 16.

What’s your challenge? To start the chain by committing your life to Christ and beginning a life of obedience to His commands? Or to live up to the spiritual heritage passed on to you?

Lord, may I be an example of obedience that honors You.

April 28, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 30-31 : PM – Luke 11:1-13

Resistance to Temptation
Jeremiah 35:1-7

6 But they said, "We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, 'You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever.’”

What made the Rechabites stand firm and refuse to drink wine? Apparently prior commitment to what was expected of them as Rechabites held them steady.

Regardless of the temptation, resisting boiled down to prior commitment. Jesus is our supreme example. Long before Satan’s attacks in the desert, Jesus’ mind was made up. Jesus had taken to heart His Father’s commands. Prior commitment held Him steady.

So it is with me. Prior commitment to reading God’s Word, studying, memorizing, then drawing on that great reservoir of strength equips me to resist, what ever form temptation takes. My challenge is to live up to God’s expectations of me.

What about you? What’s your strategy? No doubt, knowledge of God’s Word and commitment to His expectations hold you steady, too. If not, they can.

Heavenly Father, write Your Word on my heart and mind; so I can stand strong and live up to Your expectations.

April 27, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 28-29 : PM – Luke 10:25-42

Bread for Eternal Life
John 6:53-58

58 "This is the bread which came down from heaven--not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever."

The eight-year –old boy waits impatiently as his mother buys a loaf of French bread. When he sees the merchant wrap it in newsprint with a large picture of bread on it, a huge smile breaks out.

The boy grabs the newsprint from his mother and runs through the open-air market to a man sitting at a table. “Here’s my paper,” he says, “I am here for my prize.” The prize was a single Bible story written in own language. The evangelist keeps records on which stories are read. Each story has a study sheet. When all 14 sheets are complete, the person has the privilege of viewing the Jesus film in his own village.

Physical bread satisfies for one day at a time. Jesus is the Bread that satisfies not just day in and day out, but once and for all. The young lad would return on other days to learn other Bible stories. What a blessing it would be for this lad to be the one to bring the gospel to his village.

Lord, help me to take living Bread to my village.

April 26, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 26-27 : PM – Luke 10:1-24

Living Bread
John 6:47-51

51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

Believing God had called them to become career missionaries, the Caroll Townsend’s family took the necessary steps to be appointed. Each of them had a complete physical at the International Learning Center. One of the medical tests involved drawing blood. Their youngest son was not thrilled at that prospect. They assured him it was not painful. Caroll stood beside him as he gingerly stretched his arm for the nurse. When the procedure was over, the boy said, “Dad, am I now a missionary?” That young man was willing to give his blood to go tell others, in a foreign country, about Christ.

Jesus was confident about the words He spoke. He knew the cross was the only means of redeeming a lost world. He would go to the cross alone. Jesus would give His life for your life and mine. He knew, by giving His life, living Bread would be available to all who believe.

Lord, thank You for redeeming me.

April 25, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 24-25 : PM – Luke 9:46-62

Bread of God
John 6:32-35

33 "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

Returning to seminary for his doctorate was truly a time of dependence upon the Lord. His pickup truck was 24-years old. As you might guess, finances were tight. One day, following school and his part-time job, he came home expecting a home-cooked meal. His wife informed him that there was little in the pantry. Would they have to borrow money from their mother or do the unthinkable: charge their groceries? Neither option seemed good.

About that time, a knock came from the front door. A dear friend was standing there with arms full of grocery bags. And there were more in her car. An endless volume of groceries. Came from her heart and home.

While our mealtimes are a source of short-term pleasure, the Bread of God gives everlasting life. The Bread of God comes from heaven. Only the Creator of the universe can offer us heavenly sustenance. This Bread of God is Jesus Himself. Only a God-sent Savior can transform a life.

Thank You, God, for Your Bread – the Giver of Life.

April 24, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 22-23 : PM – Luke 9:18-45

Bread from Heaven
John 6:28-31

31 "Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

The news was not what they expected. His wife’s breast cancer had returned. After 16 years of remission, it had spread. The first Sunday back from Houston they found themselves in a restaurant discussing how they were going to deal with this news. As they finished their meal, they asked for the check. The waitress handed him a guest check with these words written one it: “What a mighty God we serve. God bless and happy Easter!” They looked for the couple who met their need, but they had already departed. They were humbled and grateful. This was a confirmation God was in control.

The waitress informed them that their meal was paid for. In the midst of any desert experience, we can turn our eyes and hearts to the only One who gives life. Manna was given to the Israelites as a daily reminder of God’s provision. Total dependence is the cure for a self-satisfied life. When God touches a life, brings a light surprise, or answers prayer, grateful thoughts should turn to Him.

Lord, I depend on You.

April 23, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 20-21 : PM – Luke 9:1-17

Food that Endures
John 6:24-27

27 "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

The woman was in a coma, brought on by a brain aneurysm. She was in her mid-50’s. As I turned the corner to the ICU room, I spotted her husband reading the Bible to her. He said, “Listen, honey to what God says in Psalm 23.” I stood silently by, praying. Moments later he told me her prognosis was not good. But he had faith God was going to heal her. Before I could say more, he turned to Psalm 24 and began to read again. His entire focus was on his wife; while his heart was turned to God. As tears began to form in my eyes, I was reminded that this friend had just recently accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. It had taken this event to bring salvation.

Life is without purpose unless Jesus has preeminence. That life which Jesus gives is adequate to meet every crisis, is a balm to soothe the hurting heart, and is meat to satisfy the hungry soul.

Lord, thank You for Your spiritual that endures.

April 22, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 18-19 : PM – Luke 8:40-56

Bread for the Multitudes
John 6:1-13

5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"

The church was packed with people. It was the last day the American missions’ team would be in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. People came from the neighborhood and the nearby favela (poor section). Spiritual decisions were made for eternity. The pastor announced a fellowship meal would follow the service. I looked around and saw no one holding a covered dish! Was he thinking of taking the crowd to a corner bakery or grocery store? No restaurant was in the vicinity. Then to our amazement, pews were moved to the corners; tables were brought in, and dozens of ladies walked in with bread, fruit, and other delightful dishes.

The situation seemed hopeless. The task was overwhelming. There was an overflow of people to feed. But Jesus was an “overcomer in any situation!” Savior. May we never question the One who is called the Bread of Life. May we answer correctly when asked about our commitment to Jesus.

Lord, You supply my every need. You are sufficient.

April 21, 2008

The Bread of Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 16-17 : PM – Luke 8:19-39

Bread That Satisfies
Isaiah 55:2-3

2 “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance”

“I cannot leave until I get back my most favorite possession.” Being considerate, the usher handed the lady his Bible to use during the morning worship service. During the service, he paced back and forth. Fortunately he was in the foyer! When the last amen was said, he raced to where the lady was sitting, thanked her for coming, and took back his Bible. His notes, multiple prayer requests, and personal mementoes. It helped him follow Jesus, the Bread of Life.

We should focus on that which satisfies. Have you ever bought an item you were dissatisfied with? Did you wish you had not made that purchase? Did you wish to return it? Isaiah called believers to eat that “which is good.” That which God provides is good; it satisfies – never needing to be returned.

Lord, nothing satisfies my soul like You.

April 20, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 14-15 : PM – Luke 8:1-18

Enthroned by God
Acts 2:29-36

30 “Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne”

Travel back in time with me to resurrection Sunday. Jesus had already paid the price for our sins and had emerged from the tomb, free from the bonds of death. He was now walking with His disciples in resurrection victory. So why didn’t He remain on the earth? With limitless power and authority, He could have established a worldwide reign. Sickness and hunger could have been practically abolished. Peace would be the norm. War and conflict would have ceased.

Jesus didn’t leave heaven in order to create an earthly throne for Himself. Rather, He came for the purpose of inheriting a spiritual throne. His supreme goal, even today, is to establish His reign in our hearts. He wants to bring us spiritual health, satisfy our inner hunger, and overcome the enemies in our lives. He desires to bring all conflict to an end and deliver an enduring peace.

Lord, may Your kingdom be a reality in my life today.

April 19, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 11-13 : PM – Luke 7:36-50

Inspiring Belief
John 11:45-46

45 “Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him,”

As one crosses the bay bridge in Oakland, California, there are warning signs with blinking yellow lights. When heavy fog descends on the bay, drivers have difficulty seeing clearly. If they are not careful, they will likely have an accident.

Many who viewed the miracles of Jesus were able to observe His divinity and understand He was the Messiah. They saw; therefore, they believed. Why didn’t others who witnessed the same events believe in Jesus? Sin and misplaced priorities had created a fog. They were unable to see clearly and were in danger of suffering a tragic, spiritual accident.

God speaks to your heart, often using Scriptures, to send warning signs you are in an emotional or intellectual fog. Worldly matters become to important, or perhaps pride clouds your judgment. Don’t make the same mistake as those who ignored the words of Jesus. Believe in Him and His Word, so you may see clearly.

Lord, help me to be alert as I seek to walk with You.

April 18, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 9-10 : PM – Luke 7:18-35

Sovereign Over Death
John 11:43-44

44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

Imagine with me the miraculous transformations that occurred in Lazarus’ body as Jesus commanded he leave his tomb. His heart was renewed and reactivated. As life-giving blood flowed through his veins, his lungs suddenly expanded and started breathing. His decaying skin and internal organs were revived. The brain regained its ability to think and command the body’s movements. He obeyed the voice of Jesus, rose from his stony bed, and walked out into sunlight and fresh air. Each amazing detail happened simply because of the authoritative and powerful words of Jesus.
There is no doubt Jesus is the Master. If He can perform such astounding wonders, think what He can do in your daily life. He can command the unimaginable, accomplish the unachievable, and sustain during the unbearable. Allow the sovereign Lord to work in your situation. With all power and authority, He is worthy.

Lord, I rejoice that You are sovereign over life and death.

April 17, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 7-8 : PM – Luke 7:1-17

Believers Shall Live
John 11:38-42

42 "And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."

As I drive to work each morning. I often enjoy listening to my favorite radio program. I push a button on my radio, and it automatically matches my turner to the frequency of the radio station. How disappointing it is when I hit the wrong button and get a different station or, even worse, static!

Jesus was constantly and perfectly attuned to the Father. He never allowed sin to enter His life and interrupt His spiritual communication. As a result, he knew the Father heard and answered His prayers.

All too often we pick up signals from our physical desires, emotional currents, or logical frameworks instead of being focused on God. We lose that direct contact with Him. If we listen too long to these other sources, sin can enter our lives, hindering our communication.

Let’s follow Jesus example, staying perfectly attuned to God, so we can remain in close communion with Him.

Lord, please help me stay in tune with You.

April 16, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 5-6 : PM – Luke 6:12-49

Believers Shall Live
John 11:20-27

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

I have heard of many who have had near-death experiences. As their hearts stopped beating, their spirits would rise from their bodies, leaving them behind. Rapidly advancing through a dark tunnel, they felt mysteriously drawn to a glorious Light. These accounts may vary in detail, but none of them can tell “the rest of the story” because all of these people have been resuscitated.
The Bible tells us that “many . . . shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting to contempt (Dan. 12:2). Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus, the only way to eternal life , have great hope in the face of death. They simply transition from this world to a glorious, unending communion with God.

Your physical life will someday cease, at a moment unknown to you. Are you ready?

Father, thank You for the assurance of eternal life.

April 15, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 3-4 : PM – Luke 6:1-11

For the Glory of God
John 11:1-4

15 "And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."

In ministry I have crossed the paths of hundreds of Christians. Each of their testimonies has confirmed what I, too, have experienced: God often chooses to wait until the last possible moment before acting on our behalf. Sometimes, only when things appear hopeless does God intervene and open a door of opportunity.

Jesus delayed His visit to Bethany in spite of Lazarus’ mortal illness. He could have prevented His friend’s death. But Jesus had a specific reason for His decision. He wanted His disciples to believe and understand that He is the resurrection.

To wait a long time on God can be exasperating. We sometimes are on the verge of losing hope. But remember, the blessing of persevering with God is well worth it. You will know God in a deeper and richer way. God may be delaying an answer to your prayers because He wants to engrave something on your heart.

Lord, You are faithful. I will wait on You.

April 14, 2008

The Resurrection and the Life

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Samuel 1-2 : PM – Luke 5:27-39

For the Glory of God
John 11:1-4

4 "When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

Human kind is tired of being sick. Hereditary diseases and unexpected maladies continue to plague the people of the world. So the fields of science and medicine have joined forces to help free us from sickness. Genetic engineering is attempting to eliminate our tendencies toward illness.

While we can be thankful for medical advances, it is helpful to recognize God purposefully did not create us to be immune from disease. We are vulnerable for a reason. Whenever a believer is miraculously healed, God’s might is revealed; and His name is glorified. Even when people are not delivered from illness in this life, their deaths and homegoing are enough to evoke praise to the Lord. They have been given new lives with zero handicaps.

Our humanity stands in stark contrast to God’s perfection. Whether through life or death, may His name be glorified through us.

Lord, I am weak and You are strong. May Your name be praised as I lean on Your greatness.

April 13, 2008

The Good Shepherd

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ruth 3-4 : PM – Luke 5:1-26

Resurrected By God
Hebrews 13:20-21

20 "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant"

She said, “Johnny, we’re going to have to get out in the yard. I knew what she meant. Dig in the dirt. Trim bushes. Get some plants in the ground. It meant dirty hands and hoe-handle blister. It meant stir up new life. I wasn’t real anxious to get started; but, somehow, I knew I would. Just a month ago everything was withered – no movement, trees stark and barren, grass brown and dead. Now life is “busting out all over.” Spring again is daring to shout that Easter is a reality in all of life. God is at it again.

The writer of Hebrews said it all in a lovely closing prayer. He affirmed that the Great Shepherd, who died for the sheep, was raised from the dead. Just a short time before, there seemed no hope; and only God could do anything about it. Now the Shepherd is alive. Now there’s peace. Now the winter of eternal death has become the spring of eternal life.

Lord, make me perfect in every good work to do Your will.

April 12, 2008

The Good Shepherd


Read the Bible through:
AM – Ruth 1-2 : PM – Luke 4:33-44

Protects His Sheep
John 10:28-30

28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."

In today’s passage, Jesus declared that those who belong to His flock are given eternal life. And it’s guaranteed. He holds us securely in His hand. What a beautiful picture! It hangs in my heart. I love it too.

What a great blessing it is to have a Shepherd like our Lord Jesus. Knowing and experiencing His love that has no limits and His power that keeps and protects us should humble us—to think that He would want to care for us.

How can I ever praise You enough, Lord, for such grace.

April 11, 2008

The Good Shepheard

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 21 : PM – Luke 4:14-32

Guides His Sheep
John 10:22-27

27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”

Years ago, to a bunch of young preachers, a well-known college president declared: “The best way to judge the success or failure of your work will be an honest answer to the question, ‘How much more like Jesus are my members now than they were when I first became their pastor?”

I don’t know how those young leaders felt, but that speaks volumes to my heart. My role, as an undershepherd, is to help my folks become like Jesus. Isn’t that God’s goal for all of us?

Jesus had plainly said who He was. But many Jews had shut their eyes and ears to the truth. It wasn’t that they couldn’t; they just wouldn’t accept Him as their Messiah, Instructor, Guide, and Shepherd. By this they proved they were not His sheep, because His sheep hear His voice. He knows them and they follow Him.

Lord, help me prove whose I am by the way I hear You and follow Your guidance.

April 10, 2008

The Good Shepheard

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 19-20 : PM – Luke 4:1-13

Brings Sheep Together
John 10:14-16

16 “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd”

Last year my wife and daughter had the opportunity to visit China. Sure, they enjoyed the tourist attractions; but their deepest impressions came from the talking with the Chinese. They found Chinese Christians united as one. Persecuted for decades, they had found most things that divide Christians relatively unimportant. Free again to worship openly, their joy was boundless.

Exclusiveness is hard to overcome. When I was young it was easy for us to exclude all who weren’t “our kind.” So it was with the Jewish religious leaders who “took up stones” against Jesus (John 10:31). They were God’s chosen people. How dare He declare God loved others! But that’s what He said: “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd”
Our unity comes not because we are forced into this flock. Our unity comes when we hear the same voice and follow the same Shepherd.

Lord, help me to lead others into Your fold.

April 9, 2008

The Good Shepheard

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 17-18 : PM – Luke 3:21-38

He Gives His life
John 10:7-13

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep”

Would you voluntarily put your life on the line to rescue somebody? I could hope I would, but I’m really not sure. There are thousands of people, however, who do risk their lives for the lives of others such as the brave firefighters who knew they were in jeopardy yet went into the World Trade Towers anyhow.

A friend of mine gave one of her own kidneys to a brother who desperately needed it. It may not be quite the same, but she was fully aware of the risk. It is very serious thing.

In the days of Jesus, shepherds were men who had literally grown up keeping sheep. They had learned a shepherd sometimes must fight off dangerous predators to save the sheep, often at grave risk to their own lives. This marked the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling. Jesus is the true Shepherd, and He proved His love by laying down His life for us.

Father, there is no greater love than this. Help me today, at least, to love my brothers and sisters.

April 8, 2008

The Good Shepheard

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 16 : PM – Luke 3:1-20

Calls His Sheep by Name
John 10:1-6

3 “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out”

“What’s the number of your children?” the census taker asked, busily filling out his forms. “They don’t have numbers,” the mother adamantly replied. They have names! I’ll tell you their names.” Well hooray for her! I like that. Folk whom we love aren’t numbers.

I am so gad I’m not just a number to God. I’m a real-live person with a face; with joys and sorrows; with needs, such as hungers and fears. The psalmist said, “We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Ps. 100:3). Our devotional passage today says that He calls His sheep by name. He knows my needs, my capabilities, and limitations. And He loves me all the same. I’m a child of the King. I’m somebody. And He knows my name. He also knows yours.

Precious shepherd, I’m so glad You know me personally. Help me to be worthy of that honor.

April 7, 2008

The Good Shepherd

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 13-15 : PM – Luke 2:41-52

Feeds the Sheep
Ezekiel 34:22-24

23 “I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them-My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd”

To “lick the pan” was a delight of our growing-up years. Mom would never wash a bowl in which a delicious bit of her cuisine had been mixed without calling us kids in to lick it clean. Even now, no matter what time we arrive for a visit, comes the inevitable question: “Are you hungry?” This is Mom’s way of saying “I love you.”

God also had a love for His people Israel. The false shepherds, who didn’t really love them, had scattered God’s flock. Ezekiel envisioned a time when God would, from the seed of His servant David, provide a true shepherd for His sheep. The immediate fulfillment of that prophecy, of course, was their return from exile. We now know, however, that Shepherd was Jesus. From the seed of David, He claimed to be the faithful Shepherd who would love and feed his sheep. Are you spiritually hungry? Come on and lick the pan. It’s good.

Lord, You are the source of every delicious morsel of spiritual food that satisfies the deepest hunger of my heart.

April 6, 2008

The Light of the World

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 10-1 : PM – Luke 21-40

Producing Fellowship
1 John 1:6-7

6 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth”

As dwellings go these days, our house is modest; but it’s ours and we enjoy it. It is filled with mementos –lamps, figurines, paintings, and plaques – all with stories. Most of them call to mind a church, a revival, a conference where we’ve been uniquely blessed to serve. They’re just things; but they whisper of love, joys, sorrows, pleasures of gracious fellowship with the Lord and His sweet followers who have loved Him during our 40 years of ministry.

Such is the sweet cleansing fellowship people have who walk in the light with Him and one another. Many of the new praise choruses we sing today bless my life. I like them. But I like the old songs, too. One of them we don’t sing much anymore speaks of today’s theme. “How beautiful to walk in the step of the Savior, Stepping in the light, Stepping in the light, How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior, Led in paths of light.”

Lord, thank you for the sweet fellowship of Your presence and of Your people this day and every day.

April 5, 2008

The Light of the World

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 9 : PM – Luke 2:1-20

No Darkness At All
1 John 1.5

5 "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all”

Last year a preacher friend was blacked out for 12 days because of a severe ice storm. He asked his wife to say in three words what darkness meant to her. She didn’t need sentences, only words: “Trouble! Trouble! Trouble!” She meant no heat, no water, no lights, spoiled food in the freezer, and not even gasoline at the pumps – trouble!

But where God is, there is no blackout. He gave light of another kind – light of a loving son and daughter-in-law, who worked in the darkness and cold to inventory spoiled food and do other things to care for aging parents. He also gave light through members of an interim pastorate the preacher was temporarily serving. A warm parsonage generously furnished and opened to him; meals with members; dozens of expressions of kindness from people who knew, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these” (Matt. 25:40). The pastor and his wife never felt so loved! Though they were without electricity, they never lacked for light or warmth because the love of God was all around them.

Lord, help me to share Your light and warmth with others.

April 4, 2008

The Light of the World


Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 7-8 : PM – Luke 1:57-80

From Judgment
John 9:36-41

39 "And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind. ”

Only the Lord can give men spiritual eyes to see their lost and ruined condition. Only the Lord can show men the holy wrath of God against their sin. Only the Lord can reveal the glory of a beaten, scourged, and crucified Christ. Only the Lord can give men a revelation of the exalted risen Christ, ruling the universe and providing for, protecting, and caring for His redeemed. Without this revelation, no man will come to Christ in saving faith.

Have your eyes been opened to see the glorious person and work of the blessed Son of God?

The coming of Jesus brought judgment to the world. The way we relate to Him is a judgment. If we’d rather have darkness than light because our deeds are evil, we condemn ourselves (John 3:19). Moreover, the more we learn of Him, who is the Light, the greater our condemnation (judgment) if we do not receive Him.

Lord, today I want my eyes to be wide open to the loveliness of Your presence. Help me reflect Your light to all I contact.

April 3, 2008

The Light of the World

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 6 : PM – Luke 1:39-56

From God
John 9:32-35

32"Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."

The doctor, exhausted from hours of effort to save her, had just pronounced the verdict. “It’s hopeless,” he said. “We’ve done all we know to do I don’t think she’s going to live.” What a blow! As he walked away, head bowed in defeat, I put my arms around her pale stunned parents and prefaced a prayer with these words: “Aren’t we glad the doctor doesn’t have the last word?” God always has the last word.

In today’s scripture the argument was undeniable. The man was born blind; his parents said so. But he surely could see now, and Jesus had done it. The man testified to that. But no one had ever heard of anybody opening eyes of such a person. God alone could do a thing like that. He alone had the last word. The inescapable conclusion? Jesus had to be from God – the very thing these Scribes and Pharisees, with spiritually blind eyes, were determined not to see. How sad!

Lord, forgive me for sometimes deliberately shutting my eyes to things that are so plain.

April 2, 2008

The Light of the World

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 4-5 : PM – Luke 1:26-38

Giving Sight to the Blind
John 9:11

11 "He answered and said, ‘A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received sight.’”

It was budget appropriation time in the state senate. The chaplain, was invited to join the governor and senators for a dinner and special presentation given by the Arkansas School for the Blind. He marveled at the things the blind students did to entertain them. A thought, however, kept running through his mind. Without the loving influence of Jesus, no one would care a whit for these sight-impaired people. But the legislature was getting the credit for it.

He knew ultimately only Jesus can give sight. This is true, whether it is physical, as with the man born blind, or spiritual, as with those questioning him in order to trap Jesus. Sight is great; insight is greater. Jesus gives both.

Keep my eyes wide open today, Lord, that I may not only behold the beauty of Your wonderful world, but that I may not miss knowing who Your really are.

April 1, 2008

The Light of the World

Read the Bible through:
AM – Judges 1-3 : PM – Luke 1:1-25

Revealing God’s Works
John 9:1-7

3 "Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."

Deep in Mammoth Cave one day, our tour guide announced he was going to demonstrate the complete absence of light. He warned it might be a bit frightening. He flipped a switch. Total darkness was almost overwhelming. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. Out of the darkness came the frightened whimper of a little girl. Instantly there came the reassuring voice of her brave, big brother: “Don’t be afraid, Sis. There’s someone down here who can turn the light on!”

When Jesus opened the eyes of the man born blind, He declared this poor man’s condition was neither caused by his sin nor that of his parents (a common belief of His day), but to give evidence there’s always One who can turn the light on for these who believe.

Oh Lord, keep us reminded that even our afflictions afford opportunities to prove Your power and your loving compassion.