July 1, 2008

Good News! Saved by Grace


Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezra 1-2 : PM – Acts 1

CALLED INTO GRACE
Galatians 1:6-7

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

Do you like to receive invitations? You may be bombarded with invitations to donate money to a variety of causes. But how about an invitation to join a dear friend at dinner? Or to attend a sports event? Or to meet a famous person? Jesus said to a young man, just as He says to us, “Come and follow me” (Matt. 19:21). This is an invitation to participate in “the grace of Christ” and thereby to experience the joy of sins forgiven as well as the assurance of eternal life.

I suppose I’ve never met a world –famous person; but I’ve met and followed Jesus Christ. He has walked with Margie and me through 40 years of ministry.

If you have never experienced His grace, why not accept His invitation to follow Him now?

Father, thank You for Your daily grace and goodness. Grant that I may come to appreciate it more and more.

June 30, 2008

Good News! Saved by Grace

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 35-36 : PM – John 21

DELIVERED FROM EVIL
Galatians 1:1-5

4 Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

The Hawkins were driving the children home from the American Community School in west Beirut in the late 1970’s during the Lebanese civil war. As they drove east through the city to get to their home in the hills they heard shooting behind them. Every time they advanced block it seemed the shooting advances as well. Their daughter asked, “Do you feel as if a net is closing behind us?” Being one block ahead of the moving battle saved them.

We are all sinners in need of deliverance from the net Satan tries to throw around us. Only Jesus can keep the way to safety open. He did it by giving “himself for our sins.” He wants to deliver us from the nets of Satan in “this present evil age.”

Father, grant that I may be aware of Satan’s nets; but always keep me one block ahead, out of his reach, by Your grace and power.

June 29, 2008

Worshiping God

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 33-34 : PM – John 20:19-31

WHO LIVES FOREVER
Revelation 5:13-14

14 Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

As a child, I thought my parents would live forever. As a teenager, I thought I would live forever. Having buried my father, I now know vividly how wrong I was as a child. And long ago, I realized how wrong I was as a teenager about myself. Human mortality has become for me an accepted fact. By contrast, God, whom we worship, does live forever.

Most people would like to live longer. News reports revealed that following the death of Ted Williams, his body was frozen in anticipation that science in the future might develop the ability either to thaw him back to life or use tissue from his body to clone him.

God, who is eternal, offers us His kind of life – eternal life. Our worship celebrates the gift to us of His life. Meaningful worship tightens the grip of our faith upon our hope of sharing God’s life in eternity.

Thank You, Father, that You designed me in Your image for the life of eternity and have guaranteed eternal life to me through the Lord Jesus Christ.

June 28, 2008

Worshiping God

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 32 : PM – John 20:1-18

WITH ANGLES
Revelation 5:11-12

11 “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands"

When I was a child, my grandmother Nantz had a framed picture of a young boy and girl walking across a crude footbridge. As I recall, several slats were missing. A ravine stretched below. One could sense immediately the impending danger. However, the artist had painted the figure of an angel just above the children. The angel’s outstretched arms suggested unseen protection. That picture was my first remembered encounter with the idea of angels. The Bible furnishes me with my last picture of angels – thousands of angels, all engaged in heavenly worship.

Each Sunday that our congregation sings the traditional “Doxology,” we call on all creatures “here below” and all “heavenly host” above to join in praising God. Our worship can be heightened when we envision that angels are in heaven doing simultaneously what we are doing on earth.

Father, in concert with angels I worship You.

June 27, 2008

Worshiping God

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 30-31 : PM – John 19:17-42

THROUGH CHRIST’S SACRIFICE
Revelation 5:6-10

9 “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands"

Sunday Mornings at Spring Valley Baptist Church reminds me of “every kindred, and tongue, and people” that Christ’s sacrifice has touched.

One Sunday morning the congregation worshiped together with participants singing the same songs but in their own native languages. The mixture of languages and cultures in our worship here below is a preview of the more perfect worship that will occur in heaven. Then all God’s people from all the ages and out of all earth’s places and cultures will celebrate Christ’s sacrifice, through which all of us can come before God regardless of language, culture, or race.

Lord, thank You for the cross where I find common ground with people who are like me and with those different from me.

June 26, 2008

Worshiping God

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 28-29 : PM – John 19:1-16

THROUGH CHRIST’S WORTHINESS
Revelation 5:1-5

5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."

A strong angel probed heaven and earth for one worthy to open a sealed scroll. Amid weeping that no worthy person could be found, someone pointed attention to Jesus. The elder declared Jesus worthy to loose the seals and open the scroll.

When believers pray and worship, we are able to come before God because of Jesus’ worthiness.

Her testimony was that prior to her conversion she felt utterly unworthy to enter church. Most of her adult years had been lived in pursuit of worldly pleasure. Her moral standards were almost nonexistent. When a funeral or wedding forced her into church, she felt dirty and unfit. Christ changed everything when He forgave her sins. His worthiness made her worthy to worship God.

Thank You, Father, for making me worthy to worship You.

June 25, 2008

Worshiping God

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 26-27 : PM – John 18

WITH THANKSGIVING
Psalm 100:3-5

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Imagine worshipers approaching Jerusalem on foot. The temple looms ahead. Beyond the gates lie the temple courts, one for women and another for men. The people exhort one another to enter the courts with praise. Both the gates and the courts belong to God. When the people leave the courts and exit the gates, they will be better people because they worshiped God that day.

Mrs. Jackson had lived through a difficult week. Had her husband lived, he would have celebrated a birthday that week. Utility bills were higher than usual. Her closest friend had entered the hospital. A phone call had brought the news that her daughter could not come for the weekend. She hardly felt like entering the sanctuary. As she joined in singing, she began to feel uplifted. Her thoughts left the week past; she was reminded of God’s greatness and goodness. She left church feeling renewed.

Remind me this day, O God, to voice a prayer of thanksgiving regardless of my circumstances.

June 24, 2008

Worshiping God


Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 24-25 : PM – John 17

WITH GLADNESS
Psalm 100:1-2

2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Singing and gladness are hallmarks of genuine worship. Ideally, the two are intermingled. Gladness produces singing, Singing can cause people to experience gladness. Also, service to God and His people originates in a glad heart. The old idea of singing while you work has no more noble a setting than when the work is God’s work.

Worship styles are a matter of debate. One church may be the model of order and polish. Every part of its worship appears carefully planned. The printed order of worship flows like clockwork. People can set their watches by the length of the pastor’s sermons. Another church lacks smoothness; and at times its worship order appears spontaneous. If not ragged. In either style of worship, countenances can glow as people express joy of the Lord. Why? Because gladness is a matter of the heart. And God’s people can express gladness in any worship style.

Create in me a glad heart, O Lord, and let it rub off on others.

June 23, 2008

Worshiping God

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 22-23 : PM – John 16

BECAUSE THE LORD REIGNS
1 Chronicles 16:31-33

31 “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, ‘The LORD reigns.’”

People of faith recognize and honor God for life’s grand experiences. She had raised one of her sons to adulthood, but he had never come to personal faith in Christ. The often-raised prayers of a godly mother persisted. Years later, her son made his public profession of faith in our little church. Seeing him at the altar, she raised her hands and shouted at the top of her voice, praising the Lord for His faithfulness.

Bringing the ark of God to its newly prepared lodging in Jerusalem occasioned high praise. In the span of three verses, David called out for the created universe to join in praise to God. David invited the people to join the heavens above and the earth beneath in declaring, “The Lord reigns.” The thought of the Lord’s reign demanded that the sea and all that filled it to roar, and the fields and all that inhabit them to join the rejoicing. Even the trees should sin out at the Lord’s presence.

Lord God, give me a fresh vision of Your majestic reign on high and faithfulness to answer prayers here below.

June 22, 2008

Fellowshipping Together

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 20-21 : PM – John 15

SERVING ONE GOD
Ephesians 4:6

6 “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

The crowning truth that attaches to Christian oneness is the nature of God Himself, who is the Father of all who are His children by faith in Christ. The one God is transcendent. He also is present with and pervasive through His creation. God also dwells within all believers. The church is a fellowship of believers in the service of the one true God.

A factory that manufactures cars employs a variety of skilled workers. All along the assembly line workers perform different tasks. However, the tasks are not randomly done. All the workers fit into a pre-designed process for producing a particular kind of vehicle. In a sense, everyone works in the service of the end product.

Local congregations are different, just as individual Christians are different. We do not all do exactly the same tasks or do church work the same way, but we do all serve the same God.

Dear God, help me be a team player at my church while appreciating the contributions that everyone else makes in God’s service.

June 21, 2008

Fellowshipping Together

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 17-19 : PM – John 14

SHARING ONE FAITH
Ephesians 4:5

5 “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

Paul set forth another trio of truths about Christian oneness. The one Lord is the Lord Jesus Christ. The one faith is our common way of coming to that one Lord. The one baptism is the appointed way for confessing publicly the one faith in the one Savior. All Christians have in common a personal, saving faith in Jesus.

On a given Sunday I can look around at my church family. Some members of that family are rather young; others are in their senior years. The members have a wide range of educational backgrounds. Family units complete with father, mother, and children, are part of the gathered membership. Some, however, come from broken families. Many are married, but some are single. Some are retired; others are still in the midst of their work careers. Both working moms and stay-at-home moms are present. The list of differences could be extended indefinitely. However, members have in common their trust in Jesus as Savior.

Dear Savior, keep me constantly aware that as You live in me, so You live in every other member of my church, as we share one faith.

June 20, 2008

Fellowshipping Together

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 13-16 : PM – John 13

CALLED IN ONE HOPE
Ephesians 4:4

4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.”

Paul set forth three doctrinal truths in Ephesians 4:4 – one body, one spirit, and one hope. The one body is the body of Christ, the church, composed of all true believers throughout all time and in all places. The one spirit is the Holy Spirit. The same spirit indwells all Christians and binds us together in oneness. The one hope is the shared and secure outcome of our calling unto Christ .

The clanging of the large bell was almost magical. Mounted at the corner of the dining hall, it called campers to dinner. At the sound of the bell, several hundred teenagers came from every direction, some from the ball fields, the porches, the hiking paths, and the swimming pool. They shared a common destination. Drawn by the bell, they streamed toward the dining hall. At the sounding of the last trumpet, all Christians will stream into heaven, having been called in one hope.

Thank You Lord, for the home laid up for us in heaven.

June 19, 2008

Fellowshipping Together

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 10-12 : PM – John 12:20-50

KEEPING THE BOND OF PEACE
Ephesians 4:1-3

3 “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

The barrel was the kind people once used to catch rainwater. Curved staves were fastened to the barrel’s base. A metal band around the middle held the staves together. Tipping the barrel on its side, my friends and I enjoyed rolling over it. The fun stopped when the band loosened and the staves fell apart. As we tried in vain to reassemble the barrel, we learned the importance of the band around the middle. We started with a strong, well-constructed barrel; but we didn’t keep it that way and couldn’t repair it when it broke.

The Holy Spirit binds believers together in the church. He creates Christian unity. We receive the Spirit’s good work and have the task of keeping what He provides. To our loss, we can fail to maintain unity in the church. When the band of peace is broken our unity falls apart. Only a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit can recreate church unity.


Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of the bond of peace.

June 18, 2008

Fellowshipping Together

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 7-9 : PM – John 12:1-19

PRAISING AND PRAISEWORTHY
Acts 2:46-47

47 “Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

The early church in Jerusalem was both subject and object. As subject, they acted. As object, they received action. One of their actions was praising God. One of the actions they received was the praise of the people. While being both praising and praiseworthy, the young church experienced the thrill of seeing others saved.

When their first child was six months old, Jay and Earlene felt an urgency to find a local church and begin attending as a family. Their membership had remained in the respective churches in which they were raised. After visiting three different churches, they found themselves drawn to one particular church. They concluded the difference had to do with the apparent depth and genuineness of the congregation’s worship. The church that drew their hearts seemed alive with praise. People sang from their hearts. Their joy in the Lord was captivating.

Lord, I pray that the spirit of praise in my church will be winsome to all who worship with us.

June 17, 2008

Fellowshipping Together

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 5-6 : PM – John 11

Generous in Sharing
Acts 2:43-45

44 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common.”

To share or not to share? The church's benevolence committee wrestled with the question. The committee had authorization from the congregation to share church funds to help members in need. Yet a particular member's request was the same as he had made three times in as many months. Evidence abounded that the family was careless, if not wasteful, with their limited income. Should church funds be used again to bail the family out of a tight situation?

A willingness to share characterized the early Jerusalem Christians. In the unity of their common life in Christ, they found themselves willing to give what they possessed to help one another. Did they ever stop to wonder if those in need deserved their help? Were they ever troubled by the same members being in need repeatedly? Did close analysis of every request for help rob them of the spontaneous joy that came through sharing generously? We don't know about individuals in Jerusalem, but we can know about ourselves.

Lord, help me respond in generosity to those around me.

June 16, 2008

Fellowshipping Together


Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 3-4 : PM – John 10:22-42

Steadfast in Fellowship
Acts 2:42

42 “They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

"A church wide fellowship will follow the evening service." Through the years I have read such an announcement in church bulletins. The thought of a church fellowship still brings quite an array of images and aromas to mind: cookies, soft drinks, freezer of homemade ice cream, slices of cold watermelon, and freshly baked cakes. The eating accompanied rich times of informal conversation and friendship building.

Most likely, none of these images came to anyone's mind when the early believers in Jerusalem practiced steadfast fellowship. The opportunity to hear instruction from Jesus' apostles and to join together in observing the Lord's Supper drew them together.

At the heart of biblical fellowship is a sharing in common of cherished spiritual realities. Our common life in Christ lies at the root of fellowship. The refreshments are enjoyable but not essential to steadfast fellowship.

Father, help me seek fellowship with other believers that centers on deep, inward, and shared spiritual realities.

June 15, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Chronicles 1-2 : PM – John 10:1-21

HELPING THE SINNER
James 5:19-20

20 “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

David was a great king. Had it not been for a man willing to intercede in David's life under God's direction, David would not have had the opportunity to continue serving. Even though God had already made a covenant with David, he committed sins that still shock us today. David did not seem to realize he had strayed from God's will for his life. God sent Nathan to wake David up spiritually. When David's eyes were opened, he was grieved and asked forgiveness. God forgave David. David dealt with the earthly consequences of his sins. Through this he was able to write beautiful psalms that have touched the lives of so many.

In today's verses, James reminded Christians of the good results of repentance of sin. When we turn from our wickedness and God's forgiveness is evidenced, God's love and grace are witnessed by the world.

Lord, when I stray please send someone to lead me back to You.

June 14, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 28-29 : PM – John 9

With Prayer
James 5:16-18

16 “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Some Christians seem to have a direct line to God when it comes to quickly answered prayers. The truth is, while their prayers may appear to be answered effortlessly, they spend hours each day in communication with God. They are true prayer warriors and righteous men and women.

Today’s verses hold the secret to this direct connect to God. Miss Bertha Smith, a long time missionary to China, knew this secret to be the confession of sins. Confession of sins leads to righteous living. Miss Bertha believed in being prayed up and confessed up. She taught hundreds of Christians how to confess sins and to pray fervently. Praying fervently means praying specifically and faithfully until an answer is received – maybe not the one we are looking for, but God’s answer.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayers.

June 13, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 25-27 : PM – John 8:12-59

As Stewards of God’s Grace
1 Peter 4:10-11

10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Luke 7:36-50 tells about a woman, known as a sinner, who became a good steward of God’s grace. She used her long hair and tears to wipe the dirt and grime away from Jesus’ road weary feet – feet soon to be nailed to a cross. When his feet were dry, she poured expensive perfume over them. The woman ministered to Jesus by using the resources she possessed. The host complained that Jesus should not even be associated with such a woman. Jesus expressed gratitude for the good stewardship of her actions.

This woman understood God loved her just as she was and had gifted her to minister to others. How privileged she was to have the opportunity to minister to Jesus, to sit at the feet of the One who loves us so. When we use our gifts to minister to others in His name, we too are sitting at His feet.

Lord, help me to be a good steward of Your grace.

June 12, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 22-24 : PM – John 8:1-11

With Fervent Charity
1 Peter 4:8-9

8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Focusing on the young minister’s grammatical errors, I found myself writing sermon notes that were more a report card than a summary of what God was saying to me. Leaving church, I felt empty and strangely guilty. I overheard a woman talking about how the minister had inspired her by his unique insights. Insights? What insights? I thought.

After pondering, I realized I had been so busy checking for dangling participles that I had missed the most important message of the sermon. God loved this young minister fervently and had chosen to use him as His vessel to reach others. I was listening with ears of clanging brass instead of ears filtered with love. God’s love does cover a multitude of sins, even my own. Peter’s words challenge me to love my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with a fervent love. God’s love enables us to judge others less and focus on His vision more.

Thank you, Lord, for fervently loving me and loving others through me.

June 11, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 20-21 : PM – John 7.37-53

Effectively
Ephesians 4:11-16

16 “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

Sylvia Sheets is well into her 90’s. Her days consist of calling to check in with home bound adults, writing cards and letters to church members in need of encouragement, and praying for her church staff and church. Sylvia does not believe God intends for us to retire from ministering. Using her unique gifts and talents, is a vital part of our church.

Not all Christians can sing in the choir or teach a class, but each of us is given a gift that fits perfectly with the gifts of others to complete the picture that is the ministry of our church. That perfect picture was designed by God.

Lord, encourage me to be an active part of Your design to effectively meet the needs of others.

June 10, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 18-19 : PM – John 7:1-36

As One Body
Romans 12:4-8

5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

She thought the annual women’s day was going to be a disaster. After all, she was in charge. Instead of being with the committee, she was running behind schedule. She just knew when she got to the church the committee would be falling apart. Frantic, she raced to the church to find everything right on schedule. She checked the details. Everything was ready and lovely, but how?

For months the prayer group had been praying. The group gifted with hospitality had arranged the luncheon. The administratively gifted folk had set up the registration and room assignments. Each woman had used her gifts to make the arrangements complete. And each woman was smiling from the joy of serving the Lord.

God taught her a lesson. She had been robbing women of the joy of service when she attempted to complete the tasks of ministry on her own. By the end of the day, each woman expressed how much more she had received from the event. There is joy in being a part of God’s team.

Thank You, Lord, for uniquely gifting each of Your children.

June 9, 2008

Ministering to Needs

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 16-17 : PM – John 6:41-71

With Joy in the Lord
Ephesians 5:18-20

19 “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

The new widow sits softly crying in her husband’s favorite chair. Tears falling, she describes to her visitor the great fears she has of living alone for the first time. The visitor’s young son stands silently watching. Slowly, he climbs into the widow’s lap and begins singing the songs he has learned in Sunday School. The widow smiles; the tears stop. She begins singing along with the child. The fears seem to melt away as she sings those familiar words, “Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so.”

When Christians praise God, the focus becomes God’s glorious power instead of our personal hurt and pain. The realization that God cares for our personal hurt and is capable and willing to heal the hurts of the heart soon follows. Our hearts and the hearts of those around us are encouraged. Psalm 150:2 tells us to “praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.” Even in the hard places of our lives, praise Him!

Lord, may my heart be filled with Your praises today.

June 8, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 12-15 : PM – John 6:16-40

Who Serve God With Their Time
Ephesians 5:11-17

16 “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Tami Kegley chose to leave her producer’s desk at KOMO 4 News in Seattle to stay at home and raise her and her husband’s two children. Giving up the career for which she had prepared was not easy for Tami, but she knew that was what she wanted.

Tami is teaching her children to honor God and sets an example for them in her own faithful service through her church. She works in Sunday School, music, FAITH, prayer ministries, and other church programs. She also uses her media and computer skills in the work of the church and association. Her pastor says, “She seized every opportunity to serve God and her family with love, commitment, and time.”

Paul emphasized the need for making the most of every opportunity and for “understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). Should not Paul’s words be a priority for all of us in these troubled times?

Dear God, lead me to use my time and energy wisely today.

June 7, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 11-12 : PM – John 6:1-15

Who Do Good
Ephesians 5:8-10

9 “But the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.”

If we listen to the media these days or read the daily newspaper, we might conclude that the whole world is corrupt: dishonest, immoral, and selfish. That assumption would be wrong. We rarely hear of the people who do the right thing in often trying situations.

One such person is Martin, a business executive whose superior suggested he not disclose certain information to the board. Martin explained he would have to answer questions truthfully. The decision could have cost him his job. He was not fired, but the work climate deteriorated. However, a short time later another employer recruited him for a better position.


Paul urged believers to “walk" [live and behave] as children of light (Eph. 5:8) because they have the nature of Christ. By so doing, they would expose the “works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11). He urged the Galatians, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Instead, they would enjoy “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23)

Lord, give me courage today to do what is right.

June 6, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 9-10 : PM – John 5:18-47

Who Avoid Wrongdoing
Ephesians 5:3-7

3 “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.”

Paul offered stern warning against immorality. The temptation to commit sin is a constant threat to believers because the old (sinful) nature is still present within. A believer’s lifestyle may lead to poor choices that ultimately result in wrongdoing. Facing temptation is a fact of life; yielding to the temptation is sin.

Sin takes many forms and tears at the very fabric of our society. What is needed is a greater awareness of the disastrous effects of sin on the lives of individuals and families. It has been said that as the family goes, so goes the nation.

How can wrongdoing be avoided? First, be assured that no temptation is so great that God cannot help one resist it (1 Cor. 10:13). Second, heed the advice of James: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:7,8)

Father, help me first to turn to You when I am tempted to disobey You.

June 5, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 7-8 : PM – John 5:1-17

Who Walk in Love
Ephesians 5:1-2

2 “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

God’s purpose of His people is that we imitate Christ in living a life of self-giving love.

Debbie fulfills multiple roles as wife, mother, laborer, teacher, counselor and “chauffeur,” to name a few. When she and her husband, Kirby, felt God’s call to minister near Seattle, they found that an increased cost of living made it necessary for Debbie to return to work. Her skills as a legal assistant took her to a downtown Seattle law firm an hour and fifteen minutes from home.

Her husband is awed by how much she gives of herself to show love for her family. She still finds time to share Christ’s love with children she teaches at church, co-workers with whom she builds relationships and often counsels, and neighbors she encourages.

“Debbie has been willing to do whatever it takes,” Kirby says, “to fulfill our call to the Seattle area.”

Lord, teach me to show more love to people in my daily walk with You.

June 4, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 5-6 : PM – John 4:43-54

Who Forgive
Ephesians 4:29-32

32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ron is a truck driver who spends his days loading and unloading goods as he delivers cargo to restaurants along his route.

This physically strong, muscular man has a tender, compassionate heart that extends kindness to others because he has personally experienced God’s love and forgiveness. When he prays a prayer of thanksgiving in a worship service, he may weep with the realization of God’s marvelous grace. Like most people, Ron has been deeply hurt by actions of others; yet he is able to forgive because he tries to imitate Christ in his walk with God.

God expects believers to live up to their new natures, practicing the virtues noted in Ephesians 4:32. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit, but wallowing in God’s love will enable us to emulate Him in loving and forgiving those who sin against us.

Father, help me to forgive others even as You have forgiven me.

June 3, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 3-4 : PM – John 4:1-42

Willing to Deny Themselves
Luke 9:23-24

23 “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’”

Randy was a successful company manager with excellent leadership abilities. He and his wife, Sharon, looked forward to enjoying early retirement. God had other plans and called them to work with overseas missions. Leaving their comfortable life, they served several years in various countries. Randy made contacts with government leaders that resulted in approval of humanitarian aid coming from Christians.

Randy and Sharon recently relocated in the states to enjoy some well-deserved retirement but not for long. They were soon asked to return to the field to head humanitarian efforts in some volatile regions. Their response? “We are on our way for the two-year assignment.”

Are you willing to do or endure whatever it takes to accomplish God’s purpose for you?

Lord, help me to be willing to follow where You lead.

June 2, 2008

Growing Disciples

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Chronicles 1-2 : PM – John 3:22-36

Of the Suffering Savior
Luke 9:21-22

22 "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day”

Laura accepted Christ at an early age. She has always been unusually perceptive and possesses deeper insight than normal for her age. She is well aware that Jesus, on the cross, paid the penalty for her sins. At night when her parents pray with her, she thanks Jesus for dying on the cross. It is a heartfelt prayer of thanks from this little seven-year-old child.

Laura wants her friends to embrace Jesus as their savior, too. This has been evident in her having led three of her classmates at school in praying to accept Jesus as their Savior. Laura does not have an adult understanding of theology, but she does know Jesus personally and truly desires that others also know Him.

Are you growing in your discipleship by telling others about the Savior?

Lord, give me the courage to become more faithful in my witness.