March 1, 2008

Praying that Pleases God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 23-24 : PM – Mark 5.21-34

Prayer with Listening
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

1 “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil"

Prayer is communication with God and communication is a two-way street. We speak to God, and God speaks back to us. We are often more concerned with what we have to say to Him than with what He has to say to us. This, says the preacher in Ecclesiastes, is foolish. In fact, the attitude that places our words above God’s wisdom is evil.

The Christian who will be effective in prayer will measure his or her words to God and then pay close attention to what God has to say. The preacher warned against saying too much and listening too little, a problem that stems from not knowing who God is and not believing He will answer.

Listening to God requires both faith and patience. Hebrews 11:6 tells us God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Next time you pray, do more listening than talking. Be still and know that He is God.

Lord, help me to listen for your voice.

February 29, 2008

Praying that Pleases God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 22 : PM – Mark 5:1-20

Running the Christian Race
Hebrews 12:12

12 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

R - Reach Forward with Persistence

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

A - Apply Yourself with Purpose

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

C - Conquer Evil with God's Power

Romans 8:37 Yet, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

E - Endure Hardness with Patience

2 Timothy 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

February 28, 2008

Praying that Pleases God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 19-21 : PM – Mark 4

A Call for Blessing
1 Chronicles 4:10

10 “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested’"

This prayer is one of many scriptural prayer models. Those varied patterns are our helpful guides as we approach God with changing needs and as we ask for the Lord’s blessing upon our lives and ministries.

Beyond this verse, Psalm 8 is a treasure of patterns to follow as we prayerfully praise God for His glory. When our hearts ache with guilt, Psalm 51 gives us models we can follow to confess our sins to God. When we are concerned about our own and others’ spiritual needs, Ephesians 3:14-19 provides us a pattern to follow in expressing those concerns. Many other such scriptural patterns are available.

The Model Prayer of Jesus (Matt. 6:9-13), of course, gives us the perfect pattern for our prayer life generally.

Lord, please give me help in Your Word as I seek to express my needs and desires to you daily.

February 27, 2008

Praying that Pleases God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 17-18 : PM – Mark 3:13-35

From an Honorable Man
1 Chronicles 4:9

9 “Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’"

Opening email brings surprises. The senders’ addresses should reveal their identities, but some addresses are strange. Often we cannot tell who the authors are until we open the letters. That can be dangerous. It can bring us bad content or even a disabling computer virus. When we pray, our Heavenly Father knows immediately who is calling for His special attention.

Senders of email also must state the subject of their letters with their addresses. Usually the stated subject reveals a letter’s value to you. Just so, both our ways of life and our prayer subjects may determine whether our divine Addressee will be happy to “open” out petitions.

The Lord instantly knew the quality of both Jabez’ life and of his prayer. He knows all about our lives and our intents as well. Will they encourage Him to “open” our letters, too, or to just “delete” them on the spot?

Lord, please use my study of Your Word to strengthen my Christian testimony.

February 26, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 15-16 : PM – Mark 3:1-12

Testimony Received
Acts 17:11-12

11 “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so"

The news Paul shared in Macedonia seemed too good to be true. It was news that begged examination. Bereans who examined Scriptures with Paul saw his message was true. When Paul’s testimony passed their strenuous test of accuracy, they received the gospel.

Paul was different from the slick talkers of his day who won people to their theologies. Paul took learners on an exciting scriptural journey that ended at the empty tomb. Scriptures still can withstand careful academic searches and spiritual confirmation.

If we became acquainted with the scriptures of other religions, we would learn the Bible contains far superior writings. We know God’s Word can be trusted. Paul’s own examination of the Scriptures, buttressed by his experience with Christ, gave basis for his convincing testimony. It would do the same for us.

Lord, please use my study of Your Word to strengthen my Christian testimony.

February 25, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 13-14 PM – Mark 2:14-28

Through Paul
Acts 17:2-4

3 Explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ"

Personal testimonies turn the biblical story of Jesus into the best good news ever to break in our lost world. In Paul’s day spreading news became warped and hard to believe in its snaillike transmission. Opportunities to hear firsthand accounts of distant events were few. The spectacular news about Jesus sorely needed eye-witness support. Imagine the joy of hearing someone such as Paul declare with experiential power that Jesus really did come alive again to save lost people.

The Bible’s testimony needs personal corroboration. How else can we encourage faith in a risen Christ than to assert with joy and conviction He has saved us.

Our missionaries today, unmindful of the cost they pay, are giving Paul’s ancient testimony daily. Our task is to turn the story of Jesus into effective good news wherever we can tell it.

Lord, please help me seize today’s opportunities to testify to the saving power of the risen Christ

February 24, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 11-12 : PM – Mark 1:1-13

About Moses Writings
John 5:41-47

46 “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me”

Jesus’ opponents could not see the forest for the trees. They had laid stress upon the multitudinous Mosaic commandments. Thus they had forgotten, or just ignored, Moses’ prophetic words. Here, angered at Jesus for breaking a Mosaic Sabbath rule, they were blind to Moses’ promise that one like Himself would come one day. That great One had arrived. What a magnificent forest to be obscured by mere rules!

As we read God’s Word daily, we also need to focus upon and react to its message so that it can influence us. A casual reading of this Word and a shallow response to it can lead us to miss its great significance. In Jesus’ day that mistake led to tragedy. Can it hurt us today?

How does reading these daily passages challenge us? Do we let them speak to us? The trees that make us miss the forest can be as simple as the many awaiting tasks that divert our attention.

Lord, please help me to listen to You as You try to speak to me today through Your Word.

February 23, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 8-10 : PM – Mark 1:16-45

About the Source of Eternal Life
John 5:38-40

39 “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me”

Jesus’ hearers thought the act of reading Scriptures alone brought them all the blessings they needed. Sadly they had failed to discover the message of their Scriptures – Jesus as the source of eternal life.

Those who read God’s Word with a searching mind allow it to be an instrument through which the Father speaks to them. This blessing comes not through thoughtless reading. It comes through letting God lead searchers through His Word to deeper dedication.

Probably few today read Scriptures with the faithfulness of Jesus’ ancient opponents. Yet they rejected Jesus! What an amazing contradiction of the very Word they read. Finding God’s message in Scriptures today helps us instead to honor Him as the genuine source of eternal life.

Lord, please help me to search Your Word for truth and to put that truth into action when the reading is done.

February 22, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 7 : PM – Mark 1:1-15

About the Father’s Witness
John 5:37

37 “And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form”

What unrecorded voice from the past would you choose to hear? As a preacher I would want to hear Charles Hadden Spurgeon, of long ago, preaching from his London pulpit. Although I could not hear his voice, I have read many of his printed sermons. Feeling as I read them that I was listening to him, I found great inspiration in his messages. I would have been a poorer preacher had I not “heard” that great man.

Jesus’ audience could have heard God speaking to them. Instead, they were content to hear only the voices of their teachers. They thereby missed their Heavenly Father’s promises about the Son. Had they been eager to hear their God speaking to them, everything could have been different. They might have received Jesus.

Lord, please help me to hear what You are saying to my heart through Your written Word.

February 21, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 5-6 : PM – Matthew 28

About Jesus’ Works
John 5:31-36

36 “But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish--the very works that I do--bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me”

A doctor sought to embarrass a young preacher in a crowd one Christmas eve. He loudly said he had just delivered a baby who, according to his mother, literally had no father. The doctor exclaimed: “I suppose the baby will grow up to heal the sick and raise the dead. What do you think preacher?” The young minister replied wisely: “Only Jesus, God’s Son, could do such works!”

The Gospel record of Jesus’ works compels us to believe He is Lord. Its ancient testimony can be trusted. It is still read and believed in a modern world. It transforms its readers even today. It goes on intriguing us even as we increase in age and wisdom.

The recorded works of Jesus prompt us to notice how He works in our lives today. We are amazed how people of His day rejected Him.

Lord, help me to see Jesus at work blessing my life today.

February 20, 2008

The Bible: Its Testimony

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 3-4 : PM – Matthew 27:32-66

About Jesus’ Authority
John 5:24-30

24 “Verily, verily I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life”

One of my favorite TV Shows is the Bill Cosby show. On that show when the kids questioned his authority, he settled the matter quickly and simply. He just said, “Because I said so, that is why.”

Jesus empowered His strong assertions by beginning them with words transliterated as “amen, amen” (also translated as “verily, verily” and truly, truly”). Amen means “surely” in both Hebrew and Greek. The doubled “amen” meant most assuredly. No others in the gospel story used this authoritative expression. Nor did any others have Jesus’ kind of authority. He had come from the Father!

We see all of Jesus’ words as authoritative whether they are simply or strongly spoken. We see them in that way not only because of His works long ago, but we view them that way because of what he has done in our own lives.

Thank you, Lord, for the loving authority I have seen in You as my Savior

February 19, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 1-2 : PM – Matthew 27:1-31

Arming for Spiritual Conflict
Ephesians 6:14-17

17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

Our oldest daughter has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya, parachuted out of an air plane, and bungee jumped over Victoria Falls in Eastern Africa. She knows that the right kind of equipment is essential.
Paul wrote about using the right kind of equipment for spiritual warfare. Some of the equipment is for defense and some is for offense. He said the “Sword of the Spirit,” the Bible, is essential for the Christian’s daily walk. Just as a mountain climber would not think of beginning a climb without their proper equipment, a Christian must be armed with God’s Word.

Father, help me to prepare for spiritual conflict by absorbing Your Word daily

February 18, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 26-27 : PM – Matthew 26:57-75

Equipping for Good Works
2 Timothy 3:17

17 “That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”

Can a new piano student play a symphony after only one lesson? Of course not. The student gets better by sitting on the piano bench day after day, playing the scales over and over again, and carefully learning every note on every bar of the sheet music.

Studying the Scriptures is much the same. The more time you spend in God's Word, the more you get out of it, the more God blesses you and equips you to do His calling.

Like the piano student who wants the symphony without the practice, too many Christians expect to get all the blessings promised in Scripture without spending time in God's Word. Based on the amount of time you spend in Scripture, are you more equipped to do God's work today than you were when you became a Christian?

Paul pointed out to Timothy that for Christians to be mature and able to minister to others they needed the finest equipment available, the Holy Scriptures.

God help me to be grounded in Your Word as I minister to others.

February 17, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 24-25 PM – Matthew 26:36-56

Teaching Doctrine
2 Timothy 3:14-16

16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”

Two little boys Jim, age seven, and Jack, age nine, were in serious disagreement over the words to the hymn “Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound.” Jim was determined the phrase was “save a twitch like me.” Jack, on the other hand, was just as determined the phrase was “ranch like me.” Both boys obviously needed a little help and correction.

Adults need help and correction too. We recently purchased an eight drawer tool cabinet. We brought it home to assemble. We spread the contents of the box on the carpet. I began identifying parts and studying the instructions. Meanwhile Margie located my reversible drill. She said it was for when we made mistakes and needed to undo them. By the time we finished our project, we had undone a number of mismatched parts.

God’s inspired word is the standard we are to follow rather than to follow our own instincts.

O God, undergird my faith with sound doctrine

February 16, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 21-23 PM – Matthew 26:1-35

Showing the Way of Salvation
2 Timothy 3:14-15

15 “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus”

My grandfather lived on a gravel road out in the country. One day a car drove down that road very slowly as though the driver was looking for something.

The car finally pulled into grandpa’s yard and the man asked, “How do you get to town from here?”

My grandfather took a long drink of iced tea and said, “Most of the time my son-in-law takes me.

Directions can be good, bad, or confusing. They can be everything from “you can’t miss it” to “you can’t get there from heres.” Timothy had the right kind of directions. They were taught and reinforced throughout his childhood. These directions, the Holy Scriptures showed him the way to Jesus.

Lord, help me point young lives to the road map of salvation.

February 15, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 19-20 PM – Matthew 25:31-46

Revealing Sin
Psalm 19:12-14

12 “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults

A mother called up the stairway, “Who are you talking to?” She heard her teenage son’s voice and suspected unauthorized cell phone use. Her son yelled back he wasn’t talking to anyone. The mother repeated her query. This time her son replied that He was talking to himself. Supersleuth Mom was really suspicious now.

After a few more rounds of interrogation combating denial, evasion, and downright lying, the son dug his hole deeper. Oh yeah, his girlfriend just happened to call him. But mom showed him the call record on his cell phone: one outgoing to Jamie. The boy became remorseful and asked for forgiveness. The mother gave him a hug and reminded him his cell phone was for emergencies and family communication; the home phone was for social calling.

Sometimes we think we can get away with sin. But just as this mother understood her son and pointed out the error of his ways, God understands us; and His Word reveals our sin and His desire to cleanse us from it.

Lord, reveal the sin in my life. Forgive and cleanse me.

February 14, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 16-18 PM – Matthew 25:1-30

Rewarding the Righteous
Psalm 19:9-11

11 “Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward”

As the pianist played, children began to gather at the front of the church auditorium. Mrs. Stackpole would use an object lesson or tell a story to them today. All techniques pointed to the Bible and its teachings. After the application and prayer, the children headed back to their parents. But first the children usually received a reward for their participation. Candy was the most popular one. Their real reward, however, was learning to apply God’s Word.

Some children are rewarded with money or special privileges for making straight A’s or keeping their rooms clean. They receive ribbons, medals, or trophies for participation or excelling in sports or other competitions. Adults are rewarded with plaques, raises, or promotions for a job well done.

The greatest reward comes with knowing and obeying God’s Word. Think about ways in which God has rewarded your obedience.

Thank You, God, for Your wonderful rewards, both now and for eternity.

February 13, 2008

The Bible: Its Purpose

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 14-15 PM – Matthew 24.32-51

Setting Life’s Standards
Psalm 19:7-8

7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple”

I have a friend who is a goal setter supreme. When every New Year is on the horizon, he begins his annual task of goal setting. He reflects projects and dreams about the clean, unused slate before him. He examines areas of personal growth, family, spirituality, finance, and health. In these areas he sets what he hopes are specific, attainable, and challenging goals.

Then he types his list and carries it with him daily. Throughout the year, my friend pulls out his list and checks how he is measuring up. Did he do that writing he planned to do? Did he spend those special days with wife and family? Did he exercise daily? His list is his yardstick and standard on how he is living out his year.

The Psalmist wrote that God’s Word is our standard and criterion. The law of the Lord is perfect. It convicts, gives a solid foundation, and instructs. The Bible is our guide for daily living.

Lord, help me carry out a specific goal of time spent daily in Your Word.

February 12, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 11-13 PM – Matthew 24.1-31

Enduring Despite Opposition
Jeremiah 36.27-32

32 “Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it at the instruction of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And besides, there were added to them many similar words.”

Fifteen-year-old Johnny’s father was not a believer. “The Bible is a book of fairy tales!” he would say. Johnny became a Christian and received from his pastor a new Bible. One day his father saw it in Johnny’s room. He flew into a rage and demanded Johnny get rid of it.

Johnny hid the Bible and would slip it out and read it at night. A remarkable change began to take place in Johnny’s life. He went out of his way to please his father. God’s Word, though physically hidden, came alive in Johnny’s life. Eventually his father became a Christian.

Jehoiakim’s destruction of the scroll seemed final. But Jeremiah produced another scroll containing even more truths than the first one. God’s Word will endure despite opposition.

Help me hide Your Words in y heart today, Father, that I might be a “living epistle” for You.

February 11, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 9-10 PM – Matthew 23

Evoking Opposition
Jeremiah 36.22-26

23 "Now it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem”

Our earth science class was studying the effects of the sun’s rays on different objects. On a small table, in the bright sunlight, our teacher placed a lump of soft, moist clay and a stick of butter. Several hours later, the lump of clay had become dry and hard; and the butter had melted. We learned that the sun’s rays can both melt and harden, depending upon the object.

Likewise, people react differently to God’s Word. The scroll of Jeremiah’s words that had moved the people to repent was read to King Jehoiakim and his attendants. Their hearts were so hardened that the king cut the scroll into strips and burned it in the fire. Three members of the court, however, urged the king not to burn the scroll. When we share God’s Word, it will either evoke opposition or warm hearts with its life-changing message.

Father, give me courage to share Your Word today.

February 10, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 6-8 PM – Matthew 22.15-46

Teaching the People
Jeremiah 36.8-11

9 "Now it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem”

Mrs. Springer was one of those rare teachers who made her students feel Chaucer and Shakespeare were old friends of hers. She had a remarkable ability to weave lessons of life into seemingly uninteresting passages. When she read Shakespeare’s plays to us, she would stop at surprising places and, very subtly, quote verses of Scripture and make applications to our everyday living. Today, a half-century later, I still cherish many of those pearls of wisdom.

Teaching was a major part of the prophet Jeremiah’s divine calling. He had an outstanding secretary whose name was Baruch. He took the scroll of Jeremiah’s sermons and read publicly to the people. The people were moved to proclaim a fast so they could concentrate completely on God’s message. We thank God for those whom God has gifted to teach His Word to us.

Father, help me to be receptive to teachers of Your Word

February 9, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 4-5 PM – Matthew 22.1-14

Convicting of Sin
Jeremiah 36.1-7

3 "It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them, that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin "

John Bunyan was born in 1628 near Bedford, England. He was a tinker (maker and mender of utensils). He had little education. He was married to a devout Christian lady who convinced him he was a sinner and needed God in his life. Enthusiastic about his newfound faith, he soon began to preach. He was arrested for preaching without permission from the authorities and was sent to prison in 1660. He was released from prison in 1672 and became pastor of a church. But he was returned to jail in 1675 where he began to write Pilgrim’s Progress.

Like the prophet Jeremiah during the latter part of his ministry, Bunyan was not allowed to preach publicly. Yet he spoke through the written word. The message of his book, a delightful allegory, caused many people to turn from their evil ways so that God might “forgive their iniquity and their sin.”

Speak to me through Your written Word today, Father, and show me sins that must be confessed.

February 8, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Leviticus 1-3 PM – Matthew 21.23-46

Inspiring Delight
Psalm 119:12-16

16 "I will delight myself in Your statutes: I will not forget Your word!"

The word “delight” means to “to give great joy or pleasure.” Even though it is one of our overworked English words, its sound still continues to carry a certain pleasing lilt. You can hardly speak the word “delight” with a sad face. When the word is used genuinely, it is accompanied by sparkling eyes and a smile.

The writer of Psalm 119 obviously loved God’s Word. “Statutes” are “established rules or formal regulations,” the breaking of which results in punishments. The Bible contains many such rules and regulations, yet the psalmist “delights” in them. Why? He knows that the Author of those statutes is a loving Heavenly Father. None of His laws is selfish or vindictive. Each one is designed to help His children become more like Him.

We do not easily forget something that brings us great joy or pleasure. When we hold God’s statutes dear to our hearts, they bring us precious memories. Thus we can say to Him, “I will not forget Your word.”

Bring to my memory today, Father, those words from Your Holy Book that have brought me joy and peace.

February 7, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 39-40 PM – Matthew 21:1-22

Warning of Sin
Psalm 119:9-11 24

11 "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!!"

An incredible medical breakthrough came with the invention of a device known as a pacemaker. Its purpose is to stimulate the heart muscle so that it will beat with a normal heart rhythm. One type of pacemaker functions according to a patient’s needs. Depending on the level of activity, respiration, or other factors.

God’s Word, hidden in our hearts, could be called a spiritual pacemaker. Many things can cause us to lose our ability to be effective witnesses for Christ. We all face discouragement. Health problems take their toll. Friends and loved ones disappoint us Satan confronts us with temptations. A ministry of the Holy Spirit within us is to make us sensitive to things that cause us to grieve our Lord. As we faithfully study God’s Word and commune with Him in prayer, we hide His Word in our hearts that we “might not sin against’ Him. The Spirit will bring God’s Word to our remembrance that provides us with a built-in resistance to sin.

Lord, may Your Word be established within me so I will be strong to resist temptations to sin against You.

February 6, 2008

The Bible: Its Value

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 37-38 PM – Matthew 20:17-34

Blessing the Godly
Psalm 119:1-8

2 "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!"

One of the fondest memories our children have of their mother is seeing her with her Bible on the table ever morning. She loves God’s Word and enjoys sharing some truth she has found. Often when they were about to leave for school, she would say: “Come here a moment and listen to this.” Then she would read a verse and make a simple, down-to-earth application. Many times when they would encounter a problem during the day; the Scripture their mother had read to them would provide the courage they needed to meet that particular challenge.

She taught our children how to live using God’s Word. They discovered the joy that comes to those who strive to “keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” The path we trod is never completely straight and smooth. There are unexpected dips and sharp turns. God’s Word, hidden in our hearts, becomes the gyroscope that keeps us on balance and the compass that helps us “walk in his ways” (Psalm 119:3).

Prepare me, Lord, through the strength of Your Word, for whatever awaits me today.

February 5, 2007

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 35-36 PM – Matthew 20:1-16

In the Beginning
Matthew 24:34-35

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1)

A child’s first spoken word is a happening. It is recorded in memory books. Parents call grandparents. Grandparents tell everyone. Why is this so important? It is the beginning of communication. The ability to communicate is the ability to reveal thoughts. Thoughts communicate something about self.

God wanted to make Himself known. His self-revelation began in creation, a display of His almighty power. The crowning pint of His self-revelation was Jesus.

This Word of revelation was unique communication. The Word preceded the beginning, would succeed the end. The Word was not human interpretation about God. This was God Himself communicating about Himself. This Word was personal. God had something to say through a person, Jesus Christ, His Son.

With excitement, as a young parent talking about a child’s first word let those of us who have heard this eternal Word share the good news with others.

Lord, I listen personally to Your eternal Word so that I can know You better.

February 4, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 33-34 PM – Matthew 19:16-30

The Unchangeable Word
Matthew 24:34-35

35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away"

Change. It’s everywhere. We are born. We grow up, become stronger, and get older. Then we may decrease some in size. We get weaker. Death – the eternal change – comes.

Families change. A man and woman become husband and wife. They birth children. The children marry “outsiders” who then become family. The children move away. The husband and wife are alone again. A spouse dies.

Finances change. We work at entry levels. We earn promotions. We build lifestyles based on increasing incomes. Then we retire. Incomes become fixed.

Churches change. Some grow; others decline. Pastor come; pastors go. Old Friends move or die. New people bring new ideas. We tear down buildings to which we have become attached and build bigger ones.

So much change. We want something to stay the same. We find it. God’s Word is unchangeable. Hallelujah!

Lord, in the midst of a changing world, I need something stable. Thank You for Your unchanging Word.

February 3, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 31-32 PM – Matthew 19:1-15

The Lord’s Faithfulness
Psalm 119:89-96

90 “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides."

We were struggling with a need for which we saw no answer. I didn’t know were to turn. I headed to the church that morning nearly overwhelmed with discouragement.

The song playing on the radio penetrated my disheartened spirit to give rise to a feeling of hope. “Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! … All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.”

Shortly after arriving in my office, my wife phoned. She had received a call that would be an answer to our need. Whereas a couple of hours earlier, I wondered if my world was collapsing, that morning the Lord proved His faithfulness once again. Because of Him my world now stood firm.

Something similar has happened to you, hasn’t it? The Lord is faithful. Of that, you can be certain. For that, you can be grateful.

Thank You, Lord. I know I can count on You.

February 2, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 29-30 PM – Matthew 18:21-35

The Holy Spirit
2 Peter 1:20-21

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

A group of children gathered on the church parking lot and at the signal let go of the balloons they had in their hands. Each balloon contained a slip of paper with a greeting, a Bible verse, and the church’s name and phone number. The children watched as the wind swept up the balloons and carried them airborne. Several days later someone over one hundred miles away called to say she had found one of the balloons.

Those who first delivered the word from God were “moved” by the Holy Spirit. The word translated “moved” literally means “carried or borne away,” much like a balloon that was carried away by the wind on a spring day.

The Holy Spirit moved those who recorded the message and is the same Holy Spirit that indwells readers of the message and helps them understand it.

May Your Holy Spirit so move in my life that I may read Your Word with understanding.

February 1, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

Read the Bible through:
AM – Exodus 27-28 PM – Matthew 18:1-20

Eyewitnesses of Christ

2 Peter 1:16-18

16 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.."

Recently, the newspaper published stories about two criminal cases. One case had been solved because of the testimony of an eyewitness. The other case remained unsolved. Law enforcement officials repeated their appeal for someone to step forward who might have seen something unusual.

The stories served as reminders of the value of eyewitnesses. Eyewitness accounts move an occurrence from the real of speculation to reality. A credible eyewitness provides tangible evidence that reinforces the truth.

God reveals Himself through His Word. We accept the message as true because we believe the Lord is Truth. He also has revealed Himself through acts of power and glory. Men of faith, such as Peter, recorded what they had seen personally. Such experiences could not be withheld. The stories must be told. Aren’t you glad?

Lord, may I be faithful to declare what I have witnessed through eyes of faith, to Your honor and glory.