January 31, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

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

The Truth
2 Peter 1:12-15

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

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

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

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

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

January 30, 2008

The Bible: Its Origins

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

Thus Says the Lord
Jeremiah 30:1-2

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

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

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

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

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

January 29, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

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

A Place of Everlasting Light

Revelation 22:4-5

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

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

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

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

January 28, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

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

A Place Where God Reigns
Revelation 22:1-3

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

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

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

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

January 27, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 26, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

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

A Place With No Sorrow
Revelation 21:1-5

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

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

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

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

January 25, 2008

The Promise of Heaven

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

A Place Where Jesus Is

John 14:3-4

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

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

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

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