PIERCING THE DARKNESS
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Posted:Sep 29, 2015 3:24 am
Last Updated:Sep 30, 2015 5:19 am 19367 Views
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Read: Isaiah 60:19-22
Bible in a Year: Isaiah 7–8; Ephesians 2
The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19
I caught my first glimpse of them as a college student. On a frosty, fall night, far from the lights of the city, I was riding on a hay wagon loaded with noisy friends when the sky lit up and colors flashed across the horizon. I was mesmerized. Ever since that night I have been fascinated with the phenomenon called aurora borealis, also known as northern lights. Mostly they are seen far north of where I live, but occasionally they appear in lower latitudes. Having seen them once, I long to see more. Whenever the conditions are favorable, I say to my equally fascinated friends, “Maybe tonight . . .”
Throughout Scripture, light and glory are used to describe the coming of the Lord. A time is coming when the sun and moon will be unnecessary (Isa. 60:19). And in describing God on His throne, the apostle John wrote, “The one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Rev. 4:3).
God's glory is a light that pierces through the darkness.
An emerald circle is an apt description of the northern lights. So whenever I see glorious light displays in the skies above—whether in person or via picture or video—I think of it as a foretaste of what is to come, and I praise God that even now His glory pierces the darkness.
Lord, the world around us is sometimes so dark that it is difficult to see Your power and goodness. Thank You for the reminders that the darkness does not and will not last forever. Help us wait with great expectation for the day when we will see You on Your throne.
Jesus came to give light to a dark world.
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Give It Away
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Posted:Sep 28, 2015 3:38 am
Last Updated:May 4, 2024 7:23 pm 19297 Views
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Read: Philippians 2:19-30
Bible in a Year: Isaiah 5–6; Ephesians 1
I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, . . . whom you sent to take care of my needs. Philippians 2:25
Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donations of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day.
When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he needed continuing encouragement and the companionship of trusted friends. Yet he sent two of his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-30). “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . . I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (vv. 19-20). And, “I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs” (v. 25). Paul freely gave to others what he most needed himself.
When we serve the Lord, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed.
Whatever we feel is “most valued” in our lives today could be of great benefit to someone we know. It may be our time, friendship, encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand. When we give away what the Lord has given to us, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed.
Lord, show me what I cling to. If someone needs it, open my heart and my hands and help me give it away today.
Giving freely honors the Lord, helps others, and blesses us.
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First Steps
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Posted:Sep 25, 2015 4:24 am
Last Updated:Sep 25, 2015 4:25 am 19301 Views
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Read: Romans 8:14-17
Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon 6–8; Galatians 4
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s . Romans 8:16
A friend stopped me the other day with some exciting news and then spent 10 minutes describing for me the first steps of her 1-year-old nephew. He could walk! Later I realized how bizarre we might have sounded to an eavesdropper. Most people can walk. What was the big deal?
It struck me that childhood provides a quality of specialness that nearly vanishes for the rest of life. Thinking about our treatment of gave me further appreciation for the fact that God chooses the word picture of “” to describe our relationship with Him. The New Testament announces that we are God’s , with all the rights and privileges of worthy heirs
(Rom. 8:16-17). Jesus (the “one and only” of God) came, we’re told, to make possible our adoption as sons and daughters in God’s family.
Our experiences here on earth are mere glimpses of the fullness of God's love.
I imagine God views each halting step forward in my spiritual “walk” with the eagerness of a parent watching a take that very first step.
Perhaps when the secrets of the universe are finally revealed, we will learn an underlying purpose of watching grow. It may be that God has granted us these times of specialness to awaken us to His infinite love. Of the fullness of that love, our experiences here on earth are mere glimpses.
Loving heavenly Father, increase our awareness of Your love for us and Your delight in us so we can show the world the difference You make in our lives.
You are loved.
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The Upside Of Setbacks
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Posted:Sep 24, 2015 5:35 am
Last Updated:May 4, 2024 7:23 pm 19601 Views
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Read: Psalm 27
Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon 4–5; Galatians 3
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
American swimmer Dara Torres had a remarkable career, appearing in five different Olympics from 1984 to 2008. Late in her career, Torres broke the US record for the 50-meter freestyle—25 years after she herself set that record. But it wasn’t always medals and records. Torres also encountered obstacles in her athletic career: injuries, surgery,
as well as being almost twice the age of most other competitors. She said, “I’ve wanted to win at everything, every day, since I was a . . . . I’m also aware that setbacks have an upside; they fuel new dreams.”
“Setbacks have an upside” is a great life lesson. Torres’s struggles motivated her to reach for new heights. They have a spiritual benefit too. As James said, “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
Adopting this perspective on the difficulties of life is not easy, but it is worthwhile. Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They also provide the opening to learn lessons that success cannot teach by developing in us the kind of patience that waits on God and trusts Him for the strength to endure.
The psalmist reminds us, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14).
In my times of trial, dear Lord, teach me to wait for You. But please teach me even more to trust the love You have for me. And as I do, may I learn Your wisdom and have the patience to endure.
The setbacks of life can teach us to wait upon the Lord for His help and strength.
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No Wonder!!
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Posted:Sep 23, 2015 5:02 am
Last Updated:May 4, 2024 7:23 pm 19710 Views
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Read: Song of Solomon 1:1-4
Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon 1–3; Galatians 2
We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
“He’s perfect for you,” my friend told me. She was talking about a guy she had just met. She described his kind eyes, his kind smile, and his kind heart. When I met him I had to agree. Today he’s my husband, and no wonder I love him!
In the Song of Solomon the bride describes her lover. His love is better than wine and more fragrant than ointments. His name is sweeter than anything in this world. So she concludes that it’s no wonder he is loved.
Jesus' love satisfies our every need.
But there is Someone far greater than any earthly loved one, Someone whose love is also better than wine. His love satisfies our every need. His “fragrance” is better than any perfume because when He gave Himself for us, His sacrifice became a sweet-smelling aroma to God (Eph. 5:2). Finally, His name is above every name (Phil. 2:9).
No wonder we love Him!
It is a privilege to love Jesus. It is the best experience in life! Do we take the time to tell Him so? Do we express with words the beauty of our Savior? If we show His beauty with our lives, others will say, “No wonder you love Him!”
Lord, You are beautiful! No wonder we love You! Deepen our love for You today, we pray. Help us see Your beauty in new ways.
God’s Word tells us of His love; our words tell Him of our love.
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A Fishing Lesson
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Posted:Sep 22, 2015 4:36 am
Last Updated:May 4, 2024 7:23 pm 19723 Views
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Read: 1 Peter 5:1-9
Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 10–12; Galatians 1
Resist [the devil], standing firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:9
I was fishing quietly on the clear, still waters of Piatt Lake, casting next to a lush weedbed. I watched a large smallmouth bass sneak out of the thick vegetation to investigate. He approached the tempting night crawler on the end of my line, stared at it, and backed into the weeds. This happened several times until he spotted the hook. Then he whipped his tail and disappeared into his lair, never to come out again.
Satan dangles temptation, like a fishhook, right in front of us. It looks tasty. It promises gratification. But Satan’s power ends there. He cannot force us to take the hook. His power stops at the edge of our will—at our decision point. When we are warned by the Holy Spirit and decide to say no, Satan can do no more. James says he runs away 4.7.
As believers, we can receive great comfort from the words of the apostle Peter, who himself experienced great temptation (Matt. 26:33-35). In later life he wrote, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion . . . . Resist him, standing firm in the faith”
(1 Peter 5:8-9).
Just as that big old bass ignored my hook, we can in God’s strength successfully resist Satan’s most enticing tactics!
Father in heaven, thank You for the promise of Your help when we are tempted and for the truth that Satan’s power is limited. Give us the wisdom to recognize temptation and the humility to rely on Your Spirit for the strength to resist.
Respond to the lies of Satan with the truth of God’s Word.
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A Fly's Reminder
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Posted:Sep 21, 2015 7:13 am
Last Updated:Sep 22, 2015 4:36 am 20074 Views
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Read: Ecclesiastes 9:4-12
Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 7–9; 2 Corinthians 13
Anyone who is among the living has hope. Ecclesiastes 9:4
When I first began working in the small office I now rent, the only inhabitants were a few mopey flies. Several of them had gone the way of all flesh, and their bodies littered the floor and windowsills. I disposed of all but one, which I left in plain sight.
That fly carcass reminds me to live each day well. Death is an excellent reminder of life, and life is a gift. Solomon said, “Anyone who is among the living has hope” (Eccl. 9:4). Life on earth gives us the chance to influence and enjoy the world around us. We can eat and drink happily and relish our relationships (vv. 7,9).
Gladness & purpose can be found by relying on God’s strength.
We can also enjoy our work. Solomon advised, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (v. 10). Whatever our vocation or job or role in life, we can still do things that matter, and do them well. We can encourage people, pray, and express love with sincerity each day.
The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Time and chance happen to them all. . . . No one knows when their hour will come” (vv. 11-12). It’s impossible to know when our lives on earth will end, but gladness and purpose can be found in this day by relying on God’s strength and depending on Jesus’ promise of eternal life (John 6:47).
Dear God, help me to manage my time well and enjoy the gifts of this world today. Thank you for the promise of eternal life through Your , Jesus Christ.
This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad.
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2 A.M.Friends
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Posted:Sep 18, 2015 5:13 am
Last Updated:Sep 21, 2015 7:14 am 19980 Views
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Read: Colossians 4:2-15
Bible in a Year: Proverbs 30–31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Colossians 4:12
A friend told me about a group of people who share a strong bond of faith in Christ. One of them, a 93-year-old woman, said, “I feel like I can call any of you at 2 a.m., and I don’t even have to apologize if I feel the need for any type of assistance.” Whether the need is prayer, practical help, or someone to be there during a time of need, these friends are unconditionally committed to each other.
The same sense of commitment shines through Paul’s letter to the followers of Jesus in Colossae. Writing from prison in Rome, Paul says he is sending Tychicus and Onesimus to encourage them (Col. 4.7-9). Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus send their greetings (vv.10-11). And Epaphras is “always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (v. 12). These are bold assurances of practical help and deep-seated love.
Are you part of a “2 a.m. group”? If so, give thanks for the faithfulness of friends. If not, ask the Lord to connect you with another person with whom you can share a commitment to pray and care. I suspect it will soon grow to include others. Share the love of Christ with one another.
Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. All in Jesus’ name!
Jesus, thank You for friends who demonstrate Your love to me. Help me to do the same for them and those around me. Most of all, thank You for being the friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus
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Doesn't God Care?
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Posted:Sep 17, 2015 3:55 am
Last Updated:Sep 18, 2015 5:13 am 19905 Views
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Read: Habakkuk 1:1-11
Bible in a Year: Proverbs 27–29; 2 Corinthians 10
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
Why does the intoxicated driver escape an accident unharmed while his sober victim is seriously injured? Why do bad people prosper while good people suffer? How often have you been so confused by things going on in your life that you have cried out, “Doesn’t God care?”
Habakkuk struggled with this same question as he saw the distressing situation in Judah where wickedness and injustice were running rampant (Hab. 1:1-4). His confusion drove him to ask God when He would act to fix the situation. God’s reply was nothing short of perplexing.
When we don’t understand God’s ways, we can trust His unchanging character.
God said that He would use the Chaldeans as the means of Judah’s correction. The Chaldeans were notorious for their cruelty (v. 7). They were bent on violence (v. 9) and worshiped nothing but their military prowess and false gods (vv. 10-11).
In moments when we don’t understand God’s ways, we need to trust His unchanging character. That’s exactly what Habakkuk did. He believed that God is a God of justice, mercy, and truth
(Ps. 89:14). In the process, he learned to look at his circumstances from the framework of God’s character instead of looking at God’s character from the context of his own circumstances. He concluded, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab. 3:19).
Lord, it is easy to let my circumstances change how I understand You. Help me to remember that You are good and faithful, even though I can’t see everything and may not understand how You are working.
Our situation may look very different from God’s point of view.
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Feeling Forsaken
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Posted:Sep 16, 2015 4:48 am
Last Updated:Sep 16, 2015 4:55 am 19540 Views
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Read: Psalm 22:1-21
Bible in a Year: Proverbs 25–26; 2 Corinthians 9
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46
In his book The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis records an imaginary conversation between a senior devil and a junior devil as they discuss how to properly tempt a Christian. The two devils desired to destroy the believer’s faith in God. “Be not deceived,” the senior devil says to the junior. “Our cause is never more in jeopardy than when a human . . . looks round upon a universe in which every trace of [God] seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.”
The Bible gives us many examples of people who acted with faith despite their feelings of abandonment. Abram felt that God’s promise of an heir had gone unheeded (Gen. 15:2-3). The psalmist felt ignored in his trouble (Ps. 10:1). Job’s troubles were so great that he thought God might even kill him (Job 13:15). And Jesus from the cross cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Yet in each instance God was shown to be faithful (Gen. 21:1-7; Ps. 10:16-18;
38:1–42:17; Matt. 28:9-20).
Although Satan may try to tempt you to think you are forsaken, God is always near. He never forsakes His own. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ ” (Heb. 13:5). We may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (v. 6).
Lord, although clouds and darkness sometimes shroud me, I know that You are close by my side. Thank You.
God is always near in spite of our fears.
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