Foley Artists
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Posted:Mar 27, 2015 1:51 am
Last Updated:Mar 28, 2015 4:42 am 14068 Views
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Read: John 16.7-15
Bible in a Year: Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11.14
Crunch. Crunch. Whoosh! In the early days of film, Foley artists created sounds to support the story's action. Squeezing a leather pouch filled with cornstarch made the sound of snow crunching, shaking a pair of gloves sounded like bird wings flapping, and waving a thin stick made a whoosh sound. To make movies as realistic as possible, these artists used creative techniques to replicate sounds.
Like sounds, messages can be replicated. One of Satan's most frequently used techniques is that of replicating messages in spiritually dangerous ways. Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11.13-14, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Paul is warning us about false teachers who turn our attention away from Jesus Christ and the message of His grace.
Jesus said that one purpose of the Holy Spirit living in us is that when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth
John 16.13. With the help and guidance of the Spirit, we can find the safety of truth in a world of counterfeit messages.
We need You, Holy Spirit, to help us discern truth from error. We can be easily deceived by others or even by our own hearts. May we be open to learn from You and not be led astray.
The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Teacher.
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The Definite Choice
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Posted:Mar 26, 2015 2:01 am
Last Updated:Mar 26, 2015 2:03 am 16646 Views
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Read: Joshua 24:15-24
Bible in a Year: Joshua 22-24; Luke 3
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We will serve the Lord! Joshua 24.21
Coming from someone who used to value ancestral gods, my 90-year-old father's statement near the end of his life was remarkable: When I die, he spoke laboriously, nobody should do anything other than what the church will do. No soothsaying, no ancestral sacrifices, no rituals. As my life is in the hands of Jesus Christ, so shall my death be!
My father chose the path of Christ in his old age when he invited Jesus into his life as Savior. His contemporaries mocked him: An old man like you shouldn't be going to church! But my father's choice to follow and worship the true God was definite, like the people Joshua addressed.
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, Joshua challenged them. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord 24.15. Their response was resolute they chose to worship the Lord. Even after Joshua warned them to count the cost vv.19-20, they still resolved to follow the Lord, recalling His deliverance, provision, and protection
vv.16-17,21.
Such a confident choice, however, calls for equally confident actions, as Joshua strongly reminded them: Put away the foreign gods . . . and incline your heart to the Lord v.23. Have you made a choice to live for God?
Teach me all it means, Lord, to choose You. I want my words, actions, and attitudes to show the love for You that I have in my heart. You are worthy of far more than I could ever do.
A definite choice demands definite actions.
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God's Clocks
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Posted:Mar 25, 2015 5:20 am
Last Updated:Mar 25, 2015 5:20 am 18874 Views
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Read: Luke 2:36-40
Bible in a Year: Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
She . . . spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2.38
I visit two elderly women from time to time. One has no financial worries, is fit for her age, and lives in her own home. But she can always find something negative to say. The other is crippled with arthritis and rather forgetful. She lives in simple accommodations, and keeps a reminder pad so she won't forget her appointments. But to every visitor to her tiny apartment, her first comment is always the same: God is so good to me. Handing her the reminder pad on my last visit, I noticed that she had written the day before Out to lunch tomorrow! Wonderful! Another happy day.
Anna was a prophetess at the time of Jesus birth, and her circumstances were hard
Luke 2.36-37. Widowed early and possibly childless, she may have felt purposeless and destitute. But her focus was on God and serving Him. She was yearning for the Messiah, but in the meantime she was busy about God's business praying, fasting, and teaching others all that she had learned from Him.
Finally the day arrived when she now in her eighties saw the infant Messiah in his young mother's arms. All her patient waiting was worthwhile. Her heart sang with joy as she praised God and then passed the glad news on to others.
Lord, I don't want to be a complainer anymore. I want to be a person who overflows with thankfulness for others and for You. May I accept whatever You give me in Your time. Show me how to start today.
It's hard to see both God's plan and our part. But their intersection is the best place to be.
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Simply Trusting
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Posted:Mar 24, 2015 5:31 am
Last Updated:Mar 24, 2015 5:33 am 19476 Views
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Read: Psalm 56
Bible in a Year: Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56.3
When our were young, taking them to the doctor's office was an interesting experience. The waiting room was filled with toys they could play with and 's magazines I would read to them. So getting that far with them was no problem. But as soon as I picked them up to carry them into the appointment, everything changed. Suddenly the fun turned into fear as the nurse approached with the needle for the needed shot. The closer she got, the tighter they hugged my neck. They would cling to me for comfort, probably hoping for rescue, not knowing that it was for their own good.
Sometimes in this fallen world we move from times of peace and tranquility into the painful realm of trouble. At that point, the question is, How will I respond? We can be fearful and wonder why God allowed this to happen to us, or we can trust that in the midst of this trouble He is doing something that in the end is for our best, even if it hurts. We would do well to remember the words of the psalmist who wrote, Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You Ps. 56.3.
Like my , the tougher it gets, the tighter we should hug His neck. Trust Him. His love never fails!
Come quickly, Lord, to help me. Teach me to trust You in times of trouble. Remind me of Your presence and of the fact that You hold me in Your loving arms.
Cling to your heavenly Father; He is your only hope.
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REFLECTOR
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Posted:Mar 23, 2015 5:23 am
Last Updated:Mar 24, 2015 9:59 am 19313 Views
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Read: John 1:1-9
Bible in a Year: Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80
This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light. John 1.7
The cozy little village of Rjukan, Norway, is a delightful place to live except during the dark days of winter. Located in a valley at the foot of the towering Gaustatoppen Mountain, the town receives no direct sunlight for nearly half of the year. Residents had long considered the idea of placing mirrors at the top of the mountain to reflect the sun. But the concept was not feasible until recently. In 2005, a local artist began The Mirror Project to bring together people who could turn the idea into reality. Eight years later, in October 2013, the mirrors went into action. Residents crowded into the town square to soak up the reflected sunlight.
In a spiritual sense, much of the world is like the village of Rjukan mountains of troubles keep the light of Jesus from getting through. But God strategically places His to act as reflectors. One such person was John the Baptist, who came to bear witness of the Light Jesus who gives light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death (John 1.7; Luke 1.79).
Just as sunlight is essential for emotional and physical health, so exposure to the light of Jesus is essential for spiritual health. Thankfully, every believer is in a position to reflect His light into the worldâs dark places.
Dear Father, help me to reflect Your light into the world around me today. May all that I say and do bear witness of Your light and truth. May others see how wonderful You are.
A world in darkness needs the light of Jesus.
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A Gift Of Hope
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Posted:Mar 20, 2015 3:07 am
Last Updated:Mar 21, 2015 5:20 am 19524 Views
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Read: Judges 13:1-7
Bible in a Year: Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20
He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. —Judges 13:5
When a powerful typhoon swept through the city of Tacloban, Philippines, in 2013, an estimated 10,000 people died, and many who survived found themselves homeless and jobless. Necessities became scarce. Three months later, while the town was still struggling to dig itself out from the destruction, a baby was born on a roadside near Tacloban amid torrents of rain and strong wind. Although the weather brought back painful memories, residents worked together to find a midwife and transport the mother and newborn to a clinic. The baby survived, thrived, and became a symbol of hope during a time of despair.
Forty years of Philistine oppression marked a grim period in Israel’s national history. During this time, an angel informed an Israelite woman that she would give birth to a special (Judg. 13:3). According to the angel, the baby would be a Nazirite—a man set apart to God—and would “begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (v.5). The infant, Samson, was a gift of hope born in a troubled time.
Trouble is unavoidable, yet Jesus has the power to rescue us from despair. Christ was born “to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace”
(Luke 1.76-79.
Lord, help me to see beyond my circumstances and put my hope in You. All authority and power are Yours. Remind me of Your goodness, and let me rest in Your love.
Jesus is the hope that calms life’s storms.
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A Place To Be
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Posted:Mar 19, 2015 12:33 am
Last Updated:Mar 21, 2015 6:12 am 19746 Views
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Read: Nehemiah 1:4-11 |
Bible in a Year: Joshua 1-3; Mark 16
In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14.2
A thousand strands of time, events, and people weave into a tapestry we call place. More than just a house, place is where meaning, belonging, and safety come together under the covering of our best efforts at unconditional love. Place beckons us with memories buried deep in our souls. Even when our place isn't perfect, its hold on us is dramatic, magnetic.
The Bible speaks frequently of place. We see an example in Nehemiah's longing for a restored Jerusalem Neh. 1.3-4; 2:2. It's no surprise, then, that Jesus would speak of place when He wants to comfort us. Let not your heart be troubled, He began. Then He added: I go to prepare a place for you John 14.1-2.
For those who have fond memories of earthly places, this promise links us to something we can easily understand and look forward to. And for those whose places have been anything but comforting and safe, Jesus promises that one day they will hear the sweet song place sings, for they will inhabit it with Him.
Whatever the struggle, whatever the faltering on your faith journey, remember this: There's a place in heaven already waiting, fitted just for you. Jesus wouldn't have said so if it weren't true.
Jesus, I can't wait to live in the home You have prepared for me. Thank You that no matter what my earthly place holds, comfort or pain, my home with You will be so much better.
May the memory of our earthly place point us with hope to our heavenly place.
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Dangerous Shortcuts
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Posted:Mar 18, 2015 2:46 am
Last Updated:Mar 18, 2015 2:48 am 20189 Views
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Read: Matthew 4:1-10
Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
[Jesus said,] Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.Matthew 4:4
During recent elections in my country, one struggling mom I know exchanged her vote for a bag of diapers. We had discussed the benefits of each candidate, so her choice disappointed me. But what about your convictions? I asked. She remained silent. Six months after her candidate won, taxes went even higher. Everything is now more expensive than before . . . even diapers!
In countries around the world, political corruption is not new. Spiritual corruption is not new either. Satan tried to lure Jesus into selling His convictions (Matt. 4:1-10). The tempter came to Him when He was tired and hungry. He offered Him immediate satisfaction, fresh bread in seconds, a miraculous delivery, the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
But Jesus knew better. He knew that shortcuts were dangerous enemies. They may offer a road free from suffering, but in the end the pain they carry is much worse than anything we can imagine. It is written, Jesus said three times during His temptation (vv.4,7,10). He held firm to what He knew was true from God and His Word.
When we are tempted, God can help us too. We can depend on Him and the truth of His Word to help us avoid dangerous shortcuts.
Help me not to take shortcuts to satisfaction, Lord. Help me to run to You and Your Word for the strength to fight the enemy. I'm confident that You will be there to help me.
God's road is not easy, but it leads to eternal satisfaction.
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Unwelcome Visitors
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Posted:Mar 17, 2015 3:42 am
Last Updated:Mar 17, 2015 3:43 am 20504 Views
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Read: James 1:2-12
Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2-3
Recently my wife, Marlene, and I received a panicky phone call from our and his wife. The night before, they had found two bats in their house. I know bats are an important part of the ecosystem, but they are not my favorite among God's creatures, especially when they are flying around inside.
Yet Marlene and I were thankful we could go over to our house and help. We helped them to plug the holes that might have been used by these unwelcome visitors to enter their house.
Another unwelcome visitor that often intrudes into our lives is suffering. When trials come, we can easily panic or lose heart. But these difficult circumstances can become the instruments our loving heavenly Father uses to make us more like Christ. That's why James wrote, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work (James 1:2-4).
We are not expected to enjoy trials or to celebrate suffering. But when these unwelcome visitors arrive, we can look for God's hand in them and trust that He can use them to make us more like His .
Thank You, Father, that You give to us each day what You know is best. We're thankful that we can trust Your heart, which is kind beyond all measure.
Trials may visit us, but our God is always with us.
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A Good Name
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Posted:Mar 16, 2015 4:46 am
Last Updated:Mar 16, 2015 4:47 am 20565 Views
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Read: Proverbs 10:2-15
Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Proverbs 22:1
Charles Ponzi's name will be forever associated with the financial fraud scheme he elevated to a way of life. After some minor financial crimes and brief times in jail, in early 1920 he began offering investors a 50 percent return on their money in 45 days and a 100 percent return in 90 days. Although it seemed too good to be true, the money poured in. Ponzi used money from new investors to pay prior investors and fund his lavish lifestyle. By the time his fraud was discovered in August 1920, investors had lost 20 million dollars and five banks had failed. Ponzi spent 3 years in prison, was later deported to Italy, and died penniless in 1949 at the age of 66.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the reputations of wise and foolish people: The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. . . . He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known
Prov. 10.7,9. Solomon sums it up by saying, A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold (22:1).
We seek a good name, not to honor ourselves but to glorify Christ our Lord whose name is above all names.
Lord, You know what is best, and You desire to lead us in paths that are right and good. Give us the courage to trust and to follow You in the way of right living for Your name's sake.
A good name honors our great God.
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