Kindness Gone Viral
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Posted:Jan 15, 2015 3:31 am
Last Updated:Jan 15, 2015 3:35 am 15968 Views
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Let the little come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14
Read: Mark 10:13-16 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42
News of a simple act of kindness on a New York subway has gone around the world. A young man, head covered by a hooded sweatshirt, fell asleep on the shoulder of an older passenger. When someone else offered to wake the young rider, the older man quietly said, He must have had a long day. Let him sleep. We´ve all been there. Then he let the tired fellow rider sleep on his shoulder for the better part of the next hour, until the older man gently eased away to get up for his stop. In the meantime, another passenger snapped a photograph and posted it on social media, and it went viral.
The man´s kindness seems to resonate with what we all long for the kindness that reflects the heart of God. We see this gentleness in Jesus when His friends tried to protect Him from the noise and bother of little . Instead, Jesus insisted on taking the little ones in His arms and blessing them Mark 10.16. In the process, He invited all of us to trust Him like a little vv.13-16.
Jesus lets us know that all of us are safe in His presence. Whether awake or asleep, we can lean on Him. When we´re exhausted, He provides a safe place for us to rest.
Under His wings, I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His .
God is a safe resting place.
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It´s Worth It
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Posted:Jan 14, 2015 2:32 am
Last Updated:Jan 15, 2015 3:32 am 15940 Views
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Read: 2 Corinthians 11.24-33
If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
2 Corinthians 11.30
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 33-35; Matthew 10:1-20
I can´t do it, Robert said, throwing his pencil down in despair. It´s just too hard! Reading, writing, and spelling seemed impossible to our dyslexic 9-year-old. At last, a solution was offered. But it was tough. We had to do reading and spelling practice with him for 20 minutes every evening without exception. Sometimes we just didn´t feel like doing it, and at times we despaired of seeing progress. But we were committed to getting Robert´s reading age and his chronological age to match, so we battled on.
After 2 1/2 years, all the tears and struggles seemed infinitely worthwhile. Robert learned to read and spell. And we all learned patient endurance.
The apostle Paul suffered all sorts of hardships as he pursued his goal of sharing the good news of Jesus with those who had never heard. Persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and misunderstood, sometimes he faced death itself 2 Cor. 11.25 But the joy of seeing people respond to his message made it all worthwh). ile.
If you feel that the task God has called you to is too hard, remember that the spiritual lessons and joy that are wrapped up in the journey may seem hidden at first, but they are certainly there! God will help you find them.
Sometimes we learn that hardships
Were blessings in disguise,
That earnest work and faith in God
Were proven to be wise.
The journey is as important as the destination.
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Out Of The Darkness
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Posted:Jan 13, 2015 3:19 am
Last Updated:Jan 14, 2015 2:33 am 16068 Views
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Read: Psalm 77.1-15
I cried out to God . . . . Who is so great a God as our God?
Psalm 77.1,13
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 31-32; Matthew 9.18-38
I don´t know what desperate situation gripped Asaph, the writer of
Psalm 77, but I´ve heard, and made, similar laments. Over the past dozen years since I lost my , many others who have experienced the loss of a loved one have shared with me heartbreaking sentiments like these:
Crying out to God (v.1. Stretching empty arms heavenward (v.2. Experiencing troubling thoughts about God because of horrible circumstances (v.3. Enduring unspeakable trouble (v.4. Cowering under the feeling of being cast aside (v.7. Fearing failed promises (v.8. Fearing a lack of mercy (v.8.
But a turnaround occurs for Asaph in verse 10 through a recollection of God´s great works. Thoughts turn to God´s love. To memories of what He has done. To His marvelous deeds of old. To the comfort of God´s faithfulness and mercy. To reminders of God´s wonders and greatness. To His strength and redemption.
Despair is real in this life, and answers do not come easily. Yet in the darkness as we remember God´s glory, majesty, power, and love our despair can slowly subside. Like Asaph, we can rehearse God´s acts, especially the salvation He brought through Jesus, and we can return to where we once were resting gratefully in His mighty love.
Lord, we cannot fathom the depth of Your character
or the wisdom of Your actions when trouble visits us.
Help us to inch our way back into Your arms through
a rehearsal of Your goodness and a recollection of Your glorious love.
Remembering the past can bring hope to the present.
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A Storyteller
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Posted:Jan 12, 2015 5:20 am
Last Updated:Jan 13, 2015 3:23 am 16067 Views
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Read: Colossians 1:13-23
You, who once were alienated . . . , yet now He has reconciled. Colossians 1:21
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 29-30; Matthew 9.1-17
In the years following the American Civil War (1861-1865), Union Major General Lew Wallace served as a governor of the New Mexico territories; New Mexico not yet having been admitted as a state. His work there put him in contact with many of the characters that make up the Wild West's near-mythic history, including Billy the and Sheriff Pat Garrett. It was here that Wallace wrote what has been called by some the most influential Christian book of the 19th century, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.
Wallace witnessed the worst impact of sin on humanity as he saw the violence of the Civil War and the Wild West. In life and in his best-selling book, Wallace understood that only the story of Jesus Christ has the power of redemption and reconciliation.
For the follower of Christ, the climax of our lives was the moment God delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins Col. 1.13-14. Now we have the privilege of being storytellers of God's wonderful redemption.
Lord, please take control of my words today.
Fill me with Your words of love and grace.
Use them to turn some heart toward You.
I can do nothing without You.
The difference Christ makes in your life is a story worth telling.
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Love Letter
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Posted:Jan 9, 2015 4:30 am
Last Updated:Jan 11, 2015 6:55 am 15994 Views
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Read: Psalm 119.97-104
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119.97
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7
Each morning when I reach my office, I have one simple habit check all my emails. Most of the time, I´ll work through them in a perfunctory fashion. There are some emails, however, that I´m eager to open. You guessed it those from loved ones.
Someone has said that the Bible is God´s love letter to us. But perhaps on some days, like me, you just don´t feel like opening it and your heart doesn´t resonate with the words of the psalmist: Oh, how I love Your law! Ps. 119.97. The Scriptures are Your commandments v.98, Your testimonies v.99, Your precepts (v.100), Your word (v.101, emphasis added).
A question by Thomas Manton (1620-1677), once a lecturer at Westminster Abbey, still holds relevance for us today. He asked: Who is the author of Scripture? God. . . . What is the end of Scripture? God. Why was the Scripture written, but that we might everlastingly enjoy the blessed God?
It is said of some people that the more you know them the less you admire them; but the reverse is true of God. Familiarity with the Word of God, or rather the God of the Word, breeds affection, and affection seeks yet greater familiarity.
As you open your Bible, remember that God the One who loves you the most has a message for you.
Oh, may I love Thy precious Word,
May I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
May light upon me shine!
Knowing the Bible helps us know the God of the Bible.
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Extraordinary Showers
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Posted:Jan 8, 2015 4:12 am
Last Updated:Jan 9, 2015 4:30 am 15923 Views
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Read: Ezekiel 34.25-31
There shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34.26
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6.19-34
What do fish, tadpoles, and spiders have in common? They have all fallen from the sky like rain in various parts of the world. Fish fell on the Australian town of Lajamanu. Tadpoles pelted areas of central Japan on multiple occasions. Spiders showered down on the San Bernardo Mountains in Argentina. Although scientists suspect that the wind plays a part in these intriguing showers, no one can fully explain them.
The prophet Ezekiel described a far more extraordinary downpour a shower of blessing Ezek. 34.26. Ezekiel spoke of a time when God would send blessings like rain to refresh His people. The Israelites would be safe from enemy nations. They would have enough food, be liberated from slavery, and be freed from shame vv.27-29 These gifts would revive Israel´s relationship with God. The people would know that God was with them, and that they, the house of Israel, [were His] people v.30.
God blesses His modern-day followers too ,James 1.17. Sometimes blessings abound like rain; sometimes they trickle in one by one. Whether many or few, the good things we receive come with a message from God: I see your needs. You are mine, and I will care for you.
âThere shall be showers of blessing
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Daily blessings are daily reminders of God.
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Where Can I Help?
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Posted:Jan 7, 2015 4:34 am
Last Updated:Jan 8, 2015 9:57 am 16105 Views
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Read: Galatians 6:1-10
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the Galatians 6.10
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6:1-18
Last winter our city was hit by an ice storm. Hundreds of ice-heavy tree limbs cut into power lines, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electrical power for days. Our family kept basic energy coming into the house through a generator, but we were still unable to cook meals. As we set out to find a place to eat, we drove for miles past closed businesses. We finally found a breakfast restaurant that had not lost power, but it was packed with hungry customers who were in the same fix as we were.
When a woman came over to take our order for food, she said, I´m not really an employee of this restaurant. Our church group was having breakfast here, and we saw how the staff was overwhelmed with so many customers who came in. We told the restaurant management we would be willing to help by waiting on tables if it would ease the burden and help people to get fed.
Her willingness to serve reminded me of Paul´s words: As we have opportunity, let us do good to all Gal. 6.10. In light of the many needs around us, I wonder what could happen if we all asked God to show us opportunities to serve Him and help others today.
Dear Lord, show us where and how we might
serve others and ease their burdens. Give us
hearts of love and compassion that reflect
Your love. Then help us to take action.
We follow the example of Christ when we serve people in need.
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Mistakes Made Beautiful
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Posted:Jan 6, 2015 1:03 am
Last Updated:Jan 7, 2015 8:09 am 16079 Views
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Read: Luke 22:39-51
[Jesus] touched his ear and healed him. Luke 22:51
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 16-17; Matthew 5:27-48
Early in his career, jazz player Herbie Hancock was invited to play in the quintet of Miles Davis, already a musical legend. In an interview, Hancock admitted being nervous but described it as a wonderful experience because Davis was so nurturing. During one performance, when Davis was near the high point of his solo, Hancock played the wrong chord. He was mortified, but Davis continued as if nothing had happened. He played some notes that made my chord right, Hancock said.
What an example of loving leadership! Davis didn't scold Hancock or make him look foolish. He didnât blame him for ruining the performance. He simply adjusted his plan and turned a potentially disastrous mistake into something beautiful.
What Davis did for Hancock, Jesus did for Peter. When Peter cut off the ear of one of the crowd who had come to arrest Jesus, Jesus reattached the ear Luke 22:51, indicating that His kingdom was about healing, not hurting. Time after time Jesus used the disciples mistakes to show a better way.
What Jesus did for His disciples, He also does for us. And what He does for us, we can do for others. Instead of magnifying every mistake, we can turn them into beautiful acts of forgiveness, healing, and redemption.
Lord, You understand how prone we are to make
selfish and foolish mistakes. Forgive us and
restore us. Please, for Your names sake, use even
the worst aspects of our lives for Your glory.
Jesus longs to turn our mistakes into amazing examples of His grace.
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Assembly Required
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Posted:Jan 5, 2015 2:43 am
Last Updated:Jan 5, 2015 2:47 am 15994 Views
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Read: Philippians 4:4-13
Be anxious for nothing, but . . . let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4.6
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 13-15; Matthew 5:1-26
When our and her fiance began receiving wedding presents, it was a happy time. One gift they received was a bench cabinet that had to be assembled and I volunteered for the task because they already had so much to do to prepare for the wedding. Although it took a couple of hours, it was much easier than expected. All of the wooden pieces were precut and predrilled, and all the hardware for assembly was included. The instructions were virtually foolproof.
Unfortunately, most of life isn´t that way. Life doesn´t carry with it simple instructions, nor do we find all of the necessary parts in hand. We face situations with no clear idea of what we´re getting into or what it will take to pull it off. We can easily find ourselves overwhelmed with these difficult moments.
But we need not face our burdens alone. God wants us to bring them to Him: Be anxious for nothing, but . . . let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Phil. 4.6-7.
We have a Savior who understands and offers His peace in the midst of our struggles.
Stayed upon Jehovah,
Hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.
The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.
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Where Are You?
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Posted:Jan 2, 2015 4:08 am
Last Updated:Jan 5, 2015 2:43 am 16345 Views
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Read: Genesis 3:1-10
The Lord God . . . said to him, Where are you? Genesis 3.9
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2
The two teenage boys heard the sound of their parents car and panicked. How would they explain the mess in the house? Their father´s instructions had been clear that morning before he and their mother drove out of town: no parties, no rowdy friends. But the unruly friends came and the boys allowed them to stay, despite their father´s warning. Now the house was in a jumble and the boys were tipsy and disheveled. In fear, they hid.
That was how Adam and Eve must have felt after they had chosen to disobey God and then heard the sound of Him approaching. In fear, they hid themselves. Where are you? God called Gen. 3.9 Adam responded, I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself (v.10). Sin makes us feel afraid and naked, and we become vulnerable to even more temptation.
God is still calling to people: Where are you? Many run away, trying to hide from Him or drown out the sound of His voice. Yet we cannot hide from God; He knows exactly where we are. Rather than hide in fear, we can respond in this way: God, be merciful to me a sinner! Luke 18.13.
Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There´s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you over evil a victory win?
There´s wonderful power in the blood.
The only place to hide sin is under the blood of Christ.
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