Love Letter
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Posted:Jan 9, 2015 4:30 am
Last Updated:Jan 11, 2015 6:55 am 16002 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 15931 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 16113 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 16090 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 16007 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 16358 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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Better Or Worse?
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Posted:Jan 1, 2015 4:29 am
Last Updated:Jan 2, 2015 4:08 am 16246 Views
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Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5,10-17
You must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of. 2 Timothy 3.14
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1
At the beginning of each new year, experts give their predictions about the economy, politics, weather, and a host of other topics. Will there be war or peace? Poverty or prosperity? Progress or stagnation? People everywhere are hoping that this year will be better than last, but no one knows what will happen.
There is, however, something we can be certain about. A guest speaker at my church suggested that when we ask if the world will get better or worse, the answer is Yes, to both!
Paul told Timothy, In the last days perilous times will come; . . . evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them
2 Tim. 3:1,13-14.
The inspired Word of God instructs, corrects, and encourages us as we follow God´s path vv.16-17. J. B. Phillips described the Scriptures as our comprehensive equipmentâ that prepares us fully for all branches of God´s work.
As the spiritual darkness of our world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and love Him. Jesus is our joy and hope today, tomorrow, and forever!
Heavenly Father, the trouble in this world can
divert our eyes from You. Thank You for Your Word
that helps us stay focused. May we find our delight
in Your love and share it with others today.
The powers of evil around you are no match for the power of Jesus within you.
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Standing On The Edge
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Posted:Dec 31, 2014 4:52 am
Last Updated:May 19, 2024 2:22 am 16296 Views
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Read: Joshua 3.9-17
[The Israelites] set out . . . to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]. âJoshua 3.14
Bible in a Year:
Malachi 1-4; Revelation 22
My little girl stood apprehensively at the poolâs edge. As a nonswimmer, she was just learning to become comfortable in the water. Her instructor waited in the pool with outstretched arms. As my hesitated, I saw the questions in her eyes: Will you catch me? What will happen if my head goes under?
The Israelites may have wondered what would happen when they crossed the Jordan River. Could they trust God to make dry ground appear in the riverbed? Was God guiding their new leader, Joshua, as He had led Moses? Would God help His people defeat the threatening Canaanites who lived just across the river?
To learn the answers to these questions, the Israelites had to engage in a test of faithâthey had to act. So they âset out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]â v.14. Exercising their faith allowed them to see that God was with them. He was still directing Joshua, and He would help them settle in Canaan vv.7,10,17.
If you are facing a test of faith, you too can move forward based on Godâs character and His unfailing promises. Relying on Him will help you move from where you are to where He wants you to be.
Lord, weâre prone to quickly forget Your goodness
and care for us. May we trust You today and
into the new yearâwhatever uncertainties we
face. You are the God who can be trusted.
Fear fades when we trust our Father.
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He Leads Me
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Posted:Dec 30, 2014 5:46 am
Last Updated:Dec 31, 2014 6:13 am 16391 Views
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Read: Psalm 23
He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2
Bible in a Year:
Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21
In Istanbul, Turkey, in 2005, one sheep jumped off a cliff and then nearly 1,500 others followed! In the end, about one-third of them died. Not knowing which way to go, sheep mindlessly follow other members of the flock.
No better word picture than sheep can be found to illustrate our need for a trustworthy leader. We are all, Isaiah wrote, like sheep (Isa. 53:6). We tend to go our own way, yet we desperately need the sure direction of a shepherd.
Psalm 23 describes the trustworthiness of our Good Shepherd. He cares for us (v.1); He provides for our physical needs (v.2); He shows us how to live holy lives (v.3); He restores us, comforts us, heals us, and bountifully blesses us (vv.3-5; and He will not abandon us (v.6).
What a comfort to know that God gently but firmly leads us! He does so through the urging of the Holy Spirit, the reading of His Word, and through prayer. God is the reliable leader we need.
In acknowledgment of our dependence on the Lord, we can say with the psalmist, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
Like sheep that sometimes wander from the flock
In tangled paths of life to lose their way,
I need my Shepherdâs hand and watchful eye
To keep me always, lest I go astray.
The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who lives to guide us.
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Delay May Not Mean Denial
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Posted:Dec 29, 2014 5:27 am
Last Updated:Dec 29, 2014 5:29 am 16424 Views
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Read: John 11:21-35
When [Jesus] heard that [Lazarus] was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. John 11.6
Bible in a Year:
Zechariah 9-12; Revelation 20
My sons birthdays are in December. When they were small, Angus quickly learned that if he didn't receive a longed-for toy for his birthday at the beginning of the month, it might be in his Christmas stocking. And if David didn't receive his gift for Christmas, it might appear for his birthday 4 days later. Delay didn't necessarily mean denial.
It was natural for Martha and Mary to send for Jesus when Lazarus became seriously ill (John 11:1-3). Perhaps they looked anxiously along the road for signs of His arrival, but Jesus didn't come. The funeral service had been over for 4 days when Jesus finally walked into town v.17.
Martha was blunt. If You had been here, she said, my brother would not have died (v.21). Then her faith flickered into certainty, Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You v.22. I wonder what she expected. Lazarus was dead, and she was wary about opening the tomb. And yet at a word from Jesus, Lazarus spirit returned to his decaying body vv.41-44. Jesus had bypassed simply healing His sick friend, in order to perform the far greater miracle of bringing him back to life.
Waiting for God's timing may also give us a greater miracle than we had hoped for.
My Savior hears me when I pray,
Upon His Word I calmly rest;
In His own time, in His own way,
I know He'll give me what is best.
Time spent waiting on God is never wasted.
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