Human Chess
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Posted:Dec 5, 2014 5:27 am
Last Updated:Dec 8, 2014 5:17 am 9554 Views
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Read: 1 John 4.7-12
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4.7
Bible in a Year:
Daniel 1-2; 1 John 4
Chess is an ancient game of strategy. Each player begins with 16 pieces on the chessboard with the goal of cornering his opponent´s king. It has taken different forms over the years. One form is human chess, which was introduced around ad 735 by Charles Martel, duke of Austrasia. Martel would play the game on giant boards with real people as the pieces. The human pieces were costumed to reflect their status on the board and moved at the whim of the playersâmanipulating them to their own ends.
Could this human version of the game of Chess be one that we sometimes play? We can easily become so driven by our goals that people become just one more pawn that we use to achieve them. The Scriptures, however, call us to a different view of those around us. We are to see people as created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). They are objects of God´s love (John 3:16) and deserving of ours as well.
The apostle John wrote, Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God
(1 John 4.7. Because God first loved us, we are to respond by loving Him and the people He created in His image.
Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me,
Help me to see them as You do above;
Give me the wisdom and strength to take action,
So others may see the depth of Your love.
People are to be loved, not used.
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Called By Name
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Posted:Dec 4, 2014 1:26 am
Last Updated:Dec 4, 2014 4:24 pm 9194 Views
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Read: Luke 19:1-10
[Jesus] looked up and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.Luke 19:5
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 47-48; 1 John 3
At the beginning of the academic year, a school principal in our city pledged to learn the names of all 600 students in her school. Anyone who doubted her ability or resolve could look at her track record. During the previous year she had learned the names of 700 students, and prior to that, 400 in a different school. Think of what it must have meant to these students to be recognized and greeted by name.
The story of Zacchaeus and Jesus (Luke 19:1-10) contains a surprising element of personal recognition. As Jesus passed through the city of Jericho, a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus climbed a tree in order to see Him. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house (v.5). Instead of ignoring Zacchaeus or saying Hey, you in the tree, Jesus called him by name. From that moment on, his life began to change.
When it seems that no one knows you or cares who you are, remember Jesus. He knows us by name and longs for us to know Him in a personal way. Our Father in heaven sees us through His eyes of love and cares about every detail of our lives.
Father, thank You that my value in Your eyes is not
determined by what I do but simply by the fact that
You created me. Help me to recognize that same
value in others as I represent You to the world.
Jesus knows you by name and longs for you to know Him.
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Whose Side Are You On?
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Posted:Dec 3, 2014 4:54 am
Last Updated:Dec 3, 2014 5:00 am 9073 Views
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Read: Psalm 73
It is good for me to draw near to God. Psalm 73:28
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 45-46; 1 John 2
In the heat of the American Civil War, one of President Lincoln's advisors said he was grateful that God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln replied, Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
What a great challenge for us who assume that God is there to support our plans, our perspectives, our decisions, and our desires. However, Lincoln's reply reminds us that even our best plans may not be near to what God desires.
Clearly the psalmist wants to be on God's side when he pleads, Search me, O God, and know my heart; . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
(Ps. 139:23-24). When we follow the psalmist's example to draw near to God 73 .28, we can be certain that we are on His side, as His Spirit helps us measure every thought and action by His ways that are always right.
So, let's ask ourselves: Are we on the Lord's side? Being on His side means that we will reflect His love to the world around us in the way we interact with others. We will forgive, treat others justly, and seek peace. God's ways are always best.
Father, teach us to search Your ways so that we may
know how to be on Your side of the critical issues in
life. Thank You that when we draw near to You, You
draw near to us with gifts of wisdom and discernment.
When you draw near to God, you are sure to be on His side.
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Losing Our Way
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Posted:Dec 2, 2014 2:41 am
Last Updated:Dec 3, 2014 4:54 am 8424 Views
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Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness. 1 Timothy 6:10
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 42-44; 1 John 1
An online survey conducted by a New York law firm reveals that 52 percent of Wall Street traders, brokers, investment bankers, and other financial service professionals have either engaged in illegal activity or believe they may need to do so in order to be successful. The survey concludes that these financial leaders have lost their moral compass and accept corporate wrongdoing as a necessary evil.
In mentoring young Timothy, the apostle Paul warned that the love of money and the desire to get rich had caused some to lose their way. They had yielded to temptations and embraced many foolish and harmful desires (1 Tim. 6:9). Paul saw the love of money (not money itself) as a source of all kinds of evil (v.10), especially the evil of trusting in money rather than depending on Christ.
As we learn to see that Christ is the source of all we have, we will find contentment in Him rather than in material possessions. When we seek godliness rather than riches, we will gain a desire to be faithful with what we have been given.
Let´s deliberately cultivate an attitude of contentment in God, and faithfully submit to Him, for our Provider will care for us.
Father, it´s easy to see the problem that others have
with loving money. But I know I have my own
struggles too. I need Your help to learn thankfulness
for all that You have given. Grow in me an attitude of contentment in You.
To love money is to lose sight of the Source of life.
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Struggling With Addiction
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Posted:Dec 1, 2014 6:00 am
Last Updated:Dec 2, 2014 1:40 pm 8343 Views
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Read: Hebrews 4:14-16
God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 40-41; 2 Peter 3
Eric was struggling with an addiction, and he knew it. His friends and family members encouraged him to stop. He agreed that it would be best for his health and relationships, but he felt helpless. When others told him how they had quit their bad habits, he replied, I´m happy for you, but I can´t seem to stop! I wish I had never been tempted in the first place. I want God to take the desire away right now.
Immediate deliverance may happen for some, but most face a daily battle. While we don´t always understand why the temptation doesn´t go away, we can turn to God on whatever path we find ourselves. And perhaps that is the most important part of our struggle. We learn to exchange our futile efforts to change for complete dependence on God.
Jesus was tempted also, just as we are, so He understands what we´re feeling (Mark 1:13. He sympathizes with our struggles (Heb. 4:15, and we can come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (v.16). He also uses others, including trained professionals, to lean on along the way.
Whatever battles we may be facing today, we know this God loves us much more than we can imagine, and He is faithful to come to our assistance.
For Further Thought
Read Matthew 4:1-11 about how Jesus handled
temptations. Also read 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
to learn how He can help us when we are tempted.
We are not tempted because we are evil; we are tempted because we are human.
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Amani
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Posted:Nov 28, 2014 6:17 am
Last Updated:Nov 28, 2014 6:22 am 8132 Views
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Read: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1.7
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5
Amani, which means peace in Swahili, is the name of a Labrador retriever pup that has some special friends. Amani lives with two young cheetahs at the Dallas Zoo. Zoologists placed the animals together so the cheetahs could learn Amani´s relaxed ways. Since dogs are generally at ease in public settings, the experts predict that Amani will be a calming influence in the cheetahs lives as they grow up together.
David was a soothing influence in King Saul´s life when a distressing spirit troubled him
1 Sam. 16:14. When Saul´s servants learned of his problem, they thought music might ease his affliction. One servant summoned David, who was a skilled harpist. Whenever the king became troubled, David would play the harp. Then Saul would become refreshed and well (v.23).
We crave refreshment and well-being when we are plagued by anger, fear, or sadness. The God of the Bible is a God of peace
(Heb. 13:20-21), One who gives His Holy Spirit to everyone who believes in Him. When we´re agitated or anxious, we can remember that God´s Spirit produces power, love, and self-contro
l 2 Tim. 1.7. God´s influence in our lives can create a calming effect one that leads to comfort and wholeness.
We´re grateful, Father, for the peace that You
offer for our hearts. Nothing has the power
to take that away. Thank You that Your
peace has come to stay.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.Jesus
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A Lesson In Praise
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Posted:Nov 27, 2014 3:17 am
Last Updated:Nov 28, 2014 11:40 am 7838 Views
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Read: Psalm 150
Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:1
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 30-32; 1 Peter 4
Psalm 150 is not only a beautiful expression of praise, its also a lesson in praising the Lord. It tells us where to praise, why we´re to praise, how we´re to praise, and who should offer praise.
Where do we praise? In God´s sanctuary and mighty firmament
(v.1). Wherever we are in the world is a proper place to praise the One who created all things.
Why do we praise? First, because of what God does. He performs mighty acts. Second, because of who God is. The psalmist praised Him for His excellent greatness (v.2). The all-powerful Creator is the Sustainer of the universe.
How should we praise? Loudly. Softly. Soothingly. Enthusiastically. Rhythmically. Boldly. Unexpectedly. Fearlessly. In other words, we can praise God in many ways and on many occasions (vv.3-5).
Who should praise? Everything that has breath (v.6). Young and old. Rich and poor. Weak and strong. Every living creature. God´s will is for everyone to whom He gave the breath of life to use that breath to acknowledge His power and greatness.
Praise is our enthusiastic expression of gratitude to God for reigning in glory forever.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!
Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart.
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Resting In God
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Posted:Nov 25, 2014 4:46 am
Last Updated:Nov 26, 2014 3:56 am 7379 Views
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Read: Romans 4.16-22
He did not waver . . . through unbelief . . . being fully convinced that what [God] had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20-21
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2
It was our last holiday together as a family before our eldest went off to college. As we filled the back pew in the little seaside church, my heart filled with love as I glanced along the row of my five reasonably tidy . Please protect them spiritually and keep them close to You, Lord. I prayed silently, thinking of the pressures and challenges each of them faced.
The final hymn had a rousing chorus based on the words of
2 Timothy 1:12. I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him. It brought a sense of peace as I was assured that God would keep their souls.
Years have passed since then. There have been times of wandering for some of my , and outright rebellion for others. Sometimes I've wondered about God's faithfulness. Then I remember Abraham. He stumbled but never failed in his trust in the promise he'd received
Gen. 15:5-6; Rom. 4:20-21. Through years of waiting and mistaken attempts to help things along, Abraham hung on to God'until Isaac was born.
I find this reminder to trust encouraging. We tell God our request. We remember that He cares. We know He is powerful. We thank Him for His faithfulness.
Lord, my patience is often lacking and my timetable
often does not match Yours. Forgive me for my times
of doubt, and help me to trust You more.
Thank You for Your faithfulness.
Some lessons of patience take a long time to learn.
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Hope In Suffering
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Posted:Nov 24, 2014 5:14 am
Last Updated:Nov 25, 2014 5:06 am 7064 Views
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Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9
In this [living hope] you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. 1 Peter 1:6
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1
When I opened my Bible to read Jeremiah 1 through 4, the subhead ascribed to the book startled me: Hope in Time of Weeping. I almost cried. The timing was perfect, as I was walking through a season of weeping over the death of my mom.
I felt much the same way after hearing my pastor's sermon the day before. The title was Joy in Suffering, taken from 1 Peter 1:3-9. He gave us an illustration from his own life: the one-year anniversary of his father's death. The sermon was meaningful for many, but for me it was a gift from God. These and other events were indications backed up by His Word that God would not leave me alone in my grief.
Even though the way of sorrow is hard, God sends reminders of His enduring presence. To the Israelites expelled from the Promised Land due to disobedience, God made His presence known by sending prophets like Jeremiah to offer them hope hope for reconciliation through repentance. And to those He leads through times of testing, He shows His presence through a community of believers who love one another fervently with a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22. These indications of God's presence during trials on earth affirm God's promise of the living hope awaiting us at the resurrection.
Does Jesus care when I've goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see? O yes, He cares!
We need never be ashamed of our tears.
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Dealing With Distractions
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Posted:Nov 21, 2014 4:35 am
Last Updated:Nov 22, 2014 3:44 am 7058 Views
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Read: Matthew 13:14-22
The cares of this world . . . choke the word. Matthew 13:22
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 16-17; James 3
A restaurant owner in the village of Abu Ghosh, just outside Jerusalem, offered a 50-percent discount for patrons who turned off their cell phones. Jawdat Ibrahim believes that smartphones have shifted the focus of meals from companionship and conversation to surfing, texting, and business calls. Technology is very good, Ibrahim says. But . . . when you are with your family and your friends, you can just wait for half an hour and enjoy the food and enjoy the company.
How easily we can be distracted by many things, whether in our relationship with others or with the Lord.
Jesus told His followers that spiritual distraction begins with hearts that have grown dull, ears that are hard of hearing, and eyes that are closed (Matt. 13:15). Using the illustration of a farmer scattering seed, Jesus compared the seed that fell among thorns to a person who hears God's Word but whose heart is focused on other things. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful (v.22).
There is great value in having times throughout each day when we turn off the distractions of mind and heart and focus on the Lord.
O Lord, help me to turn off all the
distractions around me and focus on You.
May my heart be good soil for the
seed of Your Word today.
Focusing on Christ puts everything else in perspective.
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