Check Your Work

Check Your Work

February 29

Read:  Genesis 45:1 - 15

Do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves. – Genesis 45:5

The Bible In One year

Joshua 4 – 6

The memory of our sins can rob us of the joy of our salvation. Perhaps we have said, or heard others say, “if only I could forgive myself for what I have done!” some people become obsessed with guilt for their past sins.

When Joseph made himself known to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, they were speechless and “dismayed in his presence” (Gen. 45:3). Guilt and fear reminded them of the pain they had caused their aged father Jacob and their brother Joseph. Sensing this, Joseph immediately reassured them: “do not… be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life” (v.5).

When we have sinned and hurts others, we may find ourselves in a position similar to that of Joseph’s brother. But if we have confessed our sins, we can be assured that we have been forgiven. Nagging guilt and self blame are not the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us to be “renewed in the spirit of [our] mind” (Eph. 4:23). We must focus our thinking on Jesus our Savior, not on our past sins. We need to concentrate on what He has done – His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins – not on what we have done. Because He has forgiven our sin, we can learn to “forget” our sin. – Dennis De Haan

Blessed be the name of Jesus!

I’m so glad He took me in;

He’s forgiven my transgressions,

He has cleansed my heart from sin. – Harris

Guilt is a burden our heavenly Father never intended His children to bear 

Check Your Work, February, Joshua 12:37 AM No comments

Check Your Work

Check Your Work

February 28

Read:  Ephesians 5:1 - 16

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. – Ephesians 5:15

The Bible In One year

Joshua 4 – 6

I’m getting pretty good at math. That’s because every day my son Steve and I have a little math session. He does his 30 junior high math problem, and I help him check them over. Sometimes we even get them all right.

As I go over Steve’s math, I notice that he understands how to do his problems. In fact, in some areas he’s better at it than I am. But occasionally, despite knowing how to do the problem, he gets the wrong answer. He either gets a little sloppy in using the right formula or he just doesn’t check his answers carefully.

Aren’t we all a little like that in our Christian life? We have a good under standing of how to live the Christian life, but we get careless or lazy. We know better, but we fail.

For instance, we know we aren’t supposed to gossip. But before we know it, we’re roasting a fellow Christian. Or this: we know God wants us to keep our mind and heart pure, but we let down our guard and watch a TV program or movie we know is not edifying.

It’s true, isn’t it? We all get a little sloppy in how we live or God. Let’s be more careful and pay closer attention to our Christian walk (Eph. 5:15). Let’s make sure we’re doing quality work for our heavenly Father. – Dave Branon

Lord, help me to apply Your Word

And move it from my head

To actions that won’t shame your Name

But honor You instead. – Sper

Give your all for Jesus, he gave His all for you.

Check Your Work, February, Joshua 12:36 AM No comments

True Self Denial

True Self Denial

February 27

Read:  Luke 9:18 - 25

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. – Luke 9:23

The Bible In One year

Joshua 1 – 3

Lent is a period of 40 days prior to Easter (excluding Sundays) For many people it commemorates  Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness. They “give up something” for lent every year, like sweets or TV. This can yield spiritual benefits, but denying yourself things and denying yourself aren’t the same. In Luke 9:23, Jesus taught the latter.

This verse can be broken down into three parts in the statement “If any one desires to come after Me,” the word desires indicates that this is for sincere disciple only. In the phrase “let him deny himself imply a willingness to renounce one’s selfish will and ways. And in the statement “take up his cross daily,” the word daily emphasize a continual dying to self – will.

It’s easier to give things than to give ourselves. Yet Jesus gave Himself, and so must we. To those who deny themselves in obedient service, he has promised, “whoever loses his life for My sake will save it: (v.24). And to his question, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed?” we are called to answer, “there is no profit!” we show that we believe this when we deny our selves and follow Christ. – Joanie Yoder.

To follow Christ we must let go

Of all that we hold dear;

And as we do deny ourselves,

Our gains become more clear. – Sper

By living for ourselves we die; by dying to ourselves we live.

February, Joshua, True Self Denial 12:35 AM No comments

Guidance From Above

Guidance From Above

February 26

Read:  Psalm 25:4 - 15

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. – Psalm 25:4

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 32 - 34

The Global Positioning System (GPS) Is changing the way we work, travel, and play. Using the signals from multiple satellites, an inexpensive GPS receiver can compute your location anywhere in the world. Using the information can help a lost hiker return to camp, enable a driver to locate a house in a strange city, or guide commercial fishermen back to the place of a big catch. In a very real sense, it is “guidance from above.”

But it helps only the person who believes the information and acts on it. What if a person viewed the GPS read out and said, “I can’t possibly be where this says I am”? what good would it be if a person turned off the unit, jammed it in a pocket, and headed out on his own, saying, “I know I’m going east, even if this thing says I’m going south”?

In a similar way, God’s guidance through the Bible benefits us only when we trust His Word and obey it. “The humble He guides in justice,” the psalmist wrote, “and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies” (Ps. 25:9 – 10)

Remember, guidance from above is promised to all who will accept God’s Word and follow His directions. – David McCasland

We need God’s guidance from above,

His daily leading, constant love;

As we trust Him for direction,

To our course He’ll make correction. – Fitzhugh

The question is not only “where do we stand?” but also “where are headed?”

Deuteronomy, February, Guidance From Above 12:33 AM No comments

A Reminder of the Cross

A Reminder of the Cross

February 25

Read:  1 Corinthians 2:1 - 5

I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified – 1 Corinthians 2:2

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 29 – 31

Telephone poles play a crucial role in developed countries. They support lines of communications that enable people to “reach out and touch” others in just about any corner of the globe. And in many communities telephone poles carry power lines that make it possible for people to use lights and appliances.

Think about these poles and the vast roadside forest they form. What is their shape? They look like crosses don’t they?

As I looked at the pole in front of my house, I was reminded of the old rugged cross of Christ. Think of the “lines” of communication and power it carries. Because of that cross, God listens to the prayers of any believer on the face of the earth. And because Jesus shed His blood on that cross for lost humanity, believers in Christ have a deep desire to “reach out and touch” others with the message of the gospel.

For the apostle Paul, the cross was everything. He had one message when he wrote to the Corinthian believers: “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Calvary was the heart of Paul’s communication and the basis of his power.

The next time you see a telephone pole, think about the cross of Christ and how much it means to you. – Mart De Haan

When Jesus died on Calvary’s cross,

He took our sin and shame;

He gave to us His righteousness,

His glory, and His name. – Sper

Nothing speaks more clearly of God’s love than the cross

A Reminder of the Cross, Deuteronomy, February 12:31 AM No comments

Spiritual Service

Spiritual Service

February 24

Read:  Matthew 25:14 - 21

You know… in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility. – Acts 20:18 - 19

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 26 -28

Members of the upper level Brahman class in India never stoop to do any menial labor. So how shocked Shriman Naraarayan was when, spending time at Gandhi’s ashram(a spiritual retreat center for Hindus), he was assigned a task that he felt was beneath his dignity.

Having earned a doctorate from the London School of Economics, that young man had come to seek guidance about his future. Unknown to him, everybody at the ashram was given some specific assignment, and Shriman’s was to clean toilets. Deeply offende, he went to Gandhi immediately and complained, “I hold a doctorate. I’m capable of doing great things. Why do you waste my time and talents on cleaning toilets?” Gandhi responded, “I know of your capacity to do great thins, but I have yet to discover your capacity to do little things.”

You may be highly qualified to serve our Lord Jesus in a significant way. Because of your training and gifts, you may have the potential to carry on great and effective spiritual service. But are you willing to humbly perform some menial task if He so assign you? Would you be willing to clean another’s toilet or wash another’s feet? (John 13:14 – 15). That’s what obedient discipleship is all about. – Vernon Grounds

Lord, may I always do Your will,

It matters not how small the task;

Oh, may I have a humble heart

And do whatever You may ask. – Fitzhugh

Are you big enough to become small enough for God to use?

Deuteronomy, February, Spiritual Service 12:30 AM No comments

Worse than Dying

Worse than Dying

February 23

Read:  1 Cor. 9:11 - 23

It would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. – 1 Corinthians 9:15

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 23 -25

The apostle Paul said he would rather die than give the impression that he was serving the Lord for money. That’s why he supported him self while preaching in Corinth. To him, anything that marred his testimony for Christ was worse than dying.

Down through the centuries, many have held that same conviction and have proven it by dying as martyrs rather than denying their Lord. Most of us will not face a “deny Christ or die” ultimatum. But our lifestyle must reflect that we believe some things are worse than dying.

On New Year’s Eve 1951, I was deeply impressed as I read Paul’s declaration in Philippians 1:20. He said that his supreme expectation was that he would be ashamed “in nothing” His only hope was not that he be released from prison but that Christ would be magnified in his body, “whether by life or by death.” I was also struck by his confident statement in verse 21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Since then, I’ve told the Lord many times that I would rather die than do anything to dishonor His name, break the hearts of my wife and family, or disappoint those who respect me.

Yes, some things are worse than dying, and dishonoring Christ is one of them. – Herb Vander Lugt

I’d rather die than bring disgrace

Upon my Lord, His name debase;

So I will live my life each day

To honor Christ and walk His way. – Hess

To keep your testimony alive, you must die to sin.

Deuteronomy, February, Worse than Dying 12:27 AM No comments

Created Like a King

Created Like a King

February 22

Read:  Matthew 25:31 - 46

I was a stranger and you took Me in. – Matthew 25:35

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 20 -22

King Addullah, the ruler of Jordan since 1999, has been known to disguise himself and go out into public places. His purpose is to talk with ordinary people and find out what they are thinking, and to check up on civil servants to see how they are treating his people. He has visited hospitals and government offices to learn what kind of service they are giving.

The king got the idea while in New York. He couldn’t leave his hotel without being mobbed, so he slipped out in disguise. It worked, so he tried it at home. He reported that once this practice was begun, civil servants and hospital employees started to treat everyone like kings.

When Jesus Comes as King, He will judge the nations (Matt. 23:31 – 46). He said the basis for that judgment will be how people treated Him when He was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, or imprisoned. Those being judged will ask when they saw Him in these situations, and Jesus will say, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (v.40)

When Jesus comes as King, He will judge the nation (Matt. 25:31 – 46). He aid the basis for that judgement will be how people treated Him when He was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked sick, or imprisoned. Those being judged will ask when they saw Him in these situation, and Jesus will say, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (v.40).

Because all people are created in God’s image, and because Jesus by His words and example taught us that He cares deeply how we treat others, we should treat all people with kindness and compassion. Let’s treat them like kings. – Dave Egner

Every kindness done to others

Is a kindness done to thee;

Christ like love for all my brother

My the world observe in me. – Brandt

Our love for Christ in only as real as our love for our neighbor. 

Created Like a King, Deuteronomy, February 12:25 AM No comments

You Can Always Pray

You Can Always Pray

February 21

Read:  Acts 12:1 - 16

I Called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me. – Psalm 118:5

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 17 – 19

The young mother called out to the missionary, “come quick! My baby is going to die.” Gale Fields was in Irian Jaya helping her husband Phil Translate the Bible into Orya, a tribal language. but they also provided medical help whenever possible. Gale looked at the malaria – stricken Child and realized she didn’t have the right medicine to help the infant.

“I’m sorry,” she told the mother, “I don’t have any medicine for babies this small.” Gale pause, then said, “I could pray for her though.”

“Yes, anything to help my baby,” answered the mother.

Gale prayed for the baby and then went home feeling helpless. After awhile, she again heard the mother cry, “Gale, come quick and see my baby!”

Expecting the worst, Gale went to the baby’s side. This time, through, she noticed improvement. The dangerous fever was gone. Later, Gale would say, “No wonder the Orya Christians learned to pray. They know God answers.”

The early Christians prayed for Peter to be released from prison and then were “astonished” when God answered them (Acts 12:16). We respond that way too, but we shouldn’t be surprised when God answers our prayers. Remember, His power is great and His resources are endless. – Dave Branos

Forgive us, Lord, when we’re surprised

By answers to our prayers;

Increase our faith and teach us how

To trust Your loving care. – Sper

The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe

Deuteronomy, February, You Can Always Pray 12:24 AM No comments

Holy Fruit

Holy Fruit

February 20

Read:  2 Peter 1:1 – 8

If these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:8

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 13 – 16

Billy Graham told about the conversion of H.C. Morrison, the founder of Asbury Theological Seminary. He said that Morrison, a farm worker at the time, was plowing in a field one day when he saw an old Methodist preacher coming by on his horse.

Morrison knew the elderly gentleman to be a gracious, godly man. As he watched the old saint go by, a great sense of conviction of sin came over Morrison and he dropped to his knees. There between the furrows in his field, alone, he gave his life to God.

When he concluded the story, Billy Graham earnestly prayed, “Oh, God, make me a holy man.”

Augustine said, “Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being.” True and lasting greatness stems from what we are. Though we may seem to be doing nothing at all, we can be doing everything worthwhile if our lives are being styled by God’s grace. Even if we are set aside through old age, sickness, or seclusion, we can still be productive. Are you bedridden or housebound? Your holy life can still bear fruit.

This can happen only as we stay in close relationship with Jesus (John 15:1 – 11). Only then will we have the fruit that “remains” (v. 16). – David Roper

I lived so that all whom I met could see

His Holy Spirit shining through me;

O friend, is this what our hearts can say

As we sit and think at the close of day? – Nicholson

The most powerful testimony is a holy life.

Deuteronomy, February, Holy Fruit 12:19 AM No comments

To Have one Be one

To Have one Be one

February 19

Read:  John 15:9 - 17

A man who has friends must himself be friendly. – Proverbs 18:24

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 10 – 12

All of us need at least one or two close friends. A small boy defined a friend as “someone who knows all about you and likes you just the same.” Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” Henry Durbanville made this observation about friendship: “A friend is the first person to come in when the whole world goes out.”

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 17:17, “A friends loves at all times.” We can’t improve on that definition. To have someone who remains true to us under all circumstances is one of life’s choicest blessings. The support and encouragement that only an intimate friend can offer is sorely needed when the burdens of life weigh heavily upon us. Jesus, of course, is the ultimate friend, for He laid down His life for His friends(John 15:13).

Proverbs 18:24 makes an important point and takes us beyond a description of what it means to be a friend. It says that “a man who has friends must himself be friendly.” The implication is clear: Friendliness must begin with us. We must take the initiative in developing relationships with other. Let us be to others what we desire for ourselves. When it comes to friends, to have one you must be one! – Richard De Haan

I went outside to find a friend

But could not find one there;

I went outside to be a friend,

And friends were everywhere! – Anon

Friends are seldom found; they are made. - wentworth

Deuteronomy, February, To Have one Be one 12:18 AM No comments

Honoring Our Parents

Honoring Our Parents

February 18

Read:  Mark 7:1 - 13

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long. – Deuteronomy 5:16

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 7 – 9

The year was 1727. the place was a small bookshop in Lichfield, England. A man who kept bursting into violent fits of coughing was packing books to sell in his market stall in uttoxeter. Between coughs he asked his 18 year old son to take the books that day. But the young man, deeply engrossed in the Latin classic he was reading. Heard him but ignored the request. The stagecoach arrived, and the father stepped out into the pouring rain with his load of books to take the 20 mile ride to the market.

Fifty years later an elderly man stood for hours in the pouring rain at a market stall in Uttoxeter. When the storm finally subside, he walked back to a waiting carriage and returned home. There he bowed his head and sobbed. That man was the famous literary genius Samuel Johnson. He was still haunted by the memory of what he did so long ago.

Honoring our parents is more than an obligation. It’s also a privilege. As children we honor them by obedience; as adults, by frequent calls or visits and self sacrificing care. Missed opportunities to show love and honor may bring deep regret years later.

The command is simple: “Honor your father and your mother.” And God always rewards obedience. – Herb vander Lugt

Don’t miss the opportunity

To honor and obey

The parents God has given you –

For they’ll be gone someday. – Sper

Children let their parents down if they forget who brought them up. 

Deuteronomy, February, Honoring Our Parents 12:17 AM No comments

God is Down to Earth

God is Down to Earth

February 17

Read:  Kings 19:1 - 18

Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. – 1 kings 19:7

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 4 – 6

The more challenging life becomes the more we long for a down to earth spirituality to help us with the challenge. We’re skeptical of believers who are “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly minded that they are no earthly good” yet we seldom get the balance right.

Author Os Guinness writes that we usually end up “being either practical at the expense of being practical.” He points out that paradoxically, it is God who gets it right. God was never more down to earth than when Jesus came into the world. It was Jesus, God divine Son, who became truly human by taking on human flesh. Therefore, Guinness concludes, the one who is the most spiritual (God) ended up being the most practical!

How God dealt with Elijah is a prime example of His practicality. Guinness points out the “God’s remedy for Elijah’s depression was not a refresher course in theology but food and sleep.” Only then did He confront Elijah gently about his spiritual error.

If you are discouraged because you are tired or over worked, God’s initial remedy for you is probably extra sleep or a day off. The most practical remedy, if it’s the right one, is usually the most spiritual one. – Joanie Yoder

When we’re discouraged spiritually

And fear and doubt assail our soul,

We may just need to rest awhile

Before God heals and makes us whole. – Sper

If we don’t come apart and rest awhile, we may just plain come apart. – Havner

Deuteronomy, February, God is Down to Earth 12:15 AM No comments

Who is Most Important

Who is Most Important

February 16

Read:  Psalm 1

His delight is in the law of the Lord… He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. – Psalm 1:2 - 3

The Bible In One year

Deuteronomy 1 – 3

During an operation, an experienced surgeon asked a young intern, “Who is the most important person in this operating room?”

The intern searched for an appropriate answer. He didn’t believe that his mentor was asking for personal compliments, so trying to sound gracious he replied, “I suppose that it would be these nurses who assist you in such an efficient manner.”

The surgeon shook hi head and said “No, the most important individual in this room in the patient.”

It’s possible to overlook the obvious in studying the Bible too. It’s easy to forget how important you are in the process. Whether or not you find profit depends on your attitude.

What the right attitude to bring to Bible study? First, approach the Bible with a sense of your own need, not just to teach it to someone else. Second, approach the Bible with humility. Don’t try to make it say what you would like it to say, but study to discover what God has said.

German theologian Johann Bengel (1687 – 1752) said, “Belike a maker of a well who brings no water to his source but allows the water he finds there to flow freely without stop page, diversion, or defilement.” Those who do that will grow like tress “planted by the rivers” (Ps. 1:3) – Haddon Robinson

Afraid to see what’s in God’s Book?

It’s meant for you, don’t fail to look.

The words and thoughts contained therein

Will bring God’s peace and cleanse from sin. – Beals

Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform. 

Deuteronomy, February, Who is Most Important 12:13 AM No comments

Going Straith

Going Straith

February 15

Read:  Matthew 5:17 - 24

Fist be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:24

The Bible In One year

Number 34 – 36

How far would you travel to put things right with a brother who hadn’t spoken to you in 10 years? Would you go 300 miles from Iowa to Wisconsin? On a riding lawn mower?

Unable to drive a car and despising bus travel, Alvin Straight did exactly that in the intriguing firm The Straight story. It is the true life drama of a 73 year old man who decided it was time to end the silence, stop the hating, and break down the wall of anger he and his brother had built between them.

As I watched the film in a packed theater, where the audience was silent from beginning to end, I thought of all the broken beginning to end, I thought of all the broken relationships that must have surfaced in the minds of people sitting there in the darkness. I also pondered the words of Jesus about setting things right with those from whom we’ve been estranged. He said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift”(Matt. 5:23 – 24).

Is there a relative, a friend, or a brother in Christ with whom you need to make things rights? – David McCasland

Lord, let me fell the pain of a wounded one I pray;

And seek to heal that wounded one I pray;

Yes, I would take the reconciling role,

And bring an end to pain and strife today. – Hess

An offense against your neighbor builds a fence between you and God

February, Going Straith, Number 12:11 AM No comments

Love Listens

Love Listens

February 14

Read:  Psalm 119:145 - 152

Hear my voice according to your loving-kindness – Psalm 119:149

The Bible In One year

Number 30 – 33

When we love others, we listen to them. Sure, it takes time and effort to focus on them and hear what they are saying. But when we do, it shows genuine concern and respect.

Author Wayne Alderson Tell of a young minister who spent a lot of time listening to the problems of his church members. One day he came home and said to his wife, “How did your day go?” for a half hour she told him about a problem with the car, their son’s earache, and the difficulties she had getting an appliance repaired. The pastor immediately began to problem solve, citing a list of things she should do.

But she just looked at him and said, just looked at him and said, “I have already done all of that. I don’t need you to solve my problems. I just need you to be interested in what I’ve been through.”

When the author of Psalm 119 pleaded, “Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness” (v. 149), he was expressing the truth that the God who loves us also listens to us. Listening is a part of loving.

Listening to a wife, a husband, a fellow worker, or a Christian friend may be just what that person needs to be encouraged or to see a problem more clearly. Go ahead and listen. God Himself show that love listen. – Dave Egner

My burden is now so much lighter,

I’ve glimpsed things I needed to see,

I have a fresh hope for tomorrow –

Because someone listened to me. – Egner

Listening may be the most loving thing you do today. 

February, Love Listens, Number 12:10 AM No comments

How to Amaze People

How to Amaze People

February 13

Read:  John 13:31 - 38

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:35

The Bible In One year

Number 28 – 30

David Doubilet is a photojournalist whose pictures of a silent under water world can turn even an ugly, bugeyed sea creature into a lovely work of art. Although he has received many honors for his work, he has also been criticized by environmentalists for not doing more “hard – edge” journalism, they want him to take pictures of dead fish, dirty beaches, and polluted oceans.

But Doubilet believes there’s a better way to get people to care about that environment. Instead of showing the destruction that humans are causing he shows the beauty God has created.

Some Christians seem to think that the way to improve out spiritual environment is to point out all the evil in the world. But Jesus showed us a better way. Although He never glossed over sin (Matt. 15:18 -20). He said to His followers before going to the cross. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). We are more effective witnesses when we become portraits of the beauty God is creating in us than when we merely paint a bleak picture of human degradation.

“In the end,” say Doubilet, “the best thing one can do is to amaze people.” And what could be more amazing to the world than Christians who truly love one another? – Julie Ackerman Link

Oh, what glory in a sunrise –

Golden hues from God above!

More amazing still the beauty

Of a life filled with His love! – D. De Haan

Love is a magnet that draws believers together and unbelievers to Christ. 

February, How to Amaze People, Number 12:08 AM No comments

Start With One Step

Start With One Step

February 12

Read:  1 Peter 1:10 - 16

I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for 1 am holy. – Leviticus 11:44

The Bible In One year

Number 25 – 27

Be holy, for I am holy. “is there any command more difficult to obey? Probably not, yet there it is in God’s Word(Lev. 11: 44; 1 Peter 1:16)

But how can we be as holy as God? After all, the reason we must trust Jesus as Savior in the first place is because we are not holy. “All have sinned,” Romans 3:23 tell us, and even after we put our faith in Christ for salvation, how can we think about being as holy as God is?

The challenge of trying to match God in the holiness category can seem far too complicated to attempt. But if we yield to the Holy Spirit who lives in us and convicts us, we will grow.

Taking one step at a time should help. For instance, what is one thing you do or say or think that does not reflect God’s holiness? Maybe you treat others harshly. Or you have a secret sin. Tackle that area today. Talk to God about it. Ask His forgiveness. Then, by His power, seek to overcome it.

Or think of this: what one thing can you do to enhance your relationship with God? The more time you spend with Him, the more you will become like Him.

Step by step, work to rid your life of unholy behavior. And strive each day to grow closer to God. As a believer in Jesus Christ, there is no greater challenge. – Dave Branon

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s Children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. – Longstaff

For a Christ like walk, keep in step with Christ. 

February, Number, Start With One Step 12:07 AM No comments

Grouped for Strength

Grouped for Strength

February 11

Read:  Acts 2:38 - 47

Let us consider one another…, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together – Hebrews 10:24 - 25

The Bible In One year

Number 20 - 24

Several years ago, former American prisoners of war were interviewed to determine what methods used by the enemy had been most effective in breaking their spirit. Researchers learned that the prisoners didn’t break down from physical deprivation and torture as quickly as they did from solitary confinement or from being frequently moved around and separated from friends. It was further learned that the soldiers drew their greatest strength from the close attachments they had formed to the small military units to which they belonged.

These observations give us insight into why followers  of Christ need the group experience of fellowship with other believers to help them remain loyal to the Lord. Our own personal relationship to God, Vital as that is, is not sufficient to produce spiritual maturity and endurance. Relationships within a unified, Spirit filled body of believers are essential for growth and for maintaining our individual faithfulness to the Savior (Heb. 10:23 – 25).

Sometimes we would rather not be involved in church life, thinking it’s easier just to go it alone. But Christians who do that miss out on all the benefits. Let’s remember that God in His wisdom has grouped us for strength. – Mart De Haan.

Fellowship with other Christians

Strengthens us when we are weak,

Comforts us when we are hurting,

Help us when God’s will seek. – Sper

Believers stand strong when they don’t stand alone. 

February, Grouped for Strength, Number 12:03 AM No comments

One Giant leap for God

One Giant leap for God

February 10

Read:  Philippians 2:1 - 11

[Chirst] humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death – Philippians 2:8

The Bible In One year

Number 18 - 20

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon. It was an unprecedented human achievement. Millions remember the words of Neil Armstrong: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” President Nixon declared, “All humanity is one in their pride.”

Two thousand years earlier, the Creator of the moon made a giant leap of a vastly different kind. He descended from heaven to earth (Phil. 2:5 – 8 ). God the Son, the eternal Word(John 1:1, 14), stepped down from heaven to become fully human, while remaining fully God. It was an amazing “leap,” which showed us God’s heart of love. He became one of us so that He could die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. By trusting Him as our Savior, we are forgiven. We also receive His Spirit, who enables us to overcome selfish ambition and conceit, and to care for others (Phil. 2:3 – 4).

A leap into space may unite mankind in the pride of achievement, but it pales in comparison with what God accomplished when Jesus came from heaven to earth. He now unites all who trust Him, producing in them a growing humility and love that replaces selfishness and pride. Going to the moon is nothing compared to that. – Dennis De Haan

Jesus our Savior left heaven above,

Come down to earth with a message of love;

Took on Himself all our sin and jour shame,

Now life eternal is ours through His Name. – Hess

Christ was born here below that we might be born from above.

February, Number, One Giant leap for God 3:52 AM No comments