Why Worship

Why Worship

January 15

Read : Psalm 27

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! – Psalm 27:14

The Bible In One year

Genesis 40 – 42

Why bother going to church? Some would tell us that it’s better to sleep late on Sunday, eat a leisurely breakfast, and lounge around talking with the family. And then maybe have lunch with friends or enjoy a picnic and games with the children. “Make it a day that’s different and even restful,” some would say, “but don’t waste time by going to church on Sunday!”

Worship? Who needs worship anyway? We all do! We need worship because we are unique creatures made in the image of God. We are made for God, so we can’t fulfill our purpose unless we develop a right relationship with Him. And worship helps us to do that when we focus on the Lord.

As we join with other worshipers in church, our hearts are lifted out of this temporal world into God’s eternal world. According to William Temple, in worship the conscience is quickened by the holiness of God, the mind is fed by the truth of God, the imagination is purged by the beauty of God, the heart is opened to the love of God, and the will is devoted to the purpose of God. And thus we are helped onward in our goal of becoming more like God.

Let’s decide now that on Sunday we will be in church with a heart prepared to worship. – Vernon Grounds

Our week’s not complete till we make it our goal

To honor the Lord’s Day and nourish our soul;

The help that we need for the tasks that we face

Will come as we worship and draw on God’s grace. – DJD

What you worship determines what you become.

Genesis, January, Why Worship 6:37 PM No comments

Down But Not Out

Down But Not Out

January 14

Read : Psalm 88

The peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:7

The Bible In One year

Genesis 40 – 42

The 18^th century author Samuel Johnson was noted for his sit, sensitivity, and encyclopedic knowledge. He found solitude depressing so he often took in the poor and home less so that he could be surrounding by people. He also confessed that he had a deep fear of dying.

An Encyclopedia Britannica article, however, speak of Jonson’s “zest for living.” It characterizes him as a “Christian moralist” with a strong conviction of the reality of sin and of the redemption provide through faith in Jesus Christ. It also says that “his faith prevailed,” through faith in Jesus Christ. It also says that “his faith prevailed, “for when he knew he was dying “he refused to take opiates because he had prayed that he might render his soul to God unclouded.” The articles concludes, “Few men have left finer examples of the art of living than Samuel Johnson.”

I have known many believers with a disposition like that. Most of them went through repeated cycles of joy and gloom. And when they were down, merely already aware of them. But they kept living for God and praying, and their faith prevailed. The “peace of God” filled their hearts(Phil. 4:7). That’s good new for all of us, especially for those who go through times of doubt and despair. – Herb Vander Lugt

Whenever darkness grips your soul

And you are tempted to despair,

Remember Christ’s unfailing love,

And trust His faithful, tender care. – Sper

When life is filled with shadows, face the sunshine of God’s love.

Down But Not Out, Genesis, January 6:35 PM No comments

A Soft Answer

A Soft Answer

January 13

Read: Romans 12:9 – 21

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men – Romans 12:18

The Bible In One year

Genesis 40 – 42

Proverbs 15:1 tells us that “a soft answer turns away wrath.” While it’s true that a humble response to wrath will normally cause it to subside, it’s equally true that some people will never be pacified. Because of long-term bitterness and resentment. The tide of their wrath runs too high.

The only thing we can do – and the thing we must always do – is be meek and lowly in the face of their anger and leave the consequences with God. This doesn’t mean we must stay in an abusive situation, for no one has the right or mistreat another human being. But it does mean we can by God’s grace respond calmly to another’s anger.

Paul stated the matter this way: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18). We must be peacemakers even if others refuse to be. Obedience is our job; the rest we leave to God.

We want a word that always works, an easy solution, a quick fix. But some things in this broken world can’t be fixed no matter what we do, so we must rely on God’s grace to deal with them from day to day.

Calm, quiet words may not always turn away another’s wrath. You may be grieved because they go unheeded, but you can never go wrong with a soft answer. –David Roper

Help me guard my lips, O Savior;

Keep me sweet when sorely tried,

Answers soft to others giving,

Meekly swallowing my pride. – Bosch

To handle a hard situation, try a soft answer

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What Jesus Didn’t Do

What Jesus Didn’t Do

January 12

Read: Hebrews 4:14 – 16

[Jesus], when He was reviled, did not revile in return. – 1 Peter 2:23

The Bible In One year

Genesis 37 – 39

I once heard a skeptic say that if Jesus really was the Son of God, His sufferings must have been easier to bear. This comment caused me to re-examine the Gospels. While reviewing the incredible thins Jesus did and said to accomplish our great salvation, I also noted a number of things Jesus didn’t do that are equally vital to our salvation.

Jesus didn’t demand His own will (Matt. 26:39). He didn’t call down legions of angels to rescue Him(v.53) He didn’t defend Himself or threaten His accusers (27:12 – 14). He didn’t  save Himself or threaten His accusers (27:12 – 14). He didn’t save himself (Mark 15:31). He didn’t come down from the cross(v.32). he didn’t stop loving and saving sinners(Luke 23:43)

The fact that Jesus could have done these things intensified His agony and increased the temptation to use His power for His own advantage. But he didn’t. Instead, He used His power for our benefits! This is described in Hebrews 4:15 – 16. Jesus suffered temptation the same as we do – except that he didn’t sin. So  He can “sympathize with our weaknesses” (v.15). therefore, we can approach His throne of grace boldly and obtain His “help in time of need” (v.16).

Whatever you need is today, Jesus wants you to come and make full use of this privilege. – Joanie Yoder

Though Christ was tempted in all ways,

He did not sin in word or deed;

So now we can approach His throne

For grace to help in time of need. – Sper

Every temptation is an occasion to trust God.

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A Good Miss

A Good Miss

January 11

Read: Romans 8:26 – 34

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God. – Romans 8:28

The Bible In One year

Genesis 33 – 36

I was watching with interest a game in which my grandson Peter was playing. It was his second year of playing T-ball, which introduces 6-years-old to baseball. In this game the ball is placed on a rubber post that sits on homeplate. A baseball rests on top of the batting tee just waiting to be slugged. The youngsters swing with all their might, hoping to hit a home run, but often they miss the ball completely.

This had just happened to my grandson, and he appeared to be very upset with himself. The coach wanted to encourage him, so he shouted, “That was a good miss, peter!” My grandson had missed, and yet the coach called it “good.”

This reminds me of our failures as believers in Christ. God never calls our sin good, yet He doesn’t treat failure as final. By His grace, He can bring good out of our greatest defeat. In Romans 8:28 we read that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him. What a hopeful mystery!

If you love God and want to please Him, don’t give up or get down on yourself. Ask Him for forgiveness and for strength to overcome your weaknesses. Trust Him. Let Him bring “good” out of your miss. – Dennis De Haan

Failure is failing to trust and believe

That God can accomplish His purpose through you;

Failure is failing to keep on trying

To do all the savior has asked you to do. – Fasick

Failure is never final for those who begin again with God.

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Do You Mind?

Do You Mind?

January 10

Read: Matthew 22:34 – 40

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. – Matthew 22:37

The Bible In One year

Genesis 30 – 32

Throughout the London subway system are signs that warn, “Mind the Gap” They remind riders to pay attention to the space between the train and the platform. In the United States I’ve seen signs along highways with the single word, “Think!” The point of both is clear: In the midst of our daily routine, we often fail to engage our minds in what we’re doing.

Could this happen in our relationship with God? When Jesus was asked to state the greatest commandment, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 23:37) Our minds are to be as fully yielded to God and as actively engaged in loving Him as our hearts and souls are.

In a book on Christian leadership William H. Danforth writes, “When it is so easy to get our thinking done for us, the big temptation is not to think.” Instead of engaging our minds as we worship and serve God, we follow familiar, predictable routines. Instead of thinking fearlessly and creatively about ways to express our love for the Lord, we become content to say and do what we’ve always done.

Thinking is a hard work, but loving God is a great privilege that deserves all the mental muscle we can put into it – David McCasland

PRAYER

Lord, I desire to love You with all my mind. Help me to discover new ways to show my love for You in my thought life, in my worship, and in my relationships.

To grow in your love for God, keep God in your thoughts.

Do You Mind, Genesis, January 2:28 AM No comments

The Last Few Pounds

The Last Few Pounds

January 9

Read: Luke 14:25 – 35

Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. – Luke 14:33

The Bible In One year

Genesis 27 – 29

Whatever weight-loss plan you choose, you’re bound to lose pounds – all least for a while. But most dieters reach a plateau before they reach their goal, and many get discouraged when the thrill leaves before all the weight does. Many give up and go back to their old ways of eating.

Something similar happens in our Christian lives. When we begin our walk with Jesus, we easily shed many of the sins that have weighed us down. We give dramatic testimonies about being freed from addictive behaviors. Then the attention shifts to another new believer, and e discover that “little” sins like jealousy, resentment, and anger don’t drop away as readily as the “big” ones. Some of us get so discouraged that we lose sight of our commitment of Christ and go back to some of our old ways of living.

When Jesus talked about the cost of being His disciple (Luke 14:25 – 35), he wanted those who heard Him to realize that believing in Him and following Him involves more than starting something that is exciting. It means sticking with something that is difficult.

So whether we’re talking about weight loss or spiritual gain, the message is the same: What matters most is not how we start but how we finish. – Julie Ackerman Link

Onward and upward your course plan today,

Seeking new heights as you walk Jesus’ way;

Heed not past failures, but strive for the prize,

Aiming for goals fit for His Holy eyes. – Brandt

Perseverance maker the difference between failure and success.

Genesis, January, The Last Few Pounds 2:26 AM No comments

Holy Love

Holy Love

January 8

Read: Isaiah 6:1 – 8

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts… woe is me, for I am undone! – Isaiah 6:3,5

The Bible In One year

Genesis 23 – 26

Many followers of Jesus Christ today are preoccupied with the love and goodness of God, but not many think about His holiness. And even fewer quake in fear of it! Why?

The reason is this: When we catch a glimpse of our Lord’s greatness and glory, we see more clearly our own sinfulness. And that’s humbling!

We see an illustration of this truth in the Gospel of Luke. After witnessing a miracle, Peter fell down before Jesus and cried out, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (5:8) if we were to see God in all His splendor and holiness, we would respond as Isaiah did and admit to our sinfulness(Isa. 6:5). That’s a healthy response, bu it’s only half the picture. God is not out to destroy us by His holiness. His purpose is to take away our sin(v.7). he longs for us to experience His forgiveness and enjoy a close relationship with Him.

This truth is very close to my own heart. In one shattering moment a few years ago I saw more clearly than ever the awfulness of my sin. I was crushed, broken, terrified – until I also saw the unfathomable love of God, and His power to forgive and purify me( 1 John 1:9)

God reveals His holiness not to destroy us but to expose and remove our sin. Ask him to cleanse you today. – Dave Egner

Dear Lord, reveal to me my sin,

Show me the filth that dwells within;

Cleanse me and take my guilt away,

That I may do Your work this day. – Fitzhugh

God has both an all-seeing eye and an all-forgiving heart.

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Outside The Family Circle

Outside The Family Circle

January 7

Read: John 19:25-30

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15

The Bible In One year

Genesis 20 – 22

When Jesus saw His mother from the cross, His Heart went out to her. He knew that her hurt was deeper than that of anyone else there, and He gave her special attention.

The pain of parents when they see a son or daughter suffer and die is almost beyond description. I have seen this time and time again when ministering to grieving parents. I suffer with them, but all while I know that my hurt doesn’t compare with what I would be feeling if the suffering and dying person were my son, daughter, or grandchild.

This sometimes troubles me. Although I want to be a genuinely caring person, and I want to “weep with those who weep,” I also realize that I can’t grieve as deeply as the family members do. But just because I’m outside the family doesn’t give me an excuse to be uncaring.

God wants us to share in the sorrow of others(Rom. 12:15). Instead of ignoring their pain, we should be sharing in it by earnest prayer, kind words, and loving deeds.

Thank God for family ties. It’s natural to have a deep sense of loss when someone close to us dies. But we should also look for ways to enter into the sorrows of others who are grieving. – Herb Vander Lugt

Lord, give me sensitivity

To people in their grief and pain.

To weep with them and show Your Love

In ways mere words cannot attain. – Sper

Sympathy is two hearts tugging at one load.

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What Keeps Us Going

What Keeps Us Going

January 6

Read: Philippians 3:1 – 11

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is again. – Philippians 1:21

The Bible In One year

Genesis 16 – 19

Isaac Asimov tells the story rough ocean crossing during which a Mr. Jones become terribly seasick. At an especially rough time, a kind steward patted Jones on the shoulder and said, “I know, sir, that is seems awful. But remember, no one ever died of seasickness.” Mr. Jones lifted his green countenance to the steward’s concerned face and replied, “Oh don’t say that! It’s only the wonderful hope of dying that keeps me alive.”

There’s more in Jones’ words than a touch of irony. As a Christian, I hear echoes of Paul’s words to the Philippians. He said that the wonderful hope of dying kept him going (Phil. 1:21 – 23). Yet he wasn’t merely looking for relief from his suffering. Paul’s hope was rooted in Christ, who died on the cross for sinners, rose from the grave, ascended to heaven and would one day take Paul into His presence.

How did this hope of seeing Christ, either at death or at the Lord’s return, keep Paul going? It gave meaning to every moment. It gave him reason to live for Christ. It also gave him incentive to focus on others who needed his encouragement. He said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v.21).

Farther, thank you for the risen Christ. He is our reason for living – Mart De Haan

A wonderful joy is now flooding my heart,

Giving assurance that will not depart.

My savior is living and reigning above;

Life has rich meaning because of His love. – Bosch

Those who are prepared to die

Are most prepared to live.

Genesis 11:29 PM No comments

Spend Them Wisely

Spend Them Wisely

January 5

Read: Psalm 90

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom – Psalm 90:12

The Bible In One Year: Genesis 12-15

A high school teacher in Los Angeles had a unique way of stimulating her students to think. From time to time she would write brief messages on the chalkboard that  were unrelated to their current studies.

One morning, the students found the number 25,550 written on the board. One pupil finally raised his hand and asked the instructor why that particular number was there. She explained that 25,550 represented the number of days in the life of a person who lives to be 70. The teacher was trying to emphasize life’s brevity and the value of each day.

When I was young and looked ahead, time seemed to move so slowly. It was hard to imagine what older folks often said-that time passed so quickly they wondered where it had gone. But as I grew older, the years seemed short and fleeting, especially when compared with eternity.

This underscores what James said about life: “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Therefore, it’s important that we make the most of our opportunities to honor God, serve others, and proclaim Christ. Let’s ask God to “teach us to number our day”(Ps. 90:12) so that we will spend them wisely! – Richard De Haan

Only this hour is mine, Lord –

May it be used for thee;

May every passing moment

Count for eternity. – Christiansen

Don’t just spend time; invest it.

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Losing To Gain

Losing To Gain

January 4

Read : 2 Corinthians 9:6 – 15

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. – 2 Corinthians 9:6

The Bible in One Year: Genesis 10 – 11

On my father’s farm were certain fields he sowed by hand. He would strap on a canvas contraption that looked somewhat like a kangaroo pouch, fill it with seed, and go out to sow. He would cast seed everywhere.

When a farmer sows seed in his field, it looks like he’s throwing it away. It seems to be lost, but it isn’t really gone. In due time he gets it back – with much more besides.

When we give ourselves to Christ, it may seem to people as if we’re throwing our life away. But he said that is only as we lose our live in Him that we find true life (Matt. 10:39). Jesus teaches us to measure our lives by losses rather than gains, by sacrifices rather than self preservation, by time spent for others rather than time lavished upon ourselves, by love poured out rather than love poured in.

It’s a rule of life: God blesses those who give of their lives and resources (2 Cor. 9:6). Give out the truth you know, and He’ll give you more to give away. Give your time, and you’ll have more time to give. Set no limit on your love, and you’ll have more love for others than before.

Israel’s wise man said, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more” (Prov. 11:24). It’s one of the oldest paradoxes in the world, but it works. – David Roper

We lose what on ourselves we spend;

We have as treasure without end

Whatever; Lord, to You we lend,

Who givest all. – Wordsworth

When you grasp, you lose;

Whey you give to God, you gain.

Genesis 12:43 AM No comments

Worn Out

Worn Out

January 3

Read: Psalm 119:65 – 72

You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. – Psalm 119:65

The Bible In One Year:

Genesis 6 - 9

I’ll always remember the Bible teacher who help up his well-worn Bible and said, “Every believer should wreck a copy of the Bible every 10 years.” In other words, we should use our Bibles so much that they gradually wear out. His challenge also reminds me of the saying: “A Bible that’s falling apart is usually owned by someone who isn’t!” This certainly became true for me.

I’m not proud of the years when my Bible was considerable under-used. During that time, I was falling apart used my condition as a means of whetting my appetite for His Word.

One day I sensed that God was reminding me that His Word is full of truth that works. From that point on, I desired to put those truths into action my life. For me, the Bible was no longer just a guilt producer and a dust collector. Little by little, as I read it, digested it, and underlined key phrases, my Bible began falling apart instead of me!

In the margin of many pages in D.L. Moody’s Bible, he wrote the letter T and P, meaning “Tried and Proved.” He had put into practice passages from God’s Word, proving that they work. You too can try and prove God’s wonder-working Word. – Joanie Yoder

My Bible – worn from years of fingered use,

Penciled margins, verses underlined,

With edges frayed and many pages loose –

Show where God impressed my hearth and mind – F. Hess

The Bible is meant to be bread for daily use,

Not cake for special occasions. 

Genesis 3:10 AM No comments

The Power of Service

The Power Of Service

January 2

Read John 13:2-20

Christ Jesus… made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant.

-         Philippians 2:5,7

The Bible in One Year:

Genesis 3-5

Money is power. The principle driver most cultures of the world. People scramble for wealth, often at the price of personal integrity, in order to gain the power to live where and how they want, drive the kink of vehicle they want, and get whatever else they want.

In a culture that worship money believers in Jesus Christ are in danger of doing the same. Some use their money to control their family, or they may threaten to stop giving to their church if they don’t get their way.

How unlike Jesus! He had power over disease, and he used it to heal the sick. He had power over the sea, and He used it to remove fear. He had power to create, and He fed thousands. He hade power over sin, and he forgave sinners. He had power over his own life, yet He willingly gave up His life to save all who would call upon Him(Rom. 10:13)

Jesus possessed all power, but He used it to serve others, He was called “Lord” by the disciples in the Upper Room, yet He was the only servant there( John 13:2 – 17). He washed their feet! When Peter protested, Jesus answered, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (v.8).

Instead of using money or anything else for selfish means, use it to serve others. that’s the right use of power. – Dave Egner

When we are involve in serving

And meeting each other’s needs,

We’re imitating the Mater

In thoughts and words and deeds. – Fitzhugh

The more were serve Christ,

The less we will serve self.

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PERFECT PREDICTIONS

Perfect Prediction

January 1

Read: Deut 18:14 – 22

Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1:21

The Bible in one year:

Genesis 1 – 2

At the beginning of a new year and a new millennium, we hear many predictions. But then, making predictions is nothing new. In 1983, us news and World Report magazine had a section titled “What The Next 50 Years Will Bring.” It had the usual suggestion about the growing importance of computers, about new medical breakthroughs, and about the sleeker, faster ways of getting around. The introduction said, “prediction is at best a risky business.” Then it quoted Sir Francis Bacon, who said, “Dreams and predictions ought to serve but for winter talk by the fireside.”

            That may be true of man’s predictions, but not of God’s prophecies. Man may speculate about what will happen next week, but God showed us in the Bible that He knows the future. This truth is one reason we can have absolute confidence in the Book of books. The Old Testament contains hundreds of prophecies about people, events, and nations that have already been fulfilled. The chance of that many predictions coming true is astronomical.

            Do you lack confidence in the Bible? Spend some time examining its many fulfilled prophecies. I predict you’ll be convinced that it truly is God’s Word, and that you can rely on it for everything in your future. – Dave Branon

For Further Study

 Look up the following prophecies and their fulfillment:

Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:26 – 35 ; Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1; Isaiah 53:9,12 and matthew 27:38,57-61

Genesis 1:54 AM No comments