01/25/2011 Luke 12:2-3 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. The Pharisees were model citizens on the outside but full of dead bones on the inside (Matthew 23:27). They tried to cover up their true attitudes to give others a false impression. We're not much different. We don't like it when others see our failures and short comings, so we try to keep them in the dark. But, like the Pharisees, what you're hiding will one day become known. Do you have a secret sin? Let your accountability partner, mentor, coach, or discipler help you bring it into the light so you can experience healing. Are you hiding your faith on the inside while trying to act like everyone else on the outside? Between Jesus' death and resurrection, the disciples cowered in a locked room. Once He rose, however, they came out of the dark and proclaimed out loud that He was alive. Jesus is the best thing that's ever happened to you. Don't keep it a secret. 1/27/2011 Luke 12:11-12 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. We Americans are among the most blessed people on the face of the earth. Unlike the Chinese, North Koreans, and others, we have freedom to worship as we wish. If we want to worship the Living God or no god at all, we're free to do so. In other countries, worshiping the Creator may land them "before the rulers and the authorities." When that happens, the Holy Spirit puts words in their mouths. The words may cause the interrogators to become Jesus-followers or they may cause death for the believers, but it is the Holy Spirit that puts the words there and, therefore, they are the correct words. If the Holy Spirit does that for His persecuted people, will He not also do it for you when you talk to your friends? Or is it that you think His words aren't good enough? It's time to put your mouth where your heart is. But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. --- I Peter 3:15 1/26/2011 Matthew 11:2-3 Now when John (the Baptist) heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" John the Baptist boldly proclaimed who Jesus was (see John 1:19-35). Now he's in prison for doing what was right. Depressed and feeling abandoned by God, he asked the question in our verse. Like John, we sometimes suffer even though we're doing the right thing. That's when everything seems upside down and we begin to question and doubt. Jesus' answer to John is the same for us: "Tell John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the sick are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached" (Matthew 11:4-5). Even when things are down, God is still working. Watch for God's activity and write it down so you can refer to it in the hard times. And live your life in the Spirit because those around you are watching for God's activity and you're His masterpiece. For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. --- Ephesians 2:10 1/24/2011 John 6:27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal. You were probably getting ready for work as this was being written. Why do you work? To please your boss so you can get a promotion or a raise? Maybe you're trying to achieve a sense of importance or a secure lifestyle. If you stay at home, you're still working, perhaps to please the rest of the family or someone coming to visit. While you may be successful and achieve your goals, if you can lose it or if you can be removed from it, it's relatively unimportant. Work is good and God commends the honest laborer, but it's more important that your work have eternal consequences. As you work today, whether at home or away from home, notice those around you and ask the Lord to show you how you can give them "the food that endures to eternal life." For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. --- II Corinthians 4:18b 1/21/2011 Psalm 72:19 Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen! Many people pray for world peace. We want our soldiers to come home, we hurt for people living under oppressive regimes such as China and North Korea, and we worry about nations intent on expansion or the development of atomic weapons. Praying for world peace is good, but have you ever prayed that "the whole earth be filled with His glory?" Imagine Hu Jintao (president of China) or Kim Jong-il (leader of North Korea) making a decision to honor God instead of themselves. World peace will only be a reality when everyone decides to live for the Lord. Until then, pick a political leader, entertainment or sports star, activist, or close friend you think has no interest in becoming a Jesus-follower and pray for him or her on a regular basis (daily, weekly, etc.). When you pray, His glory increases. 1/20/2011 Mark 6:49-51 But when they saw Him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." And He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded. We snivel at the disciples because they thought Jesus was a ghost. They should have had faith in Him and not believed in ghosts regardless of the situation. However, we're just like the disciples. During the storms of life, we're often afraid that God's answer to our problem will only make things worse. In fact, we're not as good as the disciples because we often don't even notice that He's there at all. What storm are you trying to endure on your own? Jesus is there, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." Don't ignore Him. Take Him into your boat. He'll either calm the storm or take you safely through it. What storms are your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers trying to endure on their own? Help them see that Jesus is there, walking on the waves, offering to astound them, too. 1/19/2011 Psalm 69:6 Let not those who hope in You be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek You be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. In the late 1980's, two of the top news stories involved highly visible Christians who who didn't live what they preached. The fallout was quickly seen: some people made a final decision to reject the Lord and some Christians "dropped out." (There were also some Christians who reinforced their commitment to the Lord. God takes the tragedies of life and uses them to benefit His children. See Romans 8:28-29.) Your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers are much more likely to be affected by your words and actions than they are by national figures such as Billy Graham, Luis Palau, or the two fallen men mentioned above. Let it be known today that you serve the living God. And if you sin publicly, display your sorrow and humility publicly by apologizing to those around you for not living a God-honoring lifestyle. 1/18/2011 Psalm 146:1-2 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. For most of us, "as long as I live" is a long time. During that time, many bad things will happen. You might lose your job, your belongings, or a loved one. You may suffer from disease, hatred, or sorrow. You could be abused at work, home, or church. In spite of the trials and tribulations that come upon you, "praise the LORD!" ("Praise the LORD" is "hallelujah" in the original Hebrew.) Today is a day for singing praises to God. Put a song in your heart when someone cuts you off in traffic by changing your focus from the offender to God's beautiful, amazing creation. When things go poorly at work, praise Him that you have a job. Above all, sing praises because Jesus paid the price for your sins so you could be a child of the King - for as long as you live! 1/17/2011 Romans 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf. I took a ten-hour test a few years ago. Obviously, no one could help me take the test, but I had help nonetheless because people were praying for me. We all have problems, worries, trials, and tribulations. As independent Americans, we usually try to handle them on our own and in private, but the apostle Paul demonstrated the proper response to burdens by asking others to pray for him. What troubles you today? Have you asked anyone to pray for you? People can't pray for you if you don't tell them what you're facing. At the same time, are you praying for others? Pick one or two people and ask them if there's anything you can pray for. If you ask a non-Christian, you may get an opportunity to share what Jesus has done for you. 1/14/2011 II Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. If there's one thing Americans treasure, it's freedom. (Freedom is the ability to make independent choices, not acting without regard for proper behavior.) Freedom is also a hallmark of the Christian. We're free from from the slavery of sin, free to serve the Lord instead of sin, and free to enter the very presence of God. Can you imagine being granted land by the federal government but then ignoring it? That's similar to a Christian receiving freedom in the Lord and yet never talking (praying) to God. When was the last time you held a conversation with the Creator of the universe? Remember, He created you, too! Talk to Him today. He's waiting to hear from you. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. --- Hebrews 4:16 1/12/2011 Psalm 106:6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. Our parents teach us many good things, such as manners and brushing our teeth. They also (unintentionally in most cases) teach us some bad things, perhaps using anger to deal with stress. Then there are the bad things that no one has to teach us, such as lying. Our verse deals with those last two categories. We, like our parents and their parents before them, are guilty before God. The sad part is when we feel like there's nothing else we can do. Do you feel trapped by lust, alcoholism, overeating, or any of a million other bad behaviors? Don't blame it on your parents or your genes, pray today's verse to the Lord and take responsibility for your own sin. Then ask Him to help you live a clean life before Him. And don't forget that the Lord most often works through people. Get together with another Christian that the Lord can use to help you out of the slimy sin-pit. 1/11/2011 Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." I left New York after high school for Chicago. It was the first time I was on my own, away from everything that was familiar. The difference between Abram's experience and mine is that he had no way to keep in touch with those back home and he didn't know where he was going. When Abram obeyed God, he gave up everything. He became wealthy in the process, but he didn't know that was going to happen and I'm sure he'd rather have been with family. What are you willing to give up in order to obey God? Are you willing to be a missionary in a foreign country? Or maybe He wants you to take a job in another state, away from those you love. Whether you change locations or not, God is calling you to obey. What are you willing to give up in order to do that? Time? Money? Relationships? Is there anything you're not willing to give up? 1/10/2011 II Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich. I dreamed I was walking down a street and Jesus was walking towards me. As we got closer, I noticed He was destitute. How could the Son of God, the Creator of the Universe (John 1:3) have nothing? No words were spoken, but I knew the reason He was poor was so that I could be rich. You're rich, too. Your pockets are full to overflowing with skills, talents, abilities, and other valuable resources. There's also some money in your pockets because you live in the wealthiest country on the planet. Compared to most other people, you are very rich. Most importantly, you have the Words of Life. Who can you serve, encourage, teach (disciple, mentor, or coach), comfort, or support? What are you willing to give Jesus? Remember, He gave everything for you. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? And when did we see You a stranger and welcome You, or naked and clothe You? And when did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?" And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me." --- Matthew 25:37-40 1/7/2011 Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food. People can live a long time without food. There are stories of people being stranded for days without food and it's easy to find pictures of bony children with distended bellies who haven't had a good meal for weeks. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-12). Job was very wealthy and probably had all the food he wanted. Still, he claimed that the words of God were more important to him than food. Compared to food, how important is God's Word to you? You eat every day. Do you read the Bible everyday? Do you treasure it like Job did? God's Word can sustain you in ways that food cannot. How hungry are you? Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. --- John 6:35 1/6/2011 John 1:41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). What do we know about Jesus' disciple, Andrew? He was Peter's brother and his habit seems to have been to bring others to Jesus, like he did in today's verse. He's the one who brought the boy with five loaves of bread and two fish to Jesus, from which He fed 5,000 (see John 6:1-14). Are you like Andrew? It's not difficult to bring people to Jesus. Walk with Him all day everyday and be ready to open your mouth when asked what makes you tick (see I Peter 3:15). Sometimes, an opportunity comes up in normal conversation, such as, "What are you doing this weekend?" Note that it's your responsibility to bring them to Jesus, not to convince them to follow Him. All Andrew told Peter was that they found the Messiah. Ask yourself throughout the day today, "If I were Andrew, what would I do?" You may be surprised at how many chances you have to bring others to Jesus. 1/5/2011 Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. How do you spell success? Some people spell it "P-O-W-E-R." Real power comes not in being able to control people or situations but being able to do the correct thing at the correct time. When your life is controlled by the Lord, you have power. When you need help today, who will you ask? (God most often works through people. Ask Him to send the right people.) As you complete each task today, to whom will you give credit? A life reliant on God is a powerful life. Trust Him to straighten the winding paths of life and you'll find true success. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. --- Colossians 1:11 1/4/2011 Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. We don't normally think of God as a sun. What does the sun do? It gives light, warmth, and makes things grow. God gives us light to see life's path, blessings that warm our hearts, and He makes us grow physically and spiritually. But the sun also keeps the planets in orbit. Without the sun to restrict earth's flight pattern, we'd crash and all life would cease. You may not like God's restrictions on your life, but they keep you from crashing and burning. Thank Him for all the things He does for you, including those you don't like such as struggles that cause you to grow. After all, "no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." 1/3/2011 II Corinthians 10:17-18 Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. I have a friend with the uncanny ability to find good qualities in others, no matter how insignificant. She always has a word of praise for everyone. Others can't say a good word about anyone. Sometimes it's because they're carrying guilt, anger, or bitterness that they can't get around. In other cases they feel inferior to others and the only way to improve themselves is to tear down others. In today's verse, the Apostle Paul advises us to change our focus to the Lord. Focusing on Him makes it difficult to find fault with ourselves or others. You have three choices this year: focus on yourself, focus on others, or focus on the Lord. Focusing on Him will improve your attitude toward others and toward yourself. Will the Lord commend you for your focus at the end of 2011? 12/31/2010 Psalm 27:8 You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to You, "Your face, LORD, do I seek." Most people make new year's resolutions. Maybe you've already made a few. Forget the traditional resolutions and ask yourself, "What must change in my life to draw me closer to God and make me more like the person He wants me to be?" There are many things that can keep you from God, such as gluttony, slothfulness, greed, a critical spirit, devotion to work, lust, etc. However, don't limit yourself to a list of negatives. You may decide that you need to become an encourager, be more generous (time and/or money), memorize Scripture, or develop an attitude of gratitude. Whether it keeps you from God or draws you closer to Him, pick an area and do something that will remind you of your resolution: put a note on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror. 2011 can be a great year, but only if you're seeking His face. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. --- I Peter 3:12 12/30/2010 Psalm 4:5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. There's a long history of giving in the Bible. At Christmastime we often think of the shepherds who had nothing to give but their worship. Conversely, the Wise Men brought expensive gifts with which to worship. (The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh probably financed the escape to Egypt.) Some 30 years later Jesus watched a woman give two small coins at the Temple. He commended her, not because of the amount of the gift but because she gave from the heart (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4). Offering right sacrifices and trusting in the LORD are the gifts in which He is most interested. 2011 is just two days away. What can you give the Lord in the new year? What can you give Him now? What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man I would do my part. Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart. --- Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894) 12/29/2010 John 5:25 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. Did you read that correctly? "The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God." How can a dead person hear anything? Perhaps Jesus isn't talking about physical death. In John 3, Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus and tells him that a person must be "born again" in order to "see the kingdom of God." In other words, if a person is born only physically, both physical and spiritual death occur. However, if he's born both physically and spiritually, only physical death occurs. "Born once, die twice; born twice, die once." A person can be physically dead but spiritually alive and thus "hear the voice of the Son of God." How many times have you been born? If you've never been born spiritually, write to me at verseoftheday@hopecommunitychurch.us, ask a Christian friend, or visit http://www.needhim.com. Start the new year more alive than you've ever been! 12/28/2010 Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. It's not nearly as bad as the storms on the east coast, but we've had snow in the Chicago area almost every other day. As a result, the heavens could not "declare the glory of God" due to the cloud cover. However, snow itself reminds us of His marvelous creation and should drive us to "declare the glory of God." It should also remind us that the sacrificial death of Jesus washes away our sins and makes us "whiter than snow" (see Psalm 51:7 and Isaiah 1:18) - another reason to "declare the glory of God." There are many things around us that "proclaim His handiwork" including the sky, the snow, the colors of autumn, the green of summer, and so much more. You're "His handiwork," too. "Declare the glory of God" today by what you say and what you do. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. --- Ephesians 2:10 12/27/2010 Luke 2:17-18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. We all have treasure of one kind or another. In our materialistic society, many of us treasure stuff, especially electronic stuff. We're also entertainment oriented and some of us treasure movies and movie stars. Your treasure could be money, work, education, relationships, health, family, church, or a host of other things. But do you treasure the things of God? Like Mary, do ponder what God is doing (see also Luke 2:51)? You can measure how much you treasure the Lord by keeping track of your time and money. Do you spend as much of them on the Lord as you do on yourself? Grow your treasure by reading the Bible, praying, and hanging out with other Christians. That's real treasure. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. --- Matthew 6:20-21 12/24/2010 Luke 2:17-18 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. Joseph and Mary are good examples to follow because they were obedient and humble. The religious leaders of the day are bad examples because they ignored the Savior's birth. The wise men are good examples because they worshiped in spite of Herod and the religious leaders. In today's verse we have the shepherds, the lowest class in that society. They were so low they were prohibited from serving as witnesses in a court of law. The shepherds were despised but that didn't stop them from telling about the wondrous things they had seen and heard. You've heard the Good News and you're not part of a despised class of people. Have you shared what you've been told? It's the greatest gift anyone could give. 12/23/2010 Luke 1:26-27 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. Have you ever thought about being an angel? Some people believe that we become angels when we die but this is incorrect. Angels are a separate part of creation, just as we are. In the Bible, other than worshiping God, delivering messages is the chief function of an angel. In this sense, you can be an angel since you have a message from God that others need to hear: God became a man, died for everyone's sins (paid the sin penalty of death), and rose from the dead (proving the payment was accepted). What better message could there be? And another thing about angels: they always appear in regular, day to day clothing. You don't have to wait until Halloween to dress up like an angel. Be an angel to someone today. You might even want to use the words of the angel in Luke 2:10, "I bring you good news of great joy!" 12/22/2010 Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. A television program highlighted houses that were way over the top in Christmas decorations. Some had hundreds of thousands of light bulbs. One house had so many lights that it required 6,600 amp electrical service. (Your house has only 100 or 200 amp service.) These extreme displays are like the extreme way in which God blesses us ("every spiritual blessing"). But what good would it be if these extreme decorations were never turned on? What a waste! Similarly, if we're not "holy and blameless before Him," we're wasting the extreme blessings He gave us "before the foundation of the world." Turn on the decorations of your spiritual house. In addition to giving time or money to a neighbor, coworker, or needy person, tell someone the Good News of the birth of the Savior of the world during this Christmas season. 12/21/2010 Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Gift cards are great! By giving a gift card, you eliminate the risk of giving something that's unwanted or duplicated and must be returned. The recipient can shop whenever it's convenient and get just the right item. Even though gift cards are so convenient and useful, at least 10% go unused every year and that translates into millions of dollars. What will you do with your gift cards? Why not put one or two in the offering plate at church? Most churches have a tough time keeping their budget balanced and a gift card in addition to your regular offering may give your church a chance to get something they've needed for a long time or it can be used to help someone in need. Be a copy cat and do what God does: give! For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. --- John 3:16 12/20/2010 Luke 1:76-79 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. The words of our verse were spoken by Zechariah, John the Baptist's father. Have you ever compared yourself to John the Baptist? You're not a "prophet of the Most High" in the sense that you make announcements of what God will do in the future, but you should emulate some of his other characteristics. How about your life style and attitude? Family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers won't consider following Jesus if your life doesn't "prepare His ways." Do you "give knowledge of salvation" to them? Do your words and actions "give light to those who sit in darkness" and guide their "feet into the way of peace?" You may not have the personality of John the Baptist but, as a follower of Jesus, you have the same job description. What will your performance review look like at the end of the day? 12/17/2010 Mark 6:34 When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things. Have you noticed that the Bible often refers to people as sheep? This is because both sheep and people tend to follow blindly, do things on their own, and frequently get in trouble. Without a shepherd, a sheep's expected life span would be a few days at best. Jesus "went ashore ... and He had compassion" on the people. But, instead of making life safe and solving all their problems, He taught them. You're just like the people on the shore of that lake. And what do you need most? Good, solid, Bible teaching. In addition to getting it at church this weekend, you should also listen to Christian radio, read the Bible daily, and interface with your Christian mentor, coach, discipler, or accountability partner. And don't forget to teach others what you've learned. The goal is to be like Jesus, the chief Shepherd. Advance from being a sheep to being a shepherd. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. --- I Peter 5:4 12/16/2010 James 5:19-20 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. I don't know about you, but it seems I hear about people wandering from the truth almost every day. Sometimes they get caught up in sins like lust or materialism and other times they simply get caught up in the cares of everyday life. I knew a couple who served as short term missionaries but don't even go to church today, probably because he's too busy running his business. People like this are people you can help. All you need to do is model Jesus and be their friend. There's no need to harp on their shortcomings because, when you model Jesus, it's like turning on a light in a dark room - they'll see their problems on their own. Is there someone in your office that needs a friend? Perhaps a neighbor is struggling. It might even be someone at church. Are you willing to help bring this person back to the truth? 12/15/2010 Proverbs 10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. A cursory reading of today's verse might lead you to believe it doesn't apply to you. After all, you're not a thief so you don't have "treasures gained by wickedness." However, let's not limit "treasures" to material possessions because we treasure things such as time and self-worth, too. Converting work time to personal time or debasing others in order to make yourself feel more important is also ill-gotten treasure. Maybe you're not guilty of either of those so let's talk about the second half of today's verse. Generally speaking, people don't understand the extreme dichotomy between their sinfulness and God's righteousness unless they see it in action. Will your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers see the righteousness of God displayed in your life today? It may be their first step to becoming a Jesus-follower and being delivered from death. 12/14/2010 Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. How do you spell success? Most Americans spell it "f-o-r-t-u-n-e." We scratch and claw for more and then we spend it on ourselves, seldom thinking about others. The average Evangelical gives only 2% to the Lord and it's less than 1% for everyone else. Interestingly enough, today's verse doesn't tell us to give. It merely advises us to "honor the Lord" with our wealth. Giving is one way to honor Him. Proper spending is another. What wealth do you have in addition to money? Talents, skills, abilities, time, and compassion are all considered currency in the Kingdom of God. Instead of spending what the Lord has given you on yourself, consider others and spend it in a God-honoring way, especially during this Christmas season. Beware lest you say in your heart, "My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth." You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth. --- Deuteronomy 8:17-18a 12/13/2010 Proverbs 1:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. In our society, "peace" generally means "no war." In our verse, "peace" is the Hebrew word, "shalom," which means completeness, fulfillment, well being, harmony, safety, health, and prosperity. "Success" is usually defined in terms of economics but, in its fuller sense, it means "shalom" in all areas of life. Solomon (a form of "shalom") lays out the correct formula for peace or success in these two verses: "do not forget my teaching" and "keep my commandments." As a lover of God, he had good cause to advise his son to follow his "teaching" and "commandments." The verses that follow today's verse provide a godly formula for fame, fortune, power, and pleasure. After reading Proverbs 3 (especially the first ten verses), how do you spell "shalom" or "success?" The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. --- Proverbs 1:7 12/9/2010 Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Now may the God of peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. --- Hebrews 13:20-21 I enjoy handyman projects around the house. A man at our church frequently says, "I have just the tool you need." Sure enough, the job goes faster, easier, and comes out better. God has the tools you need to get through life and He wants to equip you. However, notice the reason He gives you the tools: "... that you may do His will ..." Just as my friend gives me tools for construction on my house, God gives you His tools so you can become more like Jesus and help build up others. Whose tools are you going to use today? Will you try to complete the job using your own inadequate tools or will you use God's tools: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control" (see Galatians 5:22-23)? Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. --- James 1:17 12/9/2010 Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Words. They can wound or heal. If that were the only reason to ask God to help us with our speech, it would be enough. However, Jesus said that our words reveal what's going on in our hearts (Matthew 5:18, Luke 6:45). Your language lets others know if you're angry, sad, elated, or apathetic. More importantly, it indicates who or what you worship. Continually talking about material possessions, television shows, movies, or hobbies, may indicate that these are your gods. If you never talk about the living God, how will your friends, neighbors, and coworkers learn about Him? Ask the Lord to control your mouth today, not only to prevent bad speech from coming out but to force the Good News to flow smoothly across your lips. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. --- Psalm 19:14 12/8/2010 II Chronicles 33:10 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Can you hear me now? Manasseh, the wicked son of good King Hezekiah, wasn't answering his spiritual cell phone, so God put a new ring tone on it: the Assyrian army. They put a fish hook in his nose and led him off as a prisoner of war. Manasseh finally got the message and changed his ways (repented). The Lord calls your spiritual cell phone everyday, too. The call comes through Bible reading, Christian friends and mentors, sermons, Christian radio, and His own still, small voice. If you're not listening, He may send the message through unconventional channels, such as the shame of a non-Christian pointing out your sin or heartache and calamity. Which ring tone do you prefer? Can you hear Him now? 12/7/2010 I Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." In high school, my friends and I used every spare minute for sports, even to the exclusion of homework. I couldn't do that in college. While single, I could go anywhere and do anything. I couldn't do that after I got married. Before my children were born, I could stay up as late as I wanted. I couldn't do that after I became a father. As a Christian, some of your former attitudes and behaviors are no longer inappropriate as you walk with Jesus. But do you still hang onto some of them? Anger? Lust? Dishonesty? Do you still frequent places like bars or questionable movies? These are attitudes and behaviors that are distasteful to the Lord and inappropriate for someone who is called to be holy. Begin today to get things out of your life that don't belong there. Ask your discipler (mentor, coach, accountability partner) to help you. ... so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ. --- Ephesians 4:14-15 12/6/2010 II Chronicles 29:3 In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them. Hezekiah was one of the best kings of Judah. Instead of following the evil practices of his father, he wasted no time in doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. This means that before he became king at age 25, Hezekiah must have had a priest, prophet, or "regular Joe" who loved the Lord training him in the ways of the Lord. Are you training anyone in the ways of the Lord? It may or may not be formal, but there should be at least one person that you're helping along the path. Do you have someone training you? When you have a question about the Bible or when you can't decide which fork in the road to take, who do you ask? Everyone needs both a disciple and a discipler (mentor, coach, accountability partner, etc.). If you don't have both areas covered, be like Hezekiah and look for someone today. 12/3/2010 II Chronicles 24:2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. Joash is remembered as a good king, but in the later years of his life, after Jehoiada the priest died, he stopped following the Lord. His son, Amaziah, did the same thing, as did his grandson, Uzziah. Parents' attitudes, behavior, and habits are usually transmitted to their children. Follow the Lord closely and it's likely that your children will, too. Find a Jehoiada to help you stay on the path of righteousness like the original Jehoiada helped Joash remain true to the Lord. Today we call this an accountability partner, discipler, mentor, or coach. Don't take chances with your children (whether physical or spiritual). Walk close to the Lord today and everyday and the probability increases that they will, too. 12/2/2010 Joshua 6:2 And the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor." Jericho was the first city Israel was to conquer in the Promised Land and, being a walled city, it was probably the most difficult one. The wall was fairly thick because Rahab's house was "built into the city wall" (Joshua 2:15). Joshua and the people must have felt helpless because they had just spent 40 years wandering in the desert and they had no weapons with which to break into a walled city. Is there a "walled city" in your life such as an addiction to alcohol, drugs, anger, or lust? Is there a situation at work? Are there problems in your family relationships? None of these "walled cities" are impenetrable when you rely on the Lord. Stop trying to break down the walls on your own. Walk with the Lord today and everyday and watch the walls come tumbling down. 12/1/2010 Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. The Apostle Paul wrote this verse when evil, corrupt, and immoral rulers were in Rome. He lived through the reigns of Caligula and Claudius, and now Nero was the Emperor. Evil, corrupt, and immoral. Sounds like our country, doesn't it? Whether you're Republican, Democratic, or independent, there are problems with our local, county, state, and federal leaders. In spite of this, Paul tells us to "be subject" to them because God placed them there. There's a great temptation to disobey when we disagree, but in God's economy we cannot. Disobedience can be anything from speeding and littering to tax evasion. In addition to governmental leaders, to what other authorities are you subject? Parents? Church leaders? Employer? Town Home Association? Examine yourself to see if you're obedient. To disobey the authorities that God instituted is to disobey God Himself. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. --- I Peter 2:13-14 11/30/2010 I John 2:9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. A lawyer asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest (see Luke 10:25-37). He answered and added that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. The follow up question was, "And who is my neighbor?" We should ask the same question concerning our verse today: "And who is my brother?" I have only sisters. Am I exempt? Based on the principals Jesus laid out in the parable of the Good Samaritan, everyone is my brother. This includes the families from China next door, India across the street, Mexico a few houses down, African Americans a few blocks away, and the white, Anglo Saxons that also live here. The "disciple of love" (John) tells us that hate is not an option if we claim to follow Jesus. Show the love of Christ to those who are different from you today. And what is love? Putting others ahead of yourself. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. --- Romans 12:10 11/29/2010 Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Children can't get away with anything because mothers have eyes in the back of their heads. That's not true, of course, but it is true that God sees everything at all times. It doesn't matter if it's dark or light nor does it matter if the deed is good or bad, God sees it all. And it's not just what we do or don't do: he's keenly aware of your thoughts and emotions, too. Eyes also cry and it makes Him sad when He sees you injure yourself with your behavior and disobedience. As a general rule, we're not happy with ourselves when we cause someone else to cry, but do you feel guilty when you cause God to cry? As you go through the day today, remember that God is watching. Consider whether your actions and thoughts will make Him happy or sad. If you mess up (sin), be sure to apologize. Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. --- Haggai 1:5 11/24/2010 Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! A few years ago, our pastor gave a one-week challenge to give thanks when we pray and not ask God for anything. One of the men in our Saturday morning men's group said that he'd recently tried it and it was a positive exercise that changed his outlook on life. The reason for the challenge was that we generally pray only to ask God to do something and usually for ourselves. While there's nothing wrong with asking - especially when asking on behalf of someone else - the majority of our prayers should focus on thanking Him for who He is and what He's done. When you "enter His gates" in prayer today and tomorrow, will it be with thanksgiving and praise or will you beg Him for more blessings? Focus on thanksgiving (both the day and the attitude) and, if you must ask for something, ask for His blessing on someone other than yourself. 11/23/2010 Ecclesiastes 2:10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. I met a couple many years ago with more debt than I'd ever seen at that point in my career. They wanted to adopt a child but couldn't without major renovations to their house, and with all that debt they couldn't afford the renovations. I asked how they had gotten into debt and the wife responded with today's verse. What do your eyes desire? It could be material possessions or it could be something more abstract such as fame, power, or pleasure. In and of themselves, these things may or may not be bad but are they the best? You may be trading the best for a second or third choice and it may get you into trouble like it did my clients. Want real satisfaction without financial, social, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual debt? Desire God and His ways today. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. --- Ecclesiastes 12:13 11/22/2010 I Thessalonians 1:8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. There are some humorous grave stones out there. One of my favorites is, "I told you I was sick!" Another says, "Here lies Johnny Yeast. Pardon me for not rising." When you're dead and gone, for what will people remember you? For that matter, what do people think of you now? When someone mentions your name, do they think of anger, a bitter spirit, or workaholism? Or do they think of kindness, manners, and a willingness to help? Are you like Elisha, of whom a woman in the village of Shunem said, "I know this is a holy man of God ..." (II Kings 4:9)? People should automatically associate your name with Jesus. If you bear the name "Christian," don't keep it a secret. Don't be afraid to mention Jesus when speaking with others. And make sure that your behavior mimics that of Jesus since actions speak louder than words. 11/19/2010 Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. We all like to be right but some of us have a more difficult time accepting that we're wrong than others. If you're like me, this verse is for you. We tend to fight for our position harder and more fervently, even if the other person has a better argument. When that happens, tempers flare and angry words are spoken, words that can never be taken back. It's like a small crack in a dam: it gets bigger and wider and there's no way to stop it. The dam breaks ("letting out water") and everyone gets wet, even those not involved in the original conflict. A better course of action is to follow Solomon's advice and drop the quarrel, even if you're right. You may be involved in an ongoing argument with someone right now, perhaps your spouse, child, or coworker. Drop it. Doing so does not make you a weak person, it makes you more like Jesus. When He (Jesus) was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly. --- I Peter 2:23 11/18/2010 Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. "Mother, please, I'd rather do it myself." This phrase from a 1960's Anacin television commercial sums up the American spirit: independence. Asking for help is seen as weak or second class. However, "two are better than one" (see Ecclesiastes 4:9) and a baseball game can't be won without a team. Teamwork is important in the Kingdom of God, too. Although the believers in Philippi never went on a missionary journey with the Apostle Paul, He thanked God for their partnership in the gospel. They supported him, especially with prayer. You're a partner in the gospel, too. You partner with other Christians when you pray and give. Make it your goal to pray regularly for missionaries, pastors, and other leaders. Give your time and money to your church and those in need. How many other ways can you find to be a partner with God? 11/17/2010 Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways. It's a good idea to inventory everything you own (including credit card numbers and contact information) at least once a year. That way, if you have a fire, burglary, or other disaster, you'll be able to make an accurate insurance claim. However, keep in mind that everything on your list is worthless! Like the idols ("worthless things") in this verse, your house, car, bank account, clothes, and the change in your pocket or purse are all worthless because one day you'll no longer be living on earth. What good will those things do you then? God is gracious and gives material possessions for your comfort and enjoyment, but don't look at them instead of the Lord. To experience "life in Your ways," use your assets to remind you of God's goodness. Respond with prayers of thanksgiving and by sharing with others. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will never be dismayed. --- Isaiah 51:6 11/16/2010 Psalm 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. I've mentioned trying to teach a squirrel to take food from my hand. He's fairly comfortable with me now but there are times when he doesn't show up for days. When he gets hungry enough, however, all he has to do is sit on the deck railing outside my office window. Have you learned where to get food when you're spiritually hungry? Do you go to the Bible or do you look elsewhere (material items, relationships, leisure, etc.)? You probably have a schedule for breakfast, lunch, and supper. Do you have an "eating" schedule for God's Word? Does your soul suffer hunger pangs when you miss a scheduled "meal?" If you haven't already done so, set a schedule today. Start with a goal of five minutes and increase it as necessary, whether morning, noon, or night. And don't forget to "snack" on Christian radio, magazines, music, books, etc. in between meals. Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. --- John 6:35 11/15/2010 I John 3:17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) gave away $350 million and John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) donated $540 million. Compared to them, it seems like the amounts we put in the offering plate at church are minuscule and insignificant. However, the apostle John isn't worried about how much we give but whether we give. Giving is one indication that God's love abides in us. (Giving, by itself, does not mean that God's love abides in us. Giving to terrorists, for example, is not love.) What can you give today? Does someone near you need money for lunch or gas? Perhaps you know someone who needs clothing. Or, moving out of the material realm, a coworker or neighbor may simply need a listening ear. God is a giver (see John 3:16). Be a copy cat! If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? --- James 2:15-16 11/12/2010 Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. If you try to circumvent an airport's security checks, it may be closed until you can be found. The same is true of courthouses and other public places. Authorities don't want to take any chances that you or anyone else will compromise the safety of others. Do you have security systems in place to guard your speech? Terrorists that may be trying to circumvent your security systems are malicious or slanderous talk, gossip, judging (assigning motive to others' actions or words), inappropriate language (swear or curse words), and things said in anger. On the other hand, there are many words that should always be allowed to make the trip from your mouth to the hearer's ears. Allow your lips to speak words of kindness and encouragement today (and everyday) while pulling aside any inappropriate language for further questioning by the Holy Spirit. 11/11/2010 II Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you. Three thousand people were added to the church on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:41), but more than that are saved each day in China. The U.S. Department of State estimates that Christianity may have grown 600% over the last decade in Viet Nam. This is great news but millions more have never heard the Gospel, including some of your neighbors and coworkers. There's much you can do but the most important thing is to pray. Pray for those who share the Gospel face to face (missionaries) and those who share by radio, television, the printed word, and the Internet. Choose someone, add them to your prayer list, and ask them for specific items for which you can pray. And don't forget that you're a missionary, too. Remember to speak up for Jesus whenever you get the chance. 11/10/2010 Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight. How long is an inch? How heavy is a pound? How round is round? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) can answer these questions and more. There are other standards, too, standards established by God. One of those is the equality of mankind. God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9) and He wants us to follow His standard (James 2:1, 9). Do you treat others the way you like to be treated (see Matthew 7:12), regardless of skin color or nationality? Do you show those of other faiths the same kindness you do those in your own church? (This doesn't mean that all religions are correct, only that you show them kindness.) Treating others maliciously, even if they've done you wrong, is a "false balance." Delight the Lord today in the way you treat others. 11/9/2010 Psalm 103:2-3 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases. I heard about a man who died from cancer while his wife went through chemotherapy. Your heart breaks when you hear stories like this. And what about our verse? Where's the healing? It's obvious that it isn't necessarily talking about physical disease. If it were, we'd never die (see Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27). Therefore, the healing in our verse must be something more than (or in addition to) physical healing. A disease is a disorder or malfunction. Are your emotions or attitudes diseased? How about your relationships? God can heal you if you'll let Him. And then there's the ultimate healing: forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. God is gracious to us in many ways. Thank Him for "all His benefits" today, even the non-physical ones. Good people underneath the sea of grief. Some get up and walk away, Some will find ultimate relief. Home Free, eventually; At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free. --- Wayne Watson, "Home Free," 1991 11/8/2010 I Kings 3:15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. The Bible was not yet complete. It would take another 1,000 years for that to happen. Therefore, during Solomon's time, God spoke through prophets, dreams, and visions. Some of these were recorded and became the Bible. Solomon had a dream in which he asked for (and God granted) wisdom. His response was to offer sacrifices to God. God speaks to you, too. In a general way, He speaks through nature; in a specific way, He speaks through His Word, the Bible. Do you follow Solomon's example and offer Him sacrifices? He's not looking for slaughtered animals, but He wants to know that you appreciate Him and what He's done for you. What can you sacrifice today? Time? Money? How about the ultimate sacrifice: yourself? I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. --- Romans 12:1 11/5/2010 Matthew 6:28-29 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Like the "birds of the air" in yesterday's verse, Jesus talks about flowers to illustrate the fact that God takes care of us. Birds have nothing to do all day but eat. What do flowers do? They don't work and they don't play. They don't do anything but grow. Spiritually speaking, you don't have to work for your salvation and it's certainly not something to play with. What you have to do is grow: learn more about God and become more like Jesus. Plants take in nutrients from the soil. Are you taking in nutrients from God's Word? Plants need light. Do you listen to the Holy Spirit's enlightenment as you read the Bible? Sometimes we fertilize our plants. Do you hang around with other Christians who can fertilize your spiritual life? Are you growing? 11/4/2010 Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? When referring to this verse, most people point out how important we are to God and if He takes care of birds so well, He'll also take care of us. Indeed, that was Jesus' intent when He spoke these words but our habits indicate that we'd rather worry about money, health, and world peace instead of trusting Him. Or, as James says, we quarrel and fight because we're controlled by our passions and desires instead of relying on Him (see James 4:1-3). Birds spend all day looking for the food God provides. He provides everything you need, too. Thank Him for each meal you eat today and remember to fill up on spiritual food, too (Bible reading, prayer, and hanging out with other Christians). He provides the food. Your job is to be like a bird and eat it. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty." --- John 6:35 11/3/2010 I Peter 2:13-14 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. Did your candidates win in yesterday's elections? More than likely, some did and some didn't. Some of those winners will raise your taxes, support immoral behavior, and attempt to abridge the rights of certain groups of people. Nonetheless, Peter says you're to honor these officials. It doesn't matter if it's an entry-level, local politician or the President of the United States; it doesn't matter if it's a traffic court judge or the Supreme Court justices. None of our leaders are as brutal as Nero, the emperor of Rome when Peter wrote this verse and the one who ordered his death. Make a list which includes the President, a judge, your senators, representative, governor, and mayor. That's seven people. Pray for one each day and let that person's name remind you to pray for others that are not on your list. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. --- I Peter 2:17 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. --- Luke 6:28 11/2/2010 Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Today is election day. Some of my preferred candidates will win and some will lose. The point, however, is not whether my candidate wins or loses, it's my obedience to those in office. Both the Old and New Testaments indicate that the Lord puts rulers in place. For example, the Israelites didn't appreciate Nebuchadnezzar, but Scripture says specifically that the Lord put him in his position. We're reminded to pray for our leaders by many of our churches. Let's go one step further today: pick a politician that you dislike or with whom you disagree and pray for him or her. Pray that they would fulfill their responsibilities with honor and be successful. Most of all, pray that they would turn to the Lord just like you did. 11/1/2010 James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. When I was growing up, using even the mildest four letter words was unthinkable. Today, they're common on TV and the most vulgar terms are common in the movies and beginning to show up on TV. This is probably one reason why the population in general, and young people especially, uses foul language in public. As Christians, we're called to a higher standard. Not only are we to avoid impure communication, our words are supposed to build up and encourage others, even our enemies (see Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:28). What kind of speech will come out of your mouth today? Will it be gracious or will it degrade others? You may avoid curse words, but will you whine and complain instead of bridling your tongue? How can you compliment your family and encourage your coworkers? What can you say in public that will bless the Creator of language? Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. --- Ephesians 4:29 10/29/2010 Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. I didn't move quick enough when the light turned green. The driver behind me yelled, motioned out her open window, and roared around me. The last thing we humans want to do is wait. We don't like waiting for traffic lights to change, savings to build (we use credit cards instead), checkout lines to move, and we don't like waiting for God. Saul didn't like waiting and lost the kingship of Israel (see I Samuel 13:8-14). By contrast, God is always patient. He waited for you to accept His offer of salvation and He waits for you to allow Him to upgrade and improve your life. Waiting doesn't mean doing nothing. It means trusting God instead of trying to handle things your way. Instead of trying to solve the political problem at work, wait for God. Instead of trying to change your spouse, wait for God. It may be against your nature to wait, but your life will improve if you do. But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. --- Isaiah 40:31 10/28/2010 Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Ever get caught in a sudden downpour? When it happens, you run for the nearest shelter. You get wet, but at least you're safe. That's the way it is with the downpours of life, too. You may get "wet" from the problems and trials, but, if you know Jesus, at least you have a safe shelter to Whom you can run. What problems do you face these days? Family strife? Job loss? Annoying neighbors? Health issues? Coworkers that don't pull their weight? Budgeting woes? Whatever your problems are, there's safety and shelter with Jesus. The storms may continue, but you don't have to stand in the rain getting soaked. Run, don't walk, to your Strong Tower. And while you're there, interact with others who have run for shelter. You can help each other live like Jesus and survive the storms. 10/27/2010 Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. We had no power yesterday for a little more than 12 hours. When placed in that situation one learns just how much we depend on electricity. How much do you depend on the power of the Holy Spirit? Unfortunately, some of us depend so little on His work in our lives that we wouldn't even notice if He left. (He has promised to never leave us. See Hebrews 13:5.) Do you plug into God's power each day through Bible reading, prayer, and hanging out with other Christians? How often do you unplug each day due to fear of personal attack or humiliation? If you're connected to the Power of the universe you'll witness to others about what He's done in your life. Let the Light of the World shine through you! For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. --- II Timothy 1:7 10/25/2010 II Samuel 11:1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. In "Tale of Melibee" (written about 1386), Geoffrey Chaucer said, "Idle hands are the devil's tools." David was idle when he should have been on the battle field and the result was adultery and murder. There's a lesson for us in the 21st century: boredom (idleness) usually leads to trouble. When you don't do what you're supposed to do, when you aren't where you're supposed to be, you're more likely to sin. "But David remained at Jerusalem" and sinned greatly. What would come next if a similar statement was written about you? "But (your name) remained in front of the TV." "But (your name) remained at the mall." Ann Lee (1736-1784) wrote, "Put your hands to work and hearts to God." What can you do with your time that will draw you and others closer to God today? 10/22/2010 Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. You've seen scam emails promising millions in return for your bank information or spam emails that promise something valuable if you'll simply forward it. On a spiritual level, these scams are like believing that all roads lead to Heaven, your good deeds will outweigh your bad deeds, or that all gods are the same. Prudent people don't give credence to this kind of nonsense. Instead they check out the real deal and then pattern their lives accordingly. How prudent are you? Do you check the validity of what you hear with the Bible, which God began giving us 4,000 years ago, or do you believe the words of religions that have been around for only a few hundred years? God has spoken. Do His words burn in your soul? Give thought to your steps and adjust them according to His Word. All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you. --- I Peter 1:24-25 10/21/2010 Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. What's there to rejoice about when a road-side bomb kills innocent people? Or when you learn your state pension fund will run out of money in eight years? Or when you lose your job and can't find a new one? Verses like today's (see also Ephesians 5:20) seem foreign and out of place in times like these. Notice, however, that our verse doesn't say to rejoice because of what's happened but in spite of what's happened. We don't rejoice over tragedy, we "rejoice in the Lord." Regardless of what's going on around you or to you, the Lord remains the same (Hebrews 13:8) and you're still in the palm of His hand (John 10:28). When you feel bad about circumstances today (or any day), make a concerted effort to focus on the One who is always focused on you. That will give you something to rejoice about! 10/20/2010 Proverbs 10:3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He thwarts the craving of the wicked. We've all seen pictures of starving children with distended bellies and bones that seem to be coming right out of their skin. How could a loving God allow this to happen? And then we come to a verse like today's that specifically says He will "not let the righteous go hungry." To call these children "unrighteous" may do injustice to God's Word. Could it be we don't understand today's verse? Maybe it's talking in spiritual terms. You have a Bible. If you don't read it, you'll go hungry. The wicked (those who don't care about God and those who actively fight against Him) are thwarted as they crave things that "wage war against your soul" (see I Peter 2:11). Are you hungry enough to read the Bible for at least five minutes today? And about those children: check out the many agencies that help children and consider making a donation or "adopting" a child. 10/19/2010 Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. If we rewrote the Bible, this verse would say, "Delight yourself in money, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Or, "Delight yourself in accomplishment, relationships, alcohol, lust, materialism, or anything else, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Note that you desire what you delight in. "Delight yourself in the Lord" means that you desire what He desires. Need a list? Try Galatians 5:22-23: "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." If you don't desire all of these all the time, you may be delighting yourself in something other than, or in addition to, the Lord. As you go through the day today, visualize yourself doing each task, both major and minor, for the Lord. You'll be delighting yourself in the Lord, "and He will give you the desires of your heart." But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --- Matthew 6:33 10/18/2010 I Samuel 24:5 And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Saul, the first king of Israel, was bent on killing David. He went into a cave, not knowing that David was hiding there. David could have killed Saul but he only cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Why was David conscious stricken? It was such a small thing. But then again, so are little white lies or "borrowing" pens and paper clips from work. It's the little things that often go unnoticed and make us ineffective in God's work. What little things are in your life that should cause you to be sorrowful, humble, and repentant? While it's good to clean out the major problems, it's equally important to clean around the edges. Get alone with God today and apologize (confess, repent) for the little things you've allowed to come between you. Mention them by name. 10/15/2010 Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. My mother washed my mouth out with soap when I used certain words as a child. The result is that I don't use those words today. However, for Christians, eliminating those words from our vocabulary is just the start. Our speech should build others up, not tear them down. Keep in mind that more than one person is listening most of the time. Coworkers, neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers will hear your words and be affected positively or negatively. Another person affected is you: you hear your own words and feel good about yourself when those words are kind and encouraging. Finally, even in an empty room, the Lord hears you and is either sad or glad at the words you speak. What will come out when you open your mouth today, garbage or grace? 10/14/2010 Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Monotheists (Christians, Jews, and Muslims) are proud they're not like polytheists (Hindus, Shintoists, animists, etc.) But some of us have gods we don't acknowledge, at least not publicly. Some worship "stuff" by collecting the latest in electronic gadgets or clothing. Others worship emotions by harboring fear, anger, or bitterness in their hearts. Still others have more obvious gods: drugs and alcohol. When it comes to the bottom line, we all want to be our own god. Are you ready to give up trying to be God? It is illogical to believe you can compete with the One who is "God in heaven above and on the earth beneath." Are you willing to surrender to the Lord today? 10/13/2010 Psalm 145:1-2 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless Your Name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You and praise Your Name forever and ever. "Forever" is a long time. It doesn't end tomorrow, next year, or even when you die. To declare that you will extol, bless, and praise the Lord "forever" means something much deeper than feeling good about what God is doing today. When the extraordinary happens, do you mention it to your coworkers? That's part of what it means to extol the Lord. When times are tough and nothing is going right, do you still bless Him (see Job 1:21, 13:15)? If you finish a project ahead of schedule today, will those around you know it was the Lord who helped you? If you avoid an accident today, will you credit Him with your safety? Today is the start of "every day" and "forever and ever." What can you say and do that will extol, bless, and praise the Name of the Lord? Will your words and actions today mirror what you say and do when you spend "forever" in Heaven? 10/12/2010 Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. A poor investment may be sold and reinvested in a better one, hopefully recouping the losses. But, if you invest your time poorly, what can you do to recoup it? Nothing. Once used, time is gone. It therefore behooves us to use our time wisely. Instead of staying up late to watch a television program we could do without, we should get the rest the Lord intends us to get. Instead of filling Sunday mornings with shopping or leisure activities, we should be at church worshiping the Creator of time. Everyone starts each day with the same number of hours and no one pines on their deathbed that he or she should have spent more time working, shopping, or pursuing entertainment. How will you invest today's time? Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. --- Ephesians 5:15-17 10/11/2010 II Kings 5:1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. I know several people who have amazing skills but don't live up to their potential because of the past. Instead of leaving the past behind (see Philippians 3:13-14), they wallow in pity, guilt, or what could have been. You probably know people like that, too. Naaman could have used his leprosy as an excuse for not living up to his potential but he didn't let it get in the way. What's preventing you from being a Godly success? Past sin? God forgives you, why won't you forgive you? Fear of emotional hurt, the unknown, or looking like a fool? Ask a trusted Christian friend to help you as you seek to please the Lord. Walk with God today and be all He wants you to be. 10/8/2010 I Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. Many Christians feel the sting and hurt of rejection when the Good News they've shared isn't accepted. Samuel was no different when Israel demanded a king. God set him straight by pointing out that they hadn't rejected Samuel but God. When you talk to a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member about Jesus and they change the subject or walk away, they're not rejecting you, they're rejecting God. Don't let their decision cause you to stop talking about Jesus. Instead, entrust yourself to your faithful Creator and continue to do good (I Peter 4:19). Make Jesus part of your everyday conversation today and everyday. People need a chance to hear and accept His offer of salvation. If they don't accept, they've rejected Him, not you. 10/7/2010 James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. How unlike us! We think that wise people have lofty positions such as doctors, lawyers, and CEOs and that they should receive large salaries. James, the half-brother of Jesus, says that wise people display good conduct and serve others. Your intelligence quotient (IQ) may not be 140 or more but you can still be wise by behaving properly and helping others. Pick someone who's hurting or has some other need today and find a way to help or comfort. For an extra boost in confidence, serve someone who's done you wrong. Helping others is the wise way to live and one that pleases God. 10/6/2010 Isaiah 48:18 Oh that you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. God gave us a brain and He expects us to use it. Unfortunately we have a track record of making decisions and plans that seem good but end in disaster. God gave us the users manual for life (the Bible) so that we'd make good decisions, not to keep us from having fun. When He says, "Thou shalt not...," He does so to protect us from heartache. The human propensity is to do things your own way. If you don't know what God says in the Bible, you're likely to dishonor either Him or you - or both. Grab your Bible or go online to http://www.biblegateway.com and spend some time reading what God has to say to you. You'll start to see streams flowing in what had been the desert of your life. 10/5/2010 I Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. I once attended a lecture on black holes. Science doesn't fully understand black holes and I understood even less. Using deep theological concepts when you're talking to someone about the Lord is like lecturing on black holes: little or nothing is communicated. Quoting Scripture such as John 3:16 or Romans 3:23 and 6:23 is good but be sure to make it personal ("For God so loved *you* that He gave His only Son...). We're in a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:12) and this is life and death (John 3:18). Don't clam up today because you're afraid someone will think you're crazy or because you think they won't understand it. Share your faith but keep it simple by using normal language to relate what the Lord has done for you. 10/4/2010 Colossians 2:13-14 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. Pinocchio was a boy-like puppet: he looked and acted like a boy but he wasn't alive. Most of the people around you are like Pinocchio. That is, they look and act like real people but they're not really alive because their spiritual debts (sins or trespasses) haven't been canceled. All it takes to be transformed from a puppet to a living soul is to ask for God's forgiveness. When we do that, God makes us "alive together with Him." Pinocchio searched for a way to become real and most of your friends are searching, too. How many Pinocchios do you know? Today, look for opportunities to tell them what God has done for you (made you alive, canceled your debt, etc.) so they have the chance to be transformed from a puppet to a living soul. 10/1/2010 Matthew 9:12 But when He (Jesus) heard it, He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." We live in an age when preventive medicine makes sense. The only other time we go to the doctor, hospital, or call 9-1-1 is when we're sick or injured. Spiritually, we're born sick. The difference between physical and spiritual sickness is that in this life we choose to go to the doctor when we're sick. God, on the other hand, knew we were sick and sent Jesus to heal us. We joke about men waiting until they're on their death bed to call a doctor. What about spiritual sickness? Do you ignore the fact that you're sick? Are you waiting until the last minute? If you need the Great Physician, contact the person who forwarded this to you, go to http://www.needhim.com/, call 1-800-NEED-HIM, or contact the writer at verseoftheday@hopecommunitychurch.us. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. --- Luke 19:10 9/30/2010 Mark 9:23 And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." It's not uncommon in some religious circles to believe that one can be healed from deadly diseases if they have enough faith. Even in secular culture, we see books opine that believing can make one wealthy. In situations like these, we must ask in whom or in what we're placing our trust. As with the man in our verse, whose son was demon possessed, the object of our faith is everything. Believing in the government, an employer, other people, ourselves, or money and what it can buy will only cause disappointment in the long run. The only real power in the universe is the One who made the universe. In whom or what will you place your trust today? Place it in the Lord God Almighty with whom "all things are possible." Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created. --- Revelation 4:11 9/29/2010 Proverbs 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. A man in our Bible study struggled with putting the truth on his resume. The full truth, he reasoned, would disqualify him from any job offers. Exaggerating some facts, on the other hand seemed expedient. However, he finally reasoned that, as a Christian, he must always be truthful and he made full disclosure. Yes, some employers have probably skipped over him, but he now has a clear conscience, something he can live with "forever." Your character will "endure forever" but it only takes "a moment" to destroy it. Be truthful today, even if it hurts. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. --- John 14:6 9/28/2010 Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Of all the beatitudes, we probably disagree with this one most often. After all, how does one comfort a parent who has lost a child or a husband or wife who has lost their spouse? It seems like the pain will never go away. At best, we usually interpret "comfort" as coming when we finally reach heaven. However, keep in mind that Jesus rarely speaks about physical issues. As it's been from the dawn of creation, God is interested in our hearts (mind, will, emotions, and attitudes). With that in mind, do you mourn over your sinfulness before God? If so, you "shall be comforted" for God is faithful to forgive all your sins, regardless of how heinous they may be. As you become aware of your short comings today, stop and confess them right away, before you forget. There is great comfort in forgiveness. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. --- I John 1:9 9/27/2010 John 11:43-44 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Imagine you're consoling the widow of a friend when the corpse suddenly sits up, alive. You'd probably stand there in shock, not realizing your friend needs help getting out of the casket and down onto the floor. In Jesus' day, the dead were wrapped like mummies. The people probably froze in their tracks when Lazarus came out of the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes. That's why Jesus had to tell them to let him go. When "you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked" (Ephesians 2:1-2), you were wrapped up like a mummy, too, but Jesus brought you to life. Are you still walking around in funeral clothes? Your friends can see the spiritual clothes you wear. Do they see life or death? Get on the phone or meet with your discipler (coach, mentor, accountability partner) and let them help you out of your grave clothes and into "white robes" (see Revelation 7:9, 13-14). 9/23/2010 Luke 19:45-47 And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers." Many of Jesus' followers thought He would drive the Romans out of Israel. Instead, He went into the Temple and attacked His fellow countrymen, turning over their trading tables and driving them out of the Temple. This happened on Monday of what we now call Passion Week. He wanted to cleanse His own people, not outsiders. They, like us, were focused on what others did instead of what they did. Are you focused on the purity of your own life or do you harp on the faults of abortionists, gay rights proponents, religious leaders who repudiate the Bible, your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family? God has only one job for you: walk close to Him. Let Jesus turn over the trading tables of your heart today. The results will be obvious and others will want to follow Him with you. 9/22/2010 Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Money is overly important to most people. The wealthy want more just as much as the poor. Money and what it buys is so important that we'll do virtually anything to get more, including foolish things like gambling and lying on our taxes. Even our credit card debt testifies how much we crave material possessions. However, money and possessions "are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (II Corinthians 4:18). Are you more interested in money (temporary) or wisdom (eternal)? The answer is revealed in how you spend your time. Do you spend it with God in His Word and in prayer? Do you spend time with His people? Or do you dream about money and what it can buy? You may not be able to live in this life without money, but you can't live in this life or the next without God. Spend time with Him today and get something of real value: wisdom! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! --- Psalm 111:10 (see also Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; I Timothy 6:9) 9/21/2010 I Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Andrés Segovia (1893-1987) was the world's premier classical guitarist. Christopher Parkening, probably the best classical guitarist today, met the maestro at a fairly young age and asked how much he practiced. To his amazement, he was told several hours in the morning, several hours in the afternoon, and, if he wasn't performing, more in the evening. Parkening, a Christian, decided that if Segovia had to practice that much, he'd have to practice even more. You and I are like Christopher Parkening: we have to "practice" our Christianity every hour of every day. When we don't, we "quench the Spirit" or grieve Him (see Ephesians 4:30). Find something to rejoice over. Talk to God all day today. Be thankful. Practice what you preach. Hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. --- I Thessalonians 5:21b-22 9/20/2010 Colossians 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated (from God) and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He (Jesus) has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him (God). Has anyone ever done you wrong? Of course they have - and so have you. In some cases, you or the other person apologized and those offenses are no longer issues. That's what it means to be "reconciled." Two persons who were once "alienated" from each other are now friends. And that's what Jesus did for you. He died the most cruel death invented so your "evil deeds" could be forgiven and you'd be reconciled to God. As you commute to and from work today, as you go about today's activities, look at the people around you. Most of them are enemies of God (because they're not reconciled) but they don't know they're enemies. Your job is to bring the Good News of reconciliation so that they, like you, may be presented "holy and blameless and above reproach before Him." 9/17/2010 Proverbs 23:23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. You have 168 hours to spend every week. Some is converted to cash when you go to work: you trade your time for money. Money, therefore, represents your life. On what do you spend the rest of your time? Our verse tells us to buy truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Spend as much of your time as possible by reading God's Word ("Your word is truth" - Jesus, John 17:17), praying, and hanging out with other Christians. On the flip side, there are some things on which you should not spend your time or money because they'll rob you of truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding ("do not sell it"). When you make a purchase with your time or money today, ask if it will help or hinder your walk with Jesus. Also ask if it will help or hinder others in their walk with Him. 9/16/2010 Revelation 19:9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." Every wedding has two parts, the ceremony and the reception. If you haven't been to the ceremony, you can't attend the reception. If you're a Christian, you've participated in the marriage ceremony and you're "blessed" because you have your invitation "to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Jesus)." This is more than just a cake and punch reception - some translations use the word "feast" instead of "supper." However, if you haven't participated in the marriage ceremony, you're on the "wide" road "that leads to destruction" (see Matthew 7:13) and you don't have an invitation to the reception. To become a Christian, ask the person who forwarded this to you, write to verseoftheday@hopecommunitychurch.us or go to http://www.needhim.org. If you have your invitation, be a match-maker: introduce a friend to Jesus. 9/15/2010 Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Sometimes people aren't aware that they've said something hurtful. When that happens, you can get angry and upset or you can overlook it. If you choose the former, you damage yourself and it eventually spills over to damage those you love. This is where many bad attitudes start. On the other hand, you can choose the latter, to overlook the offense. This doesn't mean that you ignore it, it means that you don't take offense at it. Jesus, of course, is our supreme example in this area. The people who abused Him did it on purpose, yet He said, "Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34)." Take the high road today and overlook those petty offenses that have been eating you up inside. Your attitude will change and the smile that's been missing from your face will return. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. --- I Peter 4:8 9/14/2010 Psalm 119:59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to Your testimonies. "When" is hard to nail down. Sometimes it means a short amount of time ("when" I'm done, I'll do...) and sometimes it means an indefinitely long period of time ("when" I get around to it). "When" should be moment by moment when it comes to living the Christian life. "When" you open your mouth, ask yourself if your words will help others on the God adventure or if they'll encourage them to ignore Him. "When" you begin each activity or task today, do an attitude check to determine if what you're about to do will please Him or disappoint Him. Of course, to know what pleases Him, you must read His "testimonies" (the Bible). Turn your feet to His testimonies by reading it today and everyday. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. --- Philippians 4:8 9/13/2010 Psalm 71:8 My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day. If you say the wrong thing at the wrong time, you have your foot in your mouth. What else can you have in your mouth? Curses, gossip, and complaints - or prayer, praise, and encouragement. What's in your mouth (and what comes out of it) is important because it indicates what's in your heart (see Luke 6:45). Your attitude is revealed by your speech. As shown in today's verse, it's also an indication of who or what you belong to. It's unlikely that your mouth will be filled with praise for God if you're controlled by property, projects, or people. Take five minutes to read the Bible today and then thank Him for what you read. Call a Christian friend and share what you read. Repeat each day and what fills your mouth will change for the better. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. --- James 3:10 9/10/2010 Proverbs 11:17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. I signaled my intention to change lanes in heavy traffic, checked my mirrors, and glanced over my shoulder. Traffic was tight, but there was enough room. About a mile down the road, the Corvette in front of which I moved forced me off the road and dangerously close to a steep embankment. I could have been killed. If I hold a grudge against that driver, he knows nothing about it but it eats me up inside. Against whom are you holding a grudge, waiting for the perfect opportunity to get even? (We rarely want to get even. Our inner desire is to make the other person hurt worse than we do.) If you're looking for more out of life, be kind to the person who's done you wrong. If that person is unknown to you, like the Corvette driver is to me, pray for him or her. The kindness that you show others also benefits you. You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. --- Matthew 5:43-35 9/9/2010 I Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. A church in Florida plans to burn the Qur'an on September 11. It seems everyone has a reason for seeing this as good or bad, but we should be asking whether this or any other action will bring honor and respect to the Lord and His followers. Peter hacked off the ear of Malchus (part of the group that arrested Jesus - see John 18:10) and yet, in our verse, he turns around and commands honor to everyone. As decisions come your way today, ask yourself if you'll be honoring everyone, showing love to the brotherhood of believers, displaying you fear God, and honoring the laws of the land. 9/8/2010 Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed. Homeless people are everywhere. As Jesus said, there will always be poor people (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). Some people have plenty of money but they're poor physically, emotionally, socially, or spiritually. You, on the other hand, probably have something to give in these areas, especially the spiritual one. If you're walking with Jesus, you're rich (see II Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 1:7, 18; Philippians 4:19). To whom can you be generous today? Is someone suffering or hurting? Be a friend on whom they can lean. Is someone having difficulty because of an injury or handicap? Be their arms and legs. Is someone on the broad road that leads to Hell (see Matthew 7:13)? Be generous with the Good News of Jesus Christ. And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me." --- Matthew 25:40 9/3/2010 Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. Isn't it interesting that the Bible often tells us to do what is opposite our natural inclinations? If you want to be a leader, serve (Matthew 20:26, 23:11; Mark 10:43; Luke 22:26). If you want to have plenty, give (Proverbs 11:25). If you want to be wise, don't read books, fear God (Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, 15:33). Our problem, of course, is that our ways are not God's ways (Isaiah 55:8). The solution is to get on track with God by reading the Bible everyday, praying, and hanging out with other Christians. Who's your enemy? Pick someone who's given you a hard time lately and do something nice. In so doing, you'll show them that Jesus is alive and well and living in you. 9/2/2010 Numbers 16:4 When Moses heard it, he fell on his face. Moses had a curious habit. Whenever something happened, either good or bad, he fell on his face. If the people came with a complaint, he fell on his face. When he came before the Lord, he fell on his face. Falling on one's face is a position of humility. This, of course, is the last thing most Americans want to do because we're a proud people. Unfortunately, this proud attitude spills over into our lives as Christians. Let's take a lesson from Moses, the friend of God (see Exodus 33:11) and humble ourselves before Him. Remember, it's not your physical posture that's important, it's your heart attitude in which He's interested and there's no room for pride in the Christian's heart. The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. --- Proverbs 8:13 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. --- Proverbs 11:2 9/1/2010 Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Being a guy, I like to fix things. It doesn't matter if it's a car, a house, a database, or a relationship, I want to fix it. If I see someone struggling in the Christian life, I want to fix that, too. Occasionally I go about it the wrong way and end up insulting the person, but I'm getting better at noticing I may be on the verge. When that happens, I go to this verse. The fact is that if I didn't care, I wouldn't say anything. That makes me a friend. To tell someone they're doing fine ("kisses") when they're not is to be an enemy. Memorize today's verse, quote it to your accountability or discipleship partner, mentor or coach. Let them know that you're there for them but that you may unintentionally step on their toes. Ask for their forgiveness in advance. 8/31/2010 Romans 15:14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. "I am a rock, I am an island." So sang Simon and Garfunkel in 1965. Of course, no one can live in isolation, although, as Americans, we often try. As Christians, it's imperative that we not live in isolation and the Apostle Paul tells us why in our verse. Since we are "filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another," it would be sinful to live alone and not interact with other Christians. There are many people who, if they knew you were a Christian, would grow and blossom. You yourself will grow and blossom if you connect with other Christians. In the 1500's, John Donne, a Christian, coined the phrase, "No man is an island." That includes you. Begin the connecting process today. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! --- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 8/30/2010 Proverbs 14:21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. You're rich! You may have large debts, an empty bank account may, and earn minimum wage, but you're rich. Those around you may have no debt, large bank accounts, and earn six figures, but they're poor. The difference is that you're connected to the King of the universe. Being without money is a temporary problem; being without God is a permanent problem - unless you're "generous to the poor." Look at your neighbors' houses. They're poor. Glance around your workplace. Your coworkers are poor. Share your immeasurable wealth today. Tell them how much you enjoyed church yesterday. Chose a specific instance of God's blessing in your life and share it with them. The poor around you will stay poor if you're not generous. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. --- II Corinthians 4:18b 8/27/2010 Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. In our men's Bible study last night, we all agreed that we don't always do what the Lord wants us to do, especially during a crises. We need to be accountability partners to one another, prodding each other on to consistent Bible reading, prayer, purity, kindness, generosity, etc. If you want to become a "sharper" Christian, consider choosing two accountability partners, one who can help you and one that you can help. Pick an area in which you want to improve and ask the other person to check up on you. The mere fact they they might ask about your progress will help you become more like the person God wants you to be. Send an email or make a call to those people right now, before you forget. 8/26/2010 Ephesians 5:3-4 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. The human tradition is to award people the title of "saint" when they've earned it by living an extraordinarily good life. However, the Bible uses the word "saint" in exactly the opposite way: people are given the title when they start the Jesus adventure and then they're expected to live up to it. The proper order is saints live godly lives, not godly lives produce saints. Are you a saint? If not, go to http://www.needhim.org/. If you are, do you act like a saint? Do you talk like a saint? Do you think like a saint? Do you read books that saints should read (especially the Bible)? Do you go to places that saints should go? Do you watch things that saints should watch? Do you work like a saint should work? Do you drive like a saint? Are you thankful that God made you a saint? Is it obvious to others that you're a saint? 8/25/2010 Romans 14:1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Babies are demanding, messy, loud, and sometimes obnoxious. In spite of this, we love and cherish them with extra care. New Christians can also be demanding, messy, loud, and obnoxious. Nevertheless, they need love and care so they can grow up in their salvation (see I Peter 2:2). Find a Christian who is "weak in faith" and begin a relationship. Pour what you've learned about your faith into them, helping them imitate Jesus. By hanging out with him or her, their rough edges will begin to chip off and before long they'll be able to help someone else along the road. And don't forget that you have some rough edges, too. Hang around with someone who can help you become more like Jesus. 8/24/2010 Proverbs 17:9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Some people go through life with heartaches and sorrows because they took someone else's comments the wrong way. We experienced that when a neighbor's house was spray painted with graffiti. A friend tried to joke about it but it came across that our house looked just as bad. We realized he had no idea he said something wrong and dropped the matter. We're still close friends to this day. Has anyone done something like that to you? Are you still harboring bitterness? Bitterness harms only the person who harbors it. We don't condone sin, but unintentional offenses are another story. Do what you can today to cover unintentional offenses and promote love. That's what Jesus did. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. --- I Peter 4:8 8/23/2010 Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Before you became a Christian, you were a prisoner to sin: you had no choice but to follow its ways. When the payment of Jesus' sacrifice retired your sin debt, you were released from the prison of sin to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving. As ridiculous as it sounds, some people retreat to their old prison cell from time to time. If you get that urge, look at the cubicles in your office or the houses in your neighborhood, visualizing who works or lives in each one. Pick one person, pray for them every day, and look for ways to give them the Good News that their sin-sentence can be pardoned and they can be released. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. --- Ephesians 4:1-3 8/20/2010 Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. As we observed yesterday, words are powerful. Have you considered that your words are powerful in God's ears, too? When you praise your children for a job well done, they respond. When your children praise you, you feel good, too. And it's no different with God. When we sin (in word or deed), He's sorrowful; when we praise Him, He's glad. Notice the world around you today and praise God for His creation. Make a list of all the things He's given you (family, home, car, food, even breath itself) and praise Him. He's given you everything, including salvation, because of His "steadfast love." Will your lips praise Him today? 8/19/2010 Proverbs 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Words are powerful. Without the words of Thomas Paine and others, we might be living in the United States of England instead of the United States of America. Your words are powerful, too. They can tear people down or they can build them up. If you're not careful, you can crush people with your words and not even know it. As the people of God, we should speak words of graciousness and healing at all times (see Colossians 4:6), just like the Lord spoke to you when you were sinking in a mud bath of sin. To whom can you be a tree of life today? Tell your coworkers that you appreciate them or that you're glad to be on the same team with them. Tell your wife and children that you love them. Speaking like Jesus is never wrong! If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. --- I Peter 4:11 (NIV) 8/18/2010 Psalm 33:22 Let Your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in You. I hope I get a raise. I hope this hot weather breaks soon. I hope, I hope, I hope. In what or in whom do you hope? Whatever it is that you hope, is it a solid hope or something that's wishy-washy and unsure? Most of us have hopes, but there's only one Hope that's more solid than concrete and stronger than titanium. When you put your hope in the Lord, you can be confident and assured because God is faithful (see I Corinthians 1:9, 10:13, 13:8). So, in what or in whom do you hope? Yourself? Your employer? Your spouse? Your church? Your bank account? And do you have a steadfast hope in the Lord, even when the traffic light turns red (see yesterday's commentary)? 8/17/2010 I Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I was in a hurry when a traffic light turned green. Under my breath I said, "Thank you, Lord, for the green light." The Lord asked me if I would have thanked Him for a red light. Why do we not thank God for things we don't like? When you come to a red light, He might be delaying you so you'll avoid an accident down the road. You may have missed out on a promotion so He could better prepare you or to keep you from heartache. Perhaps He's giving you an illustration to share with someone else. Watch for annoyances today and then ask yourself if God could be doing something beneficial for you. You may never know the reason it happened and there may be more than one reason, but give Him thanks in all circumstances. 8/16/2010 I Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. There's always something about which to be thankful. In 1980, our car was destroyed by fire. While I can't say I was thankful for the fire, I was thankful for the Lord's presence. The replacement car was a better car and I was thankful for that, but within a few days, someone poured construction adhesive down the entire right side of the car. I wasn't thankful for the glue, but God was still there giving me reasons to be thankful. Problems will come your way today. Being thankful in these situations will help make you a better person. Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on Him who will "never leave you nor forsake you" (see Hebrews 13:5) - and be thankful! 8/13/2010 Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. A handyman friend of mine sometimes posts pictures of his projects on Facebook. He does good work and the photos show that he takes the time necessary to make each one a masterpiece. Have you ever thought of yourself as a masterpiece? Our verse says you are God's "workmanship" and, as they say, "God don't make no junk." He created you to do certain "good works" which He planned out in advance. Some of those tasks are scheduled for completion today. Will you complete them on time? Will they be a masterpiece offered back to Him or will they be mediocre? He gave His best (Jesus) for you. How can you give less than your best for Him? 8/12/2010 Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. "Pay number one first." "Get all the gusto you can." "Buy now!" We're bombarded with philosophies and advertising which tell us that selfishness is acceptable and that others aren't as important as we are. It's not limited to money, either. Selfishness can apply to our time, talents, and possessions; it makes us stingy toward both God and man. Reduce your selfishness quotient today by mowing your neighbor's lawn before your own or driving someone to a doctor's appointment. Instead of sitting in front of the TV, give an hour of your time to someone who's lonely, perhaps someone in a nursing home. If someone's trying to change lanes, slow down and let him in. The selfishness battle rages everyday. Are you ready to engage the enemy (yourself) today? He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. --- John 3:30 8/11/2010 Psalm 119:14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. The official rules of baseball cover 205 pages. Hockey rules take 272 pages, soccer consumes 160 pages, and even golf, a simple game of hit the ball into a hole in the ground, has 150 pages of rules. If you break the rules there's a penalty to be paid and you might even lose. When we play games, we follow the rules so we can win. Life, however, is not a game and yet we expect to have long, happy lives while trying to circumvent the rules. Whether it's eating healthy, living a pure lifestyle, or managing a good attitude, following God's rules means a good life, both here and in heaven. Read a chapter of the Rule Book (the Bible) today. Ask God what He wants you to do and then put it into practice whether it's easy or hard. Rules are for your benefit, not to make life difficult. 8/10/2010 Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. You discipline your children to teach them the proper way to live. Do you discipline your neighbors' children? Probably not. While you may care about them, you don't love them - at least not the same way you love your own children. Sometimes it seems like God wants life to be difficult. It's not that he wants you miserable, He's disciplining you. He's either strengthening you by teaching new concepts and principals or He's punishing you because you didn't listen the first time and the lesson needs to be reinforced. The next time you feel like God is spanking you, don't run away or persist in your stubborn ways, remember that He loves you. If He didn't, your life would continue on a downward spiral. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives" (quoting Proverbs 3:11-12). --- Hebrews 12:5-6 8/9/2010 Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Both our sons recently purchased homes. Over the last few weeks I looked for ways to let others know about their accomplishments. When something is important and exciting, telling others about it is natural and expected. Since so few Christians tell others about what Jesus is doing in their lives, the only logical conclusion is that Jesus is neither important nor exciting. When someone asks you what you did over the weekend, do you tell them you washed the car, cleaned the garage, and fought the lines at the grocery store or do you tell them that you went to church? It doesn't take much to tell others about Jesus. If they're interested, they'll ask questions. Your job is to simply let them know that you're their connection to the Living God. Are you anxious to let others know about your exciting, important Jesus? 8/6/2010 I Peter 2:19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. "It's not my fault." "It's not fair." "What did I do to deserve this?" If you've ever said any of these, you may have suffered unjustly. When it happens, we feel sorry for ourselves, we gripe and complain, and our instincts tell us to get even. Unfortunately, we rarely continue doing the best we can in the situation, especially toward the one who wronged us. Yet this is exactly what Peter tells us is the proper attitude: graciously enduring sorrows while suffering unjustly. Are you "mindful of God?" If not, gracious endurance is probably out of the question. How do you become "mindful of God?" It's a process, a habit. It involves daily communion with Him (Bible reading and prayer) and constant contact with other believers through Christian radio, church attendance, etc. When someone stabs you in the back today, are you ready to endure gracefully? When He (Jesus) was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly. --- I Peter 2:23 8/5/2010 II Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that One has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised. For what do you live? Some of us live for materialism while others live for relationships; some live for accomplishment, others live for leisure. People tend to live for four things: fame, fortune, power, and pleasure. Boil it down even further and most of us live for ourselves - except the Christian. The Christian lives for Jesus, the One who died that we might live. When we work, we work as though He were our employer (see I Corinthians 3:9, Colossians 3:23). When we relax, drive, play, or shop, we do it for "Him who for their sake died and was raised." As you go through your daily routines today, ask yourself if you're doing them for yourself or for the Lord. If you come up with the wrong answer, change your attitude and/or tasks so that you always serve in and through Christ. Have you died to yourself? 8/4/2010 Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. Having grown up in the church I've seen many problems, from alcoholism to child abuse. In each case, the elders or deacons pulled the person aside and instructed them in righteousness. Those trapped in the problem (sin) had two choices: ignore or listen. I have never seen anyone ignore the advice and excel. Those who listened have gone on to lead full, enjoyable lives. You and I have the same choices: ignore instruction from the Bible and fellow Christians and suffer, or heed the reproof and, as King Solomon says, be honored. Instruction, advice, and criticism may hurt, but "faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6). Improve your life. Follow the sound instruction of God's Word. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. --- II Timothy 3:16-17 8/3/2010 Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Some people have more money than they know what to do with. They fill their over-sized houses with furniture, valuable art, and sometimes, junk. We often wish we had that kind of money thinking we'd spend it better, but would we? Keep in mind that everything wears out, gets stolen, or will be destroyed when the world ends. It's only temporary. So what's permanent? The stuff that fills the rooms of your spiritual house. What "precious and pleasant riches" are you storing in your heart? A good place to start is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23). How does one obtain these treasures? By wisdom and understanding. From where do wisdom and understanding come? God's Word. Take five and read a chapter or two today. 8/2/2010 Psalm 139:7-10 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Some people are really annoying. They continually point out your mistakes or they're wrapped up in themselves or they just sit around and do nothing. Being with them on a frequent basis is a real downer. How do you feel about God being with you on a full time basis? If you're traveling on Real Life Road (the narrow gate of Matthew 7 and Luke 13), you're glad He's there to encourage you, supply your needs, and help you around the pot holes of life. If you're on Destruction Avenue (the wide gate), it upsets you when the Holy Spirit points out that what you think is fun actually hurts you and your future. Since God is omnipresent, He's always there, regardless of the path you're taking. Do you enjoy His presence? If not, you may be on Destruction Avenue. Take the next exit and find real life! 7/30/2010 II Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. A seventy-three year old friend says, "This growing old stuff isn't for sissies." As we age, our bodies not only wear out, parts of them break down (heart attacks, embolisms, Alzheimer's, etc.). That's not the way God intended it to be, but when sin entered the world, so did health problems. The good news is that our "inner self" (soul or spirit) can be renewed each day. However, just as senior citizens must take their medications, so the Christian must take in God's Word (the Bible). And just as the senior citizen must visit the doctor regularly, Christians must expose themselves to good Christian companionship regularly. In person is best, but don't forget Christian radio, mp3s, CDs, podcasts, etc. The Apostle Paul assumes you're being renewed each day. Are you? 7/29/2010 Psalm 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. The largest body of water on earth is the Pacific Ocean. We know its boundaries and can explore below its surface, but there's a limit to how deep we can go. So it is with God. He's revealed His greatness in the Bible and we're able to explore some of the mysteries of His greatness, but there's a limit as to how deep we can go (because we're finite and He's infinite). Some people have no idea that the Pacific Ocean exists but billions don't know that God exists. Some people know the Pacific Ocean exists, but that's all they know. Billions know God exists, but that's all they know. You're one of the fortunate ones. You know He exists and you know that He's great "and greatly to be praised." While you can't tell billions, you can tell a few. Who can you tell today? 7/28/2010 Psalm 139:17 How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! When we're acting silly at my house we'll sometimes ask, "Are the voices in my head bothering you?" Unfortunately, some people have what they perceive as real voices in their heads and that's no joking matter. If you told someone that you knew God's thoughts, they'd think you had serious, psychological problems. But did you know you can? Just pick up the Bible and start reading. Those are God's thoughts. Since He created the entire universe, including the materials to make the paper on which are printed His thoughts, they must be precious and they're certainly vast. The Word of God has been around for millenniums and the depths of His thoughts still have not been plumbed. Here's an idea: put God's thoughts into your head by memorizing them. Today's verse is great place to start. Another idea: Thank God for the Bible by praying today's verse back to Him. 7/27/2010 I Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. I once watched a program on String Theory. If I didn't watch it I wouldn't know there was such a thing. Likewise, until someone told me about Jesus' death, I was still a "natural person" wandering around in spiritual darkness. Once I learned and accepted the Truth, I began to understand "the things of the Spirit of God" because He was living in me and teaching me (see I Corinthians 2:10). God doesn't make sense to your "natural" family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers because they don't have the Spirit of God living in them. They need someone to tell them that everyone sins (Romans 3:23) but that God provided the way out (Jesus' death, Romans 6:23). Once they accept the Solution (Jesus), the Spirit of God will take up residence in their lives and they'll begin understand Him. Who can you tell today? 7/26/2010 Genesis 6:12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. Due to the oil leak, the Gulf of Mexico is ruined or, as our verse says, "corrupt." In yesterday's sermon our guest pointed out that compared to 10,000 glasses of clean water, the oil from the damaged well would be "only" one and one-half glasses. It doesn't take much to create corruption. The people of Noah's day went on with everyday life and had no idea how bad they were (see Luke 17:27). But it was so bad that God couldn't take it anymore and He destroyed the earth with a flood. What's corrupting your life? Regardless of how small you think it is, it's a big deal to God. Let Him plug the leaks in your life beginning today. Unlike the efforts in the Gulf, He'll do it the right way the first time. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. --- Psalm 51:7 7/22/2010 Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law. A friend reads "The Lord of the Rings" every year. It's a great read but it's always the same: Frodo and good win over Sauron and evil and they live happily ever after. In contrast, there's something new each time you read through the Bible, something that speaks to your inmost being and draws you closer to God. This is because the Bible is living and active (see Hebrews 4:12). The writer of Psalm 119 recognized that the Word of God is unique and in this short prayer asks God to show Him "wondrous things out of Your law." It's a good prayer for you, too. Memorize today's verse and pray it each time you sit down to read your Bible. If you don't have a Bible reading plan, consider reading at least one chapter of the Bible each day (about 5 minutes). 7/21/2010 Deuteronomy 5:33 You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. My mother had rules that were important. For example, inserting safety pins and hair pins into electrical sockets was forbidden. She caught me trying to break that rule on several occasions. Another rule forbade me to touch a hot stove. I managed to evade her once and paid the penalty. Many people think rules are to prevent them from having fun. In reality, they're there that it may go well with us. Not following them (disobedience or sin) means pain, sorrow, heartache, disease, misery, and even death. Which of God's rules are you breaking? Now is the time to make a change for the better. The most important rule is to accept Jesus' payment for your sin-debt. After that, the will of God for you is to follow the other rules, beginning with loving Him (see Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12; Joshua 22:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. --- John 10:10 7/20/2010 Nehemiah 9:30 Many years You bore with them and warned them by Your Spirit through Your prophets. Yet they would not give ear. Therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. I know a young man who refuses to listen to God. He's been properly instructed by parents, peers, and church leaders, but he stubbornly does his own thing. He suffers as a result and doesn't enjoy life the way he should. The Lord has given all of us an Instruction Manual (the Bible) on how to have the abundant life (see John 10:10). Are you putting what you read into action? Sometimes the instructions don't seem to make sense but God always has good reasoning behind His commands. Pray that as you read the Bible today you'll be able to do what it says. Ask your closest Christian friends to help you obey so you're not given into "the hand of the peoples of the lands" (unnecessary suffering). Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. --- Revelation 3:3 7/19/2010 Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Our church has a time before each service where a member of the congregation welcomes everyone and gives a short devotional. Yesterday, Dave talked about Pilgrim in "Pilgrim's Progress" getting lost from time to time, but he always got back on the path to the Celestial City. In real life some people have no idea that they're lost. Dave compared them to a key: the key doesn't know it's lost but the owner does and is desperately looking for it. That's Jesus: we had no idea we were lost but He "came to to seek and to save the lost." If you're a lost key, Jesus is looking for you. If you're already on the "Divine Keyring," let Jesus use you to unlock the door for others. 7/16/2010 Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The Alaska Highway was a dirt road until recently. Travelers were advised to take a gun, an extra windshield, and a set of spare tires. Roads in the wilderness are rare and they're a good place for bandits to waylay people (see Luke 10:30-37). Deserts don't have rivers and water of any kind is unusual. In this world, moral and spiritual improvement is unusual (Ecclesiastes 1:9) but God is always at work "doing a new thing." There's nothing Americans like more than "new" and God longs to make your life new. So why are you, like a bandit waiting to waylay someone, stopping Him? The choice is yours: you can continue to wander aimlessly through life or you can let the Lord make new roads in your wilderness and rivers in your desert places. And He who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." --- Revelation 21:5 7/15/2010 I Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. As I wrote about saving and planning to save yesterday, giving came to mind. As the Apostle Paul points out in today's verse, we should plan our giving, too. There are two dangers in not planning: giving too little (not pleasing to God) or giving too much. God, of course, is the example: "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). In other words, He gave everything for you! You may not be able to give everything, but, as always, God is interested in your attitude. Are you ready to give? Make plans to do so before Sunday gets here. In the meantime look for ways to give your time and/or money to someone who does not yet know the Good News. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. --- Luke 6:38 7/14/2010 Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Most big lottery winners have no money after just a few years and many declare bankruptcy. It seems strange that these large sums of money disappear so quickly but it confirms the accuracy of Scripture. Building a nest egg slowly but surely displays that money is not our god. Saving is important (see Proverbs 6:8, 21:17, 21:20, 23:4-5, etc.) but it's hard to do in today's economy. Start by following today's verse, even if it's just $10 per month. Put it in savings before you pay your bills but after you give to the Lord. Payday is only a day or two away so plan your savings now. And remember, putting Jesus first results in the greatest treasure of all. 7/13/2010 Matthew 22:37-38 And He (Jesus) said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment." How does a husband love his wife? There are many ways. In addition to telling her, he carries the groceries for her, compliments her, gives her flowers, and spends time with her. If he didn't do these and more, she would question his love for her. This is the same way we love God: we spend time with Him and His people, we give Him our money and possessions, we tell Him how great and awesome He is through prayer, we serve Him by doing what He says (see Luke 6:46), and we tell Him outright. How can you tell God that you love (revere, honor, respect) Him today? Start by saying it and then follow through with action such as spending time with Him through Bible reading, praising Him through prayer, and serving Him by serving others. 7/12/2010 Psalm 112:4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious, merciful, and righteous. When our kids were small, we drove at night. They slept and we had a peaceful trip. It's not that they continually fought (though they did occasionally), but while they slept there were no demands, no need to keep them occupied, and no questions like, "Are we there yet?" Driving in the dark was peaceful, but I was glad when the sun came up and the darkness fled. That's how it is when we decide to let Jesus guide our trip through this life. It's not that life is suddenly easy but the rough roads of life seem somehow not so rough anymore. Unfortunately, some people go to great lengths to shut out the Light and remain in darkness. What about you? Has the Light dawned on your darkness? "He is gracious, merciful, and righteous." 7/9/2010 Psalm 42:8 By day the LORD commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. My sister was aggravated because she had a song going through her head and she couldn't get it out. You've probably had the same experience. I'm different in that I don't mind having a song stuck in my head. When it happens, I play with it by changing the words or dovetailing it with another song that's similar. The most important question, however, is what kind of song gets stuck in your head? Is it a song about a lost love or is it a song about the love of God which will never leave? Is it about how good or bad life is or about the Giver of Life, Jesus Christ? Tune your radio to a good, Christian radio station. Fill your iPod with Christ-centered mp3 files. When you can't sleep at night, you'll have plenty of songs stuck in your head which you can sing back to God. 7/8/2010 Psalm 105:4 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually! As I go through the day, things come up in which I must consider my wife. I reject some choices because they wouldn't please her; other times it's just the opposite. It has nothing to do with her in most situations but I think about her anyway. That's what it means to "seek the Lord." Everything you think, do, and say should take into consideration that you belong to Him. There are times when you'll ask Him which way to go, but it's usually as simple as remembering that He's walking by your side, even though you can't see Him. Whether you're making a business decision, cleaning up after the kids, spending time with friends, or making a purchase, take three or four seconds to ask yourself if the action you're about to take will please Jesus. After all, He put you first when He died on the cross! 7/7/2010 Matthew 9:21 For she said to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will be made well." This woman was in a bad place. She was ostracized by society, she tried everything to her problem, she spent all her money, and she still suffered. As a last resort, she reached out to Jesus and found the healing she couldn't find on her own. From what are you suffering? Do you feel trapped by your problems? Are you at the end of your rope? Are you ready to reach out to Jesus? He may not take the problem away (see II Corinthians 12:7-9) but He'll give you whatever you need to live a victorious life in Him. Are you ready to touch Him and have Him touch you? 7/6/2010 John 1:11-12 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. A pastor visited New Orleans a few years ago to assist those suffering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While there, he heard about a local resident who used his own resources to rescue others and give them shelter in his almost undamaged home. They were gone the next day along with many of his valuables. This is a modern day example of what Jesus experienced. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) but was rejected instead. Are you still lost in the storms of life? To ignore Jesus is like refusing a rescue boat in a hurricane. If you're already a Jesus follower, develop an attitude of gratitude toward your Rescuer. To take His blessings for granted is like stealing after He's given you shelter in His house. 7/2/2010 Colossians 1:16 For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. There's a cute story about a scientist proudly telling God that He was no longer necessary because science could do everything, even create life. As he grabs a test tube and a fist-full of dirt God stops him and says, "Use your own dirt." We humans think we're so advanced but we frequently forget that without the Lord, we'd cease to exist (see Colossians 1:17). As you go through your day today, consider your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. If they're not in line with what God desires, make the appropriate changes so "that in everything He might be preeminent" (Colossians 1:18). 7/1/2010 Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. It's easy to be dismayed at developments like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, terrorism here and abroad, and especially when things hit too close to home such as health problems. From a human perspective, discouragement and despair might be the only option. However, as bad as life may be, we're not to let it get us down because God is with us. A man in our church says he's bullet proof until the Lord wants him in heaven. In other words, since God is with us, we win; if He takes us to heaven, we win! When we're on God's team, it's a win-win situation. Therefore, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed." "When you're in the furnace, remember that God has His hand on the thermostat." --- Warren Wiersbe 6/30/2010 Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. We returned early from vacation one time and visited a church a few towns away. The music and the message were good, but no one spoke to us either before or after the service. We felt like outsiders although we spent over an hour with our spiritual family. This scenario is even worse when we treat non-Christians poorly. Jesus is not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9) but that everyone believe and thus become "sons of God" (John 1:12). Outsiders (non-Christians) cannot become family members if we don't use our time to share the Good News with them. How can you invite outsiders into the family of God? It may be with actions today and words tomorrow, but if they don't hear, how can they be saved (Romans 10:14)? Tell someone today! 6/29/2010 Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. What are you wearing today? I know of an office where some of the people wear business attire while others do business casual. But there's one person who wears shorts and sandals. Quite inappropriate for an office setting. Whatever you're wearing today, it's far less important than the attitude you're wearing. "As God's chosen ones," we're to wear attitudes of "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience," just like Jesus did. Negative attitudes such as anger, lust, pride, and selfishness are inappropriate dress for any environment. Take a look in the mirror of the Bible. If you're "dressed" inappropriately, go change your "clothes." Put on Jesus and you'll look much better. Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. --- Ephesians 4:22-24 6/28/2010 I Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Let's be honest. Sin is fun! Pornography, illicit sex, stealing, making ourselves look good at the expense of others - it's appealing or we wouldn't do it. Peter, however, puts truth right in front of us: sin wages war against our souls. How many times have you done something wrong only to regret it later? Driving too fast may be exhilarating, but it's also deadly. How long are you going to put up with the very thing that desires to destroy you? You can't play with a rattle snake and expect to escape without being bitten. Whatever your weakness is, flee from it and replace it with what is good and wholesome such as serving someone in the name of Jesus. You'll lose a bad habit, develop a good habit, and lay up a crown of glory for yourself in Heaven. 6/25/2010 Psalm 7:1-2 O LORD my God, in You do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. I hate to have people upset with me and I want everyone to like me. Most people are like this and most people have few, if any, enemies. That being the case, today's verse, like many others that David wrote about his enemies, may seem to have little application to us. Have you ever thought of your struggles as enemies? Your sins pursue you like a lion and there is "none to deliver" - except the Lord Himself. Do you cry out (pray) to Him when struggles and trials pursue you? If so, you'll find refuge. It doesn't mean your problems go away, but you'll be safe. And don't forget to let other Christians know what's going on. God most often works (answers prayer) through His people. 6/24/2010 Psalm 119:143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but Your commandments are my delight. If you're normal you've got problems. Maybe you're being mistreated at home or at work. Perhaps you have a medical situation. It could be that there's not enough money left at the end of the month or your car is breaking down or the kids are misbehaving or you simply don't have enough time to complete everything on your to do list. Whatever it is, you're not alone. Knowing you're not alone may not be helpful, but, as our verse says, "Your commandments are my delight." When the chips are down, do you turn to God's Word? Your problems may not go away simply because you read the Bible, but you're reminded that He's there with you, helping you through whatever it is that's troubling you. If you're not a consistent Bible reader, start today. Try Proverbs 24 (since today is June 24) or a couple of stanzas from Psalm 119. 6/23/2010 Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. I practiced things in the past of which I am not proud. They're not part of my life today because I replaced them with chasing after God (Bible reading, prayer, and hanging around with other Christians). In other words, I put those practices to death. As I look back, I completely agree with today's verse: those things were idolatry. I didn't bow down and recite incantations in front of a statue, but they were just as important to me as if I did. What idols do you have? Anything that replaces God, even partially, is an idol. Examples might be pride in your abilities or appearance, over-the-top attention to cars, houses, or relationships, and, of course, the items we list frequently in these commentaries: alcohol, lust, shopping, anger, materialism, etc. Replace the idolatry in your life today. Do it again tomorrow and each day. 6/22/2010 Psalm 79:13 But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give thanks to You forever; from generation to generation we will recount Your praise. Sheep naturally follow. Bob Murfin, the late radio host on WMBI, brought his father's sheep in from the fields each night. Starting down the path, the sheep naturally followed. Running ahead, he held a stick across the path while hiding in the bushes. After the first few sheep jumped over the stick, he pulled it back and watched every last sheep jump over a stick that no longer existed! We're called sheep in the Bible because we often act like sheep. When it comes to following, this can be good or bad. Who do you follow? Do you set a good example for others to follow? Give thanks to the Lord today and recount what He's done for you. People will naturally follow your lead. 6/8/2010 Psalm 69:6 Let not those who hope in You be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek You be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. As I walked through my house in the dark, I was surprised at how many points of light there were. The most common source of light came from the digital clocks. Then there were the charging indicators on the phones, another showing the CD player was on standby, and the computer lights. Even the electric stapler had a light showing it was low on staples. If the light of your life sometimes flickers, bringing shame or dishonor to God, ask the Light of the World (see John 8:12) to help you be a steady source of light to your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members as they walk through the darkness of life. The Father of Lights does not waver (James 1:17) and He will help you do the same. 6/7/2010 Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. An umpire made a bad call and Detroit Tiger's pitcher Armando Galarraga received credit for a one-hit shut-out instead of a perfect game. When he pitches in today's game against the Chicago White Sox, will he concentrate on the past or the present? Some people let the past control their thoughts and actions, preventing them from accomplishing anything further in life. Forget the past (you can't change it anyway) and press on toward the goal to which the Lord has called you. You may have had an unfair call against you in yesterday's game but that doesn't mean you should pout about it today. As a member of God's team, get in there and try for a perfect game again today! 6/4/2010 Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. I know a young man who signed up for a computer class at a local college. Already advanced in computers, he thought he knew more than the teacher. Since he didn't "give thought to the word" of the teacher, he didn't "discover good." He received a "D" in a course he should have aced. The supreme instructor is the Lord and His text book is the Bible. If we want a good grade in the class of life, if we want to "discover good" spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially, we must "give thought to His Word" and follow (trust) the Teacher's instructions. What will your grade be at the end of the day? 6/3/2010 Proverbs 28:18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. A semi changed lanes in front of a friend, forcing him to change lanes. His pickup slid on the bridge he was crossing but he controlled it - until he hit dry pavement again. One of the wheels was ripped off, he went into the median, and finally came to a stop. Neither Tim nor his passenger were injured. In relating the story, he said that unless the Lord wants him in Heaven, he's bullet proof. That's half of being "delivered" in our verse. The other half is that when death finally comes, those who walk in integrity (walk with the Lord) are still kept safe because their residence is transferred from earth to Heaven. Fearful of death or other calamities? Don't be. After all, you're bullet proof! 6/2/2010 Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Ever see this verse as a success formula? If we trust in the Lord instead of leaning on our own understanding and acknowledge Him in all our ways, what happens? He directs us and makes our paths straight. Doesn't sound like success? What's easier, driving on a winding road or on a straight road? What's easier, traveling with or without a map? The Bible is the owner's manual of life, given to us by the Manufacturer. Consult the owner's manual today, follow the instructions, and experience much more than the financial success on which our culture focuses. 6/1/2010 Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Dimes and quarters used to be made out of silver. The cost to mint them became more expensive than they were worth due to a world-wide silver shortage in 1964. The following year, these coins were changed to an inner core of copper with an outer covering of copper and nickel. We sometimes do this with our lives, too. We substitute the pure, silver words of the Bible with the copper of our own ideas and philosophies and then cover it up with something looks like silver. A better idea is to go back to the Bible and obey what it says at any cost. Take at least five minutes today (and every day) to purify your life like silver. Silver coins are rare but valuable; copper-clad coins are common. 5/27/2010 Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul. The goal in "hide and seek" is to hide so well that the seeker cannot find you. Not so with God. He doesn't hide Himself and He wants to be found. Back at the beginning of time He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. After eating the forbidden fruit, they hid, not God (see Genesis 3:8-9). Isn't it good to know that God doesn't play hide and seek? His vocabulary doesn't include, "if you go to a certain church" or "if you don't do illegal acts." He's equally available to the prisoner, the CEO, the student, the stay-at-home mom, and you. Will you seek Him today? Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. --- Matthew 7:7 5/26/2010 Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. How did Mary, the Disciples, Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and the other followers of Jesus feel when He was crucified? What were they thinking all day on Saturday? What dread consumed them early on Sunday before the women went to the empty tomb? Surely they must have thought, "I know that my Redeemer is dead and all hope is gone." When Jesus conquered death and the grave, this verse sprang back to life with Him and we now have hope ("confident expectation") that we will see Him face to face. And we just can't wait! 5/25/2010 Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. As soon as Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their innocence was gone, they realized they were naked, and they tried to do something about it. Their efforts to clothe themselves were insufficient as evidence by God making clothes for them in verse 21. How like us! We constantly try to solve things on our own instead of letting God solve them or following His instructions. We even ignore God's rules for getting into heaven and make our own! Note also that, because Adam and Eve disobeyed, some animals had to pay the price: the Lord made garments of skins for them. Disobedience always causes collateral damage. Will you continue down your own path today, causing pain and suffering along the way, or will you do what God wants you to do? 5/24/2010 Joshua 24:15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. No matter how hard we try, our children don't always obey and they don't always follow our example. How could Joshua say, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD?" Did he have control over his children that we don't? No, children are the same today as they were 5,000 years ago, but Joshua knew that by setting the atmosphere in his house, his family, for the most part, would follow his lead. He started down that road at an early age. He was one of the two spies (out of 12) who urged the nation to follow God's command to possess the Promised Land. Joshua teaches us to start early and be consistent. Even if you started following the Lord recently, starting now is starting early. But be sure to be consistent - consistent in Bible reading, prayer, and hanging out with other Christians. Your family will notice and begin following you. 5/21/2010 Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. In America, we either ring the doorbell or knock. In some African villages they whistle. The message is the same either way: I'd like to spend time with you. That's the message Jesus gave to the church of Laodicea. They were very wealthy (like America) but they shut Jesus out of their lives much of the time. Are relationships, responsibilities, or possessions getting in the way of your time with Jesus? Include Him in your everyday activities. If you remember your lunch just before leaving for work, thank Him for reminding you. If there are negative things in your life such as lust, alcohol, or anger, spending more time with Him and His people in Bible reading and prayer will begin to displace them. Jesus is knocking. Are you answering? 5/20/2010 Romans 13:7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Not counting mortgages, the average American carries a debt load of $19,000. Since many Americans under-report income on their tax returns, the average amount owed is much greater. Add to that what is owed because Christians don't give to their local church and the number is astronomical. In fact, if all American Christians tithed, world hunger could be eliminated with over a billion dollars to spare! But it doesn't end there because our verse also says that we're required to give respect and honor. You're in debt to Jesus for the price He paid for your soul. Payments on that debt can only be made by giving to those around you, whether abstract (honor and respect) or concrete (money). The best way to raise your credit score is through regular, on-time payments. Raise your spiritual credit score by making at least one payment on your incalculable debt to the Lord today. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. --- I Peter 2:17 5/19/2010 Psalm 37:23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way. It used to be foolish to go on a trip without a map. Then came online map services. These are now being replaced by GPS systems, most of which speak directions as you're driving. Spiritually, we need directions to navigate the roads of life. We have the Map (the Bible) and we even have electronic versions of it. Have you considered that Christians also have an internal GPS system? He's called the Holy Spirit and He continually speaks directions to you by helping you remember what the Bible says and by keeping you conscious of right and wrong. Are you following His directions? And, just like the more expensive GPS systems with voice recognition, you can ask Him for directions. Delight in His way today by asking Him for directions and by obeying them. 5/18/2010 Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Sacrifices were a big deal in the Old Testament. They had to be without "blemish, any defect whatever" (Deuteronomy 17:1). Why the demand for a perfect sacrifice? Because an imperfect sacrifice is cheap. God deserves better than that. As David said, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing" (II Samuel 24:24}. There's a cost to place ourselves on the altar because there are many sinful things we'd like to do that, as a sacrifice, would blemish us. Placing yourself on the altar is an expensive proposition but one that's "acceptable to God." Get on the altar each day, starting now. There are great rewards when you sacrifice yourself. 'Cause I'm tired of living somewhere in between My love for you and my love for me. So take whatever's left of me, I sacrifice it, Lord, to thee. Goodbye to me. --- David Robertson 5/17/2010 Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. My friend claims that thinking is impossible until he has a cup of coffee. In actuality, we think continually, even when we sleep. The trick is to think noble thoughts and reject evil thoughts. Do you have a gripe against someone else? Maybe several things went wrong today and you're upset that you're behind schedule. Or worse, you're consumed with your addiction to alcohol, pornography, or shopping. Those are not noble thoughts. When they come into your mind today, make a deliberate choice to think about God's love, care, and concern for you or how you can show God's love, care, and concern to others. For extra credit, memorize today's verse, working on two of the qualities each day this week ("true" and "honorable" today, "just" and "pure" tomorrow, etc.). Recite the entire verse to someone on Friday. 5/14/2010 Psalm 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. Most of us try to please others because we love them or because we're afraid of rejection or consequences. I don't like squash so Shirley cooks it only if there's someone else to share it with. I love bananas, so she keeps a supply on hand when the price is acceptable. Can you please a stranger? Of course not! To please someone, you must know them. Likewise, you can't please God if you don't know Him and you can't know Him unless He tells you about Himself. As you may have guessed, He did. It's called the Bible. Don't tell God or anyone else that you "desire to do His will" if His law (the Bible) is not within your heart. Instead, read His Word every day so that you'll know what He desires and can honestly claim to desire to do His will. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? --- Micah 6:8 5/13/2010 II Samuel 7:22 Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. It must have been special to walk with God through the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day or to talk with God face to face as did Abraham, Moses, and the apostles. It must have been special to write words and feel God speaking through them, like Moses, David, Solomon, and the prophets did. Today, however, we "only" hear about who God is, what He's done, and what He wants us to do. Nonetheless, when we hear about God, the only possible conclusion is what our verse says: God is great, there's no one like Him, and there is no other God. We're blessed above all people on earth because we have heard about God. Who do you know who hasn't yet heard? Who can you tell today? 5/12/2010 Psalm 92:12-15 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Retirement is coming. Even if you're only 15 years old now, eventually you'll no longer be able to work. When that day comes, will you still flourish spiritually? When you're no longer able to "bear fruit" in the physical world, will you still "bear fruit" in the spiritual realm? The way to grow strong like a tree "planted in the house of the Lord" is to place yourself among solid, mature Christians. They'll fertilize (mentor, coach, disciple) you so your leaves are still green when your hair turns gray. We're not just talking Sunday morning here. Join a mid-week Bible study. Find a place to serve at church. The time to grow is now so that you'll still be "full of sap" in retirement. 5/11/2010 Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Compared to the atrocities that occur in other countries, persecution of Christians in America is nothing - but it is on the rise. Christianity and its symbols are banned from public places and free speech is curtailed, but other religious expression is allowed. Are we to receive a heavenly reward simply because we're persecuted? No, both the reward and the persecution come because we belong to Jesus Christ (notice the phrase "on my account" in our verse). It's difficult to "rejoice and be glad" when you're suffering unless your eyes are on the reward (Jesus) instead of the persecution. Focus on Him today. Your persecution complex will decrease and your joy will increase. P.S. Be careful not to persecute non-Christians in retaliation. Treat them with gentleness and respect (see I Peter 3:15). 5/10/2010 John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Do you love your job or are you just going through the motions? Do you love your family or are you just going through the motions? Do you love your God or are you just going through the motions? You probably sang some songs and listened to a message at church yesterday. Were you going through the motions of worship or did you "worship in spirit and truth?" Was the music coming from your heart? Were you in agreement with the message or did you pass it off as applying to someone else? Today is a new day. You may not go to church today but you can still worship. Turn on your mp3 player or a Christian radio station and worship as you sing along. Worship by thanking Him for the beauty of His creation. Every day is a good day to worship God. 5/7/2010 Leviticus 26:12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. A friend's daughter is getting married next month. When they say "I do," it's more than committing themselves to each other for life. He'll become part of her family and she'll become part of his family. Another way to look at it is that my friend will become the groom's father and the groom will become his son. That's the way it is with God's family, too: God becomes our father and we become His children ("my people"). As a child of God, do you fulfill your role? That is, do you obey your Heavenly Father? Do you trust and respect Him or do you act like the parent, trying to get Him to do what you want? Talk (pray) to your Father today and apologize for the times you've treated Him disrespectfully or failed to obey Him. Ask Him to help you be more obedient so others see that you're part of His family. 5/6/2010 James 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. "Cross my heart and hope to die." "I swear to God." "I swear upon my mother's grave." We use oaths to convince others that we're telling the truth. James, however, doesn't want us to use oaths, he wants us to tell the truth all the time. Indeed, someone who's always truthful doesn't need to convince anyone of anything because his veracity is established by his habit of truthfulness ("the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"). Some twist the truth to enhance their position or make themselves appear more important. Others tell the truth only when testifying in court. Can others count on your truthfulness in all areas of life or only some? If you're not truthful in all areas of life, why should anyone believe what you say about Jesus? 5/5/2010 Matthew 5:39 But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. It seems like candidates for Miss America always say they want world peace. And who doesn't? Jesus, however, seems to be saying just the opposite when He says, "do not resist the one who is evil." When difficult passages like this come up it's best to look at the example Jesus left us. In this case He's telling us to be humble, even toward those who persecute us. After all, isn't that the example He gave us (see I Peter 2:23, 3:9)? Who's been giving you a rough time lately ("slaps you on the right right cheek")? Single out that person whether it be a coworker, neighbor, or even a family member. Show them the love of Christ by repaying insults and suffering with blessing ("turn to him the other also"). 5/4/2010 II Timothy 1:13-14 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. Insurance companies always ask if your doors have dead bolt locks because they provide more protection for you and your valuables. Since it's less likely the insurance company will have to cover a loss, your premiums are lower. Paul tells Timothy (and us) to guard the teaching he's been given by the Holy Spirit so that it's not corrupted. The Holy Spirit is the dead bolt lock on your life's door, but if you don't read your Bible, pray, and hang around with other Christians (in person or by phone, texting, radio, etc.), it's like leaving the door unlocked. Have an open door policy about sharing the Good News with others but lock it against pop theology and heretical teaching by spending time with the Bible, the Lord, and other Christians today. 5/3/2010 Luke 10:27 And He (Jesus) answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." As I helped a widow go through some papers, we came across what appeared to be a sermon in the making. Only the major points were written, the first being, "The door to happiness always opens outward." As Jesus pointed out, God desires that we love (serve, honor, respect) others. Those who love themselves instead of others never find happiness. They search for it in themselves and they fight, grab, and struggle for it, but it never seems to come. Those who follow Jesus' example of putting others first seem to be happy all the time. Does the door to happiness in your life open inward or outward? If it swings the wrong way, let Jesus do some remodeling in your life, starting today. 4/30/2010 II Corinthians 10:17-18 Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. Here's another verse that supports one of those proverbs your parents and grandparents used to repeat: "Don't blow your own horn." Of course, this verse goes a step further and explains that commendation from the Lord is what counts. After all, He's the one that gives you ability, intelligence, and strength. Without Him, you couldn't even breathe. As you complete each task assigned to you today, ask yourself if the Lord would commend your performance. Then, thank Him for the skills, abilities, and intelligence He gave you to accomplish the task and for helping you along the way. Let everything be done with His benefit in view! Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. --- Proverbs 27:2 4/29/2010 James 3:10-11 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? You're driving along and another driver makes a bone-headed move. After slamming on the brakes, you exclaim, "Idiot!" (or something worse). Even if what you say is not one of the traditional, forbidden, four letter words, some language is inappropriate for those who have Jesus by their side 24/7. On top of that, calling another person a derogatory name is the same as telling God that He made a mistake when He created that person. As you drive today, be careful what you do with your mouth. If something slips out that shouldn't, apologize to God - out loud. (This may be difficult if you have passengers!) Extend your practice to the rest of your day, too. And remember, from God's viewpoint, thinking is the same as speaking. 4/28/2010 Proverbs 6:10-11 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Everyone knows that people who don't work, whether for legitimate reasons like disability or illegitimate reasons like laziness, have financial problems. Have you considered that people who don't work at knowing God are spiritually poor? Although His blessings are limitless and available to everyone, those who ignore Him don't know that He blesses without prejudice. Do you know Him? Do you seek Him by reading His word each day? Do you spend as much of your free time as possible with others who are also on the God adventure? Do you talk to Him throughout the day? (Remember, prayer can be as short as one word: "Help!") If you seek Him, you're setting yourself up for His blessings. If not, you might as well go back to sleep. 4/27/2010 Luke 11:27-28 As He said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed!" But He said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" A phrase I heard while growing up was "R-H-I-P," meaning, "rank has its privileges." Some people enjoy special privileges and blessings because they have position or wealth. Jesus flipped it upside down: it's not the rich and famous who are blessed, but those who listen to the Lord and obey Him. Notice there are two parts to the equation: listening and doing. It's good to "hear the Word of God" but it's not enough. To paraphrase James 2:19, even the demons hear but they don't obey. When we obey, our lives improve. Do you follow through when your pastor proclaims the Word of God? What about when you read it on your own? Listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to you today and then follow through. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. --- James 1:2 4/26/2010 II Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. One of my first Junior High school assignments was to create a map of our town. Major roads were named for people who founded the town and schools were named for Indian tribes from the area. The teacher used the project to teach us the town's history. My father helped me with that project and taught me some valuable lessons along the way. That's what our Heavenly Father wants for us: as He comforts and establishes us, we learn valuable lessons about ourselves, others, and, most importantly, about God Himself. Do we deserve His help? No, but He gives it to us anyway. (That's called "grace.") As He comforts your heart and establishes you in every good work and word today, pray this prayer for others. People appreciate it when you pray for them and the Lord appreciates it when you spend time talking to Him. 4/23/2010 Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. In the game of Hide and Seek, everyone hides except one. That one must find the others. In the Christian life, we sometimes get the misguided notion that it's like Hide and Seek upside down: the One hides and everyone else seeks. The reality is that God never hides. He's the Almighty so why would He need to hide? Therefore, "seek" in today's verse must mean something very different and the answer is in the first sentence. "Call upon" and "pray to" is seeking the Lord. It's putting your focus and attention on Him instead of yourself. What are you going to do this weekend? Will you seek Him along with His other followers? What about next week? Next month? Next year? Make seeking the Lord a life-long obsession today and everyday. 4/22/2010 Psalm 71:16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of Your righteousness, Yours alone. When I crack a joke, many people say I remind them of my father. Other traits remind us of other people, too: my cousin looks like her mother; my sister is named in honor of my grandmother. As a Christian, do you remind others of God and His righteousness? One way to do this, as the Psalmist suggests, is to tell others what God has done. This is most easily accomplished when you recognize what He's doing in your own life, but unless you're watching, you'll miss it. Keep your eyes open today and mention what you've noticed in casual conversation. This will remind others of God's righteousness. The ultimate goal, of course, is that people are reminded of Him simply by seeing you. 4/21/2010 Psalm 79:13 But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give thanks to You forever; from generation to generation we will recount Your praise. A stop sign was moved in our town from one intersection to the next. It was fun to watch people stop when they no longer had to. Usually, if one person stopped, all the cars behind stopped, too. Sheep play follow the leader, too, and that's one reason why we're called sheep in the Bible. Let's put this trait of following to good use. For example, if we display cheerfulness, others will likely follow. What other positive character traits would be good to exhibit? A good place to start is Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Pick one, practice it faithfully, and see if others don't begin to change. 4/20/2010 Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Golfer Brian Davis touched a loose reed during his back swing at the Verizon Heritage this past Sunday. No one else saw it but he told an official anyway. It was confirmed on slow motion replay and the result was a two-stroke penalty. Jim Furyk won and Davis lost about $400,000 all because he admitted an unintentional mistake. When it comes to life, do you try to keep quiet about your faults, even those little white lies, or do you confess them to the Official of Heaven? The rule book of golf and the Rule Book of Life (the Bible) are very clear: you must confess your sins. Are you ready to take a two-stroke penalty and stay in the game or would you rather be disqualified for life? For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? --- Mark 8:36 4/19/2010 Luke 8:22-23 One day He got into a boat with His disciples, and He said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. The storms of life. How common! It seems not a day goes by that a storm doesn't disrupt our goals and plans. Did the disciples think the same thing? After all, weren't they with Jesus? Shouldn't life be stormless with Him? On top of that, they were doing exactly as He instructed and still wound up in a storm! Storms are a normal part of life. We often think they're aimed at us due to disobedience or to improve us. That's rarely the case, although God can and does turn them to good (see Romans 8:28-29). When storms come today, ask if you're in God's will as the disciples were. If so, sleep with Jesus, knowing that He'll keep you safe and bring it to a good conclusion. 4/16/2010 Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. I heard about a man with an important position in his church. A hospitalized friend had difficulty putting on his socks, so the man knelt and did it for him. The friend had neither stature nor position in the church and he related this story with tears in his eyes. Jesus says this is what leadership is all about. No matter what position you're in, there's someone who needs you to be a servant. It may be your boss or the janitor; it may be your spouse or your children. Regardless of who it is, someone can benefit if you take the position of a servant. Feeling unneeded, unnecessary, or downtrodden? "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12)." 4/15/2010 Psalm 43:3 Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling! Tom Bodett provides the voice for the Motel 6 commercials that end with, "We'll leave the light on for you." The idea came from parents leaving a light on to guide their children home in the dark. We all need guidance to safety when we're in the dark and that's what God's Word does. When sorrow or grief surrounds us, we find comfort and encouragement in the Bible. When difficult decisions paralyze us, God's Truth energizes us. Whatever the situation, guidance along life's path is found in the Bible. Open it for at least five minutes today and let the Light lead you. 4/14/2010 John 12:46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be blind? As kids we occasionally walked around with our eyes closed, bumping into furniture and walls. It's not that we suddenly forgot where the furniture and walls were but our perspective on distance was altered. Those living without Jesus usually know where the obstacles of life are but they stub their toes because their perspective on life isn't what it should be. You can't see where you're going on the road of life without the Light of the World. Let Jesus light up your life today. All you have to do is ask. If you've already asked but still can't see clearly, it's time to open your eyes by reading God's Word, talking to Him, and hanging around with other Christians. 4/13/2010 Luke 6:49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great. My daughter's house is close to a railroad line. It's noticeable when a train goes by but one quickly learns to ignore it. You probably went to church two days ago. Have you learned to ignore the sermon? When you tune to a radio station with solid Bible teaching, do you ignore the content, assuming it applies to someone else? Jesus said that those who ignore the message (assuming it was based on the Bible) are like contractors building houses without foundations. You wouldn't buy a house without a foundation and those around you won't be interested in your life's house if it's not built on the foundation of Jesus. Your choice: build a foundation by acting on what you read in the Bible and hear in sermons or continue building a house of cards. 4/12/2010 Mark 14:38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. "An idle mind is the devil's playground." We rarely use this proverb anymore but there's a lot of truth to it. When we're not preoccupied with legitimate activities, we're more likely to sin. David was a prime example: instead of going to war, he stayed home (see II Samuel 11:1). With nothing to do, he committed adultery and then committed murder to cover it up. You may not be in danger of doing anything as drastic as David, but sin is sin whether large or small. To avoid it, "watch and pray." "Watch" includes reading God's Word, hanging around other Christians, and serving others. "Pray" is obvious, but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be formal. "Prayer flares" and "postcard prayers" should be normal and expected. If your habit is to "watch and pray," most temptations will go unnoticed. 4/9/2010 Psalm 71:5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. It was a clear plastic model of the V-8 engine and all the moving parts could be seen. Of all the models on store shelves, the "Visible V-8" was the one I wanted most. It was expensive but my parents eventually gave it to me. Such excitement! After construction, though, it sat in a corner, forgotten. My hope had been placed in something temporary. For what are you hoping? A new car, house, or spouse? Perhaps your hope is for peace at home, work, or even world peace. If your hope is in anything other than the Lord Himself, you will eventually be disappointed because He is eternal and everything else is temporary. Instead of putting your hope in things, people, employment, or government, put your hope and trust in God today. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. --- II Corinthians 4:18 4/8/2010 Matthew 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. We take a lot of things for granted. Consider street lights. If they were mounted on the ground instead of a pole, not only would they be vandalized, they wouldn't shine on the road like they're supposed to. What about your light? As a Christian, do you stand straight and tall, shedding Jesus' light on others' paths or do you shine on Sunday mornings only? All religions require faith but Christianity is the only one where faith is supported by solid, logical, documented facts. There's nothing to be ashamed of when you're a Jesus-follower. Shine brightly today. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. --- Matthew 5:16 4/7/2010 Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. It's springtime and snow is probably the furthest thing from your mind, but what's whiter than freshly fallen snow? You can bleach your whites and use oxygenated detergents but they're still not whiter than snow. Even if you live in a highly industrialized part of the world with lots of air pollution, freshly fallen snow is incredibly white. However, just a speck or two of soot sprinkled on the snow is hard to miss. Such is David's prayer. He knew that God saw the slightest speck of soot (sin) in his life. How can you get the soot out of your life? You can't but Jesus can. Simply follow David's example and ask. God can and will make you whiter than snow. Ask today! 4/7/2010 James 1:23-24 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. Women use mirrors far more than men. That's probably not a surprise, but whether you're male or female, when you're done with the mirror you forget what you saw a moment earlier. As Christians, we often forget what we used to be (slaves to sin), that before Jesus, life was a chore, an endless cycle of searching for fame, fortune, power, and pleasure. Why would anyone want to return to that kind of life? Yet, many of us do and some of us do it daily. As you look into the mirror of God's Word today, ask the Lord what He wants you to do - and then do it. You'll mirror the Savior and that's never a bad reflection on you. 4/5/2010 I Thessalonians 5:5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. Our bathroom has no windows so we got a night light. The one we bought claims to use only two cents of electricity per month and, with such a small power usage, we wondered if it would do much good. We learned that it takes very little light to overcome darkness. So it is with the world around you: it's full of darkness - hatred, suffering, anger, and despair. Like our little night light, you may not feel like you're making a difference but if you're walking with Jesus, people see His light in your life. (If you haven't chosen Him as your personal light source, you're like a lamp that's not plugged in.) Pick someone that's hurting and just be there for them. Your glow may seem small to you but it will help light the way for them. 4/2/2010 Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! Have you ever peaked at your Christmas or birthday presents ahead of time? If you did, you experienced the excitement of the gift before the big day. When that day came, there was no surprise, no enjoyment, no euphoria. It would have been better to wait. Similarly, we often open God's gifts before we're supposed to. We pray for Him to end our misery but then try to solve it on our own. Even if we get the correct solution, we miss the pleasure of seeing Him work because we opened the gift too soon. As you walk with God this weekend, remember that He never rushes and you shouldn't, either. Stay by His side and enjoy His company. That's what He wants most and you'll be a better person for it. 4/1/2010 Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. I know a young man who joined a gang and found himself in trouble with the police. He got in trouble a second and third time and did a short jail stint. He should have gotten the message by then but he got in trouble again and spent a couple of years in prison. He finally learned his lesson. Some people never learn. In fact, most people never learn. Consider yourself. How many times have you sinned against God? You know it displeases Him but you do it again and again. God's mercy shines brightest when you ask for forgiveness over and over and over. There's at least one lesson we can all learn: there's no end to God's mercy. "Therefore I will call on Him as long as I live." 3/31/2010 Psalm 73:23-24 Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. A man walking his dog gave a friendly smile as I drove past but his dog pulled against the leash, oblivious to the danger. How many times have you pulled against the leash God uses to keep you from danger? Maybe you want a promotion or a new job, but God holds your hand tightly, preventing you from getting it. Perhaps you plan to make a purchase or take a trip, but you're forced to spend the money and/or time on something else. Or maybe the light is taking too long to turn from red to green. Like the dog, you're anxious to move forward, oblivious to a danger that only God knows about. When you're disappointed that your plans aren't working out - and it may be today - thank God for holding your hand tightly. The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. --- Proverbs 16:9 3/30/2010 Psalm 143:8 Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. As Christians we're told to have a "quiet time" with the Lord each morning. To me, this seemed opposite to the way it should be until I heard about Elisabeth Elliot's experience with the Waodani Indians (formerly the Auca). On her first morning there, she heard them tell each other that she was awaking up. They'd been laying in their hammocks waiting for the sun to rise. David tells us in today's verse to meditate on the Lord's "steadfast love" until it's time to get up, but in our fast-paced world we can't afford to lay in bed. Or can we? Set your alarm an extra five or ten minutes early and use the time in quietness with Him. 3/29/2010 Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. There's a joke about a husband and wife riding in the car. She reminisces about the days when they'd sit close together and he'd drive with his arm around her. The husband replies dryly, "Well, I didn't move." Might that be your problem? You used to have close fellowship with the Lord but no longer feel it. We know that God never changes so there's only one other choice: you did. Maybe you stopped reading His Word everyday. Maybe you're not talking to Him like you used to. Worse, maybe you offended Him and your guilty conscience is getting in the way. If your relationship with Him is damaged, apologize. If you're not His child, ask to be adopted into the family. He is near! 3/26/2010 Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. The radio wakes you up. Background noise comes from the radio or TV as you get ready for work. On the drive to work, you listen to traffic, news, sports, and weather. Your iPod entertains you as you exercise. After supper, the family watches two or three hours of television. Newspapers, magazines, and the Internet add their two cents worth, too. Everything coming into your brain is either positive or negative instruction and our verse says that instruction leads to wisdom. As you look back on yesterday, how much of it was filled with solid, godly instruction? Start making any needed changes today. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men. --- I Corinthians 1:25a 3/25/2010 I Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. It's not uncommon to see "wash me" on a dirty car or truck. I once saw a dirty car with the words, "Make God Smile." The choices you make today have two possible outcomes: they'll cause God sadness and sorrow because you're damaging yourself or others, or they'll cause Him joy and happiness as you help and encourage others. Continually ask yourself if what you're about to do today will make God smile. 3/24/2010 Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. We live in an independent society. It teaches us that we're sufficient in and of ourselves and that we don't need help. While there are many instances when we don't need help, there are many more where we do, and it seems the trend in these cases is to pay someone else to do it for us. The plain fact is that we have innumerable Christian brothers and sisters just waiting for us to ask for help. And there's another Person who aches for you to ask Him, too. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sang, "I am a rock, I am an island." Frank Sinatra sang, "I did it my way." Break the mold today and be inter-dependent. Remember to make yourself available to others, too. 3/23/2010 Psalm 4:4-5 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. When angry, some people remain calm and gently confront the other person. Most of us fly off the handle and say things we later wish we hadn't. Anger isn't sin but your behavior might be. David (the writer of Psalm 4) knew the dangers of anger and counsels us to refrain from immediate action. In fact, verse five seems to indicate that delayed action is trusting God to take care of it for you. You're probably not angry as you read this. Decide now to refrain from rash words and actions when you are. Memorize these two verses, or at least the last phrase of verse five, to help you reinforce your decision. 3/22/2010 Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation abolished slavery in America. However, slavery is alive and well and we're all slaves! The difference is that we get to choose our master. Many choose the wrong master: lust, materialism, pleasure, alcoholism, anger, bitterness, gluttony, and selfishness. And with what do those masters reward us? Pain, sorrow, suffering, and a desire for more. By contrast, slavery to Jesus brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) and, ultimately, eternal life. To whom or what will you be a slave today? ... choose this day whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. --- Joshua 24:15 3/19/2010 Psalm 112:6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. Will and Meta Hill went to a Billy Graham Crusade and decided to follow Jesus. They became humble, gentle servants of God, teaching Sunday School and helping in various capacities at church. You probably never heard of them and I rarely think of them, so how can the Psalmist say that they will be remembered forever? Because God remembers! It's not important that people remember you after you're gone, only that God does. He remembers the unrighteous, too, but that's not the way you want Him to remember you on Judgment Day. That's why it's so important to become His child. Have you asked Him to adopt you into His family yet? 3/18/2010 Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. I have a friend who served in Iraq a few years ago. That's about 6,500 miles from his home or 1,000 miles more than New York to Los Angeles and back. Do you think such distances could separate him from his mother's love? Of course not. How much more so with God! There's nothing we can do to earn His love (see I John 4:10) and there's nothing we or anyone else can do to take it away. (What part of "nor anything else" in our verse did you not understand?) Send a text message to your face and let it know about this wonderful news. When people ask what you're smiling about, tell them! 3/17/2010 Luke 16:10 One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. I used to sublet space in an office suite. I enjoyed easy access to other professionals in my field, but it also meant it was easy to stand around and chat instead of working. Breaks are necessary and increase productivity but, when abused, work time and productivity decrease. When we show ourselves faithful with little things like time and money, God knows He can trust us with something far more important: the spiritual life of another person. In which areas of life are you faithful and where do you need improvement? Are you being faithful with the family, friends, neighbors and coworkers God has already placed in your life? 3/16/2010 Romans 3:25 ... whom God put forward as a propitiation by His (Jesus') blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. We often speak about God's mercy but rarely about His justice. Like oil and water, mercy and justice don't seem to mix. How could God show us mercy while at the same time giving us what we deserve? According to this verse, God exercised mercy by not exercising justice until Jesus was crucified. At that point, God poured out His justice in one fell swoop and Christ took it all. Sooner or later, the books of Heaven will be opened to see whose accounts have been settled by Jesus' death and whose have not. Justice has already been served for those who are in Christ. Will you help those whose accounts are past due get them paid? 3/15/2010 Colossians 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him. Our pastor preached on this passage yesterday and pointed out that "alienated" has the sense of erecting a barrier. Nothing new there, but in the original Greek, the barrier is erected by us, not by God. God is always broadcasting His love toward us, but if we have a barrier up, we can't receive the signal. What barriers have you erected between God and yourself? Maybe they've been there forever and maybe you've built them recently. Either way, they're blocking you from receiving God's love broadcasts. Start a demolition project today so the communication between you and God can be unimpeded. 3/12/2010 Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. Why do we have the mistaken notion that we must do good things to please God and that if we slip He'll pounce on us? The fact is that God is compassionate all the time, evidenced by the fact that He died for us when we least deserved compassion (see Romans 5:8). This doesn't mean there aren't consequences for ignoring God, only that we can't earn his compassion because He's always compassionate. What about you? As a child of God, you should reflect His characteristics. Are you compassionate toward your spouse? Children? Coworkers? Can your unsaved family, friends, neighbors, and even your enemies tell that God is compassionate from watching you? 3/11/2010 I Thessalonians 4:7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Holy means, "living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; specified or set apart for a religious purpose." God alone is Holy, that is, He is absolute perfection. There's nothing imperfect or impure in Him and it's not possible for Him to be more perfect or more pure. He is "set apart" from everything and everyone else. We're made holy in God's eyes by the blood sacrifice of Jesus but Paul is concerned with practical, day by day living - a constant challenge. From God's point of view, salvation is a done deal; from ours, we're still "working out our salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Our debt to God has been paid in full and the future is bright, but our immediate task is to obey the Holy Spirit, thus living a holy life. Are you listening to His still, small voice? 3/10/2010 Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. What makes Christianity different? All other religions require us to do (or not do) certain things in order to gain Heaven, Paradise, Nirvana, or whatever. In Christianity, however, it's not achievement that counts. Even in the Old Testament, it's God who provides the way to His home. David could have said that he earned the path of life or that he's well on the way. Note also that there is no indefinite anticipation of what he'll find there. We have the benefit of living in a post-crucifixion, New Testament age. We know it's not what we do that gets us to Heaven, it's what He did. Increase your attitude of gratitude today and let your face know it. People may wonder what's up and ask "you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (I Peter 3:15) My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the pleasures of sin I resign; My gracious redeemer, my Savior art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. --- William R. Featherstone (1842-1878) 3/9/2010 Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. This verse reminds me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were told that if they didn't bow down to the image made by Nebuchadnezzar, they'd be burned alive. "Our God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn't, we will not bow down" (Daniel 3:17-18). It wasn't a matter of what was best for them or even the typical fox hole prayer, "If you get me out of this, I'll serve you forever." It was simple, whole-hearted devotion to the Lord, regardless of the outcome. What problems or threats are you facing today? Will you continue to follow the Lord even if the outcome is unpleasant? 3/8/2010 Romans 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. Our culture tells us to keep our faith to ourselves, but that's not what our verse is saying. In context, it's about looking down on others who don't do things the way we do. We tend to "pass judgment" on one another and get our eyes off the "founder and perfecter of our faith." When you take your eyes off the road an accident is likely; when you take your eyes off Jesus, a spiritual accident (sin) is likely. Instead of worrying about what someone else is doing or not doing, look "to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). YOU are the joy that was set before Him! Keep your eyes on Jesus today. 3/5/2010 Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Today's society, including many Christians, would like this verse to mean that we'll never have another problem or that we can sit back and vegetate. Jesus said he'd give us rest, not take our problems away. A yoke that doesn't fit correctly chafes, injures, and causes the animal to tire easily. A proper fitting yoke allows the animal to do more work and do it in comfort. Life's hard times improve us and make us more like the King. The trick is to avoid taking the burden all alone. Are you tired under your load? Do you chafe and fight against your problems? Double-yoke yourself to Jesus and find relief. 3/4/2010 Proverbs 29:6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. Freedom and slavery - it's what Christianity is all about. Will I be a slave to sin or find freedom from it? Sin creates more sin: a drug fix isn't enough and leads to more drugs, "soft" porn leads to hard porn, and little white lies lead to bigger and more lies. But the righteous person "sings and rejoices" because not only is he or she free from the downward spiral of sin but because of their future destiny: slaves of sin go to Hell (see Romans 6:23), those who are free go to Heaven. When you interact with others today, be aware of whether they're in slavery or not. If in slavery, seek for ways to share freedom; if free, sing and rejoice! Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. --- Luke 15:7 3/3/2010 Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Talk about a win-win situation! However, all around us are people - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers - who neither live nor die to the Lord because they don't know who He is. Many of them know "Jesus" and "God" only as swear words. How will you live your life today? Will your attitudes and actions reflect the attitudes and actions of Jesus? If this is the day that the Lord calls you home, will your death be a call to repentance or just an unfortunate event? 3/2/2010 Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble. Joblessness. Earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. Talk of a "double-dip recession." How can one have peace with all this and more going on? Peace is a quality that transcends happiness and circumstances. It's an inner quality that's present through good times and bad. "Those who love Your law" (the Bible) experience it more often than those who don't. What's been getting you down lately? Politics at work? Out of work and no options on the horizon? A relationship heading south? Inability to kick a stubborn habit? Get alone with the Law-writer and let Him calm your soul as you read His Word. 3/1/2010 Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. God asked Isaiah, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah's response was as ours should be, "Here am I! Send me!" All too often we turn both the question and the answer upside down and inside out: "Here am I and here's what I'm going to do for You." In most cases, we fail miserably because can't accomplish the task in our own might and power and the Holy Spirit isn't going to help us do what God doesn't want done. Get alone with God and find out what He wants to accomplish in you and through you today. Then go for it, knowing that the Holy Spirit will give you what you need to succeed. 2/26/2010 Mark 7:6-7 And He (Jesus) said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" Sunday is two days away and we'll find ourselves at church where we'll sing, pray, and hear a message from the Bible. These are good activities but will they please the Lord? As is always the case, He cares not so much about what we do, but what's in our hearts - what drives us to do what we do. He desires us to be fully committed and focused on Him and His glory. When that happens, not only is He pleased, but our friendship with Him deepens. This Sunday, instead of just going through the motions, set your heart in motion toward the Redeemer of your soul. 2/25/2010 Psalm 72:18-19 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen! I read about an Indian guru who ran out of gas. Finding a can of rain water on the side of the road, he turned it into gas, poured it into his Rolls Royce, and drove off. That's amazing but only the Lord does "wondrous things." When people or spirits do amazing things, there's usually an ulterior motive and the deed is rarely ascribed to the Lord or done in His name. John tells us to discern the spirits (I John 4:1) so we know when there's a counterfeiter in our presence. To improve your discernment, spend a little time reading God's Word every day. He had it written so you could read it, not so it could sit on your shelf! 2/24/2010 Ephesians 5:3-4 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Most expositors highlight the phrase "must not even be named among you" and drive home the idea that we should stay as far away from sin as possible. Good point! The opposite side of the coin is that we are to remain pure or holy. "Holy" means "set apart for special use," similar to sanctify, sanctuary, and saint. As saints, we're special and should remain pure and unsullied by sin. Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, crude joking, and every other sin aren't special, they're common, ordinary, and degrading. Upgrade yourself today by avoiding common, ordinary sin. Be the special someone God intended you to be. 2/23/2010 Revelation 1:5-6 To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Corporations and organizations usually have a purpose statement. Today's verse is the purpose statement for those on the God adventure. There are two reasons to praise Jesus (He loves us and has freed us from our sins), there are two positions to fill (be part of His Kingdom and be a priest), and there's one job to accomplish (to glorify the Lord). Will you tell others about the Lord's love today through word and action (be a priest) or will you glorify yourself? 2/22/2010 Joshua 23:7-8 ... that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day. At a time when all people were polytheistic (many gods), the Lord wanted Israel to be different and He instructs them to "just say no" to the world around them. They disobeyed the commands in our verse and, in 722 BC (the north) and 586 BC (the south) they were conquered by polytheistic nations of Assyria and Babylon. Clinging to the Lord is the best defense against false religions and philosophies. With which "nations" do you associate and on which "gods" do you rely? Entertainment? Lust? Pleasure? Power? Money? Education? Work? Popularity? Yourself? Don't be conquered by other "nations" or other "gods." "Cling to the Lord your God" and serve Him only. 2/19/2010 II John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. American society is very confused about love. We usually think of it as a warm, fuzzy, emotional feeling spouses and dating couples experience. It can be very disturbing, especially to men, when we're told to love God. How can a man be romantic with God? Today's verse defines love for us: "that we walk according to His commandments." Not only can this definition be applied to God, it can be applied to everything in life. When you execute your boss's orders you're showing love. Children love their parents by obeying them. By doing what God says, we show that we love Him. However, you can't love God if you don't know what He wants you to do. Read your Bible today and everyday and do what it says. Others will see that you love God as you "walk according to His commandments." 2/18/2010 Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. I'm glad the Apostle Paul didn't give us rules of Christian conduct without examples and alternatives. For example, he tells us not to steal in Ephesians 4:28 and then gives the alternative of working so that we "may have something to share with anyone in need." In today's verse, he doesn't leave "kind," "tenderhearted," or "forgiving" to our imagination, he tells us to imitate God. We find all sorts of excuses to ignore kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, but when we see Jesus' example, all excuses dissolve: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). That's real forgiveness! Who's been on your case recently? Treat them with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness today. 2/17/2010 DAniel 9:14 Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that He has done, and we have not obeyed His voice. Ever wonder why God did this or why He let that happen? Without God's perspective, we can't know the answer and, if we could see it totally from God's perspective, we'd be God! Nor is it possible to convince Him to do things our way or we'd be greater than God. Our comfort in times of trial must come from knowing that God is righteous all the time. He never does anything out of spite and He doesn't play favorites. The rub comes when we realize that even though everything He does is righteous, we still don't obey. Then we wonder why He does what He does and we're back to the beginning of this little commentary. If only we would learn to obey! Read the "Owner's Manual" (the Bible) everyday to discover areas of your life in which you've not kept up on "required maintenance items." 2/16/2010 Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The people who appear on the TV program "What Not to Wear" have problems dressing properly. No matter how hard they try, their clothes don't fit correctly, are mismatched, or are inappropriate for the occasion. Sometimes it's all of the above! When they learn how to dress properly, the transformation is amazing. The list of "clothing" in our verse is such that it always fits, always matches, and is appropriate for all situations. Which of these qualities needs to be developed in your life? Pick one, pray about it, study others who appear to possess it, and wear it everyday. You'll never be out of style. 2/12/2010 I Samuel 2:2 There is none holy like the LORD; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. On a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park several years ago, I saw a rock that was at least the size of half a football field. It was and is the biggest rock I have ever seen. It caused me to think of God at the time, but there's a problem: this rock and all the others with it were dislodged and crashed down the mountainside when a lake overflowed further up. Unlike this rock, there's nothing that can affect our Rock because "there is no rock like our God." Do you hide in the shelter of the Rock? Is your life firmly planted on Him? Or will this Rock fall on you come judgment day? 2/11/2010 I Peter 2:25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Sheep have no natural defenses so shepherds prepare each pasture for them, looking for poisonous plants, snakes, etc. After all this, the sheep still wander, looking for a better meal. Need proof that people are like sheep? "The other man's grass is always greener." It seems that no matter what God gives us, we want more or something better, forgetting that God has already given us the very best. The next time you're tempted to graze in someone else's life (it will probably happen today!), remember that what you have is custom-made by God. The other man's grass might look greener, but stay in your own field because God prepared it just for you. Nothing else is good enough. 2/10/2010 I Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. It's a very good day, not because we had a lot of snow last night (I love snow), but because our verse says, "He Himself bore our sins" instead of, "He Himself bore some of our sins." He took all our sins to the cross so we'd be free from slavery to sin and healed from the result of sin, eternal death. Why did He do this? So "that we might die to sin" (God hates sin more than we can know) and "live for righteousness." If Jesus didn't pay the price for all your sins, there's no reason for you live a righteous life. What kind of life are you living? Do your attitudes and behavior demonstrate that you're on the Jesus adventure? 2/9/2010 I Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. Got milk? This popular advertising slogan, of course, is designed to increase milk sales. We drink it for many reasons: it's rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and it's just plain good with cookies. Before baby formula was created, the only food given to babies was milk. It provides basic nourishment and their tiny stomachs can handle it. And when a baby is hungry, everyone knows it! That's the way it should be with us: nothing should stop us from getting God's Word. Whether you're young in the Lord or have been on the adventure for 50 years, the pure spiritual milk of the Bible is good and good for you. Don't go hungry again today. Got Scripture? Drink deeply. 2/8/2010 I Peter 1:6-7 You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Having a rough time? Good! Although none of us enjoys the hard times of life, they have a good purpose when viewed from God's perspective. First, trials prove that our faith is placed in the correct person, Jesus Christ. If it's placed in a church, minister or priest, or a warm, fuzzy feeling, we'll fail the test by acting or reacting in a way that does not please God. Second, if our faith is placed in Jesus, trials "result in praise and glory and honor" to Him. It's hard to say "thank you" during a trial, but do it anyway! Gold may be at an all time high, but your faith is being refined and it's worth even more. 2/5/2010 Hebrews 12:2 ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Why do you do what you do? It may be because you have no choice but usually it's because there's a reward. You may feel you're forced to go to work, but the real reason you work is probably for the reward - the paycheck. Why did Jesus endure the cross? Because of the reward. It's hard to imagine willingly submitting to the most cruel torture ever invented by man, but the reward was such that to bypass the cross would have been worse. And what was the valuable reward for which Jesus suffered? You! You're "the joy that was set before Him." What's your response? Will you look to Jesus today? 2/4/2010 Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds. The number 666 shows up in Revelation 13. Some people think it's magical, some think it's evil, and some think it's a joke. However, it's merely an identifying mark used to determine who belongs to the Antichrist and his ultimate "boss," Satan. To whom do you belong? Is your life marked by the Prince of Peace? His Name doesn't have to be tattooed on your forehead or your right hand because the way you live displays whether His laws are on your heart and written on your mind. If you bear the name "Christian," look for ways to show those marks of ownership to others. If you're not a Christian, why not accept Jesus' free offer of pardon today? 2/3/2010 Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. There was a black squirrel in our yard a few years ago. Apparently squirrels don't care about color because the next year there were more. Whether gray, black, or red, squirrels treat each other as equals. Too bad humans don't. We tend to scorn those with a different skin color, social status, economic condition, or intelligence. Worse, some Christians add churches and denominations to the list. Jesus did no such thing. He treated the wealthy the same as the poor and the peasant the same as the elite. To whom can you show the love of Christ today? Choose someone who's not like you and show them dignity and respect regardless of race, nationality, or socioeconomic status. They'll never follow Jesus if you don't. 2/2/2010 Ephesians 6:2-3 Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. My mother quoted this verse when I was young. As I got older, she pointed out that there's no age limit on honoring. You're probably old enough that your parents don't have daily input on how you live your life. Do you honor them anyway? They may not follow the Lord and they may have raised you with a warped view of society, but it doesn't say to honor them only if they do right, either. Honoring your parents for the Lord's sake will improve your life and, if your parents are still living, may lead them to the Savior. For a better day today, honor your father and mother, whether they deserve it or not. Most of all, honor your heavenly Father, "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." 2/1/2010 Ephesians 5:18-19 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart. My sister claims I have "musical tourette's syndrome." One never knows when a word or phrase will remind me of a song. Sometimes I sing part of the song while other times I just state the title. I may not quote the song exactly, either. For example, if someone is coughing, I might say, "I'm All Choked Up" instead of "I'm All Shook Up" (Elvis Presley, 1957). That's the way it's supposed to be in the Christian life, too. When someone says or does something, it should remind us of Jesus and cause us to praise Him. This occurs often in Scripture, such as when Matthew says, "this was to fulfill what the Lord spoke ..." and quotes from the Old Testament (Matthew 1:22, 2:15,17,23, 4:14, 8:17, etc.) Will your actions and words cause others to spontaneously burst out in a song of thanksgiving to the Lord today? 1/29/2010 Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. My wife's tooth was bothering her but there was nothing wrong with it. The tooth next to it was causing the problem. That can happen in the body of Christ when we're not truthful with each other. Only when we admit our sins and weaknesses to one another can we find healing and restoration as our brothers and sisters in the Lord help us through the battle. Don't be a problem to the Christian next to you. Choose an accountability partner who is faithful and trustworthy and meet at least once a week. Share what you've read in the Bible, ask for help where you need it most (even if it's embarrassing), and pray. And be ready to help your friend when he or she needs it, too. 1/28/2010 Ephesians 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Have you ever thought about sexual immorality as covetousness? Greed doesn't refer only to money. It means you want more, that you're not satisfied with what you already have. Since "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17), greed accuses God of being stingy - and we know that's not true. Today, instead of focusing on what you want, see how much you can give away: money, comfort, compassion, help, clothing, time, food - whatever God lays on your heart. Also, give something of value to at least one person you don't know. It's impossible for greed to "even be named among you" under these circumstances. God gave you His best. Follow His example! 1/27/2010 Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Queenie is the first dog I can remember. Being old and not very patient with children, she snapped at me one day and my mother saw it. Queenie was given to a family without children and we got a younger dog that enjoyed playing with children. This is how we should treat sin. As soon as it's noticed, get rid of it and replace it with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. Sin benefits neither you nor those around you. Don't wait. Improve your life and the lives of those around you by "putting away" those practices and attitudes that drag you and others down. 1/26/2010 Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. While sliding into second base about 20 years ago, I tore the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in my left knee. It was relatively painless, but I couldn't walk or stand because the MCL prevents sideways movement of the knee. Although there are six ligaments that hold the knee together, the absence of one made my knee unusable. Likewise, all of us have a function in the body of Christ. If your "joint" isn't working properly, the body is disabled, even if there isn't any pain. Be sure to exercise your "ligament" today by reading the Bible, praying, and hanging out with other Christians. That will help the body of Christ grow and build itself up in love. 1/25/2010 Ephesians 3:17-19 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ever notice the root ball of a fallen tree? It usually spreads as wide as the branches, but it doesn't have much depth. A tree may look healthy and even produce fruit, but without deep roots, the tree is vulnerable. What about you? Do your spiritual roots go deep? God planted you in love, but if you don't grow deep roots, the storms of life may blow you down. With the fertilizer of God's Word, the gardening care of other Christians, and prayer, you'll not only stand firm in the fiercest of gales but you'll bear much fruit (see Galatians 5:22-23). And remember, a tree never stops growing - unless it's dead. 1/22/2010 Jeremiah 23:24 "Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. This is one of the verses that declares God to be omnipresent. That is, He's always present in all places at all times (see also Psalm 139:7-12, Matthew 18:20, 28:20, Ephesians 1:22-23). However, it does not mean that the tree outside your window is God (pantheism), nor does it mean that God is in the tree (animism). But, if you're inside a tree, God is there! Isn't it good to know that God is always with you no matter where you are and no matter what's going on in your life? Thank Him for His omnipresence today and look for ways to let others know that you're not alone. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? --- Psalm 139:7 1/21/2010 Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! A missionary friend jokingly says this verse proves that suspenders are better than belts. Solomon, of course, had nothing like this in mind. Those without friends to help them through the tough times are in a sad position. You should have at least one trusted friend who's standing ready to help you through the problems of life. (Establish this relationship before things head south.) Likewise, when others need help, they should feel free to seek you out. Who lifts you when you're down? Does he or she love the Lord? Are you prepared to help others when they come to you for help? 1/20/2010 Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. President Obama won the election in 2008 and Scott Brown won election to the Senate yesterday. Though opposites, each brought cheers and hope for change. However, things will eventually go bad and we'll look for a new savior. It's totally different when we trust and hope in the Lord because He never changes (Hebrews 13:8). Your heart is holding an election today and your vote is the only one that counts. For whom will you vote? Instead of trusting in Obama or Brown, in Republicans or Democrats, in politicians or employers, and especially instead of trusting in yourself, "trust in the name of the LORD our God." 1/19/2010 Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. God is faithful and that's comforting and assuring. If He wasn't faithful, we'd never know the rules for getting out of the clutches of sin and into Heaven. One day it would be trusting in Jesus' death on our behalf, the next it would be doing a good deed, and the next it might be eating all your vegetables. No wonder we can trust Him - He's faithful! Praise Him by word and deed today for sealing your faith once and for all in the sacrifice of the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) 1/18/2010 Luke 13:4-5 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Some people say that the earthquake in Haiti is God's judgment. Maybe it is and maybe it isn't but we won't know unless God tells us directly. Jesus addressed this very question but didn't answer it the way we'd expect (see also Luke 13:1-3). Instead, he forced His audience to focus on their own sin. We have two assignments today. First, let's consider how we may help those in Haiti. Regardless of the reason for their suffering, we're commanded to help those less fortunate than us. Second, let's focus on the short comings (sin) of our own lives and repent. ("Repent" means to change one's ways.) 1/15/2010 Deuteronomy 7:19 [Remember] the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which the LORD your God brought you out. So will the LORD your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. The ancient Israelites saw some amazing acts of God when they escaped Egypt: the ten plagues, crossing the Red Sea on dry land, clothes that lasted for 40 years, water from a rock, etc. The Lord is still doing amazing acts. People not in our church supplied electricity for a community event we held. Someone else offered to move something for us at no charge. These two examples were accomplished by "the outstretched arm" of the Lord just as much as the crossing of the Red Sea. They're signs and wonders which we saw with our own eyes. Are you looking for the Lord's work in and around you or are your eyes closed? Keep them open today and catch all the action! 1/14/2010 Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Have you ever pictured Jesus as an accountant, network administrator, or salesman? That's quite different from our usual view of Him walking down dusty trails in flowing robes while teaching and healing. However, as His representative, your job, whatever it is, should be performed with the same grace and competence as if Jesus Himself were doing it. Whether you're an employee, an entrepreneur, a stay at home mom, a student, or a retiree, do it the best you can and thank God for placing you in that position. Remember, you may be the only Jesus some people ever see. Be sure you reflect Him accurately. 1/13/2010 Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. From Miss America to presidents to grade school children, everyone wants world peace. The problem is that we don't follow the instruction of this verse, "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Instead, we try to solve our problems our own way. This is bad, not only for us, but also for those around us. Notice the next phrase: "to which indeed you were called in one body." When the peace of Christ is not ruling in your heart, it affects you, other Christians, and everyone else. Instead of relying on yourself, bring peace to your corner of the world today by letting the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. --- John 14:27 1/12/2010 Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. God chose the Jews as His people about 4,000 years ago. They thought "chosen" meant God loved them more than others, not that He chose them to spread the good news of His love. Likewise, Christians are "holy and beloved" because we're chosen to spread the good news that Love (Jesus) has come. It doesn't mean we're better than others but, as one person put it, we're beggars showing other beggars where to find food. As God's holy and beloved chosen one, to whom can you show compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience? A coworker who mistreats you? A neighbor who disrespects your space? It could be a family member or a total stranger. Whoever it is, "put on" the proper spiritual clothes today and let them know that God loves them. 1/11/2010 I Kings 19:11-12 And He said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. Like me, you occasionally wake up in the middle of the night and hear the house creaking or the refrigerator going through its cycles. You don't hear those noises during the day because there's too much going on, but they're there. Trying to hear God's soft, gentle whisper with a life that's too full is nearly impossible. What's He saying that you're missing? Set aside some quiet time by riding to work with the radio or mp3 player off. Spend at least five minutes with Him when you get up in the morning or just before bed at night. Don't let the storms, earthquakes, and fires of life crowd Him out. 1/7/2010 Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. It seems we want everything, we want it now, and we want the government to pay for it. Of course, nothing works that way, everything requires effort. Even thieves, who think they can get something for nothing, work hard to plan and carry out their schemes. Christianity also takes hard work to send out roots to find nourishment, lay the bricks of the Christian life ("built up in Him"), and develop our spiritual strength by lifting spiritual weights. Satan, his minions, and even our own lusts constantly try to divert our attention toward worldly matters. Seek out a trusted friend who will help you develop the discipline to read your Bible and pray daily. It makes no sense to receive Christ Jesus as Lord and then not continue in Him. 1/6/2010 Amos 7:7 This is what He showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. A plumb line is used to ensure that walls, doors, and other vertical structures are exactly vertical. If not, doors swing open or closed when they shouldn't and walls aren't as strong as they should be. If not plumb, things become unstable. If the Word of God is the plumb line and we compare our nation to it, we find that we're unstable, even when things seem to be going well. The same comparison can be made with individuals. When nations or individuals aren't true (plumb) to the Word of God, things just don't go the way they should. What about you? Are you plumb? Take a look at the Bible today and everyday to see where you need to straighten up. As you read, ask two questions: "Lord, who are you?" and, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" 1/5/2010 Acts 5:32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. I enjoy recounting the birth of my children but I don't remember anything about my own birth. However, I do remember accepting the free gift of forgiveness by becoming a follower of Jesus. This is called being "born again" (see John 3:3-7). We often think that witnessing for Jesus means we need a theological degree and preaching hour-long sermons, but all it means is telling others what you've experienced. Opportunities to tell your story come up every single day. And don't worry about convincing the other person to follow Jesus. Simply tell your story and let the Holy Spirit do the convincing. 1/4/2010 II Samuel 19:38 And the king answered, "Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you." I recommend a colleague to clients who need mortgage help with full confidence that they'll get the proper counsel at all times and in all situations. A man by the name of Barzillai recommended Chimham to King David. We know nothing about Chimham except his name. However, Barzillai had no fear of disappointment in his recommendation to the king. Chimham must have been an honorable, worthy man and David's response to Barzillai indicates that he was, too. Are you honorable, upright, and trustworthy like Chimham? Are you recommendable to others? Don't be a disappointment: follow the Lord closer this year than you ever have before. 12/31/2009 Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. People often groan at my sense of humor. From where did I get it? My father. Much of your personality was molded by your parents, too. We also inherit our sin nature (our propensity to do wrong). That inheritance can be traced all the way back to the "one man," Adam. Jesus, however, gave us the gift of salvation. Being a gift, it's not something you earn or inherit. There's no better time to understand the gift of salvation than Christmas: you receive gifts because you're loved, not because you earn them; neither must you earn the right to keep your gifts. Is there someone in your life to whom you can introduce the Savior so He can give them the gift of life, too? 12/30/2009 Luke 2:15-16 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. How did the shepherds find the baby Jesus? They must have gone door to door, waking people up, asking questions. What marvelous examples they are for us! Not only did they act on the information given to them, they did it in a hurry. How often do we wake up to the fact that the Lord wants us to do this or that, but then hesitate? Delayed obedience is disobedience. Read through the Christmas story again (Luke 2:1-40 and Matthew 1:18-2:12), look for examples to follow, and do it "with haste!" 12/29/2009 Matthew 2:5-6 They told him (Herod and the Wise Men), "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" There were two groups who knew where to find the new-born King, the shepherds (told by the angels) and the religious leaders (told by the prophet Micah in the Old Testament). The religious leaders ignored the Messiah while the shepherds rejoiced to see the Promised One. Am I like the shepherds who went to find Jesus or like the religious leaders who failed to follow through? Am I willing to bend my knee to the Sovereign of the universe as did the shepherds or will I refuse as did the religious leaders? You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. --- Jeremiah 29:13 12/28/2009 Luke 2:17-18 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. The shepherds had an amazing story. We usually think of the angels being in the sky as they delivered the message, but they may have simply walked up to the shepherds. That's what angels usually do in the Bible. Some translations say the angels "appeared," some say they "came upon" them, and some say they "stood before" them. What ever it was, the shepherds were faithful to spread the "good news of great joy." What about you? You've received the same good news the shepherds did. Are you spreading the gospel (good news)? Like the shepherds, you'll find that most people respond with amazement, not rejection. Find someone to tell today. 12/24/2009 Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. --- Luke 2:19 We all have treasures and we'll add more tonight or tomorrow when we open our Christmas presents. Most human treasures can be seen and touched. The problem is that they wear out, get damaged or lost, or we loose interest because something newer comes along. Unseen treasures last forever and Mary understood this. Hopefully your most valuable treasure is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate tomorrow. Your second most valuable treasure should be your family, both physical and spiritual. How does one treasure such unseen valuables? Pray! When you pray for people, they become more and more valuable to you. This Christmas, when you thank God for sending His only Son to die in your place, thank Him for the other treasures He's given you, too. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. --- Matthew 6:19-20 12/23/2009 John 1:4-5 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Today is supposed to be an dull, gray, overcast day in the greater Chicago area but, no matter how thick the cloud cover, there will still be enough light to see everything around us. It's the same way spiritually: although there's much darkness (sin) in the world, there's never enough to overcome the Light (Jesus). In fact, that's the very reason we have Christmas: "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9)." As a Christian, you have the Light shining within you (see Matthew 5:14 and Philippians 2:15). At this special time of the year, how will you spread the Light in the darkness? The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. --- Isaiah 9:2 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. --- John 1:14 12/22/2009 Colossians 1:28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. The central figure of the Christmas story is, of course, Jesus. Mary praises God for choosing her to be His mother. The angels proclaim His birth. The shepherds rush to find Him and then spread the news. The star points to Him. The wise men present gifts to Him. Even evil King Herod concentrates on Jesus as he tries to murder Him. What about you? Is your life focused on Him? Like the angels and the shepherds, do you proclaim Him in both actions and words? Like the angel that warned Joseph to take his family to Egypt, do you warn others that judgment is coming? Christmas is a great time to proclaim Him to your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Even secular Christmas symbols can be used (Santa's a giver, the Christmas tree points up to God, etc.) Who can you help focus on the Savior of the world today? 12/21/2009 Jeremiah 31:25 For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. Exactly what we need during the holiday season! We Americans generally celebrate Christmas and New Years by over-filling our calendars with decorating, parties, gift giving, theater, shopping, baking, movies, church Christmas programs, etc. - in addition to regular house work and employment. No wonder everyone's so stressed! Note that it's not the gift giving and receiving that satisfy us but it's the Lord who satisfies and replenishes the weary. No amount of celebration can do that. Focus on the Prince of Peace today and watch the stress melt away. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. --- Isaiah 26:3 12/18/2009 Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job is famous for his patience but he should be famous for his worship. Despite losing his cattle, donkeys, sheep, camels, servants, and even his children, he maintained his faith and trust in the Lord. We usually gripe, complain, and ask God what we did to deserve such treatment. Worse, some of us actually accuse God of doing evil (see Numbers 23:19, James 1:13-14). Job sets a good example for us to emulate. When the dark times come - and it may be today - worship the Lord through your actions, attitudes, and words. And don't forget to let your face know about it! 12/17/2009 Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. "When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping." Funny, but it reflects a desire to escape from the hard times. My wife found one that says, "When the going gets tough, the tough stay in love." That's about deep roots and that's what Jeremiah's talking about. Do your roots seek the Living Water through Bible reading, prayer, and hanging out with other Christians? People with these habits don't escape the tough times but continue on and bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) in spite of them. Where's your trust? Place it in the Lord before the heat and drought come. 12/16/2009 James 3:17-18 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Proverbs may have been James' favorite Old Testament book since he speaks about wisdom so much. Many people spout wisdom today, but is the advice real wisdom or simply good sounding words? James gives us the criteria to discern whether advice is wise or not. How would the world look if everyone tested the advice they give and receive by these verses? And what about the advice you give? If it agrees with Scripture it's wise but you won't know if it agrees unless you're reading the Bible. Spend at least five minutes in it each day. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. --- James 1:5 12/15/2009 James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. The instruction of this verse is rather straight forward: The wise one must live a good life. Notice, however, that humility (translated "meekness" in this verse), the most illusive of all character traits, is attached to wisdom, not good deeds. Good conduct flows from humble wisdom, not the other way around. Everyone seems to desire humility, but few are successful in obtaining it. The key is not to chase humility, but to obtain wisdom. And how does one obtain wisdom? It's the same old answer: read the Bible, pray, and hang out with other Christians. --- James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 12/14/2009 Joshua 10:40 So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negev and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the LORD God of Israel commanded. The inhabitants of Canaan had been given enough time to repent so God commanded Joshua to wipe them out, much like he had commanded the rain to wipe out most of the human race during the time of Noah. He's always gracious to give plenty of time (at least 400 years in this case), but eventually judgment arrives. Joshua and the ancient Israelites obeyed His command. What about the sinful inhabitants in your life, the lust, greed, bitterness, addictions, gossip, theft of time from your employer, etc? It's time to strike the whole land of your life and leave none remaining, just as the LORD God commands. Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. --- Psalm 34:13-14 12/11/2009 II Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As a description of our society, these two verses seem to hit the nail on the head. Even those in the Church put aside what is right in order "to suit their own passions." As Christians, how do we avoid "turn[ing] away from listening to the truth?" It's the same old answer: read the Bible, pray, and hang out with other Christians. Will you be hanging out with other Christians two days from now? To get the most out of your church attendance, don't simply warm a seat, get involved. Think of what you like to do the most, then find the person in charge of that area and ask to be put to work. 12/10/2009 James 2:12-13 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. The Old Testament ("the law") tells us what to do and what not to do. Before Jesus died, we were slaves to sin and, when judged by "the law," we were guilty and worthy of death. We were shown no mercy because we didn't show mercy. James indicates, however, that we're to be judged by "the law of liberty" because we're no longer slaves to sin. Jesus' death demonstrated that "mercy triumphs over judgment." When you show mercy to others, you're doing what God did for you. When you're wronged, be quick to forgive. When people act in an evil manner, cut them some slack. (You don't have to condone their actions, but don't expect them to act like a Christian if they're not.) When you show mercy, you're modeling Jesus. To whom can you show mercy today? 12/9/2009 Joshua 6:20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. The fall of Jericho is an amazing story. The people walked around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day they walked around it seven times. That's a total of 13 times around the city and then the walls came tumbling down. What would have happened if they stopped walking around the city after only 12 times? What would happen if you stop "marching" around your "Jericho" of alcoholism, lust, shopping, or a sharp tongue too soon? Even though it may seem impossible to conquer your particular problem, you can't quit trying. Keep marching with the Lord until the walls fall! 12/8/2009 Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." What makes the feet of someone with good news beautiful? I don't know but this may help. A client was visiting a friend in the hospital. As she talked with the friend's neighbor, who was also visiting, she mentioned that she would like to explain what she really feels about God. She was amazed when he neighbor said, "I would be interested to talk to you." It isn't difficult to start a conversation about the Savior. To whom can you talk about Jesus? I don't know why Scripture says the feet of good news bearers are beautiful, but apparently my client's feet are! 12/7/2009 II Samuel 18:33 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" Although few of us have experienced a child's death we can still understand King David's anguish over the death of his son, Absalom. David is frequently a "type" or picture of Jesus, who died instead of us. He also appears to be an example of God the Father in this verse, weeping over people forever separated from His family because their sins haven't been atoned for by Jesus' sacrificial death. Question one: Has Jesus' sin-payment been applied to your account or will God the Father weep over your death? Question two: Are you sharing the Good News so He won't weep over others' deaths? Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? --- Ezekiel 18:23 (see also Ezekiel 33:11) 12/4/2009 Mark 6:37 But He (Jesus) answered them, "You give them something to eat." And they said to Him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?" Ever notice that Jesus enjoys assigning impossible tasks? Two hundred denarii was about eight month's wages - at least $20,000 to $30,000 today. Would you be willing to spend that much money to feed 5,000 men that just interrupted your vacation (see verses 30-34)? Jesus was teaching the disciples an important lesson, one that we need to learn, too: He can handle any and all impossible situations. When the next one comes up in your life, let Jesus handle it instead of forging ahead on your own. If He gives you instructions through His Word or via one of His trusted disciples, be sure to follow through (see verses 38-44). 12/3/2009 II Timothy 2:16-17 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. There are many good things in the world today that can squeeze the Lord out of our lives. For example, some of the nature and history programs on television are interesting and educational, don't teach bad morals, and don't entice us to spend our time or money frivolously. However, if the Lord wants us to do something else at that moment, it becomes "irreverent babbling" and leads us toward ungodliness. Are you settling for a good life when God offers you the best life? Don't let anything interfere with the best God has for you. Make sure your focus is always on Him! 12/2/2009 II John 1:5-6 And now I ask you, dear lady— not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning— that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. The New Testament's original language, Greek, has several words translated "love." "Agape," the word used in our verse, is a selfless love and is created by combining "a" and "gape." "A" means "not" and "gape" means "me" or the self. In other words, "agape" means "not me." When we love with "agape" love, we're giving or serving with no expectation of a reward. Jesus demonstrated this fully when he died for us. Not only that, there's nothing we could do, say, think, or feel that could pay Him back. Do something for someone today for which you'll never receive a reward, thus fulfilling the command to "love one another." 12/1/2009 I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. The first converts to Christianity in one region of Africa were very diligent about prayer. Each believer had a solitary "prayer room" outside the village and each had a private footpath through the brush. If grass began to grow over one of these trails, it was evident that the person to whom it belonged was not praying very much. Because these new Christians were concerned for each other's spiritual welfare, a unique custom sprang up. Whenever an overgrown "prayer path" was noted, the owner was lovingly warned, "Friend, there's grass on your path!" How's your prayer path? - Author Unknown 11/30/2009 I Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you. Current Christian thought is that "fear the LORD" means to be in awe, not to be afraid. That's true, but we should still fear Him. In this regard, we Protestants are far behind the Catholics. We have so tilted the scales toward friendship with God that we might as well end our prayers with "10-4 good buddy" instead of "Amen." Yes, God is our friend because of Jesus' sacrificial death, but He's still God. Being who He is, it would be easy to be afraid of Him, but "consider what great things He has done for you." He demonstrates His great love by serving you. Now it's your turn to demonstrate healthy, Biblical fear by serving Him. 11/25/2009 I Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. All religions are basically the same except for Christianity. In all the others, its adherents must perform in order to achieve Heaven, Nirvana, Paradise, or whatever. With Christianity, however, it's not what we do, but what He has already done! In our verse, for example, it states that we have a new birth. What did you do to be born? Your mother did quite a bit but you did nothing. So it is with Christianity. Jesus did it all when He died on the cross. Take a load off peoples' minds by sharing the good news that performance isn't necessary. And don't forget to be thankful that you have "a living hope." 11/24/2009 I Kings 19:11-12 And He said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. My daughter was given free tickets to a NASCAR race. We were in the last row of the grandstands, as far as possible from the track, but we had to yell directly into each others' ears to hear! In our busy American culture, many things vie for our attention. Work and pleasure may be at the top of the list, but there are others such as materialism, lust, school activities, and even church activities. They control our time and thoughts, creating "noise" in our lives. No wonder we can't hear God! He's not screaming, but whispering. Can you hear Him? 11/23/2009 I John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. What did you do to cause God to love you? Nothing, of course. God's love isn't performance based. Men especially have the mistaken notion that they are what they do. If laid off they feel worthless; if given a promotion they feel respected. Either way, God loves you because He is love (I John 4:8). The flip side of that coin is also true: He loves you despite the bad things you've done or the good things you've not done. Take a spiritual vacation day today and bask in the sun of God's unconditional love. His love isn't going to change based who you are, what you do or don't do, what you know, who you know, or anything else. But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. --- Romans 5:8 11/20/2009 Hebrews 10:38-39 But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. My son says there are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't. That may be funny but there are really only two kinds of people: those who live by faith and those who "shrink back." This is no laughing matter because those who turn away from faith "are destroyed" while those who live by faith "preserve their souls." Notice that it's not how much faith you have or how strong it is but whether you're using it. You have faith just like you have muscles and you use your muscles everyday. Do you exercise your faith everyday by reading the Bible, praying, and hanging out with other Christians? 11/19/2009 Galatians 6:6 One who is taught the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches. This verse is usually used to encourage us to give so the church's bills and salaries can be paid. However, it must mean more than giving money since it says we must share "all" good things. The Lord's been working in your life. Have you shared it with your pastor or Bible study leader? And then there's the Holy Spirit living within you. He teach you, too. When was the last time you communicated "all good things" to the Lord? He created you specifically so He could enjoy your company. Have you been ignoring Him? If the light turns green just as you arrive, thank Him for it. If you're overwhelmed with his creation, tell Him. And thank Him for lunch this afternoon. It's unlikely those around you will object if you ask their permission to say grace. 11/18/2009 Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him. Have you ever had a song running through your mind that you couldn't get out? Without radio, CDs, or iPods, Moses made God the song in his head by keeping God the center of his focus. Almost everything he did was based on God and His desires so that He was the song that Moses couldn't get out of his head. What fills your mind? Maybe it's you and the song is, "I Did it My Way." Or maybe it's someone you love and the song is, "You're My Heart's and my Soul's Inspiration." If it's anything other than the Lord, it's time for a new song. Try "Awesome God," "Make Me a Servant," or "Change My Heart, O God." Make Him the song (focus) of your life. 11/17/2009 Esther 4:14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther is unique among the books of the Bible in that neither God nor prayer are mentioned. It's obvious, however, that God is working and people are praying. Esther's cousin, Mordecai, challenged her to go to the king uninvited though it might mean death. He believed that God had a plan and that Esther might be an integral part of it. Like Esther, you may have come to your position "for such a time as this," but without Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians, it's unlikely that you'll recognize what God is up to. Esther faced death to be part of God's program and was rewarded. Will you be part of His program? 11/16/2009 Ephesians 1:18 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. I entered a dark room but left the lights off since I was only going to be there a moment. I was able to move around without light because I've been there so often that I know where everything is. That's similar to the Christian life: reading the Bible every day, talking to the Lord continually (prayer), and hanging around with other Christians should make you so familiar with spiritual things that, when the dark times come, you can still navigate without stumbling (sinning). Will "the eyes of your heart be enlightened" by your activities this week? Will you know more fully "the hope to which He has called you" by this time next week? 11/13/2009 Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live. Financially speaking, an option gives one the right to buy or sell a stock at a given price. An option to buy a $15 stock at $10 is valuable. If, however, that stock is worth only $8, exercising the option is foolish. We're granted life options everyday, some by God and some by His enemies. Sometimes we ignore the options that are "in the money" and other times we choose the wrong option. You'll have many options today. All will affect your spiritual health. Will you exercise those which bring life and blessing or those which bring death and curses? The option is yours, but ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" 11/12/2009 Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. Nebuchadnezzar learned quite a bit about God from Daniel. His grandson Belshazzar, on the other hand, was proud and ignored both history and God. In this verse, wine takes control of Belshazzar and instead of simply ignoring God, he acts in defiance of God. What controls your life? Like Belshazzar, it may be alcohol or pride. Or, it may be work, a desire for recognition, or a relationship. Whatever it is, you'll never find satisfaction. Pray and ask the Lord to break the chains of control. Allowing Him to control your life will give you the fulfillment you're looking for. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --- Matthew 6:33 11/11/2009 Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. It seems everyone wants everything, they want it now, and they want the government to pay for it. Nothing actually works that way, everything requires effort. Even thieves, who think they can get something for nothing, work hard to plan and carry out their schemes. Likewise, Christianity takes hard work. It's hard work to "walk in Him" and lift spiritual weights, but it develops spiritual strength ("built up in Him"). Satan, his minions, and our own lusts constantly try to divert our attention toward worldly matters. Seek out a friend that will help you develop the discipline to read your Bible and pray daily. It makes no sense to receive Christ Jesus as Lord and then not continue in Him. 11/10/2009 Acts 11:17-18 "If then God gave the same gift to them as He gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life." Until this point in the Bible, there were few non-Jewish followers of God. Now there were thousands and it was disturbing. Upon hearing Peter's report, however, they glorified God. Some people, such as Osama bin Laden or a child molester, seem unlikely to ever become a Christian. If they did, would you be disturbed or would you glorify God? Would you treat that person with respect (as Barnabas did Saul in Acts 9) or with fear and disdain (as most did in Acts 9)? Watch for the Lord working in your life and those around you today and glorify Him, even if things are different than you expected. And look for opportunities to join God in His work. 11/9/2009 John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. A friend checked on an elderly neighbor and, since no one answered the door, he looked through the window. Seeing blood and fearing the worst, he climbed in. As it turned out, the neighbor was already at the hospital. When my friend left by the front door, though, the police were waiting for him. Why? He didn't use the door to get in. Jesus is the door in the Christian life. If the door is locked to keep you safe, do you climb through the windows of life's circumstances instead? If the door is open, do you punch holes in the wall, looking for your own way? Most important of all, have you entered the door of eternal life? 11/6/2009 Exodus 34:29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. "Alaska" is embroidered on a shirt I own. When people see it, they know I've been there. There are also telltale signs when we've been with Jesus. Like Moses' shining face was evidence that he had been talking with God, your words, actions, attitudes, and world view should be a dead giveaway that you've been walking and talking with Jesus daily. Some people are too busy to notice but the evidence should be there anyway. Is "Jesus" written all over your face? If being a Christian was illegal, would there be enough witnesses to convict you? 11/5/2009 Proverbs 11:12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. When a salesman says vindictive things about his competition, I run the other way. If the only way to point out his product's strengths is to belittle the other's, then there are no strengths. Unfortunately, from politics to sales to marriage, this seems to be acceptable behavior today. The Lord says that it's wrong smear others, even if they've done you wrong - silence is better than slurs. Do you keep quiet when family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers say or do something that irks you? It's better to let others think you're kind and intelligent than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. 11/4/2009 Exodus 33:7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. It's not uncommon for me to pray in the shower. I have a friend who prays in his car each day before work. The shower and the car are like Moses' tent of meeting, places where we can get away from all the noise and distractions of life and talk to the Lord about what's on our hearts. Do you have a tent of meeting? Places others use as a tent of meeting include spare bedrooms, garages - some even use a closet. It really doesn't matter where you pray but rather that you pray. (God loves to hear from you!) Where do you go to meet privately with the Lord? 11/3/2009 I Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. God is faithful. That's a wonderful fact. Imagine if He were not: we'd never know the rules for becoming part of His family. One day it would be trusting in Jesus' sacrificial death, the next it might be doing a good deed, and after that... who knows?. No wonder we can trust Him - He's faithful! Praise Him by word and deed today for sealing your faith once and for all in the sacrifice of the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) 11/2/2009 Luke 9:20 Then He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." People have strange ideas about who Jesus is. Some even think He's a figment of our imaginations. Peter correctly identified Him as the Promised Messiah ("Christ" is Greek for the Hebrew "Messiah.") If you're a Jesus follower, you've come to the same conclusion as Peter. Do your family and friends have a mistaken notion about who He is? Do they think He's simply a good teacher who was misunderstood or that He's irrelevant? You can help them know the truth by living as He did. It's difficult to dispute what one sees. Walk closely with Jesus today so that there's no room for mistaken identity - either yours or His! 10/30/2009 Job 2:3 And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to destroy him without reason." Job didn't know what hit him. He lost his wealth, his servants, and his children in one day. Then he lost his health and his wife and friends turned against him. Through all this God says that Job had integrity. What do you do when you experience terrible events such as the loss of your 401(k), your job, or a loved one? What do you do when your friends or family say evil things about you? Do you act with integrity? That is, do you continue walking with Jesus in spite of what you're up against? Whether today is a good day or a bad one, live your life such that God can can parade your integrity like He did with Job. 10/29/2009 John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." I've met people over the years who are addicted to things like alcohol, pornography, and anger and I've learned that addicts always want more because sin never satisfies. Or, as Jesus told the woman at the well, spiritual water satisfies, physical water does not. So, what kind of water are you drinking? If you're drinking fame, fortune, power, or pleasure, you're going to remain thirsty. Instead, drink in the Savior through Bible reading, prayer, and hanging out with other Christians and you'll have more than enough (spiritual) water to share with everyone. 10/28/2009 Acts 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. The owner of Christian radio network teaches that Jesus will return on October 21, 2011. Unfortunately, many Christians don't question him because they lack even a general understanding of the Bible. The Jews of Berea compared the Apostle Paul's teaching to Scripture to validate his preaching. In addition to reading the Bible each and every day, we should follow their good example whenever questionable teaching comes up. Have you spent at least five minutes in the Word today? Be sure to do so before you go to bed tonight. For the answer about Jesus' return, see Matthew 24:36, 25:13, Mark 13:32, and I Thessalonians 5:2. 10/27/2009 Mark 9:7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him." Do you have friends who jump to conclusions? I was explaining a problem to a friend recently and he came up with three solutions before I finished giving him all the facts. Most of us are guilty of not listening on a spiritual level, too. We read a command in the Bible but ignore it; a trusted follower of Jesus gives us sound advice but we keep living the way we have in the past. The fact is that we're always listening to someone. To whom are you listening? Follow God's command (it's not advice) and listen to Jesus today. It may not make your life easier but it will make it more fulfilled. 10/27/2009 Leviticus 11:45 For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. There's something about us humans that, when someone saves us from something severe such as an addiction or a medical condition, we tend to want to be like them. It's not always the case but it happens with enough frequency that we can see a pattern. That's the way it should be when it comes to spiritual issues, too. We haven't been saved from slavery in Egypt like the ancient Israelites but we have been saved from the slavery of sin. God, of course, is without sin (holy) and He expects us to follow His example. What or who is keeping you from being holy today? No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. --- I Corinthians 10:13 10/26/2009 I Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Other than Osama Bin Laden, I've never heard of the men on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list - murderers, kidnappers, rapists, and arsonists who live in relative ease. Is the face of the Lord against them or not? Unlike our verse, we want justice now. However, God doesn't want anyone to perish (II Peter 3:9) and, short-term, He's patient. Short-term, your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers that don't follow the Lord are in the same boat as those on the FBI's list. Make your own Ten Most Wanted list and pray for them daily. His ears are open to your prayers and He anxiously waits to hear from you. 10/23/2009 Exodus 15:24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" Ever known someone who does nothing but complain? They can be really irritating after awhile. It seems the ancient Israelites did nothing but gripe, our verse being the first instance of it. What they didn't realize is that by grumbling against Moses, they were grumbling against God. The Bible is very clear: leaders are put in place by the Lord (see Romans 13:1,6, Titus 3:1, I Peter 2:13, etc.). Grumbling against the president, congressmen, pastors, or even Sunday School teachers is to grumble against God. Find something good to say about those in authority today. If you can't, follow my mother's advice and don't say anything at all. 10/22/2009 John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. Doors are designed to keep people in or out. Pretty simple, but we often forget why there are doors in life. Sometimes we forget that the Lord may close a door to protect us from the other side and we fight and claw to get through anyway. Other times we fail to go through open doors, choosing second best instead of the abundant life (see John 10:10). Are you on the wrong side of the door? Are you afraid to go through the open doors? Are you trying to force your way through a closed door? Remember, whether open or closed, He has only the best in mind for you. And the one door to Heaven - Jesus - is never closed! 10/21/2009 Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. I hung out with other Christians via radio as I drove home from a seminar last night. Chip Ingram mentioned Mount Rushmore and asked which four people we would put on our personal Mount Rushmore. He then took it a step further and asked us to name people who can positively influencing us from here forward. Today's assignment is to do as he suggested - name four individuals who have most influenced you in the past and at least one or two who are helping you follow the Lord today. Thank the Lord for them and encourage them by showing your appreciation. And one more thing: who would add you to their personal Mount Rushmore? 10/20/2009 II Timothy 3:4 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it. I love projects and usually jump in with both feet. Occasionally I get half-way through, feel like the task is impossible, and wonder why I'm even trying. Many of us feel like that in the Christian life. When trials and suffering come along we get discouraged and consider throwing in the towel. We can't do that, of course, because we want to please the Father and others are watching if we live what we say we believe. Christianity makes more sense than any other religion but that doesn't mean it's easy. "Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed" today, even if everything is going wrong. So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. --- I Peter 4:19 (NIV) 10/19/2009 II Samuel 8:15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. We looked at this verse near the end of our Bible study last night and were asked if we administer justice and equity to everyone. It's an interesting question because, in Chapter 9, David administers "justice and equity" to the son of the late King Saul instead of eliminating him as a potential heir to the throne, a common practice in that culture. Do you treat others with "justice and equity," even those who threaten or mistreat you? (Most of us don't want justice, we want the other person to suffer even more.) Life isn't fair, but do you treat others fairly, including the outcasts, misfits, and friendless? Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! --- Psalm 106:3 10/16/2009 James 2:12-13 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. The "law of liberty" means you can do whatever you want, right? No, it means that you're at liberty to ignore the temptation of sin. You're also free to speak and act with mercy toward those who wrong you. (Don't expect non-Christians to act like Christians.) The "Law of Love" (or the "Law of Christ in I Corinthians 9:21) requires that you show the same mercy that you were shown when Jesus died to pay your sin debt. When you show mercy, you're leading sinners toward the Savior. They don't deserve mercy, but neither do you! How can you show mercy to others today? 10/15/2009 Proverbs 11:4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 10,000 yesterday for the first time since October 3, 2008. The low point was March 9, 2009 when it was only 6,547. This means that most 401(k), IRA, and other accounts are worth more. However, as the Bible points out, wealth is not to be trusted. It's not that money is evil but that with or without riches, righteousness (walking with the Lord) is what counts in the end. Be glad that your wealth is increasing but don't count on it. Count on the One who "delivers from death" by reading His words (the Bible), talking to Him (prayer), and hanging out with others who also walk with Him. 10/14/2009 Exodus 6:12 But Moses said to the LORD, "Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?" Ever feel small, unimportant, and insignificant? So did Moses. His own people wouldn't listen to him so why would Pharaoh? His complaint about "uncircumcised lips" may have been a reference to his lack of position in the royal court, lack of confidence in his speaking ability, or a stammering problem. Whatever it was, it didn't stop God from using him. What's your excuse? That someone will make fun of you, you'll say the wrong thing, or you won't know the answer to a tough question? God can use your "uncircumcised lips" the same way He did Moses'. Say something today, even if only in passing. The mere mention that you went to church a few days ago could be significant in someone's life. 10/13/2009 Psalm 9:1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I noticed the fall colors while jogging yesterday morning and couldn't help but tell the Lord that His trees are beautiful. Fall colors, of course aren't the only wonderful deeds of the Lord and, if you're paying attention, you'll notice some are happening to you. If a human does a good deed for you, you tell everyone about it. Why keep God's wonderful deeds a secret? Start a conversation today about fall colors or, if someone asks what you did last weekend or what you're going to do this weekend, tell them how the Lord fits into your plans. Recount all His wonderful deeds. 10/12/2009 Exodus 4:20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand. When Moses surrendered to God's will before the burning bush, everything changed and an ordinary stick became "the staff of God." The difference wasn't in the staff, even though God changed it into a snake and then back; the difference was in Moses. When we give our lives to the Lord, everything becomes God's and whatever is in our hands is His to use. It's now the wallet of God, the pen of God, the screwdriver, telephone, computer, or car of God. Allow the Lord to control your hands but make sure they don't hold things He refuses to use such as pornography, alcohol, or anything else that will damage you or those around you. 10/9/2009 Luke 9:25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? One of the religions most Americans follow is materialism. Our conspicuous consumption makes it obvious that we worship "stuff." Houses, cars, technology, clothing, furniture - everything we spend money on indicts us. Watch HGTV for a short time and you'll learn that "only" $25,000 for a bathroom remodel means you're abnormal. Jesus reminds us that all this "stuff" is worthless compared to the human soul. Who or what is your god? Simply look at your checkbook and your Day-Timer. The more time and money you spend on "stuff" the less you worship God. Don't sacrifice your life for something that won't last. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. --- I John 2:17 10/8/2009 Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. If we can see, hear, feel, taste, or smell something, we think it's real and can be trusted. But, have you ever interacted with Abraham Lincoln or George Washington? We only know of them through recorded history and we accept its accuracy by faith. Likewise, no one saw the universe created and science can't reveal what really happened. The best we can do is observe the present and assume the past was the same. The Big Bang and all other theories must be accepted by faith. In what or whom is your faith placed? Science? Your employer? Yourself? There's only One who is all powerful and all knowing. Put your faith in the Lord today! 10/8/2009 Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. During Old Testament times, altars and centers of worship for idols were generally set on hills and under large trees. The hills were closer to the heavens and the trees represented fertility. Keeping in mind that Hebrew poetry usually contrasts ideas, the psalmist is saying that he sees the idols on the hills but his help comes from the Lord. In our culture, "the hills" could be represented by Wall Street, your employer, the White House, your home (yourself), yes, even your church. Will you seek help from "the hills" today or from the Lord, who made heaven and earth? 10/6/2009 Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. The next meal isn't a worry for most Americans. In the first century, when Jesus instructed us to use these words in our prayers, daily bread was the prime concern for almost everyone. Whether it's a major problem or a mundane issue, the Lord wants us to talk to Him about it. Most of us pray at a specific time each day. That's good, but we should also have a continuous conversation with Him throughout the day. Talk to Him today while driving to and from work, while fixing a meal, and when relaxing in front of the TV. He's anxious to hear from you. Pray without ceasing. --- I Thessalonians 5:17 10/5/2009 Psalm 41:1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him. Compared to third world countries, you're wealthy, even if you're jobless and your house is being repossessed. In times of trouble, however, you realize how poor you are physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, or spiritually. That's when you learn that the Lord is there for you. It doesn't mean that He'll simply remove your problems but that He'll help you through them. You might be in a good place right now. If so, do you know anyone who's rich in problems but poor in strength? Let God use you to support them as they go through their struggles. 10/2/2009 Genesis 43:26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. If you know your Bible, you know that Joseph's brothers didn't know they were fulfilling a prophetic dream when they bowed before him. They simply followed proper decorum even though Joseph blackmailed them and took Simeon as a hostage. Today, it's popular to ignore good manners and speak maliciously against current or past presidents, bosses, spouses, and anyone else with whom we disagree. This is improper for a Jesus follower. Instead, we should speak respectfully, especially when we disagree. Be more like Jesus today and put away all "wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk" (Colossians 3:8). Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. --- I Peter 2:17 10/1/2009 Jeremiah 10:24 Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. I often tease that I was wrong once but then realized I wasn't wrong after all - I was wrong about being wrong! In reality, our attitudes and choices are frequently wrong (sin) and we don't even know it because we're too busy comparing ourselves with others. From God's holy perspective, however, we're probably wrong more often than we're right. Is it your desire to be right from God's viewpoint, even if it's a difficult path to take? If so, then our verse is your prayer. Pray it frequently today as you try to faithfully follow Him. 9/30/2009 Genesis 40:8 They said to him, "We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them." And Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me." It seems strange for Joseph to claim that interpretations of dreams belong to God and then say, "Please tell them to me." Could it be that Joseph was so close to the Lord that others didn't question the connection? How obvious is your relationship to Him? Do others recognize that they can talk to you about spiritual matters because you walk with Him? The dream of being firmly identified with God doesn't happen overnight. It takes time as you read the Bible, pray, and hang out with other Jesus followers. Let's follow Joseph's example today. 9/29/2009 Matthew 7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! "Father Knows Best" was a television show in the mid-1950's. The father, played by Robert Young, always knew how best to help his children out of their various problems. Our Heavenly Father is like that, too: He wants the best for His children and He loves it when we ask Him for good things. The problem comes when we ask Him for what we perceive is good, forgetting that He is wiser. Thank Him today for saying "no" to those requests that were not in your best interest, even if you suffered and don't understand why. Remember, your Heavenly Father knows best! 9/28/2009 Luke 9:13 But He said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." It was obvious that the disciples couldn't feed over 5,000 people as Jesus instructed them to. Yet, when they brought those five loaves and two fish to Him, they did! You're no different than Jesus' disciples: you have very meager resources to fulfill the impossible tasks Jesus asks you to do. Yet, when you give Him the little you have, amazing things happen. What do you have that you haven't surrendered to Him yet? Money? Popularity? Clothing? Power? Time? Skill? Give it to Jesus today so He can multiply it and bless many people through you. 9/25/2009 Deuteronomy 11:8 You shall therefore keep the whole commandment that I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and take possession of the land that you are going over to possess. Parents of new drivers frequently take away driving privileges when certain rules are disobeyed. It's not that the new driver forgets how to drive, but disobedience in one area shows a lack of responsibility in another. The same is true for the Christian: when we fail to obey Jesus in one area of life we show we're not ready (or, as our verse says, "strong") to take on the "land" currently controlled by greed, lust, anger, alcoholism, or whatever. As you read your Bible today, ask the question, "What do you want me to do, Lord?" Follow through so that you can "take possession of the land" the Lord wants to give you. 9/24/2009 Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply "Yes" or "No"; anything more than this comes from evil. Chicago's Mayor Daley means what he says. If a reporter tries to change the meaning of his words, he replies with, "That's not what I said." Most other politicians make frequent use of the phrase, "That's not what I meant" and then change the meaning of his or her previous statement. As Christians, there should be no doubt as to the meaning of what we say or do. Those who claim to follow Jesus but allow laziness, lust, materialism, foul language, anger, bitterness, etc. to control them are sending a mixed message. Today, let your life "be simply yes or no" so that others know exactly where you stand. 9/23/2009 Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Slaves do not have the right to do what they want to do; they must follow the wishes of their master or suffer the consequences. Our sin nature is our slave master unless we've accepted the freedom paid for by Jesus when He died. In other words, spiritual slavery is optional! We are now free to love one another instead of always looking out for our own interests. If you've accepted the Lord's redemption, don't go back to the slavery of selfishness but instead make yourself a slave to right living, kindness, and a good attitude. If you're not yet free, why not accept it today? Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? --- Romans 6:16 9/22/2009 Revelation 16:15 Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! A Mayan prophecy says the world will end in 2012. A radio preacher says the Lord will return on October 20, 2011. Prophecies like these tend focus our attention on a specific date and we become desensitized to the present. What if these prophecies, like every prophecy before them (other than in the Bible), are wrong? What if we focus on 2011 or 2012 but the Lord returns in 2009? Or suppose nothing happens? Will we become complacent about sharing the Good News? Jesus says He'll return "like a thief" and thieves don't announce their plans. Are you ready if He returns one hour from now? Are those you know ready? 9/21/2009 Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I have a few friends that I didn't like when we first met. However, as I invested time and energy into their lives, our friendship grew into something to be treasured. In the same way, we must invest time and energy into our relationship with the Lord. As we do, the relationship grows into a treasure. Do you treasure the things of the Lord? If not, you may need to make more deposits of time, energy, and money into the heavenly treasury. Pick someone you don't care for and make regular, spiritual deposits of kindness and sacrifice in the name of Jesus. Not only will you begin to treasure this person, you'll also treasure Jesus more. 9/18/2009 Isaiah 32:3 Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed, and the ears of those who hear will give attention. A bicycle came out of a side street and broadsided the car in front of me. As I pulled over, my passenger wanted to know what we were doing. Not only had he not seen the bicycle, he didn't even see the person lying in the middle of the street! Unfortunately, many of us are blind and deaf to what the Lord is doing. Worse, we sometimes give credit to others or take it for ourselves. Are you like my passenger? When the King reigns in your heart (see Isaiah 32:1), your eyes and ears can give attention to what God is doing and has done. Each time you notice something today, show Him respect by saying "thank you." 9/17/2009 Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! Unlike our poetry, Hebrew poetry doesn't rhyme. It's frequently a study in contrasts. The contrast in our verse is between the one who trusts in the Lord and "the proud... who go astray after a lie," and the lie is the contrast between trusting the Lord and not trusting Him. Trusting ourselves or other humans is pride and God hates it (see Proverbs 16:18, Mark 7:21-23, etc.). While it's fine to consult professionals, good friends, and even your own instincts, putting your trust in them is pride. Will you trust the Lord today or the lie of pride? And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. --- Psalm 9:10 9/16/2009 Psalm 103:15-16 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. You're not going to be on the planet forever. You're merely a blip on history's radar and when you're gone, you'll probably be forgotten. However, you can still leave a legacy. A shoe salesman, Edward Kimball, introduced Dwight L. Moody to Jesus in 1856. Moody passed that legacy on and it continues to this very day. But who introduced Kimball to Jesus? No one remembers but he's left his mark on history. You too can make an impact on others, either positive or negative, whether you're remembered or not. Will you be like "a flower of the field" or will you leave a lasting impression for Jesus? 9/15/2009 Deuteronomy 10:21 He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Moses reminded the people of events such as the crossing of the Red Sea and the fall of Jericho. Those were "great and terrifying" events, but we've never seen anything like that - or have we? Personally, I know what I'd be without Him and it's not a pretty sight. Even though I'm imperfect, it's an amazing and awesome deed that He has done to make me what I am today. My guess is that, if you're honest, you'd have to say the same thing. When was the last time you praised Him for changing you from a lustful, revengeful, materialistic, selfish wreck of a human into a son or daughter of the Almighty, Eternal King of the Universe? 9/14/2009 Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Are you patient? I'm not. I want everything to happen on my timetable and that usually means now. On the other hand, God is very patient and is "not wishing that any should perish" (see II Peter 3:9). As Jesus followers, it's understandable that we're anxious for the many promises we have in Him, but let's be patient like the saints in our verse who lived before us but died before receiving those promises. While you're waiting, give the good news to your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and enemies so they can participate in the promises, too. 9/11/2009 John 7:38 Whoever believes in Me (Jesus), as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." As everyone knows, the glaciers in Alaska are melting. At the point where they're melting it's difficult to see anything happening at all. However, as the droplets merge together, they form rivulets, then streams, and finally rivers. Following Jesus can be like this, too. At first, the changes in one's life seem minuscule and insignificant. Over time, however, they should build into "rivers of living water." To be a river of living water, you must be on the God Adventure every minute of every day. If you're feeling dry, get back into the Bible, pray, and hang out with other believers - and don't forget church this Sunday. 9/10/2009 I Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. In spite of my picky eating habits, some foods, such as cake, pie, candy, bread, and potato chips are irresistible. If I let my body have its way, I'll suffer the consequences. You have other issues but if you don't control your body your spiritual life will suffer. Perhaps you need to get up five minutes earlier in the morning to spend time reading the Bible. Or maybe your problem is watching TV instead of spending time with other Jesus-followers. Whatever it is, today's a great day to let your body know who's boss. If you don't control your body, it will control you and your relationship with Jesus will suffer. 9/9/2009 Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. The first time I went jogging I was lucky to make it to the end of the block. A week later I jogged around the block. Last May I completed a 5K Run for Hungry Children (3.1 miles). Continuous exercise builds endurance. Jesus-followers need endurance, too. Spiritual workouts (reading the Bible, praying, hanging out with other Christians) build endurance to withstand temptation - gossip, foul language, hurtful words, alcohol, lust, materialism, laziness, gluttony, etc. Just as jogging is good for the physical heart, spiritual discipline is good for the spiritual heart. Exercise both of your hearts today! 9/8/2009 I Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Most of us rarely give a second thought to what we say, think, or do. Habits are difficult to break and, in most cases, they're comfortable because we've lived with them so long. Bad habits are destructive to others and/or ourselves, and yet we continue to practice them. Today, let's reconsider our every word, thought, and deed to determine if they're for the "glory of God." Jettison all foul language, hurtful words, alcohol, lust, materialism, laziness, gluttony, etc. Repeat again tomorrow and each day until you've formed a new habit, one that pleases the Lord. 9/4/2009 I Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. Most people know that I don't have the gift of mercy. I'm more likely to say, "Take it like a man" than, "Aw, you poor thing." Does that mean I'm exempt from showing mercy? Of course not! Nor does it mean that you're exempt from teaching, giving, or serving because you don't have those gifts. We must "become all things to all people" so that they experience and hear that God loves them. Today's a great day to show kindness and compassion to the hurting, to serve and encourage the burdened, to teach, give, lead - whatever your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even your enemies need. What will you become today for someone else? 9/3/2009 Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. A client gave me directions to his house and I was happy or "blessed" because I followed them. I gave directions to my house to someone else but he didn't follow them and arrived more than two hours late. He was not "blessed." The Apostle John tells us that if we follow or "keep" the directions or "prophecy" of the Book of Revelation, we will be blessed. In large part, it tell us to worship the Lord. Worship is not restricted to church. You can also worship by serving, giving, and encouraging. And there are always the basics: read the Bible, pray, and hang out with other Christians. How will you worship Him today? 9/2/2009 Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen as His heritage! Some Africans from an American seminary made a presentation at our church as a thank you for sending missionaries to their parents and grandparents. After the presentation, they were asked about Idi Amin, the repressive dictator of Uganda from 1971-1979. The surprising answer from these people who had witnessed his atrocities was to pray for his salvation. Does the government of your country follow the Lord? Whether they do or not, are you praying for your leaders, both national and local? Make it a point to pray for them today. In so doing you'll be helping to make your nation one "whose God is the Lord." 9/1/2009 Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. I'm overwhelmed when there's too much on my plate. That may be a "duh" moment but some people feel overwhelmed 24-7 and it may be caused by worry. Worry, of course, changes nothing. But, if you're going to stop worrying, you need something with which to replace it. That's where verse 33 comes into play. It's easy to say that you trust God but you must put it into practice. "Seek first the kingdom of God" today by reading your Bible for at least five minutes, talking to the Lord throughout the day (prayer), and hanging out with other Christians. As you practice these habits worry will become a thing of the past. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --- Matthew 6:33 8/31/2009 Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Our verse today seems rather obvious but do we really "take refuge in the Lord" or do we "trust in man?" You're going to face at least one problem today. Will you seek advice from a doctor, lawyer, supervisor, or close friend or will you simply rest in the Lord, knowing that He has it all under control? This is not to say you should not seek professional help and guidance, but first seek the Lord and ask for His help and guidance. Not only can He solve your problems, He can guide you to the proper advisor if that's what you need. The best prayer when that problem comes today is probably only one word: "Help!" Pray it! 8/28/2009 Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. Many sermons have been preached on this passage because of its walk-stand-sit progression. The point is that hanging out with the wrong crowd pulls us further and further from the Lord. Consider that the opposite is also true: hanging out with the correct crowd draws us closer and closer to the Lord. With whom will you hang out today? Friends or coworkers in a questionable discussion (lewd jokes, gossip, etc.) or those seeking to become more like Jesus (compassionate, giving, kind, etc.)? Get on the phone, text, turn on the radio, etc. to stay connected to those with a like-minded faith (see Philippians 2:1-2). 8/26/2009 Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. What would you do with $1,000,000? Most of us think about it at least occasionally. In God's economy, however, $1,000,000 is worthless. It's not that money won't help build His kingdom and relieve suffering, He simply doesn't need it. He's fully capable of accomplishing anything and everything without even a cent. What is valuable to Him is a tender, broken heart, one that's willing to say, "Lord, I need you." That's the definition of "poor in spirit." Forget everything of worldly value and become "poor in spirit." That's real wealth! 8/25/2009 Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. I'm a people pleaser. I like people to like me and have been known to do or say things that will make them think better of me. In biblical terms, this is the fear of man. How much better it would be to risk making a few enemies while following the Lord and trying to please Him instead of people. Let's try to focus more on pleasing the Lord today and less on pleasing people. When we act honorably before the Lord, people recognize it and, in most cases, respect us for it. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God *and* man. --- Proverbs 3:3-4 8/21/2009 Job 37:5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. In this verse, the speaker, Elihu, was trying to convince Job that God is far above and beyond all we understand and he used various aspects of creation to illustrate his point. In our day, not only does God do things we don't understand, many times we aren't aware that He did anything at all. Worse, when we do recognize that He's working, we don't give the credit to Whom it belongs. Go on a "God hunt" today: watch for what God is doing, write it in a journal or notebook so you don't forget, and tell someone about your observations. Be sure to thank the Lord for working in your life. 8/20/2009 Psalm 71:14 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. As mentioned in this commentary on more than one occasion, "hope" means "confident expectation." It's not a dream based on desire, some pie-in-the-sky wish. And what is our hope? It's that Jesus will reign and abolish all sin and its results (pain, suffering, etc.). Since we know with certainty that this is a done deal, we should praise Him more and more. How will you praise Him today? With your acts of kindness toward others? With words that reveal that your hope is in the eternal God? No one will know where you place your hope unless you tell them by words and by action. Make a bold statement today! 8/19/2009 Matthew 5:43-44 You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you weren't cut off in traffic today, it happened recently or it soon will. Have you ever thought about praying for those bad drivers? How about praying for someone who "stabbed you in the back" at work? Of course, you could pray that God will make them suffer for what they did to you and, technically, you'd be obeying Jesus. But is that what He means or desires? Today, let's pray that God will bless our enemies, those who persecute us. It's a tall order to pray God's blessings on someone you don't like, but you have a tall God who knows your weaknesses and helps you. 8/18/2009 Isaiah 10:1-2 Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! Slow down! Let's not be quick to assign these verses to our federal, state, and local governments. Instead, let's look in the mirror. Are we oppressive to our employers, taking everything we can and giving as little as possible? Do we deprive the needy of justice by ignoring them, assuming that someone else will step in and help? Of all people on earth, Christians ought to set the example by showing mercy and grace to those who are oppressed and needy. After all, you were oppressed and needy when Jesus sacrificed Himself and died for you. For whom can you sacrifice your time, talents, and treasures today? 8/14/2009 I Kings 10:9 Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, He has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness. It was obvious to the Queen of Sheba that it was the Lord who placed Solomon on the throne. He wasn't there by accident. God had Solomon right where He wanted Him and the same is true of you! You may think you're in the wrong place at the wrong time but, from God's perspective, you're in the right place at the right time - and He doesn't make mistakes. Why are you where you are? "That you may execute justice and righteousness." Pick someone who's been treated unfairly and let him or her know that you're a friend. That's what justice and righteousness is all about. 8/13/2009 Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! I'm not one to try new foods but occasionally I will and find it so good that I go back for seconds. Those who try God find Him to be faithful, true, and worthy of their trust. Then there are those who have tried the Lord but have never gone back for seconds. This is baffling, but we all do it. Are you trying to solve problems on your own or taking refuge in Him? Taking refuge in the Lord isn't relaxing under an umbrella as the sun beats down and the world goes by, it's living in the confidence that He's in control and He'll help you through whatever comes along. Taste Him again for the first time and be reminded of how good He is! 8/12/2009 James 1:13-14 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. I stood at a pinball machine as a teenager and realized how much time and money I was gambling away, hoping the next game would be better. I don't think I ever touched a pinball machine again (or gambled in any other way) since I know it's a weakness. Many of us blame our failures on Satan, but our verse clearly states that we don't need any help from him to be lured away from the Lord. Define at least one area of weakness in which you could be easily "lured and enticed by [your] own desire." Stay as far away from it as you can and enlist the help of a close Christian friend to keep you on the "straight and narrow" (see Matthew 7:13-14). 8/11/2009 James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. My parents lavished gifts on my sisters and me and would have done more if they could. That's the way it is with our Heavenly Father, too. He loves to lavish high quality gifts on us. However, we don't always recognize His many gifts or we complain because we don't have the gifts someone else has. Take a moment today and reflect: is it sunny where you are? Thank Him. Raining? That's a gift, too. Thank Him. Have to work today? Thank Him. Got the day off? Thank Him. Even breathing is a good and perfect gift. God is always giving. Be polite and say "thank you" today. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. --- John 3:16 8/10/2009 Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Like most children, I believed Santa Claus was real. I even called a special telephone number set aside for kids to talk to him. When I got older I never dialed that number again. That's how it is with prayer, too. Those who don't believe God exists don't pray. You know He exists, you pray, and you may have even told others, but what does your life show? Are you all words and no action or is it obvious to others that you "seek Him" and desire to "draw near" to Him? Exercise your faith today by reading your Bible, praying, and hanging out with other Christians. That pleases the Lord and He'll reward you. 8/7/2009 John 14:13 Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. A friend asked me to pick up some industrial equipment for him. When I used his name, they were willing to give me anything I asked for because they knew it was for his benefit. Had I used my own name they would have turned me away. When you go to the heavenly will call desk in prayer, are you asking for what will benefit Jesus and His kingdom or for what will benefit you? Is the focus of your prayer to glorify the Father or someone else? When you pray today, pray in and for the name and benefit of the Lord. When you do, you can be sure your prayer will be answered. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. --- James 4:3 8/6/2009 Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. The stock market is a so-called "leading indicator." It's one of the early signs that an economy is improving or declining. Employment, on the other hand, is a "lagging indicator." Increasing employment isn't a prediction of an improving economy but confirmation that it has. It appears we're somewhere between at the moment with an improving stock market and unemployment. Maybe that's where you are: your retirement plan's value is increasing but you're unemployed. If so, now's the time to be "looking to Jesus." If you're fine with the economy and everyone around you, now's the time to be "looking to Jesus." And remember, you're "the joy that was set before Him" when He suffered and died. 8/5/2009 Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. In theological terms, "hope" means "confident expectation," not a wish that may or may not happen. Even The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as "a wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of it's fulfillment." Why should our hope in salvation through Jesus be confident? Because "He who promised is faithful." That is, He has never been unfaithful in the past and He cannot be unfaithful in the future. Compare that to the government, your employer, friends, and even yourself. "Hold fast" to your hope in Him today by living as He commanded (see below). It may give you the opportunity to share your hope with others. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. --- John 13:34 8/4/2009 II Peter 3:11-12 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! Scary verses! Some commentators say this is what happens in an atomic explosion except that it's everything in the universe. Jesus followers, of course, have nothing to fear. But what about your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers, and even your enemies? This is why we're to live "lives of holiness and godliness," so that those destined to be "dissolved" can experience the love of God and be saved from certain destruction. What will others experience when they interact with you today, a Jesus follower or someone who's headed for the same destruction they are? 8/3/2009 James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Why did people go to church yesterday? To see friends, please God, impress others, or because "it's the right thing to do." There are many reasons to go to church but it's mere religion unless it's to worship and honor the Lord. "Pure and undefiled" religion is what we practice day by day: helping those who can't help themselves and avoiding the pollution of the world's evil desires in ourselves. You probably went to church yesterday but today is the day to practice your religion. Find someone who's hurting and care for them like Jesus would. That's "pure and undefiled before God." P.S. Are you more concerned about polluting the world or the world polluting you? 7/31/2009 II Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. "If it feels good, do it." Murder? "To each his own." Child abuse? "I can do whatever I want." I doubt the traffic cop would agree. This messy thinking is simply selfishness, as are "evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). The Christian cannot afford to have this junk in his mind; it damages us, those around us, and the Lord's reputation. What have you been thinking about lately? If your thoughts are not true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (see Philippians 4:8), take them captive today. "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." 7/30/2009 Proverbs 21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. The U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed in 1998 and over 300 died. The USS Cole was bombed in 2000 and 17 sailors were killed. The attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 resulted in 2,645 dead. We may not understand why God allows atrocities like this to occur, but that doesn't mean He's not in control. Many more could have been killed or injured but weren't and some people are now Jesus followers because of these attacks. God is not only in control, He's patient and doesn't want anyone to perish without the chance to be part of His family (see II Peter 3:9). When you're attacked today, remember that you're in God's family and there's nothing your Father can't handle. Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. --- I Peter 4:19 7/29/2009 II Corinthians 2:15-16 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? When I opened my office window this morning it was obvious there had been a skunk nearby. I didn't see it, but the odor lingered. Perfume can have this quality, too, except it's usually pleasant. As a Jesus follower, what kind of odor lingers around you? Do people envy your relationship with Jesus or are they glad they don't have to walk with Him? A movie director once passed through a picket line and said to his companion, "If it weren't for you I'd think all Christians were crazy." Do your companions smell the fragrance of life and death as you try to introduce them to Jesus? Or do they smell nothing at all because you're not following Him? 7/28/2009 Colossians 3:11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Our next door neighbor is Chinese and across the street is a Muslim family from India. Down the street is a family from Mexico, around the corner is a Korean Church, and there are many other nationalities represented in our town. Today's verse is usually used to ensure that everyone knows that anyone can follow Jesus. However, the apostle Paul was writing to those who already claimed to follow the Lord. How do you treat your brothers and sisters in the Lord? Does their nationality, the color of their skin, or their neighborhood cause you to treat them differently than your best friend? Go out of your way today to make others feel welcome in the body of believers. 7/27/2009 I Kings 11:4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. I discovered that my computer's hard drive was full this morning and it wouldn't run well until I got the junk off it. Our hearts get like that when we fill them with bad relationships, bitterness, materialism, anger, and other things. Like Solomon 3,000 years ago, our hearts' spiritual software doesn't work well when that happens. The good news is that you can clean the bad stuff off your heart's hard drive (confess and repent) and then load good programs through Bible reading, prayer, and hanging out with other Christians. Even better is that the good, spiritual software is designed to help keep your heart's hard drive clean so you can be "wholly true to the Lord." 7/24/2009 Acts 28:27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. Guitar players develop callouses on their fingers. If they lay down their instrument for an extended period of time, the callouses begin to soften and disappear. When they pick up the guitar again, it's painful to play as the strings dig into their soft fingertips. The human heart is much like a guitar player's fingers: the more we play with sin the more our hearts are insensitive to the still, small voice of God. Where are the callouses in your life that need to be softened and disappear? The more you continue to play, the less likely it is that you'll walk faithfully with the Lord. Large or small, stop playing with what you know to be wrong today. 7/23/2009 II Peter 1:2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. I'll collect almost anything. Some collections never fail to give me joy while interest in others quickly fades. Peter advises us to collect "the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." The reason for collecting it is so that "grace and peace [will] be multiplied" in us. Are you filled with peace in spite of all the turmoil around you? Do you show grace to those who do you wrong? If not, you may be lacking "in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." As you read your Bible today collect answers to the question, "Who are you Lord?" Remember, however, that the goal is not a collection of knowledge but that "grace and peace" might be multiplied in you. 7/22/2009 Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Some language is inappropriate for the Christian regardless of the situation or company. It's not simply certain words that should be avoided, either, because our words convey our attitudes toward God, other people, and even ourselves. The glib use of God's name, for example - "Oh, my God" or even "OMG" - shows that we care little about our creator. And, if we care little about Him, it's likely we care little about anyone else. Today's a great day to wash your mouth out with soap! Eliminate any speech that is derogatory, harsh, or course and replace it with words that are kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. --- Ephesians 4:31-32 7/21/2009 I Peter 2:16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Our natural proclivity is to do evil. When we decide to follow Jesus, we're set free from that enslavement. What we sometimes forget is that our freedom from evil makes us slaves to God (see Romans 6:16): we're free from sin and free to do good. Some of us have the mistaken idea that we're free to do anything. Peter roundly refutes this notion. Remember, anything that gets between you and God is evil. Use the delete key today on questionable attitudes, behaviors, and habits; use the insert key liberally on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23). 7/20/2009 Amos 5:14 Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. The ancient Israelites, like many of us, claim to have God with us. It's obvious whether this is a true statement based on the way we live. Seeking good is an indicator that we're walking with Him while living in an evil way is an indicator that we're living for ourselves. The problem comes when we don't recognize that a given activity, behavior, or attitude separates us from him. For example, relaxing with friends after work may not be inherently evil, but if it keeps you or them from the Lord, it is. Anything that gets between you and God is evil. What evil is in your life? What must you do today to get rid of it? 7/17/2009 I Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Being self-controlled and sober-minded is great advice when it comes to employment, relationships, and operating machinery - but prayer? Everything suffers with a cluttered mind, including prayer. Since it's the communication link to your creator, it's a big mistake to make it second class to anything else. What's cluttering your mind? Lust? Materialism? Revenge? Money? Fantasizing about what could have been? It's time to put the garbage out by putting in the good, righteous, and holy through Bible reading, Christian radio and music, and going to church this and every Sunday. Get the lead out so you can pray! Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. --- Romans 12:2a 7/16/2009 Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. We frequently hear about politicians and/or their aids who must resign because they didn't pay their taxes, had a questionable relationship (monetary or sexual), or even because they told an off-color joke. We're disappointed when failings like these are brought to light because we hold them to a higher standard and expect better behavior. When you've been called by God to be part of His family, He expects better from you, too, and both He and those around you are disappointed if you don't meet those higher expectations. Let's examine our lives today and jettison any behavior or speech that, although acceptable in other circles, is questionable in His sight. 7/15/2009 II Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Are you a 90 pound weakling? You probably weigh more than 90 pounds and no one wants to be identified as a weakling, but the truth is, we all are. We may wear masks to hide our true identities but we all need help. The Apostle Paul understood this but, unlike us, he recognized that weakness is an opportunity to trust God more. Do you feel like people and/or circumstances are walking all over you? Like Paul, you should be glad, focus on the Lord, and let His power rest on you - not so you can beat up the competition but so you can reflect Him to others. 7/14/2009 Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before Me. We seem to ignore this, the first of the Ten Commandments. It's not that we're looking to worship false gods but rather that, since idolatry isn't a problem, we don't need to keep this verse front and center. However, while we may not have idols, graven images, and the like, worship of false gods such as fame, fortune, power, and pleasure is still a problem. These gods appear in our lives as anger, bitterness, lust, gluttony, selfishness, materialism, etc. If it takes precedence over God, even if it's only occasionally, it's a false god. Do you bow and worship at the altar of a false god or the true and living God? Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. --- Colossians 3:5 7/13/2009 John 6:9 There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? Jesus was about to feed 5,000 men plus women and children from five loaves and two fish. It occurs to me that He did this because they were needy and had no way to solve the problem on their own. If everyone had a box lunch with them that day, there would have been no need for a miracle. Are you feeling needy - without a job, family problems, interpersonal relationships going south? Do you lack a solution to whatever problems you're facing? It's never enjoyable to be in a needy place, but that's where we're most likely to see the Lord working in our lives. Leave your box lunch of solutions at home, go listen to Jesus, and let Him provide solutions to your problems. 7/10/2009 I Corinthians 10:23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. I got into the car after midnight last week and there was a discussion on the radio about what's appropriate in TV commercials. The basic idea was that some things are only appropriate after children have gone to bed. Most of the callers to the show agreed with the host. However, does the time of day dictate what is appropriate and what is not? Likewise, in the Christian life, not everything is appropriate (or "lawful"), regardless of the situation or the company. Hebrew National's slogan is, "We answer to a higher authority." So do Christians. Is your speech and conduct rated "G" at all times and in all places? 7/9/2009 I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Who says Christianity is easy? Be joyful when facing an uncertain medical diagnosis? Be prayerful when the chores of daily life are crushing you? Be thankful when being laid off? Of course, it's much easier when your focus is on Jesus and Heaven instead of the medical diagnosis, chores, or employment. "This is God's will for you" because this was Jesus' attitude as he faced a torturous death - and He was glad to do it for you (see Hebrews 12:2). Today, let your face display your joyfulness, talk to God (silently or our loud) as though He was right next to you (He is!), and make your words and behavior match your attitude of gratitude. 7/8/2009 Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"? As I listened to Christian radio yesterday, a comment caught my attention. Although I can't quote it exactly, it had the intent that we're more wretched and sinful that we believe we are but we're unbelievably forgiven and welcome by God. Such contrasts and only possible because of God's grace, mercy, and patience! Obviously, no one can answer the question in our verse positively because, on our own, we can't do it. Only God can make us pure and clean and He did it through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. When was the last time you thanked Him for making you pure and clean and for welcoming you into His arms? 7/7/2009 Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His Name in serving the saints, as you still do. Life is tough and sometimes it's even worse. We try to do good but when the tough times pile up, we get tired and wonder if it's really worth it. After all, if no one notices that I'm trying to honor God, why bother? But God always notices; it's just that we don't always notice that He notices and we get discouraged. However, whether we see an immediate reward from Him or not, we should continue to do good and show love in and for His Name. Are you weary? Don't give up. Give someone a hand today or speak a word of encouragement. God will not "overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His Name."