Fiery Conversation
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Posted:Jul 2, 2015 2:38 am
Last Updated:Jul 2, 2015 2:38 am 30242 Views
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Read: James 3:2-10
Bible in a Year: Job 22–24; Acts 11
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.
Colossians 4:6
Where I come from in northern Ghana, bush fires are regular occurrences in the dry season between December and March. I’ve witnessed many acres of farmland set ablaze when the winds carried tiny embers from fireplaces or from cigarette butts carelessly thrown by the roadside. With the dry grassland vegetation, all that is needed to start a devastating fire is a little spark.
That is how James describes the tongue, calling it “a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:6 niv). A false statement made here or backbiting there, a vicious remark somewhere else, and relationships are destroyed. “The words of the reckless pierce like swords,” says Proverbs 12:18, “but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (niv). Just as fire has both destructive and useful elements, so “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (18:21).
For conversation that reflects God’s presence in us and pleases Him, let it “always be with grace” (Col. 4:6). When expressing our opinions during disagreements, let’s ask God to help us choose wholesome language that brings honor to Him.
Guide my conversation today, Lord. May the words I choose bless and encourage others and build them up rather than tear them down. May You be pleased with what You hear.
Anger can make us speak our mind when we should be minding our speech.
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Raise Your Hand
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Posted:Jul 1, 2015 4:14 am
Last Updated:Jul 1, 2015 4:17 am 30626 Views
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Read: John 4.7-15,28-30
Bible in a Year: Job 20.21; Acts 10.24-48
God did not send His into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3.17
The St. Olaf Choir from Northfield, Minnesota, is renowned for making beautiful music. One reason for its excellence is the selection process. Applicants are chosen based not only on how well they sing but also on how they sound as part of the whole. Another reason is that all members agree to make the choir their first priority and commit to a rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule.
One of the things that intrigues me the most about this choir is what happens during rehearsals. Whenever members make a mistake, they raise their hand. Instead of trying to hide the blunder, they call attention to it! This allows the conductor to help each singer learn the difficult part, and it increases the likelihood of a flawless performance.
I think this is the kind of community Jesus was establishing when He told Nicodemus that God sent His into the world to save it, not condemn it John 3.17. Shortly after this conversation, Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at the public well. He made it easy for her to admit failure by promising her a better way of life where she could enjoy His forgiveness John 4
As members of Christ's body on Earth, we should not fear admitting our wrongs but welcome it as an opportunity to together experience and rejoice in the forgiveness of God.
Lord, it's our tendency to hide our sins and flaws. May we come to You in full honesty, understanding that we are loved and forgiven by You.
We can't put our sins behind us until we are ready to face them.
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Christ the Redeemer
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Posted:Jun 30, 2015 5:35 am
Last Updated:May 5, 2024 1:35 am 30553 Views
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Read: Job 19.23-29
Bible in a Year: Job 17.19; Acts 10.1-23
I know that my Redeemer lives. Job 19.25
The famous statue Christ the Redeemer overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro. The statue is a model of Christ with His arms extended so that His body forms the shape of a cross. Brazilian architect Heitor da Silva Costa designed the figure. He imagined that the city's residents would see it as the first image to emerge from the darkness at dawn. At dusk, he hoped the city dwellers would view the setting sun as a halo behind the statue's head.
There is value in keeping our eyes on our Redeemer each day, during the good times and the difficult times. As he suffered, Job said, I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth
Job 19.25
The cry of Job's heart points us to Jesus our living Savior who will visit the earth again one day 1 Thess. 4.16-18. Keeping our eyes on Jesus means remembering that we have been rescued from our sin. Jesus gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people Titus 2.14.
Anyone who has accepted Jesus as Savior has a reason to be glad today. No matter what we endure on earth, we can have hope today and look forward to enjoying eternity with Him.
Dear Jesus, You are my rescuer. Because You died and rose again, I am free from the consequences of my sin forever. Thank You for redeeming my life.
Through His cross and resurrection, Jesus rescues and redeems
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Rescuing the Reluctant
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Posted:Jun 29, 2015 2:35 am
Last Updated:Jun 29, 2015 2:37 am 32433 Views
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Read: Genesis 19,12-25
Bible in a Year: Job 14.16; Acts 9.22-43
The men took hold of his hand, . . . the Lord being merciful to him, and they . . . set him outside the city. Genesis 19.16
Many years ago during a water safety class, we were taught how to save a drowning person who is resisting rescue. Approach the person from behind, the instructor told us. Place one arm across the person's chest and flailing arms, and swim toward safety. If you approach from the front, the person may grab you and pull both of you down. Panic and fear can paralyze the ability to think and act wisely.
When two angels sent by God came to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah
Gen. 19,12-13, they encountered resistance. Lot's sons-in-law thought the warning was a joke v. 14. When the angels told Lot to hurry and leave, he hesitated v. 15. At that point, the two angels took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, and led them safely out of the city because God was merciful toward them v. 16.
When we reflect on our journey of faith in Christ, we can see God's faithfulness in overcoming our reluctance and resistance. When we encounter people lashing out in spiritual desperation and fear, may we have God's wisdom to show His love to them and to every person who is reluctant to be rescued by Him.
Father, as I look at my own heart, I know I have resisted You and have been reluctant at times to come to You. Thank You for Your mercy. Help me to share with others who You are.
God's mercy can overcome our resistance.
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Hidden Mysteries
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Posted:Jun 26, 2015 1:47 am
Last Updated:Jun 26, 2015 1:50 am 33372 Views
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Read: 2 Kings 6:15.23
Bible in a Year: Job 5.7; Acts 8.1-25
Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. 2 Kings 6.16
Most of what goes on in the universe we never see. Many things are too small or move too fast or even too slow for us to see. Using modern technology, however, filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg is able to show stunning video images of some of those things a caterpillar's mouth, the eye of a fruit fly, the growth of a mushroom.
Our limited ability to see the awesome and intricate detail of things in the physical world reminds us that our ability to see and understand what's happening in the spiritual realm is equally limited. God is at work all around us doing things more wonderful than we can imagine. But our spiritual vision is limited and we cannot see them. The prophet Elisha, however, actually got to see the supernatural work that God was doing. God also opened the eyes of his fearful colleague so he too could see the heavenly army sent to fight on their behalf 2 Kings 6.17.
Fear makes us feel weak and helpless and causes us to think we are alone in the world. But God has assured us that His Spirit in us is greater than any worldly power 1 John 4.4.
Whenever we become discouraged by the evil we can see, we need to think instead about the good work God is doing that we cannot see.
Lord, I'm tempted to fear what I cannot understand or control. But my security rests in You and not in what happens to me or around me. Help me to rest in Your unfailing love.
Eyes of faith see God at work in everything.
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Worth It All
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Posted:Jun 25, 2015 1:22 am
Last Updated:Jun 26, 2015 1:47 am 33363 Views
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Read: 1 Corinthians 15:30-38
Bible in a Year: Job 3.4; Acts 7:44-60
What you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 1 Corinthians 15.36
By the end of the 4th century, followers of Christ were no longer being fed to the lions for the entertainment of Roman citizens. But the games of death continued until the day one man jumped out of the crowd in a bold attempt to keep two gladiators from killing each other.
His name was Telemachus. As a desert monk, he had come to Rome for the holidays only to find himself unable to tolerate the bloodlust of this popular pastime. According to the 5th-century bishop and church historian Theodoret, Telemachus cried out for the violence to stop but was stoned to death by the crowd. The Emperor Honorius heard about his courageous act and ordered an end to the games.
Some may question Telemachus. Was his action the only way to protest a tragic blood sport? The apostle Paul asked a similar question of himself: Why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?
1 Cor. 15.30. In
2 Corinthians 11.22-33, he chronicled some of his travails for the love of Christ, many of which could have killed him. Had it all been worth it?
In Paul's mind the matter was settled. Trading things that will soon come to an end for honor that will last forever is a good investment. In the resurrection, a life that has been lived in behalf of Christ and others is seed for an eternity we will never regret.
Give us courage, Father, to make and live by choices that show the difference the love of Jesus makes in our lives. Help us not to trade away eternal values for convenience and comfort.
Now is the time to invest in eternity.
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Walking on Water
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Posted:Jun 24, 2015 4:10 am
Last Updated:Jun 25, 2015 1:26 am 33474 Views
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Read: Matthew 14.22-33
Bible in a Year: Job 1.2; Acts 7.22-43
Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. Matthew 14.27
When I learned to sail, I had to walk along a very unsteady floating platform to reach the little boats in which we had our lessons. I hated it. I don't have a good sense of balance and was terrified of falling between the platform and the boat as I attempted to get in. I nearly gave up. " fix your eyes on me, said the instructor. I'm here, and I'll catch you if you slip. I did what he said, and I am now the proud possessor of a basic sailing proficiency certificate!
Do you avoid taking risks at all costs? Many of us are reluctant to step out of our comfort zones in case we fail, get hurt, or look stupid. But if we allow that fear to bind us, we'll end up afraid to do anything.
The story of Peter's water-walking adventure and why it supposedly failed is a popular choice for preachers Matt. 14.22-33. But I don't think I've ever heard any of them discuss the behavior of the rest of the disciples. In my opinion, Peter was a success. He felt the fear but responded to the call of Jesus anyway. Maybe it was those who never tried at all who failed.
Jesus risked everything for us. What are we prepared to risk for Him?
Father, thank You for stretching out Your hand and saying, Come. Help me to get out of the boat, knowing that it is totally safe to walk on water with You.
Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
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Shopping with Liam
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Posted:Jun 23, 2015 3:26 am
Last Updated:Jun 23, 2015 3:29 am 33469 Views
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Read: Genesis 3.14-19
Bible in a Year: Esther 9.10; Acts 7.1-21
He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3.15
My Liam loves to pick dandelions for his mother. To date, she hasn't wearied of receiving them. One man's weed is a little boy's flower.
One day I took Liam shopping with me. As we hurried past the floral section, he pointed excitedly to an arrangement of yellow tulips. Daddy, he exclaimed,you should get those dandelions for Mommy! His advice made me laugh. It made a pretty good Facebook post on his mother's page too. (By the way, I bought the tulips.)
Some see in weeds a reminder of Adam's sin. By eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve brought on themselves the curse of a fallen worldrelentless work, agonizing birth, and eventual death
Gen. 3:.16-19.
else. There is beauty even in weeds. The anguish of childbirth holds hope for us all. Death is ultimately defeated. The Seed God spoke of in Genesis 3.15 would wage war with the serpent's offspring. That Seed is Jesus Himself, who rescued us from the curse of death Gal. 3.16.
The world may be broken, but wonder awaits us at every turn. Even weeds remind us of the promise of redemption and a Creator who loves us.
Help us, Father, to find You even in the midst of all life's pain and aggravations. Forgive us for so often overlooking the beauty You have planted everywhere.
Creation reminds us of the promise of redemption.
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The Challenge Of Transition
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Posted:Jun 22, 2015 3:55 am
Last Updated:Jun 22, 2015 3:56 am 33336 Views
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Read: Joshua 1.6-11
Bible in a Year: Esther 6–8; Acts 6
Be strong and very courageous. —Joshua 1.7
After former professional athlete Chris Sanders suffered a career-ending injury, he told a group of military veterans that although he had never experienced combat, “I understand the pressures of transitions.”
Whether it’s the loss of a job, the loss of a marriage, a serious illness, or a financial setback, every major change brings challenges. The former athlete told the soldiers that the key to success when you are transitioning into a new way of living is to reach out and get help.
The book of Joshua is recommended reading whenever we find ourselves in transition. After 40 years of wandering and setbacks, God’s people were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses, their great leader, had died, and Joshua, his assistant, was in charge.
God told Joshua to “be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” Josh. 1.7. God’s words of direction were to be the bedrock of Joshua’s leadership in every situation.
The Lord’s charge and promise to Joshua apply to us as well: “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” v. 9.
He is with us in every transition.
Father, I’m bringing You my trials and frustrations. You know each and every detail. Please comfort me as only You can, and provide exactly what I need for today. Help me give my unfulfilled expectations to You, trusting You’re working out a plan for me.
God remains faithful in every change.
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Look At The Tassels
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Posted:Jun 19, 2015 1:04 am
Last Updated:Jun 19, 2015 1:05 am 32942 Views
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Read: Numbers 15:37-41
Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 12–13; Acts 4:23-37
Remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them.
Numbers 15:39
Best-selling author Chaim Potok began his novel The Chosen by describing a baseball game between two Jewish teams in New York City. Reuven Malter, the book’s main character, notices that the opposing players’ uniforms have a unique accessory—four long ropelike tassels that extend below each teammate’s shirt. Reuven recognizes the tassels as a sign of strict obedience to God’s Old Testament laws.
The history of these fringes—known as tzitzit—began with a message from God. Through Moses, God told His people to create tassels containing some strands of blue thread and attach them to the four corners of their top garments (Num. 15:38. God said, “You may look upon [the tassels] and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them”
(v. 39.
God’s memory device for the ancient Israelites has a parallel for us today. We can look at Christ who consistently kept the whole law in our place and obeyed His heavenly Father (John 8:29). Having received His work on our behalf, we now “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Rom. 13:14). Keeping our eyes on God’s helps us to honor our heavenly Father.
Dear Jesus, thank You for being my spiritual role model. Help me to walk in Your steps so that I can honor and obey God with the Holy Spirit’s help.
If Christ is the center of your life, you’ll always be focused on Him.
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