Calming The Storm
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Posted:May 26, 2015 3:52 am
Last Updated:May 26, 2015 3:54 am 25655 Views
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Read: Mark 4.35-41
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29; John 9.24-41
He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4.39
While Hurricane Katrina headed toward the coast of Mississippi, a retired pastor and his wife left their home and went to a shelter. Their pleaded with them to go to Atlanta where she could take care of them, but the couple couldn't get any money to make the trip because the banks were closed. After the storm had passed, they returned to their home to get a few belongings, and were able to salvage only a few family photos floating in the water. Then, when the man was taking his father's photo out of its frame so it could dry, $366 fell out precisely the amount needed for two plane tickets to Atlanta. They learned they could trust Jesus for what they needed.
For the disciples, trusting Jesus in a storm was the curriculum for the day in the dramatic narrative of Mark 4.35-41. Jesus had instructed His disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and then He went to sleep in the boat. When a quick and violent storm blew in, the disciples dripped as much with fear and anxiety as water from the waves. They woke Jesus, saying, Teacher, don't you care if we drown? v.38 . Jesus stood up and with three words, Peace, be still! He muzzled the storm.
We all experience storms persecutions, financial troubles, illnesses, disappointments, loneliness and Jesus does not always prevent them. But He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us Heb. 13.5. He will keep us calm in the storm.
Are you in a storm? What do you know about God's character that could help bring calm to your heart?
In the storms of life, we can see the character of our God.
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Our Strength And Song
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Posted:May 25, 2015 3:45 am
Last Updated:May 25, 2015 3:48 am 25240 Views
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Read: Exodus 15:1-2,13-18
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 25-27; John 9:1-23
The Lord shall reign forever and ever. Exodus 15.18
Often called The March King, composer and band director John Philip Sousa created music that has been played by bands around the world for more than a hundred years. As Loras John Schissel, music historian and conductor of the Virginia Grand Military Band, said, Sousa is to marches what Beethoven is to symphonies. Sousa understood the power of music to motivate, encourage, and inspire people.
In Old Testament times, the people of Israel were often inspired to compose and sing songs to celebrate God's help during times of need. When the Lord saved His people from certain destruction by Pharaoh's army, Moses and the of Israel sang this song to the Lord . . . I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The and its rider He has thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation (Ex. 15.1-2).
Music has the power to lift our spirits by reminding us of God's faithfulness in the past. When we're discouraged, we can sing songs and hymns that raise our eyes from the challenging circumstances we face to see the power and presence of the Lord. We are reminded that He is our strength, our song, and our salvation.
Trust in Him, ye saints, forever
He is faithful, changing never;
Neither force nor guile can sever
Those He loves from Him.
Songs of praise raise our eyes to see God's faithfulness.
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Wisdom Seekers
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Posted:May 22, 2015 1:53 am
Last Updated:May 22, 2015 1:54 am 24974 Views
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Read: Proverbs 3:1-18
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 16-18; John 7:28-53
Blessed are those who find wisdom. Proverbs 3.13
Every spring colleges and universities hold commencement ceremonies to celebrate the success of students who have completed their studies and earned their degrees. After the students cross the stage, these graduates will enter a world that will challenge them. Just having academic knowledge won't be good enough. The key to success in life will be in wisely applying everything they have learned.
Throughout Scripture, wisdom is celebrated as a treasure that is worth seeking. It is better than riches Prov. 3.13-18. Its source is God, who alone is perfectly wise Rom. 16.27. And it is found in the actions and attitude of Jesus, in whom all the treasures of wisdom are found
Col. 2:3. Wisdom comes from reading and applying the Scripture. We have an example of this in the way Jesus applied His knowledge when He was tempted Luke 4.1-13. In other words, the truly wise person tries to see life from God's point of view and chooses to live according to His wisdom.
What's the payoff for this kind of life? Proverbs tells us that wisdom is like sweetness of honey on the tongue ). So seek wisdom, for it is more profitable than silver or gold!
Lord, strengthen my resolve to live by the wisdom that comes only from You. Give me the discernment to live all of life from Your point of view that I might know the blessings of a life lived wisely.
Blessing comes from seeking wisdom and living by it.
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New Start For A Broken Heart
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Posted:May 21, 2015 1:56 am
Last Updated:May 21, 2015 1:58 am 24945 Views
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Read: Isaiah 61.1-3
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 13-15; John 7:1-27
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted. ÂÂIsaiah 61:1
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia, is filled with anonymously donated remnants of love gone wrong. There is an axe that a jilted lover used to destroy the furniture of an offending partner. Stuffed animals, love letters framed in broken glass, and wedding dresses all speak volumes of heartache. While some visitors to the museum leave in tears over their own loss, some couples depart with hugs and a promise not to fail each other.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah wrote, The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted
Isa. 61.1 When Jesus read from Isaiah 61 at the synagogue in Nazareth, He said, Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing Luke 4.21. Extending far beyond help for an emotional wound, Isaiah's words speak of a changed heart and a renewed spirit that come by receiving God's gift of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness Isa. 61.3.
All of us have experienced regret and broken promises in our lives. Whatever has happened, the Lord invites us to find healing, hope, and new life in Him.
Lord, You are the promise-keeping God who has said He will make all things new. Today we give You our ashes in exchange for Your beauty, our mourning for the joy of finding comfort in You. Thank You!
God can transform tragedies into triumphs.
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Guard Your Focus
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Posted:May 20, 2015 4:02 am
Last Updated:May 20, 2015 4:04 am 28265 Views
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Read: 1 Corinthians 3.1-9
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 10-12; John 6.45-71
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 1.:2
That's my disciple, I once heard a woman say about someone she was helping. As followers of Christ we are all tasked with making disciples and sharing the good news of Christ with people and helping them grow spiritually. But it can be easy to focus on ourselves instead of Jesus.
The apostle Paul was concerned that the Corinthian church was losing its focus on Christ. The two best-known preachers in those days were Paul and Apollos. The church was divided: I follow Paul.Well, I follow Apollos! They had begun focusing on the wrong person, following the teachers rather than the Savior. But Paul corrected them. We are God's fellow workers. It doesn't matter who God can give the growth. Christians are God', God's building
1 Cor. 3.6-9. The Corinthian believers didn't belong to Paul nor to Apollos.
Jesus tells us to go and make disciples and to teach them about Him (Matt. 28:20). And the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us to focus on the Author and Finisher of our faith 12.2 Christ will be honored when we focus on Him; He is superior to any human being and He will meet our needs.
Father, I confess that it is easy to shift my focus from You to less important things. Thank You for putting people in my life that help point me to You. Help me point others to You in a way that makes You more and me less.
Put Jesus first.
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The Great Healer
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Posted:May 19, 2015 3:04 am
Last Updated:May 20, 2015 4:02 am 30362 Views
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Read: Genesis 2.7-15
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 7-9; John 6:22-44
I am the Lord, who heals you. Exodus 15:26
The doctors I know are smart, hard-working, and compassionate. They have relieved my suffering on many occasions, and I am grateful for their expertise in diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, setting broken bones, and stitching up wounds. But this does not mean that I place my faith in physicians rather than in God.
For reasons known only to God, He appointed humans to be His partners in the work of caring for creation Gen. 2.15, and doctors are among them. Doctors study medical science and learn how God designed the body. They use this knowledge to help restore us to a healthy condition. But the only reason doctors can do anything to make us better is that God created us with the ability to heal. Surgeons would be useless if incisions didn't heal.
Scientists can learn how God created our bodies to function, and they devise therapies to help restore or cure us, but they are not healers;
God is Ex. 1526. Doctors simply cooperate with God's original intent and design.
So I am grateful for science and doctors, but my praise and thanksgiving go to God, who designed an orderly universe and who created us with minds that can discover how it works. I believe, therefore, that all healing is divine because no healing takes place apart from God.
Father God, You are the Great Physician, and I ask for healing, whether mind, body, spirit, or in all of these. I believe You will give what is best. Thank You for Your goodness, kindness, and love in all things.
When you think of all that's good, give thanks to God.
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One Step Closer
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Posted:May 18, 2015 5:19 am
Last Updated:May 18, 2015 5:21 am 29861 Views
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Read: Romans 13:10-14
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 4-6; John 6:1-21
Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
Romans 13.11
Some years ago a friend and I set out to climb Mount Whitney. At 14,505 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. We arrived at Whitney Portal late one evening, rolled out our sleeping bags at base camp, and tried to get some sleep before we began our ascent at first light. Whitney is not a technical climb but rather a long, exhausting walk 11 miles of relentless ascent.
The climb, though hard-going, was exhilarating, with stunning vistas, beautiful blue lakes, and lush meadows along the way. But the trail grew long and exhausting, a test for legs and lungs. I thought of turning back as the day wore on and the trail seemed to stretch endlessly before us.
Occasionally, however, I caught a glimpse of the summit and realized that each step was bringing me one step closer. If I just kept walking,
I would get there. That was the thought that kept me going.
Paul assures us, Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed Rom. 13.11 Every day brings us one day closer to that great day when we shall summit and see our Savior's face. That's the thought that can keep us going.
Dear Lord, may I, for the joy set before me, endure with patience the hardship of the trail. When my journey is over, I will see You face to face and live with You forever.
Now we see Jesus in the Bible, but someday we'll see Him face to face.
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A Survivor's Thoughts
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Posted:May 15, 2015 4:08 am
Last Updated:May 18, 2015 5:20 am 29457 Views
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Read: Romans 9:1-5
Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 22-23; John 4:31-54
I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren.Romans 9:3
After a 71-year-old South Korean woman was rescued during the tragic sinking of a ferry boat, she struggled with survivor's guilt. From her hospital bed she said she couldn't understand how it could be right for her to have lived through an accident that had taken the lives of many who were so much younger. She also regretted not knowing the name of the young man who had pulled her out of the water after she had given up hope. Then she added, I want to buy him a meal at least, or hold his hand, or give him a hug.
This woman's heart for others reminds me of the apostle Paul. He was so concerned about his neighbors and countrymen that he said he wished he could trade his own relationship with Christ for their rescue:
I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren Rom. 9.2-3.
Paul also expressed a deep sense of personal gratitude. He knew he didn't understand the ways and judgments of God vv.14-24. So while doing everything he could to proclaim the gospel to all, he found peace and joy in trusting the heart of a God who loves the whole world so much more than we ever could.
Lord God, Your ways are so far beyond our comprehension, yet we know without doubt that You love us. Help us trust Your loving heart with the things we don't understand.
Gratitude to God leads to growth in godliness.
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Listening With Love
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Posted:May 14, 2015 3:31 am
Last Updated:May 16, 2015 5:09 am 29576 Views
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Read: Luke 18:9-14
Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 19-21; John 4:1-30
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18.14
One August evening in Vermont, a young missionary spoke at our small church. The country where he and his wife served was in religious turmoil, and it was considered too dangerous for . In one of his stories, he told us about a heart-wrenching episode when his pleaded with him not to leave her behind at a boarding school.
I was a new dad at that time, having recently been blessed with a , and the story upset me. How could loving parents leave their alone like that? I muttered to myself. By the time the talk was finished, I was so worked up that I ignored the offer to visit with the missionary. I charged out of the church, saying out loud as I left: I'm sure glad I'm not like . . .
In that instant, the Holy Spirit stopped me cold. I couldn't even finish the sentence. Here I was, saying almost word for word what the Pharisee said to God: I thank You that I am not like other men (Luke 18.11). How disappointed I was in myself! How disappointed God must have been! Since that evening, I've asked God to help me listen to others with humility and restraint as they pour their hearts out in confession, profession, or pain.
Lord, may we be quick to listen and slow to speak and to judge. A proud attitude so easily infects our lives. Give us instead a humility that reflects Your heart and love.
We don't get closer to God by passing judgment on others.
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The Riches Of Obedience
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Posted:May 13, 2015 3:51 am
Last Updated:May 14, 2015 3:31 am 29701 Views
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Read: Psalm 119:14,33-40
Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 17-18; John 3:19-36
I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. Psalm 119.14
Publicly operated lotteries exist in more than 100 countries. In a recent year, lottery ticket sales totaled more than $85 billion in just the US and Canada, only part of the total sales worldwide. The lure of huge jackpots has created a mindset among many that all of life's problems would be solved if I won the lottery.
There's nothing wrong with wealth itself, but it has the power to deceive us into thinking that money is the answer to all our needs. The psalmist, expressing a different point of view, wrote: I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. . . . I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word Ps. 119.14,16 . This concept of spiritual treasure is focused on obedience to God and walking in the path of [His] commandments v.35
What if we were more excited about following the Lord's Word than about winning a jackpot worth millions? With the psalmist we might pray, Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way
vv.36-37
The riches of obedience true riches belong to all who walk with the Lord.
Dear Lord, may I commit each day to standing on the unchanging truth of Your Word and to growing in my relationship with You, the only measure of success in this life and in eternity.
Success is knowing and loving God.
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