Does God Care?
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Posted:Nov 3, 2014 12:51 am
Last Updated:Nov 4, 2014 12:13 pm 22221 Views
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Read: Psalm 30
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon
Minnie and George Lacy were faced with some questions: Is Jesus enough? Is our relationship with Christ sufficient to sustain us? Will He be enough to help us want to go on living? Does He care?
While serving as missionaries in 1904, the Lacys youngest fell ill. Then in rapid succession, all five of their died from scarlet fever, none living to see the new year. In letters to the mission board George Lacy wrote about their deep loneliness and grief: Sometimes it seems more than we can bear But then he added, The Lord is with us and is wonderfully helping us. In this, their darkest time, they found that Jesus was near and He was enough.
Many of us will face moments when we will wonder if we can go on. If our health fails, if our job disappears, if we lose those closest to us, will we find our relationship with the Lord real enough to keep us pressing forward?
The psalmist reminds us of God's presence and faithfulness (Ps. 30). When he was deeply depressed, he cried out, Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! (v.10). God gave Him healing and comfort (vv.2-3).
As believers in Jesus, we will never lack what we need to persevere. The Lord will always be near.
Though tempted and sadly discouraged,
My soul to this refuge will flee
And rest in the blessed assurance,
My grace is sufficient for thee.
Faith in an all-sufficient Christ enables us to press on.
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What Love Is
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Posted:Oct 31, 2014 4:57 am
Last Updated:Nov 5, 2014 3:04 am 22805 Views
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Read: Romans 5:1-8
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5.8
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1
Years ago I asked a young man who was engaged to be married, “How do you know that you love her?” It was a loaded question, intended to help him look at his heart’s motives for the upcoming marriage. After several thoughtful moments, he responded, “I know I love her because I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy.”
We discussed what that meant—and the price tag attached to the selflessness of constantly seeking the best for the other person, rather than putting ourselves first. Real love has a lot to do with sacrifice.
That idea is in line with the wisdom of the Bible. In the Scriptures there are several Greek words for love but the highest form is agape love—love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. Nowhere is this more true than in the love our heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. We are deeply valued by Him. Paul stated, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5.8.
If sacrifice is the true measure of love, there could be no more precious gift than Jesus: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only ” (John 3:16
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Amazing love!
How can it be
That Thou, my God,
Shouldst die for me?
The measure of love is what you are willing to give up for it.
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Music And Megaphone
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Posted:Oct 30, 2014 5:34 am
Last Updated:Oct 30, 2014 5:38 am 22783 Views
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Read: 2 Corinthians 3.17-4.7
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4.7
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4
Christopher Locke buys old trumpets, trombones, and French horns and transforms them into acoustic amplifiers for iPhones and iPads. His creations are modeled on the trumpetlike speakers used in the first phonographs during the late 1800s. Music played through Christopher's AnalogTelePhonographers has a louder, cleaner, richer, deeper sound than what is heard from the small speakers in the digital devices. Along with being interesting works of art, these salvaged brass instruments require no electrical power as they amplify the music people love to hear.
Paulâ's words to the followers of Jesus in Corinth remind us today that in living for Christ and sharing Him with others, we are not the music but only a megaphone. For we do not preach ourselves, Paul wrote, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake (2 Cor. 4:5). Our purpose is not to become the message, but to convey it through our lives and our lips. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us (v.7).
If an old horn can amplify music, then perhaps our flawed lives can magnify the goodness of God. We're the megaphone; the music and the power come from Him!
Thank You, Lord, that You can take our lives
and use them in ways we never thought
possible. Help us to be the instruments
that convey the music of Your love.
Nothing is unusable in God's hands.
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Shadowed
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Posted:Oct 29, 2014 12:13 pm
Last Updated:Oct 29, 2014 12:14 pm 23458 Views
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Read: Jeremiah 42:1-12
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 18-19; 2 Timothy 3
Someone was shadowing me. In a darkened hallway, I turned the corner to go up a flight of stairs and was alarmed by what I saw, stopping dead in my tracks. It happened again a few days later. I came around the back of a favorite coffee shop and saw the large shape of a person coming at me. Both incidents ended with a smile, however. I'd been frightened by my own shadow!
The prophet Jeremiah talked about the difference between real and imagined fears. A group of his Jewish countrymen asked him to find out whether the Lord wanted them to stay in Jerusalem or return to Egypt for safety because they feared the king of Babylon (Jer. 42:1-3). Jeremiah told them that if they stayed and trusted God, they didn't need to be afraid (vv.10-12). But if they returned to Egypt, the king of Babylon would find them (vv.15-16).
In a world of real dangers, God had given Israel reason to trust Him in Jerusalem. He had already rescued them from Egypt. Centuries later, the long-awaited Messiah died for us to deliver us from our own sin and fear of death. May our Almighty God show us today how to live in the security of His shadow, rather than in shadowy fears of our own making.
Trust when your skies are darkening,
Trust when your light grows dim,
Trust when the shadows gather,
Trust and look up to Him.
Under the protecting shadow of God's wing, the little shadows of life lose their terror.
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Working For The Wind
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Posted:Oct 28, 2014 5:16 am
Last Updated:Apr 28, 2024 6:50 am 23657 Views
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Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
What profit has he who has labored for the wind? —Ecclesiastes 5:16
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2
Howard Levitt lost his $200,000 Ferrari on a flooded Toronto highway. He had driven into what seemed like a puddle before realizing that the water was much deeper and rising quickly. When the water reached the Ferrari’s fenders, its 450-horsepower engine seized. Thankfully he was able to escape the car and get to high ground.
Howard’s soggy sports car reminds me of Solomon’s observation that “riches perish through misfortune” (Eccl. 5:14). Natural disasters, theft, and accidents may claim our dearest belongings. Even if we manage to protect them, we certainly can’t haul them with us to heaven (v.15). Solomon asked, “What profit has he who has labored for the wind?” (v.16). There is futility in working only to acquire belongings that will ultimately disappear.
There is something that doesn’t spoil and we can “take with us.” It is possible to store up eternal heavenly treasure. Pursuing virtues such as generosity (Matt. 19:21), humility (5:3), and spiritual endurance (Luke 6:22-23) will yield lasting rewards that can’t be destroyed. Will the kind of treasure you seek expire on earth? Or, are you seeking “those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God”?
(Col. 3:1).
Dear God, please give me a passion for the
unseen, eternal rewards that You offer.
Make me indifferent to the temporary
pleasures of this world.
Treasures on earth can’t compare with the treasures in heaven.
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New To The Family
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Posted:Oct 27, 2014 4:07 am
Last Updated:Oct 31, 2014 9:18 am 23554 Views
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Read: Luke 15:3-7
There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 1.7
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 12-14; 2 Timothy 1
While on a ministry trip with a Christian high school chorale to Jamaica, we witnessed an illustration of God's love in action. On the day we visited an orphanage for disabled and teens, we learned that Donald, where we were staying, it was a joy to talk to them about Donald. But what was even better was what happened later. We were at the base when Donald and his new parents arrived just after they had picked him up at the orphanage. As the brand-new mom embraced her , our students gathered around her and sang praise songs. Tears flowed. Tears of joy. And Donald was beaming!
Later, one of the students said to me, This reminds me of what it must be like in heaven when someone is saved. The angels rejoice because someone has been adopted into God's family. Indeed, it was a picture of the joy of heaven when someone new joins God's forever family by faith in Christ. Jesus spoke of that grand moment when He said, There will be . . . joy in heaven over one sinner who repents Luke 15.7
Praise God that He has adopted us into His family. No wonder the angels rejoice!
The One who made the heavens,
Who died on Calvary,
Rejoices with His angels
When one soul is set free.
Angels rejoice when we repent.
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Tiny Island
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Posted:Oct 24, 2014 4:28 am
Last Updated:Oct 24, 2014 4:31 am 23563 Views
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Read: Titus 3:1-7
Speak evil of no one, . . . be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:2
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4
Singapore is a tiny island. It's so small t already know where Singapore is.) Because it is densely populated, consideration of others is especially important. A man wrote to his fiancee who was coming to Singapore for the first time: Space is limited. Therefore . . . you must always have that sense of space around you. You should always step aside to ensure you are not blocking anyone. The key is to be considerate.
The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, a young pastor: Remind the people . . . to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:1-2 niv). It has been said, Our lives may be the only Bible some people read. The world knows that Christians are supposed to be different. If we are cantankerous, self-absorbed, and rude, what will others think about Christ and the gospel we share?
Being considerate is a good motto to live by and is possible as we depend on the Lord. And it is one way to model Christ and demonstrate to the world that Jesus saves and transforms lives.
Dear Lord, help us to be gracious, kind, and
considerate not only in the church but also in our
community. May the world who watches see
transformed people and believe in Your transforming power.
Your witness is only as strong as your character.
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Clean The Closet
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Posted:Oct 23, 2014 4:04 am
Last Updated:Oct 23, 2014 11:40 am 20824 Views
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Read: Psalm 139:13-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Psalm 139:23
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 1-2; 1 Timothy 3
To this day I can still hear my mother telling me to go and clean up my room. Dutifully, I would go to my room to start the process, only to get distracted by reading the comic book that I was supposed to put neatly in the stack. But soon the distraction was interrupted by my mother warning that she would be up in 5 minutes to inspect the room. Unable to effectively clean the room in that time, I would proceed to hide everything I didn't know what to do with in the closet, make the bed, and then wait for her to come in hoping that she wouldn't look in the closet.
This reminds me of what many of us do with our lives. We clean up the outside of our lives hoping that no one will look into the closet where we have hidden our sins by rationalization and excuses and by blaming others for our own faults.
The problem is that while looking good on the outside, we remain well aware of the mess on the inside. The psalmist encourages us to submit to the cleansing inspection of God: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139:23-24). Let's invite Him to inspect and cleanse every corner of our lives.
Lord, forgive me for looking good on the
outside while attempting to hide my faults and
failings. I desire for You to cleanse my life so
that I may walk with You in full integrity.
We can own up to our wrongs because we can't hide them from God anyway
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One Who Understands
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Posted:Oct 22, 2014 3:49 am
Last Updated:Oct 23, 2014 4:04 am 19190 Views
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Read: Psalm 139,7-12
The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9
Bible in a Year:
Isaiah 65-66; 1 Timothy 2
My friend's husband was in the last stages of dementia. In his first introduction to the nurse who was assigned to care for him, he reached out for her arm and stopped her. He said he wanted to introduce her to his best friend one who loved him deeply.
Since no one else was in the hall, the nurse thought he was delusional. But as it turned out he was speaking of Jesus. She was deeply touched but had to hurry on to care for another patient. When she returned, the darkness had closed in again and the man was no longer lucid.
Even though this man had descended into the darkness of dementia, he knew that the Lord was his best Friend. God dwells in the fathomless depth that is our soul. He can pierce the darkest mind and assure us of His tender, loving care. Indeed, the darkness shall not hide us from Him
(Ps. 139:12).
We do not know what the future holds for us or those we love. We too may descend into the darkness of mental illness, Alzheimer.s, or dementia as we age. But even there the Lord's hand will lead us and His right hand will hold us tight (v.10). We cannot get away from His love and personal care.
God knows each winding way I take,
And every sorrow, pain, and ache;
And me He never will forsake
He knows and loves His own.
Jesus loves me. This I know.
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A War Of Words
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Posted:Oct 20, 2014 5:17 am
Last Updated:Oct 20, 2014 5:18 am 18902 Views
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Read: Proverbs 15:1-23
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Bible in a Year:
Isaiah 59-61; 2 Thessalonians 3
On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time.
The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, See how great a forest a little fire kindles! (James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1).
A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God's grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth Isa. 53.7.
Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! (15:4,23).
A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life;
A timely word may lessen stress,
A loving word may heal and bless.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
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