More Than Waiting
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Posted:Aug 25, 2014 5:54 am
Last Updated:Sep 3, 2014 7:58 am 18373 Views
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Read: Acts 1:1-11
A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father. John 16:16
Bible in a Year:
Psalm 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40
I don't know how it works where you live, but when I have to call for a repair for one of my appliances, the company says something like, The repairman will be there between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.â Since I don't know when the repair person will arrive, all I can do is wait.
Jesus told His followers that He would soon be leaving them and they would need to wait for His return in a little while (John 16:16). After His resurrection, they saw Him again and they hoped He would be establishing His kingdom on earth at that time. But He told them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authorityActs 1.7. They would have to wait even longer.
But they were to do more than wait. Jesus told His followers that they were to âbe witnesses to [Him] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth v.8. And He gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them to do this.
We still wait for Jesus return. And while we do, it's our delight, in the Holy Spirit's power, to tell and show others who He is, what He has done for all of us through His death and resurrection, and that He has promised to return.
Dear Lord, we love You so much. We want
our words and our lives to be a witness
of Your goodness and grace. Please use
us in ways we never thought possible.
Wait and witness till Jesus returns.
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Live In Love
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Posted:Aug 22, 2014 4:13 am
Last Updated:Aug 22, 2014 4:15 am 18331 Views
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Read: Psalm 112
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion. Psalm 112:4
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5
In the African country where my friend Roxanne lives, water is a precious commodity. People often have to travel long distances to collect water from small, contaminated creeksâleading to sickness and death. Itâs difficult for organizations like orphanages and churches to serve the people because of a lack of water. But thatâs beginning to change.
Through Roxanne's leadership and the unselfish gifts of some loving people in established churches, clean water wells are being dug. At least six new wells are now operational, allowing churches to be centers of hope and encouragement. A health center and a home for 700 orphans will also be able to be opened because of access to water.
That's the kind of love that can flow from believers in Christ when we have experienced the love and generosity of God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that if we don't have love, our voices clang on peoples ears and our faith means nothing. And the apostle John says that if we have material possessions and see others in need and take action, thatâs evidence that God's love is abiding in us(1 John 3.16.
God desires that we deal graciously (Ps. 112:5) with those in need, for His heart is gracious toward us.
Be not weary in your serving;
Do your best for those in need;
Kindnesses will be rewarded
By the Lord who prompts the deed.
Kindness is Christianity with its working clothes on.
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A Word For The Struggler
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Posted:Aug 21, 2014 10:31 am
Last Updated:Aug 21, 2014 10:34 am 18394 Views
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Read: Hebrews 10:32-39
Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Hebrews 10:35
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4
There is an old adage that says, âDonât bite off more than you can chew. It's wise not to take on more responsibilities than we can handle. At some time, however, we will likely feel overwhelmed by the size and difficulty of a task we have agreed to do.
This can happen even in our walk of faith in Christ when our commitment to God seems too much to bear. But the Lord has an encouraging word for us when our confidence wavers.
The writer of Hebrews urged his readers to recall the courage they demonstrated during the early days of their faith (10:32-33). Despite public insults and persecution, they aided believers in prison, and they joyfully accepted the confiscation of their own property (vv.33-34). With that in mind, he says, Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise (vv.35-36).
Our confidence is not in ourselves but in Jesus and His promise to return at just the right time (v.37).
It is God's power that enables us to continue in our journey of faith. Recalling the Lord's faithfulness in days past stirs our confidence in Him today.
When life becomes a heavy load,
An upward climb, a winding road,
In daily tasks, Lord, let me see
That with me You will always be.
Trusting Godâ's faithfulness stirs up our confidence.
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Our Fundation
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Posted:Aug 20, 2014 5:46 am
Last Updated:Aug 21, 2014 10:33 am 18625 Views
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Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-11
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 105-106; 1 Corinthians 3
The Bavarian city of Nordlingen is unique. It sits in the middle of the Ries Crater, a large circular depression caused by the impact of a huge meteorite a long time ago. The immense pressure of the impact resulted in unsual crystallized rock and millions of microscopic diamonds. In the 13th century, these speckled stones were used to build St. George's Church. Visitors can see the beautiful crystal deposits in its foundation and walls. Some might say it has a heavenly foundation.
The Bible talks of a different kind of heavenly foundation. The Lord Jesus came to our world from heaven (John 3:13). When He went back into heaven after His death and resurrection, He left His followers who became the living temple of God, of which He is the foundation. The apostle Paul says, For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11).
The church building in Bavaria is built on a foundation from pieces of rock from the physical heavens. But the spiritual church all believers in Christ's founded on the ultimate heavenly foundation, Christ Jesus (Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor. 10:3-4). Praise God that because of what Jesus has done our salvation is secure.
On Christ salvation rests secure;
The Rock of Ages will endure;
Nor can that faith be overthrown
Which rests upon the Living Stone.
Christ, the Rock, is our sure hope.
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Following The Master
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Posted:Aug 19, 2014 6:22 am
Last Updated:Aug 19, 2014 6:24 am 20922 Views
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Read: Numbers 9:15-23
At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed. Numbers 9:23
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2
At a show near my home, I watched a Cardigan Welsh corgi named Trevor perform. At his master's command, he ran several yards away and immediately returned, he jumped fences, and he identified objects using his sense of smell. After finishing each exercise, he sat down at his masterâs feet and waited for more instructions.
Trevorâs careful attention to his master's instruction reminded me of the devotion God desired from His people as they followed Him through the wilderness. God led in a unique way. His presence appeared as a cloud. If the cloud ascended, He wanted His people to move to another area. If the cloud descended, they were to stay put. At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyedâ (Num. 9:23). The Israelites followed this practice day or night, regardless of how long they had to remain in one place.
God wasn't simply testing the Israelites; He was leading them to the Promised Land (10:29). He wanted to take them to a better place. So it is with us when God asks us to follow Him. He wants to lead us to a place of closer fellowship with Himself. His Word assures us that He is loving and faithful in leading those who humbly follow Him.
In fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
God asks His to follow the Leader.
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Believing In Advance
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Posted:Aug 18, 2014 5:08 am
Last Updated:May 10, 2024 9:58 am 22867 Views
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Read: Revelation 22:12-21
Surely I am coming quickly. âRevelation 22:20
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1
In a German prison camp in World War II, undiscovered by the guards, some Americans built a homemade radio. One day news came that the German high command had surrendered, ending the war. Because of a communications breakdown, however, the guards did not yet know this. As word spread among the prisoners, a loud celebration broke out. For 3 days, they sang, waved at guards, and shared jokes over meals. On the fourth day, they awoke to find that all the Germans had fled. Their waiting had come to an end.
A number of Bible stories center on waiting: Abraham waiting for a (Gen. 12â21). The Israelites waiting for deliverance from Egypt. Prophets waiting for the fulfillment of their own predictions. The disciples waiting for Jesus to act like the powerful Messiah they anticipated. Jesusâ final words at the end of Revelation are âI am coming quickly,â followed by an urgent, echoing prayer, âAmen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!â (22:20). For this, we still wait.
Hereâs the question I ask myself: As we wait, why are we so often fearful and anxious? We can, like the Allied prisoners, act on the good news we say we believe. What is faith in God, after all, but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse?
Faith looks beyond the shadow
Of dread and doubt and fear
And finds the Savior waiting
And always standing near.
Waiting tries our faith and so we wait in hope.
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Is There Hope?
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Posted:Aug 15, 2014 7:04 am
Last Updated:Aug 18, 2014 5:09 am 22947 Views
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Read: Matthew 28:1-10
He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.Matthew 28:6
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 91-93; Romans 15:1-13
I sat quietly at the graveside of my father, waiting for the private family burial of my mother to begin. The funeral director carried the urn that held her ashes. My heart felt numb and my head was in a fog. How can I handle losing them both within just 3 months? In my grief I felt loss and loneliness and a little hopeless facing a future without them.
Then the pastor read about another graveside. On the first day of the week, early in the morning, women went to Jesus tomb, carrying spices for His body (Matt. 28:1; Luke 24:1). There they were startled to find an open and empty tomb and an angel. Do not be afraid, he said to them (Matt. 28:5). They didn't need to be afraid of the empty tomb or of the angel, because he had good news for them.
Hope stirred when I heard the next words: He is not here; for He is risen, as He said (v.6). Because Jesus had come back to life, death had been conquered! Jesus reminded His followers just a few days before His death: Because I live, you will live also (John 14:19).
Even though we grieve at the loss of our loved ones, we find hope through the resurrection of Jesus and His promise that there is life after death.
Thank You, Lord, for comfort and hope.
What would we do without You? Your death
and resurrection provide all we need for
this life and the next.
Because He lives, we live.
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The Parable Of The Sting
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Posted:Aug 14, 2014 5:12 am
Last Updated:Aug 14, 2014 5:14 am 23218 Views
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Read: 1 Peter 2:9-12
They may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 89-90; Romans 14
I can still see Jay Elliott's shocked face as I burst through his front door almost 50 years ago with a gang of bees swirling around me. As I raced out his back door, I realized the bees were gone. Well, sort of I'd left them in Jay's house! Moments later, he came racing out his back door chased by the bees I had brought to him.
I had more than a dozen stings, with little effect. Jay had a different experience. Though he'd been stung only once or twice by my bees, his eyes and throat swelled up in a painful allergic reaction. My actions had caused a lot of pain for my friend.
That's a picture of what's true in our interpersonal relationships too. We hurt others when our actions arenât Christlike. Even after an apology, the sting sticks.
People would be right to expect an absence of harshness and an air of patience from those who follow Christ. We forget sometimes that people struggling with faith, or life, or both, watch Christians with expectation. They hope to see less anger and more mercy, less judgment and more compassion, less criticism and more encouragement. Jesus and Peter told us to live good lives so God is given the glory (Matt. 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). May our actions and reactions point those around us to our loving Father.
We have found that it's easy to hurt others
with our words or actions. Teach us, Father,
to pause and to think before we speak or act.
Fill us with kindness and care.
May others see less of me and more of Jesus.
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Life-Giving Rain
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Posted:Aug 13, 2014 6:52 am
Last Updated:Aug 13, 2014 6:54 am 22960 Views
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Read: Acts 6:1-10
They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Acts 6:10
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 87-88; Romans 13
During the August heat of 1891, R. G. Dyrenforth arrived in Midland, Texas, determined to blast rain from the sky. Known as a concussionist, he and his team launched and detonated huge balloons filled with explosive gases, fired cannons, and exploded piles of dynamite on the ground shaking both earth and sky. Some believed he made it rain a little, but most said all he caused was noise. The explosive power was impressive but ineffective.
When the early church needed overseers, they sought people with a different kind of power. They chose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3) to manage the daily distribution of food. One of those was Stephen, a man full of faith and power, [who] did great wonders and signs among the people v.8. When disputes arose, those who argued with Stephen were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke (v.10).
The Bible makes it clear that Stephen's spiritual effectiveness came from being filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him the right balance of faith, wisdom, and power.
God's Spirit in our lives today replaces the loud noise of self-interest with His gentle, life-giving rain.
Holy Spirit, I want my life to be marked
by Your power. May my words and actions
give life-giving rain to encourage others
to know You and trust You.
In our life for Christ we accomplish nothing without the power of the Spirit.
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Example That Encourages
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Posted:Aug 12, 2014 6:17 am
Last Updated:Aug 12, 2014 6:19 am 23105 Views
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Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet . . . . I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
John 13:14-15
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 84-86; Romans 12
The story is told that in the late 1800s a group of European pastors attended D. L. Moody's Bible conference in Massachusetts. Following their custom, they put their shoes outside their room before they slept, expecting them to be cleaned by hotel workers. When Moody saw the shoes, he mentioned the need to others because he knew their custom. But he was met with silence. Moody collected all the shoes and cleaned them himself. A friend who made an unexpected visit to his room revealed what Moody had done. The word spread, and the next few nights others took turns doing the cleaning.
Moody's leadership style of humility inspired others to follow his example. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Tim. 2:1-2 niv). When we remember that our strength is a result of God's grace, that keeps us humble. Then in humility we pass on God's truth by being an example that encourages and inspires others to follow.
Jesus Himself is our example of servanthood. He gave His very life for us.
Lord Jesus, I know little about humility.
Show me and teach me as I read about Your
example in Your Word. Give me the grace
to humble myself and serve others.
Humility is the result of knowing God and knowing yourself.
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