Terms Of Service
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Posted:Aug 29, 2014 1:32 am
Last Updated:Sep 3, 2014 7:57 am 18147 Views
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Read: Luke 6:27-37
Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 126-128; 1 Corinthians 10:19-33
If you're like me, you seldom read the full text of contracts for online services before you agree to them. They go on for pages, and most of the legal jargon makes no sense to ordinary people like me.
I was quite surprised, therefore, when a friend from Africa made me aware of this one-of-a-kind service agreement for online software. Instead of a wordy license telling people how not to use it, the developer offers a simple blessing urging people to use it for good:
May you do good and not evil. May you find forgiveness for yourself and forgive others. May you share freely, never taking more than you give.
At first I thought, Wow. Imagine if more terms of service agreements were written as blessings instead of legal documents. Then I thought, The agreement Jesus makes with us is like that. He offers us forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In return, all He asks is that we do good (Gal. 6:10), forgive as we've been forgiven (Luke 6:37), and love others as He loves us (John 13:34).
The beauty of Jesus agreement with us is that even though we fail to live up to the terms, we still receive the blessing.
Bestowed with benefits daily,
Sent from the Father above;
Mercies and blessings abounding,
Gifts of His marvelous love.
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all. Galatians 6:10
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A Picture Of Humility
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Posted:Aug 28, 2014 5:23 am
Last Updated:Aug 28, 2014 5:26 am 18180 Views
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Read: John 13:1-11
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. âJames 4:6
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 123-125; 1 Corinthians 10:1-18
During the Easter season, my wife and I attended a church service where the participants sought to model the events that Jesus and His disciples experienced on the night before He was crucified. As part of the service, the church staff members washed the feet of some of the church volunteers. As I watched, I wondered which was more humbling in our day to wash another persons feet or to have someone else wash yours. Both those who were serving and those being served were presenting distinct pictures of humility.
When Jesus and His disciples were gathered for the Last Supper
(John 13:1-20), Jesus, in humble servanthood, washed His disciples feet. But Simon Peter resisted, saying, You shall never wash my feet! Then Jesus answered, If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me 13.8. Washing their feet was not a mere ritual. It could also be seen as a picture of our need of Christ's cleansing a cleansing that will never be realized unless we are willing to be humble before the Savior.
James wrote, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). We receive God's grace when we acknowledge the greatness of God, who humbled Himself at the cross (Phil. 2:5-11).
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine;
Now hear me when I pray, take all my sin away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!
The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe.
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Life's Darkest Moments
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Posted:Aug 27, 2014 4:41 am
Last Updated:Sep 3, 2014 7:58 am 18194 Views
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Read: 1 Kings 19:1-8
An angel touched [Elijah], and said to him, Arise and eat.1 Kings 19:5
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9
Charles Whittlesey was a heros hero. Leader of the so-called Lost Battalion in World War I, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery when his unit was trapped behind enemy lines. When the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated, Charles was chosen to serve as pallbearer for the first soldier laid to rest there. Two weeks later, it is presumed that he ended his own life by stepping off a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean.
Like Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-7), Charles was publicly strong, but in the quiet, post-public moments, his feelings of despair set in. People today frequently face situations bigger than they can handle. Sometimes it's temporary despair brought on by fatigue, as in Elijah's case. He had been part of a great victory over the prophets of Baal (18:20-40), but then he feared for his life and ran into the wilderness (19:1-3). But often, it's more than despair and it's more than temporary. That's why it is imperative that we talk about depression openly and compassionately.
God offers His presence to us in life's darkest moments, which enables us, in turn, to be His presence to the hurting. Crying out for help from others and from God may be the strongest moment of our lives.
Father, grant us the candor to admit to each
other that sometimes life overwhelms us. And
grant us the courage to help others find
helpâand to seek it when we need it.
Hope comes with help from God and others.
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Spiritual Navigation
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Posted:Aug 26, 2014 5:52 am
Last Updated:Aug 26, 2014 5:55 am 18217 Views
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Read: Psalm 119:97-106
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
Bible in a Year:
Psalm 119:89-176; 1 Corinthians 8
Dava Sobel's award-winning book Longitude describes a dilemma faced by early sailors. They could readily determine their latitude north or south of the equator by the length of the day or height of the sun. Calculating east/west longitude, however, remained complex and unreliable until English clockmaker John Harrison invented the marine chronometer. This was a clock that would carry the true time from the home port . . . to any remote corner of the world,â thus enabling sailors to determine longitude.
As we navigate the seas of life, we also have a reliable source of spiritual direction the Bible. The psalmist wrote, Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day (Ps. 119:97). Rather than occasionally glancing at Godâs Word, he spoke of pondering the Lord's directions throughout each day: Your testimonies are my meditation (v.99). This was coupled with a commitment to obey the Author: I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments (v.106).
Like the mariners of old, we need a constant guide to help us find our way and stay on course. That's what happens when we seek the Lord day by day with an open heart and a willing spirit that says, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
We need God's guidance from above,
His daily leading and His love;
As we trust Him for direction,
To our course Heâll give correction.
With God as your navigator, youâre headed in the right direction.
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More Than Waiting
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Posted:Aug 25, 2014 5:54 am
Last Updated:Sep 3, 2014 7:58 am 18393 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 18349 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 18410 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 18641 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 20937 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 24, 2024 11:49 am 22884 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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