Listening
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Posted:May 22, 2014 3:58 am
Last Updated:May 22, 2014 4:00 am 7251 Views
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Read: Job 2:11-13
Oh, that I had one to hear me! âJob 31:35
Bible in a Year:
1 Chronicles 16-18; John 7:28-53
In her book Listening to Others, Joyce Huggett writes about the importance of learning to listen and respond effectively to those in difficult situations. As she relates some of her own experiences of listening to suffering people, she mentions that they often thank her for all she's done for them. On many occasions, she writes, âI have not done anything. I have just listened. I quickly came to the conclusion that just listening was indeed an effective way of helping others.
This was the help Job sought from his friends. While it is true that they sat with him for 7 days in silence, for they saw that his grief was very great (2:13), they didn't listen when Job started talking. Instead, they talked and talked but failed to comfort him (16:2). Oh, that I had one to hear me! Job cried (31:35).
Listening says, What matters to you matters to me. Sometimes people do want advice. But often they just want to be listened to by someone who loves and cares about them.
Listening is hard work, and it takes time. It takes time to listen long enough to hear the other person's true heart, so that if we do speak, we speak with gentle wisdom.
Oh, Lord, give us a loving heart and a listening ear.
I cried, and from His holy hill
He bowed a listening ear;
I called my Father, and my God,
And He subdued my fear.
When I'm thinking about an answer while others are talking I'm not listening.
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Anchors In The Storm
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Posted:May 21, 2014 5:33 am
Last Updated:May 21, 2014 5:36 am 7388 Views
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Read: Joshua 1:1-9
The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Bible in a Year:
1 Chronicles 13-15; John 7:1-27
When Matt and Jessica tried to navigate their sailboat into a Florida inlet during Hurricane Sandy, the craft ran aground. As the waves crashed around them, they quickly dropped anchor. It held the sailboat in place until they could be rescued. They said that if they had not put down the anchor, âWe would have lost our boat for sure.Without the anchor, the relentless waves would have smashed the vessel onto the shore.
We need anchors that hold us secure in our spiritual lives as well. When God called Joshua to lead His people after Moses death, He gave him anchors of promise he could rely on in troubled times. The Lord said to him, I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. . . . The Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:5,9). God also gave Joshua and His people the Book of the Law to study and observe (vv.7-8. That, and God's presence, were anchors the Israelites could rely on as they faced many challenges.
When we're in the middle of suffering or when doubts start threatening our faith, what are our anchors? We could start with Joshua 1:5. Although our faith may feel weak, if it's anchored in God's promises and presence, He will safely hold us.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
When we feel the stress of the storm we learn the strength of the anchor.
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Once Upon A Time
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Posted:May 20, 2014 5:28 am
Last Updated:May 20, 2014 5:30 am 7378 Views
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Read: Matthew 24:32-44
The Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17
Bible in a Year:
1 Chronicles 10-12; John 6:45-71
Some people say that the Bible is just a collection of fairy tales. A boy slaying a giant. A man swallowed by a big fish. Noah's boat-building experience. Even some religious people think that these events are just nice stories with a good moral.
Jesus Himself, however, spoke of Jonah and the giant fish, and Noah and the flood, as actual events: As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the of Man be (Matt. 24:37-39). His return will happen when we're not expecting it.
Jesus compared Jonah's 3 days inside the big fish to the 3 days He would experience in the grave before His resurrection (Matt. 12:40). And Peter talked about Noah and the flood when he equated it to a future day when Jesus comes back (2 Peter 2:4-9).
God gave us His Word; itâs a book that is filled with truth not fairy tales. And one day, we will live happily ever after with Him when Jesus comes again and receives His to Himself.
We're waiting for You, Lord, to come
And take us home to be with You;
Your promise to return for us
Gives hope because we know it's true.
We have reason for optimism if weâre looking for Christ's return.
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Interruptions
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Posted:May 19, 2014 4:50 am
Last Updated:May 19, 2014 4:52 am 7344 Views
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Read: Mark 5:21-34
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Psalm 33:11
Bible in a Year:
1 Chronicles 7-9; John 6:22-44
My sister and I were looking forward to our holiday in Taiwan. We had purchased our plane tickets and booked our hotel rooms. But 2 weeks before the trip, my sister learned she had to stay at home in Singapore to handle an emergency. We were disappointed that our plans were interrupted.
Jesus disciples were accompanying Him on an urgent mission when their trip was interrupted (Mark 5:21-42). The of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, was dying. Time was of the essence, and Jesus was on His way to their home. Then, suddenly, Jesus stopped and said, Who touched My clothes? (v.30).
The disciples seemed irritated by this and said, You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, Who touched Me? (v.31). But Jesus saw it as an opportunity to minister to a suffering woman. Her illness had made her ceremonially unclean and unable to participate in community life for 12 years! (see Lev. 15:25-27).
While Jesus was talking to this woman, Jairus died. It was too lateâor so it seemed. But the delay allowed Jairus to experience an even deeper knowledge of Jesus and His power even power over death!
Sometimes our disappointment can be God's appointment.
Disappointment His appointment
No good thing will He withhold;
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold.
Look for God's purpose in your next interruption.
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Many Advisors
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Posted:May 16, 2014 3:53 am
Last Updated:May 16, 2014 3:58 am 7363 Views
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Read: Proverbs 15:16-23
Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. âProverbs 15:22
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 24-25; John 5:1-24
The fifteenth-century theologian Thomas Kempis said, Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all things? Therefore, trust not too much to your own opinion, but be ready also to hear the opinions of others. Though your own opinion be good, yet if for the love of God you forego it and follow that of another, you shall the more profit thereby. Thomas recognized the importance of seeking the opinions of trusted advisors when making plans for life.
In order to determine God's course for life, the wise person should open up to several avenues of counsel, through which God will bring His guiding wisdom. When a person seeks the wise counsel of others, he shows his realization that he might be overlooking some important factors in his decisions.
Solomon, the wisest man in Israel, wrote about how important it is to have counsel from others: Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established
(Prov. 15:22).
The Lord is the Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6), and He desires to protect us through wise advisors. Seek them out and thank God for them. Let them help you discover a clearer picture of His plan for your life.
If you seek wise counsel, you multiply your chances for sound decisions.
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Slow Healing Process
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Posted:May 15, 2014 5:34 am
Last Updated:May 15, 2014 5:36 am 7530 Views
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Read: Revelation 21:1-8
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. . . . There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 22-23; John 4:31-54
Just 4 weeks after our Mark joined the US Army, he injured his knee seriously in a training exercise. As a result, he was released from the military. So, at age 19, he had to use a cane to get around for a while; and because of the severity of the injury he endured 2 years of recovery, rest, and rehab. Finally, Mark was able to set aside the knee braces he had worn since the accident. Although he still experiences residual pain, the long, slow healing process has brought him back to full use of his leg.
Physical healing is often much slower than we anticipate. This is true of spiritual healing as well. The consequences of unwise choices or the actions of hurtful people can create burdens or wounds that endure for a lifetime. But for the of God, there is hope. Although full restoration is not always experienced in this life, the promise of healing is sure. The apostle John wrote, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (Rev. 21:4).
In our seasons of pain, it is comforting to know that eventually, in His awesome presence, we will be whole forever.
Father, I thank You that in all of our pains and
struggles we can find comfort in You. Help us to
bring all our hurts to You both spiritual and
physical and to trust that You will make us whole.
When we come to Christ in our brokenness, He makes us whole.
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Looking Good
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Posted:May 14, 2014 4:23 am
Last Updated:May 14, 2014 4:29 am 7607 Views
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Read: Matthew 23:23-31
First cleanse the inside. Matthew 23:26
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 19-21; John 4:1-30
Your hair is really healthy, said my hairdresser after giving me a haircut. I hope it's because you use our products. No. I'm sorry, I said. I just use whatever product is cheap and smells good. But then I added, I also try to eat well. I think that makes a big difference.
When I think about the things we do to make ourselves look good, I'm reminded of some of the things we do to make ourselves look good spiritually. Jesus addressed this issue with the religious leaders in Jerusalem (Matt. 23). They followed an elaborate set of religious rules that went well beyond the ones God had given them. They worked hard to look good to their peers, to prove that they were better than others. But their hard work didn't impress God. Jesus said to them, You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside [you] are full of extortion and self-indulgence (v.25). What the Pharisees did to make themselves look good to others actually revealed that they were not good at all.
Every culture values different religious behaviors and traditions, but God's values transcend cultures. And what He values isn't measured by what others see. God values a clean heart and pure motives. Spiritual health is expressed from the inside out.
You know me, Lord, for who I am. My motives
and heart are open before You. Cleanse me
from the inside out. And help me to live as
Jesus did-with pure and true motives.
We might look good on the outside without really being good on the inside.
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New Birth
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Posted:May 13, 2014 5:40 am
Last Updated:May 20, 2024 6:16 am 7826 Views
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Read: Psalm 139.7-16
You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my motherâs womb. âPsalm 139:13
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 17-18; John 3:19-36
What is there about babies that makes us smile? Many people will stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby and will flock to gaze at the little one. I noticed this when I visited my dad at a nursing home. Though most of the residents were wheelchair-bound and suffered from dementia, the visit of a family with a baby almost unfailingly brought a spark of joy to their eyes thatâtentatively at first but then undoubtedlyâbecame a smile. It was amazing to watch.
Perhaps babies bring a smile because of the wonder of a new lifeâso precious, tiny, and full of promise. Seeing a baby can remind us of our awesome God and the great love He has for us. He loved us so much that He gave us life and formed us in our motherâs womb. âYou formed my inward parts,â the psalmist says, âYou covered me in my motherâs wombâ (Ps. 139:13).
Not only does He give us physical life but He also offers us spiritual rebirth through Jesus (John 3:3-8. God promises believers new bodies and life eternal when Jesus returns (1 Cor. 15:50-52).
Physical life and spiritual rebirthâgifts to celebrate from our Fatherâs hand.
In His own image God created man,
He formed his body from the dust of earth;
But more than that, to all who are in Christ
He gives eternal life by second birth.
I will praise You . . . ; marvelous are Your works. âPsalm 139:14
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Words To Live By
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Posted:May 12, 2014 3:51 am
Last Updated:May 13, 2014 5:40 am 7910 Views
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Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-9
Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments . . . that you should act according to them. Deuteronomy 4:5
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 15-16; John 3:1-18
For many years I've maintained a file folder labeled Speaking. It has become thick with articles, quotations, and illustrations that might be useful. Recently I went through it to discard things that are out of date. I found it difficult to throw away many of the items, not because I haven't used them in a talk but because I haven't put them into practice. I closed the folder thinking, These arenât words to talk about; these are words to live by.
After 40 years in the desert, Moses addressed the people poised to enter the Promised Land: Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you (Deut. 4:1). Mosesâ repeated theme (vv.1,2,5,6,9) is that God's commandments are to be kept. He said it well, Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments . . . that you should act according to them (v.5).
It is so easy to talk about doing more than we actually do and to speak about truth we're not living by. We can become bloated with words, yet starved for reality, forgetting that all of Godâs commands flow from His heart of love for us.
Help us, Lord, not to be just hearers of the Word;
help us to be doers as well. Teach us to be honest
with ourselves about who we really are. We want
to walk in Your ways and to guide others to You.
The strength of our actions should match the strength of our words.
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Promises Still Kept
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Posted:May 9, 2014 4:47 am
Last Updated:May 20, 2024 6:16 am 8856 Views
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Read: Genesis 15:5-21
When the sun went down . . . there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. âGenesis 15:17
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 7-9; John 1:1-28
In the ancient Near East a treaty between a superior (a lord or king) and an inferior (his subjects) was called a suzerain treaty. The ratification ceremony required animals to be sacrificed and cut in half. The animal parts were then arranged in two rows on the ground, forming an aisle between them. As the suzerain walked between the halves, he was publicly declaring he would keep the covenant and would become like the slain animals if he failed to keep his word.
When Abram asked God how he could be sure His promises would come to pass, God used the culturally significant symbolism of the suzerain treaty to affirm His promises (Gen. 15). When the burning torch passed through the pieces of the sacrifice, Abram understood that God was declaring it was His job to keep the covenant.
Godâs covenant with Abram and His assurance of its completion extends to followers of Christ. That is why Paul repeatedly refers to believers as sons of Abraham in his New Testament writings (Rom. 4:11-18; Gal. 3:29). Once we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, God becomes the keeper in our covenant of faith (see John 10:28-29).
Because God is the keeper of our salvation, with renewed confidence in Him we trust Him with our lives.
He will never fail us, He will not forsake;
His eternal covenant He will never break.
Onward then, and fear not, of the day;
For His Word shall never, never pass away.
Our salvation is secure because God does the holding.
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