Words To Live By
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Posted:May 12, 2014 3:51 am
Last Updated:May 13, 2014 5:40 am 7913 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 Recently I went through it to discard things that are out of date.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 22, 2024 10:7 pm 8858 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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Talking About Jesus
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Posted:May 8, 2014 3:03 am
Last Updated:May 8, 2014 3:05 am 9288 Views
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Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 4-6; Luke 24:36-53
Former major league baseball player Tony Graffanino tells of an ongoing ministry effort in a European country. Each year his organization holds a week-long baseball camp. During this week they also offer a daily Bible study. In past years, the leader tried to find reasoned ways to convince the campers that God exists so they would place their faith in Him. After about 13 years, they had seen only 3 people decide to follow Jesus.
Then they changed their approach, says Graffanino. Instead of trying to present facts, or winning arguments for a debate,they simply talked about the amazing life and teachings of Jesus. As a result, more campers came to listen, and more chose to follow Him.
The apostle Paul said that when we tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ, we should set forth the truth plainly. . . . We do not preach ourselves, he said, but Jesus Christ as Lord
(2 Cor. 4:2,5 niv). This was Paulâs standard for evangelism: I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified
(1 Cor. 2:2).
We should be knowledgeable about the Bible and about the reasons for our belief, and sometimes we need to explain those reasons. But the most compelling and effective story we can tell puts Christ in the center.
Father God, please use me in the lives of others.
Remind me to talk about who Jesus is and His life
and teachings. And not to be dragged into debates,
but to share Jesusâ amazing life.
The risen Christ is the reason for our witness.
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My kind Of People
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Posted:May 7, 2014 2:46 am
Last Updated:May 7, 2014 2:48 am 9235 Views
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Read: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 6:11
Bible in a Year:
2 Kings 1-3; Luke 24:1-35
Years ago in a worship service, pastor Ray Stedman stepped to the pulpit and read the text for the day: Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that
(1 Cor. 6:9-11 .
Then he looked up, a bemused smile on his face, and said, I'm curious: How many of you have one or more of these sins in your background? If so, will you stand?
There was a young man there who had never been in a church before. He had recently been saved at a Billy Graham crusade and came with fear and trembling to church that Sunday, not knowing what he would find. He later told me that when he heard the pastor's question, he looked around to see if anyone would stand. At first no one did, but then most of the congregation was on their feet. He said to himself, These are my kind of people!
We can all find ourselves in Paul's list in 1 Corinthians. But when we confess our sin and accept the gift of eternal life paid for by the death of Jesus, we become a new creation saved by grace
(Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17).
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.
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Heart Matter's
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Posted:May 6, 2014 7:20 am
Last Updated:May 6, 2014 7:21 am 9268 Views
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Read: Proverbs 4:20-27
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
Bible in a Year:
1 Kings 21-22; Luke 23:26-56
Our hearts pump at a rate of 70-75 beats per minute. Though weighing only 11 ounces on average, a healthy heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels each day. Every day, the heart creates enough energy to drive a truck 20 miles. In a lifetime, that is equivalent to driving to the moon and back. A healthy heart can do amazing things. Conversely, if our heart malfunctions, our whole body shuts down.
The same could be said of our spiritual heart. In Scripture, the word heart represents the center of our emotions, thinking, and reasoning. It is the command center of our life.
So when we read, Keep your heart with all diligence (Prov. 4:23), it makes a lot of sense. But it's difficult advice to keep. Life will always make demands upon our time and energy that cry out for immediate attention. By comparison, taking time to hear God's Word and to do what it says may not shout quite so loudly. We may not notice the consequences of neglect right away, but over time it may give way to a spiritual heart attack.
I'm thankful God has given us His Word. We need His help not to neglect it, but to use it to align our hearts with His every day.
Dear Jesus, take my heart and hand,
And grant me this, I pray:
That I through Your sweet love may grow
More like You day by day.
To keep spiritually fit, consult the Great Physician.
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Who Gets The Credit?
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Posted:May 5, 2014 4:07 am
Last Updated:May 5, 2014 4:09 am 9388 Views
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Read: Jeremiah 9:23-26
Let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me. Jeremiah 9:24
Bible in a Year:
1 Kings 19-20; Luke 23:1-25
Chris Langan has an IQ higher than Albert Einstein's. Moustafa Ismail has 31-inch biceps and can lift 600 pounds. Bill Gates is estimated to be worth billions. Those who have extraordinary abilities or possessions might be tempted to think more highly of themselves than they should. But we don't have to be wildly smart, strong, or wealthy to want to take credit for our achievements. Any size of accomplishment carries with it this question: Who will get the credit?
During a time of judgment, God spoke to the Israelites through the prophet Jeremiah. He said: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches (Jer. 9:23). Rather, Let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me (v.24). God wanted His people to prize Him and His excellence above anything else.
If we allow praise to inflate our self-image, we're forgetting that every good gift . . . comes down from the Father (James 1:17). It's better to give God the glory not only because it protects our hearts from pride but also because He rightfully deserves it. He is God, the One who does great things . . . marvelous things without number (Job 5:9).
Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action;
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
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Tree Of Rest
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Posted:May 2, 2014 3:49 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2014 8:21 am 9257 Views
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Read: Ezra 9:5-9
There is a remnant according to the election of grace. Romans 11:5
Bible in a Year:
1 Kings 12-13; Luke 22:1-20
The lone tree in the field across from my office remained a mystery. Acres of trees had been cut down so the farmer could grow corn. But one tree remained standing, its branches reaching up and spreading out. The mystery was solved when I learned the tree was spared for a purpose. Farmers long ago traditionally left one tree standing so that they and their animals would have a cool place to rest when the hot summer sun was beating down.
At times we find that we alone have survived something, and we don't know why. Soldiers coming home from combat and patients who've survived a life-threatening illness struggle to know why they survived when others did not.
The Old Testament speaks of a remnant of Israelites whom God spared when the nation was sent into exile. The remnant preserved God's law and later rebuilt the temple (Ezra 9:9). The apostle Paul referred to himself as part of the remnant of God (Rom. 11:1,5). He was spared to become God's messenger to Gentiles (v.13).
If we stand where others have fallen, it's to raise our hands to heaven in praise and to spread our arms as shade for the weary. The Lord enables us to be a tree of rest for others.
Thank You, Father, that You are my place of rest.
And that all You have brought me through
can be used by You to encourage others.
Bring praise to Yourself through me.
Hope can be ignited by a spark of encouragement.
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If You Are Willing
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Posted:May 1, 2014 12:48 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2014 12:50 am 9088 Views
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Read: Matthew 8:1-4
Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Matthew 8:2
Bible in a Year:
1 Kings 10-11; Luke 21:20-38
Molly wanted her dad's help, but she was afraid to ask. She knew that when he was working on his computer, he didn't want to be interrupted. He might get upset at me, she thought, so she didn't ask him.
We need not have such fears when we come to Jesus. In
Matthew 8:1-4, we read about a leper who didn't hesitate to interrupt Jesus with his needs. His disease made him desperate he had been ostracized from society and was in emotional distress. Jesus was busy with great multitudes, but the leper made his way through the crowd to talk with Jesus.
Matthew's gospel says that the leper came and worshiped Him (v.2). He approached Jesus in worship, with trust in His power, and with humility, acknowledging that the choice to help belonged to Jesus. He said, Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (v.2). In compassion, Jesus touched him (leprosy had made him untouchable by the standards of Jewish law), and he was cleansed immediately.
Like the leper, we don't need to hesitate to approach Jesus with our desire for His help. As we go to Him in humility and worship, we can trust that He will make the best choices for us.
What an example this leper is to me, Lord. Give me
a heart of worship, of confidence in Your power, and
of trust that when I bring my needs to You, Youâll
make the best choice. May I surrender to Your will.
Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy. Hebrews 4:16
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Too Late
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Posted:Apr 30, 2014 4:17 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2014 8:22 am 9434 Views
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Read: Hebrews 4:1-11
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. âHebrews 4:1
Bible in a Year:
1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19
It happens nearly every semester. I tell my freshman college writing class often that they need to keep up with the numerous writing assignments in order to pass the class. But nearly every semester some don't believe me. They're the ones who send me frantic emails after the last day of class and give me their reasons for not taking care of business. I hate to do it, but I have to tell them, I'm sorry. It's too late. You have failed the class.â
That's bad enough when youâre a college freshman and you realize you've just wasted a couple thousand dollars. But there is a far more serious, more permanent finality that comes at the end of life if people haven't taken care of business with God about their sin. In those cases, if people die without having put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, they face an eternity without Him.
What a terrible moment it would be to stand before the Savior Himself and hear Him say, I never knew you; depart from Me! (Matt. 7:23). The author of Hebrews warns us to make sure we don't come short (4:1) of the eternal rest offered by God. The good news is that it's not too late. Today Jesus freely offers to us salvation and forgiveness through Him.
If you'd like to know the love of God the Father,
Come to Him through Jesus Christ, His loving ;
He'll forgive your sins and save your soul forever,
And you'll love forevermore this faithful One.
Calvary reveals the seriousness of our sin and the vastness of God's love.
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Christ In The Storm
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Posted:Apr 29, 2014 3:41 am
Last Updated:May 22, 2024 10:7 pm 9279 Views
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Read: Mark 4:33-41
Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? —Mark 4:40
Bible in a Year:
1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
At the age of 27, Rembrandt painted the seascape Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee based on the story in Mark 4. With its distinctive contrast of light and shadow, Rembrandt’s painting shows a small boat threatened with destruction in a furious storm. As the disciples struggle against the wind and waves, Jesus is undisturbed. The most unusual aspect, however, is the presence in the boat of a 13th disciple whom art experts say resembles Rembrandt himself.
Mark’s gospel describes the disciples’ vivid lesson about who Jesus is and what He can do. While they were frantically trying to save a sinking boat, Jesus was asleep. Didn’t He care that they were all about to die? v.38. After Jesus calmed the storm v.39, He asked the penetrating question, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (v.40). Then they were even more afraid, exclaiming to each other, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (v.41).
We could also put ourselves in this story and discover, just as Jesus’ disciples did, that to each person who trusts in Jesus Christ, He reveals His presence, compassion, and control in every storm of life.
Be still, my heart; for faithful is thy Lord,
And pure and true and tried His holy Word;
Though stormy flood which rageth as the sea,
His promises thy stepping-stones shall be. .
God is a safe dwelling place in life’s storms.
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