Left Side Of The Road
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Posted:Apr 10, 2014 3:06 am
Last Updated:Apr 10, 2014 3:08 am 9295 Views
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Read: Galatians 5:1-14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14
Bible in a Year:
1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 10:25-42
Growing up in the US, I always thought it interesting that in some countries motorists drive on the left side of the road instead of the right. Then, when I was in England, I heard a London tour guide explain one possible reason for this law: In the 1800s, pedestrians as well as -and-carriages used the same roads. When a carriage was on the right side of the road, a driver's whip would sometimes hit a passerby. To remove this hazard, a law was passed requiring all carriages to travel on the left side of the road so the pedestrians could be kept safe.
Just as the rules of the road are for our benefit and protection, so are God's commands. Because He loves us, He has given them to us for our benefit. Paul writes: For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Gal. 5.13-14.
As we apply God's Word to our hearts, lets keep in mind that the God of grace has given us His guidelines to help us grow in our love for Him and our concern for others.
Thy Word is everlasting truth;
How pure is every page!
That Holy Book shall guide our youth
And well support our age.
The Bible has treasures of wisdom to mine.
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Loved To Love
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Posted:Apr 9, 2014 4:34 am
Last Updated:Apr 9, 2014 6:27 pm 9335 Views
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Read: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19
Bible in a Year:
1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 10:1-24
Dietrich Bonhoeffers life was at risk every day he stayed in Hitlers Germany, but he stayed nonetheless. I imagine he shared the apostle Paul's view that being in heaven was his hearts desire, but staying where he was needed was God's present purpose
(Phil. 1:21). So stay he did; as a pastor he offered clandestine worship services and resisted the evil regime under Hitler.
Despite the daily danger, Bonhoeffer penned Life Togethera book on hospitality as ministry. He put this principle to the test when he lived and worked in a monastic community and when he was imprisoned. Every meal, every task, and every conversation, Bonhoeffer taught, was an opportunity to show Christ to others, even under great stress or strain.
We read in Deuteronomy that just as God ministered to the Israelites who were leaving Egypt, He instructed them to imitate Him by loving and hosting strangers and widows (10:18-19; Ex. 22:21-22). We too are loved by God and empowered by His Spirit to serve Him by serving others in countless ways each day through kind words and actions.
Who on our daily journey seems lonely or lost? We can trust the Lord to enable us to bring them hope and compassion as we live and labor together for Him.
That I may serve Him with a full surrender,
My life a crucible, His eye the test,
Each hour a gift from Him, the gracious Sender,
Each day a pledge to give to Christ my best.
The more we understand God's love for us the more love well show to others.
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Gettings Beyond Ourselves
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Posted:Apr 8, 2014 4:44 am
Last Updated:Apr 8, 2014 4:46 am 9420 Views
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Read: 2 Corinthians 3.7-18
We all, . . . beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Bible in a Year:
1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
I have one of those friends who seems to be better than I am at just about everything. He is smarter; he thinks more deeply; and he knows where to find better books to read. He is even a better golfer. Spending time with him challenges me to become a better, more thoughtful person. His standard of excellence spurs me on to greater things.
That highlights a spiritual principle: It's crucial for us to spend time in God's Word so we can connect with the person of Christ. Reading about the impact of Jesus unconditional love for us compels me to love without demand. His mercy and His free distribution of grace to the most undeserving make me ashamed of my tendency to withhold forgiveness and seek revenge.
I find myself becoming a more thankful person when I realize that, despite my shameful fallenness, the Lord has clothed me in the beauty of His perfect righteousness. His amazing ways and unsurpassed wisdom motivate and transform me. It's hard to be content with my life as it is when in His presence I am drawn to become more like Him.
The apostle Paul calls us to the joy of beholding Christ. As we do so, we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory
(2 Cor. 3.18.
Lord, help us to come into Your presence with eyes
and hearts wide open to all that You are and want us
to become. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us
and for the joy of basking in the greatness of Your glory.
Stay close to God and you will never be the same.
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Strawberry Mess
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Posted:Apr 7, 2014 5:04 am
Last Updated:Apr 7, 2014 5:05 am 9320 Views
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Read: Philippians 4:1-5
Be of the same mind in the Lord. Philippians 4:2
Bible in a Year:
1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
My husband and I had recently moved into our house when a man dropped off a large box of strawberries on our front sidewalk. He left a note saying he wanted us to share them with our neighbors. He meant well, but some discovered the box before any adults did and had a strawberry-throwing party at our white house. When we returned home, we saw we knew watching us from behind a fence. They had returned to the scene of the crime to see how we would react to the mess. We could have just cleaned it up ourselves, but to restore our relationship, we felt it was important to talk with them and require their help in cleaning our strawberry-stained house.
Life can get messy with relationship struggles. This was the case in the Philippian church. Two faithful servants, Euodia and Syntyche, were in sharp disagreement. The apostle Paul wrote to the church to encourage them to work through their problems (Phil. 4:2). He also wanted another person to come alongside them with a spirit of gentleness. He wrote, I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel (v.3).
Realizing we've all made messes in life, we can trust the Lord to help us deal gently with others.
Dear Lord, please give me discernment and
courage in my relationships. Help me by Your
power to be gentle and show the same love
to others that You have shown to me.
True love both confronts and restores.
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Check The Oil
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Posted:Apr 4, 2014 4:39 am
Last Updated:Apr 4, 2014 4:41 am 9207 Views
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Read: Psalm 5
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. Psalm 5:3
Bible in a Year:
Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25
When I helped our daughters learn to drive, I included a little instruction on basic auto maintenance. We visited a local service station where they learned to check the oil every time they put fuel in the car. Today, years later, they often remind me of my six-word slogan, Oil is cheap; engines are expensive. Adding a quart of oil is nothing compared to replacing an engine.
Maintenance is also important in our spiritual lives. Taking time each day to read the Bible, pray, and listen to God is a key element in avoiding a breakdown. In Psalm 5, David wrote, My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You (v.3). In the following verses he poured out his heart in praise, thanksgiving, and requests to God.
Many people find it essential to begin every day with the Lord. Before checking email, catching the news, or eating breakfast, they find some quiet moments alone to read a portion of Godâs Word, praise Him for His greatness, thank Him for His love, and seek His guidance. Others spend time reading and praying at different times of the day.
Itâs not magic its maintenance, as we ask the Lord each day to fill our hearts with His presence on the road of life.
Give me a strong desire, O Lord, to look into Your
Word each day. Help me hide it in my heart so that
I might not stray from Your truth. Feed me and
teach me about Yourself and Your will for me.
The roots of stability come from being grounded in Godâs Word and prayer.
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What's In A Name?
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Posted:Apr 3, 2014 4:28 am
Last Updated:Apr 3, 2014 4:30 am 9482 Views
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Read: John 1:35-42
You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church.
Matthew 16:18
Bible in a Year:
Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50
My friend wrote a letter to his newborn that he wanted him to read when he was older: My dear boy, Daddy and Mummy wish that you will find and stay focused on the Light. Your Chinese name is xin xuan. Xin means faithfulness, contentment, and integrity; xuan stands for warmth and light. He and his wife carefully chose a name based on their hopes for their baby boy.
When Jesus renamed Simon as Peter/Cephas (John 1:42), it wasn't a random choice. Peter means the rock.â But it took a while for him to live up to his new name. The account of his life reveals him as a fisherman known for his rash ways shifting-sand kind of guy. Peter disagreed with Jesus (Matt. 16:22-23), struck a man with a sword (John 18:10-11), and even denied knowing Jesus (John 18:15-27). But in Acts, we read that God worked in and through him to establish His church. Peter truly became a rock.
If you, like Peter, are a follower of Jesus, you have a new identity. In Acts 11:26, we read, The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The name Christians means Christ-ones. You now are one of the Christ-ones. This title lifts up who you are and calls you to become what you are not yet. God is faithful, and He will complete His good work in you (Phil. 1:6).
Dear Father, thank You for the incredible privilege
of being called Your . May we understand
more fully what it means to be identified with Your
, Jesus Christ. Work in us and through us.
We honor God's name when we call Him our Father and live like His .
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You've Got A Friend
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Posted:Apr 2, 2014 4:29 am
Last Updated:Apr 9, 2014 6:27 pm 9430 Views
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Read: Psalm 23
[Jesus said,] I have called you friends.John 15:15
Bible in a Year:
Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30
One of the ironic consequences of the sweeping growth of social media is that we often find ourselves more personally isolated. One online article warns: âThose who oppose leading ones life primarily or exclusively online claim that virtual friends are not adequate substitutes for real-world friends, and . . . individuals who substitute virtual friends for physical friends become even lonelier and more depressive than before.
Technology aside, all of us battle with seasons of loneliness, wondering if anyone knows, understands, or cares about the burdens we carry or the struggles we face. But followers of Christ have an assurance that brings comfort to our weary hearts. The comforting presence of the Savior is promised in words that are undeniable, for the psalmist David wrote, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Ps. 23:4).
Whether isolated by our own choices, by the cultural trends that surround us, or by the painful losses of life, all who know Christ can rest in the presence of the Shepherd of our hearts. What a friend we have in Jesus!
Iâve found a Friend; O such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
Those who know Jesus as their Friend are never alone.
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Free Tomatoes
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Posted:Apr 1, 2014 5:05 am
Last Updated:Apr 1, 2014 5:07 am 9210 Views
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Read: Exodus 35:20-29
Everyone whose spirit was willing . . . brought the Lordâs offering for the work of the tabernacle. âExodus 35:21
Bible in a Year:
Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49
Packing groceries into the trunk of my car, I glanced at the vehicle next to me. Through the back window, I could see baskets full of bright red tomatoes shiny, plump, and better looking than any I had seen in the store. When the car's owner appeared seconds later, I said, What great looking tomatoes! She replied, I had a good crop this year. Would you like some? Surprised by her willingness to share, I gladly accepted. She gave me several free tomatoes to take home they tasted as good as they looked!
We see an even greater spirit of generosity in the Israelites when they gave to build the tabernacle of the Lord. When asked to provide materials for the sanctuary, everyone whose spirit was willing . . . brought the Lords offering for the work of the tabernacle (Ex. 35:21). The Israelites eagerly donated their gold jewelry, colored thread, fine linen, silver, bronze, gemstones, and spices. Some also gave their time and talents (vv.25-26).
If we follow the Israelitesâ example and willingly donate our resources, we please and honor God with our attitude and offerings. The Lord, who sees and knows our thoughts and hearts, loves cheerful givers. He Himself is the best example of generosity
(John 3:16).
Dear Jesus, You gave everything You had
for my sake. Help me to give with
a willing heart so that my gifts
will truly honor You.
The state of our heart is more important than the size of our gift.
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Bottled Water Binge
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Posted:Mar 31, 2014 5:16 am
Last Updated:Mar 31, 2014 5:20 am 8690 Views
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Read: Romans 5:12-21
Through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men.
Romans 5.18
Bible in a Year:
Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26
Here in the United States, we've been on a bottled water binge for a number of years. Even though most people have a safe supply of water that is free and readily available from faucets and drinking fountains, they still purchase bottled water. Choosing to pay for something that I can enjoy at no cost doesn't make sense to me, but some people believe that a product they pay for is superior to anything they receive free.
This sometimes carries over into our spiritual lives. Some struggle to accept that salvation is a gift. They want to do something to earn it. The problem is, no one can afford it. The price of salvation is perfection Matt. 19.21, and Jesus is the only person who could pay the price Rom. 5.18. To anyone who thirsts, He promises to âgive of the fountain of the water of life freely Rev. 21.6.
Some people try to purchase the living water of salvation with good deeds and charitable donations. Although these are forms of spiritual service valued by God, they are not what God requires for the forgiveness of our sin. Jesus already paid the price by dying in our place, and He offers to quench our spiritual thirst when we drink freely from God's
fountain that will never run dry.
Jesus is the Living Water's
Just one drink will make you whole;
Drawing daily from that wellspring
Brings refreshment to the soul.
Jesus is the only fountain who can satisfy the thirsty soul.
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Waiting
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Posted:Mar 28, 2014 4:58 am
Last Updated:May 9, 2024 10:54 pm 8360 Views
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Read: Psalm 130
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12
Bible in a Year:
Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44
Day after day for years Harry shared with the Lord his concern for his -in-law John who had turned away from God. But then Harry died. A few months later, John turned back to God. When his mother-in-law Marsha told him that Harry had been praying for him every day, John replied, I waited too long. But Marsha joyfully shared: The Lord is still answering the prayers Harry prayed during his earthly life.
Harrys story is an encouragement to us who pray and wait. He continued steadfastly in prayer and waited patiently (Rom. 12.12.
The author of Psalm 130 experienced waiting in prayer. He said, .I wait for the Lord, my soul waits (v.5). He found hope in God because he knew that âwith the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption (v.).
Author Samuel Enyia wrote about Gods timing: God does not depend on our time. Our time is chronological and linear but God . . . is timeless. He will act at the fullness of His time. Our prayer . . . may not necessarily rush God into action, but . . . places us before Him in fellowship.
What a privilege we have to fellowship with God in prayer and to wait for the answer in the fullness of His time.
Pray on! Pray on! Cease not to pray,
And should the answer tarry, wait;
Thy God will come, will surely come,
And He can never come too late.
God may delay our request, but He will never disappoint our trust.
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