Lie Down
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Posted:Feb 25, 2014 5:07 am
Last Updated:Feb 26, 2014 3:17 am 16182 Views
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Read: Exodus 20:8-11
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3
Bible in a Year:
Numbers 12-14; Mark 5:21-43
Our golden retriever can get so overly excited that he will go into a seizure. To prevent that from happening, we try to calm him. We stroke him, speak to him in a soothing voice, and tell him to lie down. But when he hears lie down, he avoids eye contact with us and starts complaining. Finally, with a dramatic sigh of resignation, he gives in and plops to the floor.
Sometimes we too need to be reminded to lie down. In Psalm 23, we learn that our Good Shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside the still waters. He knows that we need the calm and rest that these provide, even when we dont realize it ourselves.
Our bodies are designed to have regular rest. God Himself rested on the seventh day after His work of creation (Gen. 2:2-3; Ex. 20:9-11). Jesus knew there was a time to minister to the crowds and a time to rest. He instructed His disciples to come aside . . . and rest a while (Mark 6:31). When we rest, we refocus and are refreshed. When we are filling every hour with activity even with worthwhile things God often gets our attention by making us lie down.
Rest is a gift a good gift from our Creator who knows exactly what we need. Praise Him that He sometimes makes us lie down in green pastures.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your
care for our well-being in every area
of our lives. Help us to be rested
and refreshed in You.
If we dont come apart and rest awhile, we may just plain come apart!
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Empty Fort Strategy
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Posted:Feb 24, 2014 3:18 am
Last Updated:Feb 24, 2014 3:20 am 16200 Views
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Read: Judges 7:2-8
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Jeremiah 32:27
Bible in a Year:
Numbers 9-11; Mark 5:1-20
In the Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, author Luo Guanzhong describes the Empty Fort Strategy, a use of reverse psychology to deceive the enemy. When 150,000 troops from the Wei Kingdom reached Xicheng, which had less than 2,500 soldiers, they found the city gate wide open and the famous military tactician Zhuge Liang calmly playing the zither with two beside him. The Wei general, baffled by the scene and believing it was an ambush, ordered a full retreat.
The Bible offers another example of a bewildering battle strategy. In Judges 7, God had Gideon use 300 men, horns, jars, and blazing torches against armies that were as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number(v.12).
Could Israel defeat such a formidable foe? It was humanly impossible! They had neither the manpower nor the military hardware. But they had one thing that worked for them and that was all they needed. They had God promise:With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory (v.7 nlt). The result? Victory!
Are you facing a formidable challenge? The Lord has said, Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? (Jer. 32:27).
With God, all things are possible.
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Tell It On The Mountain
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Posted:Feb 21, 2014 9:21 am
Last Updated:May 10, 2024 5:57 am 16294 Views
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Read: Mark 3:1-15
He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. âÂÂMark 3:13
Bible in a Year:
Numbers 1-3; Mark 3
I was surprised to see a nationally distributed news article commending a group of teenage snowboarders who hold weekly church services on a Colorado ski slope. In the Summit Daily News, Kimberly NicolettiâÂÂs story captured a wide audience with her account of teens who love to snowboard and to tell how Jesus changed their lives. Undergirding the teenagers is a Christian youth organization equipping them to demonstrate GodâÂÂs love.
ItâÂÂs easier to do things yourself than to train others, yet Jesus poured Himself into a dozen disciples through whom His work would reach the world. In the midst of the pressing need of people clamoring to be healed, He climbed a mountain where âÂÂHe appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them outâ (Mark 3:14).
One of those snowboarders in Colorado said of her discipleship training: âÂÂIâÂÂve never been able to build relationships with family or friends; IâÂÂve kept them at armâÂÂs length. [The program] showed me GodâÂÂs love. It opened me to reach out to people.âÂÂ
Experiencing Jesusâ love and being in company with Him and His followers, we find courage to act and speak in ways that honor our Lord.
Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesusâ precious blood;
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give. âÂÂWhittle
Witnessing isnâÂÂt a job to be done but a life to be lived.
Insight
The selection and call of the 12 disciples (Mark 3:13-15) is told in greater detail in Matthew 10:1-42 and Luke 6:12-16. Significantly, Luke tells us that Jesus spent time alone with God âÂÂand continued all night in prayer to Godâ (Luke 6:12) before He named His disciples.
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Covering Sinkholes
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Posted:Feb 20, 2014 5:06 am
Last Updated:Feb 20, 2014 5:08 am 16404 Views
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Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. âÂÂPsalm 32:1
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 26-27; Mark 2
In late May 2010, tropical storm Agatha hit Central America, producing torrential rains and landslides. Once it finished its course, a 200-foot-deep sinkhole opened in downtown Guatemala City. This sinkhole caused the ground to collapse suddenly, sucking land, electrical poles, and a 3-story building into the depths of the earth.
Though sinkholes can be devastating, the most universal and damaging sinkhole is the one that happens in the human heart. King David was an example of this.
The surface of David life looked stable; however, his interior life rested on a fragile foundation. After his sins of adultery and murder, David thought he had successfully hidden his treacherous acts
(2 Sam. 11:12. However, God intense conviction after Nathan confrontation caused him to realize that denying the presence of sin in his life weakened the foundation of his spiritual life. To prevent this spiritual sinkhole from worsening, David acknowledged his sin to God in repentance (Ps. 32:5). As a result, God covered David sin and gave him the joy of forgiveness.
We too will experience God grace when we confess our sins to Him. He will completely forgive and cover our spiritual sinkholes.
Thinking It Over
What habitual sins, secret addictions, or hidden
vulnerabilities are weakening your interior life?
Remember, God longs to give you complete forgiveness.
When we uncover our sins in repentance God will cover them.
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The Eleventh Hour
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Posted:Feb 19, 2014 3:13 am
Last Updated:Feb 19, 2014 3:14 am 16347 Views
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Read: Matthew 24:3-14
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. âIsaiah 2:4
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 25; Mark 1:23-45
World War I has been ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions lost their lives in the first global modern war. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. During that historic moment, millions around the world observed moments of silence while they reflected upon the warâs terrible costâthe loss of life and suffering. It was hoped that âthe Great War,â as it was called, would truly be âthe war that would end all wars.â
Despite the many deadly military conflicts that have followed, the hope for lasting peace has not faded. And the Bible offers a hopeful and realistic promise that someday wars will finally end. When Christ returns, Isaiahâs prophecy will come true: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore (Isa. 2:4). Then the eleventh hour will pass and the first hour of lasting peace in a new heaven and new earth will begin.
Until that day comes, those who follow Christ are to be people who represent the Prince of Peace in the way we conduct our lives and in the way we make a difference in our world.
Only in Christ can true peace be realized.
Insight
In todayâs reading, Jesus predicts events that will accompany His imminent return. The Lord Jesus Christ ministers in the offices of Prophet (Mark 6:4), Priest (Heb. 4:14), and King (Luke 1:32). What a comfort it is to know that Jesus speaks Godâs Word, represents us to the Father, and is sovereign over heaven and earth.
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Helpers Needed
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Posted:Feb 18, 2014 10:25 am
Last Updated:May 10, 2024 5:57 am 16520 Views
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Read: Romans 16:1-16
The Helper, the Holy Spirit, . . . will teach you all things. âJohn 14:26
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22
To some people, the term helper carries with it second-class connotations. Classroom helpers assist trained teachers in their classes. Helpers assist trained electricians, plumbers, and lawyers on the job. Because they arenât as skilled in the profession, they might be viewed as having less value. But everyone is needed to accomplish the task.
The apostle Paul had many helpers in his work of ministry. He listed them in his letter to Rome (ch.16). He made special reference to Phoebe, who âhas been a helper of many and of myself alsoâ (v.2). Priscilla and Aquila risked their own lives for Paul (vv.3-4). And Mary, Paul said, âlabored much for usâ (v.6).
Helping is a spiritual gift, according to 1 Corinthians 12:28. Paul listed it among the gifts from the Holy Spirit that are given to believers in Christâs body, the church. The gift of âhelpsâ is just as needed as the others that are listed.
Even the Holy Spirit is called a âHelper.â Jesus said, âThe Helper, the Holy Spirit, . . . will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to youâ (John 14:26).
In whatever ways the Holy Spirit, the Helper, has gifted you, let Him use you for His honor.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts You have
given me so that I might serve the
body of Christ. Help me to be faithful to use
my gifts to bring You glory.
You are a necessary part of the whole.
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On Listening
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Posted:Feb 17, 2014 3:51 am
Last Updated:Feb 17, 2014 4:13 pm 17000 Views
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Read: Exodus 16:1-8
Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. —Ecclesiastes 5:2
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 21-22; Matthew 28
God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason,” the saying goes. The ability to listen is an essential life skill. Counselors tell us to listen to each other. Spiritual leaders tell us to listen to God. But hardly anyone says, “Listen to yourself.” I’m not suggesting that we have an inner voice that always knows the right thing to say. Nor am I saying we should listen to ourselves instead of to God and others. I’m suggesting that we need to listen to ourselves in order to learn how others might be receiving our words.
The Israelites could have used this advice when Moses was leading them out of Egypt. Within days of their miraculous deliverance, they were complaining (Ex. 16:2). Although their need for food was legitimate, their way of expressing the need was not (v.3).
Whenever we speak out of fear, anger, ignorance, or pride—even if what we say is true—those who listen will hear more than our words. They hear emotion. But they don’t know whether the emotion comes from love and concern or disdain and disrespect, so we risk misunderstanding. If we listen to ourselves before speaking out loud, we can judge our hearts before our careless words harm others or sadden our God.
Lord, help me to think before I speak, to
check my heart. Help me to control my tongue
and to express myself clearly so that I won’t
cause dissension. Set a guard on my lips.
Words spoken rashly do more harm than good.
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The Great Creator-Healer
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Posted:Feb 15, 2014 5:32 am
Last Updated:May 10, 2024 5:57 am 16361 Views
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Read: Psalm 139:1-16
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. —Psalm 139:14
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 17-18; Matthew 27:27-50
A few years ago, I had a rather serious skiing accident and severely tore the muscles in one of my legs. In fact, my doctor told me that the tear caused excessive bleeding. The healing process was slow, but during that time of waiting I found myself in awe of our great Creator (see Col. 1:16).
I’ve wrinkled a few car fenders in my lifetime and dropped more than one dish. They’ve always stayed broken. Not so with my leg. As soon as the tearing of my muscles occurred, the internal healing mechanisms that Christ created in my body went to work. Invisibly, down deep in my throbbing leg, the medics of His marvelous design were mending the tear. Before long, I was up and running again with a whole new sense of what the psalmist meant when he said that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and my heart was filled with praise (Ps. 139:14).
Sometimes it takes something like an injury or a sickness to remind us of the masterful design that we carry around in our bodies. So the next time you face an unwanted interruption—no matter its cause—focus your attention on Jesus’ wonderful love and let Him lift your heart to grateful worship in the midst of the pain!
Lord, help us to see beyond the moments of our lives
and to delve deeply into Your marvelous handiwork
and perfect design. Forgive us for our short-sightedness
and teach us to see You in every circumstance.
Worship of the masterful Creator begins with a grateful heart.
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True Love
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Posted:Feb 14, 2014 4:12 am
Last Updated:Feb 14, 2014 4:25 pm 17236 Views
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Read: John 15:9-17
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. —John 15:13
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26
During the rehearsal for my brother’s wedding ceremony, my husband snapped a picture of the bride and groom as they faced each other in front of the pastor. When we looked at the photograph later, we noticed that the camera’s flash had illuminated a metal cross in the background, which appeared as a glowing image above the couple.
The photograph reminded me that marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the church as shown on the cross. When the Bible instructs husbands to love their wives (Eph. 5:25), God compares that kind of faithful, selfless affection to Christ’s love for His followers. Because Christ sacrificed His life for the sake of love, we are all to love each other (1 John 4:10-11). He died in our place, so that our sin would not keep us separate from God for eternity. He lived out His words to the disciples: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Many of us suffer from the pain of abandonment, rejection, and betrayal. Despite all of this, through Christ we can understand the sacrificial, compassionate, and enduring nature of true love. Today, remember that you are loved by God. Jesus said so with His life.
Nothing speaks more clearly of God’s love than the cross of Jesus.
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Character Or Reputation
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Posted:Feb 13, 2014 5:18 am
Last Updated:May 10, 2024 5:57 am 14056 Views
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Read: Revelation 3:1-6
You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
—Revelation 3:1
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51-75
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden (1910–2010) believed that character is far more important than reputation. “Your reputation is what you’re perceived to be by others,” Coach Wooden often told his players, “but your character is what you really are. You’re the only one that knows your character. You can fool others, but you can’t fool yourself.”
In the book of Revelation, we find the words of the risen Christ to seven churches in Asia. To the church in Sardis, Jesus said, “I know your works, that you have a name [reputation] that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev. 3:1). The Lord knew the truth about them, and no doubt deep down they knew it too. Jesus told them to wake up and strengthen the spiritual life inside them that was about to die (v.2). He urged them to remember the truth they had received, obey it, then turn around and start moving in a new direction (v.3).
When the Lord shows us what’s wrong in our lives, He always provides a remedy for change. When we turn from our sins, He forgives and strengthens us to start over.
How liberating to exchange a false spiritual reputation for the true, life-giving character that comes from knowing Christ our Lord!
Men talk too much of gold and fame,
And not enough about a name;
And yet a good name’s better far
Than all earth’s glistening jewels are.
The true test of our character is what we do when no one is watching.
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