Authentic Beauty Mar 19, 2010 5:38 am 12 Views Read: Proverbs 31:21-31 The Bible In One Year: Joshua 1-3; Mark 16 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. —Proverbs 31:30 I often take a moment as I wait at our grocery store checkout stand to scan the covers of the magazines displayed there. It seems that if they aren’t about sex and money, they’re about diet, fitness, health, and outward beauty. There’s nothing there for the soul. The problem is that people read the wrong magazines—those that are full of lies that fixate on beauty of face and form as though that’s all there is. This can lead to comparison and terrible despair. Some years ago, a friend of mine told of a conversation he had with a lovely, self-assured teenager. “You’re very self-confident,” he observed. “Can you tell me why?” “Yes,” the young woman answered. “It’s because I’m so pretty.” “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said with extraordinary wisdom. “Why?” she asked in surprise. “Because,” he replied, “you may not always be pretty.” “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing” is the wisdom we read in Proverbs 31. Physical beauty all too quickly fades away; all one’s efforts to keep it are doomed to fail. But there is an inner beauty—authentic beauty that will endure forever—in the one “who fears the Lord” (v.30). Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me— All His wonderful passion and purity! O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine, Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character. 0 Comments

Who Are You? Mar 18, 2010 3:01 am 19 Views The Bible In one Year: Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47 Read: Matthew 4:18-25 Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. —Matthew 4:19 If someone were to ask, “Who are you?” my guess is that you would tell a little about yourself and what you do—“I’m an electrician” or “I’m a nurse.” But that’s not really who you are—it’s what you do. Which leads to the question, If what you do is who you are, who will you be when you stop doing what you’re doing?! Who you are is found in your relationship to Jesus. And this sense of identity will drive your behavior. Take Matthew, for example. As a tax collector during the reign of the Roman Empire, his life was driven by greed. But everything changed the day Jesus showed up and invited Matthew to follow Him (Matt. 9:9). Suddenly Matthew had a whole new identity as a follower of Christ! And he wasn’t the only one. We also read about four fishermen in Matthew 4:18-25, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their nets to follow Him. Jesus is a compelling Person, and He is still looking for followers. He wants to make something of your life by giving you the identity of a follower of Jesus. It doesn’t mean giving up your career, but it does mean that you will do your work—and all of life—according to His will and ways. So next time someone asks, “Who are you?” I hope you’ll answer, “I’m a follower of Jesus”! For Further Study Read about 10 perspectives that should form our attitudes and actions as followers of Jesus in Kingdom Living If you are a follower of Jesus, that’s all the identity you need. 0 Comments

A Good God Mar 17, 2010 9:47 am 24 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25 Read: Psalm 46 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. —Psalm 9:9 When my brother-in-law was a missionary in Mali, West Africa, he was involved in a traffic accident. A man had wandered into the road in front of Chuck’s motorcycle. The cycle struck the man and sent Chuck and the bike sliding along the ground for more than 200 feet. Shortly after Chuck regained consciousness in the hospital, his doctor told him he had been “really lucky.” Chuck smiled and replied, “God is good.” Later he thought about the day’s events. The man who was struck hadn’t received any permanent injuries, and Chuck would also recover from his injuries. But what if one of them had been killed? He thought, God would be no less good. When we experience tragedy, we may wonder about God’s goodness. Is God always good? Yes, He is. He doesn’t promise that bad things will never happen to us, but He does promise to be “our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1). He doesn’t promise that we will never walk through heart-wrenching circumstances, but He promises that we won’t be alone (23:4). God is good—no matter what suffering we are experiencing. Even when we don’t understand, we can say with Habakkuk, “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” 3.18. O taste and see that God is good To all who seek His face; Yea, blest the one who trusts in Him, Confiding in His grace. —Psalter God tests our faith so that we may trust His faithfulness. 0 Comments

The Real Hero Mar 16, 2010 5:32 am 36 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72 Read: John 3:22-30 He must increase, but I must decrease. —John 3:30 Louis B. Neumiller was known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to quality. As president of the Caterpillar Tractor Company from 1941–54, he led the manufacturer of earth-moving equipment through the challenges of World War II into global expansion. In the book In Their Time: The Greatest Business Leaders of the Twentieth Century, authors Mayo and Nohria describe Neumiller’s leadership as “success without fanfare.” His mark of greatness, they note, was that he took his identity out of the business and “let his company become a hero instead of himself.” We see the same quality of selflessness in John the Baptist, the dynamic preacher who repeatedly affirmed his mission of paving the way for the Messiah. When John’s followers became concerned that Jesus was baptizing people and crowds were following Him, John replied: “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ . . . He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28,30). As followers of Christ, are we lifting Him up instead of seeking honor for ourselves? Rather than being disappointed when our contribution is unnoticed, we should be glad because our highest privilege is to magnify the Lord. He’s the hero! Honoring Him is the mark of greatness. A Prayer: Lord, teach us to be humble. May our desire be that You be known, honored, loved, and exalted in every thought and action—above ourselves. Amen. The great Christian is one who is small enough to let God be great in his life. 0 Comments

Last Line Of Defense Mar 15, 2010 6:11 am 43 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 26-27; Mark 14:27-53 Read: Romans 8:31-39 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. —Romans 8:37 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was the site of a battle that turned the tide of America’s Civil War. One of the focal points of the conflict was a rocky knoll called Little Round Top where Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the men of the 20th Maine Infantry stood their ground. Had the Confederate troops gotten past Chamberlain’s men, some historians believe the Union army would have been surrounded—possibly leading to the loss of the war. The “20th Maine” was the last line of defense. Followers of Christ are also engaged in a vital war. As we battle “the wiles of the devil” Eph. 6.11, we are called to wear the armor of God and to stand firm in the conflict vv.10.1. And like the Gettysburg soldiers, we have a “last line of defense.” For us, though, this defense is greater than any human force. In Romans 8:31-39, Paul says that our ultimate confidence is in the undying love of Christ. So complete is our protection that nothing can “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v.39). When the enemy seems overwhelming and all seems lost, remember, we have an unbeatable last line of defense: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (v.37). We are more than conquerors Through Him who loved us so; The Christ who dwells within us Is the greatest power we know. —Carmichael God’s plan always leads to victory. 0 Comments

United Goal Mar 12, 2010 4:19 am 69 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 17-19; Mark 13:1-20 Read: 1 Cor. 1:10-17 I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you. 1 Corinthians 1:10 The spotted owl has been disappearing in the US. Originally it was believed that old growth logging was its greatest threat. But research shows that one of the owl’s relatives may be the problem. For the past 15 years, the barred owl has been rapidly migrating westward. Barred owls, which used to live exclusively east of the Mississippi, compete for the same food as spotted owls but are more aggressive and adaptable. In a similar way, our greatest spiritual conflict often comes not from outside the church, but from other Christians. This was happening in the church of Corinth, and Paul took some time to address the divisive spirit that had grown in this congregation. This spirit threatened the unity of the church. Paul, with a pastoral nudge, encouraged the Corinthians to agree on the essentials and not be divided over the nonessentials. People were quarreling because they were aligning themselves with different Christian leaders—Paul, Apollos, Peter, and even Christ. In creating these divisions, they were valuing their favorite leader above unity in Christ. Paul said the one essential that should unify the church is preaching the good news. That should be our united goal as well. Lord, bless our congregation, We humbly ask of Thee, That we may walk together In perfect unity. —Fennema A united church is a strong church. 0 Comments

God's Mercies Mar 11, 2010 2:10 am 72 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 14-16; Mark 12:28-44 Read: Genesis 32:3-13 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies. —Genesis 32:10 Less than the least of all God’s mercies.” This was the motto 17th-century English poet and clergyman George Herbert engraved on his signet ring, and it was the phrase with which he signed his letters and books. Jacob had spoken these words when he pondered God’s goodness despite his own sin and shame: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Gen. 32:10). The word “mercies” is from the Hebrew word chesed, meaning “God’s enduring love.” I think it is significant that it rose from the heart of one who saw himself as utterly unworthy. Relying solely on God’s faithful love, Jacob cries out: “Deliver me!” What an odd combination of thoughts: “I am not worthy . . . . Deliver me” (vv.10-11). Unlike some who seem to have it all together, Jacob knew that everything he brought to God had been ruined by sin. He thought of himself as a man undeserving of God’s grace. But his hope lay not in his worth but in the promise of God to look with favor on those who throw themselves on His mercy. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God. As He did with Jacob, God hears us when we humbly cry out to Him for mercy. For mercies so great, what return can I make? For mercies so constant and sure? I’ll love Him, I’ll serve Him with all that I have As long as my life shall endure. —Chisholm Mercy is an unearned blessing bestowed by God on an unworthy recipient. 0 Comments

Reminders Mar 10, 2010 5:03 am 78 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 11-13; Mark 12:1-27 Read: 2 Peter 1:5-15 I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things. —2 Peter 1:12 Jill Price has an extraordinary memory that has stunned scientists. In 2006, her overdeveloped memory was described in a scientific journal article, “A Case of Unusual Autobiographical Remembering.” Price has no special aptitude for memorizing lists of words, numbers, facts, or languages. But she does remember what happened to her on any given day over the last 30 years. Name any date and Price will tell you what day of the week it was, the weather, what she had for breakfast, the TV programs she watched, and the people she spoke with. Few of us have a memory like that. That’s why we need reminders to complete simple tasks and keep our appointments. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual truth. The apostle Peter showed he understood the need of spiritual reminders when he wrote: “I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things . . . . Yes, I think it is right . . . to stir you up by reminding you . . . . Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things” 2 Peter 1:12.15. No matter what kind of memory we have, we need to be reminded of biblical principles. Daily Bible reading, small group studies, and involvement in a local church can all help us to remember God’s vital truths. Remembering the Word of God Does not come naturally; We need reminders to fulfill What God wants us to be. —Sper Let God’s Word fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps. 0 Comments

Don't Forget Mar 9, 2010 2:26 am 93 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 8-10; Mark 11:19-33 Read: Deut. 8:1-2,10-18 Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments. —Deuteronomy 8:11 One of my favorite Far Side cartoons is captioned “Superman in his later years.” It shows the elderly Man of Steel perched on a window ledge, ready to leap, as he looks back and says, “Now where was I going?” Forgetfulness happens to us all, and while our occasional lapses may be amusing or annoying, a lack of memory toward God can be disastrous. With the people of Israel poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses challenged them to “remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness” (Deut. 8:2) and to “beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments” (v.11). Forgetting God can spring from: Testing (vv.2-4). God allowed His people to hunger and then provided manna. When we lack the necessities of life, it’s easy to feel that God has somehow forgotten us. Satisfaction (vv.10-11). Abundance or need may produce spiritual amnesia because both cause us to focus on ourselves, not on God who provides. Pride (vv.12-16). If prosperity brings a feeling of self-accomplishment, then we have forgotten God. Humility, obedience, and praise help us remember God’s faithful provision and care. Let’s not forget to thank Him today for all He’s done. Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony, Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary. —Hussey Never let the abundance of God’s gifts cause you to forget the Giver 1 comment

To The Rescue Mar 8, 2010 12:27 am 89 Views The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 5-7; Mark 11:1-18 Read: Luke 15:1-7 There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15.7 Martie and I recently traveled to some major cities in several countries. We were struck with how lost our world is and grieved over the millions who have never heard the message of the saving grace of Jesus. The thought of reaching our world for Christ felt overwhelming. Until I remembered the story of the boy walking on a beach. Encountering hundreds of starfish dying under the heat of the burning sun, he started throwing them back into the sea. A passerby asked, “What are you doing?” “Saving their lives,” the boy replied. “Forget it,” the man said. “You can’t possibly save all these starfish.” “Right,” replied the boy, “but it makes a big difference to each one I do save.” I love the boy’s perspective. When the wave of sin threw us onto the shore to die, God sent His Son to walk on the beach to rescue all who would repent. And, as Jesus told His listeners in Luke 15, each time someone is rescued, heaven throws a party. “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” Luke 15.7. Has heaven rejoiced over your rescue? If so, join the ranks of those who reach other lost souls with the rescuing grace of Jesus. Your love, O God, would spare no pain To conquer death and win; You sent Your only Son to die To rescue us from sin. —M. Gustafson When you’ve been rescued, you’ll want to rescue others. 0 Comments

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