Daily Devotion

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Believing In Advance
By Philip Yancey
Read: Revelation 22:12-21
Surely I am coming quickly. —Revelation 22:20
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1
In a German prison camp in World War II, undiscovered by the guards, some Americans built a homemade radio. One day news came that the German high command had surrendered, ending the war. Because of a communications breakdown, however, the guards did not yet know this. As word spread among the prisoners, a loud celebration broke out. For 3 days, they sang, waved at guards, and shared jokes over meals. On the fourth day, they awoke to find that all the Germans had fled. Their waiting had come to an end.

A number of Bible stories center on waiting: Abraham waiting for a child (Gen. 12–21). The Israelites waiting for deliverance from Egypt. Prophets waiting for the fulfillment of their own predictions. The disciples waiting for Jesus to act like the powerful Messiah they anticipated. Jesus’ final words at the end of Revelation are “I am coming quickly,” followed by an urgent, echoing prayer, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20). For this, we still wait.

Here’s the question I ask myself: As we wait, why are we so often fearful and anxious? We can, like the Allied prisoners, act on the good news we say we believe. What is faith in God, after all, but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse?

Faith looks beyond the shadow
Of dread and doubt and fear
And finds the Savior waiting
And always standing near. —French
Waiting tries our faith and so we wait in hope.
Insight
After writing of the events that will precede Jesus’ second coming (Rev. 4–22), John assured his readers of the certainty and nearness of Jesus’ return by quoting Him two times: “I am coming quickly” (vv.12,20). John then adds a personal plea, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (v.20).

 

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Following The Master
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Read: Numbers 9:15-23
At the command of theLord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed. —Numbers 9:23
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2
At a dog show near my home, I watched a Cardigan Welsh corgi named Trevor perform. At his master’s command, he ran several yards away and immediately returned, he jumped fences, and he identified objects using his sense of smell. After finishing each exercise, he sat down at his master’s feet and waited for more instructions.

Trevor’s careful attention to his master’s instruction reminded me of the devotion God desired from His people as they followed Him through the wilderness. God led in a unique way. His presence appeared as a cloud. If the cloud ascended, He wanted His people to move to another area. If the cloud descended, they were to stay put. “At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed” (Num. 9:23). The Israelites followed this practice day or night, regardless of how long they had to remain in one place.

God wasn’t simply testing the Israelites; He was leading them to the Promised Land (10:29). He wanted to take them to a better place. So it is with us when God asks us to follow Him. He wants to lead us to a place of closer fellowship with Himself. His Word assures us that He is loving and faithful in leading those who humbly follow Him.

In fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey. —Sammis
God asks His children to follow the Leader.
Insight
The tabernacle (Num. 9:15) was not only a place of worship, it was intended to be the center of Israel’s national life. This “tent of meeting” also foreshadowed the incarnation of Christ, the living Word who “dwelled” (that is, “tabernacled”) among us in a tent of human flesh (John 1:14).

 

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Live In Love
By Dave Branon
Read: Psalm 112
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion. —Psalm 112:4
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5
In the African country where my friend Roxanne lives, water is a precious commodity. People often have to travel long distances to collect water from small, contaminated creeks—leading to sickness and death. It’s difficult for organizations like orphanages and churches to serve the people because of a lack of water. But that’s beginning to change.

Through Roxanne’s leadership and the unselfish gifts of some loving people in established churches, clean water wells are being dug. At least six new wells are now operational, allowing churches to be centers of hope and encouragement. A health center and a home for 700 orphans will also be able to be opened because of access to water.

That’s the kind of love that can flow from believers in Christ when we have experienced the love and generosity of God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that if we don’t have love, our voices clang on people’s ears and our faith means nothing. And the apostle John says that if we have material possessions and see others in need and take action, that’s evidence that God’s love is abiding in us (1 John 3:16).

God desires that we deal “graciously” (Ps. 112:5) with those in need, for His heart is gracious toward us.

Be not weary in your serving;
Do your best for those in need;
Kindnesses will be rewarded
By the Lord who prompts the deed. —Anon.
Kindness is Christianity with its working clothes on.
Insight
While there is no designation of the author of Psalm 112, the common speculation is for Davidic authorship. It may well have been written as a companion to Psalm 111. In both songs, the verses are written in alphabetical order, and both share the theme of the characteristics and life of the person blessed by God. Psalm 111 focuses on the God who blesses, while Psalm 112 focuses on the person who is blessed.

 

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"Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee," - Deuteronomy 5:16

Three Stages of Honoring Your Parents
August 23, 2014

No commandment of God is more important than “Honor thy father and mother.” It is a commandment that seems to be often overlooked in today’s society. It is lived out in 3 phases of the parent-child relationship. When a child is growing up in the home, he is called to obey. Parents have to teach their children to obey, but children remember, you honor your parents through obedience.

The second phase begins when the child becomes a young adult. They are no longer dependent on their parents and they are no longer called to obey but to respect their parents. This is usually the longest phase.

The third phase of honoring parents is caring for them in their old age when they are no longer able to care for themselves. This is a tough transition when the child often becomes a parent to their parent.

Obedience, respect, and care—the three stages of honoring Mom and Dad. The welfare of the family is dependent on us obeying God’s command.

 

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"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Is Your Light Still Shining?
August 25, 2014

Astronomers have told us that the most recognizable feature in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross, is disappearing. No, not in the physical sense, but because of the increase in the amount of artificial light in places like Sydney, Australia, the Southern Cross appears fainter and less distinctive in the sky.

How like the lives of many who claim to be Christians. The influence of the world on the ethical and moral standards is so great that the truth as found in the Bible seems to dim. Where once they were light in the darkness, now their light has faded into obscurity, no longer seen in a world filled with darkness.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you call yourself a Christian, let me ask you a question. Is the light of Christ shining through your life or is it really non-existent – invisible to others? Was it bright at one time in your life, but becoming less and less so with each passing day?

Friends, don’t allow your light to vanish without having a positive influence for Christ. We supposed to be light in a dark world. We are to let the light of Christ shine through us!

 

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Life’s Darkest Moments
By Randy Kilgore
Read: 1 Kings 19:1-8
An angel touched [Elijah], and said to him, “Arise and eat.” —1 Kings 19:5
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9
Charles Whittlesey was a hero’s hero. Leader of the so-called “Lost Battalion” in World War I, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery when his unit was trapped behind enemy lines. When the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated, Charles was chosen to serve as pallbearer for the first soldier laid to rest there. Two weeks later, it is presumed that he ended his own life by stepping off a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean.

Like Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-7), Charles was publicly strong, but in the quiet, post-public moments, his feelings of despair set in. People today frequently face situations bigger than they can handle. Sometimes it’s temporary despair brought on by fatigue, as in Elijah’s case. He had been part of a great victory over the prophets of Baal (18:20-40), but then he feared for his life and ran into the wilderness (19:1-3). But often, it’s more than despair and it’s more than temporary. That’s why it is imperative that we talk about depression openly and compassionately.

God offers His presence to us in life’s darkest moments, which enables us, in turn, to be His presence to the hurting. Crying out for help—from others and from God—may be the strongest moment of our lives.

Father, grant us the candor to admit to each
other that sometimes life overwhelms us. And
grant us the courage to help others find
help—and to seek it when we need it.
Hope comes with help from God and others.
Insight
Elijah, deemed Israel’s greatest prophet, was highly revered and well spoken of by the Jews, by the Lord Jesus Himself, and by the apostles (Matt. 17:10-11; Luke 1:17; Rom. 11:2-4, James 5:17-18). He appeared with Moses at the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17:3). Because Elijah did not die (2 Kings 2:1), the Jews believed he would come back again (Mal. 4:5). Many scholars believe that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11.

 

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"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

Forgiving the Inexcusable
August 28, 2014

C.S. Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Is there someone you’ve been unwilling to forgive? Who is it that comes to mind? Now I assure you in some situations, you’re not going to be able to forgive people in your own strength. The hurt is too deep. We have to ask God to help us do what we cannot do alone.

Unwillingness to forgive is unwillingness to give control to God. Leave the ‘getting even’ up to Him. How do you know when forgiveness is complete? For me, it’s when I’m able to see that person without having a knot in the pit of my stomach. There’s no sense of bitterness or resentment – just acceptance. Does that mean you merely trust them? Oh no, “that’s for fools.” But you choose to love them. It’s a great miracle that God brings about when we ask His help on forgiving others. And what freedom to finally let go.

If you’re really struggling in this area, remember, Jesus is our ultimate example. Nobody got the shaft like Jesus. He had no sin. We murdered Him with our sins on the cross. And while we were murdering Him, He said, “Father, forgive them.” If Jesus can forgive us for that, then through His power, we can forgive others who have wronged us. Ask God to help you do this today!

 

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Not Even A Nod
By Randy Kilgore
Read: Luke 17:11-19
One of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God. —Luke 17:15
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 137-139; 1 Corinthians 13
Traffic was bad and everyone was cranky on that hot afternoon. I noticed a car with two young men waiting to enter traffic from a fast-food restaurant driveway. I thought it was nice when the driver ahead of me let them in.

But when the “nice” driver ahead of me didn’t get a nod or even a thank you wave, he turned ugly. First he rolled down his window and shouted at the driver he had let in. Then he gunned his engine and raced forward as if to ram into his car, honking and yelling as he continued to vent his anger.

Who was “more wrong”? Did the young driver’s ingratitude justify the “nice” driver’s angry response? Was he owed a thank you?

Certainly the 10 lepers Jesus healed owed gratitude to Him. How could only one return to say thank you? I’m struck by Jesus’ response: “Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:18). If the King of Kings can get only a 1 in 10 response of thanks, how can we expect more from others? Better to do our deeds to honor God and serve others than to do them to collect gratitude. May the grace of God be seen in us even when our kind acts go unappreciated.

Lord, we like to be recognized for the things we
do. Help us to remember that we are not owed any
recognition or thanks but that we owe You a lifetime
of gratitude for the salvation You offer through Jesus.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may . . . glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

Insight
As the 10 men in today’s reading went away to follow Jesus’ instructions, “they were cleansed” (v.14); that is, healed of their leprosy. Yet verse 19 says that only one man, the Samaritan, glorified God for his healing and came back to say thank you. Only he received Jesus’ word that his faith had made him well. The Greek word for “made well” is used in reference to salvation. Jesus’ miraculous power made the man well physically (v.14). But the Samaritan’s faith, demonstrated in praise and gratitude, led to his spiritual healing (v.19). All 10 were “cleansed,” but only one was “made well.”

 

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Hope To Continue On
By Anne Cetas
Read: Lamentations 3:19-33
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. —Lamentations 3:22-23
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 140-142; 1 Corinthians 14:1-20
The solar-powered airplane Solar Impulse can fly day and night without fuel. Inventors Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg hope to fly it around the world in 2015. While the plane flies all day by solar power, it gathers enough energy to be able to fly all night. When the sun rises, Piccard says, “It brings the hope again that you can continue.”

The idea of sunrise bringing us hope makes me think of Lamentations 3 from our Bible reading for today: “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through theLord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning” (vv.21-23). Even when God’s people were in the depths of despair while the city of Jerusalem was being invaded by the Babylonians, the prophet Jeremiah said they had reason to hope—they still had the Lord’s mercies and compassions.

Sometimes our struggles seem worse at night, but when sunrise comes it brings hope again that we can continue. “Weeping may endure for a night,” the psalmist says, “but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).

Thank You, Lord, for the hope You send with each sunrise. Your mercies and compassions are new every morning!

New mercies every morning,
Grace for every day,
New hope for every trial,
And courage all the way. —McVeigh
Each new day gives us new reasons to praise the Lord.

Insight
For 2 years the Babylonians lay siege to Jerusalem. Conditions within the besieged city were desperate and deplorable. Starvation during the siege even led to cannibalism (2 Kings 25:1-4; Lam. 2:20; 4:10). Sadly, Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of the city and temple (Jer. 52:12-27). In five emotionally charged dirges, or funeral laments (one for each chapter of Lamentations), he described the sufferings of the people and the reasons for their suffering. But he also wrote of hope in the midst of despair (Lam. 3:21-32) and of restoration that would come (5:19-22).

 

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The Barking Lion
By Poh Fang ChiaRead: Proverbs 22:1-5
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. —Proverbs 22:1
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Visitors to a zoo were outraged when the “African lion” started barking instead of roaring. Zoo staff said they had disguised a Tibetan mastiff—a very large dog—as a lion because they could not afford the real thing. Needless to say, the zoo’s reputation was sullied and people will think twice before visiting it.

Reputation is fragile; once it’s damaged, it’s hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit. This too could be our story. Scripture encourages us: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Prov. 22:1). God is telling us that true value must be placed not in what we have but in who we are.

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said, “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” As followers of Jesus, we bear His name. Because of His love for us, we strive to walk worthy of Him, reflecting His likeness in our words and deeds.

When we fail, He picks us up again by His love. By our example, others around us will be led to praise the God who has redeemed and transformed us (Matt. 5:16)—for the name of the Lord is worthy of glory, honor, and all praise.

Lord, I do want to walk worthy of Your name
because You have made me Your own. I know
I can’t live perfectly, but I want to reflect to others
a little of who You are. Please show Yourself through me.
The purest treasure mortal times afford is a spotless reputation. —Shakespeare
Insight
The book of Proverbs is made up of several collections of wise sayings, with the majority coming from the pen of wise King Solomon. Solomon’s proverbs of wisdom are contained in 1:8–22:16, which are then followed by the sayings of other wise men in 22:17–24:34. More of Solomon’s wisdom, written down by Hezekiah’s men, is found in chapters 25–29. The book of wisdom closes with Agur’s wise sayings in chapter 30 and Lemuel’s words in chapter 31. All of this combines to make the book of Proverbs a comprehensive collection of the wisdom of ancient Israel.

 

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With Him Forever!
By Bill CrowderRead: James 4:11-17
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. —James 4:14
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
In 1859, during the turbulent years prior to America’s Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had the opportunity to speak to the Agricultural Society in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As he spoke, he shared with them the story of an ancient monarch’s search for a sentence that was “true and appropriate in all times and situations.” His wise men, faced with this heady challenge, gave him the sentence, “And this, too, shall pass away.”

This is certainly true of our present world—it is constantly in the process of deterioration. And it’s not happening just to the world; we also face the reality in our own lives that our days are numbered. James wrote, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

Although our current life is temporary and will pass away, the God we worship and serve is eternal. He has shared that eternity with us through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He promises us a life that will never pass away: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

When Christ returns, He will take us home to be with Him forever!

Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity. —Bridges/Thring
For hope today, remember the end of the story— eternity with God.
Insight
The New Testament book of James is often compared to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Both contain a great deal of practical instruction about daily life lived in faith. Proverbs says that if we acknowledge God, He will direct our paths (3:6). Today’s passage reminds us of the same idea. While cautioning us that our lives are fleeting (James 4:13-14), James comforts us with the knowledge that we are in God’s hands (vv.12,15). He is the one who saves, and it is by His will that we live our lives.

 

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"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. And let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' - Genesis 1:26

A Sacred Responsibility
September 6, 2014

What do you think it means that man was made in God’s image? Does it mean that God has two arms, two legs, and a long flowing beard as depicted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? (Of note, Michelangelo also painted a belly button on God, something that really makes no sense on so many levels.) No, Scripture does not imply a visual duplication of God; instead it refers to the nature of God. Like God, man can think and reason. We appreciate beauty and language. And unlike animals, we have an inner sense of morality and the ability to grasp deep concepts. This gives man the ability to commune with God, and that is the real reason God made us in His image. He desires a relationship with you and wants to fellowship with all mankind.

In the same passage, God addresses our relationship with the earth. One reason God made us in His image is that we are responsible for caring for all of God’s creation. We’re to be an intermediary between God and all of His creation. How can we manage it unless we stay close to God; unless we think like God; unless we’re able to fulfill the will of God? Part of having a relationship with God is having the right relationship with His creation. This just can’t be said enough: Being created in His image is an awesome gift, as well as a sacred responsibility.

 

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Sow What?
By Julie Ackerman LinkRead: Mark 4:1-20
He who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. —Proverbs 11:18
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1
On the clock tower of my alma mater is an Art Deco bas-relief sculpture titled The Sower. The inscription beneath it is from Galatians 6:7, “Whatsoever a man soweth.” Michigan State University remains a leader in agricultural research, but despite many improvements in farming techniques and crop production, this fact remains: Seeds of corn will not produce a crop of beans.

Jesus used many farming metaphors to explain the kingdom of God. In the parable of the sower (Mark 4), He compared the Word of God to seeds sown in different types of soil. As the parable indicates, the sower sows indiscriminately, knowing that some seed will fall in places where it will not grow.

Like Jesus, we are to sow good seed in all places at all times. God is responsible for where it lands and how it grows. The important thing is that we sow. God does not want us to reap destruction, so He wants us to sow what is good and right (Prov. 11:18). The apostle Paul elaborated on the metaphor when he warned believers not to sow seeds of corruption. Instead, we are to sow seeds that will reap eternal life (Gal. 6:8).

The answer to the question, “Sow what?” is “Sow what you want to reap.” To reap a good harvest in your life, start sowing seeds of goodness.

Sow a thought, reap an act;
Sow an act, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny. —Anon.
A buried seed brings fruit; a selfless life reaps an eternal harvest.

 

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"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." - Psalm 51:17

Everyone Has Flaws – Don’t Let Them Define You!
September 8, 2014

Are you struggling with a life-crisis caused by a personal character flaw, indiscretion, or misstep? Consider the mess Moses got himself into. At age 39, Moses was at the apex of society, of status, of wealth, of educational pedigree, as the adopted son of the most prominent man in the world – Pharaoh. He was at the pinnacle of all society. And then he murdered an Egyptian he saw beating a slave. He buried the body and thought he had gotten away with it. But Moses was exposed the next day and had to flee for his life in the wilderness. Moses went from high society to desert nomad in just one day. And you’re talking about a drastic change in everything about his life.

Moses probably felt like his life was over and thought there was no chance for him ever again doing anything of significance. But, even though what Moses did was evil and wrong, God did not abandon him. God took Moses’ evil and turned it into a means for good by preparing him for the challenge of his life – calling on Pharaoh to release all the Hebrew slaves.

Perhaps you can relate to what Moses went through. No matter how bad your fall or how serious your character flaw or how much difficulty you face in life – don’t give up. Turn to the Lord in faith and let God do something powerful in your life. Let God develop all the Godly attributes that He wants you to have in your life. Just like He did for Moses, God still has great plans for your life!

 

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The Timeless Life
September 9, 2014

It’s no real surprise to most of us that God’s time table is completely different than ours. The Bible tells us that to God, one day is as 1000 years and 1000 years are as one day. He sees the past, present, and future all at once, for He is over time. That blows my mind. We are so finite. We begin, we end. God is infinite. He always was, is, and will always be. Isn’t that amazing?

When we get to heaven, there will be no clocks, no calendars – just unlimited time. That unsettles me. Clocks and calendars give order to my life. A place with no time just boggles my mind. But we’ll never be tired, and that will be great! Even though God is over time, at the perfect time He became one of us – as a baby boy. He invaded history right on time – BC/AD – it was the zero hour – to show us Himself and save us from sin and offer us eternal life with Him – timeless life. Isn’t that amazing? Won’t you take “time” to consider this?

 

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Jesus Removed the Barrier!
September 10, 2014

I had the amazing privilege of seeing the Great Wall of China. It was magnificent and overwhelming. The construction of it began over four hundred years before Christ and was completed in the 1600s. It is built over some of the toughest terrain imaginable. You could stretch it from Atlanta to London and still have wall left over. All that effort to stay separated from their enemies!

But as big as the Great Wall is, it’s not as big as the wall of sin that separates man from God. I know sin is not a politically correct term these days, but it’s what separates us from God. No man can overcome this barrier on his own. Yet, God offers us a way through Jesus, His sacrificial death, and our faith in Him. He removes the barrier.

Do you feel a barrier or separation between you and God? In faith, look at what God’s Word says about Jesus. He’ll remove the wall between you and God.

 

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The Small Giant
By Poh Fang ChiaRead: 1 Samuel 17:32-37
The Lord . . . will deliver me. —1 Samuel 17:37
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5
The towering enemy strides into the Valley of Elah. He stands 9 feet tall, and his coat of armor, made of many small bronze plates, glimmers in the sunlight. The shaft of his spear is wrapped with cords so it can spin through the air and be thrown with greater distance and accuracy. Goliath looks invincible.

But David knows better. While Goliath may look like a giant and act like a giant, in contrast to the living God he is small. David has a right view of God and therefore a right view of the circumstances. He sees Goliath as one who is defying the armies of the living God (1 Sam. 17:26). He confidently appears before Goliath in his shepherd’s clothes, armed with only his staff, five stones, and a sling. His confidence is not in what he has but in who is with him (v.45).

What “Goliath” are you facing right now? It may be an impossible situation at work, a financial difficulty, or a broken relationship. With God all things are small in comparison. Nothing is too big for Him. The words of the hymnwriter Charles Wesley remind us: “Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and cries it shall be done.” God is able to deliver you if that’s His desire, and He may do so in ways you don’t expect.

Not to the strong is the battle,
Not to the swift is the race;
Yet to the true and the faithful
Victory is promised through grace. —Crosby
Don’t tell God how big your giants are. Tell your giants how big your God is.
Insight
David was young at the time he faced Goliath, so his courage in confronting the giant is impressive. His confidence was in God and was based on His actions in the past. David considered the heroic actions of his shepherding days (17:34-35) as victories of the Lord (v.37). His boldness was encouraged by the faithful strength of God.

 

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Gentle Jesus
By David C. McCasland
Read: Matthew 18:1-10
Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7
Charles Wesley (1707–1788) was a Methodist evangelist who wrote more than 9,000 hymns and sacred poems. Some, like “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” are great, soaring hymns of praise. But his poem “Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild,” first published in 1742, is a child’s quiet prayer that captures the essence of how all of us should seek the Lord in sincere, simple faith.

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb,

In Thy gracious hands I am;

Make me, Savior, what Thou art,

Live Thyself within my heart.

When some followers of Jesus were jockeying for position in His kingdom, the Lord “called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matt. 18:2-3).

Not many children seek position or power. Instead, they want acceptance and security. They cling to the adults who love and care for them. Jesus never turned children away.

The last stanza of Wesley’s poem shows a childlike desire to be just like Jesus: “I shall then show forth Thy praise / Serve Thee all my happy days; / Then the world shall always see / Christ, the holy Child, in me.”

Father, give me the faith of a little child. I want
to know Your love and care, and to rest in Your
embrace. Grant my desire to be like You in all
my ways that I might live for Your honor.
Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.
Insight
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6 would have been received with the weight it deserved. The ancient Hebrews viewed the sea as a place of danger and chaos. As a result, there were few things more feared than death by drowning, the picture Jesus painted here.

 

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"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." - Philippians 4:11

Finding Contentment
September 14, 2014

One of the most rare commodities in society is contentment…and it’s becoming more rare by the day. Advertisers would have us believe that their product is the key to finding fulfillment and happiness. Television, radio, the internet, billboards…all sorts of advertisements reinforce this message and fills our minds with images of things. It’s like this “stuff” is truly essential to our happiness.

Well, I’ve got news for you. Seeking satisfaction in things will never bring contentment; it just leads to further dissatisfaction. How do we find contentment? Like so many other things, contentment is a choice – a by-product.

A man who had more than his share of difficulty in life said, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.” It was the apostle Paul who said that. How did he do it? The key was found in his relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the key for anyone. We all have the same opportunity to find contentment. It’s a by-product of our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. That is the key to being content.

 

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A Heart For Prayer
By Anne CetasRead: Psalm 27:7-14
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” —Psalm 27:8
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9
While traveling on an airplane with her 4- and 2-year-old daughters, a young mom worked at keeping them busy so they wouldn’t disturb others. When the pilot’s voice came over the intercom for an announcement, Catherine, the younger girl, paused from her activities and put her head down. When the pilot finished, she whispered, “Amen.” Perhaps because there had been a recent natural disaster, she thought the pilot was praying.

Like that little girl, I want a heart that turns my thoughts toward prayer quickly. I think it would be fair to say that the psalmist David had that kind of heart. We get hints of that in Psalm 27 as he speaks of facing difficult foes (v.2). He said, “Your face, Lord, I will seek” (v.8). Some say that David was remembering the time he was fleeing from Saul (1 Sam. 21:10) or from his son Absalom (2 Sam. 15:13-14) when he wrote this psalm. Prayer and dependence on God were in the forefront of David’s thinking, and he found Him to be his sanctuary (Ps. 27:4-5).

We need a sanctuary as well. Perhaps reading or praying this psalm and others could help us to develop that closeness to our Father-God. As God becomes our sanctuary, we’ll more readily turn our hearts toward Him in prayer.

Teach me, Father, what it means to run to
and have You as my sanctuary. Help me not to
worry about the words I say, but just to express my
heart to You and to nestle down close to You.
In prayer, God can still our hearts and quiet our minds.
Insight
Many of the psalms are prayers to God, and many are songs to encourage others concerning the goodness and love of God. Today's psalm contains both elements. While David cries out to God for guidance and protection in verses 7-13, he ends his psalm with a message to the reader (v.14). Taking the lessons and thoughts expressed in his prayer, David encourages the reader to trust the Lord and wait upon Him as he has done.