Daily Devotion

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"And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell." - Mark 9:45

LONESOME DOVE
July 25, 2016

One of my favorite books to this day is Lonesome Dove. In one scene, Gus has been shot in his leg and gangrene sets in. The doctor wants to amputate the leg or he’s going to die. His best friend pleads with him to let the doc cut off the leg. Gus pulls a gun on them both, and refuses to let anyone touch the leg. And sure enough, he dies. Because he wasn’t willing to deal with the infection, his whole body died.

Jesus speaks of cutting off our feet if they cause us to sin. He doesn’t mean “literally.” He is speaking of radical spiritual surgery. Maybe He is referring to feet that tend to run to activities that are not becoming of what God desires. Or it could be feet that tend to run from responsibility, like a father who deserts the home and the family, or an employee who runs from assigned duties. We don’t know exactly what He’s talking about, but He is very clear that this is a serious concern about sin in a person’s life. What Jesus is doing is using an analogy that sometimes a limb may become so infected that gangrene sets in and unless that limb is amputated, the whole body is going to die. And sometimes a sin is so dangerous that it fatally infects our soul. Just like Gus’s leg, that sin must be removed or we face the danger of death.

Is it time to let the Great Physician perform radical spiritual surgery in an area in your life that’s seriously infected by sin? Do it today – before it’s too late – before you die.

 

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"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." - John 14:21

LOVING THE FATHER
July 26, 2016

Read today’s Scripture reference. Is Jesus saying we’ve got to earn the love of God by being good? Remember, when we study the Word of God we always want to look at Scripture in light of Scripture. There’s no doubt that we are saved by faith alone. But there’s also no doubt that how we prove we are really saved is the way we obey God willingly. Think about it this way. It’s not like God doesn’t love bad little boys and girls, because God loves everyone. For instance, as a loving parent, you love your children no matter what they do. If they’re bad, you still love them. But when that child consistently obeys you, you appreciate that child even more! Why? Because that child is saying, “I trust you enough to do what you’re asking me to do!” Life is better for them, and for you, when they do.

It’s the same way with God. God loves all of us even when we’re bad. But God surely does love it (not us!) more when we’re obedient to Him. Because God knows that when we trust Him, we really do love Him! He desires that, as any parent would.

 

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Best Friend—Forever
July 28, 2016

Read: James 2:18–26 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 46–48; Acts 28

“Abraham believed God . . . ,” and he was called God’s friend. James 2:23

One of the pieces of wisdom I have come to appreciate is my dad’s often-repeated statement, “Joe, good friends are one of life’s greatest treasures.” How true! With good friends, you are never alone. They’re attentive to your needs and gladly share life’s joys and burdens.

Before Jesus came to earth, only two individuals were called friends of God. The Lord spoke to Moses “as one speaks to a friend” (Ex. 33:11), and Abraham “was called God’s friend” (James 2:23; see 2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8).

Lord, I am thankful that You have called me Your friend.
I am amazed that Jesus calls those of us who belong to Him friends: “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). And His friendship is so deep that He laid down His life for us. John says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (v. 13).

What a privilege and blessing to have Jesus as our friend! He is a friend who will never leave us or forsake us. He intercedes for us before the Father and supplies all our needs. He forgives all our sins, understands all our sorrows, and gives us sufficient grace in times of trouble. He is indeed our best friend!

Lord, I am thankful that You have called me Your friend. May I ever be grateful for the privilege!

What a friend we have in Jesus.

INSIGHT:
In the ancient Roman hierarchy, to be a “friend of Caesar” meant having a close relationship with the highest seat of power. Such “friends” knew the emperor so well that they actually opened his mail and carried on his correspondence. They also showed a willingness to serve the emperor as he directed. So it is for the follower of Christ today. The Lord Jesus has called us “friends” (John 15:15). He has let us in on His intimacy with His Father and wants us to share His message of love with others. To be the friend of Jesus is to be in relationship with the highest seat of power (Phil. 2:5–11).

 

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Love Your Neighbor
July 29, 2016

Read: Romans 13:8–11 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 49–50; Romans 1
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

An anthropologist was winding up several months of research in a small village, the story is told. While waiting for a ride to the airport for his return flight home, he decided to pass the time by making up a game for some children. His idea was to create a race for a basket of fruit and candy that he placed near a tree. But when he gave the signal to run, no one made a dash for the finish line. Instead the children joined hands and ran together to the tree.

When asked why they chose to run as a group rather than each racing for the prize, a little girl spoke up and said: “How could one of us be happy when all of the others are sad?” Because these children cared about each other, they wanted all to share the basket of fruit and candy.

Because He cares for us, we care for each other.
After years of studying the law of Moses, the apostle Paul found that all of God’s laws could be summed up in one: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14; see also Rom. 13:9). In Christ, Paul saw not only the reason to encourage, comfort, and care for one another but also the spiritual enablement to do it.

Because He cares for us, we care for each other.

Father, thank You for the love You shower on us day by day. Teach us, in turn, to care for others. Open our eyes to see their need and respond as You want us to.

We show our love for God when we love one another.



INSIGHT:
Paul’s words in today’s passage remind us of Jesus’s words to the young teacher of the law who asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25–29). Love for God and neighbor is the fulfillment of all the laws of the Old Testament. In Luke, Jesus defines who our neighbor is and what love for that person should look like (vv. 30–37). Paul provides thoughts about this to the people at the church in Rome. After telling them to love their neighbor in chapter 13, he goes on to tell them in chapter 14 to consider the effect their actions will have on their neighbor. Love is to guide everything we do.

 

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"Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him." - Genesis 21:1-3

THE STRUGGLE OF INFERTILITY
July 31, 2016

One of the most difficult and emotionally painful things that couples deal with, especially for women, is the inability to have a child. If this describes your situation, you should take special interest in the stories of the first ladies of the faith – Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. Sarah was ninety years old when God fulfilled His promise, and she supernaturally conceived Isaac. Rebekah did not give birth to her twins until she had been married for twenty years. And Rachael struggled for years to have a child, while her older sister, Leah, had many. Likewise, so many of you that are struggling with infertility can recognize the tremendous hope of these stories, as you also find a great point of identification in the first ladies of the faith. Their struggle is your struggle. Your struggle is their struggle. And note that when they were finally able to have a child, it gave greater sense of appreciation for God’s blessing in their life.

It’s also so important to notice how, for each of these women, prayer was central. It was specific answered prayer when God brought about life in the barren womb of these women. And men, pay attention to the active role that their husbands played in praying to God to open the wombs of their wives. No matter what course you may take in medical treatment, don’t forget the most important thing, and that is to pray, to seek God’s will. If He blesses you with a child, remember that God is the Giver of life. If He doesn’t, may God give you the grace to accept it and clarity as to whether giving a Godly home to a child in need of parents through adoption is the route God is leading you to go. Either way, God is the Giver of all life.

 

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Never Give Up!
August 2, 2016

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10–15 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 60–62; Romans 5

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Joop Zoetemelk is known as the Netherlands’ most successful cyclist. But that’s because he never gave up. He started and finished the Tour de France 16 times—placing second five times before winning in 1980. That’s perseverance!

Many winners have reached success by climbing a special ladder called “never give up.” However, there are also many who have lost the opportunity to achieve success because they gave up too soon. This can happen in every area of life: family, education, friends, work, service. Perseverance is a key to victory.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
The apostle Paul persevered despite persecution and affliction (2 Tim. 3:10–11). He viewed life with realism, recognizing that as followers of Christ we will suffer persecution (vv. 12–13), but he instructed Timothy to place his faith in God and the encouragement of the Scriptures (vv. 14–15). Doing so would help him face discouragement and endure with hope. At the end of his life, Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (4:7).

We too can allow the Scriptures to strengthen us to press on in the race marked out for us. For our God is both a promise-making and promise-keeping God and will reward those who faithfully finish the race (v. 8).

Heavenly Father, give me strength of character and perseverance to serve you better. Help me not to get discouraged when things get tough but to rely on You to see me through.

Faith connects our weakness to God’s strength.

INSIGHT:
Paul experienced great persecution in the cities of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. In Antioch, he faced aggressive opposition from the religious leaders (Acts 13:45; 15:1–2). In Iconium, Gentile and Jewish leaders conspired to have him killed (14:4–5). And in Lystra, he was stoned and left for dead (v. 19). Yet in his final letter to Timothy, Paul uses these three cities as examples of perseverance. He recounts these terribly painful events not to garner pity but to remind Timothy of God’s faithfulness during times of hardship and pain.

 

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More Than We Can Imagine
August 3, 2016

Read: Ephesians 3:14–21 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 63–65; Romans 6
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To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

What are the five best toys of all time? Jonathan H. Liu suggested the following: A stick, a box, string, a cardboard tube, and dirt (GeekDad column at wired.com). All are readily available, versatile, appropriate for all ages, fit every budget, and are powered by imagination. No batteries required.

Imagination plays a powerful role in our lives, so it’s not unusual that the apostle Paul mentioned it in his prayer for the followers of Jesus in Ephesus (Eph. 3:14–21). After asking God to strengthen them with His power through His Spirit (v. 16), Paul prayed that they would be able to grasp and experience the full dimension of the love of Christ (vv. 17–19). In closing, Paul gave glory to “him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (v. 20).

God is able to do far more than we may dare to ask or even dream of.
Often our experience limits our prayers—a situation we can’t picture being different; destructive habits that remain unbroken; long-held attitudes that seem to defy change. As time passes, we may begin to feel that some things cannot be changed. But Paul says that is not true.

By God’s mighty power working in us, He is able to do far more than we may dare to ask or even dream of.

Dear Father, help us today to embrace all that You have given us in Your Son—forgiveness, hope, encouragement, and power to live a new life.

Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations.

INSIGHT:
Paul knew intimately and intensely the power of God to do things that could not be imagined. His own conversion from persecutor of the church to follower of Christ was a perfect example of the power of God (see Acts 9). In his letter to the young pastor Timothy (the pastor of the church in Ephesus), Paul refers to the power of God in the improbability of his conversion. It is only by the power and grace of God that “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (1 Tim. 1:13) could be transformed into a man who, when in prison and facing capital punishment could say “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

 

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Not Perfect
August 4, 2016

Read: Romans 7:14–25 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 66–67; Romans 7


I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18

In his book Jumping Through Fires, David Nasser tells the story of his spiritual journey. Before he began a relationship with Jesus, he was befriended by a group of Christian teens. Although most of the time his buddies were generous, winsome, and nonjudgmental, David witnessed one of them lie to his girlfriend. Feeling convicted, the young man later confessed and asked for her forgiveness. Reflecting on this, David said that the incident drew him closer to his Christian friends. He realized that they needed grace, just as he did.

We don’t have to act like we’re perfect with the people we know. It’s okay to be honest about our mistakes and struggles. The apostle Paul openly referred to himself as the worst of all sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). He also described his wrestling match with sin in Romans 7, where he said, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (v. 18). Unfortunately, the opposite was also true: “The evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (v. 19).

We don't have to be perfect. It’s okay to be honest about our mistakes and struggles.
Being open about our struggles puts us on the same level with every other human alive—which is right where we belong! However, because of Jesus Christ, our sin will not follow us into eternity. It’s like the old saying goes, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.”

Dear Jesus, I worship You as the only perfect human ever to live. Thank You for making it possible for me to have victory over sin.

The only difference between Christians and everyone else is forgiveness.

INSIGHT:
When Paul says that the “law” is spiritual, he is likely referring to the Torah (meaning “instruction”), the first five books of the Old Testament. The Torah is a gift to teach us something about God’s holiness and our sin.

 

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Who’s Watching You?
August 5, 2016

Read: Psalm 34:15–22 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 68–69; Romans 8:1–21
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The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous. Psalm 34:15

No matter where the athletes of the 2016 Olympics go in the city of Rio de Janeiro, they can see Jesus. Standing high above this Brazilian city and anchored to a 2,310-foot-high mountain called Corcovado is a 100-foot-tall sculpture called Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). With arms spread wide, this massive figure is visible day and night from almost anywhere in the sprawling city.

As comforting as this iconic concrete and soapstone sculpture may be to all who can look up and see it, there is much greater comfort from this reality: The real Jesus sees us. In Psalm 34, David explained it like this: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry” (v. 15). He noted that when the righteous call out for His help, “The Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (vv. 17–18).

God oversees our lives, and He hears the cries of those who trust Him.
Just who are the righteous? Those of us who place our trust in Jesus Christ, who Himself is our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30). Our God oversees our lives, and He hears the cries of those who trust Him. He is near to help in our greatest times of need.

Jesus has His eyes on you.

Sometimes, Lord, life seems out of control and I don’t know exactly which direction to take. Thank You for overseeing my life and prompting me in the right way through Your Word and Your Spirit.

The Lord never lets us out of His sight.

INSIGHT:
As a lone fugitive running from the jealous king Saul (1 Sam. 19:1–12), David took refuge in the Philistine territory of Gath. Not only was it a foolish thing to do, it was also very dangerous. Gath was the hometown of Goliath (17:4, 23). When the Philistines discovered he was the same David who had slain their champion Goliath (18:6–7), they captured him (21:11–15). Aware that his life was in danger, David feigned insanity, foaming at the mouth as a sign of derangement (21:13). The ploy succeeded. David was released, and he made his escape. In response to God’s deliverance, David wrote Psalm 34 celebrating the God who answers prayers. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me” (v. 4).

 

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Because I Love Him
August 8, 2016

Read: Revelation 22:12–21 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 74–76; Romans 9:16–33



“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

The day before my husband was to return home from a business trip my son said, “Mom! I want Daddy to come home.” I asked him why, expecting him to say something about the presents his daddy usually brings back or that he missed playing ball with him. But with solemn seriousness he answered, “I want him to come back because I love him!”

His answer made me think about our Lord and His promise to come back. “I am coming soon,” Jesus says (Rev. 22:20). I long for His return, but why do I want Him to come back? Is it because I will be in His presence, away from sickness and death? Is it because I am tired of living in a difficult world? Or is it because when you’ve loved Him so much of your life, when He has shared your tears and your laughter, when He has been more real than anybody else, you want to be with Him forever?

“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
I’m glad my son misses his daddy when he’s away. It would be terrible if he didn’t care at all about his return or if he thought it would interfere with his plans. How do we feel about our Lord’s return? Let us long for that day passionately, and earnestly say, “Lord, come back! We love You.”

Lord, please come back soon!

Look forward eagerly for the Lord’s appearing.



INSIGHT:
Jesus tells us that He is soon to return and will bring with Him a reward for each believer who faithfully waits for Him. We are also told that those who have “washed their robes” have the right to partake of the tree of life. Does this mean that they are meriting a place in heaven through good works? Most certainly not. The New Testament clearly declares: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).

 

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Who Will Tell Them?
August 9, 2016

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 77–78; Romans 10
Our Savior . . . has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.2 Timothy 1:10

World War II had ended. Peace had been declared. But young Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda of the Japanese Imperial Army, stationed on an island in the Philippines, didn’t know the war had ended. Attempts were made to track him down. Leaflets were dropped over his location, telling him the war was over. But Onoda, whose last order in 1945 was to stay and fight, dismissed these attempts and leaflets as trickery or propaganda from the enemy. He did not surrender until March 1974—nearly 30 years after the war had ended—when his former commanding officer traveled from Japan to the Philippines, rescinded his original order, and officially relieved Onoda of duty. Onoda finally believed the war was over.

When it comes to the good news about Jesus Christ, many still haven’t heard or don’t believe that He has “destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:10). And some of us who have heard and believed still live defeated lives, trying to survive on our own in the jungle of life.

Will you tell someone the good news today?
Someone needs to tell them the glorious news of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Initially, they may respond with skepticism or doubt, but take heart. Imagine the freedom they’ll find when Christ illumines their mind with the knowledge that the battle has been won.

Lord, help me to keep an open heart to listen to others and to share about what You have done.

Will you tell someone the good news today?

INSIGHT:
When we hear the word ministry we often associate it with a vocation or certain church-related activities that we perform individually—“my ministry is this or that.” But Paul is telling the church at Corinth that they all have the same ministry: “through God’s mercy we have this ministry” (2 Cor. 4:1). So what is this universal ministry Paul is calling the church to? The Greek word translated “ministry” in this passage is commonly rendered “waiting at tables.” Paul is talking about service. All Christians are called to a lifestyle of service that witnesses to and communicates the good news of Jesus.

 

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"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6

WHO IS THE WORD?
August 9, 2016

If we’re honest, as Christians, we have all struggled with our faith at one time or another. Here is an area that I have struggled with about the existence of God. Look at the first four words of the Bible, “In the beginning God…” In my human mind, I can’t grasp the concept of no beginning. I know that everything begins and ends, except God – He always has been, is, and always will be. That’s just hard to wrap your head around!

But let me tell you why the first four words of Genesis also enrich my faith. Look at John 1:1. Note the same beginning for the Gospel of John as you saw as the first words in the book of Genesis. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” But we also read verse 14 of John 1. “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Who is the Word? The Word is Jesus, and the only reason I can believe in an invisible God is Jesus. And when I struggle with doubts about the existence of God and deal with those unanswerable questions, like where did God come from? Or how could He always exist? I come back to Jesus. I look at His life, God in the flesh, and most of all, I look at the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. If Christ rose from the dead, any Biblical claims about God are possible. If He did not, the Bible says we Christians are just a bunch of fools.

My belief in God rises and falls with Jesus, His life, His death and His resurrection.

 

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No Fear
August 11, 2016

Read: Luke 2:8–20 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 81–83; Romans 11:19–36

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.” Luke 2:10

Nearly every time an angel appears in the Bible, the first words he says are, “Do not be afraid” (Dan. 10:12, 19; Matt. 28:5; Rev. 1:17). Little wonder. When the supernatural makes contact with planet Earth, it usually leaves the human observers flat on their faces in catatonic fear. But Luke tells of God making an appearance on earth in a form that does not frighten. In Jesus, born in a barn and laid in a feeding trough, God finds at last a mode of approach that we need not fear. What could be less scary than a newborn baby?

Puzzled skeptics stalked Jesus throughout His ministry. How could a baby in Bethlehem, a carpenter’s son, be the Messiah from God? But a group of shepherds in a field had no doubt about who He was, for they heard the message of good news straight from a choir of angels (2:8–14).

In Jesus, God comes close to us.
Why did God take on human form? The Bible gives many reasons, some densely theological and some quite practical; but the scene of Jesus as an adolescent lecturing rabbis in the temple gives one clue (v. 46). For the first time, ordinary people could hold a conversation, a debate, with God in visible form. Jesus could talk to anyone—His parents, a rabbi, a poor widow—without first having to announce, “Don’t be afraid.”

In Jesus, God comes close to us.

I’m humbled, Lord, that You would come near to me. But I’m grateful. Thank You.

For further study read Is Jesus God?

God incarnate is the end of fear. F. B. Meyer

INSIGHT:
While the writers of Matthew, Mark, and John had direct contact with Jesus, Luke was written by a historian after a great amount of research. The others begin simply by diving into the story of Jesus. In the introduction to Luke’s gospel, he begins by giving the reader reason to trust what he or she is about to read. (See Luke 1:1–4.)

 

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“Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:18

EVIDENCE OF A NEW IDENTITY
August 11, 2016

Picking up from yesterday’s devotion, “Show Me Who I Am in Christ,” we found that in Jesus Christ, we have new identities that are so much greater than anything we could achieve or accomplish on our own! It changes us and how we interact with other people. 2 Corinthians 5 shows us the true mark of someone who has their identity in Christ is that they are a minister of reconciliation (restoration). This is the call to forgiveness.

Here is the big question: If you are a follower of Jesus, are you known for forgiveness and reconciliation? Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask to forgive you? You may say, “No one”, or “I’m all good, not bitter at anyone.” (By the way, bitter people rarely know they are bitter. It’s like that first day at the beach when you forgot to wear sunscreen. Everyone knows you look like a lobster, but you have no idea – yet. Oh, it’s going to hurt like crazy tomorrow, but right then, no problem. That is how bitterness works. You think you are fine, but as that bitter root grows in your heart, it is going to get very painful, very fast.)

Here are some signs that forgiveness may be needed in relationships:

1. Who do you not want to be around? Who do you avoid?
2. Who do you have nothing nice to say about?
3. Who causes you to go into a shell the moment they enter a room?
4. Who are you blaming for the current pain in your life?
5. Who is it hard for you to pray God’s blessings for?

Chances are, there is someone who comes to mind and forgiveness is needed. To live in the reconciliation of God’s grace is to learn to extend the grace of God to those who have wronged us. Reconciliation is an act of one who is free, and the stakes are high! A heart of reconciliation is of the utmost importance. You see, God uses those who are a new creation in Christ to show others the beauty of the Gospel. If you have been reconciled to God through Christ you are invited to be a “minister of reconciliation” that points to the love and grace you have freely received!

If you say you are a Christian, is your life pointing to the grace of God, or preventing people from seeing the grace of God? Followers of Christ are called and empowered to be ambassadors – champions of grace in all relationships.

Are you that ambassador? Are you a picture of the grace you have found in Jesus Christ? If not, this would be a good time to ask God to forgive you and restore a right relationship with Him. When that happens, His grace will freely flow from your life and you can live as one who freely offers reconciliation.

 

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A Legacy Life
August 15, 2016

Read: Proverbs 22:1–12 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 91–93; Romans 15:1–13
A good name is more desirable than great riches. Proverbs 22:1

While staying in a hotel in a small town I noticed that the church across the street was having a service. People were jammed into the church with a standing-room-only crowd of both young and old flowing out onto the sidewalk. When I noticed a hearse by the curb, I realized it was a funeral. And given the crowd, I assumed that it was the celebration of the life of some local hero—perhaps a wealthy businessperson or a famous personality. Curious, I said to the desk clerk, “That’s an amazing turnout for a funeral; it must be for a famous person in town.”

“No,” he replied. “He wasn’t rich or famous but he was a good man.”

Lord, help me to pursue a life that is pleasing to You and honors Your name.
This reminded me of the wisdom of the proverb that says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Prov. 22:1). It’s a good idea to think about what kind of legacy we are leaving for our family, friends, and neighbors. From God’s perspective it’s not our resumé or the amount of money we’ve accumulated that matters but rather the kind of life we have lived.

When a friend of mine passed away, his daughter wrote, “This world has lost a righteous man and in this world that is no small thing!” It’s that kind of legacy that we should be seeking for the glory of God.

Lord, help me to pursue a life that is pleasing to You and honors Your name.

Live to leave a legacy for God’s glory.

INSIGHT:
The Proverbs hold wisdom to help us live for the Lord and leave a legacy. Just the first 8 verses of Proverbs 22 are loaded with wonderful insights about many different aspects of life. Verse 1 tells us of the value of a good name. The Hebrew word for “good name” carries with it the idea of “good repute” (see Eccl. 7:1).

 

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“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.” - Colossians 3:18-19

SUBMITTING
August 16, 2016

Submit – to be under the authority of another. This is a military term, used in the biblical description of family. Here, we see wives called to submit to the leadership of their husbands. Now hold on, wives. Stay with me and let’s break down what this looks like according to God’s Word.

First of all, I want to be very clear. The Bible doesn’t teach that women are to submit to men. Does it mean men and women are unequal? That men are better? Absolutely not. In Genesis 1, we see that mankind is made in the image of God, male and female. We are all equal before God.

Still, this is not an easy verse. It is radically counter-cultural. And besides, we are all sinners. Meaning, all wives are married to – yep, sinners. So, he will make mistakes. It’s also tough because all wives are sinners, too.

Is there a time when you’re not called to submit to your husband? Yes, there is. If your husband is drunk, on drugs, mentally ill, or just sinful and is urging you to go against God’s Word, then the leadership of the husband has been forfeited. If he is physically abusive to you or your children, then absolutely there is a need to seek shelter from that relationship.

At the same time, the teaching is very clear that wives are to submit to their husbands’ leading because “it is fitting to the Lord.” It’s not because he is smarter or better. It doesn’t mean we guys are deserving. No guy is. But, it’s because the Christian marriage is to be an example of Christ’s relationship with His bride, the church. The bride, the wife, is called to submit to her husband as the church is called to submit to Jesus (Ephesians 5:22-24).

And think about this. The ultimate act of submission was Christ voluntarily taking on the guilt and sin of mankind and dying on the cross to restore our relationship with God. He did this out ofsubmission to His Father’s will.

The word “submit” is a radically counter-cultural word. Yet what Jesus did with His Father, husbands are to do with Jesus, and wives are to submit to Christ by submitting to their husbands. Ask God to change your heart towards this word – submit. Start with your relationship with Christ. In what areas are you not submitting to God’s will for your life?

 

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That Thing You Do
August 18, 2016

Read: 2 Chronicles 13:10–18 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 100–102; 1 Corinthians 1

The people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 2 Chronicles 13:18

As the convoy waited to roll out, a young marine rapped urgently on the window of his team leader’s vehicle. Irritated, the sergeant rolled down his window. “What?”

“You gotta do that thing,” the marine said. “What thing?” asked the sergeant. “You know, that thing you do,” replied the marine.

God will never turn away whoever turns to Him in faith.
Then it dawned on the sergeant. He always prayed for the convoy’s safety, but this time he hadn’t. So he dutifully climbed out of the Humvee and prayed for his marines. The marine understood the value of his praying leader.

In ancient Judah, Abijah doesn’t stand out as a great king. First Kings 15:3 tells us, “His heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God.” But as Judah prepared for war against Israel, outnumbered two to one, Abijah knew this much: Faithful people in his kingdom of Judah had continued worshiping God (2 Chron. 13:10–12), while the ten tribes of Israel had driven out the priests of God and worshiped pagan gods instead (vv. 8–9). So Abijah turned confidently to the one true God.

Surely Abijah’s checkered history had caused grave damage. But he knew where to turn in the crisis, and his army won soundly “because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors” (v. 18). Our God welcomes whoever comes to Him and relies on Him.

I know that prayer isn’t a good-luck charm. But I come to You now, Lord, because there’s no one better to talk to. I trust You with all of my circumstances today.

God will never turn away whoever turns to Him in faith.

INSIGHT:
In the battle between the northern and southern kingdoms recounted in today’s reading, Abijah warned Israel that the Lord was on Judah’s side because the priests were “observing the requirements of the Lord our God” (2 Chron. 13:10–11). By keeping these requirements, the kingdom of Judah was following the instructions set out by Moses in the book of Leviticus. Judah’s victory over Israel, who greatly outnumbered them, demonstrates that God is a God who is faithful to His word.

 

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“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” - Genesis 1: 27

THE CHOICE IS YOURS
August 22, 2016

Let’s go back to the beginning – Creation. We jump in, where God has created everything. From the stars in the sky to the fish of the sea, not one detail has been overlooked. For His grade finale, God creates Man. Adam and Eve, were created “in His own image.”

With characteristics unlike any other in creation, we, mankind, are incredibly unique. Let’s look at a few of those characteristics:

• Knowledge: Man possesses the ability to think, to reason – unlike any other. Hippos lack that.
• Emotion: God gets angry and disappointed at man, but shows great love and joy and forgiveness when we discover His will. In the same way, Man has emotions based upon relationships – just like God’s relationship with man. Rats are in short supply here.
• Morality: Man has a consciousness, a sense of what is right and wrong, a sense of guilt. Cats sure don’t have it (though dogs do seem to know when they have done wrong).
• Free Will: Do I go to University or into the military? Do I reject God or love him? Man has the ability to make decisions. Lions just act by instinct.

So, why does this matter? Take a look at this idea of free will. This probably has to be the most incredible characteristic we possess- the ability to choose.

We’ve been allowed a choice: to live for God or ourselves. To choose God means recognizing that we are flawed, sinful human beings, separated from God because of that sin. To choose God means believing that Jesus died on the cross as payment for our guilt, our sin, and accepting the undeserved gift of grace and forgiveness. To choose God means a life of fulfillment and purpose, pursuing God’s will in our lives and the assurance of eternal life.

Take a look at your life. If you died today, do you know with absolute certainty that you would go to Heaven? If there’s any doubt or uncertainty about your relationship with God, choose today to finally receive that missing peace and assurance. Choose today to begin getting to know God, the Creator, in whose image you’ve been made. It’s your choice. He created you to be able to choose. Choosing to trust Him is the best choice you’ll ever make.

 

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“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life, which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” - Galatians 2: 20

A BELIEVER’S BAGGAGE
August 23, 2016

Have you ever been frustrated – with yourself? No matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get it right. You try to be patient with that work colleague, but his attitude and personality just rub you the wrong way. What about your spouse? He or she knows exactly what to say to get under your skin. That addiction? Every Sunday you decide to quit, only to give in by Tuesday (sometimes by Sunday afternoon).

Even great followers of Jesus struggle with sin. One of the most devoted Christians in the first century, the Apostle Paul, the very man who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write much of the New Testament, still struggled with sin.

So, what can we do? One way the Bible talks about is observing the Lord’s Supper with other believers as a renewal of our faith. This is a time of gratitude in thinking back to the crucifixion of Christ. We remember the price that Jesus paid so that we could be forgiven, the judgement that we deserve because of our sins.

Regularly observing the Lord’s Supper with other believers is an opportunity to renew our faith. It’s where a Christian, dirtied by sin and living this life— remembers what Christ has done to pay the penalty for all that sin. Out of gratitude, we renew our vows of commitment to him.

We all have baggage. There’s not a person alive that’s got it all together. We all struggle with our sins. In the Lord’s Supper, we are brought back to the incredible love of Jesus. We’re brought back to the fact that Christ has paid the ultimate price, to die for us on the cross. When we remember that, the Lord’s Supper is a renewal of faith—not to try harder, but a renewed commitment to follow Jesus in gratitude for His grace and love for us.

Are you ready for that? I have good news. You don’t have to wait on observing the Lord’s Supper. You can do it today. Stop dragging your baggage around – just leave it at the foot of the cross. Then the observance of the Lord’s Supper will mean even more.

 

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Remembering . . .
August 25, 2016

Read: Psalm 119:17–19, 130–134 | Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1–88; 1 Corinthians 7:20–40

I have hidden your word in my heart. Psalm 119:11

One difficult part of growing older is the fear of dementia and the loss of short-term memory. But Dr. Benjamin Mast, an expert on the topic of Alzheimer’s disease, offers some encouragement. He says that patients’ brains are often so “well worn” and “habitual” that they can hear an old hymn and sing along to every word. He suggests that spiritual disciplines such as reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns cause truth to become “embedded” in our brains, ready to be accessed when prompted.

In Psalm 119:11, we read how the power of hiding God’s words in our heart can keep us from sinning. It can strengthen us, teach us obedience, and direct our footsteps (vv. 28, 67, 133). This in turn gives us hope and understanding (vv. 49, 130). Even when we begin to notice memory slips in ourselves or in the life of a loved one, God’s Word, memorized years earlier, is still there, “stored up” or “treasured” in the heart (v. 11esv, nasb). Even as our minds lose the keen edge of youth, we know that God’s words, hidden in our hearts, will continue to speak to us.

I have hidden your word in my heart. Psalm 119:11
Nothing—not even failing memories—can separate us from His love and care. We have His word on it.

Lord, You are such an amazing comfort to us. Thank You that our salvation and spiritual well-being does not depend on our failing minds and bodies, but on You and Your faithfulness to Your Word.

God's promises never fail.

INSIGHT:
Psalm 119 is well known as the longest chapter in the Bible. It is an acrostic (each section beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) that praises the goodness and value of God’s law. While it may be tempting to ignore the significance of what the writer of this psalm says and consider it mere poetic license, Scripture repeatedly praises the law of God as good and valuable. Jesus Himself affirmed the value and benefit of the law on numerous occasions. Most notably in His Sermon on the Mount when He said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17).