Daily Devotion

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"Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time." - Ephesians 5:15-16a

Get With It Before Your Time Runs Out
May 25, 2014

This is a good follow-up to yesterday’s devotion about why you work. In that same vein, do you ever struggle with making the most of your time? Feeling like there’s just not enough time in each day? Well, we have to remember we all have the same amount of time: one hundred sixty-eight hours a week, twenty-four hours a day. The key is making the most of our time. This is a spiritual, as well as practical, issue.

Scripture says, “Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time.” So how do you do that? List the top three to five priorities of your life. This list will help you prioritize how you spend your time.

Concentrate on what’s most important, and major on the majors. As you approach each day, write down the most important thing you need to do, commit to do it, then go to the second most important thing and do it.

Effective time management is an important discipline to have, in order to live the successful life. So get with it before your time runs out.

 

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"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

How Can We Repay Their Sacrifice?
May 26, 2014

The opening scene of the movie, Saving Private Ryan, shows the incredible carnage and sacrifice that occurred during the Invasion of Normandy. We look on with horror as hundreds, then thousands of soldiers are killed in the battle that changed the course of the war. From this scene emerges a humble schoolteacher, now a Captain, who is assigned an unusual mission. Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, is ordered to lead a small platoon across Germany and retrieve Private James Ryan. It seems that Ryan’s three older brothers had all been killed on a single day, and General Marshall wanted to bring the sole surviving son back to his mother.

Captain Miller eventually located Private Ryan. Ryan’s company was in the middle of a difficult battle, attempting to secure a bridge. Because of Ryan’s loyalty to his fellow soldiers, Miller had to use every bit of persuasion he had to finally convince Ryan to leave his comrades. But before he could leave, a counter assault by the Nazis killed many of the valiant troops, as well as mortally wounding Captain Miller. Miller addressed his last words to Private Ryan, “James – earn this. Earn it.”

That was a powerful command, wasn’t it? How could a single soldier possibly pay back all that sacrifice? Of course that leads to the real question, how can we possible pay back the incredible sacrifices made by our military? Some thoughts do come to mind: being good citizens, casting responsible votes, and being thankful for their service and our freedom.

Even more important, how can we ever pay back Christ for giving His life for us? Most amazing of all, we can’t! We can never earn His favor. We simply have to accept His life and gift on faith; and then to please Him, love God and our neighbors as ourselves. This is a way of showing our gratitude for His love and grace that we can NEVER earn.

 

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"However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." - 2 Samuel 12:14

Our Leaders Need Our Prayers
May 28, 2014

There is a story in the bible where King David had committed a horrible succession of sins. When Nathan confronted David with his sins, David – and give him credit for this – finally confessed and sought the Lord’s forgiveness. God did forgive him, but serious consequences remained. The enemies of Israel would now be making fun of God. David’s actions had been so alien to the Lord’s teachings that he was causing God to be ridiculed. “After all,” they would say, “if this man of God who is supposed to be a good man that is your king, if he acts like this…guilty of adultery, murdering the woman’s husband, and then marrying the woman…hey – you are no different from us!”

All of us have been around ministries when a spiritual leader falls into sin, and we know the disillusionment within the church. But we also know the mocking outside the body of Christ. “He’s supposed to be a man of God! He’s no different from me or anybody else!” And that is yet another negative consequence for sin in our lives. Pray for your spiritual leaders. Pray for your government leaders. Pray for those in authority over you, because their sins have terrible repercussions for the lives of many. Pray that they will do right and spare us all the disillusionment.

 

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"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." - Galatians 6:7

The Law of the Harvest
May 29, 2014

If you’ve read this before, bear with me. It’s one of the most poignant stories I’ve ever heard. A young teenager wanted to aggravate the hard-working farmer that lived next door. He led some of his pals to sneak into the farmer’s field one night and spread crab grass seeds all over the farm. Soon, the crab grass came up. He laughed every time he saw the farmer vainly trying to get rid of it.

A few years later, long after the teenager forgot his prank, he fell in love with the farmer’s daughter and they were married. When her father died, he inherited the farm and for the rest of his life he battled that sorry crab grass he had spread all over his fields.

The Bible says, “For whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” In short, when we’re hard on others, they tend to be hard on us. It’s the law of the harvest. When you plant tomatoes, you don’t get squash, for the harvest never lies.

What kind of seeds are you sowing and what kind of harvest are you reaping? Let’s remember – it is true – we reap what we sow.

 

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"So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil." - 1 Kings 3:9

Unlimited Wishes
May 30, 2014

As kids we used to play a game asking that question, “If you could make one wish, what would it be?”

I would sit quietly while others said things like, “Lots of money,” “A big house,” or “A motorcycle.” Then I’d say, “I’d wish for unlimited wishes!” I felt so smart, but now that I’m older (and, hopefully, wiser), it simply revealed incredible selfishness.

Years ago, God said to Israel’s young King Solomon, “Ask whatever you wish Me to give you.” What an offer! Solomon chose “wisdom to lead and discernment between good and evil.” God was pleased, knowing he could have asked for wealth or long life. So God granted his wish and a wealthy, long life.

Asking God for wisdom is a wise request indeed, for so often with wisdom comes great success and the respect of others. The world is drawn to people who are wise. Remember, God and His Word are the best sources of wisdom.

 

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"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Surrender? Never!
May 31, 2014

Winston Churchill inspired the free world as he defiantly declared, “We shall never surrender!” during England’s darkest days. History has shown that he, more than any other person, can be credited with saving Britain from an almost certain enslavement by the Nazis. Yet, as World War II ended, his beloved country unceremoniously dumped him as its prime minister. Attempting to comfort him, his wife declared that this rejection might actually be a blessing in disguise. “If it is,” he replied, “then it is very effectively disguised.”

Despite this humbling rejection, Churchill went on with his life. In fact, the following year he made the “Iron Curtain” speech, upon which the free world based its policy during the Cold War. He also wrote a six-volume history of World War II (winning a Pulitzer Prize) and published the classic A History of the English-Speaking Peoples. Add all that to another term as prime minister and many years as the elder statesman of the free world.

Jesus promises us, “…in this world, you will have tribulation.” You will face many rejections, roadblocks, and even land mines in your life. Sometimes God puts these challenges there to teach you, to test you, or even to redirect you. Learn to view these tragedies as opportunities to make yourself stronger and to uncover greater opportunities. You just might discover that Mrs. Churchill was right! Remember, Jesus says, “…but take courage, I have overcome the world.” With that knowledge, we can answer any challenge with, “Surrender? Never!”

 

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"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20b

Courage in the Midst of Chaos
June 1, 2014

Have you ever faced a storm in your life and the frustration was multiplied because it did not seem that Jesus was there for you? The disciples faced this very situation. Jesus told them to take their boat to sea while He stayed behind to pray. Suddenly, a powerful storm came up. The terrified disciples faced it for several hours before Jesus, making a pretty dramatic entrance, showed up to comfort them. So, why didn’t Jesus come to them right away?

Well, think about it this way. When we are going through storms, it’s human nature for us to have the mindset that, “I’ve just got to work this out by myself!” The disciples knew Jesus was on land and probably assumed there really wasn’t anything He could do anyway. But Christ was praying on the shore for the disciples as He saw the storm come up. And you should realize that Jesus is also hearing your prayers in the midst of your storms.

Know this: There is no storm in life stronger than Jesus. The fact is that Jesus doesn’t always give us a perfect peace and calm at the very moment that we’re pouring out our heart to Him; sometimes the calm comes later. He will bring us His peace in His timing. You can face your storms with courage because Jesus promises that He will be with you.

 

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Death Will Be Abolished!
June 2, 2014

The second coming of Jesus Christ is one of the central themes of Christianity and will be the culmination of history as we know it. Christ will return and establish His kingdom on earth, overcome the Antichrist and the forces of evil, and bring justice and peace. The great enemy of God and man will be abolished. As is written in the Word of God, “Then comes the end…He must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”

What a great day it will be for all of Jesus’ followers! Death will be abolished. There will be no more tears, no more grief, and no more separation from loved ones. When you say the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” you’re praying for Jesus to come again and establish His kingdom. To experience God’s will on earth as it is in heaven means no more death. Jesus is the first to conquer death. His followers will do the same.

 

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Room And Board
By Dennis Fisher

• Read: John 14:1-11

I go to prepare a place for you. —John 14:2
Bible in a Year:
2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14
On a recent trip to England, my wife and I visited Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. The house is more than 400 years old, and it was the childhood and family home of William Shakespeare’s wife.

The tour guide drew our attention to a table made with wide boards. One side was used for eating meals and the other for chopping food. In English life, different expressions grew from this usage as the word boardbecame associated with food, housing, honesty, and authority. An inn would offer “room and board”—that is, sleeping and eating accommodations. In taverns where customers played cards, they were told to keep their hands “above board” to make sure they weren’t cheating. And in the home, the father was given a special chair at the head of the table where he was called “chairman of the board.”

As I reflected on this, I thought about how Jesus is our “room and board.” He is our source of spiritual nourishment (John 6:35,54); He empowers us to live a life of integrity (14:21); He is our loving Master (Phil. 2:11); and He is even now preparing our eternal home. He promised: “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2; see also 14:1-4,23). His grace has provided our everlasting room and board.


Christ meets our needs now and for eternity.
Insight
John 13–17 records Jesus’ “farewell” speech, His last words to His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. Jesus spoke of humble and loving service (ch.13), of heaven (ch.14), of what it takes to be His disciple (ch.15), and of the Holy Spirit (chs.14,16). His speech culminated in a prayer for His disciples (ch.17).

 

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Reframing The Picture
By Julie Ackerman Link
Read: Deuteronomy 32:7-12
As an eagle stirs up its nest, . . . spreading out its wings, . . . so the Lord alone led [Jacob]. —Deuteronomy 32:11-12
Bible in a Year:
2 Chronicles 23-24; John 15
For 3 months I had a ringside seat— or should I say a bird’s-eye view—of God’s amazing handiwork. Ninety feet above the floor of Norfolk Botanical Garden, workers installed a webcam focused on the nest of a family of bald eagles, and online viewers were allowed to watch.

When the eggs hatched, Mama and Papa Eagle were attentive to their offspring, taking turns hunting for food and guarding the nest. But one day when the eaglets still looked like fuzzballs with beaks, both parents disappeared. I worried that harm had come to them.

My concern was unfounded. The webcam operator enlarged the camera angle, and there was Mama Eagle perched on a nearby branch.

As I pondered this “reframed” picture, I thought of times when I have feared that God had abandoned me. The view in the forest heights of Virginia reminded me that my vision is limited. I see only a small part of the entire scene.

Moses used eagle imagery to describe God. As eagles carry their young, God carries His people (Deut. 32:11-12). Despite how it may seem, the Lord “is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). This is true even when we feel abandoned.

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him—I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me and I am His child. —Cushing
Because the Lord is watching over us, we don’t have to fear the dangers around us.
Insight
Today’s reading provides us with a wonderful template for instructing the next generation in the provision of God. The entire “Song of Moses” extends from Deuteronomy 31:30–32:43. In it we see praise given for the God of Israel in spite of the nation’s periodic lapse into disobedience. In His good providence, God created for Himself a chosen people whom He has both redeemed and preserves. This theme of divine love that will not let go is to be reiterated to each new generation so that God’s covenant people may continue in relationship with their Creator and Sustainer. We learn from the New Testament that through Christ’s atoning work on the cross, this covenant has been extended to all who believe (Rom. 5:6-11).

 

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A Fool. Who Me?
June 5, 2014

A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person. Some might refer to a fool as a blockhead. Jesus Christ tells of someone who acted like a huge fool. “A certain rich man was very productive and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do since I have no place to store all that I have?’ He decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones and then store all his grain and goods. Then he said, ‘I have many goods laid up for years to come; now I’ll take it easy and eat, drink, and be merry!’”

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is required of you and now who will own all that you have?’ So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Question: When are you going to pause long enough from pursuing bigger barns and dreaming of how to fill them up, to start thinking about your soul? All that counts is “Do you know God?” and “What have you done for God and your fellow man?” Don’t be a blockhead. Quit acting foolish and get things right with God through Jesus Christ. And do it today!

 

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Generous God
By Joe Stowel
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
[God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. —Ephesians 3:20
Bible in a Year:
2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:19-40
When our family lived in Chicago several years ago, we enjoyed many benefits. Near the top of my list were the amazing restaurants that seemed to try to outdo each other, not only in great cuisine but also in portion sizes. At one Italian eatery, my wife and I would order a half portion of our favorite pasta dish and still have enough to bring home for dinner the next night! The generous portions made us feel like we were at Grandma’s house when she poured on the love through her cooking.

I also feel an outpouring of love when I read that my heavenly Father has lavished on us the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7-8) and that He is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (3:20). I’m so grateful that our God is not a stingy God who begrudgingly dishes out His blessings in small portions. Rather, He is the God who pours out forgiveness for the prodigal (Luke 15), and He daily crowns us “with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Ps. 103:4).

At times we think God hasn’t provided for us as we would like. But if He never did anything more than forgive our sins and guarantee heaven for us, He has already been abundantly generous! So today, let’s rejoice in our generous God.

Lord, remind me often that You have been
exceedingly generous to me. Help me to extend that
generosity of spirit toward those around me, so that
they may know who You are and rejoice in You.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Insight
Today’s reading addresses the wellspring of spiritual power in the Christian life. Certainly, human willpower or adopting a positive mental attitude is not the source of this spiritual power. Instead, the apostle Paul points us to the reality of the indwelling Christ. But the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ alone does not change the believer’s life. Choosing to yield to the Spirit’s promptings and meditating on God’s Word give the believer power for living. An attitude of faith and expectation in prayer access vast resources available in God, “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20).

 

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Crowns Of Honor
By Bill Crowder
Read: John 19:1-8
The soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head. —John 19:2
Bible in a Year:
2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22
The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are stored securely and protected within the Tower of London under 24-hour guard. Each year, millions visit the display area to “ooh and aah” over these ornate treasures. The Crown Jewels symbolize the power of the kingdom, as well as the prestige and position of those who use them.

Part of the Crown Jewels are the crowns themselves. There are three different types: the coronation crown, which is worn when an individual is crowned monarch; the state crown (or coronet), which is worn for various functions; and the consort crown worn by the wife of a reigning king. Different crowns serve different purposes.

The King of heaven, who was worthy of the greatest crown and the highest honor, wore a very different crown. In the hours of humiliation and suffering that Christ experienced before He was crucified, “the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe” (John 19:2). That day, the crown, which is normally a symbol of royalty and honor, was turned into a tool of mockery and hate. Yet our Savior willingly wore that crown for us, bearing our sin and shame.

The One who deserved the best of all crowns took the worst for us.

Crown Him the Lord of life:
Who triumphed o’er the grave;
Who rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save. —Bridges/Thring
Without the cross, there could be no crown.
Insight
No details are given about the scourging of Jesus (John 19:1). Nevertheless, it was a horrifying and significant event in the passion of Christ. Jewish law prohibited a prisoner from being struck more than 40 times (Deut. 25:3), so, to be safe, common Jewish practice was to give one fewer—39 blows. Roman law had no such limitations, allowing the scourging to continue as long as those inflicting it desired. Because of this, prisoners sometimes died under the lash before they could receive the remainder of their punishment. It is another reminder of the extent of Christ’s suffering on our behalf.

 

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An Honest Heart
By David H. Roper

• Read: Psalm 15

I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. —1 Chronicles 29:17
Bible in a Year:
Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42
I came across an epitaph on an old gravestone in a cemetery the other day. It read, “J. Holgate: An honest man.”

I know nothing of Holgate’s life, but because his marker is unusually ornate, he must have struck it rich. But whatever he accomplished in his lifetime, he’s remembered for just one thing: He was “an honest man.”

Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, spent a lifetime in search of honesty and finally concluded that an honest man could not be found. Honest people are hard to find in any age, but the trait is one that greatly matters. Honesty is not the best policy; it’s the only policy, and one of the marks of a man or woman who lives in God’s presence. David writes, “Lord, . . . who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly” (Ps. 15:1-2).

I ask myself: Am I trustworthy and honorable in all my affairs? Do my words ring true? Do I speak the truth in love or do I fudge and fade the facts now and then, or exaggerate for emphasis? If so, I may turn to God with complete confidence and ask for forgiveness and for a good and honest heart—to make truthfulness an integral part of my nature. The One who has begun a good work in me is faithful. He will do it.

Lord, help me to be honest
In all I do and say,
And grant me grace and power
To live for You each day. —Fitzhugh
Live in such a way that when people think of honesty and integrity, they will think of you.
Insight
David calls God’s people to live a life of integrity and purity (Ps. 15:2). He describes the upright as those who do what is right and who speak truthfully and honestly. Sincere, open, and transparent, they do not slander, discredit, or harm their friends (v.3). They honor those who fear God and keep their promises even when it is not advantageous to do so (v.4). They do not take advantage of others, but act justly and fairly (v.5).

 

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Teaching By Example
By David C. McCasland

• Read: Ephesians 6:1-11

Bring [your children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4
Bible in a Year:
Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21
While waiting for an eye examination, I was struck by a statement I saw in the optometrist’s office: “Eighty percent of everything children learn in their first 12 years is through their eyes.” I began thinking of all that children visually process through reading, television, film, events, surroundings, and observing the behavior of others, especially their families. On this Father’s Day, we often think about the powerful influence of a dad.

Paul urged fathers not to frustrate their children to the point of anger, but to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Think of the powerful example of a dad whose behavior and consistency inspire admiration from his children. He’s not perfect, but he’s moving in the right direction. A great power for good is at work when our actions reflect the character of God, rather than distort it.

That’s challenging for any parent, so it’s no coincidence that Paul urges us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (v.10). Only through His strength can we reflect the love and patience of our heavenly Father.

We teach our children far more from how we live than by what we say.

Heavenly Father, I need to know Your love
in order to love others. I want to experience
and share Your patience and kindness with
those I care about. Fill me and use me.
We honor fathers who not only gave us life, but who also show us how to live.
Insight
In today’s reading, Paul writes of two of the most basic human relationships: parent-child (6:1-4) and employer-employee (6:5-9). The parent-child relationship is particularly sacred. The fifth commandment to honor parents is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a special blessing attached for those who observe it (Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:2-3). On the other hand, ancient Israelites who physically or verbally abused their parents were put to death (Ex. 21:15,17; Lev. 20:9).

 

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"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." - Ephesians 5:25

Are You a Cultural Father?
June 15, 2014

Several years ago, the media had a field day reporting on a new resolution about the family passed by the Southern Baptists at their convention. The statement that stirred up a hornet’s nest was, “A wife is to submit graciously to the servant leadership of her husband.”

Think for a moment about the statement in light of the husband and his call to servant leadership in the home. What does this mean? Servant leadership is not the autocratic, dictatorial leadership found in the world. True servant leadership means to lead like Jesus Christ. Men are to love their wives like Christ loves the church. Christ gave His life for the church. What woman would refuse this type of leadership?

Women, who are willing to follow Christ, are called to submit to their husbands, not because they deserve it (none of us do), but out of submission to Christ.

Men, are you willing to do that for your wife? For your children? Don’t focus on what you believe your wife should be doing to submit to you; she will always resent that. Instead, first submit to the Lordship of Christ in your own life. Men, you should seek to submit to Christ. Women, you should seek to submit to Christ. You should both trust His Word to create marital harmony.

Do you have the courage to trust Christ and His Word when it comes to His plan for your marriage? Especially now in the 21st century, that calls for a radical counter-cultural faith. So who are you going to please? Christ or culture?

 

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"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" - Psalm 22:1

Jesus Knows About Pain and Rejection
June 16, 2014

Many Christians have a hard time understanding why on the cross Christ cried out, “Father, why have You forsaken Me?” On the surface, it seems contradictory to what we know of Christ, His understanding of His earthly mission, and His relationship with God. But the truth is that instead of being a contradiction, these words are actually a wonderful blessing for all of us!

Understand that when Jesus said those words, it was the exact moment He took all our sins upon Himself. And because God will have nothing to do with sin, Jesus was separated from His Heavenly Father. It’s a picture of God having to turn away when His Son took that awful punishment of absorbing all of our sins. So Jesus cried out because He was separated from His Father for the only time in all eternity.

Here is what is so wonderful about Christ doing this. What do we do when we face tragedy, disappointments, and rejection in our lives? Our tendency is to cry out to God, “Why? Why have You allowed this?” It’s so encouraging to realize that the God of the universe understands when we ask Him why. He knows the pain. He knows what it’s like to say, “Why Lord? Why?”

 

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“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! - Matthew 5:21-22a

Murder? Who, Me?
June 17, 2014

If I were to take a poll today of the commandment that you feel you’ve never broken, I’m pretty sure most of us could say, “Well, at least I’ve never murdered anyone!” Hold on – Jesus says that anger is equated with murder. It’s that serious of a sin in God’s eyes. Whoa! That can’t be right, can it? I mean, all of us would probably agree that murder is the most serious sin that man can be guilty of. But Jesus is saying, “Look. Anger and murder are equal in God’s eyes when it comes to the seriousness of the sin.” [My paraphrase]

Well, is all anger wrong? No, it is not. In Ephesians 4:26, it says, “Be angry and yet; sin not.” Now, how in the world can He tell us we can be angry and yet not sin if anger is equated with murder in God’s eyes? Confused yet?

Well, when God is not respected, that is justifiable anger. And when our fellow man is taken advantage of, especially those who are the most defenseless—the unborn, a child, a widow or the poor, those that have the hardest time defending themselves—where there is injustice, then there can be righteous anger that moves a person to come to their defense. But even then, if we lose our temper, we still fall into the sin of anger. For even when there is a righteous anger, that anger must be controlled, and the more we become angry, the easier that sin begins to take control of our life.

But, the anger that is always sin and equated with murder is when we get mad at those who have wronged us. We may have to confront their wrongdoing, but not in anger. So, what Jesus is teaching is God judges us by our thoughts and motives as much as our actions. Jesus is our model when He was unjustly executed on the cross and He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”

 

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Meet Shrek
By Julie Ackerman Link

• Read: Ezekiel 34:11-16

I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. —Ezekiel 34:11
Bible in a Year:
Nehemiah 12-13; Acts 4:23-37
Shrek was a renegade sheep. He went missing from his flock and remained lost for 6 years. The person who found him living in a cave on a high and rugged place in New Zealand didn’t recognize him as a sheep. “He looked like some biblical creature,” he said. In a way, he was. Shrek was a picture of what happens to sheep who become separated from their shepherd.

Shrek had to be carried down the mountain because his fleece was so heavy (60 lbs or 27 kg) that he couldn’t walk down on his own. To relieve Shrek of the weight of his waywardness, he was turned upside down so that he would remain still and not be harmed when the shearer removed his heavy fleece.

Shrek’s story illustrates the metaphor Jesus used when He called Himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and when God referred to His people as His flock (Ezek. 34:31). Like Shrek, we do not make good choices when we’re on our own, and we become weighed down with the consequences (Ezek. 33:10). To relieve us of the weight, we may have to be on our backs for a time. When we end up in this position, it is good to remain still and trust the Good Shepherd to do His work without hurting us.

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine forever. —Baker
God’s training is designed to grow us in faith.
Insight
Today’s reading uses the metaphor of God as one who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for his sheep: “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick” (v.16). When God became a man in the Person of Christ, similar language was used about Him: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). As our Good Shepherd, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

 

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Adultery Isn’t Just An Act
June 19, 2014

Adultery is considered wrong in any culture. Whether it’s another religion, whether it’s a Christian culture in it’s orientation, or whether it’s a pagan culture, adultery is considered wrong. It may even be a culture that allows for polygamy, a man having more than one wife, and yet, even then, it is very clear that anyone who engages in sexual relations with another person’s spouse is clearly wrong. Yet, shockingly, Jesus tells us that it’s not just the physical act of adultery, but even having LUST in your heart for a person outside the marriage that is wrong, too. He calls it adultery, for God judges our faithfulness by our thoughts and our motives, as well as our actions.

Understand what lust is and what it’s not. It is not appreciating the beauty or attractiveness of another person. Nothing in all God’s creation is more beautiful than a beautiful woman. But, men (and women), only God and you know when you’ve moved from appreciation of beauty to engaging in lustful thoughts. Don’t kid yourself. Sexual fantasies are not “just appreciating beauty.” Remember, there is no hiding from God. He knows all.

So, men, we are born with a natural desire for lustful thoughts. It is man’s daily battle. Just realize it is a daily battle of the mind, heart and hormones. It only helps us to stay away from what always defeats us – porn and erotic pictures of attractive women. Lust will always result when we feast our eyes there.

Men, when you feel the urge to indulge yourself in lusting for another woman, ask God to help you. Focus on following Jesus faithfully. Quickly confess and say, “Oh Lord, dang, I’m doing it again. Help me.” I’ve prayed that prayer thousands of times.

The more we practice resisting and focusing on something else, the less we tend to give in to the temptation of lust. It helps us feel victorious. Our lives and wives will be happier, and most of all, God will be able to say, “You are some kind of man!”