Daily Devotion

[boldstardex]

"His wife said to him, 'Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!' He replied, 'You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?' In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." - Job 2:9-10

We Have a Great Responsibility
December 29, 2014

Something that simply cannot be emphasized enough is that one of Satan’s great tools is discouragement. For if the devil can get us discouraged, we will often turn on God. We can see this happening in the book of Job; the devil is attacking Job with catastrophe after catastrophe, and there seems to be no hope of any relief. So what advice did he get from those who loved him the most? Look at his wife’s response, “Do you still hold fast [to] your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Now before you judge Job’s wife too harshly, understand this: the toughest temptations we face in life will sometimes come through people who love us the most. That’s because these people have genuine concern for us and don’t want us to hurt. So, oftentimes, they urge us to take the easy way out – man’s way. The devil knows this and enjoys using those who love us to lead us into temptation and out of the will of God. Jesus certainly experienced this when Peter urged Him not to talk about going to the cross. Jesus knew the source of Peter’s thinking and responded angrily, “Get out of here, Satan!”

That’s why Christian spouses and friends have an incredibly important responsibility. When we see a brother or sister in Christ facing a crisis or temptation, we must avoid inadvertently becoming a pawn of the evil one. We must realize that we must help the loved one fight the temptation to take the easy way out, or to give up, or to give in. Become your loved one’s partner in his or her difficult struggle and patiently encourage them to do things the Lord’s way – even when it’s the hard way – because His way is always the best.

 

[boldstardex]

He Leads Me
By David C. Egner
Read: Psalm 23
He leads me beside the still waters. —Psalm 23:2
Bible in a Year:
Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21
In Istanbul, Turkey, in 2005, one sheep jumped off a cliff and then nearly 1,500 others followed! In the end, about one-third of them died. Not knowing which way to go, sheep mindlessly follow other members of the flock.

No better word picture than sheep can be found to illustrate our need for a trustworthy leader. We are all, Isaiah wrote, like sheep (Isa. 53:6). We tend to go our own way, yet we desperately need the sure direction of a shepherd.

Psalm 23 describes the trustworthiness of our Good Shepherd. He cares for us (v.1); He provides for our physical needs (v.2); He shows us how to live holy lives (v.3); He restores us, comforts us, heals us, and bountifully blesses us (vv.3-5); and He will not abandon us (v.6).

What a comfort to know that God gently but firmly leads us! He does so through the urging of the Holy Spirit, the reading of His Word, and through prayer. God is the reliable leader we need.

In acknowledgment of our dependence on the Lord, we can say with the psalmist, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”

Like sheep that sometimes wander from the flock
In tangled paths of life to lose their way,
I need my Shepherd’s hand and watchful eye
To keep me always, lest I go astray. —Sanders
The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who lives to guide us.
Insight
Today’s familiar and beloved psalm has brought comfort and hope to many. And well it should. This psalm celebrates all that the Good Shepherd does for His sheep. The greatest benefit comes in the last verse: We will “dwell in the house of the Lordforever” (v.6). God does so much to provide for and care for His sheep. However, there is an implicit idea in this text that should not be overlooked: Sheep follow their shepherd. The blessings and comfort of this psalm do not come to sheep that do not follow the Shepherd. As Jesus reminds us, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

 

[boldstardex]

"...godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8

The Number of Our Days
December 30, 2014

If you received an official notice today that this is your last day to live, what would you do? Would you try to make more money, or stay late at the office working hard? Would you spend time with your family, or express thanks to those who’ve helped you along the way? Would you seek to get right with God?

We tend to focus on the material and the temporal and neglect the eternal and relational. But none of us knows the number of days God has planned for us. Don’t put off until tomorrow the really important things you can do today–like getting right with God. God became a man in the person of Jesus to show us how. Start there, and show your family how much you love them. Surprise them by occasionally coming home early. Tell them you love them. Plan fun things to do with them. Help someone you care about–someone who needs you at the office, in the neighborhood, or maybe someone who needs a friend.

It may not be the last day you live here on earth, but it may become a great day for you and those you care about.

 

[boldstardex]

Standing On The Edge
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Read: Joshua 3:9-17
[The Israelites] set out . . . to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]. —Joshua 3:14
Bible in a Year:
Malachi 1-4; Revelation 22
My little girl stood apprehensively at the pool’s edge. As a nonswimmer, she was just learning to become comfortable in the water. Her instructor waited in the pool with outstretched arms. As my daughter hesitated, I saw the questions in her eyes: Will you catch me? What will happen if my head goes under?

The Israelites may have wondered what would happen when they crossed the Jordan River. Could they trust God to make dry ground appear in the riverbed? Was God guiding their new leader, Joshua, as He had led Moses? Would God help His people defeat the threatening Canaanites who lived just across the river?

To learn the answers to these questions, the Israelites had to engage in a test of faith—they had to act. So they “set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]” (v.14). Exercising their faith allowed them to see that God was with them. He was still directing Joshua, and He would help them settle in Canaan (vv.7,10,17).

If you are facing a test of faith, you too can move forward based on God’s character and His unfailing promises. Relying on Him will help you move from where you are to where He wants you to be.

Lord, we’re prone to quickly forget Your goodness
and care for us. May we trust You today and
into the new year—whatever uncertainties we
face. You are the God who can be trusted.
Fear fades when we trust our Father.

 

[boldstardex]

Better Or Worse?
By David C. McCasland
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5,10-17
You must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of. —2 Timothy 3:14
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1
At the beginning of each new year, experts give their predictions about the economy, politics, weather, and a host of other topics. Will there be war or peace? Poverty or prosperity? Progress or stagnation? People everywhere are hoping that this year will be better than last, but no one knows what will happen.

There is, however, something we can be certain about. A guest speaker at my church suggested that when we ask if the world will get better or worse, the answer is “Yes, to both!”

Paul told Timothy, “In the last days perilous times will come; . . . evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them” (2 Tim. 3:1,13-14).

The inspired Word of God instructs, corrects, and encourages us as we follow God’s path (vv.16-17). J. B. Phillips described the Scriptures as our “comprehensive equipment” that prepares us fully for all branches of God’s work.

As the spiritual darkness of our world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and love Him. Jesus is our joy and hope—today, tomorrow, and forever!

Heavenly Father, the trouble in this world can
divert our eyes from You. Thank You for Your Word
that helps us stay focused. May we find our delight
in Your love and share it with others today.
The powers of evil around you are no match for the power of Jesus within you.
Insight
In 2 Timothy, Paul is mentoring Timothy who is serving with the church at Ephesus. Having spent 3 years there himself, Paul was familiar with the Ephesian church and this would have helped him identify with the challenges that Timothy was facing.

 

[boldstardex]

I Am Redeemed!
By Dave Branon
Read: Psalm 40:8-10
Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. —Psalm 96:2
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 7-9; Matthew 3
One day when Ann was visiting her husband in the hospital, she began talking with a caregiver who was assisting him. Ann enjoys engaging people in conversation wherever she is, and she also looks for ways to talk to people about Jesus. Ann asked the caregiver if he knew what he wanted to do in the future. When he said he wasn’t sure, she suggested that it’s important to know God first so He can help with such decisions. He then pulled up the sleeve of his shirt to reveal “I am redeemed!” tattooed across his arm.

They realized that they shared a mutual love for the Lord Jesus Christ! And both had found ways to show their faith in the One who died to give us life.

The title of an old song by Steve Green says it best: “People need the Lord.” It’s up to us to find ways to share “the good news” with them (Ps. 40:9). Not everyone feels comfortable talking to strangers, and there is no one-size-fits-all method. But God will use our personalities and His light in us to spread His love.

“I am redeemed!” Let’s allow God to guide us to find ways to tell others about Jesus Christ, our Redeemer!

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy—
His child, and forever I am. —Crosby
The good news of the gospel is too good to keep to ourselves.
Insight
David had been through some tough times when he wrote Psalm 40, but God had answered his cries for help and deliverance (vv.1-2,12). Testifying to God’s faithfulness, goodness, and greatness, David calls on the congregation to join him in praising God (v.16). Knowing God’s requirement that the king of Israel personally know and fully obey God’s law (v.7; see Deut. 17:18-20), David recommits himself to knowing God’s Word and doing His will (Ps. 40:8). Thousands of years later, the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 40:6-8 and applies the words to Jesus (Heb. 10:5-7), affirming Christ’s total obedience to the Father when He came to this world as a man.

 

[boldstardex]

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” - Matthew 7:7-8

Can I Get What I Want?
January 3, 2015

Question. Does Jesus tell the truth? As we see Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:7-8, haven’t we all have asked God for certain things that have not been given to us? So, does prayer really make any difference at all if God knows what He’s going to do in the first place?

Prayer makes a huge difference when we begin to realize:

1. It’s not about asking for what we want. It is about asking for what God wants.
2. It’s not about searching to figure out how I can get what I want. It’s about searching for the will of God – knowing many decisions have no clear Biblical answer; such as “Do I marry this person or not?” “Do I take this job or not?” Do we move to this city or that?” Prayer involves searching for the will of God in areas where the Bible is not clear.
3. And prayer is about knocking – persistently – seeing what God wants and then praying for His will to be done, until it’s done!

When we begin to pray this way, we begin to see incredible results. We see results that we could never even have known to pray for, because God sees the whole picture of our lives. He knows what’s best.

But as we think about all this teaching on prayer, perhaps the most important reason we have to pray is that Jesus did. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to pray regularly, sometimes all night praying to the heavenly Father, then certainly we need to pray. When Jesus prayed, “Father, take this cup from me” the night before His crucifixion, did God give Him what He wanted? No. Because God knew that if Jesus didn’t go to the cross, none of us would ever be able to spend eternity in heaven. But look just a little further into that scripture and you’ll also see that Jesus said, “But Father, not My will but Thine.” And when we learn to pray the same way, then we begin to experience a faith that is real. It’s a prayer life that changes us and changes the world

 

[boldstardex]

“Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living.” - Luke 15:13

Being Right There
January 5, 2015

Lost things—and lost people—don’t always know they’re lost. But the one who has lost them knows. Sheep don’t know they’re lost, but the shepherd does. A lost coin doesn’t know it’s lost, but its owner does. The prodigal son didn’t think he was lost. He thought he was living it up and enjoying the adventure of a lifetime, but if you had asked his father, he would have said, “My son is lost.” Where was the father when his son was lost? Some would argue that he never left home, never went after his boy. But I believe the father was in the far country, too. Not a day or night went by that the father was not with his younger son in his heart.

Loved ones who are left behind know their own special kind of lost-ness. The wife of a man who fights in a foreign country goes to that country in her thoughts a thousand times a day. The loved one of a hostage is held hostage, too. The parent of a sick child fights disease just as surely as their boy or girl does, and feels every pain. Day after day, hour after hour, the father of the prodigal was in the far country, too. He was suffering the anguish and emptiness of being separated from His son. That’s a human picture of the supernatural love of God. And here is what is amazing about our loving God. He sent His Son to rescue us – to pay the penalty for our sin on the cross and to restore us to a right relationship with the Father.

Are you lost and don’t realize it? Do you know that love that God offers us through the life, death and resurrection of His only Son? Please don’t let another day go by without recognizing the supernatural love of God. Jesus has been sent by the Father to save us from our own self-destruction and lost-ness. Isn’t it time you let Him bring you home?

 

[boldstardex]

Where Can I Help?
By Dennis Fisher
Read: Galatians 6:1-10
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. —Galatians 6:10
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6:1-18
Last winter our city was hit by an ice storm. Hundreds of ice-heavy tree limbs cut into power lines, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electrical power for days. Our family kept basic energy coming into the house through a generator, but we were still unable to cook meals. As we set out to find a place to eat, we drove for miles past closed businesses. We finally found a breakfast restaurant that had not lost power, but it was packed with hungry customers who were in the same fix as we were.

When a woman came over to take our order for food, she said, “I’m not really an employee of this restaurant. Our church group was having breakfast here, and we saw how the staff was overwhelmed with so many customers who came in. We told the restaurant management we would be willing to help by waiting on tables if it would ease the burden and help people to get fed.”

Her willingness to serve reminded me of Paul’s words: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all” (Gal. 6:10). In light of the many needs around us, I wonder what could happen if we all asked God to show us opportunities to serve Him and help others today.

Dear Lord, show us where and how we might
serve others and ease their burdens. Give us
hearts of love and compassion that reflect
Your love. Then help us to take action.
We follow the example of Christ when we serve people in need.
Insight
The letter to the Galatians is one of the most intense in the New Testament. Paul was dealing with a legalistic Judaism seeking to impose the demands of the law upon people who had, by faith, embraced grace in Christ. This legalism was intended to pull those followers of Christ back into a performance-oriented approach to pleasing God. Our service for God is to come from an overflowing heart of appreciation for His love for us.

 

[boldstardex]

"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills." - Psalm 73:3-5

Would You Change Places?
January 6, 2015

I had lunch with a man who mentioned that something was really bugging him. “I really don’t have a problem with the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people. I understand that God gives man free will and that sometimes those choices – even good ones – have bad results. I’m actually OK with that.”

“Then what is bugging you?” I asked.

“Well, I don’t understand why good things happen to bad people. Why do criminals get away with crimes? Why do corrupt politicians have their sins exposed and yet see their popularity soar?” I was about to impart some brilliant theology when he gave me my opening. “And why is it that an atheist famous for calling Christians a bunch of losers is allowed to accumulate fame and wealth beyond imagination? Why has he been so blessed?”

“Well, let’s see,” I began. “You say this man is an atheist?” He nodded. “And, if I’m not mistaken, the fellow you are talking about has had several marriages break up?” Again he nodded. “So here is a man with a miserable family life and – unless he changes his views on Jesus Christ – will never see heaven. And you call him blessed?” I continued. “Let me ask you something. Despite his fame and riches, would you trade places with this man?”

“No way. Not even for a second,” he replied.

 

[boldstardex]

"...and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." - 1 Peter 2:24

He Died for All Sins
January 8, 2015

You know, believe it or not, condemnation is not our real mission. But, we Christians have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating! Do you realize that God demands that we embrace the spirit of Jesus? While we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner.

Anyone who is a sinner (which, by the way, includes ALL of us) can take great comfort in this fact: the Gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for your sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain big sins or little sins, as we sometimes like to say, but for all sins. Never fear that your life has been so sinful or that your sins are so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And certainly, never declare that other people are so sinful that they are beyond forgiveness. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin!

Yes, we Christians must take a firm stand against sin. But we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair this condemnation with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to forgive any sin.

 

[boldstardex]

Love Letter
By Poh Fang Chia
Read: Psalm 119:97-104
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. —Psalm 119:97
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7
Each morning when I reach my office, I have one simple habit—check all my emails. Most of the time, I’ll work through them in a perfunctory fashion. There are some emails, however, that I’m eager to open. You guessed it—those from loved ones.

Someone has said that the Bible is God’s love letter to us. But perhaps on some days, like me, you just don’t feel like opening it and your heart doesn’t resonate with the words of the psalmist: “Oh, how I love Your law!” (Ps. 119:97). The Scriptures are “Your commandments” (v.98), “Your testimonies” (v.99), “Your precepts” (v.100), “Your word” (v.101, emphasis added).

A question by Thomas Manton (1620–1677), once a lecturer at Westminster Abbey, still holds relevance for us today. He asked: “Who is the author of Scripture? God. . . . What is the end of Scripture? God. Why was the Scripture written, but that we might everlastingly enjoy the blessed God?”

It is said of some people that the more you know them the less you admire them; but the reverse is true of God. Familiarity with the Word of God, or rather the God of the Word, breeds affection, and affection seeks yet greater familiarity.

As you open your Bible, remember that God—the One who loves you the most—has a message for you.

Oh, may I love Thy precious Word,
May I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
May light upon me shine! —Hodder
Knowing the Bible helps us know the God of the Bible.
Insight
The author of Psalm 119 (the longest psalm in the Bible) is not named. Some scholars say it was penned by Ezra, whose devotion to God’s Word is well-attested (Ezra 7:10; Neh. 8:1-9). Others say David composed it. Despite being scorned and ridiculed for trusting the Scriptures (vv.22-23,31,42,46,78), the psalmist did not waver but remained fully committed to them. In today’s passage, the psalmist affirms his deep love for God’s law (v.97) and testifies how constant meditation on it has made him wiser than his enemies (v.98), his teachers (v.99), and the older (wiser) men of his day (v.100). God’s Word provides wisdom and perspective for living.

 

[boldstardex]

"When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around Him asked Him about the parables. He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!" - Mark 4:10-12

Understanding the Truths of our Faith
January 9, 2015

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I believe everything in the Bible, literally?” Well, if you have, that person is probably misguided. Why is that? There is a big difference in saying that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and saying that every word should be taken literally. Take a look at the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: Jesus said, “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it’s better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” Jesus was not actually urging us to pluck our eyes out. He was talking about the seriousness of sin, and how we must repent of sin, lest we wind up in hell. But, if every word Jesus uttered is taken literally, every one of us must immediately gouge out both eyes!

Remember that Jesus taught in parables, metaphors and allegories. He used these devices to make the broader spiritual point. Does that water down Scripture? Absolutely not. Jesus was simply using memorable illustrations to communicate perfect truth. And that’s where the guidance of the Holy Spirit comes in to play; to help us distinguish between literal truth and a parable, thereby allowing us to understand the rich truths of our faith.

 

[boldstardex]

"Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them, 'My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.'" - Acts 28:17

The Incredible Courage of Our Missionaries
January 10, 2015

When publicizing the annual mission conference at our church, there are usually some missionaries whose last names we can’t print or even mention the location where they are serving. This is because if it becomes known that they are missionaries, they could be expelled from the country, imprisoned, or even killed.

Paul was keenly aware of the dangers of sharing Christ, and we cannot forget that our missionaries still face very real persecution – a fact that has hit close to home several times over the past few years. During the last seven years, we have seen a 400 percent increase in persecution on the mission field. Rarely a week goes by that we don’t hear of missionaries being beaten, pastors hospitalized and churches destroyed. And there are many persecutions that are taking place right now, today, as you are reading this devotion.

Persecution of Christian missionaries didn’t end with the lions in Rome. It continues today, throughout the world, led by a legion of groups that hate the Lord and all who spread His word. We need to pray for our missionaries, support their mission, and honor their incredible courage.

 

[boldstardex]

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised." - Romans 1:25

Do You Truly Seek the Truth?
January 11, 2015

Several years ago, the local school board required high school science textbooks to have a sticker attached. This sticker said simply, “This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.”

Notice that there was nothing in the sticker that advocated a belief in God. Neither did it even mention Creationism. It simply advised the students to ask questions and form their beliefs based on what they conclude from the evidence. This was really all about good education, about considering different theories with an open mind, which is a part of learning, to be able to consider different outlooks about life. Despite this, the federal courts later demanded that these simple stickers be removed from all textbooks.

Education is about the free flow of ideas. When you have a theory as controversial as evolution then certainly part of a good education is considering diverse views. In addition, the scientific method itself demands skepticism and examination. Good science requires that theories stand up to probing questions. Why do evolutionists fear similar questioning? What do they have to fear? Truth has no fear. Is there really any difference with the Nazi book burners and how some scientists, educators, and government officials respond to alternative theories concerning evolution? The mindset is the same.

Open-minded people don’t fear the truth – they seek it. And when they truly seek Truth, they find God.

 

[boldstardex]

Out Of The Darkness
By Dave Branon
Read: Psalm 77:1-15
I cried out to God . . . . Who is so great a God as our God? —Psalm 77:1,13
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 31-32; Matthew 9:18-38
I don’t know what desperate situation gripped Asaph, the writer of Psalm 77, but I’ve heard, and made, similar laments. Over the past dozen years since I lost my daughter, many others who have experienced the loss of a loved one have shared with me heartbreaking sentiments like these:

Crying out to God (v.1). Stretching empty arms heavenward (v.2). Experiencing troubling thoughts about God because of horrible circumstances (v.3). Enduring unspeakable trouble (v.4). Cowering under the feeling of being cast aside (v.7). Fearing failed promises (v.8). Fearing a lack of mercy (v.8).

But a turnaround occurs for Asaph in verse 10 through a recollection of God’s great works. Thoughts turn to God’s love. To memories of what He has done. To His marvelous deeds of old. To the comfort of God’s faithfulness and mercy. To reminders of God’s wonders and greatness. To His strength and redemption.

Despair is real in this life, and answers do not come easily. Yet in the darkness—as we remember God’s glory, majesty, power, and love—our despair can slowly subside. Like Asaph, we can rehearse God’s acts, especially the salvation He brought through Jesus, and we can return to where we once were—resting gratefully in His mighty love.

Lord, we cannot fathom the depth of Your character
or the wisdom of Your actions when trouble visits us.
Help us to inch our way back into Your arms through
a rehearsal of Your goodness and a recollection of Your glorious love.
Remembering the past can bring hope to the present.

 

[boldstardex]

"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:12-13

Fact: It was Never Yours in the First Place
January 13, 2015

When you take the time to sort through your yearly expenses, it can be a sobering experience. Believe me, I know. First I paid the MasterCard bill and then my quarterly estimated state and federal taxes. This was followed by an exorbitant check for out-of-state college tuition, which had risen 17% that year. (At that point, I had that mental picture of a giant vacuum cleaner in the sky, sucking up all the money we had.) Then I checked on our retirement account, noting it had, for the third year in a row, dropped double digits. I began to have this very sinking feeling of despair coming over me. I must confess to you that I walked around really discouraged for a few days.

And then the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. It was like the Lord said, “Haven’t you paid all your bills? Haven’t I met all of your needs? Haven’t I ALWAYS met all of your needs? What makes you think that after all these years of so-called spiritual maturity that I’m no longer going to meet your needs?”

Let me tell you something: that was very convicting. And then the Lord said to my heart, “Bryant, it never was yours in the first place. And whether you’re riding high for one year and down in the dumps the next, that’s My decision. It has always been My decision. It has never been yours. I’m just interested in you seeking to manage what I entrust to you, to the best of your ability, and trust Me with the rest.”

 

[boldstardex]

It’s Worth It
By Marion Stroud
Read: 2 Corinthians 11:24-33
If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. —2 Corinthians 11:30
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 33-35; Matthew 10:1-20
“I can’t do it,” Robert said, throwing his pencil down in despair. “It’s just too hard!” Reading, writing, and spelling seemed impossible to our dyslexic 9-year-old. At last, a solution was offered. But it was tough. We had to do reading and spelling practice with him for 20 minutes every evening—without exception. Sometimes we just didn’t feel like doing it, and at times we despaired of seeing progress. But we were committed to getting Robert’s reading age and his chronological age to match, so we battled on.

After 2 1/2 years, all the tears and struggles seemed infinitely worthwhile. Robert learned to read and spell. And we all learned patient endurance.

The apostle Paul suffered all sorts of hardships as he pursued his goal of sharing the good news of Jesus with those who had never heard. Persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and misunderstood, sometimes he faced death itself (2 Cor. 11:25). But the joy of seeing people respond to his message made it all worthwhile.

If you feel that the task God has called you to is too hard, remember that the spiritual lessons and joy that are wrapped up in the journey may seem hidden at first, but they are certainly there! God will help you find them.

Sometimes we learn that hardships
Were blessings in disguise,
That earnest work and faith in God
Were proven to be wise. —Hess
The journey is as important as the destination.
Insight
As Paul recounts some of the things he has endured in the service of Christ, the scene from Damascus (vv.32-33) is of special interest. There, Paul’s aggressive preaching ministry created great tension in the Jewish community, resulting in his novel escape (see Acts 9:22-25).

 

[boldstardex]

The Wonder Of Sight

On the livescience.com website, I read something pretty amazing: “If you were standing atop a mountain surveying a larger-than-usual patch of the planet, you could perceive bright lights hundreds of miles distant. On a dark night, you could even see a candle flame flickering up to 30 miles (48 km) away.” No telescopes or night-vision goggles needed—the human eye is so profoundly designed that even long distances can be spanned with clear sight.

This fact is a vivid reminder of our amazing Creator, who designed not only the human eye but also all of the details that make up our expansive universe. And, unlike anything else in creation, God has made us in His own image (Gen. 1:26). “In His image” speaks of something far greater than the ability to see. It speaks of a likeness to God that makes it possible for us to be in relationship with Him.

We can affirm David’s declaration, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Ps. 139:14). Not only have we been given eyes to see, but we have also been made so that, in Christ, one day we will see Him!

Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed
Wherever I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the sky! —Watts
All of God’s creation bears witness to Him as our great Creator.
INSIGHT: In today’s reading, David’s declaration of amazement at how wonderfully he is made comes in the context of listing some of the other aspects of God’s creation: the heavens, the sea, the night, and the day. Verses 7-12 describe both God’s omnipotence and His omnipresence. David celebrates not only the magnitude and power of God, but he also underscores that no matter where he is, God’s hand will lead him and hold him (v.10).

 

[boldstardex]

When God Is Quiet

As [Elijah] lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” —1 Kings 19:5


Read: 1 Kings 19:1-12 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 49-50; Matthew 13:31-58
I love to take pictures of sunsets at Lake Michigan. Some are subtle shades of pastel. Others are bold strokes of bright color. Sometimes the sun sinks quietly behind the lake. Other times it goes down in what looks like a fiery explosion.

In pictures and in person, I prefer the latter. But both show the handiwork of God. When it comes to God’s work in the world, my preferences are the same. I would rather see dramatic answers to prayer than ordinary provisions of daily bread. But both are the work of God.

Elijah may have had similar preferences. He had grown accustomed to being the center of God’s grand displays of power. When he prayed, God showed up in dramatic ways—first in a miraculous defeat against the prophets of Baal and then in the end to a long and devastating drought (1 Kings 18). But then Elijah felt afraid and started to run. God sent an angel to feed him to strengthen him for his journey. After 40 days he arrived in Horeb. God showed him that He was now communicating in a still small voice, not in flashy miracles (19:11-12).

If you’re discouraged because God hasn’t shown up in a blaze of glory, perhaps He’s revealing Himself with His quiet presence.

Lord, may we see You today in the small
details of life in ways that we hadn’t noticed
before. Thank You for the gift of Your quiet
presence, wherever we may find it today.
God is in the small things as well as the great.