Daily Devotion

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"And [the serpent] said to the woman, 'Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?'" - Genesis 3:1

Let’s Talk Temptation
March 22, 2015

When I think about how close I want to be with God, I think about how fortunate Adam was when he and God would walk and talk together in the Garden of Eden. Can you imagine how glorious that must have been? Sadly, I don’t think Adam truly understood what he had.

So, let’s talk about temptation – the first temptation, where the Devil tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. Have you ever read the passage in Genesis 3? Note what the serpent did:

1. He raised questions about the trustworthiness of God’s Word.

2. The seeds of doubt were planted in Eve’s mind.

3. When Eve said she’s not to eat of the fruit or she’ll die, the Devil replied cunningly, “You surely shall not die.”

The ultimate liar accused God of lying. He made his own deceitful word seem true and God’s Word seem unbelievable.

Isn’t it sad that Adam didn’t say to her, “The fruit of that tree may look good to eat, but God told me not to eat from that tree. Even though it is tempting, it is something I won’t do because I love God.”

But, that’s not the way it happened, is it?

Think about temptation in your own life. It usually means believing your way is better than God’s way. When we begin to doubt the Bible as our only reliable source for living life the best way, we begin to give into temptation–we buy into the lies and half-truths of the world.

For Adam, for Eve, and for all of us, those lies can lead to spiritual death. Decide to believe God’s Word–it is the best way. It’s the only way. Ask God to give you strength to live it and resist the temptations of this world.

 

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"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21

Facing Death with Jesus
March 23, 2015

I’ve never really been afraid of planes, so I was a pretty happy guy when all of a sudden, the plane on which I was flying started dropping out of the sky – five people in a twin-engine Cessna. It all happened so fast. The right engine had gone out, and then the left followed. We knew that within a minute or two we would crash. You’ve heard the saying that your life flashes in front of your eyes – well, that’s true. Fear for myself was quickly overcome by the thought that my wife might have to go on without her husband. And our three-month-old son? Would he have to grow up without a father?

I prayed that God would guide the pilot in bringing us down. Still, I knew the ground was quickly coming closer and closer. Amazingly, in a way I can’t explain, a peace came over me, a sureness that I would be okay whether I lived or died, because I knew Christ.

We crashed in a rice field. Part of the left wing broke off and we belly-flopped and spun to a stop. We all looked up and couldn’t believe it – we all walked away unharmed – a miracle, for sure! But the greater miracle for me was to be face-to-face with death and unafraid. That meant everything.

If you were in my seat that day, how would you have felt? Would you have that inexplicable peace that only comes from God? The good news is, with Jesus Christ, we can face death knowing that whether we live or die – we live!

 

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"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." - 2 Peter 2:1-3

Even Christians Can Be Deceived
March 24, 2015

Did you know that one of the ‘signs’ of the return of Jesus is an increase in false prophets? Oh, sure, there have been false prophets in every single generation, but look around! They’re everywhere, and some of the false teachings are sprinkled with just enough truth that it’s hard to tell the difference.

Take the ‘Health and Wealth’ or ‘Prosperity’ theologies with thousands of preachers saying you must give to God in order to get. It really should be called ‘The Gospel of Greed.’ Or, if you really pray hard enough, God will heal your disease, and if He doesn’t heal you, it must be that you don’t have enough faith. Give money to this or that ministry and you’ll get rich. It’s this false idea that God won’t let you suffer and wants you to be rich. That is heresy.

Other false prophets say that there are no absolute truths; that Christ is just a man; that the Bible is not true and always trustworthy. And as awful as it is, we shouldn’t be surprised about this. Jesus and God’s Word tells us to expect it.

So, how can you keep from being deceived by a false prophet or leader? The key is in knowing Jesus and His Word. Then, ask these very important three questions:

1. Would Jesus say that?
2. Would Jesus do that?
3. Is what this person is saying consistent with Jesus and His Word?

If you’re a Christian, you have an added bonus: the Holy Spirit that dwells in you teaches you how to understand the Word and gives you a check in your spirit when something doesn’t ring true. But you have to be listening! Just make sure you’re listening to Him and not to the prophets that want to tickle your ears with false teachings. For you see, even Christians can be deceived. Don’t let that happen to you.

 

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"I have sinned against the Lord." - 2 Samuel 12:13

The Only Answer to Our Sin Problem
March 25, 2015

Even though most Christians would agree that being accepted as a child of God has nothing to do with works, it’s often hard for all of us not to resort to that way of thinking – especially when we look at OTHER people. Adultery. Murder. Abuse of power. Don’t these things seem like they would create a permanent wall between a person and God? Even more, would they be performed by someone who holds a special place in God’s heart?

Well, thankfully for King David (and for us), the answer to that question is a resounding “Yes!” Surprisingly, the Bible shows us that King David was a man who found special favor with God, even though he was guilty of all those things. But the Bible also shows us that David recognized his mistakes and called them what they were – sins against God. He asked God’s forgiveness and then committed himself to living God’s way.

Even though we may not have done the same things that David did, we have all sinned. God’s Word says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He died to pay the penalty for our sins and to offer us forgiveness.

When you mess up, confess your sin to God just like David did. I think knowing about David’s sins and God’s forgiveness actually gives us hope for our own lives. Ask for God’s forgiveness and for strength to resist sin in the future. Anything you say won’t be a surprise to Him. He knows everything, and He knows your heart. He is the only answer to man’s ultimate problem of sin.

 

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Jesus is the Lighthouse
March 26, 2015

Tom Landry, former coach of the Dallas Cowboys said, “The thrill of knowing Jesus is the greatest thing that ever happened to me…I think God has put me in a very special place, and He expects me to use it to His glory in everything I do…whether coaching football or talking to the press, I’m always a Christian…Christ is first, family second and football third.”

What a wonderful man of God! Well, Tom is now in heaven, watching his team from the best seat in the house! But before he died, he told a great story of the captain of a battleship who, in the middle of the night, saw the light of another ship coming directly at him. The captain radioed the oncoming ship and said, “Turn south immediately.”

The response was, “You turn south immediately.”

The captain was furious. He radioed back, “This is a battleship. I command you to turn south immediately.”

The response was, “This is the lighthouse. You turn south immediately.”

I imagine that captain felt pretty ridiculous. But are we any better? Often we have an attitude just like that captain’s. We are arrogant towards God and mankind. We expect others to get out of our way, and we ignore God’s guidance for living our life. Then, suddenly, we find ourselves shipwrecked and feeling like fools.

Jesus Christ is the Lighthouse trying to warn us of danger, and lead us to safety. I encourage you to trust Christ and be willing to follow His leadership in your life. He will keep you out of a lot of trouble.

 

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Who are you?

From time to time, we read of people who are offended at not being treated with what they consider due respect and deference. “Do you know who I am?” they shout indignantly. And we are reminded of the statement, “If you have to tell people who you are, you probably really aren’t who you think you are.” The polar opposite of this arrogance and self-importance is seen in Jesus, even as His life on earth was nearing its end.

Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise from the people (Matt. 21:7-9). When others throughout the city asked, “Who is this?” the crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee” (vv.10-11). He didn’t come claiming special privileges, but in humility He came to give His life in obedience to His Father’s will.

The words Jesus said and the things He did commanded respect. Unlike insecure rulers, He never demanded that others respect Him. His greatest hours of suffering appeared to be His lowest point of weakness and failure. Yet, the strength of His identity and mission carried Jesus through the darkest hours as He died for our sins so that we might live in His love.

He is worthy of our lives and our devotion today. Do we recognize who He is?

Lord, I am in awe of Your humility, strength, and love. And I am embarrassed by my desires for self-importance. May knowing You change every self-centered motive in my heart into a longing to live as You did in this world.
When once you have seen Jesus, you can never be the same. —Oswald Chambers
INSIGHT: The disciple of Christ should be preoccupied with exalting Him instead of self. The words “My utmost for His highest,” taken from Oswald Chambers’ classic devotional, express the goal of the follower of Christ.

 

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Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.” —Mark 14:6

After being away on business, Terry wanted to pick up some small gifts for his children. The clerk at the airport gift shop recommended a number of costly items. “I don’t have that much money with me,” he said. “I need something less expensive.” The clerk tried to make him feel that he was being cheap. But Terry knew his children would be happy with whatever he gave them, because it came from a heart of love. And he was right—they loved the gifts he brought them.

During Jesus’ last visit to the town of Bethany, Mary wanted to show her love for Him (Mark 14:3-9). So she brought “an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard” and anointed Him (v.3). The disciples asked angrily, “Why this waste?” (Matt. 26:8). Jesus told them to stop troubling her, for “she has done a good work for Me” (Mark 14:6). Another translation reads, “She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” Jesus delighted in her gift, for it came from a heart of love. Even anointing Him for burial was beautiful!

What would you like to give to Jesus to show your love? Your time, talent, treasure? It doesn’t matter if it’s costly or inexpensive, whether others understand or criticize. Whatever is given from a heart of love is beautiful to Him.

Nothing I could give You, Father, could repay You for Your sacrifice. But I want to give You what You would think is beautiful. I give You my heart today in thankfulness for Your love.
A healthy heart beats with love for Jesus.
INSIGHT: The account of the woman who anointed Jesus with oil is preceded by the Pharisees’ plot to kill Him (14:1-2) and is followed by Judas agreeing to betray Him (vv. 10-12). The events relating to those who plotted to kill Jesus are given only brief and cursory treatment (two verses each), while the account of the woman who anointed Jesus with perfume is given a full and detailed description (seven verses). Clearly this woman’s actions will be remembered (v. 9).

 

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Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.” —Mark 14:6

After being away on business, Terry wanted to pick up some small gifts for his children. The clerk at the airport gift shop recommended a number of costly items. “I don’t have that much money with me,” he said. “I need something less expensive.” The clerk tried to make him feel that he was being cheap. But Terry knew his children would be happy with whatever he gave them, because it came from a heart of love. And he was right—they loved the gifts he brought them.

During Jesus’ last visit to the town of Bethany, Mary wanted to show her love for Him (Mark 14:3-9). So she brought “an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard” and anointed Him (v.3). The disciples asked angrily, “Why this waste?” (Matt. 26:8). Jesus told them to stop troubling her, for “she has done a good work for Me” (Mark 14:6). Another translation reads, “She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” Jesus delighted in her gift, for it came from a heart of love. Even anointing Him for burial was beautiful!

What would you like to give to Jesus to show your love? Your time, talent, treasure? It doesn’t matter if it’s costly or inexpensive, whether others understand or criticize. Whatever is given from a heart of love is beautiful to Him.

Nothing I could give You, Father, could repay You for Your sacrifice. But I want to give You what You would think is beautiful. I give You my heart today in thankfulness for Your love.
A healthy heart beats with love for Jesus.
INSIGHT: The account of the woman who anointed Jesus with oil is preceded by the Pharisees’ plot to kill Him (14:1-2) and is followed by Judas agreeing to betray Him (vv. 10-12). The events relating to those who plotted to kill Jesus are given only brief and cursory treatment (two verses each), while the account of the woman who anointed Jesus with perfume is given a full and detailed description (seven verses). Clearly this woman’s actions will be remembered (v. 9).

 

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The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. —Psalm 18:2
My wife and I both have grandmothers who have lived past 100. Talking with them and their friends, I detect a trend that seems almost universal in the reminiscences of older people: They recall difficult times with a touch of nostalgia. The elderly swap stories about World War II and the Great Depression; they speak fondly of hardships such as blizzards, the childhood outhouse, and the time in college when they ate canned soup and stale bread 3 weeks in a row.

Paradoxically, difficult times may help nourish faith and strengthen personal bonds. Seeing this principle lived out, I can better understand one of the mysteries relating to God. Faith boils down to a question of trust. If I do stand on a solid rock of trust in God (Ps. 18:2), the worst of circumstances will not destroy that relationship.

Solid-rock faith allows me to believe that despite the chaos of the present moment, God does reign. Regardless of how worthless I may feel, I truly matter to a God of love. No pain lasts forever, and no evil triumphs in the end.

Solid-rock faith sees even the darkest deed of all history, the death of God’s Son, as a necessary prelude to the brightest moment in all history—His resurrection and triumph over death.

Lord, You are the Rock, the object of my faith. My faith stands on You and not on my shifting feelings; otherwise I would be sure to fall.
Christ, the Rock, is our sure hope.
INSIGHT: Psalm 18 is a song of thanksgiving. The long superscription, taken from 2 Samuel 22:1, gives the circumstances that led David to write this song of deliverance: “A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” David used seven metaphors to describe the Lord: He is a rock, fortress, and deliverer. He is our strength, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold (vv. 2-3).

 

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"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17

The After-Easter Weeks
April 6, 2015

We traveled the unknown road leading up to Easter. We wept on Good Friday, pondered through Silent Saturday, and exuberantly rejoiced on Easter Sunday.

And now we live in the After Easter Weeks. We will attend a funeral soon. A friend is still hospitalized with cancer and another family is in the throes of confusion and sadness because their runaway daughter shows no sign of change. A husband is walking out the door from his wife and children.

Jesus walked and talked with His friends for over a month after His miraculous resurrection. With few exceptions, we are not privy to His words and actions. What we are sure of is that Jesus spoke two profound words which overflowed with both hope and challenge: wait and go. His disciples and friends needed to wait for the promised Holy Spirit power and then go to a hungry, broken world with the resurrection message.

It is no different for us. Through grace and by faith we are filled with the Holy Spirit and we are commissioned to go. We live in the ‘After Easter-Weeks’ until He returns.

So now is the time to go and tell. Begin the journey on the road with Jesus right beside you. You will never be the same.

 

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"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 1:7

Will It Ever End?
April 8, 2015

Ever been in a really tough situation where life just seems to bounce you around like a ping pong ball? Have you ever cried out, “Lord, will it ever end?” Well, in case you haven’t noticed, it doesn’t. But the good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our ability to deal with these trials and tribulations becomes better and our faith grows stronger!

In this scripture, God compares our faith to a most precious and beautiful metal gold. But when mined, this precious metal doesn’t look very precious. It’s dirty and black. So, how does gold become beautiful? A refiner takes the gold and carefully melts it in a melting pot – slowly raising the temperature – but never to the point where it boils. As it melts, slowly the impurities rise to the surface and he will scoop away the dross leaving a beautiful pot of gold, ready to become your next ring or bracelet. Here’s the amazing part. The refiner knows his job is done when he can look into the melting pot and see a reflection of himself.

The only way gold will become more precious is when it’s placed on the fire! In the same way, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the fire so that the Lord can scoop up the filth that shows itself when we get hot!! Notice, though, that He’ll never allow us to boil! And then, when it’s all said and done, He can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection!

Let’s not despise the trials we’re facing today – on the contrary – let’s embrace them! The Lord is using these things to prepare us to do great things for Him! Respond to the Lord by saying, “What do you want me to learn from this today, Lord?” And watch how the Lord blesses you through the fire!

 

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Sharing A Burger
April 10, 2015

Read: James 2:14-17 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 10:25-42


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Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. —Hebrews 13:16
Lee Geysbeek of Compassion International told about a woman who had the opportunity to travel to a distant land to visit the child she sponsored. She decided to take the child, who was living in abject poverty, to a restaurant.

The boy ordered a hamburger, and the sponsor ordered a salad. When the food came to the table, the boy, who assuredly had never had such a meal in his life, surveyed the scene. He looked at his huge hamburger and over at his sponsor’s small salad. Then he took his knife and cut the burger in half, offered it to his sponsor, rubbed his tummy, and asked, “Hungry?”

A child who had next to nothing his whole life was willing to share half of what he had with someone he thought might need more. This child can be a good reminder the next time we meet someone in physical, emotional, or spiritual need. As followers of Jesus, our faith in Him should be mirrored through our actions (James 2:17).

We encounter people in need every day. Some around the globe, some simply around the corner. Some in need of a warm meal, others a kind word. What a difference followers of Christ, who have experienced His love, could make by doing good and sharing (Heb. 13:16).

Today, Lord, help me see beyond my own problems to the needs of others. Guide my hand to give instead of get, to offer instead of ask, and to bless instead of seeking blessings. May Your name be honored.
To be doing good is man’s most glorious task. —Sophocles
INSIGHT: James makes a strong connection here between invisible faith and the visible works that faith produces. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul declares faith to be completely distinct from works. There is no conflict between these two points, however, for Paul agrees with James in Ephesians 2:10, saying, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Paul says that salvation in Christ is rooted in faith apart from works, but that this faith will result in the kind of works for which God has made us in Christ.

 

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Pray First
April 13, 2015

Read: 1 Samuel 23:1-5 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31


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David inquired of the Lord. —1 Samuel 23:2
When my husband and I supervise our son’s piano practice sessions, we begin by asking God to help us. We pray first because neither my husband nor I know how to play the instrument. Together, all three of us are coming to understand musical mysteries such as the meaning of “staccato” and “legato” and when to use the piano’s black keys.

Prayer becomes a priority when we realize that we need God’s help. David needed God’s assistance in a dangerous situation as he considered fighting the Philistines in the city of Keilah. Before engaging in battle, “David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’” (1 Sam. 23:2). God gave His approval. However, David’s men admitted that the enemy forces intimidated them. Before a single sword was lifted against the Philistines, David prayed again. God promised him the victory he later claimed (v.4).

Does prayer guide our lives, or is it our last resort when trouble strikes? We sometimes fall into the habit of making plans and then asking God to bless them, or praying only in moments of desperation. God does want us to turn to Him in moments of need. But He also wants us to remember that we need Him all the time (Prov. 3:5-6).

Dear God, please guide me as I walk through this life. Help me not to act only by my own wisdom, but to seek Your will in every situation.
God wants us to pray before we do anything at all. —Oswald Chambers
INSIGHT: In today’s passage we are told twice that David “inquired of the Lord” (vv. 2,4), but we are not told how he sought out God’s will. Some say David himself was the prophetic voice (2 Sam. 23:2; Acts 4:25) or that he cast lots since the Lord directed the lots (Prov. 16:33). He may have simply petitioned God in prayer with an open heart.

 

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"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection." -Philippians 3:10

Do You Like Yourself?
April 14, 2015

Have you noticed that we all tend to think a lot about ourselves? I suppose, when you get right down to it, that makes sense, because the person we spend the most time with is… our self.

I ask you today: Do you really like yourself? Would you rather be somebody else? Are you realistic about your strengths and weaknesses?

Socrates gets credit for saying, “Know thyself,” even though what he really said, was, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Either way, the message is clear. Knowing ourselves is a key to a meaningful life.

Let me go a step further. Since God is your Creator and He knows you better than anyone, why don’t you get to know God personally and then you’ll get to know yourself – the real you – better than you ever could on your own. God gives us the way to know Him through Jesus and His Word. If you get to know Him, you’ll come to know yourself and why you’re here. You’ll be on the road to a very meaningful life.

 

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Don’t Worry!
April 14, 2015

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-11 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59


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Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7
George Burns, American actor and humorist, said, “If you ask, ‘What is the single most important key to longevity?’ I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress, and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.” Burns, who lived to be 100, enjoyed making people laugh, and apparently followed his own advice.

But how can we keep from worrying when our lives are so uncertain, so filled with problems and needs? The apostle Peter offered this encouragement to the followers of Jesus who had been forcibly scattered across Asia during the first century: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Peter’s instructions were not given to help us avoid suffering (v.9), but so we can find peace and power to stand victorious against the attacks of Satan (vv.8-10). Instead of being consumed by anxiety and worry, we are set free to enjoy God’s love for us and express it to each other.

Our goal should not be to see how many years we can live but instead to live fully in loving service to the Lord for all the years we are given.

Lord, I admit that I take things into my own hands and worry. That weighs my spirit down and sometimes robs my nights of rest. Lift the heaviness from my heart as I lean into You.
I will never think of anything that [God, my Father,] will forget, so why should I worry? —Oswald Chambers
INSIGHT: Peter’s words in verses 1-3 are a challenge to those who serve in shepherding ministries—that is, as pastors or spiritual leaders. He reminds us that those who serve as shepherds are to reflect the heart of the good, great, and chief Shepherd—Jesus (see John 10).

 

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"I hate, (says God - I hate) I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." - Amos 5:21-24

But…But…I’m a Good Person!
April 15, 2015

So NOW, they wanted God’s help! The economy had gone south and their crops were not fruitful. They only gave God their leftovers. They had turned against God and His will for their lives. And the children of Israel couldn’t understand why God wasn’t coming through for them. Really!

Sound familiar? The economy has gone south. Jobs have been lost. Marriages ruined. You ever find yourself asking, “Hey, God, I’m going to church on Sunday, I’m singing Your praises, I’m a good person, so why haven’t things turned around for me? Never mind that I’m cheating on my income taxes. Or that I’m feasting on pornography. Or that I’m mistreating my children.”

I’ve got news for you: we cannot buy God’s favor with our offerings. We do not impress Him with an emotional, weeping, passionate worship, if our lifestyle doesn’t show a heart for God. He is far more concerned with our obedience than with our emotional worship. In fact, He won’t even ACCEPT our offerings or our songs of worship unless our hearts are truly repentant and our lives are following Jesus.

So, I ask you – where is your heart?

 

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Too Much For Me
April 15, 2015

Read: Matthew 26:36-46 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22


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O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. —Matthew 26:39
“God never gives us more than we can handle,” someone said to a father whose 5-year-old son had just lost his battle with cancer. These words, which were intended to encourage him, instead depressed him and caused him to wonder why he wasn’t “handling” the loss of his boy at all. The pain was so much to bear that he could hardly even breathe. He knew his grief was too much for him and that he desperately needed God to hold him tight.

The verse that some use to support the statement “God never gives us more than we can handle” is 1 Corinthians 10:13, “When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (niv). But the context of these words is temptation, not suffering. We can choose the way out of temptation that God provides, but we can’t choose a way out of suffering.

Jesus Himself wanted a way out of His upcoming suffering when He prayed, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. . . . O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Matt. 26:38-39). Yet He willingly went through this for our salvation.

When life seems too much to bear, that’s when we throw ourselves on God’s mercy, and He holds on to us.

Father, I feel vulnerable and weak. I know You are my refuge and strength, my help in trouble. I call upon Your name, Lord. Hold on to me.
With God behind you and His arms beneath you, you can face whatever lies ahead.
INSIGHT: Despite the fact that the crucifixion of Jesus was part of the divine plan for the restoration of humanity, Jesus was still apprehensive about the physical suffering He was about to endure. This fear is one of the strongest evidences of His humanity.

 

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The Best Fishing Holes
April 16, 2015

Read: Revelation 22:1-5 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35


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He was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words. —2 Corinthians 12:4
My friend Gus passed away a few months ago. Gus was a fellow trout fisherman. Weekends usually found him in his little boat on a nearby lake, casting for fish. I got a letter from his daughter Heidi the other day. She told me she’s been talking about heaven with her grandkids since Gus went to his home in heaven. Her 6-year-old grandson, who also loves to fish, explained what heaven is like and what Great-Grandpa Gus is doing: “It’s really beautiful,” he mused, “and Jesus is showing Grandpa Gus where the best fishing holes are.”

When Paul reported his God-given vision of heaven, words failed him. He said, “I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words” (2 Cor. 12:4 nlt). Words cannot convey the facts of heaven—perhaps because we humans are unable to comprehend them.

While we might gain some comfort from knowing more details about heaven, it is not the knowledge of heaven that assures us; it is our knowledge of God Himself. Because I know Him and I know how good He is, I can leave this life and everything in it with utter confidence that heaven will be beautiful and Jesus will show me “where the best fishing holes are”—because that’s the kind of God He is!

Let us beg and pray Him day by day to reveal Himself to our souls more fully, to quicken our sense, to give us sight and hearing, taste and touch of the world to come. —John Henry Newman
Nothing on earth compares to being with Christ in heaven.
INSIGHT: In the book of Revelation, the apostle John writes of the new heaven and earth and the heavenly city of Jerusalem (21:1–22:5). In this marvelous scene we are brought back to a garden setting, reminiscent of the garden of Eden at the dawn of human history (Gen. 2–3). What was ruined by sin in Eden is now fully restored (Gen. 3:1-19; Rev. 22:1-3). The Tree of Life, representing never-ending physical life that was denied humanity because of sin, is now readily available and accessible (Gen. 3:22-24; Rev. 22:2). The curse brought about by sin is completely reversed (Gen. 3:14-19; Rev. 22:3). There will be purity, perfect service, and perfect communion with God. The greatest blessing will be the unhindered fellowship with God Himself, for we “shall see His face” (Rev. 22:4).

 

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"'You surely will not die,' the serpent said to the woman. 'For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'" - Genesis 3:4-5

The Devil Twists the Words of God
April 16, 2015

Sadly, there are a lot of “religious” folks out there who espouse what may actually sound reasonable, because they quote from the Bible. But the problem is, these false prophets will take a verse out of context and base their whole theology around it. While this is sometimes done unintentionally, there are some that will twist a few words on purpose, resulting in an interpretation bearing no resemblance to God’s actual message.

This is an effective technique that the devil has mastered well. Think about the consequences for mankind when the devil twisted God’s words in the Garden of Eden! And remember how Satan tried to tempt Jesus in the beginning of His ministry? He twisted the word of God just a little bit, making it seem that He was saying the exact opposite of the actual meaning. He uses just a smattering of truth to make what he says seem legit. What deception!

How can you defend against these ridiculous distortions of God’s Word? First, study the Scriptures – here are a few suggestions that might help:

1. Always study Scripture in light of Scripture.
2. Study the Old Testament in light of the New Testament.
3. Study the Gospels in light of the Epistles of Paul (beginning in Romans), so that you can have the theological and doctrinal understanding of the life of Christ, why He came, and what He’s all about. You want to study a verse in the context of the chapter, and in the context of the book.

The more you study the Bible, the easier it will be to defend yourself from false – or ignorant – prophets, and the more you will understand the truths that God wants to impart to us all.

 

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A Happy Ending
April 22, 2015

Read: Ephesians 4:20-32 | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19


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Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32
A friend told me about the time he was watching football on TV as his young daughter played nearby. Angered by his team’s bad play, he grabbed the closest thing and threw it down. His little girl’s favorite toy was shattered, along with her heart. My friend immediately embraced his daughter and apologized. He replaced the toy and thought all was well. But he didn’t know how much his fury had frightened his 4-year-old, and she didn’t know the depth of her pain. In time, however, forgiveness came.

Years later he sent an identical toy to his daughter when she was expecting a baby. She posted a photo of the toy on Facebook with the words, “This gift has a very long story going back to my childhood. It wasn’t a happy story then, but it has a happy ending now! Redemption is a beautiful thing. Thanks, Grandpa!”

The Bible urges us to avoid angry outbursts by putting on the new self, “which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24). And if we are the victim of anger, God asks us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (v.32).

Restored relationships are not easy, but they are possible by the grace of God.

Lord, my temper can sometimes run hot. Grant me the grace to stop and think before I act or speak and the grace to apologize when I’ve hurt someone. Thank You for the gift of forgiveness.
Repentance and forgiveness are the glue that can repair a broken relationship.
INSIGHT: In today’s passage the apostle Paul brackets his words of challenge with the phrases “putting away” (v. 25) and “put away” (v. 31). Though they are translated as similar expressions in English, they are two different words in Greek and speak of an increasing intensity of action. The word in verse 25 tells us to put off lying, as if taking off a garment and replacing it with a new one (integrity and truthfulness). In verse 31, however, it is the challenge to “put away” or to get rid of certain things once and for all.