Daily Devotion

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

THE LIGHT OF HIS CROSS
March 13, 2017

For the lucky residents of the Southern Hemisphere, or those fortunate enough to enjoy a vacation in Buenos Aires or Fiji, there’s a stellar delight that few Northerners know about. It’s called the Southern Cross, a small but beautiful constellation located in the southern sky, very close to the neighboring constellation of Centaurus.

Unfortunately, while the Southern Cross is one of the most recognizable features in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, because of the increase in the amount of artificial light in places like Sydney, Australia, the Southern Cross is beginning to appear fainter and less distinctive in the sky, as though it is becoming invisible.

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

But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you call yourself a Christian, let me ask you a question. Is the Light of Christ, the Light of His Cross, shining through your life? Or is it really non-existent – invisible to others? Don’t allow your light to vanish without having a positive influence for Christ.

 

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"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

NEW TO BIBLE STUDY?
March 14, 2017

If you’re new to Bible study, it’s hard to know where to begin. In my opinion, it’s best not to begin at the beginning, but in the middle, with the story of Jesus. Oftentimes, I will suggest people start with the book of John. All of the Old Testament points to Jesus, and we can’t really understand the Old Testament until we first understand Him.

Now, this can get a little confusing, so read this slowly. Even though Jesus initiated the New Covenant (Testament) when He was observing the Lord’s Supper the night before His crucifixion, the Old Covenant (Testament) all points to Him. It has 39 books; the first five are called the Torah (books of Mosaic Law and the origin of man and Israel.) Then the next twelve are called the Historical books, telling about the history of ancient Israel. After that, you come to five books that are called Poetry – books like Job, and Psalms and Proverbs. Then you come to the 17 Prophets of the Old Covenant. When you read the Old Covenant, think B.C. – Before Christ.

But with the New Covenant – think A.C. – After Christ. It introduces the life of Jesus in the four gospels and the beginning of the church in Acts. Then come tons of letters to early churches on what we believe as Christians and how we should live. And it ends with Revelation and the events around Jesus’ second coming and the end of this age.

The Bible begins in a garden and ends in a city – and what a great city! Here’s the key – start with Jesus and when you read it, ask God to speak to you. After all, it is His Word.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about HOW to study the Bible.

 

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"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." - Ephesians 4:25

HAS LYING BECOME A WAY OF LIFE?
March 19, 2017

Lying has become a pervasive problem. Have you fallen into the habit? Many Christians do not look on lying as the grievous sin that it is. I’m going to be honest with you: there are people who would never attend a dirty movie, but they will lie at the drop of a hat.

It seems that today’s “me first” mindset places very little value on honesty and personal integrity. Truth is sacrificed on the altar of self-advancement. At the time, you may think that lying will make your life easier, but one lie almost always requires another and another and another. You have to remember everything you said to keep from confusing your lies. But when you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said. That makes life a lot less complicated!

I’ve known Christian women who were fanatical about dressing modestly, yet they think nothing about manipulating a situation using untruths. Spouses lie to one another in the name of keeping the peace; parents lie to their own children and vice versa; employers and employees just the same. Advertisers lie to sell products. Politicians lie in order to spin things their way.

There’s only one way to break the bondage of a lie, and that’s with the truth. Seek to live with integrity and honesty and you’ll find new freedom for living. How? The truth is found in Jesus Christ. Find Him, and find the truth, the power, and strength to become a person of integrity.

Which life have you created for yourself?

 

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"...he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes." - John 12:35b

SHIPWRECKED?
March 20, 2017

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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This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666. Revelation 13:18


THE STAGE IS SET – THE RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST
March 21, 2017


His name is the Antichrist. The falsest prophet of all times. The liar of all liars. The devil incarnate. His arrival on the world scene will be the most significant sign that all hell is about to break loose, shortly before Jesus returns.

Who is the Antichrist? He is the counterfeit Christ. He is the opposite of Christ. Yet, he is also the great imposter, who will appear to be beautiful and good, wanting world unity and peace. He will have great charisma and diplomatic skill, far greater than any world leaders in history. He will have supernatural powers (from the devil, not from God) and will even appear to be killed and come back to life, imitating Christ’s death and resurrection. (Rev 13:2)

The Scriptures paint a picture as to what the Antichrist will be like and what the time in which he comes to power will be like. The main source of information about the Antichrist is in the book of Revelation, which contains a lot of symbolism and is often difficult to understand. In Bryant’s most recent book, The Stage is Set, his hope is to create a better understanding of how we will recognize the Antichrist and what to expect after he comes on the scene.

 

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"Therefore, anyone of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself sense you, the judge, do the same thing." - Romans 2:1

JUST HOW GOOD DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
March 22, 2017

Jesus Christ, in His ministry on the earth was a master, really a genius, at painting word pictures in ways that even a child could understand. In what is referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount,” He was gathered before thousands along the Sea of Galilee and He painted a word picture about judging others.

He said something like this: ‘When you see someone with a speck (a little piece of dust- maybe a little grain of something) in their eye, and you go to them to try and get that speck out of their eye, and you’ve got a log in your own, well, you look like an idiot.’ Now, He didn’t use the words, “You look like an idiot,” but what He was seeking to communicate in painting the word picture is that we do look like idiots when we seek to judge others for what may be even a minor flaw in them, when we have a major flaw of sin in our life.

Jesus tells us, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” In other words, the way you judge others is the way that God is going to judge you. When a person genuinely feels like they are basically good and are morally superior than those around them, or those they see or read about in the news, that’s a classic sign of a person that is far from God. Because the closer we come to Christ, the more we’re aware of our own sinfulness. The further we are from God, the more we feel that we are basically good.

So, does that describe you? Is that really how you feel deep down inside? If the answer is yes, it’s time for you to seek forgiveness and ask God to show you how you can let go of those thoughts of superiority and let Him be the judge. Because He is, you know – the ultimate judge – and jury.

 

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"...as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything." - Ephesians 5:24

DO YOU RESPECT YOUR HUSBAND?
March 23, 2017

Wives, do you ever wish you could figure out what your husbands really want? Do they want looks, devotion, or smarts? Of course, every guy is different, but many wives are clueless about what their husbands need the most. They often make the mistake of thinking that his greatest need is like hers – the need for romantic love. Well, he may want that, too, but the husband’s greatest need is for respect. This is how God has wired him. So wives, how can you live this out? Here are a few clues:

Praise: Build him up in a world where he often gets beaten down. Just think how much you like to hear the words, “I love you,” and praise him just that much and more.

Seek to be his best friend: With his wife, he needs support not competition. Men as a whole, are not as relational and verbal as women.

Have a willingness to follow his lead. You’re kidding! In the 21st century you want me to follow his lead?

Well, if this makes you mad, argue with God, not me. It’s His Book. This is how you really respect your husband. When he senses this, it’s amazing how much he will strive to please you and respect what you have to say.

 

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Not the One
March 25, 2017

Read: 1 Chronicles 17:1–4, 16–25 | Bible in a Year: Joshua 19–21; Luke 2:25–52
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Do as you promised, so that it will be established and that your name will be great forever. 1 Chronicles 17:23–24

David had drawn up the plans. He designed the furniture. He collected the materials. He made all the arrangements (see 1 Chron. 28:11–19). But the first temple built in Jerusalem is known as Solomon’s Temple, not David’s.

For God had said, “You are not the one” (1 Chron. 17:4). God had chosen David’s son Solomon to build the temple. David’s response to this denial was exemplary. He focused on what God would do, instead of what he himself could not do (vv. 16–25). He maintained a thankful spirit. He did everything he could and rallied capable men to assist Solomon in building the temple (see 1 Chron. 22).

Father, teach us to praise You when we are tempted to doubt Your goodness.
Bible commentator J. G. McConville wrote: “Often we may have to accept that the work which we would dearly like to perform in terms of Christian service is not that for which we are best equipped, and not that to which God has in fact called us. It may be, like David’s, a preparatory work, leading to something more obviously grand.”

David sought God’s glory, not his own. He faithfully did all he could for God’s temple, laying a solid foundation for the one who would come after him to complete the work. May we, likewise, accept the tasks God has chosen for us to do and serve Him with a thankful heart! Our loving God is doing something “more obviously grand.”

Father, we want our hopes and dreams and our hearts to align with Yours. Teach us to praise You when we are tempted to doubt Your goodness.

God may conceal the purpose of His ways, but His ways are not without purpose.

 

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Image Management
March 27, 2017

Read: Isaiah 43:1–9 | Bible in a Year: Judges 1–3; Luke 4:1–30


You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you. Isaiah 43:4

To celebrate Winston Churchill’s eightieth birthday, the British parliament commissioned artist Graham Sutherland to paint a portrait of the celebrated statesman. “How are you going to paint me?” Churchill reportedly asked the artist: “As a cherub, or the Bulldog?” Churchill liked these two popular perceptions of him. Sutherland, however, said he would paint what he saw.

Churchill was not happy with the results. Sutherland’s portrait had Churchill slumped in a chair wearing his trademark scowl—true to reality, but hardly flattering. After its official unveiling, Churchill hid the painting in his cellar. It was later secretly destroyed.

God knows the real us and still loves us immeasurably.
Like Churchill, most of us have an image of ourselves we want others to have of us also—whether of success, godliness, beauty, or strength. We can go to great lengths to conceal our “ugly” sides. Perhaps deep down we fear we won’t be loved if the real us is known.

When the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, they were seen at their worst. Because of their sins, God allowed their enemies to conquer them. But He told them not to fear. He knew them by name, and He was with them in every humiliating trial (Isa. 43:1–2). They were secure in His hands (v. 13) and “precious” to Him (v. 4). Despite their ugliness, God loved them.

We will find ourselves less motivated to seek the approval of others when such a truth truly sinks in. God knows the real us and still loves us immeasurably (Eph. 3:18).


God’s deep love means we can be real with others.

INSIGHT:
It’s not easy to accept our own failures. This may be one reason the God of Israel wanted His people to remember Him as the God of Jacob—their deeply flawed national patriarch. The prophet Isaiah called them by the new name the Lord had given their father Jacob. He called them “Israel,” a people He had made and redeemed for Himself, so He could show the whole world what it means to have a God who loves us in spite of our failures.

 

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“When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.” 1 Kings 10:1

FOR THE PERSON WITH EVERYTHING
March 27, 2017

We’re all looking for something. Sometimes it’s purpose, success, and wealth, while other times it’s love, security, and acceptance. Sometimes we look to our careers and achievements to find fulfillment, and other times we look to a person to give us value. No matter what it is we’re pursuing, the source of this endless searching ultimately comes down to feeling that something is missing – but what is it?

The Queen of Sheba struggled with these same questions. In spite of all her wealth, fame, and power, she couldn’t answer life’s difficult questions. Something was missing and perhaps King Solomon held the answers.

King Solomon was King David’s son. With such big shoes to fill as King, Solomon asked God for wisdom. Pleased that Solomon would ask for wisdom over fame, wealth, and power, God blessed him with all four– the most impressive of which was his incredible wisdom. As word spread of King Solomon’s success, he made sure to give God the credit.

Eventually rumors of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth reached the Queen. If anyone could answer her questions, Solomon certainly could; so she began the long journey from Sheba (Yemen) to Israel. In speaking with Solomon, God opened up her eyes. She realized that all Solomon’s wealth, status and wisdom actually came from the One True God. Everything she was searching for came back to knowing God.

Are you searching for something more in life? Maybe you have the success, the money, and the relationship you thought would be “it.” So why do you continually crave more? Maybe it’s time to ask God some of your difficult life questions and see what He has to say. When you have had everything else– what do you have to lose?

 

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Trial by Fire
March 29, 2017

Read: James 1:1–12 | Bible in a Year: Judges 7–8; Luke 5:1–16
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life. James 1:12

Last winter while visiting a natural history museum in Colorado, I learned some remarkable facts about the aspen tree. An entire grove of slender, white-trunked aspens can grow from a single seed and share the same root system. These root systems can exist for thousands of years whether or not they produce trees. They sleep underground, waiting for fire, flood, or avalanche to clear a space for them in the shady forest. After a natural disaster has cleared the land, aspen roots can sense the sun at last. The roots send up saplings, which become trees.

For aspens, new growth is made possible by the devastation of a natural disaster. James writes that our growth in faith is also made possible by difficulties. “Consider it pure joy,” he writes, “whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4).

Trials and tests can draw us closer to Christ.
It’s difficult to be joyful during trials, but we can take hope from the fact that God will use difficult circumstances to help us reach maturity. Like aspen trees, faith can grow in times of trial when difficulty clears space in our hearts for the light of God to touch us.

Thank You, God, for being with us in our trials, and for helping us to grow through difficult circumstances.

Trials and tests can draw us closer to Christ.

INSIGHT:
James says trials will reveal whether our faith is genuine (James 1:3), and will strengthen and mature us (v. 4). The apostle Paul also believed that suffering is beneficial. He said, “we can rejoice . . . when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Rom. 5:3–5 nlt). Read James 1:12 and consider what’s in store for those who endure testing through faith in Jesus.

 

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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14: 1-2

MY FATHER’S HOUSE
March 29, 2017

My mom has been in heaven since 2014. It’s no surprise that many times while talking with my dad, the subject turns to eternity. “I wonder what it’s going to be like,” he says aloud. Even though he is a long time follower of Christ, this topic raises questions. It can still seem like a mystery. After all, how can the finite human language possibly describe the indescribable? How do we wrap our minds around eternity?

Jesus explains it this way – heaven is like a home with many dwelling places, or many rooms. For the follower of Jesus, there will be a room for you. Here we see a picture of Jesus becoming the ultimate servant – preparing our place in heaven, preparing our home. Jesus is saying that heaven is like a home. It’s the ultimate home: free from stress, relational drama, and endless ‘to-do’ lists. Our heavenly home will be one of rest and of peace, prepared personally for those who trust in Him.

Most importantly, heaven will be about our heavenly Father, Jesus explains. This is a Father offering us security. A Father we can count on. Many people haven’t had a good relationship with their biological father. Some may have never even known him. Some may have greatly feared him, while others may have felt their love never pleased him. The type of Father Jesus is describing might be difficult to imagine, but heaven is going to be like the perfect home with the perfect Father. In heaven, we will finally experience the world the way that God intended – free from brokenness, pain and disappointment with a Father who is strong, loving, fair, dependable and kind.

If you have been hurt or let down by people or life’s circumstances – look to Jesus. If your earthly father has failed or disappointed you – look to Jesus. Because for those who trust in Him, the best is yet to come!

 

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Life and Death
March 30, 2017

Read: Genesis 50:22–26 | Bible in a Year: Judges 9–10; Luke 5:17–39



I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid. Genesis 50:24

I will never forget sitting at the bedside of my friend’s brother when he died; the scene was one of the ordinary visited by the extraordinary. Three of us were talking quietly when we realized that Richard’s breathing was becoming more labored. We gathered around him, watching, waiting, and praying. When he took his last breath, it felt like a holy moment; the presence of God enveloped us in the midst of our tears over a wonderful man dying in his forties.

Many of the heroes of our faith experienced God’s faithfulness when they died. For instance, Jacob announced he would soon be “gathered to [his] people” (Gen. 49:29–33). Jacob’s son Joseph also announced his impending death: “I am about to die,” he said to his brothers while instructing them how to hold firm in their faith. He seems to be at peace, yet eager that his brothers trust the Lord (50:24).

We can believe the promise that Jesus will prepare a place for us in His Father’s house.
None of us knows when or how we will breathe our last breath, but we can ask God to help us trust that He will be with us. We can believe the promise that Jesus will prepare a place for us in His Father’s house (John 14:2–3).

Lord God, Your dwelling place will be with Your people, and You will be our God, wiping away our tears and banishing death. May it be so!

The Lord will never abandon us, especially at the time of our death.

INSIGHT:
Genesis, the book of beginnings, concludes with important endings. At the beginning of chapter 50, we find one of the Old Testament’s greatest examples, Joseph, weeping over the death of his father, Jacob. The chapter ends with Joseph’s death and burial. In between, three key events take place. First, Joseph takes his father’s remains back to Canaan to their familial home. This marks Joseph’s first return to the land since the dark days of Genesis 37, when his brothers sold him into slavery. Second, Joseph reassures them of his love and forgiveness by affirming God’s purposes and his own desire to care for his brothers and their families (50:19–21). Third, Joseph, anticipating death, again reminds the Israelites of their proper home in Canaan by asking that they take his bones to be buried in the land of promise. These ideas prepare the way for the exodus—God’s eventual rescue of Israel from bondage in Egypt more than 400 years later.

 

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‘Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”’ John 14: 5-6

WHICH WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY?
March 30, 2017

In John 14: 1-3, Jesus was alluding to His upcoming death on the cross. That’s when Thomas spoke up: What are you talking about? We don’t even know where you’re going. How can we follow you (my paraphrase)? So Jesus responded with one of His most famous and controversial statements He ever made: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” What exactly was Jesus saying in this powerful statement?

• I AM. – Jesus declares His divinity in this statement. He reveals that He always is, always was and always will be.
• I am the WAY. – Jesus is the way to God. He is the way to heaven; if we take another way, we’re going to get lost – eternally separated from God in Hell.
• I am the TRUTH. – Jesus is the truth. Truth is not some philosophy or idea, but found in the person of Jesus Christ.
• I am the LIFE. – Jesus is the source of eternal life.
• “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – Jesus is the only way to heaven.

The controversy is in the exclusivity of Jesus’ statement. Yes, Jesus is the only way to heaven, but that way is available to everyone. It’s an open invitation no matter your background: from Muslims to Methodists, Agnostics to Baptist, Catholics, Lutherans, Hindus, and Buddhists. In short, EVERYONE. Too often we forget the incredible inclusiveness of what Jesus is actually offering.

So the question is—do you believe Jesus? Because the Word of God is very clear: it’s Jesus’ way or our way. Jesus is the right way; all others lead the wrong way. Jesus is the highway to Heaven; all other ways, are highways to Hell. Which way will you choose?

 

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A Heart of Compassion
April 3, 2017

Read: Colossians 3:12–17 | Bible in a Year: Judges 19–21; Luke 7:31–50


Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.

As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.

Compassion is understanding the troubles of others.
Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “bear with each other and forgive one another” (v. 13).

As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.

Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others.

Compassion is understanding the troubles of others.

INSIGHT:
Compassion is not just feeling pity for a needy person; our emotions must move us to relieve the misery of that person. The apostle Paul calls us to “be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:32) and “to follow God’s example” (5:1). Jesus commands us to be “compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate” (Luke 6:36 nlt). In one of the greatest self-revelations in the Bible, God described Himself as “the compassionate and gracious God” (Ex. 34:6). We echo with the apostle James, “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11).

Imagine a world without compassion. What would it be like? How is showing compassion essential for God’s children?

 

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His Word the Last Word
April 4, 2017

Read: Psalm 63:1–11 | Bible in a Year: Ruth 1–4; Luke 8:1–25
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:6–7

Dawson Trotman, a dynamic Christian leader of the mid-twentieth century and founder of The Navigators, emphasized the importance of the Bible in the life of every Christian. Trotman ended each day with a practice he called “His Word the last word.” Before going to sleep he meditated on a memorized Bible verse or passage, then prayed about its place and influence in his life. He wanted the last words he thought about each day to be God’s words.

The psalmist David wrote, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings” (Ps. 63:6–7). Whether we are in great difficulty or enjoying a time of peace, our last thought at night can ease our minds with the rest and comfort God gives. It may also set the tone for our first thought the next morning.

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7
A friend and his wife conclude each day by reading aloud a Bible passage and daily devotional with their four children. They welcome questions and thoughts from each child and talk about what it means to follow Jesus at home and school. They call it their version of “His Word the last word” for each day.

What better way to end our day!

Thank You Father, for Your Word in our hearts and our minds—our last thought at night as we rest securely in You.

Do you have a favorite verse you have committed to memory? Share it on Facebook.com/ourdailybread.



The Spirit of God renews our minds when we meditate on the Word of God.

INSIGHT:
Psalm 63 can encourage us as we reflect on how the psalmist David brought his struggles to God. First, he expressed his thirst for the living God as being like a thirsty man yearning for life-giving water (vv. 1–2). Second, he observed God’s glory in the sanctuary and compared it to eating and being satisfied by delicious and nourishing food (vv. 3–5). Third, even when he was on his bed at night, he meditated on his Creator and Savior and felt the closeness of God’s love (vv. 6–8). Fourth, he trusted God for protection when he encountered real-life enemies (vv. 9–10). Finally, the psalmist admitted that his power didn’t come from his regal position. Instead, it was rooted in the living God who brings joy to the heart and glory to His name (v. 11).

What can we learn from David’s example? Why not spend some time today reflecting on the character of God.

 

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Kossi’s Courage
April 5, 2017

Read: 2 Kings 23:12–14, 21–25 | Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 1–3; Luke 8:26–56

You shall have no other gods before me. . . . You shall not bow down to them or worship them. Exodus 20:3, 5

As he awaited his baptism in Togo’s Mono River, Kossi stooped to pick up a worn wooden carving. His family had worshiped the object for generations. Now they watched as he tossed the grotesque figure into a fire prepared for the occasion. No longer would their choicest chickens be sacrificed to this god.

In the West, most Christians think of idols as metaphors for what they put in place of God. In Togo, West Africa, idols represent literal gods that must be appeased with sacrifice. Idol burning and baptism make a courageous statement about a new believer’s allegiance to the one true God.

You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3
As an eight-year-old, King Josiah came to power in an idol-worshiping, sex-obsessed culture. His father and grandfather had been two of the worst kings in all of Judah’s sordid history. Then the high priest discovered the book of the law. When the young king heard its words, he took them to heart (2 Kings 22:8–13). Josiah destroyed the pagan altars, burned the vile items dedicated to the goddess Asherah, and stopped the ritual prostitution (ch. 23). In place of these practices, he celebrated the Passover (23:21–23).

Whenever we look for answers apart from God—consciously or subconsciously—we pursue a false god. It would be wise to ask ourselves: What idols, literal or figurative, do we need to throw on the fire?

Lord, forgive us for those things we turn to that show our hearts are not focused on You. Show us what we need to give up, and replace it with the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21

INSIGHT:
Ask God to help you see false trusts that are robbing you of the joy of living in the presence and joy of the One whose mercy and love are more real and sure than the air we breathe.

 

[airforce96]

amen kol

 

[boldstardex]

‘The words of the Teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem: 'Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.' What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and go, but the earth remains forever." Ecclesiastes 1: 1-4a

WHEN LIFE FEELS MEANINGLESS
April 5, 2017

In 1985, after winning the Master’s tournament, professional golfer Bernhard Langer felt empty. What was worse – he didn’t know why. He should have been celebrating reaching the pinnacle of success in the golfing world, but something was missing. Maybe you can relate; you’ve spent the early years of your career pursuing success, achievement and accomplishments, but instead of satisfaction you feel empty and disillusioned. What’s the point? Is this all there is?

King Solomon of ancient Israel had it all: extraordinary success, incredible achievement, unbelievable wealth, and yet he too felt empty. Solomon discovered that a self-focused life is ultimately meaningless. It leads to nothing. In other words, you can work hard, you can strive to do your best, but in the end it amounts to nothing of real value. Can you relate? Is there really a solution to all of this? Absolutely!

Solomon says the key is to fear God. Understand what Solomon is talking about: a person who develops a healthy fear of God does so by finally seeing God’s holiness, purity and goodness. It’s about recognizing how we are so far from His Godly character. It’s finally seeing that we are sinners. Compared to God, we are weak. And it’s in this weakness that we can find true meaning and value. Because it’s not about OUR successes and achievements that bring meaning to life, but by looking to give glory to God for any good thing we do. The best way we can do that is to understand that in spite of our shortcomings, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and offer us forgiveness and grace.

It’s Jesus who meets us in our sin and shame and forgives us. It’s through Jesus that we are made right with God. And it’s that realization that leads to a life full of gratitude, purpose and meaning- no matter how great our successes or how devastating our failures. Jesus brings meaning to life when life feels meaningless. For a life lived for Christ is all about bringing glory to God.

 

[boldstardex]

"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

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO LEARN?
April 6, 2017

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!