The Carpenter's Chapel (9)

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Are You a 'Philip?' (1)10 Jul 2012'...And they chose...Philip...' Acts 6:5Philip was one of seven men chosen to lead the New Testament church. Why? Because he had certain qualities. Let's look at two of them: He had the ability to be Spirit-led. Philip started out as a deacon working in the administration department of the church. But he went on to become an evangelist, conducting a city-wide crusade in Samaria. 'Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did' (Acts 8:5-6 NKJV). Now, the idea of staying there and building a great church must have been very appealing to Philip. But God had other plans. 'An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip...'Arise and go toward the...desert.' So he arose and went...' (vv. 26-27 NKJV). 'Go where? To the desert? Are you serious, Lord?' Here's a thought: when God speaks to you He may not tell you what you want to hear, or send you where you'd like to go. Have you considered that? Is that why you're not actively seeking His guidance? Big doors swing on little hinges. In the desert Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch, who was like the secretary of the treasury, serving the Queen of Ethiopia. Philip's assignment was to introduce him to Christ and baptise him. After that the eunuch returned to Ethiopia and history says multitudes there were won to Christ as a result. But it only happened because Philip could leave his comfort zone, step out in faith and follow God. Bottom line: in order to lead others you must know how to be led by God.

Our Daily bread

It's Okay To Ask

It’s perfectly natural for fear and doubt to creep into our minds at times. “What if heaven isn’t real after all?” “Is Jesus the only way to God?” “Will it matter in the end how I lived my life?” Questions like these should not be given quick or trite responses.

John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest of the prophets (Luke 7:28), had questions shortly before his execution (v.19). He wanted to know for sure that Jesus was the Messiah and that his own ministry had therefore been valid.

Jesus’ response is a comforting model for us to use. Instead of discounting the doubt or criticizing John, Jesus pointed to the miracles He was doing. As eyewitnesses, John’s disciples could return with vivid assurances for their mentor. But He did more—He used words and phrases (v.22) drawn from Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming Messiah (Isa. 35:4-6; 61:1), which were certain to be familiar to John.

Then, turning to the crowd, Jesus praised John (Luke 7:24-28), removing any doubt that He was offended by John’s need for reassurance after all he had seen (Matt. 3:13-17).

Questioning and doubting, both understandable human responses, are opportunities to remind, reassure, and comfort those who are shaken by uncertainty.

When my poor soul in doubt is cast
And darkness hides the Savior’s face,
His love and truth still hold me fast
For He will keep me by His grace. —D. De Haan

Reassurance comes as we doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Are You a 'Philip?' (2)11 Jul 2012'...And they chose...Philip...' Acts 6:5The Bible says: 'We...came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip...this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied' (Acts 21:8-9). Here's the second thing that qualified Philip for leadership in the church: He knew how to build a strong family. You say, 'Does that mean if I've failed in marriage God won't use me?' No, Samuel was one of Israel's greatest prophets, yet he failed with his children. David wrote Psalms, yet his family life was a shambles. Interestingly, neither Samuel nor David had much to say in Scripture about family life. When it comes to church leadership, to have credibility in God's house you must first have it in your own. So, pastor: 1) Don't sacrifice your family for your church. 2) Don't sacrifice your children for your congregation. 3) Don't sacrifice your spouse for your children. 4) Don't sacrifice the important for the urgent. The Bible gives us qualifications for leadership in the church. Paul writes that a leader '...must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don't have a reputation for being wild or rebellious...He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent or dishonest with money...He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong' (Titus 1:6-9 NLT). So, do you qualify?

Our Daily Bread

Sweet Slumber

Photographer Anne Geddes has made an art form out of taking pictures of sleeping babies. Her photos evoke smiles. Nothing is a better image of peace than a sleeping child.

But between naps and nighttime, caring for children is an exhausting and relentless responsibility. In their innocence and enthusiasm, children can get themselves into life-threatening situations in no time. After a hectic day of chasing, entertaining, protecting, feeding, dressing, guarding, guiding, and making peace between squabbling siblings, parents are eager for bedtime. After the toys are put away and the pajamas are put on, the sleepy toddler slows down, cuddles with mom or dad for a bedtime story, and finally falls asleep. Later, before putting themselves to bed, parents check on their children one more time to make sure all is peaceful in dreamland. The serene beauty of a sleeping child makes all the day’s frustrations worthwhile.

Scripture indicates that God’s ideal condition for His children is peace (Lev. 26:6), but too often in our immaturity we get into trouble and cause conflict. Like parents of young children, God desires for us to become weary of wrongdoing and to rest in the safety and contentment of His loving ways.

Lord, help me not to squabble and cause friction
with others about unimportant matters.
May I instead find rest in Your love and wisdom,
and seek peace. Amen.

In His will is our peace. —Dante

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org)

Word For Today

Are You Being Tempted?12 Jul 2012'Blessed is the man that endureth temptation...' James 1:12You'll never be exempt from temptation. Each season of life just brings temptation in a different form. When you're young you'll struggle with the need for companionship and sexual fulfilment. In business you'll be tempted to distort the truth, cheat and pocket the money. When you become successful, if you're not careful you'll become ego-driven, controlling and opinionated. The truth is, you never become so spiritual as to be exempt from temptation. After forty days of prayer and fasting, Satan tempted Jesus. So you are as vulnerable to attack after a great spiritual experience as you are in your lowest moments. Satan understood Jesus' assignment and he was out to stop Him from accomplishing it. And he is out to stop you too! The battle you're in is not over the past, it's over the future. In the face of repeated temptation Jesus defeated satan by using the Word of God, and you must too. Without it you have no defence. In what specific areas do you struggle? What's your strategy for victory? What percentage of the time are you successful? Which Scriptures have you memorised to help you conquer the tempter when he comes against you? Look at Samson, God's champion: blinded, chained, grinding corn like an ox in a Philistine dungeon. Sin has a blinding effect, a binding effect and a grinding effect. Prisons are filled with people who were too weak to stand up against satan. Dreams crash daily on the rocks of temptation. Move the ship of your life away from those rocks while you still can.

Our Daily Bread

Mysterious Invisibility

Across the United States and around the world, we often experience the dramatic effect of something no one can see. In 2011, for instance, several US cities were devastated by tornadoes that blew apart neighborhoods and business districts. And during each hurricane season, we are shocked as winds of more than 100 miles an hour threaten to destroy what we have built.

All of this is the result of an unseen force. Sure, we see the wind’s effects (flags flapping, debris flying), but we cannot see the wind itself. It works in mysterious invisibility.

In a sense, this is also true of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, when believers experienced the filling of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, “suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). That wind was a tangible demonstration to those early Christians that the unseen Spirit was at work in their lives. And He still works in our lives today! If you are a follower of Christ, be encouraged. The Holy Spirit bears fruit in your life (Gal. 5:22-23), forms believers into one body (1 Cor. 12:13), and assures you of God’s presence (1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit is a powerful Person in our lives—even though we can’t see Him.

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my heart—illumine me,
Spirit divine. —Scott

The Holy Spirit works powerfully, though invisibly.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

I Met the Master Face to Face13 Jul 2012'...We have seen his glory...' John 1:14The Bible says: 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came...full of grace and truth.' To know the Lord Jesus Christ personally is to love Him, to love Him is to serve Him, and to serve Him is to experience life's highest joy and fulfilment. An unknown author wrote the following poem about Jesus. If you know Him as your Lord and Saviour it will resonate in your heart. If you don't, it's our prayer you will want to accept Him today as your Lord and Saviour: 'I walked life's way with an easy tread, had followed where comforts and pleasures led; until one day in a quiet place, I met the Master face to face. With station and rank and wealth for my goal, much thought for my body but none for my soul; I entered to win in life's mad race, when I met the Master face to face. I met Him, and knew Him, and blushed to see that His eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me. And I faltered and fell at His feet that day, while my castles melted and vanished away. Melted and vanished, and in their place, naught else did I see but the Master's face; And I cried aloud, "O, make me meet, to follow the steps of Thy wounded feet." My thought is now for the souls of men; I have lost my life to find it again; e'er since one day in a quiet place, I met the Master face to face.'

Our Daily Bread

Ant Safari

In his book Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants—an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvelous insights about these industrious creatures.

Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethic of these tiny insects. Ants are held up by wise King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain . . . provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8).

The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant.

In the open book of nature faith remains unmoved—
Patterns of the Master-Builder by each fact are proved;
So with reverent hearts we ponder all the grand design
Of the universe around us, wrought by hands divine. —Peterson

In God’s pattern book of nature we can trace many valuable lessons.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Know Your Enemy (1)14 Jul 2012'...Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.' 2 Timothy 2:3The new birth creates a battle between your old nature and your new one. When you were redeemed, you were recruited into this battle. And it begins the moment your eyes open each morning. The big question is, will you hold up or fold up? Victory depends on knowing your enemy's strategy and having a plan to deal with it. As a follower of Christ the attack you face each day is twofold. First, there is the attack that comes from without. '...Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God' (James 4:4). Now that doesn't mean distancing yourself from your unchurched friends and denouncing all their activities. Nor does it mean adopting a holier-than-thou attitude toward them. It means that instead of the culture affecting you negatively, you engage and influence it positively, like light in darkness. Susanna Wesley defined 'worldliness' as four things: 1) 'Whatever dulls the sensitivities of my spirit toward God, or takes the fine edge off my thought of Him-must be ruled out for He is my Lord. 2) Whatever injures and weakens my body, or affects the mastery of it-must be ruled out for it is the temple of the Lord. 3) Whatever adversely affects the clearness of my witness to Jesus Christ before others-must be ruled out for it was His parting wish that I should be a witness of Him. 4) Whatever may cause my brother to stumble in his Christian life-must be ruled out for that would grieve Jesus.'

Our Daily Bread

Two Lessons Learned

Afew weeks after writing an Our Daily Bread article about the importance of obeying the law, I set out on an 850-mile trip—determined to stay within the posted speed limit. While driving out of a small town in New Mexico, I became more occupied with unwrapping a sandwich than with watching the road signs, and I got a speeding ticket. My first lesson that day was that not paying attention costs the same as deliberate disregard for the law. And I still had 700 miles to go!

My second lesson was that our resolve will always be tested. I thought of Moses’ words to God’s people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land: “You shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not” (Deut. 8:2).

Pastor and author Eugene Peterson called the process of following Christ “a long obedience in the same direction.” Every resolution to begin to obey must be followed by many decisions to continue.

God gave me a humbling reminder of how vital it is to keep my heart set on obeying Him—and to pay attention along the way.

Thou who hast freely given
Thine all in all for me,
Claim this life for Thine own to be used,
My Savior, every moment for Thee. —Christiansen

To love God is to obey God.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Know Your Enemy (2)15 Jul 2012'There is another power within me that is at war with my mind...' Romans 7:23Today let's talk about: The enemy within. Your old nature is like a fifth column, always looking for ways to sabotage you. It's the door through which satan enters. You have two natures, an old one and a new one. They are opposite, and they are always on a collision course. A great illustration of this can be found in the birth of Jacob and Esau. '...Rebekah became pregnant with twins. But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. "Why is this happening to me?" she asked. And the Lord told her, "The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son' (Genesis 25:21-23 NLT). Paul talks about his 'Dr. Jekyll' nature and his 'Mr. Hyde' nature. 'I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to sin that is still within me' (Romans 7:22-23 NLT). What's the answer? Starve your old nature and feed your new one! Again Paul writes: 'No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier' (2 Timothy 2:4). That means you must: 1) Regularly communicate with headquarters through prayer. 2) Read God's Word to be sure you're obeying your Commanding Officer. 3) Keep your spiritual morale high. 4) Not get entangled with the wrong people or things.

Our Daily Bread

In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado writes: “Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: ‘You matter to me and to God.’ You may think you are saying, ‘Come over for a visit.’ But what your guest hears is, ‘I’m worth the effort.’”

This is what the apostle Paul must have heard and felt when Aquila and Priscilla opened the doors of their home to him. When he arrived in Corinth, he was probably exhausted from his journey from Athens. He may also have been discouraged because of his seemingly unsuccessful ministry there (Acts 17:16-34). He later wrote, “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Cor. 2:3). Aquila and Priscilla probably met Paul in the marketplace of Corinth and opened their home to him. They provided a spiritual oasis through Christian hospitality.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us.
Heavenly Father, make me open to be willing to serve
others through showing hospitality.

May I provide a safe haven for those going through
the storms of life. Amen.

Christian hospitality is an open heart and an open home.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) anfd Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Doing the Right Thing (1)16 Jul 2012'...Be it known...that we will not...' Daniel 3:18The higher you climb in life, the more certain people will try to assert control over you. Their threats can sound real, and the consequences of ignoring them, intimidating. Look at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Their commitment to God landed them in a fiery furnace heated seven times over. But it also promoted them to a place of great blessing and influence. Their story teaches us that for something to be an authentic test of character, it must be a situation in which the outcome is not in your hands. You simply make the choice to do what is right before God and leave the consequences to Him. It's a trial by fire, but it's a fire of refinement, and on the other side of it you come out stronger. Each time you do the right thing, choosing to embrace rather than escape the path God has called you to walk, you enter a new level of freedom. And as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego discovered, three things happen: 1) You are set free from the 'Nebuchadnezzars' who claim to have control over the outcome of your life. 2) You are set free to say no to those who would try to use and manipulate you. 3) You are set free to serve your all-powerful King and say no to all the other pretenders who really have no power over you at all. In that moment you not only gain insight into who you are, but more importantly, Whose you are. And God will do one of two things: develop you in the fiery furnace or deliver you from it. Indeed, He may do both!

Our Daily Bread

Speech Study

Dr. Deb Roy, a researcher and cognitive scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recorded the first 3 years of his child’s life to learn how humans acquire language. He and his wife rigged their home with recording devices, which they used to collect over 200,000 hours of audio and video footage. Amassing, condensing, and editing the recordings enabled them to hear baby sounds like “gaga” evolve into words like “water.”

If someone wanted to conduct a research project at your home, would you participate if you knew that your every syllable would be recorded and analyzed? What would the study reveal? Proverbs 18 offers insight about some unwise speech patterns. The writer notes that foolish people express their own opinions instead of trying to understand what others have to say (v.2). Does this characterize us? Do we sometimes provoke fights with our words (v.7), or speak impulsively and “answer a matter before [hearing] it”? (v.13).

We need to become students of our speech. With God’s help we can identify and transform destructive dialogue into words of encouragement that are “good for necessary edification” and that “impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).

Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages for Thee. —Havergal

Our words have the power to build up or tear down.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org)

Word For Today

Doing the Right Thing (2)17 Jul 2012'...Be it known...that we will not...' Daniel 3:18Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had achieved career success, so they had nothing to gain by challenging the king of Babylon. So, why did they? Because he ordered them to disobey God and violate their convictions by bowing down in worship before a pagan image. No doubt they could have reasoned, 'Better a live dog than a dead lion. If we stay alive, maybe we can do good for God and for others.' That philosophy would have convinced many of us, so why not them? Because they realised that Nebuchadnezzar was not the reason for their success. He may have been an instrument God used to promote them, but he was not the source of either their significance or their security. Those two things came from God-and they understood that you can't abandon the principles of God and walk in the blessings of God. You don't grieve the One who controls everything, just to get along with those who think they control everything. There will always be those who think they know what you should do. But these three Hebrew boys knew better: '...Our God whom we serve is able...' (v. 17). Able to do what? '...Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV). By refusing to bow, when bowing seemed like the expedient thing to do, they turned the hearts of a nation to God. Now, your influence may not be that widespread, but one thing you can count on: others are watching who will be influenced by the stand you take. So ask God to strengthen you, and do the right thing!

Our Daily Bread

What's The Trouble?

There was something wrong with my lawn. I couldn’t see what the trouble was, but I knew something was causing damage.

After investigating, I discovered the problem: moles. Those voracious little bug-eaters were crawling around just under the surface of my previously well-groomed lawn looking for food and wreaking havoc on my grass.

The children of Israel also had a problem with a hidden cause (Josh. 7). They were experiencing trouble, and they couldn’t figure out why. There was something hidden from their view that was causing serious damage.
The trouble became noticeable when Joshua sent 3,000 troops to attack Ai. Although that should have been a sufficient army to defeat Ai’s small force, the opposite happened. Ai routed the Israelites, killing 36 of them and chasing them back where they came from. Joshua had no idea why this trouble had come. Then God explained the hidden problem: One of his men, Achan, had violated a clear command and had stolen some “accursed things” from Jericho (Josh. 7:11). Only when that hidden sin was discovered and taken care of could Israel have victory.

Hidden sin does great damage. We need to bring it to the surface and deal with it—or face certain defeat.

Dear Lord, I don’t want anything in my life to
hinder my fellowship with You. You know what’s
in my heart. Reveal any areas of my life that are
not pleasing to You and forgive me. Amen.

Confession to God ensures forgiveness.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org)

Word For Today

Made Perfect Through Suffering (1)19 Jul 2012'...God...made Jesus perfect by suffering..' Hebrews 2:10None of us has come close to experiencing what Jesus endured on the cross, yet we run from suffering. A lost job, a debilitating illness, a painful divorce-none of us escapes. Even 'Jesus...had to suffer before he could learn what it really means to obey God' (Hebrews 5:8 CEV). Pain is a learning experience. The Bible says, 'God...made Jesus perfect by suffering.' Philip Yancey writes: 'God understood physical pain, having designed the nervous system that carries it to our brains...But had a Spirit ever felt physical pain? Not until the Incarnation. In thirty-three years on earth Jesus learned about...family squabbles...social rejection...verbal abuse and betrayal. And he learned too about pain. What it feels like to have an accuser leave the red imprint of his fingers on your face...to have a crude iron spike pounded through muscle, tendon, and skin. On earth, God learned all that. And because of Jesus, God hears our groans differently. The author of Hebrews marvelled that whatever we are going through, God has gone through: 'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but...one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin' (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). We have a high priest who graduated from the school of suffering and '...is able to be gentle with those who do not understand and who are doing wrong things' (Hebrews 5:2 NCV)...We need no longer cry into the abyss, 'Hey, [God], are you listening?' By joining us on earth, Jesus gave visible, historical proof that God hears our groans and...groans along with us.' What a comfort!

Our Daily Bread

Dorian Gray

The Victorian novel The Picture of Dorian Gray illustrates how the person we project to others may be very different from who we are on the inside. After the youthful and handsome Dorian Gray had his portrait painted, he dreaded the prospect of growing old, and he wished the portrait would grow old in his place.

Soon he realized that his wish had been granted. The portrait, which mirrored his troubled soul, aged and became more hideous with each sin Dorian committed, while he himself remained youthful. His outward appearance did not match his corrupted heart.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for displaying a similar hypocrisy. Many of them took pride in showing off their spirituality in public. Yet on the inside, they were guilty of many secret sins. Because of this, Jesus compared them to “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of . . . all uncleanness” (Matt. 23:27).

We are tempted to cultivate a false image for others to see. But God knows our hearts (1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 15:3). Through confession and prayerfully opening our hearts to God’s Word and the work of the Spirit, we can experience an inner goodness that is reflected in godly actions.

Let God transform you from the inside out (2 Cor. 3:17-18).
Father, it’s easy to put up a front and hide
from the public what we are really like. We’re
grateful that we cannot hide from You. You
know us. Please change us inside and out.

Only Christ can transform us.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Made Perfect Through Suffering (2)20 Jul 2012'...If it is possible, let this cup...be taken away from me...' Matthew 26:39Sometimes in Christian circles when somebody is suffering we blame it on hidden sin. That way we think it can't happen to us because we're not guilty of that particular problem, right? How shortsighted, given the fact that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, exemplified suffering! In Gethsemane He didn't stand up with false bravado and say, 'Bring it on!' No, 'He...bowed...his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away...Yet...your will...be done, not mine.'' Jesus took pain and showed us how to glorify God in it. One Christian author observed: 'God never promised tornadoes would skip our houses on the way to our pagan neighbours, and microbes would flee from Christian bodies. We're not exempt from the tragedies of this world, just as God wasn't exempt. In fact, Peter earned the strongest rebuke when he protested against the need for Christ to suffer. Jesus said, 'Get behind me, satan! You are a stumbling block...you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men...If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself...take up his cross and follow me...whoever wants to save his life will lose it...whoever loses his life for me will find it' (Matthew 16:23-25 NIV)...God took the worst thing that could happen-the execution of His innocent Son-and turned it into the final victory over death...He turned the design of evil into the service of good....It's 'by His wounds we are healed' (Isaiah 53:5 NIV), and by His weakness that we are made strong.'

Our Daily Bread

Blunders To Wonders

Artist James Hubbell says, “Mistakes are gifts.” Whenever he’s working on a project and something goes wrong, he doesn’t start over. He looks for a way to use the mistake to make something better. None of us can avoid making blunders, and all of us have favorite ways of dealing with them. We may try to hide them or to correct them or to apologize for them.
We do that with our sin sometimes too. But God doesn’t throw us away and start over. He redeems us and makes us better.

The apostle Peter tended to do and say whatever seemed best at the moment. He has been referred to as an “impetuous blunderer.” In his fear after Jesus was arrested, Peter claimed three times that he didn’t know Jesus! Yet later, on the basis of Peter’s three declarations of love, Jesus turned Peter’s humiliating denial into a wonderful occasion of restoration (John 21). Despite Peter’s flawed past, Jesus restored him to ministry with these words: “Feed My sheep” (v.17).

If you have made a “blunder” so big that it seems irreversible, the most important matter is whether you love Jesus. When we love Him, Jesus can turn our most serious blunders into awesome wonders.

Lord, I’m so human and make foolish mistakes.
And worse yet, I willfully sin against You.
Please forgive me, change me, restore me,
and use me for Your name’s sake. Amen.

God can change our blunders into wonders.

 

[following-Him]

Today the readings are from Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org) and My Utmost For His Highest (http://utmost.org).

Word For Today

A Clear Conscience21 Jul 2012'...Keep your conscience clear...' 1 Timothy 1:19Speaking of conscience, Paul writes: '...I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people' (Acts 24:16 NLT). He lays it on the line to Timothy: 'Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.' Now a captain doesn't set out to wreck his ship. But if he falls asleep at the wheel or takes his eye off the compass, he will end up on the rocks anyway. The question is not, 'Can I get away with it?' No, the question is, 'Can I live with it afterwards? How will it affect my confidence before God? How does He feel about it? Will it prevent or promote His blessing in my life?' Someone has written: 'I have to live with myself and so, I want to be fit for myself to know; I want to be able as days go by, always to look myself in the eye. I don't want to stand with the setting sun, and hate myself for the things I've done. I want to go out with my head erect; I want to deserve all men's respect. Here in the struggle for fame and wealth, I want to be able to like myself. I don't want to look at myself and know, that I'm bluster and bluff and empty show. I can never hide myself from me, I see what others may never see; I know what others may never know; I can never fool myself and so, whatever happens I want to be, self-respecting and conscience free.'

Our Daily bread

Abide With Me

One of the highlights of English football (soccer) each year is the final match of the annual FA Cup Final. For more than a hundred years, the day has been marked by excitement, festivity, and competition. But what fascinates me is how the game begins. It starts with the singing of the traditional hymn “Abide With Me.”

At first that struck me as odd. What does that hymn have to do with football? As I thought about it, though, I realized that for the follower of Christ it has everything to do with sports, shopping, working, going to school, or anything else we do. Since there is no corner of our lives that should not be affected by the presence of God, the longing that He would abide with us is actually the most reasonable thing we could desire. Of course, the presence of our heavenly Father is not something we need to plead for—it is promised to us. In Hebrews 13:5, we read, “For [God] Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

Not only is God’s presence the key to our contentment, but it is also the promise that can give us wisdom, peace, comfort, and strength—no matter where we are or what we are doing.

Thank You, Lord, for walking with us every day.
You are our guardian, friend, and guide.
May we sense Your loving presence and always
know that You are close by our side. Amen.

Our greatest privilege is to enjoy Christ’s presence.

My Utmost For His Highest

The Doorway To The Kingdom

July 21, 2012

Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . —Matthew 5:3


Beware of thinking of our Lord as only a teacher. If Jesus Christ is only a teacher, then all He can do is frustrate me by setting a standard before me I cannot attain. What is the point of presenting me with such a lofty ideal if I cannot possibly come close to reaching it? I would be happier if I never knew it. What good is there in telling me to be what I can never be— to be “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8), to do more than my duty, or to be completely devoted to God? I must know Jesus Christ as my Savior before His teaching has any meaning for me other than that of a lofty ideal which only leads to despair. But when I am born again by the Spirit of God, I know that Jesus Christ did not come only to teach— He came to make me what He teaches I should be. The redemption means that Jesus Christ can place within anyone the same nature that ruled His own life, and all the standards God gives us are based on that nature.

The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount produces a sense of despair in the natural man— exactly what Jesus means for it to do. As long as we have some self-righteous idea that we can carry out our Lord’s teaching, God will allow us to continue until we expose our own ignorance by stumbling over some obstacle in our way. Only then are we willing to come to Him as paupers and receive from Him. “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” This is the first principle in the kingdom of God. The underlying foundation of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possessions; not making decisions for Jesus, but having such a sense of absolute futility that we finally admit, “Lord, I cannot even begin to do it.” Then Jesus says, “Blessed are you . . .” (Matthew 5:11). This is the doorway to the kingdom, and yet it takes us so long to believe that we are actually poor! The knowledge of our own poverty is what brings us to the proper place where Jesus Christ accomplishes His work.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org)

Word For Today

Are You Drifting Off Course?22 Jul 2012'...Cross-examine me, O Lord...' Psalm 26:2The story's told about a guy called Bill who telephoned his boss and said: 'I believe you're looking for an experienced, talented, hard-working manager for your front office. I'd like to apply for the job.' The boss replied, 'We already have someone in that slot and he's doing an excellent job. By the way, your voice sounds familiar. What's your name?' The guy replied, 'It's me, Bill; I was just checking up on myself!' You need to check up on yourself regularly. The Bible says, 'We must listen very carefully to the truths we have heard, or we may drift away from them' (Hebrews 2:1 TLB). That word 'drift' should set off alarm bells. It doesn't happen overnight, but slowly and imperceptibly you drift off course and end up in places you never thought you would be-places you may not be able to get back from. An aeroplane flying just one degree off its assigned flight plan can end up hundreds of miles from its destination. And if it's out of fuel, it's only going one place-down. Knowing his propensity to drift and to turn a blind eye to his defects of character, the Psalmist prayed: 'I have tried to keep your laws and have trusted you without wavering. Cross-examine me, O Lord...test my motives and affections too. For I have taken your loving-kindness and your truth as my ideals' (Psalm 26:1-3 TLB). Notice the words 'cross-examine'! Cross-examine what? 1) Your motives, or your reasons for doing things. 2) Your affections, or the things toward which you are being drawn. Are you drifting off course?

Our Daily bread

Surrounded By Prayer

My friend Melissa’s 9-year-old daughter Sydnie was in the hospital for chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant when I had a dream about her. I dreamed she was staying in a central room at the hospital with her parents. Surrounding her room was a block of other rooms where family and friends were staying and continually praying for her during her times of treatment.

In real life, Sydnie wasn’t physically surrounded by family and friends in adjacent rooms. But spiritually speaking, she was and is surrounded by prayer and love.

The apostle Paul seemed to have a desire to be surrounded by prayer. In most of his letters to churches, he requested to be remembered in prayer to the Lord (2 Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:2-4; Philem. 1:22). To the believers in Rome, he wrote, “Now I beg you, brethren, . . . that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me” (Rom. 15:30). He knew that he could not be effective in his service for God without His power.
The Bible tells us that Jesus also prays for us (John 17:20; Heb. 7:25), as does the Holy Spirit, whose prayers are according to the will of God (Rom. 8:27). What a comfort to be surrounded by prayer!

We give to those we hold most dear
No greater help and care
Than when we give them to the Lord,
Surrounding them with prayer. —D. De Haan

Prayer prompted by the Holy Spirit is powerful.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org)

Word For Today

Decision Making (1)23 Jul 2012'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' Proverbs 16:3If all your life you've been warned about making bad decisions, fear can cause you to miss God-given opportunities. 'If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?' (1Corinthians 14:8 NIV). Now you're like the mule standing between two bales of hay; unable to decide which one to eat and afraid of making the wrong choice, you starve to death. You must act! Your need to do things perfectly and your desire to control every possible outcome will keep you stuck. So: 1) Stop trying to please everybody. 'Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety' (Proverbs 29:25 TLB). Once you know what brings you fulfilment, as long as it's God's will, chart your course accordingly and refuse to let the opinions of others stop you or colour your view. 2) Remember, over time your goals can change. What's needed today may not be right for you a year from now. So reassess your plans regularly and be willing to change direction. 'We should make plans-counting on God to direct us' (Proverbs 16:9 TLB). When your spiritual gut says no, pay attention. 3) When God is on your side, you'll prevail. Somebody asked Abraham Lincoln if he was sure that God was on his side. He replied, 'I haven't thought much about it. I just want to know I'm on God's side.' It's normal to speculate about how you'd like things to turn out, but God alone controls the future. Just trust Him. 'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.'

Our Daily Bread

If you’ve never heard of Murphy’s Law, you’ve probably experienced it: “If anything can go wrong, it will.”

Murphy’s maxim reminds me of the principle Jesus shared with His disciples when He told them, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV). In other words, we can count on it—sooner or later we will hit troubled times. It’s not the way God originally intended life to be, but when the human race first succumbed to Satan’s seduction in the garden, everything on this planet fell into the grip of sin. And the result has been disorder and dysfunction ever since.

The reality of trouble in life is obvious. It’s the reality of peace that often eludes us. Interestingly, when Jesus warned His followers about trouble, in the same breath He also promised peace. He even told them to “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (v.33). The word overcome indicates a past event that has a continuing effect. Not only did Jesus conquer the fallen world through His death and resurrection, but He continues to provide victory, no matter how much trouble we may face.
So, although we can expect some trouble in this fallen world, the good news is that we can count on Jesus for peace in troubled times.

Dear Lord, thank You for always being with us.
We ask that when troubles invariably come,
You would renew in us once again the blessed
peace of Your presence. Amen.

In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Decision Making (2)24 Jul 2012'Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' Proverbs 16:3Here are two important things to remember when you're making an important decision: 1) Believe that God is directing your steps. Because He is! 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly...Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand' (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT). God didn't say you wouldn't stumble. He just promised to pick you up, dust you off, correct you when you need it, and keep working with you. J. I. Packer says: 'A moment of conscious triumph makes one feel that after this, nothing really matters; a moment of seeming disaster makes one feel like this is the end of everything. But neither feeling is realistic, because neither event is really what it's felt to be.' So don't get bent out of shape; by God's grace you'll handle it and come out wiser. 2) Realise that God can bring good out of bad situations. 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them' (Romans 8:28 NLT). In every success story you'll find struggles and setbacks. And you'll also find tenacious faith that refuses to give up. After listing a series of adversities that would make your worst day seem like 'a trip to the beach,' Paul writes: '...None of these things move me...' (Acts 20:24). Where does such an attitude come from? It comes from knowing that God is working in you, He's working with you, and He's working through you. And as Ethel Waters used to say, 'My God don't sponsor no flops!'

Our Daily bread

Planted In The House Of The Lord

After conducting a series of interviews with elderly people, author Don Gold published the book Until the Singing Stops: A Celebration of Life and Old Age in America.

Gold loved and admired his grandmother, and it was the memory of her that moved him to meet and learn from other elderly people. He recalls that on the way to one of his interviews, he got lost on a dusty country road in Missouri. When he pulled into a farm to ask for directions, a teenager came up, listened, shrugged his shoulders, and then replied, “Don’t know.” So he drove on. A few miles farther down the road, he stopped again at a farmhouse. The farmer, who was an old man, graciously gave him flawless directions.

Perhaps, Gold mused, that experience sums up what he was searching for when the memory of his grandmother sent him out to find people like her. He was looking for someone to guide him in his life journey.
If you’re “young,” seek out older people who have been drinking deeply from God’s love and goodness throughout their life. They have wisdom to share that will help you so that you also might flourish and grow in your faith (Ps. 92:12-14).

Dear Jesus, take my heart and hand,
And grant me this, I pray:
That I through Your sweet love may grow
More like You day by day. —Garrison

Fellowship with Christ is the secret of fruitfulness for Him.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are from Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

Read God's Word-Every Day25 Jul 2012'...Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' Romans 10:17If you are wise, when God talks you'll listen. And He will talk to you through the Bible. The reason the Bible has outsold every other book is because it is God's Word on the issue. It takes approximately fifty-six hours to read the Bible through. If you read forty chapters a day you would complete the Bible within a month. If you read nine chapters of the New Testament each day you would complete it within thirty days. But you must read it systematically, regularly, and expectantly. When satan attacked Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted the Scriptures to him. That's why the Psalmist said, 'Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee' (Psalm 119:11). The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. Here's an idea: since there are thirty-one days in most months, why not read a chapter in this wisdom book every day. Can you imagine what you'd learn? The Word of God will build your faith. 'Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' Your faith grows when you hear God speak, and it works when you do what He says. If you struggle to lead a victorious Christian life, read these words carefully: 'How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word' (v. 9 NKJV). The solution to every problem you face is contained in Scripture. To be wise you must study it. To be strong in faith you must believe it. To be successful in life you must practice it.

Our Daily Bread

Remembering The Reason

Joe Morris flavors his ice cream with ingredients ranging from chocolate and strawberries to green tea and dried chipotle peppers. He’s one of three ice-cream makers for a successful Texas company known for its quality, creativity, and innovation. But Joe hasn’t forgotten why he does it.

He told reporter Ricardo Gándara that one of the longtime employees always reminded them, “Why are we making ice cream? It’s a happy food. We’re here to make people happy.” And that’s why Joe Morris makes ice cream.

We know that it’s extremely important to remember the reason for what we do as followers of Jesus. If we forget, we become like the disciples when a dispute over who was most important created anger and division among them. Jesus reminded them that “even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:35-45).

If our goal is to share the good news of God’s love with others, we won’t become impersonal or harsh if someone resists or ridicules our appeal. As we follow our Lord’s path of loving service and sacrifice, we are reminded that He came to serve and save.

That’s the reason for everything we do.
He whose right was heaven’s glory
Chose to serve on earth below,
Leaving us a clear example
Of the love He’d have us show. —D. De Haan

Keep your eyes on the Lord, and you won’t lose sight of life’s purpose.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are from Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (1)26 Jul 2012'...Therefore, pray...Our Father in heaven...' Matthew 6:9Here's how Jesus taught us to pray: 1) 'Our Father in heaven.' When you say, 'Father' you are acknowledging that you're 'family,' that you have a special relationship with God which entitles you to go to Him at any time, confident you're loved, welcomed, and assured of His favour. When you say, 'in heaven,' you can go no higher. You're drawing what you need from the ultimate source of goodness, grace, mercy, provision, protection and authority. What a privilege! 2) 'Hallowed be Your name' (v. 9 NKJV). This thought should always be uppermost in your mind: 'Whatever I do today, Lord, whether in thought, word or deed, let it honour You.' People should be able to look at your life and want to become acquainted with the One you serve. 3) 'Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' (v. 10 NKJV). Each time you choose to say no to yourself and yes to God's will, you demonstrate to a watching world what it means to live as a citizen of His kingdom. Note the words, 'as it is in heaven.' Is anyone in heaven fearful or doubting? Stubborn or disobedient? Critical or negative? When the enemy brings something to your door that's contrary to God's will, you have the authority to rise up and say, 'If it's not done and approved in heaven it has no place in my life here on earth.' When it comes to disobedience, refuse to accept the package and sign the receipt. The one thing satan hopes you never discover is that you have the God-given authority to restrict his movements in your life.

Our Daily bread

Changing Enemies Into Friends

During the US Civil War, hatred became entrenched between the North and South. In one instance, President Abraham Lincoln was criticized for speaking of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic reminded Lincoln that there was a war going on, the Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, “I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”

Lincoln’s comment is insightful. In many ways it reflects Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:44-45).

We will encounter difficult people in our lives—some on whom we will need to set limits. But to give in to the temptation to undermine or hurt them in any way is not God’s way. Instead, we should pray for them, show consideration, look out for their best interests, and emphasize the positive. This may result in changing an enemy into a friend.

Not everyone will respond positively to us, but we can pray and plan for a more harmonious relationship. What difficult person can you start befriending?

Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love.
I am tempted not even to try to care. But You showed
love to me even when I was Your enemy. Please direct
me into ways to love with Your power and grace.

It’s hard to hate someone when you’re doing something good for him.

 

[following-Him]

Today the readings are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org)

Word For Today

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (2)27 Jul 2012'Give us this day our daily bread.' Matthew 6:11Jesus taught us to pray, 'Give us this day our daily bread.' Notice the word 'daily.' You can't fight today's battles on the strength of yesterday's bread; you must have a fresh supply. In the wilderness God's people were only permitted to collect enough manna for one day; if they tried to collect more it rotted. It's wonderful to talk about what God did yesterday and what He's going to do tomorrow, but all you've got is today. 'Give us this day our daily bread.' Only as you partake of what God's provided for you today will you be able to stand up to the challenges you face. This prayer is an expression of faith. The very fact that you ask means you believe God's got what you need and that He cares enough to provide for you. It says, 'I don't need to go to anybody else but You, Lord.' So hang up the phone, turn off the TV, shut the door, get down on your knees, approach God in faith and pray, 'Give me what I need for this day.' God knows what you need, you don't! As you partake of what He provides for you each day you'll be able to handle whatever life throws at you. And one more thought. When people start getting on your nerves for no apparent reason or you start having all sorts of mood swings or you begin living by feelings instead of faith it's probably because you're not eating right. If that's so, it's time to go back to your source and say, 'Lord, I've come for my daily bread.'

Our Daily bread

Quiet Encouragers

One of the qualities I most admire in others is the gift of quiet, behind-the-scenes encouragement. I remember arriving home from a stay in the hospital and finding that my friend Jackie (who had surgery a few days earlier) sent me a book of God’s promises.

My Uncle Bob was so thankful for the people who cared for him at the cancer center that he sent hundreds of complimentary notes to their work supervisors.

My cousin Brenda experienced the agonizing loss of a child almost 20 years ago, and now her quiet deeds of compassion are treasured by many.
Often it is the very people who have experienced the most suffering—physical and emotional—who are the most abundant providers of encouragement to others.

In Acts, we read about Barnabas, who was known as the “Son of Encouragement” (4:36). He was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (11:24) and encouraged others so “that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (v.23). His acts of encouragement must have had a wide and strong sphere of influence.

Just as we have been blessed with encouragement, let’s be a modern-day Daughter or Son of Encouragement to others.

Teach me to love—this is my plea;
May all the Spirit’s graces shine through me;
Tear from my heart all hate, foolish pride;
Help me to live like Christ the crucified. —Peterson

The human spirit rings with hope at the sound of an encouraging word.

 

[following-Him]

The readings for today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk), Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org) and My Utmost For His Highest (http://utmost.org)

Word For Today

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (3)

28 Jul 2012'...Forgive us...as we forgive..' Matthew 6:12

Let's clear up some misconceptions about the words, 'Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.' Satan will try to convince you that if your feelings haven't changed toward the person who wronged you, you haven't truly forgiven them. No, you can make the right decision and still have the wrong feelings! This is when you need faith to carry you through. You have done your part, now you are waiting for God to do His. God has the power to change your feelings toward the one who hurt you, and He will. Another misconception is that all you have to do is make a decision to forgive and then your job's finished. No, you are instructed to 'Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favour) upon those who abuse you...' (Luke 6:28 AMP). You say, 'Bless them? Are you serious?' Yes. The word 'bless' means 'to speak well of.' You're extending mercy to those who don't deserve it. But isn't that what God does for you? The truth is, you cannot truly forgive without the Holy Spirit's help. So today why don't you pray, 'Holy Spirit, breathe on me and give me strength. I forgive _____________ [name] for what they did. I release them from this debt and ask You to bless them. I turn the situation over to You. I trust You for my total restoration. Help me, Lord. Heal my heart, in Jesus' name, amen.' Now, by faith, leave it all in your Father's hands, move forward and anticipate His blessing. You won't be disappointed.

Our Daily Bread

Microbes from Mars fell on the very early Earth . . . , and the offspring of those microbes are still here—and they are us.” That’s how one astronomer speculated about how life originated on Mars and then came to Earth.

Some men and women of science are looking to outer space for the origins of life on earth, not believing the Bible’s explanation that God placed mankind, animals, and plant life on earth through special creation. But how did that supposed microbial life start on a hostile planet? The bigger question is this: Why is it so difficult to accept that the earth, uniquely and singularly fitted for life to exist, is where God created and placed living creatures?

As humans struggle to accept a miraculous beginning of life from the breath of God (Gen. 2:7), they choose to trust a miracle of a far different sort—the miracle of life originating from no first cause at all. Perhaps they could follow the advice Job received: “Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14). And maybe they should try to answer God’s question: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (38:4).

Praise God for creating such a wonderful place for us to live! We stand in awe of His marvelous creation.

Dear Heavenly Father, what an awesome and powerful
God You are! You created life by Your very breath.
We praise You and stand in awe of You.
Thank You for Your creation.

Only God could create the cosmos out of nothing.

My Utmost For His Highest

God's Purpose Or Mine?

He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side . . . —Mark 6:45


We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” (Mark 6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.

God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.

God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (4)29 Jul 2012'...Deliver us from the evil one...' Matthew 6:13Jesus taught us to pray: 'Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one...' (v. 13 NKJV). Satan knows your areas of weakness and he will exploit them. But there's good news. It's your weaknesses, not your strengths, that draw you closer to God and make you lean on Him. Paul wrote: '...I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). At first this verse doesn't seem to make sense. You want to be freed from your weaknesses, not boast about them. But Paul gives you several reasons: 1) Your weakness prevents pride. Paul writes: '...So I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations...' (2 Corinthinas 12:7 TM). You'll often find a weakness attached to strength, acting as a governor to keep you from becoming boastful or running ahead of God. Gideon chose 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God reduced his numbers to 300 (Judges 7). Why? So that Israel would know it was God's power and not their own that saved them. 2) Your weakness creates fellowship. Your struggles show you how much you need the support of others. Vance Havner said, 'Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together they can stop traffic.' 3) Your weakness enables you to help others. It's the broken who become masters at mending. Your most effective ministry can come out of your most painful experiences. The things you're most reluctant to share are often the very things God will use to help others.

Our Daily Bread

Not A Myth

I’m fascinated with history, so I eagerly watched a television special on England’s great King Arthur. A theme surfaced as each historian acknowledged that there were no eyewitness accounts nor historical evidence to support the story of King Arthur, his knights, and their Round Table. Repeatedly, the story was referred to as “legend” or “mythology.” It appears that the story is merely a legend woven together over centuries from fragments of other stories.

The good news of the gospel, however, is not rooted in mythology or legend but in verified fact, and it’s the greatest story ever told. Paul wrote that the most important event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—is supported by actual eyewitnesses. While listing disciples who had seen the risen Christ, Paul punctuated the list of eyewitnesses by writing, “After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:6). At the time of Paul’s writing, many of those witnesses were still alive and available for questioning.

The resurrection of Christ is not a myth. It is the factual pivot-point of history.

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign. —Lowry

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the best attested fact of ancient history. —Arnold

 

[following-Him]

The readings today are from Word For Today (www.ucb.co.uk) and Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org).

Word For Today

The Jesus of Thomas Jefferson30 Jul 2012'...No man ever spoke like this Man!' John 7:46Historical research authenticates the personal faith of many of the founders of the United States. In his foreword to the second edition of Thomas Jefferson's The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, later known as The Jefferson Bible, Douglas E. Lurton tells how the President in his first White House term so revered and cherished the words of Jesus, he dreamed of writing them down in a separate volume. From the four Gospels Jefferson extracted Christ's words, which he described 'as easily distinguished (from other words) as diamonds in a dung-hill.' In 1816, he told his friend Charles Thompson, 'I, too, have made a...little book...by cutting the texts out of the book and arranging them on the pages of a blank book in...order of time or subject. A more beautiful or precious morsel...I have never seen.' Jefferson also wrote his book in Greek, Latin and French. Although he acknowledged initially writing down Christ's words 'for my own use,' never intending to publish them, he subsequently claimed they 'will be found remaining the most sublime and benevolent...which has ever been offered to man.' Jesus' words so moved Jefferson that he wrote from his home in Monticello to Thompson, describing his book as 'a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.' They were much more than sublime and benevolent words to Jefferson, they were words that changed his life and made him a follower of Christ. In Douglas Lurton's words about the Bible, let's 'Study it out. Pray it in. Put it down. Pass it on!'

Our Daily Bread

Bad News and Good News

Recently I had a conversation with a woman who had experienced a very difficult situation. The stress had affected her health, so she had to visit the doctor frequently. But with a smile on her face, she told me that she has been able to use this painful circumstance as an opportunity to share Christ with her doctor.

In the book of Philippians, we read how the apostle Paul used his difficult situation—imprisonment—to preach the gospel. The Philippian believers were grieved because Paul had been arrested for preaching Jesus, but he told them that his bondage had “actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” (1:12). The whole palace guard and others knew why he was in jail—because he preached Christ. Whoever came in contact with Paul heard about Jesus—whether soldiers (who guarded him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or others outside. As a result of using his bad news to share the good news, some of the guards may have even become believers (4:22). Just because Paul was confined didn’t mean that the gospel was confined.

As Jesus-followers, we can allow our pain to be a platform to share the gospel. In our bad news, let’s find an opening to share the good news.

We often think if life were smooth
We would a better witness be;
But God knows best—that faith midst trials
Can honor Him more powerfully. —Cetas

Pain can be a platform to share Christ.