In His Service

[Mission]

September 24, 2009 Contentment

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Matthew 6:24-34 (New International Version)

24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love
the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You
cannot serve both God and Money.

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will
eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more
important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look
at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in
barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more
valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to
his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the
field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even
Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that
is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O
you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying,'What shall we eat?'
or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans
run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry
about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has
enough trouble of its own.

Footnotes:
Matthew 6:27 Or single cubit to his height
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

No one can serve two masters.—Matthew 6:24
A gripping photograph of an old woman sitting in a pile of garbage
made me ponder. She was smiling as she ate a packet of food she had
foraged from the garbage dump. It took so little for the woman to be
satisfied.

There is much talk about a struggling economy and the cost of living
going higher. And many are getting increasingly anxious about their
livelihood. Is it possible to heed our Lord Jesus’ teaching in Matthew
6:25,“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you
will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on”?

Our Lord was not saying that we don’t need to work, that we don’t need
to eat, or that we shouldn’t bother about how we dress. He was warning
against those things becoming so important that we become slaves of
money instead of trusting Him.“No one can serve two masters,” He said
(v.24).

Seeking first “the kingdom of God and His righteousness”(v.33) is
recognizing that no matter how much effort we expend to make a better
life for ourselves and our families, ultimately it is the Lord who
takes care of our needs. And since God is our heavenly Father, we will
have enough.— C. P. Hia

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.—Havergal

Money serves us well if we receive it as God’s provision.

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[Mission]

September 26, 2009 Love Believes All Things

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1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version)

1 Corinthians 13

Love

1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not
love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the
gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and
if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to
the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not
easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease;
where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is
knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in
part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I
was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned
like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see
face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I
am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest
of these is love.

Footnotes:
1 Corinthians 13:1 Or languages
1 Corinthians 13:3 Some early manuscripts body that I may boast
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

[Love] believes all things, hopes all things.—1 Corinthians 13:7

It was 40 years ago or more that I observed a friend of mine showing
great affection for someone I considered unworthy of love. I thought
my friend was being taken in, and I was afraid he would be
disillusioned and saddened in the end.

When I expressed my concern, he replied,“When I stand before my Lord,
I hope He’ll say of me that I’ve loved too many, rather than too few.”
I’ve never forgotten his words.

Paul insists that “[love] believes all things”(1 Cor. 13:7). Love
“believes” in people. It can see the potential in them. It believes
that God can take the most unattractive and unworthy individual and
turn that person into a masterpiece of beauty and grace. If love errs,
it must err in the way of trustfulness and hopefulness.

Certainly, we must be aware of danger when we see it coming, and
become “as wise as serpents”(Matt. 10:16). Tough love may be the best
response to irresponsible and foolish people, but we can be too
guarded, too wary and distrustful.

It doesn’t do us any real harm to be hoodwinked and defrauded (Matt.
5:38-48). It’s better to believe in someone and have your heart broken
than to have no heart at all. British poet Alfred Tennyson wrote,“
’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” I
agree.— David H. Roper

Lord, help us to believe in people
And all that in them You can do,
So we can say we’ve loved too many,
Rather than too few.—Sper

Love looks beyond what people are to what they can become.

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[Mission]

September 29, 2009 Struggling To Kneel

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Colossians 4:1-12 (New International Version)

Colossians 4

1Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because
you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray
for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may
proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I
may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act
toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your
conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you
may know how to answer everyone.
Final Greetings

7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother,
a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8I am sending him
to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[a]
circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9He is coming
with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They
will tell you everything that is happening here.
10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does
Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.(You have received instructions about
him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11Jesus, who is called Justus,
also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers
for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends
greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may
stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Footnotes:
Colossians 4:8 Some manuscripts that he may know about your
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand
perfect and complete in all the will of God.—Col. 4:12
Just before John Ashcroft was being sworn in as a US senator, he met
with family and friends for prayer. As they gathered around him, he
saw his dad trying to get up from the couch where he sat. Since his
father was in frail health, Ashcroft told him,“That’s okay, Dad. You
don’t have to stand up to pray for me.” His father replied,“I’m not
struggling to stand up. I’m struggling to kneel.”

His father’s effort reminds me of the exertion it sometimes takes to
intercede for a fellow believer. In Colossians, Paul refers to
Epaphras as a bondservant who is “always laboring fervently for you in
prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of
God”(Col. 4:12).“Laboring fervently” is the translation of a Greek
word from which we get our word agony. It was used of wrestlers who in
the Greek gymnastic games strained to overcome an opponent.

Epaphras interceded for other believers to become mature in their walk
with the Savior. Asking God to overcome obstacles to spiritual growth
in the lives of others requires our concentration and discipline. Are
we willing to labor “fervently” in prayer to ask God to meet the needs
of our loved ones?— Dennis Fisher

There’s a holy, high vocation
Needing workers everywhere;
’Tis the highest form of service,
’Tis the ministry of prayer.—Woodworth

Intercessory prayer is life’s real work.

http://www.spirithome.com/prayintr.html#what

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[Mission]

September 30, 2009

The Measure Of Love

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John 15:9-17 (New International Version)

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my
love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I
have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told
you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be
complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer
call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's
business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I
learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose
me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that
will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
17This is my command: Love each other.

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for
his friends.—John 15:13
On October 2, 1954, First Lieutenant James O. Conway was taking off
from Boston Logan Airport, flying a plane that carried a load of
munitions. When his plane became airborne, he suddenly lost power over
Boston’s bay. In an instant, Conway faced a brutal choice—eject from
the plane and save his own life, or crash the plane into the bay
causing his own death.

If he ejected, however, the plane would crash into an East Boston
neighborhood filled with homes and families. Amazingly, Conway chose
to crash the plane into the bay—giving his life for the lives of
others.

In John 15:13, Jesus said,“Greater love has no one than this, than to
lay down one’s life for his friends.” The willingness to make the
ultimate sacrifice to protect others shows a heart that cares more
about the needs of others than the needs of one’s self. Someone once
said that “the measure of love is what one is willing to give up for
it.” God the Father loved so much that He gave up His Son. Christ
loved so much that He gave up His life—even taking our sins on Himself
and dying in our place.

The measure of God’s love for you is great. Have you accepted His love
personally?— Bill Crowder

When Jesus gave His life for me,
Enduring all the agony
Upon the cross of Calvary,
He showed the love of God.—Sper

Nothing speaks more clearly of God’s love than the cross of Christ.

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[Mission]

October 2, 2009
Music Of The Soul

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Ephesians 5:15-21 (New International Version)

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be
filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.—Ephesians 5:19
In his book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, Oliver Sacks
devotes a chapter to the therapeutic role of music with people
suffering from Alzheimer’s. He writes of watching people with advanced
dementia respond to songs that bring back memories that had seemed
lost to them:“Faces assume expression as the old music is recognized
and its emotional power felt. One or two people, perhaps, start to
sing along, others join them and soon the entire group—many of them
virtually speechless before—is singing together, as much as they are
able.”

I have seen this occur at Sunday morning services in the Alzheimer’s
care facility where my wife’s mother lives. Perhaps you’ve experienced
it with a loved one whose mind is clouded, and a song calls forth an
awareness from deep within.

Paul encouraged the Christians in Ephesus to “be filled with the
Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”(Eph.
5:18-19). Songs that glorify God can reach the deepest level where the
meaning never fades. More than words, harmony, or conscious thought,
such music is good for the heart and soul.— David C. McCasland

There’s wondrous music in my soul
Since Jesus’ blood has made me whole;
Now my heart sings His songs of praise
For all His blessings all my days.—Hess

A heart in tune with God can’t help but sing His praise.

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http://www.wilburministries.com/

Messianic Jew: A Simple Definition
A Messianic Jew is a Jewish person who believes that Yeshua (Jesus) is
their Messiah. Some people think that a Jewish person who believes in
Jesus is no longer a Jew. But what could possibly be more Jewish than
believing in the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua?

http://www.allaboutreligion.org/messianic-jew...

[Mission]

October 9, 2009
Sorry About The Tears

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JOHN 11:32-44 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell
at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would
not have died."

33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with
her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where
have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.

35Jesus wept.

36Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

37But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the
blind man have kept this man from dying?"

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with
a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this
time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you
would see the glory of God?"

41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said,
"Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always
hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here,
that they may believe that you sent me."

43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come
out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips
of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

[Jesus] groaned in the spirit and was troubled.—John 11:33
My friend was making a major change in her life—she was leaving her
employer of 50 years for a new venture. She cried when she said her
goodbyes. And as she did, she frequently said,“Sorry about the
tears.”

Why do we sometimes feel the need to apologize for crying? Perhaps we
look at tears as showing a weakness in our character or a
vulnerability we don’t like. Maybe we’re uncomfortable or think our
tears are making others uncomfortable.

Our emotions, however, are God-given. They’re a characteristic of our
having been made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27). He grieves. In Genesis
6:6-7, He was sorrowful and angry about His people’s sin and the
separation it caused between Him and them. Jesus, God in the flesh,
joined His friends Mary and Martha in grieving over the loss of their
brother Lazarus (John 11:28-44).“He groaned in the spirit and was
troubled”(v.33). He “wept”(v.35).“Jesus, again groaning in Himself,
came to the tomb”(v.38). I doubt that He apologized.

Someday when we get to heaven, there will be no more sorrow or
separation or pain, and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes
(Rev. 21:4). In the meantime, the tears may flow. No apologies needed.
—http://www.rbc.org/devotional s/our-daily-bread/Anne-Cetas.a spx

He knows our burdens and our crosses,
Those things that hurt, our trials and losses,
He cares for every soul that cries,
God wipes the tears from weeping eyes.—Brandt

If you doubt that Jesus cares, remember His tears.

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[Mission]

October 19, 2009
Retirement Time

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Matthew 16:24-28 (New International Version)

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For
whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his
life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains
the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in
exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his
Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person
according to what he has done. 28I tell you the truth, some who are
standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man
coming in his kingdom."

Footnotes:
a.Matthew 16:25 The Greek word means either life or soul; also in verse 26.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.—Matthew 16:25

After working for 40 years as a teacher, Jane Hanson retired. She and
her husband were looking forward to the arrival of their first
grandchild.

Retirement is that time of life when many people simply relax, travel,
or enjoy hobbies. But Jane heard about a ministry to at-risk youth in
a city near her home, and she knew she had to get involved.“I
realized there are kids just waiting, and I could make a difference,”
she said. She began teaching English to a young Liberian man who had
been forced to flee his home country because of civil war. Though he
was in a safe environment, he didn’t understand the new language. Of
this ministry opportunity, Jane said with a smile,“I could just go
shopping to stay busy, but what fun would that be?”

Jane is making a difference. Perhaps she has learned a little of what
Jesus meant when He said,“Whoever desires to save his life will lose
it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it”(Matt.
16:25). Giving ourselves to the Lord through helping others takes
self-denial, yet one day Jesus will reward that effort (v.27).

Let’s follow Jane’s example of love for God and others—no matter what
our stage of life may be.— Anne Cetas

Oh, let us be faithful to Jesus,
The faith we confessed let’s renew,
And ask Him this question each morning:
“Lord, what will You have me to do?”—Pangborn

Work for the Lord—His retirement plan is out of this world.

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[Mission]

October 23, 2009

Close On His Heels

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Matthew 4:18-25 (New International Version)

The Calling of the First Disciples
18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two
brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting
a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me,"
Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left
their nets and followed him.
21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of
Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father
Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately
they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Heals the Sick
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and
sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and
people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those
suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and
the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the
Decapolis,[a] Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan
followed him.

Footnotes:
a.Matthew 4:25 That is, the Ten Cities
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.—Matthew 4:19

Stan and Jennifer were speaking at a mission conference in Marion, North
Carolina, after their first term of service on the field.

Jennifer told of a Bible study she had held with one woman. The two
were discussing Matthew 4:19, and the woman told Jennifer about a word
in her native language, which means follow. She said,“It is the word
for following closely, not at a distance.”

To illustrate, Jennifer held up slippers used by the native women,
showing one far behind the other. Then she moved one slipper right up
against the back of the other one, and said that the word means “to
follow right on one’s heels.” It suggests that we are to follow Jesus
as closely as possible.

Later, when Jennifer was reading over the journal she had been
keeping, she was surprised to see that she had often questioned,“Is
Jesus enough?” She had been working her way through culture shock,
loneliness, illness, and childlessness. At times she had felt far from
Christ. But when through prayer and faith she had drawn as close to
Him as she could, walking “right on His heels,” He had calmed her
soul, restored her strength, and given her peace.

Are you feeling far from the Lord—empty, weak, and afraid? It’s time
to follow close on His heels.— David C. Egner

God, give me the faith of a little child!
A faith that will look to Thee—
That never will falter and never fail,
But follow Thee trustingly.—Showerman

The closer we walk with God, the clearer we see His guidance.

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[Mission]

October 27, 2009
“Light” Of Creation

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Job 37:1-18 (New International Version)

Job 37
1 "At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.

2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.

3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.

4 After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.

5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.

6 He says to the snow,'Fall on the earth,'
and to the rain shower,'Be a mighty downpour.'

7 So that all men he has made may know his work,
he stops every man from his labor.[a]

8 The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.

9 The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.

10 The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.

11 He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.

12 At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.

13 He brings the clouds to punish men,
or to water his earth [b] and show his love.

14 "Listen to this, Job;
stop and consider God's wonders.

15 Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning flash?

16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised,
those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge?

17 You who swelter in your clothes
when the land lies hushed under the south wind,

18 can you join him in spreading out the skies,
hard as a mirror of cast bronze?

Footnotes:
a.Job 37:7 Or / he fills all men with fear by his power
b.Job 37:13 Or to favor them
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

[God] does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without
number.—Job 5:9Among the wonders of Jamaica is a body of water called
Luminous Lagoon. By day, it is a nondescript bay on the country’s
northern coast. By night, it is a marvel of nature.

If you visit there after dark, you notice that the water is filled
with millions of phosphorescent organisms. Whenever there is movement,
the water and the creatures in the bay glow. When fish swim past your
boat, for example, they light up like waterborne fireflies. As the
boat glides through the water, the wake shines brightly.

The wonder of God’s creation leaves us speechless, and this is just a
small part of the total mystery package of God’s awesome handiwork as
spelled out in Job 37 and 38. Listen to what the Lord’s role is in
nature’s majesty:“Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes
His lightning flash?”(37:15 niv); “What is the way to the abode of
light? And where does darkness reside?”(38:19 niv). God’s majestic
creations—whether dazzling lightning or glowing fish—are mysteries to
us. But as God reminded Job, all of the wonders of our world are His
creative handiwork.

When we observe God’s amazing creation, our only response can be that
of Job: These are “things too wonderful for me”(42:3).— Dave Branon

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all.—Alexander

When we cease to wonder, we cease to worship.

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[Mission]

October 30, 2009

Be A Stander

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2 Timothy 4:9-18 (New International Version)

Personal Remarks
9Do your best to come to me quickly, 10for Demas, because he loved
this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has
gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Get
Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my
ministry. 12I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the
cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the
parchments.
14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord
will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on your guard
against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone
deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood at
my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be
fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was
delivered from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every
evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him
be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.—Proverbs 17:17

Western novelist Stephen Bly says that in the days of America’s Old West there were two types of friends (and horses):runners and standers. At the first sign of trouble, the runner would bolt—abandoning you to whatever peril you were facing. But a stander would stick with you no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know which kind of friend you had until trouble came. And then it was too late—unless your friend was a stander.

Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, however, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. In the final days of Paul’s ministry, as he awaited death, some who had
ministered with him turned into runners and abandoned him to face execution alone. In his last letter, he listed some (like Demas) who had run off, then simply stated,“Only Luke is with me”(2 Tim. 4:11). Luke was a stander. While undoubtedly disappointed by those who had deserted him, Paul must have been deeply comforted to know he was not
alone.

Proverbs tells us that “a friend loves at all times”(17:17). During times of adversity, we need friends we can rely on. When the people we know face trouble, what kind of friend will we be—a runner or a stander?— Bill Crowder

Dear Lord, help us to be the kind of friend who doesn’t run when our friends are in need. Give us the courage to stand by them, the wisdom to know what to say, and the ability to serve them. Amen.

A true friend stands with us in times of trial.

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[Mission]

October 31, 2009

Hallowing Halloween

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2 Timothy 2:19-26 (New International Version)
19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this
inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his,"[a] and, "Everyone who
confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver,
but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for
ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an
instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and
prepared to do any good work.

22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith,
love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure
heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments,
because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must
not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not
resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope
that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the
truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the
trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Footnotes:
a.2 Timothy 2:19 Num. 16:5 (see Septuagint)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

He will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master,
prepared for every good work.—2 Timothy 2:21

The word hallow isn’t used much anymore, and when it is, the uses have
a broad range of meaning. Christians use the word when we say the
Lord’s prayer, as in “Hallowed be Thy name.” Often the word is
associated with the last day of October, which we in the US refer to
as Halloween, a shortened form of All Hallows’ Eve.

In Scripture, the word hallow is a synonym for the word sanctify. When
we hallow or sanctify something, we set it apart as being holy.

The name of God is not the only thing that we are to hallow. We too
are to be hallowed. Paul urged Timothy to be a vessel sanctified and
useful for God by pursuing “righteousness, faith, love,[and] peace
with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” and by avoiding
“foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife”(2
Tim. 2:21-23).

On this last day of October, children in the US will be carrying bags
filled with sweets. Thinking of them can remind us to ask:“What is
filling the vessel of my life? Is it a bitter attitude that leads to
foolish disputes and strife, or is it a sweet spirit that leads to
righteousness, faith, love, and peace?”

We can hallow today, and every day, by setting ourselves apart for God
to be used by Him.— Julie Ackerman Link

Lord, may our lives be set apart
And useful in Your hands,
Pursuing righteousness and faith
As we fulfill Your plans.—Sper

A Christian’s greatest joy is to be used by God.

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[Mission]

November 2, 2009

Prisoners Of Sin

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Galatians 3:19-29 (New International Version)

19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of
transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.
The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. 20A
mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.

21Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely
not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then
righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22But the
Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that
what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be
given to those who believe.

23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked
up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to
lead us to Christ[a] that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that
faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Sons of God
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of
you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for
you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you
are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Footnotes:
a.Galatians 3:24 Or charge until Christ came
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in
Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.—Galatians 3:22

A 2008 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said,
“At any given time there are more than 10 million people imprisoned
worldwide.” Since some prisoners are being released while new ones are
being sentenced every day, there are more than 30 million total
prisoners worldwide each year. Statistics like these have caused many
people to work for prison reform and a reexamination of sentencing
laws.

From a spiritual perspective, the Bible offers an even more staggering
statistic:“The Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner
of sin”(Gal. 3:22 niv). In what is sometimes considered a difficult
passage to understand, Paul says that although the Old Testament law
could not impart life (v.21), it was an effective teacher in showing
us that we need a Savior who can give life (v.24). The bad news is
that “the Scripture has confined all under sin,” and the good news is
“that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who
believe”(v.22).

When we give our lives to Christ, who has fulfilled the requirements
of the law, we are no longer imprisoned by sin. Instead, we enter a
fellowship of people from every nationality and social status.

In Christ, we are free indeed!— David C. McCasland

The law reveals the mind of God,
The prophets too made clear His will;
But Christ alone brings life and peace,
His words our deepest needs fulfill.—D. De Haan

Deliverance from sin is the greatest of all freedoms.

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[Mission]

November 3, 2009

Helped By Fear

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Proverbs 9:1-12 (New International Version)

Proverbs 9
Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn out its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls
from the highest point of the city.

4 "Let all who are simple come in here!"
she says to those who lack judgment.

5 "Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of understanding.

7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult;
whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through me your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of
the Holy One is understanding.—Proverbs 9:10

Fear means different things to different people. To professional
golfer Padraig Harrington, it is a motivator to help him perform his
very best. In 2008, when he won both the British Open and the PGA
Championship, Harrington said,“Yes, fear is a big part of me. I’d
like to say that I have all the trust and patience and I’m relaxed.
No, that’s not my makeup.[Fear] pushes me on. Keeps me getting to the
gym. I have to work with it and use it.”

Maybe it’s the fear of failure, or the fear of losing his edge, but
Harrington finds fear to be a useful thing in his professional life.

The follower of Christ can also be helped by fear. We are challenged
in the Scriptures to a reverential fear of God, which is the best type
of fear that there is. It causes us to be concerned about disobeying
Him or living in opposition to His ways. It’s being in awe of our
great God, bowing to His perfect will, and seeking His wisdom for
living. To that end, the proverb declares,“The fear of the Lord is
the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding”(Prov. 9:10).

By fearing God rightly, we can live wisely in an uncertain world.—
Bill Crowder

God dwells in light and holiness,
In splendor and in might;
And godly fear of His great power
Can help us do what’s right.—D. De Haan

Fear God, and you’ll have nothing else to fear.

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[Mission]

November 6, 2009

Where History Comes Alive

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Exodus 13:14-16 (New International Version)

14 "In days to come, when your son asks you,'What does this mean?'
say to him,'With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out
of the land of slavery. 15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us
go, the LORD killed every firstborn in Egypt, both man and animal.
This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the first male offspring of every
womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.' 16 And it will be like a
sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the LORD brought
us out of Egypt with his mighty hand."

When your children say to you,“What do you mean by this service?”..
. you shall say,“It is the Passover.”—Exodus 12:26-27

The movie Night at the Museum portrays the humorous experiences of a
security guard at a natural history museum. The excitement begins for
him when the displays come to life at night.

Inspired by this movie, directors of a real museum created a similar
experience. The staff portrayed historic figures such as knights in
armor, Victorian ladies, and Egyptian royalty. When children arrived
at the museum, they were told that the people in the exhibits had come
alive and needed to be led back to their proper place. As the children
responded, history came alive for them.

Children need not be bored by history. This is especially true of
Bible stories. Take Moses, for example. He escaped death as a child,
was educated as a prince, worked miracles, and received the Ten
Commandments on tablets. What exciting story elements that teach
children about God!

Biblical stories have been shared with children for generations—all
the way back to the times of Exodus (ch.12–13) and Deuteronomy (ch.6).
Moses described times when children were retold vital stories from
Jewish history.

Why not set a time to read Bible stories to the children in your life?
Then watch their excitement as biblical history comes alive!— Dennis
Fisher

The stories in the Word of God
Are there for us to see
How God has worked in people’s lives
Throughout all history.—Sper

The Bible’s treasures are found by those who dig for them.

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[Mission]

November 8, 2009

The Persecuted Church

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

1 Peter 4:12-19 (New International Version)

Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But
rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you
may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted
because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of
glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a
murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise
God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin
with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the
outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit
themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Footnotes:
a.1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31

If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him
glorify God in this matter.—1 Peter 4:16

One October morning in 2006, a woman and her six children were forced
to witness an attack on their husband and father. His assailants tried
to force him to deny Jesus but he refused. He continued to proclaim
Christ as Lord and died praying for his family. The family is
determined to follow Christ, even in their grief.

Another man was sentenced to 3 years in prison for allegedly insulting
another religion. He’s an outspoken Christian with a passion for
Christ. He and his wife and children continue to be faithful and
refuse to deny Him.

Persecution for the Christian faith is as real in our world as it was
for the Jewish believers in the early church to whom Peter wrote. He
prayed,“May the God of all grace,... after you have suffered a
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you”(1 Peter 5:10).

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
These prayer points from Open Doors USA, a ministry that’s committed
to encouraging persecuted Christians, can help guide us as we pray:

• Pray for the safety and faith of the secret believers in countries
where it is illegal to share about Christ.

• Pray for the health, perseverance, and encouragement of believers
who are imprisoned for the gospel.

• Pray that those whose loved ones have died due to martyrdom will
rely on God for their strength.

Together, let’s bring our fellow believers before the Lord in prayer.
— Anne Cetas

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.—Tertullian

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[Mission]

November 10, 2009

God’s Embrace

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

Romans 12:3-11 (New International Version)

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of
yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with
sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given
you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these
members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are
many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We
have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift
is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[a]faith. 7If it is
serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is
encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of
others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern
diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be
devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual
fervor, serving the Lord.

Footnotes:
a.Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor
giving preference to one another.—Romans 12:10

Soon after her family left for the evening, Carol started to think
that her hospital room must be the loneliest place in the world.
Nighttime had fallen, her fears about her illness were back, and she
felt overwhelming despair as she lay there alone.

Closing her eyes, she began to talk to God:“O Lord, I know I am not
really alone. You are here with me. Please calm my heart and give me
peace. Let me feel Your arms around me, holding me.”

As she prayed, Carol felt her fears beginning to subside. And when she
opened her eyes, she looked up to see the warm, sparkling eyes of her
friend Marge, who reached out to encircle her in a big hug. Carol felt
as if God Himself were holding her tightly.

God often uses fellow believers to show us His love.“We, being many,
are one body in Christ.... Having then gifts differing according to
the grace that is given to us, let us use them”(Rom. 12:5-6). We
serve others “with the ability which God supplies, that in all things
God may be glorified through Jesus Christ”(1 Peter 4:11).

When we show love and compassion in simple, practical ways, we are a
part of God’s ministry to His people.— Cindy Hess Kasper

Teach me to love, this is my prayer—
May the compassion of Thy heart I share;
Ready a cup of water to give,
May I unselfishly for others live.—Peterson

We show our love for God when we love His family.

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[Mission]

November 11, 2009

Humble Valor

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Philippians 2:19-30 (New International Version)

Timothy and Epaphroditus
19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also
may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else
like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone
looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you
know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father
he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23I hope, therefore,
to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24And I am
confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my
brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger,
whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26For he longs for all of you
and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill,
and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but
also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the
more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad
and I may have less anxiety. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy,
and honor men like him, 30because he almost died for the work of
Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give
me.

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men
in esteem.—Philippians 2:29A report by the Chicago Tribune said:
“Scores of Americans, from clergymen to lawyers to CEOs, are claiming
medals of valor they never earned.” Fabrication of war records and
bogus claims of bravery are more widespread than imagined. One man,
who falsely claimed a Navy Cross, later felt shame and said that real
heroes rarely talk about what they’ve done.

Heroism is marked by an unselfish risking of life for the benefit of
another. In Philippians, Paul commends two of his colleagues as true
heroes of the faith. Timothy’s unselfishness and proven character
gained Paul’s praise as a true son who had served with him in the
gospel (2:22). And Paul described Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow
worker, and fellow soldier”(v.25) who risked his life for the work of
Christ (v.30).

Paul told the believers in Philippi to “hold such men in esteem”
(v.29). Honoring fellow believers for their unselfish service to God
is a biblical mandate. It is not hero worship, but an attitude of
respect for a life well lived.

Through a word of encouragement or a tangible expression of
appreciation, who can you honor today for their humble valor in
serving the Lord and helping others in His name?— David C. McCasland

Heaven’s heroes never carve their name
On marbled columns built for earthly fame;
They build instead a legacy that springs
From faithful service to the King of kings.—Gustafson

Faith in Christ can make extraordinary heroes out of ordinary people.

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[Mission]

November 13, 2009

No Deal!

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Luke 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led
by the Spirit in the desert, 2where for forty days he was tempted by
the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he
was hungry.
3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone
to become bread."

4Jesus answered, "It is written:'Man does not live on bread alone.'[a]"

5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant
all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you
all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I
can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be
yours."

8Jesus answered, "It is written:'Worship the Lord your God and serve
him only.'[b]"

9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest
point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw
yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[c]"

12Jesus answered, "It says:'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[d]"

13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an
opportune time.

Footnotes:
a.Luke 4:4 Deut. 8:3
b.Luke 4:8 Deut. 6:13
c.Luke 4:11 Psalm 91:11,12
d.Luke 4:12 Deut. 6:16
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

It is written,“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
of God.”—Luke 4:4We’ve all seen and heard advertisements that entice
us to take shortcuts to happiness. Buy our product and make no
payments for one year! Instant gratification!

When the devil tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), he offered a shortcut to
“satisfaction.” He tried to tempt Jesus to take matters into His own
hands rather than trust His Father.

When Jesus was hungry from 40 days of fasting (v.2), Satan suggested
that He use His power to turn stones into bread. Had the Lord done so,
He would have been using His powers for His own benefit, but He
refused.

Why didn’t Jesus accept the devil’s offer of ruling all the kingdoms
of the world right away?(vv.5-7). He could have avoided the cross.
But that would have gone against God’s plan for Him—to give His life
on the cross, to be resurrected, and to sit at the Father’s right hand
in His kingdom. Satan’s offer of a shortcut was no deal at all.

Beware of enticements that seem to cost little for the present. Satan
hopes to get you to do things his way. And he doesn’t give up easily.
Even after Jesus overcame a third temptation, Satan left only “until
an opportune time”(v.13).

Whenever you are offered a shortcut to happiness, watch out to see
who’s behind the cashier’s counter!— C. P. Hia

Lord, help me see the devil’s offers for what they are—enticements to
sin. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You and Your Word, and my ears
attentive to You in prayer. Amen.

The best way to escape temptation is to run to God.

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[Mission]

November 15, 2009

Pleasing God

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Hebrews 11:1-6 (New International Version)

Hebrews 11
By Faith
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we
do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's
command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith
he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his
offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not
experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him
away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased
God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone
who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him.

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

We make it our aim ... to be well pleasing to Him.—2 Corinthians 5:9

Andy Warhol, the pop-art painter of such American images as the
Campbell’s soup can, once said,“In the future everyone will be famous
for 15 minutes.” But he was wrong. There are millions of people who
will never grab their moment in the spotlight. Some of them are the
men and women who spend their lives doing things like working hard,
raising godly children, faithfully praying for others, sharing their
faith with those who don’t yet know Jesus. They teach Sunday school,
bring meals to the sick, drive senior citizens to doctors’
appointments, and do countless other kindnesses.

These people may never be recognized outside their circle of family
and friends. Certainly, their names aren’t well known. And although
they willingly, and often sacrificially, give of themselves, they may
not receive a whole lot of thanks or praise for their service. Yet God
knows of their faithfulness and is pleased by their obedience.

Second Corinthians 5:9 teaches us to “make it our aim ... to be well
pleasing” to God. As we, by faith, believe in Him and give our lives
in service to Him, He is pleased (Heb. 11:6). That’s our reward,
because God’s approval is always sweeter than the applause of the
crowd.— Cindy Hess Kasper

Look not to the people around you,
Nor wait for their laurels of praise;
Enough that the Savior has found you
And calls you to serve all your days.—Hess

The deeds God finds pleasing are those done in service for Him.
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[Mission]

November 16, 2009

The Problem With Self-Sufficiency

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Revelation 3:14-22 (New International Version)

To the Church in Laodicea
14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness,
the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither
cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because
you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my
mouth. 17You say,'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a
thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor,
blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the
fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can
cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you
can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest,
and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone
hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him,
and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit
with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father
on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches."

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you
were cold or hot.—Revelation 3:15The city of Laodicea had a water
problem. One nearby town had fabulous hot springs and another had
cold, clear water. Laodicea, however, was stuck with tepid,
mineral-laden water that tasted like sulphur. Not hot. Not cold. Just
gross.

Given those facts, the words of Jesus to the Laodicean believers in
Revelation 3 must have stung. Jesus rebuked them for being “neither
cold nor hot”(v.15). And when He thought of them, He felt like
vomiting (v.16)—like the effect of their drinking water.

What was their problem? It was the sin of self-sufficiency. The
Laodiceans had become so affluent that they had forgotten how much
they needed Jesus (v.17).

When we say we have everything we need, but Jesus isn’t at the top of
the list, He is deeply offended. Self-sufficiency distracts us from
pursuing the things we really need that only He can give. If you’d
rather have cash than character, if your credit cards are maximized
and your righteousness is minimized, if you’ve become smart but aren’t
wise, then you’ve been shopping in all the wrong places. Jesus offers
commodities that are far better (v.18).

He’s knocking at your heart’s door (v.20). Let Him in. He will give
you all you really need!— Joe Stowell

We must be careful to avoid
All self-sufficiency;
If sinful pride gets in the way,
God’s hand we will not see.—Sper

We always have enough when God is our supply.

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