Devotional for the day

[Judy Harder]

February 24, 2010

Being Real

READ: 2 Corinthians 6:3-11
In all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. -2 Corinthians 6:4

An antique dealer thought the wrinkled old baseball card she found might be worth $10. After posting it on eBay, she began to wonder if it might be more valuable than she had thought. She removed the posting and consulted a professional evaluator who confirmed that the photo on the 1869 card showed the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team in the US. The card sold for more than $75,000.

Mike Osegueda's article in The Fresno Bee said that even though the card was creased and discolored, the most important thing was its authenticity-it was real.

Paul and his companions suffered greatly while spreading the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 6, he listed their outward trials, their inward traits, and their spiritual resources (vv.4-7). Try to imagine the circumstances in which all these things interacted-beatings, patience, prison, kindness, distresses, love. Although broken physically, depleted emotionally, and tested spiritually, the authenticity of their faith in Christ clearly shone through. "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (v.10).

In our walk with Christ, there's no substitute for spiritual authenticity-being real.  - David C. McCasland

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. -Chisholm

There's no substitute for being real.
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Spiritual Treasure

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul tells us,

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

If you look at this chapter, Paul helps us understand that this treasure is ministry, the gospel, the Word of God, and the light and the glory of God, God's presence.

Paul wants us to understand that God has placed in us an incredible spiritual treasure...a treasure residing in these earthen vessels...our bodies.  The treasure is in you and me!

But that treasure needs to be poured out.

I can't help but think that Paul was thinking of two particular earthen vessels that were used in his day.  One was the vessel of mercy and the other the vessel of honor. 

One place you would find the vessel of honor was around the home.  People would use the water to wash their feet after traveling the dusty roads before they would enter your house, or they would use the water to quench their thirst.  Like the vessel of honor, we are to wash the feet of our family, to humbly serve them and to help quench their thirst for more of God.

The vessel of mercy looked identical to the vessel of honor, but it was located in public places like the town square, so that any traveler coming through that arid land would be guaranteed to find a fresh drink of water.  It was placed where the needs were.  We need to take mercy where mercy is needed most-out onto the highways of humanity.

You are an earthen vessel filled with His spiritual treasure, so start pouring it out-in your home and out where the people are.
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Read: Acts 16:16-34

He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God-he and his whole family. - Acts 16:34

TODAY IN THE WORD
One spring evening in Chicago, choir director Joseph Richardson was taking a walk with his four-year-old daughter, Kaniyah. Suddenly, a red Chevy Cavalier jumped the curb and hurtled toward them, speeding out of control with a drunk driver at the wheel. The father had only a split second to react. Richardson grabbed his daughter and lifted her out of the way, just before the car pinned him against an iron fence. He was killed-Kaniyah was injured, but she lived. Richardson made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his own life to save the life of his daughter.
Christ loved each of us that much. When the force of this truth hits us, we cannot help but respond with heartfelt joy-whether tears of joy or shouts of joy, it is deep, powerful joy.

In today's reading, Paul and Silas had been carrying out a successful ministry in Philippi, and the church there grew to a size that "disturbed" the city. The trouble began when Paul cast out a demonic spirit from a slave girl who had been following them around, calling out that these men knew the truth (see James 2:19). Since her owners had profited from her fortunetelling abilities and lost out economically from her liberation, they took revenge by dragging the missionaries into court on trumped-up charges.

Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and imprisoned. They responded by singing hymns (v. 25). For them, faith was not simply the absence of discouragement, or the courage to pray for release, but the presence of godly joy. They felt so secure in Christ that when an earthquake hit and the prison doors sprang open, they felt no need to run. They sensed a greater work of God taking place, and indeed the jailer and his entire household were ripe for saving faith. Within a single, roller-coaster ride of a night, this jailer went from suicidal (because he assumed the prisoners had escaped) to offering hospitality to two former inmates and receiving the joy of eternal life (v. 34).
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Philippian jailer asked one of the most significant questions in Scripture: "What must I do to be saved?" And Paul and Silas gave one of the most significant replies: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (vv. 30-31). It is the prayer of all of us at Today in the Word that all of our readers trust in Christ for salvation (John 1:12). If you have never been delivered from sin and experienced the joy of faith in Christ, we pray that you will trust the saving work of Jesus today!

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 25, 2010

Imagine That!

READ: 2 Peter 1:16-21
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, . . . rightly dividing the Word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15

My friends and I were anticipating a contemplative time looking at a collection of artwork about the prodigal son who returned home to a forgiving father (Luke 15). When we arrived at the information table, we noticed the brochures, books, and a sign pointing to the artwork.

Also on the table was a dinner plate with bread, a napkin, and a glass. Each of us privately pondered what the significance of the plate could be. We wondered if it represented communion fellowship between the prodigal son and his father when he returned home. But as we examined it more closely, we realized simultaneously: Someone had left a dirty plate on the display table. And it wasn't bread, but leftover cookie bars! Our imaginations had been wrong.

We had a good laugh, but then it made me think about how sometimes we imagine more than what's really there while reading the Bible. Rather than assuming that our speculation is correct, however, we need to be sure our interpretation fits with the whole of Scripture. Peter said that "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). As we depend on the Spirit's instruction, a careful study of the context, and the wisdom of respected Bible teachers, we'll avoid seeing things in the Word that aren't really there.  - Anne Cetas

We must correctly hear God's Word,
Or we will be misled;
We must give careful thought and prayer
To what the Author said. -Hess

A text out of context is often a dangerous pretext.
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You're Not Stuck

1 Corinthians 10:13 says,

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The word temptation in this verse also means test or trial.  With that in mind, here are a couple of thoughts to encourage you today. 

1.      Whatever test, trial, or temptation you are facing today, it is "common to man."  That means that you are not the only one who has gone through whatever you are facing.   

It is comforting to know that others have faced similar problems before us and made it through!

2.   God makes a way of escape with the trial or temptation.  That means you're not stuck!  Before your difficulty ever arose, God designed a way of escape.  And that means of escape comes with the problem.

So if you find yourself embroiled in trials, tests, or temptations today, start looking for God's way of escape-it exists.  Trust Him to guide you safely through and out of your difficulties!
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Read: John 3:22-36

The friend who attends the bridegroom . . . is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. - John 3:29

TODAY IN THE WORD
During an exam at Bijelo Polje University in Montenegro, one student was so bored that he interrupted the test to ask his girlfriend to marry him. The examiners gave Edin Smailovic permission to speak because they thought he had a question about the exam. Instead, he got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, Edita Bikic, who was also taking the test. He had planned to ask her during a holiday in Egypt after the semester finished, but he said he was too excited to wait. Happily, Edita said yes.
The joy of marriage is reflected in the words of John the Baptist in today's reading. Throughout the Gospels, whenever Christ is recognized for who He is, the person blessed with eyes to see responds with joy.

When the ministry of Jesus began to surpass that of John the Baptist, John's followers were tense and confused. What was going on here? Who was greater? John didn't hesitate-he had the privilege of being the best man, but the Bridegroom was Christ Himself (v. 29). One key to joy is knowing our identity in relation to Christ, and John had that joy in abundance.

He even had the faith to rejoice in a decreased ministry (v. 30). He knew his ministry's success and power came from heaven, not himself. He knew he was a forerunner to a greater One who had now come. The waiting was over; the time of joy had arrived. "That joy is mine, and it is now complete." The Bridegroom had entered the scene and great events were about to unfold.

Who is Jesus and how could He inspire such faith and joy? He is God. While John's message came from heaven, Jesus Himself came from heaven. He testified from direct experience. (vv. 31-32). He didn't just talk about truth and life, He is truth and life. Our eternal destiny and joy are wrapped up in how we respond to these ideas. Who do you say that He is?
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If one key to joy is to know who we are in relation to Christ, then who are we? We are His children. We are His friends. We are His disciples. We are His worshipers. We are people who live because He died, and who shall live because He rose again. We are trophies of His grace. We are His messengers to the world. We are guests invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!" (Rev. 19:7).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 26, 2010

Under New Orders

READ: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. -Matthew 22:37

Herman Wouk's thrilling World War II novel The Caine Mutiny contains an excellent illustration of what happens when someone becomes a follower of God.

In the novel, a young man from an influential family has enlisted in the Navy. On the day of his induction, his mother drops him off in her fancy car and then kisses him goodbye. He shakes hands with the guard as he enters the building, and the door closes behind him.

His mother, suddenly worried that he might not have enough money, rushes up to the door. But the guard politely stops her. When she demands entrance, he refuses to let her in. She can see her son standing inside the door, so she reaches for the doorknob. "He's my son!" she cries. The guard gently removes her hand from the knob and says softly, "I know, Ma'am, but he belongs to Uncle Sam now. He's a sailor."

When we believe in Jesus Christ and become His followers, we are under new authority. We are subject to new commands. Now we belong to Him. What was once important to us loses its significance. We evaluate things differently. Our new desire is to love and serve the Lord with all our heart (Deut. 6:5-6). Have you joined His ranks?  - David C. Egner

Jesus my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no power of evil can sever;
He gave His life to ransom my soul-
Now I belong to Him! -Clayton

Followers of Christ get their marching orders from Him.
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Agreeing With God's Word

When the twelve spies returned from searching the promised land, they said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Numbers 13:31).

That was the report they brought back-at least ten of them that is.  The other two, Joshua and Caleb, had this to say,

"Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us.  Do not fear them" (Numbers 14:9).

They all saw the same things in the land of Canaan, but only Joshua and Caleb chose to agree with God.  The Lord had previously told them that He would give them victory and that they would be able to drive out the inhabitants of the land.

The ten spies (along with all Israel) died without ever possessing what God had promised.  Only two men from that generation entered into Canaan and possessed the land.  I think you can guess who they were-Joshua and Caleb.  The only two who agreed with the declarations of God.

Check out what you have been saying.  Do your words agree with God or not? 
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Read: Isaiah 35

The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. - Isaiah 35:10

TODAY IN THE WORD
In Assault on Eden, writer Virginia Stem Owens chronicles an experiment in communal living. About a dozen people, including she and her family, set up a farm in New Mexico in the early 1970s, seeking to escape the "rat race" of modern materialism and live in pursuit of deeper spiritual realities. They were, in essence, seeking to return to the Garden of Eden, as it was before Adam and Eve made the fateful choice that brought sin and death into the world. Closing her narrative, Owens reflects: "We are all of us somewhere on that long road that runs from the gate of Eden, closed forever to human habitation, to the gate of the New Jerusalem that stands perpetually open to receive the glory and honor of nations. And along each part of the road wander pilgrims."
Today's reading captures the joy of redemption and the coming of God's kingdom. Isaiah 35 puts the focus on "that day"-the future time when Zion will be restored and the glory of the Lord will be fully revealed. What will "that day" be like? It will be like flowers blooming in the desert or water flowing in the wilderness. It will be a time of miracles and power-the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the "mute tongue [will] shout for joy," the lame will walk and run and jump. The barrenness of history will be transformed to beauty, its apparent randomness revealed as God's master plan (vv. 1-2, 5-7). The "Way of Holiness" is a picture of the divine righteousness, justice, and peace (safety) that will rule in that day (vv. 8-9).

Most of all, "that day" will be a day of joy: "The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads" (v. 10; cf Isa. 51:11). The troubles of this present world will slide from our shoulders, for the exiles will at last be home!
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
"Sounds great," the thought might have crossed your mind. "But what do we do until then?" Isaiah answered that perfectly human and reasonable question with an exhortation to keep the faith, relying not on our human weakness but on God's strength and faithful lovingkindness (vv. 3-4). "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come." In the words of the psalmist: "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Ps. 126:6).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 27, 2010

Strength In Weakness

READ: Matthew 20:20-28
Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. -Matthew 20:26

No one wants to be weak, so we find ways to appear strong. Some of us use the force of our emotions to manipulate people. Others use the force of personality to control people, and some use intellect to intimidate. Although these create an illusion of strength, they are signs of weakness.

When we are truly strong, we have the courage to admit our limitations and to acknowledge our dependence on God. As a result, true strength often looks a lot like weakness. When the apostle Paul prayed that an affliction would be taken from him, God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul responded with these troubling words: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (v.10).

Toward the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, some of His disciples were striving for positions of prominence. Jesus used their argument as an opportunity to teach them that in His kingdom things are different: greatness comes when we willingly assume positions of weakness (Matt. 20:26).

This is a hard truth. I prefer the illusion of strength to the reality of weakness. But God wants us to realize that true strength comes when we stop trying to control people and start serving them instead.  - Julie Ackerman Link

The life that we live for God's glory,
Let's live it in biblical light:
God's strength is made perfect in weakness;
He alone controls power and might. -Branon

God's greatest power can be displayed in our biggest weakness.
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Unlikely Vessels

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 says,

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

God delights in calling and using those the world passes by and counts as nothing.  One old preacher said, "God isn't looking for golden vessels, God isn't looking for silver vessels, God is looking for yielded vessels."  I think that is true.

It is amazing what God can do through someone's life who doesn't have to have the credit.

You may feel like you do not have much to offer.  If that is the case, then you are perfect!  When God does great things through you, then He will get the credit.  People will know it was Him and not you!

God is looking for yielded vessels that He can use in a dynamic, community-altering way.

Why not say today, "Here I am Lord, use me;" and after praying that simple prayer, get ready.  God may bring some amazing opportunities your way to step out and be used for His glory.
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Read: Matthew 13:44

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. - Matthew 13:44-45

TODAY IN THE WORD
Browsing a rural Ontario yard sale one summer, art collector Paul Martin could not believe his eyes. A large landscape painting depicting Lake Okanagan was available for only $200. It turned out that the painting was by Canadian artist E. J. Hughes, and rare enough to be valued at about $120,000! Martin has made a career out of searching flea markets, thrift shops, and yard sales for art treasures. He finds them to be good investments, and plans to use the money from auctioning off the Hughes painting to pay for his child's college education.
Both literally and figuratively, discovering hidden treasure brings great joy to the finder. Both verses in today's reading are a simile or comparison emphasizing the all-surpassing value of the kingdom of heaven, and both highlight the joy of the seeker in finding and sacrificing all to attain it. We can understand the "kingdom of heaven" (this exact phrase is found only in Matthew) to be the "reign of the Messiah." As one theological reference work clarifies, the phrase "signifies God's sovereign, dynamic and eschatological rule."

How is God's kingdom like a treasure hidden in a field? One part of the answer is the similarity between buried treasure and the truth that the rule of God in this present world is not obvious-it requires effort to discover and recognize. The man who found the treasure had to dig it up. The merchant who found the "pearl of great price" (KJV) had to learn how to tell it from other pearls on the market.

A second part of the answer is that possessing it costs everything we have. Both men had to sell all they owned in order to obtain the treasure. In the same way, the kingdom of God is an all-or-nothing commitment. It must be chosen with undivided passion and joy, and that choice governs all that follows (Phil. 3:7-11)
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christ commanded us to count the cost of discipleship . . . and the cost is everything. Have we "sold all" for this treasure, this spiritual journey? Or are we hedging our bets and holding back? It won't work. We can value nothing-not even our own families-that's in competition to our love for God's kingdom. We are to be willing to carry a cross, appearing to the world as a condemned criminal. "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-33).

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

February 28, 2010

The Country Of Old Age

READ: Mark 7:1-13

If anyone does not provide for his own, . . . [he] is worse than an unbeliever. -1 Timothy 5:8

In the book Another Country, author Mary Pipher met with people in their seventies, eighties, and nineties who were confronting many different life situations.

"I wanted . . . to understand the country of old age," Pipher writes. "We are not organized in a way that makes aging easy." The root problem, she observed, is that young and old have become segregated, to the detriment of both groups.

This social trend is not necessarily intentional. But many people do ignore and shirk their responsibilities for the elderly. In Jesus' day, the Pharisees found creative ways to avoid their family duties. In Mark 7:9-13, Jesus rebuked their common practice of dedicating their material possessions to God (declaring them as Corban) rather than using their assets to provide for their parents. Their tradition had violated the commandment to honor their father and their mother.

Our children, work, and church activities can pull us in many directions. But that doesn't excuse us from honoring our aging parents by making provision for their needs, as much as we are able (1 Tim. 5:. When the time comes for us to enter the country of old age, let's hope we've set the right example for our own children to follow.  - Dennis Fisher

Providing for our parents' needs
With loving words and selfless deeds
Is what the Lord expects of those
Who try to follow where He leads. -Sper

Honoring our parents is learned by example.
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The Right Perspective

Yesterday's devotional showed us how money, riches, and wealth are untrustworthy.  So the natural question is, "Is wealth a bad thing?"

Let's go back to 1 Timothy 6:17-19 for our answer, 

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.  Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I believe God makes it clear that if you are in a position where He has blessed you, you should enjoy it.  And do it guilt-free.  If you can take the whole family on a 30-day vacation to Europe, go for it.

Just make sure you pay your tithes first.  Make sure you are generous to the work of God, but enjoy what God gives you.  It is a gift of God to be able to enjoy the fruit of the work of your hands.

God is all for us enjoying whatever measure of prosperity we have.  He just wants us to be generous in proportion to our prosperity.  He wants us to be ready and willing to give big.  To be sowing extravagantly into the gospel and thereby laying up treasure in heaven.

The point is this:  Do not just live with your eye on this world.  Rather, live with your eye on the world to come.  If you do, you will truly be able to enjoy the wealth God gives you.
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Read: 1 Peter 1:3-12

You believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. - 1 Peter 1:8

TODAY IN THE WORD
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land were quite popular in the fourth century A.D. One of the pilgrims was a nun from Spain named Egeria. Traveling on foot or by mule, Egeria seems to have been the leader of her pilgrimage group and the one financing their three-year trip. At the various holy sites they visited, they read Scripture, sang psalms, and celebrated communion. Especially meaningful were their visits in and around Jerusalem to the sites of Christ's Passion, including Golgotha, the Mount of Olives, and the empty tomb. Egeria described how the Jerusalem Christians worshiped during Easter by literally following Jesus' footsteps around the city as Holy Week unfolded.
This is the "inexpressible and glorious joy" which Peter wrote about in today's reading-the joy of Christ's death and resurrection that accomplished God's purpose of redemption. Verses 8 and 9 are the key: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." Faith means to believe in the One we have not seen and to love Him. The "inexpressible and glorious joy" that such faith inspires is justified because we are on the way to Him-our souls are in the process of being fit to spend eternity with Him.

The foundation stones of our faith are God's mercy, the gift of spiritual rebirth, the resurrection of Christ, the resulting hope that we don't deserve but that He freely gives, and the eternal inheritance awaiting us (vv. 3-5). Our present sufferings are nothing by comparison, and in fact they have the purpose of refining and enriching our faith (vv. 6-7). We even have the privilege of knowing more of God's plan of redemption than the prophets did (vv. 10-12). All of this has been done, is being done, and is guaranteed by God's power. Our faith is sure, and joy is our response.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What key truths and principles have you learned from Scripture this month about godly joy? What might be different about your joy in the month to come? We conclude this month's study with a benediction from Jude 24-25: "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

GOD  BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 01, 2010

The Fairest

READ: Revelation 5:8-14
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! -Revelation 5:12

When I first became a Christian and started attending church at age 19, I immediately fell in love with singing the great hymns of the faith. My heart overflowed with joy and thanksgiving as we sang of God's love for us in Christ. Soon one of my favorite hymns (from the late 1600s) became "Fairest Lord Jesus!" I love the simplicity of the melody and the awesomeness of the One exalted in these words:

Fair is the sunshine,
fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior!
Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
now and forevermore be Thine!

God's Son, whom we sing about in this song, came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself for us on the cross (Luke 23:33). He arose from the grave (Luke 24:6) and is now seated at God's right hand (Heb. 1:3). One day we'll join in worship with thousands upon thousands and say: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!" (Rev. 5:13). Maybe we'll sing "Fairest Lord Jesus!" too.

Until then, let's allow Jesus to be "the fairest" above all in our personal lives by seeking wisdom from His Word and following in His ways.  - Anne Cetas

We can never praise Jesus too much.
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It's All About Him

I want us to look again at the last two verses from our last devotional, 1 Timothy 6:18-19,

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I think it is beautiful the way verse 19 ends, ...that they may lay hold on eternal life. Paul is writing to believers here, and he is not saying they must do this so that they can get saved.

Rather, I think he is saying that when they are rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, then they will lay hold on what eternal life is all about.  It is not about the things you possess; it is not about the blessings God gives you.  It is about a relationship with Him.  Jesus said in John 17:3, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

If you are blessed, realize the main thing is not your riches and wealth.  They can be very transitory.

I have a friend who, years ago, migrated from a country in Central America that had experienced a military coop.  Her family was quite well off, having property and wealth that had been passed down through several generations.

But after the coop, the new government seized all of the families properties and wealth. All was lost overnight.

This story could have turned out badly except that this woman is an exceptional Christian with a great attitude.  She has built a successful life here in the U. S and has chosen not to be bitter or resentful over the past. She has kept her trust in God, realizing that no matter what happens if she still has Him she will be alright.

Friend, keep your eyes on God and keep your trust anchored in Him. He is what life-real life-eternal life is all about! 
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Read: Genesis 1:26-31; Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

There is a time for everything . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh. - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

TODAY IN THE WORD
One popular stereotype of Christians portrays them as dour grumps with no sense of humor. This is actually an extension of how many people view God, thinking of Him as a giant killjoy who doesn't want people to have fun or laugh or tell a good joke. After all, there's nothing funny in the Bible, is there?
We'll spend the next month answering this question, studying Scripture to see how God uses humor perfectly and purposefully in His Word. We'll learn how God uses humor to teach us about ourselves, to emphasize His own character and works, and to delight His people. Our study will include the godly place for humor and an exploration of the great divine comedy of our redemption.

The human capacity to laugh, to tell a joke, and to delight in what is funny must be traced back to the very origin of humanity. Genesis 1 describes the creation of the first man and woman as representatives of God's image on the newly created earth. The full deity participated in the decision to create humanity and to endow them with purpose-note the plural pronouns in verse 26: "Let us make man in our image." God concludes His assessment of His creation by describing the man and woman as "very good" (v. 31). This man and woman were created to manifest the full image of the Godhead.

Of course, after the Fall, humanity had marred the ability to perfectly reflect the image of God. Sin permeated every aspect of human existence. Activities that once were pure became tainted with wrong motives, inappropriate applications, and selfish ends. This includes the appreciation of humor and the ability to laugh. Delight in the comedies of life became twisted, and humans didn't know when to laugh or what was funny.

The words of Ecclesiastes remind us that God's people are not called to abandon laughter, but rather to learn its proper time and application. It is folly to laugh when we should mourn; it is wise to know the time for embracing laughter and mirth.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously." As we begin our study this month, spend time in prayer asking God for His wisdom to know when to laugh. Followers of God are not called to a life of grim existence, but we must guard against inappropriate humor. Ask the Lord to use His Word to shape your heart-and your sense of humor-to conform to His image.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 02, 2010

God Is Here

READ: Luke 4:16-21
[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. -Psalm 147:3
Leslie and her two daughters were about to be evicted from their home. Although Leslie believed that God could help, so far He hadn't given a clue as to how. She wondered, Where is God? As she drove to the courthouse, she prayed for God's intervention. Then she heard a song on the radio proclaiming, "God is here! Let the brokenhearted rejoice." Could this be the assurance from God that she was longing to hear?

Inside the courtroom, Leslie stood before the judge, heard his decision, and signed the legal documents, but still God had not given her an answer.

As Leslie was walking to her car, a truck pulled up beside her. "Ma'am," said the driver, "I heard your testimony inside the courtroom, and I believe God wants me to help you." And he did. Gary helped Leslie get in contact with a woman from a local church who was able to work with the parties involved to reverse the process so that she and her girls could stay in their home.

When people ask, "Where is God?" the answer is, "Right here." One way God is at work is through Christians like Gary who are continuing the work Jesus started-healing the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds (Ps. 147:3).  - Julie Ackerman Link

God is here; He stands beside you.
God is here; He wants to guide you.
God is here and He will help you,
So do not fear-Your God is near. -D. De Haan

When we love God, we will serve people.
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The Remnant

Today, I want you to read Romans 11:2-5,

God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.  Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, "LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life"?  But what does the divine response say to him?  "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal."  Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

When Elijah pleads with God, he is physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted.  Jezebel is after his head and he has run into the wilderness.  He is sitting down under a tree, and he is crying to God, "I'm the only one.  Nobody else is serving You."

But God says, "Hey, wait a minute, Tiger.  I have seven thousand more who haven't bowed their knee to the false idol.  You're not the only one."

God is saying, "I have a remnant."  And then Paul brings it right into present day, and says, "Just like God had a remnant then, God has a remnant today."

A remnant is a small group that has remained.  That is where the word remnant comes from.  It comes from the root "to remain."  God always has a remnant.  A remnant that remains faithful, committed, on course, obedient to God.  That does not get discouraged, quit, or give up because of life's many turns.

Life has its share of setbacks and unexpected turns, and many people give up because of those setbacks.  But those who stay on course and remain faithful will experience God's richer blessings.

God blesses all of His children.  But those who stay the course are rewarded for their faithfulness.

So stay on track, hold course, stay steady, and remain faithful.  Be a part of the remnant.
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Read: Proverbs 26:13-19

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. - Proverbs 26:15

TODAY IN THE WORD
The characters in Flannery O'Connor's stories are often described as grotesque, but O'Connor explained that they are intended to highlight the spiritual condition of modern humanity: "The novelist with Christian concerns will find modern life distortions which are repugnant to him, and his problem will be to make these appear as distortions to an audience which is used to seeing them as natural; . . . to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost-blind you draw large and startling figures."
For the next few days we'll see how God uses grotesque exaggerations to teach His people the truth and to combat a distorted sense of what is natural. Our passage today presents three darkly comedic characters: the sluggard, the meddler, and the joker.

The sluggard is characterized by making excuses. In verse 13, the excuse is exaggerated to reveal the preposterous situation of someone too lazy to engage his responsibilities. Is it possible that a lion might be in the street? Yes . . . but it's also extremely improbable. A sluggard will seize on any remotely plausible excuse to shirk his task.

Likewise, the sluggard can't make any progress in life; he is like a door that can only turn from side to side. It's as if this lazy person is tethered to the bed, unwilling-and therefore unable-to get anything done. In fact, a sluggard can't even accomplish the basic necessities of life (v. 15). Laziness will impair our ability to function at even the most fundamental level.

The meddler has no more sense than someone who provokes a dog. Inserting yourself in the affairs of others is hazardous to your own well-being (v. 17)! The final character in our passage depicts the dangerous consequences of inappropriate joking. This person deceives others and then attempts to gloss over the situation by claiming, "I was only joking!" The devastation caused by such deceit is compared to a madman wildly shooting flaming arrows. Humor is never an excuse for lies, manipulation, or deceit.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Modern sensibilities encourage joking at the expense of others and justifying deceit with the excuse of humor. In fact, it's a natural human tendency-even little children will make a cruel remark and then say, "I was only joking!" The reality is that such jokes are not funny; they are as dangerous as lobbing firebombs into the lives of others. If you struggle with these comments, reflect on Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 03, 2010

A Mighty Stream

READ: Amos 5:21-27
Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. -Amos 5:24

When I was a young teenager, my dad, uncles, cousins, and I went trout fishing at the head waters of the Sacramento River in California. The source of the river is melted snow, so the water was swift, clear, cold, and refreshing. My cousins and I couldn't resist stepping into the cool current while angling for rainbow trout.

On the way home, we stopped for a dip in a pond that was far different. The pond water was warm, and it smelled stagnant. It contrasted greatly with that swiftly flowing, invigorating stream.

The prophet Amos used the metaphor of a stream to illustrate the transforming power of righteousness. Appalled at Israel's dead religious ritual and their exploitation of the poor (Amos 2:6-8; 5:21-27), he called for justice and righteousness to prevail. He saw that God's people were stuck in the stagnant pond of injustice toward others when what they needed was a life marked by "righteousness like a mighty stream."

Likewise, God desires for us to allow justice to "run down like water" from our lives. One way that can happen is to strive for just laws and to champion loving care for the poor. May we seek to be a part of God's mighty stream of His righteousness until Christ returns.  - Dennis Fisher

Justice is the clarion call for Christians-
We cannot step aside from what God said;
He has told us how to treat our neighbor,
And we must follow on the path He's led. -Hess

Righteousness follows when truth springs into action.
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Not There Yet

In Philippians 3:12-13, Paul gives us an important insight into becoming complete or mature in Christ,

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected (or complete); but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

As believers, we must realize that we have a way to go.  We have not arrived.  There are still some things ahead.  We still must press on.

But some people have the idea they have arrived.  They don't need to grow anymore; they don't need to study anymore; they don't need to increase anymore.

It is like the true story of a young neighbor who was talking to Albert Einstein at a dinner party.  She asked, "What is it exactly that you do as a profession?"  Einstein looked at her and said, "I've devoted myself to the study of physics."  And in shock she replied, "Studying physics at your age?  I finished my studies a year ago!" 

Unfortunately, that is the attitude many Christians have today about their spiritual growth.  They think they have finished.  Instead, our attitude should be like 95-year-old Pablo Casals, considered to be the greatest cellist that the world has ever known.

A young reporter asked him one day, "You're 95.  The world considers you to be its greatest cellist; and still, at 95, you practice six hours a day.  Why?"  To which he responded, "Because I think I'm making progress."

Friend, you have not arrived.  Set your goal to be making progress every day.  That is how you will become mature in Christ. 
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Read: Matthew 7:1-5

All the time there is a plank in your own eye. - Matthew 7:4

TODAY IN THE WORD
Over twenty years ago, Os Guinness asked, "How do we speak to an age made spiritually deaf by its skepticism and morally color-blind by its relativism? . . . One contribution must surely come from a wide rediscovery of the prophetic fool making of the divine subversive." Jesus embodied this divine subversive more fully than anyone, as He shocked His audience into seeing the true reality.
Today's passage is one example of Jesus' use of exaggeration and humor to make a point about the way we should interact with each other. The context of these verses is the Sermon on the Mount, which includes the Lord's Prayer in the previous chapter. Jesus had already instructed His followers to link the divine forgiveness they receive from God with their own extension of forgiveness to others (see Matt. 6:12). Here He addressed the foolishness of passing judgment on others without acknowledging the truth about ourselves.

This text is frequently misapplied as an excuse not to make any value claims or to assess the actions of others. Given the whole counsel of Scripture, this interpretation doesn't make sense (see Prov. 1:31; Isa. 3:10), and a few verses later Jesus described the process for evaluating people's claims of truth and the rightness of their actions (vv. 15-23). Instead, Jesus was challenging the human tendency to find fault with others without examining our own lives before God.

The image is purposely exaggerated and quite funny. Here is someone worried about the tiny speck of dust-something practically invisible!-in a brother's eye, all the time ignoring the massive plank-like a telephone pole!-blocking his own vision.

Jesus' words remind us that we need to acknowledge and address our own shortcomings, both their existence and magnitude, before we can turn to point out the flaws of others. This doesn't excuse tolerating the presence of even sawdust or small failings in our lives. Rather, it emphasizes that it is foolish to try to correct others when our sin looms large and we persistently ignore it.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 04, 2010

What Brings Happiness?

READ: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
All was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. -Ecclesiastes 2:11

After studying the effect of the post-World War II economic boom in Japan, Richard Easterlin concluded that monetary growth does not always bring more satisfaction. More recently, economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers conducted surveys in more than 100 nations and concluded that life satisfaction is highest in the richest countries.

So who's right? Let's check with the writer of Ecclesiastes. He should know! He was a truly rich man (2:. He had the means to try everything in this world-and he did! He gave himself to pleasure (vv.1-3), grand projects (vv.4-8), entertainment (v., and hard work (vv.10-11). But he concluded that it was all "vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun" (v.11).

Lasting satisfaction doesn't come from possessing tangible things like savings accounts and material goods. Recent events have shown that these things can suddenly lose value. To find true happiness, we have to find it in Someone who is not from "under the sun." And that is our Savior, Jesus.

Hymnwriter Floyd Hawkins wrote: "I've discovered the way of gladness, I've discovered the way of joy, I've discovered relief from sadness. . . . When I found Jesus, my Lord." Only He can give joy that is full (John 15:11).  - C. P. Hia

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same. -Crosby

To know happiness, get to know Jesus.
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Prayers and Preaching

Yesterday we talked about how progressing towards spiritual maturity is a process that will never end in this life.  There are two things I want to focus your attention on today that will help you in that effort.

The first is found in Colossians 4:12,

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

If you are going to be complete or mature in Christ, you need the prayers of others.  In the long haul, I am convinced none of us make it across the finish line without the prayers of other Christians.

The second is found in Colossians 1:27-28,

...Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

In addition to the prayers of others, you need to be under good preaching and teaching to become complete in Christ.  Preaching promotes change while teaching promotes growth, and you need both of them.

Looking back at my Christian life, I can still remember messages that literally shook my world and changed me.  I remember one in particular when I had been saved less than a month.

Some new Christian friends took me to hear an evangelist preach.  I was blessed so I decided to go back the next night.  That night I heard a message that changed my life.  It was a message on the parable of the sower, and that night I fell in love with the Word of God.   It absolutely shaped me.

To become mature in your faith, make sure you are under solid biblical preaching and teaching, and develop the prayer habit as well as soliciting the prayers of others.
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Read: Matthew 7:1-5

All the time there is a plank in your own eye. - Matthew 7:4

TODAY IN THE WORD
Over twenty years ago, Os Guinness asked, "How do we speak to an age made spiritually deaf by its skepticism and morally color-blind by its relativism? . . . One contribution must surely come from a wide rediscovery of the prophetic fool making of the divine subversive." Jesus embodied this divine subversive more fully than anyone, as He shocked His audience into seeing the true reality.
Today's passage is one example of Jesus' use of exaggeration and humor to make a point about the way we should interact with each other. The context of these verses is the Sermon on the Mount, which includes the Lord's Prayer in the previous chapter. Jesus had already instructed His followers to link the divine forgiveness they receive from God with their own extension of forgiveness to others (see Matt. 6:12). Here He addressed the foolishness of passing judgment on others without acknowledging the truth about ourselves.

This text is frequently misapplied as an excuse not to make any value claims or to assess the actions of others. Given the whole counsel of Scripture, this interpretation doesn't make sense (see Prov. 1:31; Isa. 3:10), and a few verses later Jesus described the process for evaluating people's claims of truth and the rightness of their actions (vv. 15-23). Instead, Jesus was challenging the human tendency to find fault with others without examining our own lives before God.

The image is purposely exaggerated and quite funny. Here is someone worried about the tiny speck of dust-something practically invisible!-in a brother's eye, all the time ignoring the massive plank-like a telephone pole!-blocking his own vision.

Jesus' words remind us that we need to acknowledge and address our own shortcomings, both their existence and magnitude, before we can turn to point out the flaws of others. This doesn't excuse tolerating the presence of even sawdust or small failings in our lives. Rather, it emphasizes that it is foolish to try to correct others when our sin looms large and we persistently ignore it.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you have a telephone pole stuck in your eye, clogging your vision? Do you find it easier to criticize people around you rather than hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit? In order for God to use us to help others deal with their sawdust, we must first be willing to let go of our planks. If the Lord is convicting you of some blind spots in your life or of some tendencies that you're reluctant to release, give those things to God. Ask Him to prepare you to encourage, not criticize, others on their Christian journey.

GOD BLESS!

[Judy Harder]

March 05, 2010

The Right Information

READ: 1 Thess. 4:13-18
I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. -1 Thessalonians 4:13

Our flight had been airborne about 15 minutes when the pilot announced that the aircraft had a serious problem the crew was trying to analyze. A few minutes later, he announced that it was a vibration and that we would have to return to the airport. Then the flight attendants made a series of step-by-step announcements explaining what was going on and what would happen once we were on the ground. In an event that could have been terrifying, the fears of the passengers were relieved because we were given the right information.

In the first century, a group of believers in Thessalonica were afraid that their believing loved ones who had died were gone forever and would miss out on the second coming of Christ. For that reason, Paul wrote, "I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). Paul's words of comfort were intended to soften their fears by giving them the right information, which made all the difference in the world. While grieving their loss, they could still have hope of a coming reunion with those who were in Christ.

In seasons of loss, we too can find comfort and hope because the Bible has given us the right information.  - Bill Crowder

He's coming back! The dead shall rise,
Caught up to meet Him in the skies.
Upon that hope my soul relies;
He's coming back! -Sherbert

Death is not a period-it's only a comma.
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Bearing One Another's Burdens

In Galatians 6:1-2, Paul admonishes us,

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We need to bear one another's burdens.  Paul, in this passage, gives us some keen insight into what that looks like.

First, the word overtaken means to be taken by surprise, to suddenly fall into.  In other words, the sin Paul is referring to is not a premeditated sin, but rather a temptation that suddenly came up, the person stumbled in, and now they are having trouble getting out.

Notice Paul also says, "If you're spiritual, restore that one."  The word restore actually brings with it the thought of setting a dislocated limb.  The role of the spiritually mature person is to skillfully and gently relocate the "limb" that has been knocked out of its socket.

I think this happens most often to baby Christians.  They are suddenly invaded, they give in to some temptation, and they feel awful.  Then the devil goes to work on them, "Some Christian you are!  You hypocrite!  You better never go back to church again!  You're so wicked.  You're probably not even saved."

They do not know how to pull themselves out, and you and I need to help them get back in right relationship with God and the Church.

I had a friend who dislocated a shoulder one time.  It took him 45 minutes to work it back in by himself.  It would have been easier to have someone help him.

And, that is true for us as Christians.  We need to be there to help restore that brother or sister whose spiritual life has been dislocated.   
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Read: Matthew 23:1-39

You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. - Matthew 23:24

TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the joys of spending time with young children is seeing the world from their perspective-especially seeing them laugh. After watching I Love Lucy with her children, one mom said, "I forgot how funny this show is until I saw my kids laughing hysterically!"
The overall message of our passage today is deadly serious, but even in the middle of Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees, He embeds a humorous, grotesque exaggeration. If you don't find verses 23 through 25 comical, read them to an 8-year-old boy!

Two themes emerge from our reading: backward priorities revealed as hypocrisy and the reversal of privilege in God's kingdom. First, Jesus targeted the Pharisees for not practicing what they preached (v. 3). It's important to remember that the Pharisees were deeply concerned with keeping pure in order to be in a right relationship with God. But they missed the point: it wasn't about their strict dietary observance or dress code or tithing. The end result of these exertions was not to please God, but rather to receive the admiration of others (v. 7). The consequences of their hypocrisy went beyond their own failure to please God; they also burdened others and kept them from understanding how to please God (v. 15).

In God's kingdom, those who seek their own advancement will find themselves last in line (vv. 11-12). The images that Jesus used to depict the reality of the Pharisees' spiritual preening should shock us: blind leaders, whitewashed graves, and snakes who cause the death and destruction of the righteous prophets of God. In their dedication to the smallest matter of ritual purity-straining out the gnat-they are willing to engage in the grossest perversions of God's desire. Their path to righteousness is as absurd and ridiculous as swallowing a camel.

If we're familiar with this text, it's easy to skim right past this simile. But Jesus is being deliberately provocative here. It's an image intended to make us smile and then make us think. Trying to stuff a camel in one's mouth is crazy-and deadly. So too is trying to please God on our own terms.
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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Children can help us adjust our perspective in marvelous ways. They can puncture our pride, reveal hypocrisy, and make us laugh at silly posturing. Thank God for His grace in this way if you have children in your life. If not, consider working in a Sunday school class, nursery, or other children's ministry in your church. As you spend time with children, ask God to root out any deadly hypocrisy in your life. Instead of swallowing camels, seek to be a servant in God's kingdom who points others to life in Christ.

GOD BLESS!