|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:00 am
Back To the Basics
This guy is really getting on my nerves, Todd thought as the camp speaker continued his message in the outdoor chapel surrounded by pine trees.
“Some of you have been coming to this camp for years,” he said, “and you may assume because you go to church camp, you're a Christian.”
Todd shifted his weight on the wooden bench. Can't wait till chapel is over so I can head to the rock-climbing wall.
“Many of you are from Christian families, and you're involved in church and plugged into your youth group. But that doesn't make you a Christian. You can surround yourself with a million Christians, and it still won't mean you are a Christian.”
I go to church, Todd mused. And I've got some pretty cool Christian friends. I even helped out at the soup kitchen last Thanksgiving with the youth group. I do all kinds of good stuff.
“You may even be a good teen doing good things,” the speaker continued as if he'd somehow read Todd's thoughts, “but that doesn't make you a Christian, either.”
Todd glanced at his watch and looked toward the lake. The sun reflected off the water and reminded him of winning the canoe race two days ago.
“You're not really a Christian until you've repented of your sins, asked Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and have committed yourself to live in obedience to Him.
“And even that's just the beginning,” he said. “Being a follower of Christ isn't simply believing in His teachings; it's having an actual relationship with Him that grows and deepens consistently.”
Hmmm, Todd thought. I've never really considered myself a sinner. Yeah, I've told a few lies and cheated on a couple of tests, but who hasn't?
“The Bible says that every single one of us was born with sin, and the only way we can have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ is to seek His forgiveness for our sin.”
Todd focused on the speaker's words. I can't remember ever actually seeking forgiveness for anything, he thought. So does that mean I'm not really a Christian?
“And the interesting thing about Christianity,” the speaker said, “is the fact that we can't earn eternal life. None of us deserve it, but God loves you so much, He offers it as a free gift to all who seek Him.”
Even though chapel was ending, Todd decided to hang around and talk with the speaker instead of heading toward the rock-climbing wall. I sure would like to know for sure if I'm a Christian, or if I've just assumed I am, he decided.
Know It!
There's a big difference in acting like a Christian and actually living a Christlike life. Where are you? If you've never confessed your sins, now would be a great time to do so!
Read It!
Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23-26; Romans 4:7-25.
Pray It!
Jesus, I admit, I've done a lot of assuming about Christianity. But I come to You now and confess that I'm a sinner. I'm so sorry I've sinned against You and tried to run my own life. Will You forgive me. Will You come into my heart and make me a brand-new creation in You? I give You my life, Jesus. I want to live for You. Thank You for Your incredible gift of forgiveness and eternal life. I accept You as my Savior.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:54 pm
Devotional Reading for:
2/3/2008
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 17:1-9
Psalm 2
Hearing Jesus
This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him. Matthew 17:5
On earth, Jesus kept His glory concealed. Although always the eternal Son of God, He looked like an ordinary man. It was different at His transfiguration. There He displayed a hint of His glory as His face and clothing shone gleaming white. The disciples were dazzled, yet there was more to come. Besides Moses and
Elijah, God the Father was present. Concealed in a cloud, He spoke about Jesus.
What did the Father say about His Son? “Listen to Him”! Not “See Him” or “Remember the glory,” but “Listen.” Even when Jesus shone with light, God pointed the disciples to His Word. Soon enough, His beloved Son would hang on a cross, glory gone. If the disciples believed with their eyes, they’d see no hope. But by the Word, they’d know that this was God’s plan.
Until the Last Day, Jesus’ glory is hidden. Instead, you see suffering and setback. There are good days too, thanks be to God. But everything falls apart in this world, and at such times you won’t see much glory at all. Still, you have hope because you listen to Him. You hear Him tell you you’re forgiven. You hear Him tell you that you’re His beloved child. Rejoice! No matter what you see, God’s Word is sure.
Lord Jesus, keep us steadfast in Your Word until we see You in glory. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:04 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/4/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Exodus 24:12, 15-18
Psalm 68:1-19
Hearing Is Believing
Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain. Exodus 24:17
time, so we want evidence before we give them our trust. It’s also what makes God’s command at the transfiguration, “Listen to Him,” difficult. Wouldn’t it be easier to believe in Jesus if we saw His glory at work in wonders all the time?
The Israelites saw God’s glory like consuming fire at Mount Sinai, but they couldn’t come near. They didn’t want to! They’d already asked that God not speak to them directly, but through Moses (Exodus 20:18–19). The lesson’s important for sinners, who underestimate their sin: they believe that God’s glory is only as great as the miracle they want to see; that His holiness wouldn’t terrify them. They want God near in miracles and power, not in His work of repentance and grace.
Thanks be to God that He draws near to us in mercy. Jesus drew near in humble flesh and suffered death on the cross. Now He draws near to us by His means of grace. He speaks His Word to give faith and forgiveness. Cleansing our sin, He prepares us for eternal life, when we’ll see Him in glory without fear, only joy.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are not far off, but as near to us as Your Word. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:57 pm
On With the Basics
Todd shared with his camp counselor that he'd given his heart to Jesus yesterday after chapel. “I guess it never really hit me that I might not be a Christian,” he said. “I go to church, and I'm not a bad person, but until yesterday I'd never asked Jesus Christ to come into my life.”
“I'm excited for you, pal,” Clint said. “But tell me . . . what kind of changes will you need to make when you go home?”
“What do you mean?”
“I've heard you brag to a few of the other campers about your drinking escapades and about how far you've gone physically with your girlfriends.”
“So?” Todd said. “I'm a guy. It's what guys do. Hey, I can't become perfect just because I asked Christ to come into my life.”
“But now that you're a Christian, you'll want to please Christ and obey Him, right?”
“Whoa! I don't know about that,” Todd said. “I'm still planning on drinking and sleeping around a little. That's just life, Man!”
“Then Todd, I question if you're really a Christian.”
“Of course, I am,” Todd insisted. “I prayed the prayer!”
“But Christianity is a lot more than simply praying a prayer, Todd. It's developing an actual relationship with Christ and following Him.”
“Look, I asked Christ into my life. I'll read the Bible some, and I'll pray some more. But I'm not ready to give up everything,” Todd said.
“Hmmm. Sounds as though you didn't count the cost, pal.”
“I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this. I think I'm a Christian.”
“It doesn't really matter what you think, Todd.”
“Oh, and it does matter what you think?”
“Nope. It really doesn't. The only thing that matters is what God thinks. And you can find out by reading the Bible.”
Know It!
Christianity isn't a religion, it's a way of life. It's developing, maintaining and growing intimately in a relationship with the creator of the universe. When we enter into a relationship with Christ, we begin to fall in love with Him. And the more we grow to love Him, the more we want to please Him by living in obedience to His holy will. Are you in love with Jesus? Or are you simply going through the motions?
Read It!
1 John 5:1-21.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I don't simply want to love You. I want to BE IN LOVE with You! Help me to fall more and more in love with You every single day of my life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:37 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/5/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
1 Corinthians 15:22-32
Psalm 21
Last Hurrahs and Forever Hallelujahs
If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 1 Corinthians 15:32
Today is Fat Tuesday. Maybe I’m just a young curmudgeon, but the celebration leaves me cold. Every year, news broadcasts show the Mardi Gras parties and carnival parades, but they’re hardly family fare. The following morning, the scene has changed. Parade routes are empty. Streets are full of litter, confetti, bottles, and more. The last hurrah before Lent is over, says the world. Now it’s time to get serious about sin.
As if.
Tomorrow’s littered streets teach that when the world has a last hurrah, it ends and gives no lasting joy. Of course, that’s how the hopeless world sees things: eat and drink today, because tomorrow we die. That’s also how Satan tempts you to your favorite sins: how can it harm? Indulge a little. What have you got to lose?
You have plenty to lose, because so much has been given to you. You have the certain hope that Christ’s death was not His end, for He rose again three days later. He’s set you free from all sin that would sentence you to eternal death, and He gives eternal life instead. He gives you far better than a hopeless last hurrah. He gives you heaven, where the hallelujahs go on forever.
Forgive us for our many sins, O Lord, and grant us grace for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:27 pm
Basic Truth
“Hey, Todd!” Brian yelled across the softball field. “Today's the last day of camp, and I wanted to catch you before you leave.”
Todd gathered the bats and gloves and sprinted toward his camp counselor.
“I'm concerned about you, Todd. I want you to understand how this whole Christianity thing works.”
“Well, it sounds to me like it's just a bunch of rules. I prayed the prayer, Bryan. But I'm not into following a set of rules.”
“It may sound that way, Todd, but it's really not. The religious leaders of Jesus' day - the Pharisees - were totally into 'the rules' and Jesus reprimanded them for it.”
“Then what's the big deal about me saying I'm a Christian but still doing the stuff I wanna do with my buddies who aren't Christians?”
“Let me ask you something, Todd. I know you're starting quarterback for your high school football team. Would you consider approaching your coach and saying, 'Yeah, I know I told you I'd play again my senior year, but I'm not really into practice any more. I don't mind suiting up and playing when there's an actual game. But I'm not gonna make practice any more.”
“That's crazy, Man! Coach would never let me play if I skipped practice. He's pretty strict. We even have to maintain a passing grade average, lay off the Cokes and wear a tie on game days!”
“Hmmm,” Bryan continued. “Sounds to me like you're following an awful lot of rules just to be able to play football.”
“Nah, it's not like that at all. I love football! I'd be miserable if I weren't playing.”
“Todd, listen to yourself. That's exactly how it needs to be in your relationship with Jesus Christ,” Bryan said. “We don't follow Him because it's the thing to do or because our parents are into it. We give our lives to Him because we love Him, and we'd be miserable without Him.”
“Yeah, but - ”
“Hang on, Todd. Hear what I'm saying,” Bryan added. “And because we love Him, we want to follow His plan for our lives - just like you want to do everything your coach tells you to. You trust that he's a good coach and he knows how to help you become the best player you can be. He can even prepare you for a college scholarship.”
“Yeah! He can!” Todd said.
“And Jesus Christ can prepare you for eternity,” Bryan added. “That's the greatest 'prize' we'll ever receive!” < p> “Hey, Bry, I gotta pack.”
“Yeah, I know. But how 'bout meeting down at the dock for a hot dog before you leave?”
“OK. I'll see you in about 30 minutes.”
Know It!
God despises hypocrisy. Don't call yourself a Christian if you're not willing to live it every day of your life. That's why we're told to count the cost before we commit to following Jesus.
Read It!
Luke 14:25-35;Hebrews 12:14; 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 John 2:3-7.
Pray It!
Jesus, I'm so glad that when You counted how much it would cost to save my life and forgive my sins, You didn't walk away from the Cross. And because You gave 100 percent for me, I want to give 100 percent to You.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:39 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/6/2008
Ash Wednesday
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 6:1-6
Psalm 130
All Fall Down
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1
It was an ugly find. After a childhood of “Ring around the Rosie,” I read that the little rhyme was about the Black Plague. The disease appeared as ringed, rose-colored bumps, and “ashes” was a corruption of a sneezy “ashoo!” as people fell ill. Then, while researching for this devotion, I learned that that’s not true, either. The rhyme’s not about the plague. Somebody made it up. Not everything is as it seems.
Jesus says we’re not as we seem, either. He warns against showing off our righteousness for a simple
reason: we’re not righteous apart from Him. Perhaps we accept that we’re not perfect. The truth, however, is that we’re far worse than we think. Just as we can’t really comprehend how glorious Jesus is, neither can we truly understand how sinful we really are. We don’t know how deep our sinfulness is; by faith, we believe it.
This sets us free from any temptation to believe in our own works. We serve others simply because Jesus has served us by His death and resurrection. Solely for His sake, it’s not ashes and dust forever for you. You have the reward of eternal life.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our righteousness. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:17 pm
Discovering God's Truth
“Get everything packed?” Bryan asked Todd as he approached the hot dog stand by the lake.
“Yep. I'm ready to go. My bus will be here in an hour.”
“Mind if we skip a few rocks before you head home?” Bryan asked as he handed Todd a couple of flat, smoothed stones.
“Great.” Todd watched Bryan's stone skip three times across the water.
“Todd, it sounds as thought you want it both ways.”
“Whaddya mean?”
“Well,” Bryan continued, “you want to call yourself a Christian, but you still want to do your own thing.”
“Yeah,” Todd agreed. “Like I said before, I'm still gonna sleep around and probably go drinking with my buddies on Friday nights after the game. No big deal.”
“Yeah, it is a big deal,” Bryan said.
“Why? I'm still gonna go to church. I'll still be plugged into the youth group.”
“Jesus has a name for people like you, Todd. It's 'hypocrite.' ”
“Whoa! You're coming down hard, Bry. Back off.”
“Todd, I care enough about you to give you the Truth. And you can't ride the fence forever.”
“You know, Bryan, I really want to be a Christian. I love our youth group, and I enjoy reading the Bible. I just don't want to let go of everything.”
“There's a spiritual battle going on right now, Todd. Satan and God are playing tug-of-war with your soul. God wants 100 percent, and so does Satan.”
“Hey, I'll never follow Satan!”
“You can't remain neutral, Todd. By not following Christ, you end up following Satan by default. There's no neutral ground in Christianity. You're either for Christ, or you're against Him.”
“I'm for Him, Bryan. I really am. I prayed the prayer, remember? I know the Bible well enough to know that it says whoever believes in Jesus Christ will be save. I believe, Man. So I'm saved!”
Know It!
Yes, Jesus said if you believe in Him, you'd be saved. But guess what - before the Bible was translated and paraphrased into today's language, the word used for “believe” meant to completely adhere to. So when Jesus urged people to believe in Him, He was passionately pleading for them to completely dedicate their lives to Him.
Read It!
John 1:12-13; John 3:18-21; John 7:37-39.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I don't want to simply call You Lord. I want You to BE my Lord. I give myself, my will, my entire life to You.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:48 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/7/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 6:16-21
Psalm 86
Tricky Treasure
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Jesus gives us a quick test for finding false gods: you devote your resources to the things you cherish most. Those things become idols when you depend on them more than on God. Read Matthew 5–7, and you’ll find Jesus pointing out lots of idols. The problem with idols is that they can’t save. Do you place too much importance on financial security? relationships? reputation? These all fail quickly in a sinful world.
Don’t make idols out of things. That seems simple, but it’s trickier. After all, you should concern yourself with financial security, relationships, and reputation. So how much can you treasure these before you’ve sinned? How much is too much? Jesus doesn’t say, and you can never know for sure. You see, He teaches this Law to warn you against idols and against believing that you’re saved by how you treat God’s gifts. You can’t be sure if you’re managing them well enough.
You can be sure of salvation if Jesus has done it all. And He has. In His Gospel, He constantly repeats what He said at your Baptism: you’re saved because He treasures you so much that He went to the cross, so your heart—and the rest of you—might be with Him forever.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all of Your gifts, most of all for the certain gift of forgiveness. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:07 pm
Adhering to God's Truth
Bryan picked up a couple more rocks and handed them to Todd. Todd tossed one across the lake and watched it bounce four times before going underwater.
“Whoa! Dude, that was pretty slick,” Bryan said.
“Yep, not bad,” Todd agreed.
“I need a Coke to wash that hog dog down,” Bryan said. “Want one?”
“Sure.”
Bryan and Todd popped open their aluminum cans, and Todd took a chug. Bryan looked him in the eye.
“Todd, you're leaving in just a few minutes. I want you to listen very carefully to what I'm saying. Will you do that?”
Todd sighed. “Sure, Bry. Go ahead.”
“Look, Todd, I know you think you're a Christian because you believe . . . but believing's not enough. Hey, even Satan believes in God!”
“Well, yeah but - ”
“Todd, you have a tender heart. A heart that God wants to use. But He needs all of it.”
“I just don't wanna quit having fun.”
“Todd, you can still have fun - but the right kind of fun. I gotta tell you, man, I've never been more fulfilled than since I gave my life to Christ in totality.”
“Yeah, I know. I've heard it all, Bryan. But I'm not sure I can quit doing the stuff I know God doesn't want me to do.”
“Todd, do you realize what Jesus says about those who play the game?”
“Whaddya mean?”
“Playing the game - riding the fence - having a foot in the church and a foot in the world - He calls it being lukewarm.”
“That's like room temperature, right?”
“Yeah, sort of. It's a combination of hot and cold. He tells us to make a decision - to be really hot, or to go ahead and just be cold - but if we're lukewarm (if we're in the middle), He'll spew us from His mouth.”
“Spew?!? What . . . you mean like . . . vomit?”
“Yeah,” Bryan said. “That's pretty strong, huh?”
“Sure is,” Todd agreed. “Look, Man. It's not that I just love doing all that stuff so much. But it is fun, and - ”
“And the Bible says that sin is fun for a season . . . meaning it's only temporary fun, Todd.”
“Okay, here's the deal, Bry. I'm scared. I'm afraid if I make a total commitment to Christ, I'll fail. I'm human, Man! What if I blow it?
“That's where forgiveness comes in. When you approach God with a repentant heart, He'll forgive.”
“You mean, I won't have to start all over again? Like if I give God all my heart now, what if I blow it next week, then I come back to camp next summer and start over again?”
“No, Todd, you don't have to start over again. If you're truly repentant and genuinely desire to follow Christ wit hall your life, He'll forgive you when you ask. At that point, you accept His forgiveness and keep walking with Him.”
“That's what I want, Bryan! That's what I really want!”
“Are you willing to give God all of your life - even the stuff you know doesn't please Him?”
“Yeah, I am, Bryan. I said it was fun . . . but it's also miserable at the same time. I'm tired of the guilt. If God can really equip me to live the way He wants me to live, I'm ready to give Him everything.”
Know It!
God doesn't expect you to be perfect, but He does expect obedience and commitment.
Read It!
1 John 1:5-6; 1 John 2:1-2; Revelation 3:1 5-16.
Pray It!
Jesus, thanks so much for Your forgiveness and Your desire to help me be all You call me to be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 2:16 pm
Devotional Reading for:
2/8/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 8:14-17
Psalm 41
Unfair Healing
This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17
Kids get sick—colds, flu, fever, and more. I know that; and, as a dad, I don’t mind taking care of my kids when they’re sick. Except for one thing. There’s a good chance that I’m going to catch what they’ve got and get sick too. It’s just not fair! After rearranging my schedule and serving them hand and foot, I get a virus for my efforts. It’s just not right.
When Jesus heals people in our text, He doesn’t make their illnesses vanish; He takes them—He bears them in Himself. He burdens Himself with the diseases of others and drags them to the cross. They’re wages of sin, after all—they’re outriders of death. Jesus bears our sins, so also He bears our diseases and suffers our punishment for sin. In their place, He gives us grace and healing and life.
Behold the love that God has for us. He makes us His children and takes our sin and sickness into Himself to save us. It’s not fair. It’s not right. That’s a good thing, because it would only be fair and right that we bear our own sins. It’s not fair, but it is your salvation. Thanks be to God, for Jesus’ sake.
Grant us patience in sickness, O Lord, knowing that You have destroyed the power of sin and sickness on the cross. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:55 pm
Coca-Cola Around the World
Though we're bombarded with a bazillion soft drinks, many throughout the world drink Coca-Cola. I've traveled to every continent in the world . . . except Antarctica . . . and I've found Coca-Cola in every country I've visited.
Even in remote villages without electricity, I've found bottled Coca-Cola. People can't read or write in many of these villages, but they drink Coke. Plumbing hasn't been heard of, clean water is a rare privilege and homes are simply huts made of grass, clay and animal dung. But look closer, and you'll notice the villagers are drinking Coca-Cola.
Amazing, isn't it? Even though Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sprite, and a ton of other drinks are popular . . . Coca- Cola rules worldwide. I couldn't find a Dr. Pepper or a Mr. Pibb in Papua, New Guinea, but I had no trouble locating a Coke.
In Jayapura, Irian Jaya no one had even heard of root beer, but they proudly displayed Coca-Cola along the side of the road. I wasn't able to get a 7-Up or a grape Nehi in the mountains of Bolivia, but I saw row after row of Cokes. In the Philippines; Ethiopia; Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Tahiti, on a safari in Kenya, East Africa, Calcutta, India, Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Guam and a plethora of other sites I've been, I couldn't always find a Squirt, Citra, Pepsi Light or Mellow Yellow. But I've never been without a Coke. No matter how far . . . no matter how remote . . . no matter what language . . . no matter what culture . . . Coca-Cola is there!
The marketing and advertising group at the Coca-Cola headquarters have really done their job, haven't they? They've made Coca-Cola the most popular and well- known soft drink around the world. It's even featured at the Olympics!
What if Christ were marketed the same way? Think about it: Every language, every culture, in every remote area of the world, wouldn't it be exciting if everyone could tap into Christ as easily as they can get a Coke! Well, they could . . . if they knew. Hmmm. If only God could come up with an advertising committee as good as Coca-Cola.
Guess what - God does have an advertising committee. And it's a lot more powerful than even Coke's prestigious team. His marketing crew consists of you. And me. And every single Christian around the world.
So why aren't busy advertising Jesus?
Every single day of your life, you advertise something. A sweet spirit, a rotten attitude, course language, forgiveness, kind words, affirmation. Your very lifestyle is a walking advertisement.
What . . . or whom . . . have you advertised today?
Know It!
God is counting on you to be His advertisement. Think about it: You personally know the King of Kings. Tell someone! The Creator of the universe calls you by name. Talk about Him!
Read It!
1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 1:6-8.
Pray It!
Lord, sometimes I'm afraid to talk about You. Please fill me with Your boldness. Help me to remember that You'll give me the right words to say at the right time, and until then,You'll use my life to be an advertisement for You.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:37 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/9/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Joel 2:12-19
Psalm 119:33-40
Divine Change of Mind
Return to the LORD, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2:13
Actions speak louder than words.” That’s true, but actions aren’t all that loud either. Con artists and rogues often say the right words and do the right things, but in the end, they’re only using their victims. They never intend to help or to love. It’s the heart that ultimately tells the tale of who you are.
God knows the hearts of all. He knew that many in Joel’s time, no matter what their words and actions, lacked faith. Knowing the Pharisees’ hearts, Jesus called them whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27). They looked great on the outside, but their faithless hearts were dead within. So also today, it is entirely possible to say the right things and do the right things, yet have hearts far from God. Hypocrisy is never far away. Judgment is coming.
How does the Lord respond? With steadfast love. In His mercy, God still calls you to repent, and here’s the good news: He gives the repentance. It’s impossible for us to turn to the Lord. For Jesus’ sake, God turns us to Him. Don’t seek to be a Christian by controlling sinful thoughts. Confess them instead, for God graciously gives you repentance and forgiveness. He gives you salvation and new life.
Turn our hearts to You, O Lord, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:06 am
Coca-Cola . . . The Real Thing?
I should probably tell you that I really like Coca-Cola. It's my favorite soft drink. In fact, I collect Cokes from around the world - cans and bottles still full of the sugary brown liquid with Coca-Cola written across the side in a foreign language. I even have a working 1950s Coca-Cola machine in my basement so I always have plenty of “the real thing” to offer my guests. (And me.)
Some have even gone as far as to say I'm obsessed with Coca-Cola. I have Coca-Cola pencils, pens, notepads, clocks, yo-yo's, lapel pins, T-shirts, pants, jackets, skirts, bath mats, towels, socks and even dishes and silverware.
I also have a working Coca-Cola telephone, board game, framed puzzle, table and chairs, light switch plate and watch. Should I even mention the napkins, salt and pepper shakers, stickers and place mats?
OK, I admit . . . I have Coca-Cola lamps, lights and Christmas ornaments. Yep, even blankets, books, wallpaper, cups, glases and mugs that all sport the Coca-Cola logo on them. Ever seen Coca-Cola marbles, wallpaper, cameras and key chains? You would if you came to my house.
You'd also see mini-cars, a cookie jar, snow globe and even a Coca-Cola candle. And to drink your Coke? You'd have your choice of cups, glasses or mugs - all boasting the Coca-Cola logo.
I guess you could say I'm saturated with Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola stuff.
As much as I enjoy the sugary-brown soft drink, and as much as I love the variety of items that proudly displaly its logo in my home, I love Jesus Christ a whole lot more. He's definitely “the real thing!” He gave His life for me. And though He understands our enjoyment of hobbies and collections, He wants to be much more than a hobby to us.
Jesus wants us to be saturated with Him. He doesn't want to be number one in your life. He wants to be your life! You see, He knows that whatever we place in the number one spot will eventually get shoved to the number two position. God doesn't want to settle for a spot or a position. He wants to saturate you. He doesn't want to simply live in your heart; He wants to take up residence inside your head as well. He wants to rearrange your thinking, affect your actions and reactions.
He wants to possess your thinking - not to control you like a puppet - God doesn't work that way. But He wants to possess your thinking in such a way that whatever breaks His heart will begin to break your heart. He wants you to be obsessed with becoming all He calls you to be.
Know It!
You may have a great collection of “Jesus stuff.” Perhaps you have more than one Bible, some Christian posters, contemporary Christian music and several Christian books. Jesus wants to move you far beyond being a “Christian collector.” He doesn't want to be your hobby; He wants to be your life.
Read It!
Psalm 74:13-17; Psalm 77:18-20; Psalm 81:9-14.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, if I start to fall into the trap of merely “collecting” You and things that resemble You, wake me up with a strong but gentle reminder that You and You alone are the real thing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:27 am
Devotional Reading for:
2/10/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 4:1-11
Psalm 31
Perfect Resistance
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Matthew 4:7
So you think you know temptation? Think again. C. S. Lewis once observed that the one who gives in to temptation quickly doesn’t really know temptation, because it doesn’t take much to get him to sin. The more one resists temptation, the more temptation one encounters, as the devil
persists. This means that no one has known temptation more than Jesus. For forty days and nights, Satan tempted Him relentlessly. Yet Jesus resisted perfectly, countering Satan’s volleys with responses from His Holy Word.
When you give in to temptation, your old Adam gets you whining, “God doesn’t understand how terribly I was tempted.” That dog won’t hunt, because Jesus has been tempted far worse than you are—and He remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15). As His child, you have no defense for giving in to temptation.
Jesus wasn’t tempted in order to shame you. He was tempted to save you. Knowing your weakness, He resisted temptation for your sake—to give you credit for His efforts. Then, still sinless, He went to the cross to die for you. Because of His perfect life and death for you, God looks upon you as His perfect child.
Thank You, Jesus, that You resisted temptation for us, that You might be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
