August 11, 2013

Sunday: August 11, 2013

READ: Number 3-4

THINK: “Every one to his service and to his burden.” – Number 4:19

Is this what the Apostle referred to when he said that every man should bear his own burden? There are burdens which we cannot share or depute, to bear which we need special grace, and must continually seek the aid of the Divine Spirit.

The burden of our own existence. — Each of us must give an account of himself to God. We were created for a specific purpose; and our failure to fulfil it cannot be settled on another. God will require each man’s soul of himself. “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” You have a charge to keep, a soul to save, and a God to glorify.

The burden of our life-work.— What makest thou in the world? The Maker of all waits for thee to enter his great workshop and become his apprentice and co-worker. To be an idler, or an absentee, will land thee in inevitable disgrace. The appointed place cannot be left vacant, and thy tools untouched, save at thy grave peril.

The burden of the souls of others. — We are our brothers’ keepers, liable at any moment to be called upon to give an account of how they fare; and we cannot rid ourselves of this responsibility by annual donations or subscriptions to charitable or missionary institutions.

The burden of daily intercession.— Jesus bears the burdens of his people as He intercedes for them in heaven; and there is a sense in which we are called to bear up his hands in this holy service. We must consider the work of daily prayer for his Church, for sufferers, and for the world, as part of the burden of the Lord, allotted to us because we are members of his body.

By: F.B. Meyer

PRAY: Pray that God would give you the grace that you need to bear the burdens of your life well so that you can live the life you were created for and make a Kingdom impact.

Posted by on August 11, 2013 in Law.

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August 10, 2013

Saturday, August 10, 2013

READ: Psalm 91 and 92

THINK: I have never seen “The Biggest Loser,” but, for better or worse, I have known the show’s fitness guru, Jillian Michaels, for a little over a year. I first “met” Jillian last summer when my daughter, Kelsey was home for the summer preparing for her wedding. Probably only females will be able to make the connection between Jillian Michaels and preparing for a wedding. Anyway, together we would force ourselves downstairs to pick up some weights, turn on the screen for “No More Trouble Zones” and listen to Jillian prompt and prod us through a “no joke” (her words ) workout. It didn’t take long to memorize her mantra: “I’m gonna make BIG promises to you!”

Jillian was quick to explain that in order to benefit from her promises we had to be willing! Willing to give our best, willing to keep on going, willing to sweat and pant and hurt! It wasn’t about wishing I could look like Jillian (by the way, that won’t happen!), it was about being willing!

Which brings me to the Psalms. Sometimes, and definitely in today’s readings, the Psalms seem like a huge “wish” list. I wish I could count on all these promises. I wish I wouldn’t wake up at night fearing the worst. I wish (metaphorically, of course) that I would be impervious to the thousands of arrows that daily seem to attack me. I wish…..

But incredibly, just like with Jillian, the Psalmist reminds us that it isn’t about wishing. Believing GOD is an action: willing. This is self-talk! The Psalmist makes a decision and tells himself, I WILL! YOU WILL! HE WILL! Look back over the Psalm and read it as a pep talk! When we are tempted to worry and to be afraid and to forget, go back to this Psalm! This is “no joke”! God’s promises are always true, and while we may go through some tough times, as we will ourselves to live in the light of GOD’s word, we will see that his PROMISES never fail!

Beloved, wait and see that GOD is always faithful! Lamentations 3:25 tells us, “The LORD is good to those who wait for him.” GOD will always prove himself true and we can rest in his promises!

PRAY: Use these Psalms as a prayer to our loving Father! When you come to a promise, talk to GOD about what you need, what you are struggling with, what you fear. Give this all to the GOD who loves you and who will be faithful in all that he has promised! Then be willing to commit your daily life to his care!

 

Posted by on August 10, 2013 in Uncategorized.

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August 9, 2013

Friday: August 9, 2013

READ:  2 Thessalonians 3

THINK: It’s one of life’s ironies that on Labor Day in the US and Canada, most of the workers get the day off. But that’s for good reason. What better way to reward a hard-working populace than to give the laborers a holiday!

Labor Day seems like a good time to take a closer look at what it takes to offer our employers our best.

1. No matter what our task, it’s our duty to work for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23). In this sense, no job is better than another. Each should result in honor to God.

2. The way we work can earn the respect of those who do not follow Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). A boss shouldn’t have to tell a Christian to use time well or to work hard.

3. Our work is one way to fulfill our dual purpose: to love God and others. Showing love to our co-workers is a good way to show that we love God (Matthew 22:37-40).

4. We must work to provide for those who depend on us. Harsh words of criticism are reserved for those who don’t take care of their family (1 Timothy 5:8).

Having a job can be hard work. Even for those who truly enjoy their jobs, it’s nice to have a Labor Day breather. But until the day comes when our work is over, our task is to make our labor a testimony to God’s glory. It’s not the hours you put in that count, but what you put in the hours.

By: Dave Brannon in Our Daily Bread

 

PRAY: Thank God for the gift of work and purpose and commit yourself to giving your all to your work so that he might be glorified.

Posted by on August 9, 2013 in Epistles.

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August 8, 2013

Thursday: August 8, 2013

READ: Acts 13

THINK: I was greatly blessed this June by the opportunity to spend some time in Haiti. It was an incredible experience, a beautiful country full of welcoming and wonderful people. But the level of the poverty there was striking. It was so deep and so disturbing that even knowing about it beforehand didn’t remotely prepare me for all that I witnessed. And one thing that jumped out to me, in particular, was the incredible percentage of people – even three years after the devastating earthquake – who were still living in temporary Samaritan’s Purse shelters.

The Samaritan’s Purse shelters dot the landscape of this country that would otherwise be a tropical paradise. Once known as “The Pearl of the Antilles” the landscape of Haiti is now dotted all over the place with thin blue tarps that read “Samaritan’s Purse” on the side. This organization, Samaritan’s Purse, has provided shelter for millions in Haiti and across the globe. And it’s an incredible thing to see in person.

But what does Samaritan’s Purse have to do with Acts 13? Well, it is an organization run by Franklin Graham, the son of the great Billy Graham. In his early 20’s, Franklin walked away from God and walked down a path of alcohol and drug use, finding himself expelled from the Christian college he was attending. Eventually his father had a very honest conversation with him saying, “I want you to know that your mother and I sense there is a struggle for the soul of your life, and you’re going to have to make a choice.” Franklin considered this, re-read the gospel of John, and realized the foolishness of his path. He recommitted his life to Christ and today he is the head of Samaritan’s Purse.

Franklin had a slow and stuttering start to his spiritual journey and ministry. But that wasn’t the end of his story. The same is true for John Mark in Acts 13. Acts 12 tells us that he grew up in a home where a great example was set for him, and he had enough giftedness and ability that Paul and Barnabas took him along on their first missionary journey. But then he quit. He walked away and failed to continue on the ministry.

But here’s the encouraging thing: even though he made some serious mistakes and stumbled along the way, that wasn’t the end for John Mark. Barnabas – whose was known as the great encourager – wants to give him another shot, but Paul doesn’t. So they split up and Paul takes Silas to Syria while Barnabas takes John Mark to visit the places they’d been on the first journey. And the willingness of Barnabas to give him another chance changed the legacy of John Mark in the Bible. Paul eventually comes to appreciate him, love him, and consider him a co-worker in the mission of the gospel. John Mark had a huge impact on the early church when he decided to dedicate his life entirely to Jesus.

What does this mean for us? A couple things. First, if you’ve had a slow start to your spiritual journey and been tempted to follow the world’s path instead of God’s then you need to know that hope is not lost. You are not worthless to God’s Kingdom. You are not unable to make a difference. You are not to broken to be used. John Mark abandoned Paul in the middle of a missionary journey when he was needed. Franklin Graham had a problem with substance abuse. God used both to radically change the world. No matter what you’ve done, you have the potential by God’s grace to be a world-changer! And second, we all have the opportunity to be like Barnabas. We have the chance to be an encourager to those who have struggled and failed and invite them into opportunities to change their lives around and make a Kingdom difference.

ASK: Have I ever believed that I’m too far gone or too messed up to make a difference? Have I ever written someone off because they’ve failed in the past.

PRAY: Thank God for redeeming you and giving you purpose and meaning in life. Confess the times when you’ve felt too broken to make a difference and ask God to show you how he wants to use you to make a difference in your world. Ask God for the eyes to see those who need to be encouraged and invited in to significant Kingdom roles.

Posted by on August 8, 2013 in Gospels.

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August 7, 2013

Wednesday: August 6, 2013

READ: 1 Chronicles 25-27

THINK: That. Was. Riveting. Was it not? Oh, it wasn’t. But the truth is that this passage has something really cool to tell us about the way that God designs, gifts, and calls his people to work well together and bless one another. There was a huge variety in the gifts and the various offices. The musicians would likely have made terrible gatekeepers and guards. Maybe a few of them would have been okay at it, but musicians aren’t traditionally the toughest of guys. And the gatekeepers might not have been the best treasurers. I mean, bouncers don’t tend to be accountants in their day jobs. But God called out certain individuals to do certain jobs. Why? For the good of the whole nation.

This section of the Bible reminds us of Paul’s words about spiritual gifts and their place in the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” This is how God works. And it’s amazing because it gives us an incredible purpose in life. Paul goes on to say in verse 7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good,” and in Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:10 that “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 

God gives spiritual gifts so that we can help each other. So that we can love each other. So that we can serve each other. So that we can meet people’s needs in a transformative way that allows them to experience the living Christ. Spiritual gifts are about we not about me. They aren’t given to make us proud or for our personal edification, they are given so that we can self-sacrificially serve one another in the church. What an incredible extension of God’s grace to us! God gives us grace through these gifts and transforms our hearts and lives both as we use the ones he’s given us and as we receive and see our needs met by those around us.

So my challenge to you today and this week is to open your eyes to the needs around you. See a need. See where and how God is tugging at your heart to meet it. And then take a step of faith. Commit to God that you will use the gifts that he has given you to meet the needs that he has placed before you. That’s not always easy. It certainly isn’t simple. It requires self-sacrifice. But it is what Christianity, what the church, what life together is all about. It is how God designed us.

I think if you don’t do it, if you don’t use your gifts and follow your unique calling that you miss out on something really great, and that we all miss out on something really great. We cannot be a fully functioning body without every part. But if you do, if we all do, if we are willing to step out in faith, to be self-sacrificial, to trust that God has not only called us, but that he also equips us and provides us with ministries in which to use our gifts and that he – not us – is responsible for the results, if we are willing to boldly trust that and to surrender ourselves and our gifts to him – then we will be a church functioning precisely as God designed the church to function. We will absolutely make an impact and influence our world as they see Jesus Christ in and through us.

PRAY: Ask God to help you discern your spiritual gifts and to show you the needs around you that he is calling you to meet. Then make a commitment to use those gifts and serve.

Posted by on August 7, 2013 in History.

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August 6, 2013

Tuesday: August 6, 2013

READ: Numbers 1-2

THINK: The camp of Dan brought up the rear when the armies of Israel were on the march. The Danites occupied the hindmost place, but what mattered the position, since they were as truly part of the host as were the foremost tribes; they followed the same fiery cloudy pillar, they ate of the same manna, drank of the same spiritual rock, and journeyed to the same inheritance. Come, my heart, cheer up, though last and least; it is thy privilege to be in the army, and to fare as they fare who lead the van. Some one must be hindmost in honour and esteem, some one must do menial work for Jesus, and why should not I? In a poor village, among an ignorant peasantry; or in a back street, among degraded sinners, I will work on, and “go hindmost with my standard.”

The Danites occupied a very useful place. Stragglers have to be picked up upon the march, and lost property has to be gathered from the field. Fiery spirits may dash forward over untrodden paths to learn fresh truth, and win more souls to Jesus; but some of a more conservative spirit may be well engaged in reminding the church of her ancient faith, and restoring her fainting sons. Every position has its duties, and the slowly moving children of God will find their peculiar state one in which they may be eminently a blessing to the whole host.

The rear guard is a place of danger. There are foes behind us as well as before us. Attacks may come from any quarter. We read that Amalek fell upon Israel, and slew some of the hindmost of them. The experienced Christian will find much work for his weapons in aiding those poor doubting, desponding, wavering, souls, who are hindmost in faith, knowledge, and joy. These must not be left unaided, and therefore be it the business of well-taught saints to bear their standards among the hindmost. My soul, do thou tenderly watch to help the hindmost this day.

By: Charles Spurgeon

PRAY: Ask God to give you eyes to see the poor, doubting, desponding, and wavering souls who are in need of your attention today. Ask him to open doors for you to serve, and to give you the boldness to stand in the rear guard.

Posted by on August 6, 2013 in Uncategorized.

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August 5, 2013

Monday: August 5, 2013

READ: Jeremiah 9-11

THINK: So, though it hasn’t really paid off for me since I was a couple years old, I am a huge fan of the Chicago Bears. And because I am a huge fan, I know a lot about a number of NFL players. I know their height and weight and where they went to college and how many touchdowns they’ve scored and a bunch of other fairly trivial information about them. But I actually know one NFL player. Billy Cundiff, a kicker and a veteran of 10 NFL seasons was my fraternity brother in college. I know his height, weight, alma mater, and field goal percentage, but I know more than that. Knowing about someone and knowing someone are two entirely different things.

The question for today is this: Do you actually know God personally, or do you just know about God? It makes a massive difference. It’s one thing to know that God is present everywhere. And it’s fairly amazing. But it’s another thing to be aware of his presence with you bringing you hope and comfort in desperate times. It’s one thing to know that God is all-powerful. And it’s astounding. But it’s another thing to understand that he is fighting for you and working all things out for your eternal good in the midst of this broken world.

Do you know him or do you know about him?

In Jeremiah 9:23-24 God says, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.”

There are so many things in the world – in the midst of our pride and selfishness – that we’re tempted to be proud of and boast about. Many Christians even fall into the temptation of being filled with pride about their level of knowledge about God. But our greatest pursuit in this life – the one thing in which we ought to boast – is knowing God and what he has done for us.

Take some time and get to know him. It isn’t easy or fast – any more than getting to know another human being is. It means spending time, making him a priority, reading his word, conversing with him in prayer, and meeting with other believers to grow in community, among other things. I want to encourage you: it’s worth it!

PRAY: Confess the times when you’ve boasted about something other knowing God. Confess the times you’ve settled for knowing about God rather than pursuing knowing him personally. Commit today to make knowing God your first priority in life.

Posted by on August 5, 2013 in Prophecy.

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August 4, 2013

Sunday: August 4, 2013

READ:  2 Thessalonians 2

THINK: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us everlasting consolation and good hope…” – 2 Thessalonians 2:16

“Consolation.” There is music in the word: like David’s harp, it charms away the evil spirit of melancholy. It was a distinguished honour to Barnabas to be called “the son of consolation” (Acts 4:36); nay, it is one of the illustrious names of a greater than Barnabas, for the Lord Jesus is “the consolation of Israel.”

“Everlasting consolation”—here is the cream of all, for the eternity of comfort is the crown and glory of it. What is this “everlasting consolation”? It includes a sense of pardoned sin. A Christian man has received in his heart the witness of the Spirit  (Romans 8:16) that his iniquities are put away like a cloud, and his transgressions like a thick cloud (Isaiah 44:22). If sin be pardoned, is not that an everlasting consolation?

Next, the Lord gives His people an abiding sense of acceptance in Christ (Ephesians 1:6). The Christian knows that God looks upon him as standing in union with Jesus . Union to the risen Lord is a consolation of the most abiding order; it is, in fact, everlasting. Let sickness prostrate us, have we not seen hundreds of believers as happy in the weakness of disease as they would have been in the strength of hale and blooming health? Let death’s arrows pierce us to the heart, our comfort dies not, for have not our ears full often heard the songs of saints as they have rejoiced because the living love of God was shed abroad in their hearts in dying moments? Yes, a sense of acceptance in the Beloved is an everlasting consolation.

Moreover, the Christian has a conviction of his security. God has promised to save those who trust in Christ: the Christian does trust in Christ, and he believes that God will be as good as His word, and will save him (Hebrews 7:25). He feels that he is safe by virtue of his being bound up with the person and work of Jesus (1Peter 1:5).

By: Charles Spurgeon

PRAY: Thank God today for the “everlasting consolation” that he so graciously gives us, and cast all of your cares – whatever they may be – upon him.

Posted by on August 4, 2013 in Epistles.

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August 3, 2013

Saturday: August 3, 2013

READ: Psalm 90

THINK: By altering the gene that controls aging, scientists believe they can extend the average human lifespan to 100 by the end of this century. This would be well beyond the proverbial 70 years mentioned in Psalm 90:10. But even if people do live longer, life’s final chapter will still read, “It is soon cut off” (v.10).

Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, lived to be 120. He saw death as inevitable in a world cursed by the effects of sin. Yet he didn’t become pessimistic. He asked God to teach him to number his days so he could gain “a heart of wisdom” (v.12). He wanted to be satisfied with God’s mercy so he could rejoice and be glad (v.14). He also asked God to show His glory to the next generation (v.16). That’s how Moses faced the reality of death thousands of years ago.

Like all people since Adam and Eve, we suffer the effects of sin, and death is certain (Romans 6:23). Yet we can live with hope and joy, because God sent His Son to die for our sins. Jesus conquered death when He rose from the grave. And if we receive Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we too can experience God’s forgiveness and look forward to being with Him in heaven forever. Have you faced and settled this life-and-death issue?

You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.

By: Dennis J. DeHaan in Our Daily Bread

PRAY: If you’ve accepted God’s forgiveness and put your faith in Christ, then spend time worshipping God! If not, maybe today is your chance to invite him in and know where your future lies.

Posted by on August 3, 2013 in Psalms.

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August 2, 2013

Friday: August 2, 2013

READ: 1 Chronicles 22-23

THINK: 1 Chronicles 23:13 – “Aaron was separated, he and his sons forever, to minister unto Him.”


The threefold office of Aaron suggests our own. When we are prepared to follow Jesus, through the rent veil of His flesh, living a truly separated life, cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, we also, as chosen priests, may exercise these functions of intercession, ministry, and blessing.

Intercession: The fragrant incense stealing heavenward is a beautiful emblem of intercessory prayer. Let us pray more, not for ourselves so much as for others. This is the sign of growth in grace, when our prayers are fragrant with the names of friend and foe, and mingled with the coals of the golden altar. This is one of the best gifts; oh to exercise it more persistently!

Ministry: We have many things to engage our attention, but they may be unified and elevated by the one threading purpose of doing all for the King. Whether we eat, or drink, or whatever else we do, we may do all to His glory. Go up and down in the Temple, O priests; engage in song, or sacrifice, or whatever ministry you will but be sure that all is of Him, and through Him, and to Him forever.

Blessing: As Aaron came forth from the most Holy Place to bless the congregation that waited for him; so we should bless that little portion of the world in which our lot is cast. It is not enough to linger in soft prayer within the veil, we must come forth to bless mankind. He who is nearest God is closest man. Let our smile, our touch, our words, our life, be the greatest blessing possible to those who know us best.

May the blessed Spirit realize through each of us this threefold ideal, and separate us from sin and the world that we may be prepared for it.

By: F.B. Meyer

PRAY: Ask God to help you live out that last sentence – that you might live out the ideals of intercession, blessing, and ministry and be separated from the sin of the world.

Posted by on August 2, 2013 in History.

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