Before you enter

Read > Psalm 15

Who may worship in Your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill? (v. 1).

Before many of us go to the grocery store, we make a list. Before we exercise, we follow the good practice of stretching. Before we travel, we pack according to the number of days we’ll be gone and our destination’s climate. Before a new baby is brought home, colourful mobiles and an ample supply of diapers and wipes are purchased. Almost everything we do requires some sort of preparation – even worshiping God. This is exactly the theme that David takes up in Psalm 15.

The psalm starts off with two soul-searching questions: “Who may worship in Your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill?” (v. 1). His answer to these queries begs at least four more questions that help us prepare for worship:

·         Is my character true? (v. 2). David said “those who lead blameless lives,” that is, those whose character is not marked by moral and ethical blemishes – corruption and inconsistencies – are ready to worship.

·         Are my relationships right? (v. 3). A sign that relationships are strained is the use of words that are not restrained. The person who bad-mouths another’s name and character with vicious words and malicious gossip is not prepared to worship.

·         Have I fulfilled all of my commitments? (v. 4). A person is ready to worship, privately and publicly, when he consistently keeps his word.

·         Do I earn and use money honourably? (v. 5). God commanded His people not to take advantage of the marginalized in society. They were not to charge excessively high interest or take bribes at the expense of true justice. Think about it: Am I valuing money more than people?

Before you enter into private and public worship, let the Holy Spirit examine your character. – Marvin Williams

More >

·         Psalm 24:3-6

·         Isaiah 33:14-16

Next >

How will you prepare for private and public worship this week? Which worship question do you feel you need to focus on the most? Why?

August 2011

The untouchables

Read > Genesis 3:6-13

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness (v. 7).

Yashwant Rao’s life in Karnataka, India, included some personal vices that made him feel ashamed. Then a life-changing thing happened. Yashwant received Jesus as his Saviour after a pastor in his village repeatedly and lovingly reached out to him.

Then God led this new believer to share his faith with the Dalits, or “untouchables,” the lowest of the low in the Indian caste system. In the past few years, he has seen many of these shamed people become believers in Jesus!

Shame is as old as Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). When they disobeyed God and chose to chow on what He forbade (v. 6), they “suddenly felt shame” (v. 7). The trust with their loving Creator had been broken. The trust they shared with each other had also been broken – remember whom Adam blamed when God confronted him? “It was the woman You gave me who gave me the fruit” (v. 12).

Their shame became our shame. We became “untouchables” – poisoned by the sin of the very first man and woman. But that’s not the end of the story …

Much like Yashwant Rao extending his hands of mercy to the Dalits of India, God extended His grace to us. “The sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:15).

When we choose to receive Jesus’ grace and salvation, we are set free from shame. We are free to worship Him with joy. We are able to fellowship with Him – and others – with clean hearts!

If you are a believer in Jesus and have repented of your sins, the shame of your past is gone. You have been lifted up. You are no longer “untouchable,” for you have been touched by God’s cleansing grace. – Tom Felten

More >

·         Job 40:3-4, 42:2-6

·         Psalm 34:5

·         Romans 6:21-22

Next >

What are you ashamed of? How does God view your sins and failures in the light of His grace?

The future is now (partly)

Read > Isaiah 11:1-9

In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together (v. 6).

Bafaluto, a small village of three hundred in Gambia, was barely surviving. Without access to clean water, the entire population was stuck in a cycle of abject poverty, relentless disease, and hunger – until Brian Harrold and Pamela Morgan, entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland, spent a small fortune digging an 80-meter well for them. When asked what compelled him to do it, Brian responded, “Just to not do any harm in this world [is not] good enough.”

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah saw the world’s disorder, and he portrayed a compelling vision of the world as God intends for it to be. In this new world, God will wipe clean humanity’s vast inequities, giving “justice to the poor” (Isaiah 11:4). In this new world, God will undo every impulse toward violence – so much that even “the cow will graze near the bear” (v. 7). While such a vision echoes our hearts’ true longings, it seems fanciful and unrealistic. Are these lines from Scripture theoretical sentimentalities, or do they have concrete touchstones in our world?

God does not live in the abstract – somewhere in the foggy future. He lives in the now. While the culmination of God’s good end for His creation stands in the distance, He has already begun His work toward that conclusion. Following the Eden catastrophe, God immediately put into action His rescue through Jesus – the rescue that would be obediently modelled by God’s people. First Israel, now the church.

Paul’s letters present how we, God’s tribe, are (as one writer puts it), “an anticipatory sign of God’s healing and restorative future for the world.” Even now, our love and works of justice and proclamation of the gospel reflect God’s intention for “the earth [to] be filled with people who know the Lord” (v. 9). – Winn Collier

More >

·         Ephesians 2:11-22

·         Revelation 21:1-5

Next >

Where does your world most need God? How can you join His redemptive work there?

August 2011

Bumpy roads

Read > Psalm 40:1-8

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along (v. 2).

My thoughts were miles away, when suddenly a bump in the road shook my car. As I bounced through the intersection, it occurred to me that I had missed seeing the road construction signs. And, veiled by the early morning darkness, the unevenness of the pavement had remained hidden from view. (Due to its use as a major thoroughfare, the offending street is in a perpetual state of repair.) A few days later, however, as I drove down the same road at a different location, the smoothness of the newly paved lane caused my tires to gently hum. The difference was palpable.

Isaiah 26:7 declares, “For those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and You smooth out the path ahead of them.” The way of the Lord is always right, and He is faithful to smooth the path before us. But, much like road construction, sometimes God’s timing and methods differ from our expectations. Limited by our finite vision, we struggle to understand what He’s doing when we try to speed over the places that are still in process. Sometimes the jolt causes pain. Confused and attempting to peer into the darkness, we try to regain our bearings.

In this place of uncertainty, trust becomes essential (Psalm 40:3-4). We long for God’s peace and rest – to see the end-result of what He is accomplishing. But we easily forget that dark valleys will come up along the way (Psalm 23:4). Without trust, we will experience a weak faith. Without faith, we will continue to falter in self-effort (Hebrews 11:6).

In these places we discover, as David did, that to “wait patiently” is to find deliverance (Psalm 40:1). Whether the mire comes from our choices or the choices of others, only He can save us. Steady feet on solid ground aren’t about what we see, but who the One we look to is. – Regina Franklin

More >

·         Psalm 18:30-33

·         Psalm 27:4-5

·         Micah 7:7-8

Next >

How do you respond when you experience a “bump” in the road of life? What will it mean for you to truly trust God during those times?

Breaking the cycle

Read > Psalm 13

O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever? (v. 1).

My father grew up without a dad. When he was 5 years old, his father left the family and never returned. When friends later asked my grandfather whether he was related to my dad, he refused to admit that my dad was his son – disowning and declaring him to be a distant relative.

By most accounts, I also should have grown up in a broken home with a distant dad. Scripture says that the sins of the fathers are passed along to the third and fourth generations (Exodus 20:5; Numbers 14:18; Jeremiah 32:18). It’s said that molested children grow up to be child molesters; the abused become the abusers; and children with absent parents turn into parents who are unavailable for their own kids.

But I didn’t. Jeremiah 31:29-34 proclaims a new day in which the cycle of generational sin is broken. Children need not pass on the sins of their parents, for the power of the new covenant – promised in that passage and accomplished in Jesus – enables us to buck the trend of sin in our families and to begin a new cycle of love and faithfulness.

Ezekiel 18:19-20 picks up on Jeremiah’s promise and announces that “the child will not be punished for the parent’s sins,” but “the child [who] does what is just and right and keeps my decrees, that child will surely live.” If we’re victims of bad parenting, we don’t have to perpetuate it. Each of us starts fresh before God.

Not that it’s easy. My father was deeply wounded by his absent father, and his own parenting bore the scars. At times he overcompensated, trying too hard to be the perfect father in the perfect home. But I never doubted that I was loved. My father chose to absorb my grandfather’s hate rather than pass it on. He started a new cycle, and so can you. – Mike Wittmer

More >

The love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to His covenant (Psalm 103:17-18).

Next >

How is your parenting a reflection of how you were raised? What can you do to shield your family from generational sin?

static

Read > Isaiah 59:1-15

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore (v. 2).

I love the conveniences of modern technology – especially cordless phones. These devices afford me mobility without the problem of tangled cords. But while I enjoy the freedom, I often have to cope with an irritation – the snap, crackle, and pop of static. These hindrances happen mainly when I move too far away from the phone base. The greater the distance, the more difficult it becomes to hear and understand the person I’m talking to.

Similarly, the further we move away from God – our source of life and power – the more we experience spiritual static and can’t hear His voice.

In the Bible, we find several things listed that move us away from God. The first negative agent is sin (Isaiah 59:2). Isaiah said that sins and iniquities have separated God’s people from Him and hidden His face from them – resulting in their calls not being “taken” by Him. The second distance-creating challenge is selfishness (v. 4). James said that God did not answer His peoples’ prayers because they asked with the wrong motives – so they could spend what they got on their pleasures. (See James 4:3.) The third destructive path that causes spiritual static is rebellion (Isaiah 59:13). God’s people arrogantly disobeyed His commands, and when their enemies attacked them, they cried out to God. But God refused to listen to their prayers (Deuteronomy 1:43-45).

The fourth communication-cancelling issue is injustice (Isaiah 59:9, 11, 14-15). God said that He would hide His eyes from His people because they were not pleading the cause of the oppressed, widows, and fatherless (Isaiah 1:15-17). The final static-maker addresses our personal power base: lack of faith (James 1:6-7). Let’s stay close to God, our source of power and life, by living out humility, righteousness, single-mindedness, and faith. – Marvin Williams

More >

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:27).

Next >

Which static-causing issue has moved you away from God? What will you do to close the gap between Him and you?

r-e-s-p-e-c-t

Read > 1 Peter 2:13-25

Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king (v. 17).

The top reason people leave their jobs, according to Steve Miranda of the Society for Human Resource Management, is due to bosses that belittle their employees or exhibit various forms of disrespectful behaviour. “Bad bosses are energy vampires,” Miranda says.

How should you respond when you’re under the authority of a boss or someone else you struggle to respect? Motivational speaker and Olympic swimming gold-medalist Josh Davis believes, “There is never any reason to be rude or abrasive to another human being.” Davis says, “I apply a biblical principle to help me: ‘Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people’” (Philippians 2:14-15).

Scripture says respect should be given to …

·         Governing authorities: “For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority – whether the king as head of state, or the officials He has appointed” (1 Peter 2:13-14).

·         Everyone: “Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters” (1 Peter 2:17).

·         Managers: “You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you – not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel” (1 Peter 2:18).

·         Christian leaders: “Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other” (1 Thes. 5:12-13).

·         Seekers: “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Today, consider how God would have you demonstrate greater respect to others. – Roxanne Robbins

More >

Obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ (Ephesians 6:5).

Next >

In what three ways can you model respect for the primary authority figures in your life? How do you show respect to God?

Old faithful

Read > Joshua 14:1-14

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful (2 Timothy 4:7).

Billy Graham preached in person to more people in the 20^th century than any other evangelist. He proclaimed the good news to an estimated 100 million during his crusades, with nearly 3 million coming to faith in Jesus. In an interview with NBC in June 2005, he was asked how he would want to be remembered. The then 86-year-old Graham said, “I hope they’ll say that he was faithful.”

Caleb was also an octogenarian who desired to serve God faithfully. In Joshua 14, he recalled how 45 years earlier, as a spy for Israel, he had given an “honest report” for Israel to take the land of Canaan (v. 7). But due to the unbelief of the nation at that time, they didn’t follow his advice and everyone 20 years and older died in the desert – except Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 32:11-12). Now, as an old man, Caleb acknowledged that God had kept him alive all those years in the desert so that he could enjoy God’s promised home in Canaan (Numbers 14:24).

God is faithful. So was Caleb. Three times Scripture declares that Caleb “wholeheartedly followed the Lord, the God of Israel” (Joshua 14:8, 9, 14). In other passages, Caleb is consistently described as one who had followed God completely (Numbers 14:24, 32:12; Deut. 1:36).

None of us knows how long we’ll live. Some of us might make it to 85 years, or older. But the issue is not the length but the depth of our faithfulness to God.

Will you, when you are advanced in years, be able to say, “For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God”? (Joshua 14:8). The following words from God are telling: “Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to Me” (Numbers 14:24). Let’s pursue that kind of faithful life (Matthew 25:21). – K. T. Sim

More >

·         Matthew 25:14-30

·         Acts 20:24

·         1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Next >

What’s the difference between success and faithfulness? How can you live a more faithful life in Jesus?

It’s all about the heart

Read > 1 Samuel 16:1-7

Don’t judge by his appearance or height. … The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (v. 7).

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure performed on people suffering cardiac arrest. When I first learned CPR 25 years ago the focus was on both chest compressions and rescue breathing. “Pump and blow” is what we dubbed it.

Today, the focus is primarily on the heart. When you approach someone who has collapsed in cardiac distress, new research suggests that you should focus on chest compressions. Supposedly, there is a sufficient amount of oxygen in the blood to keep vital organs working for a time. What the body lacks more immediately is a pumping heart to circulate the blood.

When you think about it, all of life comes down to the condition of one’s heart. Over and over again the Bible stresses that a spiritually healthy heart is vital. Throughout its pages we are told to search for, serve, and love God and others with all our heart (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 18:35). It tells us to hide God’s Word in our heart so we won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). It warns us that a “deluded heart” is what misleads us into worshiping false gods (Isaiah 44:20 NIV). And it urges us to “guard” our heart “above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23).

While people focus on outward appearance, God “looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). He knows that the real story of our lives springs from what is inside of us. It’s not so much what we see on the surface. It’s what we can’t see below the surface that is the most important part.

Don’t get caught up in focusing on the externals of life. Don’t stop there. Look inside where it counts the most.

What’s the condition of your heart today? – Jeff Olson

More >

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life (Psalm 139:23-24).

Next >

What are some external things you tend to focus on too much? How can you pursue a spiritually healthier heart today?

Hey, that’s mine

Read > 1 Kings 1:5-10

Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” (v. 6).

My son was playing with some toys at a local library when a little girl came over and grabbed a truck out of his toddler grip. He looked at her loot as if to say, “Hey, that’s mine!” I scanned the room for the person in charge of this little marauder, but found no one standing by to rein her in.

As parents, we have the responsibility to “direct [our] children onto the right path” (Proverbs 22:6). It is our loving discipline that helps them own up to their monkey business and sets the direction for the rest of their lives.

David probably wished he’d done a better job of keeping his kids in line. As he was dying, his son Adonijah declared, “I will make myself king” (1 Kings 1:5), instead of waiting for his father to name the next ruler. Adonijah lacked respect for his father because “King David had never disciplined him at any time” (v. 6). Correcting our children teaches them to respect others – including us as parents.

Disciplining our little ones also helps them to calculate the consequences of their actions. Sometimes we can provide meaningful guidance just by questioning their behaviour. Sadly, David never even asked Adonijah, “Why are you doing that?” (v. 6).

Adonijah continued to go after Israel’s throne until finally, his brother Solomon – the rightful king – had him killed. Maybe that’s why we’re warned, “Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives” (Proverbs 19:18).

As parents, we want our kids to live meaningful, God-honouring lives. But let’s face it, “a youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness” (Proverbs 22:15). That’s why we need to help them own up to their mischief by correction and discipline – so that they’re ready to admit, “Hey, that’s mine.” – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

More >

·         Proverbs 13:24

·         Proverbs 29:15, 17

·         Hebrews 12:10-11

Next >

Why does God want us to discipline our children? How can you better discipline your children? Be more consistent? More loving? More age-appropriate?

Healing the wounds

Read > Luke 22:39-53

One of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him (vv. 49-51).

Jesus prays on the mountain, His anguish heightened as His death draws near. The disciples, having fallen asleep, are startled as Judas and his angry crowd charge toward their friend. Judas plants his ghastly kiss on Jesus’ cheek, the guards step forward, and fear ripples through the disciples’ chests.

I wonder what I might’ve done if I were in the disciples’ predicament that evening? “If you don’t have a sword,” Jesus had said, “sell your cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36). Would I also have missed the metaphor and taken Him literally? If I were bleary-eyed and startled by the horde, would my hand have reached for the sword hilt? If I were Peter, would I also have lunged at the High Priest’s servant, slashing in defence? (v. 50, 18:10).

Peter’s sword strikes Malchus, and in an instant a follower of the Prince of Peace becomes guilty of attempted manslaughter. “No more of this,” Jesus commands. He kneels down to Malchus and miraculously heals his severed ear (v. 51). And in an instant the Prince of Peace heals a wound inflicted by His follower.

Many are the wounds of Jesus’ followers today. Hypocritical evangelists, judgmental believers, and zealots who misinterpret the Word of God all leave their scars in the Good Shepherd’s name. Maybe you’ve suffered personally. Your faith, once vibrant, is now dulled; your heart, once joyful, is now jaded. You wonder what kind of God would have these kinds of followers.

Jesus cries, “No more.”

His followers may fail to live like Him, but Jesus is always consistent. Look again at His face. Watch Him walk toward you, watch Him kneel before you, and feel Him touch your deepest wound. He can heal you of the damage done by His defenders – if you will simply welcome His touch. – Sheridan Voysey

More >

For you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture (Malachi 4:2).

Next >

How have you harboured bitterness toward those who’ve done damage to you? What healing could Jesus bring to your heart?

What you ain’t got

Read > John 14:23-29

The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give (v. 27).

Harrison Ford’s career embodies success. His movies have earned more than $6 billion (US). But in a recent interview, Ford made this profound, albeit ungrammatical comment: “You only want what you ain’t got.” The interviewer asked him what it was he wanted. Ford gave a one-word reply: “Peace.”

How do you define success? Perhaps an elusive goal beckons just around the corner. If only I had “that,” you think, everything would be all right. But the truth is, that’s a lie. There is no thing out there that makes everything better.

On the night before He was crucified, Jesus gave His disciples the path to real peace. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled,” He said. “Trust in God, and trust also in Me” (John 14:1).

Jesus based this peace on several things. He was preparing a permanent place for them (vv. 2-4), and He would not leave them without an Advocate, the Holy Spirit (vv. 16-17). He promised them eternal life with Him. “I will not abandon you as orphans – I will come to you,” He said. “Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you” (vv. 18-20). Although the disciples did not fully comprehend His words, they would recall them in the future and find the peace they would need to carry out Jesus’ commands.

“I am leaving you with a gift,” Jesus concluded, “peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (v. 27).

The one thing we all want is one thing we cannot arrive at without divine intervention. There is no peace without the peace that Jesus gives. – Tim Gustafson

More >

·         Psalm 37:11, 37-40

·         Psalm 119:161-165

·         Philippians 4:6-7

Next >

List your top three goals. What kind of success would they bring if you reached them? How will they help you find peace?

Now and then

Read > Titus 2:1-15

Encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind (vv. 6-7).

You have to love the creative ways people show God’s love to others. Recently, I was impressed as I learned about a friend’s compassionate ministry to college students. The teens and 20-somethings come over to her home for meals, for guidance, and to learn from her godly example. With their homes being far away, they now have a “home” and “mother” nearby.

When I complimented my friend for serving the students, she explained that her efforts were all about now and then. She’s loving and encouraging these kids now the way she hopes some other believers in Jesus will love her own kids then – when they’re attending college.

Paul “took in” a young protege, Titus, and showed him the “ropes” of loving and guiding others. He emphasized that this young leader on the Island of Crete must “be an example to [other believers] by doing good works of every kind” (Titus 2:7).

The apostle’s aim was for Titus to teach and disciple more and more believers in Jesus of all ages (vv. 2-4, 6) and to do the works of a mature believer so that they in turn would “do them” (v. 15). This “multiplication” plan was originally put in motion by Jesus Himself when He established the Great Commission of the church (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). As the concentric circles of believers in Christ continue to expand, more and more people become believers and start making their own waves – teaching others and doing the things that flow from authentic faith (Titus 2:11).

What waves have you been making? Who are you encouraging to dive deeper into spiritual truth? As we love and lead others to Jesus and teach them His ways, we’re doing what my student-loving friend is up to – building into young believers now, so they can disciple young believers then. – Tom Felten

More >

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth (3 John 1:4).

Next >

How exciting would it be to have someone you’ve disciple your child one day? What will you do today to love and disciple others for Jesus?

Time to obey

Read > Exodus 16:1-29

The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey My commands and instructions?” (v. 28).

My wife, Miska, and I like to talk things out with our boys (ages 6 and 4). Often, we ask them what they’re feeling or if they understand instructions we are giving them. Even when they evidence a bad attitude, we will talk them through the moment. Not always, however. Sometimes, the time for talk has passed; the time to “zip the lips and obey” has arrived.

God must feel similar emotions as He deals with us. During the Exodus, the Israelites began to complain and whine for more food. God replied with an improbable response, saying He would drop manna (a sweet waferlike food) and quail from the sky. God intended to use this miraculous feeding to teach Israel to trust in His power and in His generous intention to provide for their every need. To that end, He gave clear instructions for the people to gather only enough food each daybreak for that day’s need and no more. Unfortunately, “some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning” (Exodus 16:20).

Next, God instructed the people to gather double the normal day’s amount at the end of the week, allowing the people to rest on the Sabbath. But, once again, “some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day” to scrounge around for food that – they would discover – wasn’t there (v. 27).

God’s reply evidenced His frustration. When will My people simply obey? (v. 28). God is always open to our questions. He is long-suffering and merciful and kind and knows full well our human imperfections. But there comes a time when our questions merely become a way of hiding from the risk and danger of disobedience. There comes a time when we need to silence the excuses or the fears and simply obey – the time is now. – Winn Collier

More >

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you (Matthew 28:20).

Next >

In what way do you need to obey God today? How will your obedience affect your relationship with Him?

Love & hell

Love & hell
Read > Matthew 25:41-46
They will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life (v. 46).
On an American ship, navy personnel crowded around their chaplain and asked him, “Do you believe in hell?” He replied, “I do not.” The crew members quietly took in his response and fired this shot across the bow: “Well then, will you please resign? If there’s no hell, we don’t need you … and if there’s a hell, we don’t want you to lead us astray!”
There are many believers in Jesus who are ashamed of the biblical doctrine of hell – viewing it as a blemish to be covered up by the cosmetic of divine love. This is way wrong, for Jesus taught more about hell than any other person in the Bible.
So what did Jesus have to say about hell? Jesus said that hell is a place of eternal, conscious punishment and separation from God (Matthew 8:12, 25:46; Mark 9:43). He taught that hell is a place of suffering and darkness, emphasizing isolation from God and others. Hell is a place that was prepared for Satan and his angels (demons) and for human beings who also reject God (Matthew 25:41). When Satan and his crew fell from heaven, God prepared a place of punishment for them. If a person turns away from what God has provided in Jesus, he or she is actively rebelling against God’s perfect design. Finally, Jesus said that hell is for those who reject His Father and Himself (John 3:18; 1 John 5:11-12).
We need to grasp the reality that everyone – as eternal beings – will spend eternity in one of two places. Decision on this side of life will eternally influence the other. Each of us who follows Jesus plays a vital role in communicating the eternal life that He provides to all who believe in Him.
Share the truth of hell with the people you know. It’s the loving thing to do. – Marvin Williams
More >
 Matthew 10:28
 Luke 16:19-31
 2 Peter 2:4
Next >
Who is my sphere of influence needs to hear about the wrath and grace of God? What role am I playing in helping them believe?

Life's cliffsnotes

Life’s cliffsnotes
Read > Genesis 50:14-22
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people (v. 20).
When I taught high school English, my students’ use of CliffsNotes was an ever-present reality. I encouraged them to use these study guides along with reading the novel or play. While it’s true that the literary interpretations found in the guides could help them understand difficult passages, nothing could replace a firsthand reading of the complete works. To read the CliffsNotes in lieu of reading a novel would be like reading a recipe for apple pie instead of tasting the real thing. Shortcuts leave us shortchanged.
The same is true in our spiritual walk. Trials are our classrooms for character development. When pressed by the Potter’s hand, however, we’re tempted to claim that life is unfair or to look for a way out (Jeremiah 18:6).
Well-acquainted with the pain of others’ choices, Joseph knew hard times. The most important lessons he learned, though, came from what he believed about God’s heart (Genesis 50:20). The question is not whether difficult times will come but what our response will be when they do.
Jesus said that rain falls on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). So the challenge is to seek the goodness of His hand in the midst of whatever trials we encounter. Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 emphasis added). In order for things to work together for our good …
 We must love God, demonstrating it by our obedience (John 14:23).
 We must want to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives (Romans 8:28) – to become like His Son (v. 29) for His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
As we do these things, like Joseph, we will know God’s goodness even during hard times. – Regina Franklin
More >
 Psalm 73
 Psalm 105:17-19
 James 1:2-4
Next >
How has pursuing a CliffsNotes version of a trial shortchanged your character development? How can you stay focused on what God is doing when you face a challenge in life?

legacy

Read > Deuteronomy 4:1-9

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord (Psalm 78:4).

Most parents want a better life for their children. Often, those who are financially able will leave their children a sizable inheritance – hoping that an extra cushion of cash will help them handle the needs, dangers, and uncertainties of life. This is a noble act, for Proverbs 13:22 declares, “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren.”

But it’s not the best we can do. God commands us to leave a legacy that money can’t buy. When He delivered the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt, He warned them to “be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

The Israelites were to hand down their covenant with God to their children by speaking about Him often: “Talk about [God’s commands] when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). If they were successful in leading their children to love God, then their descendants would “flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors” (11:21). If they failed and their children turned to idols, then they would “quickly disappear from the land” and “be utterly destroyed” (4:26).

So leaving a spiritual legacy has the potential to provide material helps for the next generation. The meek really will inherit the earth. While in the short run there are no guarantees, those who have been raised to love God and others are more apt to handle with care – and prayer – any financial windfall that comes their way. Most important, “their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need.” He will enable them to “experience true life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). – Mike Wittmer

More >

·         Deuteronomy 6:4-9

·         Psalm 71:18

·         Psalm 145:4

Next >

Write down the spiritual riches, or values, that you inherited from your parents. How are you passing these values on to the next generation?

A message to thieves

Read > Ephesians 4:17-32

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need (v. 28).

The entire act was caught on surveillance tape: While three friends and I dined at an outdoor cafe in East Africa, a man wearing a black jacket entered and sat down at a table located at the opposite side of the restaurant. My friends and I didn’t notice him, not even when he swiftly moved to the table next to ours. The man took advantage of our lack of awareness and – as we prayed over our meal with eyes closed – took my handbag off the back of my chair, slipped it under his jacket, and bolted.

It’s likely the thief experienced added elation over his successful scheme when he discovered that the handbag contained money, an expensive camera, and more treasures. I imagine he felt no remorse, much like the Israelites as described in Jeremiah 2:26. “Israel is like a thief who feels shame only when he gets caught.”

Scripture contains a strong word of advice for my handbag-snatcher and culprits like him. “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28). This message applies to all of us non-handbag-snatchers as well, for it’s likely that on more than one occasion we’ve taken something that belongs to someone else. For example, have you ever taken credit for a colleague’s work or idea? Or perhaps you’ve temporarily stolen someone’s happiness by saying something hurtful or untrue to him or her.

I confess that too many times I’ve done such things. And the rewards of taking, I’ve found, never measure up to the joy of working hard and giving as one who is God’s own (v. 30). When we give, He says we store up treasures for ourselves in heaven. The treasures of those “handbags” never get old or develop holes – or get stolen (Luke 12:33). – Roxanne Robbins

More >

Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the centre of your life (Psalm 62:10).

Next >

What are some ways you have stolen from God or others this week? What will it take for you to repent and change your ways?

Our corner of the world

Read > Galatians 6:7-10

Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith (v. 10).

An episode of the TV show M*A*S*H tells the story of a helicopter pilot who operated a side business selling scrap metal on the black market. He paid Korean children next to nothing to collect the metal from battlefields that were littered with land mines. In doing so, many of the children were injured and maimed.

An army surgeon, who treated some of the injured children, learned of the business and was outraged. He grounded the pilot indefinitely for undetermined medical reasons. Frustrated, the greedy pilot asked the surgeon if he was trying to save the world, to which the surgeon smiled and said, “No, just my little corner of it.”

What a great way to look at helping the people around you who are in need. It reminds me of one of Paul’s challenges to the church in Galatia – “whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10).

While we may not be able to end the practice of abortion in our corner of the world, we can reach out to a scared and confused, young, pregnant girl who has chosen life for her baby. Likewise, we can’t solve world hunger, but donating to a local food pantry or bringing a meal to a neighbour who is going through a rough time are a couple of ways we can shine the light and love of Jesus in our own corner of the world (Matthew 5:16).

We should never underestimate the huge impact our small efforts can have on the lives of others. Showing concern to a person during a time of physical or emotional need can eventually open the door to sharing how Jesus can meet an even greater spiritual need.

As John Maxwell said, “People don’t care how much you know – until they know how much you care.” – Jeff Olson

More >

The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

Next >

What are some humanitarian needs that God is calling you to meet in your corner of the world? How can you help a hurting person today?

Whatever it takes

Read > Genesis 39:6-12

Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house (v. 12).

A province in Indonesia has asked a few of its residents to add a certain fashion accessory to their wardrobe – a padlock. Let me explain. To curb the prostitution that sometimes occurs in massage parlours, masseuses in East Java were prompted to wear a lock on the waistband of their pants.

While this idea seems a bit medieval, it certainly sends the message that immorality is not an option. As Christians, we need to mirror that message in our lives for “God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives” (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

Joseph was committed to living a pure life, despite the sexual advances of his boss’s wife. At first, the hardworking hunk tried to fend her off with this reality check: “Look … my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing?” (Genesis 39:8-9).

Although Joseph emphatically refused to commit adultery, Mrs Potiphar had a one-track mind. So Joseph wisely “kept out of her way as much as possible” (v. 10). Like Joseph, we need to avoid situations where seduction threatens our virtue.

When temptation calls, we’ve got to “run from sexual sin” (1 Corinthians 6:18). That’s what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife pounced on him in private. Joseph “tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house” (v. 12).

Joseph gave up his reputation, his job, and his status in order to honour God by abstaining from sexual sin. We need to prize purity the way he did, leaving behind unhealthy dating relationships, certain Internet sites, and even entire lifestyles – anything that’s causing us to lead impure lives. As Christians, we should be willing to do whatever it takes. – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

More >

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Next >

What are you doing to remain pure? What are the benefits of sexual purity?

Hard heart?

Read > Exodus 7:1-13

Pharaoh’s heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the Lord had predicted (v. 13).

The heart is an amazing organ. It continuously pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout our bodies to sustain life. This fist-size powerhouse beats 100,000 times per day and moves more than 7,500 litres of blood per day. The spiritual heart is an amazing piece of work as well. It can be soft to the touch of God, and it can also be rock-hard to His voice.

The Bible gives at least four symptoms of a hard heart:

·         When a person strongly counters an action that God desires. God desired freedom for His people, but Pharaoh kept them in bondage in Egypt. No less than 10 times does the Bible say that Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let God’s people go (Exodus 7:13, 22, 8:19).

·         When a person has a critical attitude toward God and His work. In Exodus 17:1-7, God’s people complained to, and argued against, God and His leadership. They did not trust that the God who freed them was the same God who would feed them.

·         When people are uncaring toward other people (Deut. 15:7-8). James (2:15-16) and John (1 John 3:17) reminded their audiences that real faith looks outward to see and meet the practical needs of others.

·         When there is a lack of understanding of God’s work in the world. Instead of the religious leaders rejoicing over God’s work through Jesus when He healed the man with the deformed hand, they criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6).

If you know someone with a hard heart, pray that God will come in and replace that person’s misguided ways with His grace. Pray also that God will continue to soften your own heart. He can take a hard heart and make it warm and open to His life-bringing wisdom. – Marvin Williams

More >

·         Psalm 51:7

·         Ezekiel 11:19

Next >

What symptom of a hard heart are you experiencing right now? What do you need to do to allow God to soften your heart?

Made by faith

Read > Galatians 3:1-6

For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of His death on the cross (v. 1).

What happens when you take 13 non-Christians and get them to live by the Bible’s instruction for 3 weeks? The UK reality TV series Make Me a Christian attempted to answer that question last year.

The contestants included an atheist biker and a lesbian schoolteacher. They were mentored by four clergy – an Anglican, a Catholic, an Evangelical, and a Pentecostal. Though this is a bizarre idea for presenting Jesus to unbelievers, some of the contestants stated that they were going to “pursue Christianity further.” The apostle Paul had some hard words for the Galatians when they were trying to “make themselves Christians” by works (Galatians 3). He asked four clarifying questions:

1.       Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the Law of Moses? (3:2). The answer was no – for the indwelling of the Spirit had come by belief, by faith.

2.       Why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? (v. 3). The Galatians were foolishly following the instruction of the Judaizers who were telling them that they could move toward spiritual maturity by works and externals, not by grace and the inner working of the Holy Spirit.

3.       Have you experienced so much for nothing? (v. 4). Paul’s people had been persecuted for their grace-based faith. If they had returned to following Mosaic Law – denying grace – then they would have suffered for nothing.

4.       Does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? (v. 5). His answer, “Of course not!” The miracles were not of the Law, but were all about the hearing that leads to faith.

You and I can lose sight of the basis of our own salvation at times – thinking that it’s based on doing the right things. The reality? Our faith flows from God’s amazing grace. Only God can make a Christian. – Tom Felten

More >

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

Next >

Why is seeing salvation as a gift of God’s grace so important? Where does doing good works fit in to the living-out of our faith in Jesus?