OUR TOMORROWS

READ: Luke 12:22-31

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will put on. – Luke 12:22

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 22-24

While we wouldn’t want to argue with Jesus, we may sometimes wonder if His words about worry are realistic (Luke 12:22). After all, shouldn’t we be concerned about tomorrow? Suppose we get laid off from work? Get sick? Isn’t fear that we won’t have bread and threads and shelter one of the strongest fears we have?

No words in any language can produce more anxiety than the question, “What if?” As we mutter them, we begin to imagine one bad possibility, then another, and then both bad possibilities together. We don’t think about the fact that our needs have always been met in the past and that we have enough for today. There is always that uneasy dread that tomorrow our well may run dry.

While it is certainly wise to plan for the future, the imagined thirst of tomorrow, even though our well is full today, is one thirst that is unquenchable. Jesus taught that worrying about the future is futile. We shouldn’t be traumatized by what might happen or by what might be required of us. The imaginary need of tomorrow is one need that God cannot meet.

If God has given us food and drink enough for today, why not let Him worry about our tomorrows? – Haddon Robinson

Each day we learn from yesterday

Of God’s great love and care;

And every burden we must face

He’ll surely help us bear. – D. De Haan

Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.

June 2012

CHUMS

SECOND-CHANCE CHAMPIONS

READ: Hebrews 11:17-32

By faith Abraham … offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. – Hebrews 11:17

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 19-21

The Senior PGA Tour, often called the “Second-Chance Tour,” has given many long-time teaching pros a new golfing career after age 50. Sportswriter Jack Cavanaugh says, “In no other sport does an athlete who never made it to the world-class level in his prime get a second chance in middle age to prove himself and amass riches that he could only dream about in his 20s, 30s, or 40s.”

Are you looking for a second chance? There’s a widespread idea that if you once miss “God’s best” you can never again render gold-medal service to Him. But in Hebrews 11, faith’s “hall of fame,” we read of several who failed yet came back strong for the Lord.

Abraham, often wilful and impatient in waiting for the son God had promised demonstrated amazing faith in offering up Isaac (vv. 17-19). Jacob, the schemer who stole his brother’s birth-right and blessing, became a man of faith who blessed his children and worshiped God (v. 21). Moses spent 40 years in Midian before leading God’s people out of Egypt (vv. 24-28).

Our previous mistakes do not necessarily exclude us from serving God. His best for us is that we turn away from our sin, learn from our failures, and begin anew to follow Christ. That’s the way to be a second-chance champion. – David McCasland

Our Saviour does not cast us off

Because we fail or turn aside;

He will forgive when we repent,

Then in His love we will abide. – D. De Haan

Champions of faith are people who have learned from their failures.

SPEEDING TICKET

DON’T BE SURPRISED

READ: Exodus 3:1-15

Come now, therefore, and I will send you. – Exodus 3:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 16-18

The world is undeniably in great need. Many people wonder why God doesn’t intervene in our messed-up world and put things right; why He doesn’t reach out and mend all the broken people.

But God has already intervened. He intervened through the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through these powerful events, God provided salvation, an effective cure to heal the world’s most deadly disease – sin.

The Lord still intervenes and saves broken lives today, but He does this mainly by using us! That’s the perspective God communicated to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:7-10). After describing the sufferings of the Hebrew people, He told Moses that He had come down to deliver them from Pharaoh’s tyranny. That’s exactly what Moses wanted God to do. But God said, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people … out of Egypt” (v. 10). Moses immediately balked by saying, “Who am I that I should go?” (v. 11). God promised him, “I will certainly be with you” (v. 12).

Are you praying that God will reach out and mend broken lives near you? Don’t be surprised or afraid if He sends you to be part of the answer. – Joanie Yoder

Lord, help me feel the hurt that others feel

When life inflicts some bitter pain,

And use me in some loving way to heal

The wounds that in their hearts remain. – D. De Haan

To be a channel of blessing, let Christ’s love flow through you.

FROM HERE TO HEAVEN

GOD IN THE THUNDERSTORM

READ: Psalm 97:1-6

Clouds and darkness surround Him …. His lightning lights the world; the earth sees and trembles. – Psalm 97:2, 4.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 13-15

It had been a long Michigan winter and my 3-year-old granddaughter had forgotten all about thunderstorms. So she was frightened one spring afternoon when the sky grew dark, lightning flashed, thunder began to roll, and rain came pouring down. She climbed onto her dad’s lap. He reassured her that God knows all about thunderstorms, and he used the occasion to tell her about God’s awesome power.

Psalm 97:1-6 also uses the imagery of a thunderstorm to illustrate the mighty works of the Lord. The writer paints a scene of rolling clouds, jagged forks of lightning, and rumbling thunder to describe God’s power. The thick, dark clouds that hide the sun remind me that man cannot stand the full view of God’s glory (v. 2). In the lightning I see a picture of God’s fiery wrath on His foes (vv. 3-4). In all of these forces of nature I see the glory of God (v. 6).

We’ve all witnessed the power of a thunderstorm. And sometimes we are afraid. But each storm that rolls across the sky can bring to mind great truths: God is awesome in power, He judges His foes, and His glory fills the earth.

So, when the next storm comes, join the psalmist in praising God for His wondrous power and majesty. See God in the thunderstorm. – Dave Egner

Sovereign Ruler of the skies,

Ever gracious, ever wise,

All my times are in Your hand,

All events at Your command. – Ryland

When we trust God, His power is not a danger but a comfort.

FINALLY HOME

WILLING TO BE USED

READ: Mark 3:13-19

He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach. – Mark 3:14

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 9-12

The climax of the United States Declaration of Independence is not the glowing words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” It is the list of names at the end of the document – men who were willing to stake their fortunes, their sacred honour, and their lives on a few convictions that changed the world.

Jesus changed the world with a few who were willing to die for what they believed. He began with only 12 men whom He chose to be with Him. These individuals were special because they learned from Him in person and He sent them out with the good news of the gospel. They were called apostles.

But God’s plan for ministry was not limited to the apostles; it also included a larger group the New Testament calls disciples. They were the multitude of listeners and learners, men and women who heard Jesus gladly. Some were just inquirers and followed Him for a few weeks. Others accepted His instruction and put it into practice, and they, along with the apostles, were the ones He used to change the world.

God’s method is still to use people – people who are willing to be His instruments for change in the world. Are you one of them? – Haddon Robinson

God uses us when we desire

To see a change in people’s lives;

And when we love and follow Christ,

Our love for others grows and thrives. – Sper

It doesn’t take great people to do great things – just unselfish ones.

ARE WE LISTENING?

TOMORROW’S TERRORS

READ: Hebrews 13:1-8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. – Hebrews 13:8

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 5-8

Peter Marshall, whose dynamic preaching attracted crowds of people, died suddenly on the morning of January 25, 1949, at the age of 46. In one of his sermons he had said: “When the clock strikes for me, I shall go, not one minute early, and not one minute late. Until then, there is nothing to fear. I know that the promises of God are true, for they have been fulfilled in my life time and time again. Jesus still teaches and guides and protects and heals and comforts, and still wins our complete trust and our love.”

Do you and I share that same conviction? Can we, like David, say to our Lord, “My times are in Your hand”? (Ps. 31:15). Are we confident that God holds us in His almighty hands? Can we boldly say, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:6).

True, we may have concern about the days ahead. As Scripture reminds us, we “do not know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14). But we do know that whatever happens He will always be with us (Heb. 13:5). That knowledge can lighten any burden of worry about the future.

Some anxiety about the process of dying is normal. Yet, by the grace of God and by the comfort of His Spirit, we can face tomorrow’s terrors with courage. – Vernon Grounds

I don’t know about tomorrow,

Nor what coming days will bring;

But I know my Lord is with me,

And His praise my heart will sing. – Fitzhugh

Worry can do a lot of things to you; prayer can do a lot of things for you.

CAN WE REALLY HEAR FROM GOD?

SORROW’S AFTERMATH

READ: Psalm 73:21-28

Who have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. – Psalm 73:25

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 1-4

A cynic asked a believer who had endured great physical pain for 20 years, “What do you think of your God now?” The godly sufferer replied, “I think of Him more than ever.”

Sorrow can be the means of bringing us heart-to-heart with God. When repeated strokes of adversity have robbed us of health, friends, money, and favourable circumstances, God then becomes the only thing in life for us. We come to love Him for who He is and not merely for what He has to give.

In those times we cry out with the psalmist, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You” (Ps. 73:25). The path of sorrow leads us to the place where we can say, “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (v. 26).

Then too, we must remember, on ahead lies heaven, where “God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain” (Rev. 21:4). The path of pain will have led us to the land where loss is unknown – a place where there is no grief, but only joy and the service for which we’ve been fully prepared. This is what puts our pain in perspective. This is the sweet aftermath of sorrow. – David Roper

I have been through the valley of weeping,

The valley of sorrow and pain;

But the God of all comfort was with me,

At hand to uphold and sustain. – Anon.

When we have nothing left but God, we find that God is enough.

GONE THE SUN

“FERTILIZER SURE HELPS!”

READ: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 38-42

A Sunday school teacher pointed to a large plant in the room and asked her young pupils, “Who made those beautiful flowers grow?” A boy quickly answered, “God did!” The teacher was pleased by the response, but before she had a chance to comment, another boy shouted, “But fertilizer sure helps!”

That youngster touched on a profound reality – the mingling of the human with the divine in God’s plan for growth. For example, even though the Lord created this world with its growing things, He put man in the garden to tend and cultivate it.

We find a parallel to this truth in the spiritual realm. The apostle Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). His main intent in writing these words was to emphasize that God was the one responsible for “the increase.” Even so, the Lord had worked through the faithful endeavours of men. Notice what the record states: Paul “planted,” and Apollos “watered.”

We recognize that God alone is the one who makes things grow – both in nature and in the church. But we also know that He chooses to work through people, and what we do “sure help!” God is faithful in doing His part. Are we faithful in doing ours? – Richard De Haan

The Lord gives each of us a task

He wants us to fulfil;

To love and serve Him faithfully

Accomplishes His will. – Sper

Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing.

BUILDING BRIDGES

WHY DID HE LEAVE?

READ: Acts 1:1-11

Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. – Acts 1:11

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 35-37

As a young boy, I loved the story of Jesus ascending into heaven. I visualized Him slowly rising above the earth with hands outstretched in blessing. I remember wondering why He went up visibly instead of instantly disappearing as He had done at other times after His resurrection. I also wondered where heaven is located and what Jesus is doing there now.

Why did Jesus ascend visibly? Perhaps to show that His earthly ministry was completed and that He would no longer be seen by His disciples. He had paid the price for sin (Rom. 5:8), defeated Satan (Heb. 2:14), and broken the power of death (Rev. 1:18). He had given His followers all the evidence and instruction they needed to live for Him (Acts 1:1-3).

What did He ascend to do? To give “gifts to men” (Eph. 4:8), to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33), to be our Intercessor (Rom. 8:34) and Advocate (1 John 2:1), and to take up His role as Head of the church (Eph. 1:20-23).

Where is heaven? I once thought of it as a place millions of miles away in outer space. Now I think of it as a realm near at hand but undetectable. I know Jesus is there, and someday I’ll be there too. This fills my heart with gratitude and praise. How wonderful that we have an ascended Saviour! – Herb Vander Lugt

To the Father Christ ascended,

For His work on earth had ended;

Now in heaven interceding

By His Spirit He is leading. – Sper

The work Jesus accomplished for us the Spirit now accomplishes in us.

GETTING WHAT YOU WANT

EVERYBODY NEEDS LOVE

READ: 1 John 4:7-15

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 32-34

From the cradle to the grave, we all need love. How vividly this is illustrated in the song “Jesus Loves Me” by Anna B. Warner (1824-1915). She and her sister Susan were gifted novelists. Anna also published many poems. The familiar lines of “Jesus Loves Me” were penned in 1860 as a poem of comfort spoken to a dying child in one of Susan’s stories. Today it’s sung by children and adults around the world.

When a famous theologian visited a leading US seminary, a student asked him, “What is the greatest single thought that ever crossed your mind?” Expecting a profound answer, the class waited breathlessly for his reply. He bowed his head in thought and then slowly lifted his head and said, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

But why is Jesus’ love so important? Because His love is not some sentimental, easy-going acceptance of sinners. It’s a sacrificial love that absolved us from our guilt and took the burden of our sins when He died on the cross for us (Rom. 5:8).

Jesus’ love is so important because He is God in the flesh. And only He can meet our deepest longing – our lifelong need for love. – Dennis De Haan

Jesus loves me! He who died

Heaven’s gate to open wide;

He will wash away my sin,

Let His little child come in. – Warner

The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God. – Oswald Chambers

HEART DISEASE

GOD AT WORK

READ: John 14:15-23

If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. – John 14:23

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 28-31

As I stood on the Golan Heights, with the Sea of Galilee sparkling in the distance, I listened to our Jewish guide tell about his participation in the 1967 Six-Day War. His vivid accounts of Israel’s victories over bigger, more powerful enemies reminded me of Bible stories I learned as a child.

Even though I believe that God has been moving individuals and nations down through history to accomplish His purposes, sometimes I get the idea that God stopped working in people’s lives when He finished writing the Bible. Now that He’s less visible, I conclude that He’s also less involved. But that’s not true. Even though God has finished His book, He hasn’t finished telling the story; He’s simply using a different form of media to tell it.

In Bible times, God often communicated in tangible, visible, and audible ways – tablets of stone, a pillar of fire, a still small voice, to name a few. But when Jesus came, that changed. He told His followers that God’s Spirit would live not only among them but also within them (John 14:17).

When I long for God to communicate in ways I can see, hear, and feel, I need to remember that He is doing something even better. He is living in me, so that through my life the world will be able to see, hear, and feel Him. – Julie Ackerman Link

By this shall every person know

That we serve God above:

His Spirit dwells within our hearts

And fills us with His love. – D. De Haan

God’s Spirit lives in us in order to work through us.

THE NEXT GENERATION

RUN TO WIN

READ: 1 Cor. 9:24-27

Run in such a way that you may obtain [the prize]. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 25-27

As a teenager, James Martinson had one dream – to someday be on the US Downhill Ski Team. But the army drafted him and sent him to Vietnam, where he suffered a severe injury from a land mine, resulting in the loss of both his legs. He became hateful toward people and toward God, abused alcohol and drugs, and even considered suicide.

Then James met several Christians who explained how Christ could change him. Initially he didn’t believe them, but finally he invited Christ into his life. He recalls, “I didn’t get my legs back, but I began to experience something new from the inside.”

Eager to share Christ, James started working with teenagers. “Come run with us!” they begged. He answered, “I can’t. I don’t have legs.” “You’ve got a wheelchair,” they replied. This was the start of his wheelchair racing, a challenge that eventually made him a big-time winner. People often ask, “Was it wheelchair marathoning that changed your life?” He answers with conviction, “No, it was Jesus Christ.”

Feeling like a loser? Turn in faith to Jesus Christ. Then accept the Apostle Paul’s challenge to run for the prize of an eternal trophy (1 Cor. 9:24). Jesus will not only transform your losses into gains, but He’ll transform you! – Joanie Yoder

O Lord, I now admit my sin,

And I accept Your grace;

Transform my life and help me grow

Until I see Your face. – Hess

When Jesus comes into a life, He changes everything.

SPELLING BEE

TAKE MY HAND

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:2-6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 21-24

You never know when you’ll need the Lord’s comfort the most – when God’s care will be your only hope to face tomorrow.

One day in 1932, pianist, singer, and songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey discovered his need for God’s comfort. He left his pregnant wife Nettie at home in Chicago while he drove his Model A to St. Louis to sing at a revival meeting. All went well, and the crowd responded enthusiastically. At the end of Dorsey’s performance, he received a telegram with the tragic news that his wife had died in childbirth. Within hours, the baby boy also died.

Filled with grief, Dorsey sought answers. Should he have stayed in Chicago and not gone to St. Louis? Had God done him an injustice? A few days after Nettie’s death, Dorsey sat down at the piano and began to play. Finally sensing God’s peace and closeness, he began to sing some new words and play a new song:

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, let me stand;

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light;

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

Is there a problem too big for you to handle alone? Or a grief too great to bear? Put your hand in the Lord’s. Let the “God of all comfort” lead you home. – Dave Branon

When God permits trials, He also provides comfort.

PRODUCTIVE PAIN

IT PAYS BETTER

READ: Romans 13:8-10

These things I command you, that you love one another. – John 15:17

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 18-20

What kind of lifestyle do you believe in and live? Is it one of focused selfishness, or one of lovingly seeking to meet the needs of others? (Rom. 13:8).

One popular and influential novelist of our day espouses a godless philosophy that is totally self-centred. The hero of one of her early novels says, “The word we must never be spoken …. I see the face of a god, and I raise this god over the earth,… who will grant them joy and peace and pride. This god, this one word: I.”

What are the results of living entirely for us? Such a lifestyle may bring pride, and according to the author of the quote above, pride is the sum of all the virtues. Yet ruthless self-concern doesn’t bring joy, nor does a self-centred lifestyle bring peace. One discerning reviewer made this statement about the selfish novelist: “She seems to be one of the unhappiest persons who ever lived.”

God’s Word sets forth the precise opposite of such a self-centred philosophy of life. The guiding principle for abundant living is that we love our neighbour as we love ourselves (v. 9). What do we experience when we live such a lifestyle? “Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (14:17). A life of love – it definitely pays better! – Vernon Grounds

Love is giving for the world’s needs,

Love is sharing as the Spirit leads,

Love is caring when the world cries,

Love is compassion with Christ-like eyes. – Brandt

Love is the door through which we pass from selfishness to service.

A QUESTION OF MOTIVE

THINK FIRST!

READ: Matthew 12:33-37

For every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. – Matthew 12:36

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 14-17

In 1980, Lee Atwater, a political campaign manager, inflicted terrible pain with his words. His staff learned that an opposing congressional candidate from South Carolina had once experienced severe depression and undergone electric shock therapy. When Atwater released the information to the press, it humiliated the candidate and cast doubt on his ability. In anguish, the man questioned Atwater’s campaign ethics. Atwater responded by saying that he had no intention of responding to a man “hooked up to a jumper cable.”

Ten years later, Atwater was afflicted with an incurable brain tumour. He was confined to bed, attached to machines and tubes. Before he died, he wrote the candidate a letter and asked to be forgiven. He saw how cruel and heartless his words had been.

Our words can be just as devastating. And it seems that it’s our children or family or fellow believers whom we hurt the most. As believers in Christ, we have an obligation before God to evaluate the impact of our words. Idle, angry, hateful words can inflict great harm, for which we will be held accountable (Matt. 12:36-37).

Ask God for help. Before hurtful words come pouring out of your mouth, think first – then leave them unsaid. – Dave Egner

Use words of kindness, filled with love,

That heal and nourish life

Instead of hurling angry words

That wound and stir up strife. – Sper

Think before you act; think twice before you speak.

GOD'S STRONG HANDS

HEARTS AND STARS

READ: Psalm 147:1-11

He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. – Psalm 147:4

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 11-13

Astronomers used Australia’s largest optical telescope to map 100,000 galaxies that surround our own galaxy, the Milky Way. The 3-dimensional map covers 5 percentage of the sky and allows us to see 4 billion light-years deep into space. The number of stars included defies our imagination, but not the knowledge of God.

How amazing to read, “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Ps. 147:4-5).

Even more amazing, though, is the psalmist’s affirmation that God, who is far greater than the universe He created, cares about our sorrows. Instead of being remote and aloof, He is close at hand with love and mercy for His own. “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds,” wrote the psalmist. “The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground” (vv. 3, 6).

Jesus Christ, the creator of the galaxies, visited our planet to pay the penalty for our sin and open the way to friendship and fellowship with Him. Today He stands ready to bring healing and wholeness to our deeply wounded spirits. From naming stars to mending hearts, nothing is too hard for God. – David McCasland

The Maker of the universe

Knows every need of man,

And made provision for that need

According to His plan. – Crane

In creation we see God’s hand; in redemption we see His heart.

SEIZE THE DAY

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

READ: John 10:31-42

John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true. – John 10:41

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 8-10

John the Baptist had been dead at least 2 years and the memory of his ministry had begun to fade. But as the crowds gathered around Jesus near the place where John had taught, they remembered what he had said about Jesus and remarked, “All the things that John spoke about this Man were true” (John 10:41).

Most of us live fairly unremarkable lives. We’re not miracle workers. We’re not noted for anything in particular. We’re ordinary people. But we can tell people about Jesus wherever we go. We can point to Him and say, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (1:29).

Our duty is to tell people what we have come to know about Jesus and then leave the results with God. If we do so, we will have served one of life’s essential purposes. After we’re dead and gone, our words may come to someone’s mind and bring that person to the Lamb of God. Like seed buried in the ground, God’s Word may seem to lie dormant for years and then spring up to eternal life.

So let us be faithful in pointing others to Jesus. Then, after we are gone, the epitaph on our gravestone could read, “He did no miracles, but everything he said about Jesus was true.” – David Roper

Lord, help me make my witness clear,

And labour faithfully,

So friends and neighbours turn to Christ

Through what they hear from me. – Anon.

We sow the seed – God produces the harvest.

DRAGON SKIN

WHY I AM NOT BLESSED?

READ: Haggai 2:10-19

I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labours of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me. – Haggai 2:17

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 5-7

When my friends from the United States came to visit me in Singapore, I was surprised that they walked into my home without removing their shoes. Because of our cultural differences, I thought their lack of concern about tracking in dirt was strange.

As you read Haggai 2, you may think all the talk about holy meat and dead bodies is peculiar (vv. 12-15). But the Lord wasn’t just concerned about physical cleanliness. He used those object lessons to help the people to remember what had happened to them after they returned from exile in Babylon.

The sinful attitudes of a few had spread and defiled the whole community. Instead of rebuilding the temple, they had focused on constructing their own homes (1:4). And because of their sin, they lost God’s blessing. Then the Lord, like a father who longs for a close relationship with His child, disciplined them to encourage them to return to Him (2:17).

When Haggai came along, they renewed their commitment to God. So the prophet challenged them to remain faithful, and he said the Lord would bless them abundantly (v. 19).

Are you enjoying the blessings of a close relationship with God? Or do you need to turn from sin and renew your commitment to Him? – Albert Lee

Our sinful ways can sap our joy

And isolate us from the Lord;

Confession and repentance, though,

Provide the way to be restored. – Sper

God sometimes takes us into troubled waters – not to drown us but to cleanse us.

SURPRISE ME!

CALM IN AN AGE OF RAGE

READ: Luke 23:1-12

A soft answer turns away wrath. – Proverbs 15:1

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 1-4

When our daughter Melissa was at the “learning to drive” stage, she had to listen to Mom’s and Dad’s numerous safety speeches. On one occasion, we told her, “If someone cuts you off, stay calm. Don’t make the other driver angry. You don’t know what he or she might do.”

That comment seemed so natural. But as I thought about its implications, I realized how much has changed over time. When I was learning to drive, there was never any mention of “road rage” or being “cut off.” Angry drivers weren’t a big problem.

But now angry outbursts are so much a part of our lives that we almost expect them. Hateful words are common on TV and radio shows. Students and teachers get into heated arguments. People who don’t even know each other trade insults in public places. Athletes and fans shout in irate tones at sporting events.

We live in an age of rage. But we can help solve the problem – one person at a time. When we’re on the receiving end of someone’s wrath, we can return a soft answer (Prov. 15:1). A calm, reasoned approach can stop anger in its tracks.

Christ stayed calm in the face of hateful accusations at His trial (Luke 23:1-12), and we should follow His example by staying calm in an age of rage. – Dave Branon

Help me guard my lips, O Saviour,

Keep me sweet when I am tried;

Answers soft to others giving,

Meekly swallowing my pride. – Bosch

He who conquers his anger conquers a strong enemy.

TRUE TRUST

WHAT DAD CAN DO FOR MOM

READ: Proverbs 31:10-31

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. – Proverbs 31:28

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Esther 8-10

The bumper sticker states, “My wife says I never pay attention to what she says – or something like that.” It’s funny, I admit, but the more I think about it, the more I don’t want to be that kind of a husband.

Far too many husbands have developed an attitude toward their wives of half-heartedly hearing what they say and not giving them the respect of 100-percentage attention. A husband who does this, or in any way shows disrespect, should consider how this also affects his children. After all, he’s not just speaking as a husband – he’s speaking as a father who needs to teach his children to respect their mother.

In Proverbs 31, the writer mentions that the children of the virtuous woman will “rise up and call her blessed” (v. 28). That kind of honour does not come easily. It comes to a mother who shows good character, but it also comes from children who have been taught by a trusting, loving father how important it is to show respect for Mom.

Husbands and fathers, renew your commitment to love and honour your wife by kind words, thoughtful actions, and respectful communication. Long after the flowers have died, that kind of present will continue to be appreciated. And your children will notice too. – Dave Branon

Husband; show your wife you love her;

Give her honour and respect;

Listen closely when she’s speaking;

Acts of kindness don’t neglect. – Sper

A Christ-like example is the greatest gift parents can give their children.

REFRAMING THE PICTURE

WHAT IS TRUTH?

READ: John 18:28-38

Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” – John 18:38

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Esther 4-7

It was the closest Pilate would come to life’s greatest discovery. Jesus had just told him that He had come into the world to bear witness to the truth. This prompted Pilate to ask, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). The shrewd Roman politician had asked the right question of the right Person, and his answer was standing before him. But instead of falling to his knees in repentance, confession, and faith, he could only pass off the answer by concluding, “I find no fault in Him.”

Sooner or later, all of us find ourselves in Pilate’s position, where we must decide about the unusual Man who claims what no other can claim – that He is the truth.

Throughout history many religious leaders have come and gone, but not one has claimed to be the truth and then proved it by rising from the dead. Millions down through the centuries have found Jesus’ life, His words, and His resurrection to be convincing evidence of His credibility. They have concluded that knowing the truth must begin with a personal relationship with Christ.

Have you found the answer to life’s most important question: “What is truth?” If not, consider Jesus’ statement in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – Dennis De Haan

Not all roads lead to God,

As many people claim;

There’s only one true way –

Christ Jesus is His name. – Sper

To know Christ is to know the truth.

A CHILD'S WONDER

WE HAVE WORK TO DO

READ: Ephesians 2:8-10

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand. – Ephesians 2:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Esther 1-3

When you love someone deeply, you long to share in a common purpose. In a similar way, your heavenly Father loves you and yearns for your willing participation in His glorious purposes. Of course, no one is indispensable to God, but His destiny for each of our lives cannot be fulfilled without our active cooperation.

We are sometimes reluctant to emphasize this fact. We freely quote Ephesians 2:8-9, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” But not wishing to sound contradictory or to appear boastful, we stop there and avoid verse 10 about “good works.” Yet Paul’s meaning is clear – although we’re not saved by good works, we are saved for good works.

Mysterious as it is, God has planned our good works in advance, so that as we fulfil them “we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Cor. 3:9). The great maker of the Stradivarius violin rightly said of God: “He could not make Antonio Stradivari violins without Antonio.”

God has chosen to bless others uniquely through you, and you can do what no one else can do. But when He does use you, be careful to give Him all the glory. – Joanie Yoder

When we are partners with the Lord,

Our work is not in vain;

Eternal blessings will abound –

His good will is our gain. – Sper

Faith never stands around with its hands in its pockets.

BEST MUM

HEARTACHES

READ: Luke 19:28-41

As He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it. – Luke 19:41

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Nehemiah 10-13

Heartaches – the world is full of them! A boy is mocked at school because he has an underdeveloped arm. A widow painfully remembers the day her husband committed suicide. Parents grieve over a rebellious son. A man tenderly cares for his wife, who has Alzheimer’s disease. A minister resigns because of vicious lies told about him. A wife anguishes over her husband’s unfaithfulness.

Such heartaches have caused some people to drop out of life. Other hurting folks have gone to the opposite extreme, trying to lose themselves in a flurry of activity.

We can learn how to handle our heartaches by looking at the life of Jesus. His heart was breaking as He contemplated what would happen to Jerusalem. He let Himself cry (Luke 19:41). Then He continued the work He came to do – confronting sin, teaching people, and instructing His disciples.

If your heart is aching, admit your hurt to yourself, to others, and to God. This will open the door to receiving the help you need from the Lord and from people who care. Then choose to get involved in life by worshiping, loving, caring, and working. As you do, your deep hurt will lessen and your joy will increase. – Herb Vander Lugt

God wants to bind the broken heart

And wipe each teardrop dry;

He’ll calm and soothe the troubled soul

Who looks to God on high. – Brandt

Serving others helps to heal your grief.