DON’T WASTE IT

READ: John 5:1-15

See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you. – John 5:14

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 16-18

The prince of a small, oil-rich Asian nation was indicted for allegedly squandering $16 billion of his country’s wealth. Over a 10-year period, the prince is believed to have lost huge sums through poor judgment and bad investments. His nation’s High Court said that he spent $2.7 billion just on aircraft, yachts, cars, and jewellery.

While shaking my head in disbelief, I had to ask myself if I too am guilty of recklessly wasting riches – the riches of God’s grace. If I have received His mercy and forgiveness yet continue to yield to sin, I am squandering His grace.

After Jesus healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, He said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you” (John 5:14). It seems that Jesus was warning him not to waste God’s healing touch on his life. Paul too pleaded with the Christians in Corinth “not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). Indeed, God’s grace should result in changed lives (Titus 2:11-12).

As God freely forgives us, His grace opens the door for us to change. How tragic it would be to fritter away a spiritual fortune instead of allowing “the riches of His grace” to transform our lives! (Eph. 1:7). – David McCasland

Almighty God, Your grace impart,

Fix deep conviction on each heart;

Nor let us waste on trifling things

The life that Your salvation brings. – Anon.

To avoid disgrace, grow in grace.

August 2012

THE MIDWIFE'S TALE

BEYOND CALM ACCEPTANCE

READ: Acts 7:54-60

God … has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 13-15

In a television interview, a prominent Hollywood actress said that she eagerly anticipated her death because this would bring her “oblivion.” I could hardly believe my ears! Why would anyone be pleased with passing into oblivion? Are we all nothing but cosmic accidents? Does nothing we think or feel or say or do have any lasting meaning or value?

Some people are able to convince themselves that oblivion is something to look forward to. But it seems to me that most unbelievers either entertain a vague hope of an afterlife, or they avoid thinking about it.

Distressed that the subject of death and dying is becoming taboo in our culture, Bill and Judith Moyers produced a TV series showing that an honest discussion helps many die with calm acceptance. But no mention was made of faith in Christ or His resurrection. Therefore, it gave no example of anyone dying triumphantly.

When Stephen was being stoned, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). Only those who believe on Jesus are able to die with joy and eager anticipation. Because Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave, we who believe on Him can die with a living hope. And that goes far beyond a calm acceptance. – Herb Vander Lugt

When by the gift of His infinite grace

I am accorded in heaven a place,

Just to be there and to look on His face

Will through the ages be glory for me. – Gabriel

Death is the last chapter in time but the first chapter in eternity.

ARE YOU READY?

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?

READ: 1 John 3:16-24

Let us not love in word or in tongue, but indeed and in truth. – 1 John 3:18

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 10-12

In our zeal to introduce people to Christ, we must not forget that the Holy Spirit often uses adverse circumstances to increase their sense of spiritual need. He may also use those same circumstances to help us share the love of Christ with them.

Author Jennifer Rees-Larcombe was burdened for a neighbour named Diana but couldn’t seem to get close to her. One evening she and several friends were praying for Diana when the doorbell rang. It was Diana’s husband. He was desperate. His wife had recently broken her leg and ankle and wouldn’t be able to walk for several months. “Do you know of anyone who could look in on her every day?” he asked.

Saddened, yet grateful for this opportunity, Jennifer and her friends began cooking, cleaning, and shopping for Diana. Months later, she noticed Diana reading a Bible. Diana explained, “I wanted to find out what makes you Christians tick, so I asked my husband to buy this Bible.” Soon they started attending Jennifer’s church, and eventually they both received Christ.

Are you burdened for someone who needs the Lord? Keep praying and keep loving them “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). They’ll wonder what makes you tick, and in time they’ll find out its Jesus! – Joanie Yoder

For me ‘twas not the truth you taught,

To you so clear, to me so dim,

But when you came to me, you brought

A deeper sense of Him. – Clelland

A helping hand can open the door of a person’s heart to the gospel.

SNAPSHOTS OF TIME

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

READ: Isaiah 51:1-16

Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die? – Isaiah 51:12

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 7-9

A large number of people admit that they have a serious fear of computers. Just being in the same room with a computer causes some to suffer from feelings of panic, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and trembling. One therapist says that these individuals have more than the normal fear of failure while learning to work with computers. They become so anxious that they are afraid they’re going to lose control, go crazy, or pass out. Does this make sense? No, but no phobia makes much sense. Yet the fear is real.

This reminds me of another phobia that many of us have – the fear of the opinions and actions of others. How must it look to God when we think and act as if our well-being rests solely in the hands of people? How does it look to the One who is in control when we become so afraid of people that we panic and forget to trust entirely in Him? Well, the prophet Isaiah told us. He said that fearing the reproach of people is foolish because they are dying creatures who, like grass, are here today and gone tomorrow (51:12).

Yes, people can do us great harm (vv. 13-14), but the Lord has the last word (vv. 15-16). Our future and everlasting well-being depend on Him and Him alone. – Mart De Haan

What others do or think can make

Us hesitate to take a stand

Until we realize God holds

The now and future in His hand. – Sper

Faith can break the stranglehold of fear.

THE SIGN

DIRECTIONS FROM ABOVE

READ: Proverbs 3:1-6

Trust in the LORD …; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 4-6

During a visit to Chicago, I stayed on the 25^th floor of a downtown hotel. As I gazed out the window, I was fascinated by the maze of cars flowing four lanes abreast in opposite directions.

One motorist faced an emergency. He had engine trouble and was stalled in the middle of all that traffic. From my vantage point I could see for blocks. I watched several drivers switch into the same lane as the stalled auto, unaware of what was ahead. Thinking they were gaining time, these motorists were actually crossing over into a lane that would only spell greater delay.

As we travel along life’s road, we do much the same as those misguided drivers. With our limited foresight we select the route that seems best – only to find that the temporary advance has led us into a course filled with delay and heartache. But how reassuring that we can look to One who is above everything, who knows the end from the beginning! This is why the writer of Proverbs could say, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6). When the Lord indicates a “stop” or a “change of lanes” or a “wait,” we should gladly obey.

Yes, look for direction from above. – Richard De Haan

He leadeth me! O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be,

Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me. – Gilmore

The best way to know God’s will is to say “I will” to God.

DESPERATE FOR ANSWERS

APPRECIATED

READ: Matthew 26:6-13

What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. – Matthew 26:13

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 1-3

The heroes and heroines of the Bible often take us by surprise. The woman in today’s Scripture reading is a prime example. She was singled out by Jesus to be mentioned wherever the gospel is preached. She had scandalized some of those dining with Jesus by her breath-taking generosity. In anticipating Jesus’ death, she had anointed Him with costly perfume that was worth more than a year’s wages.

“Why this waste?” asked those at the table who expressed a concern for the poor? Had these same people been attending Jesus’ funeral rather than a dinner with Him, I believe they would have reacted differently. Yet, when this woman showed Him her lavish love while He was alive, she was severely criticized for such waste.

We can learn a valuable lesson from the devotion of this woman. We need to break out our best perfumes for the living. Yet all too often we wait until someone dies to show the appreciation that we are reluctant to show in life.

Is there someone who comes to your mind, a friend or family member, who would be honoured and encouraged by an expression of your love and appreciation? Then do something to show it – while the person is still alive! – Haddon Robinson

Give praise to people young and old,

Encourage them while they are near;

For when they’ve gone to their reward,

Your loudest praise they will not hear. – D. De Haan

Don’t put off until tomorrow the loving words you can say today.

THE REVISABLE EDITION

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

READ: Luke 15:11-32

It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again. – Luke 15:32

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Song Of Solomon 5-8

Mr Mactavish was gone. I wanted to wait until morning to see if he would come back on his own. But the look on the other family members’ faces vetoed that idea. So we climbed into the car to begin looking for our wayward Scottish terrier.

As we drove down street after street, calling his name and peering intently into the darkness, even I became sentimental. What if he got hit by a car? What if someone else picked him up? What if we never saw him again?

We eventually found him. And by the time we did, I was as happy as the rest of the family to see him. Even though he was a mess – mud-soaked and foul-smelling – Mac was a sight for sore eyes. In fact, at that moment my family appeared to be far happier about finding and being with that dirty dog than we were about being with one another.

Does that mean we loved Mac more than we loved one another? Of course not. Neither does showing special affection for a repentant alcoholic, adulterer, or enemy indicate that we love others any less. It means that we have enough of God’s love to celebrate with the kind of joy He feels when a dearly loved rebel comes home.

Is your heart full of love for the lost? – Mart De Haan

Repentant sinners who come home

Deserve our love and caring touch;

For who are we to withhold love

When God’s forgiven us so much? – Sper

Those who deserve love the least need it the most.

BOWLING A GOOGLEY

PROFIT SHARING

READ: 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Let them do well, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. – 1 Timothy 6:18

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Song Of Solomon 1-4

A businessman who sold his road construction company stunned his employees by dividing a third of the profit among them. Each of his 550 workers received a share of the $128 million, with some of his long-term associates getting bonuses of $1 million each – tax free.

“It’s sharing good times, that are really all it is,” the owner said. “People work exceedingly hard for us…. I wanted to go out doing the right thing.”

A friend once said to me, “Sometimes God doesn’t entrust us with money, because we want to keep it while He wants us to give it away.” I pondered this statement in light of the generous business owner and the words of Scripture directed toward those “who are rich in this present age” (1 Tim. 6:17). Paul said, “Let them do well, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (v. 18).

It’s easy to say, “Well, if I had millions of dollars, I’d be happy to share what I have with others.” But would I? What riches of time, talent, or treasure am I hoarding today? What has God given me that I am unwilling to share?

In whatever way God blesses us, He longs for us to be joyful and generous as we pass it on. – David McCasland

Help us, Lord, while we are living

To be faithful, kind, and true;

Jesus, bless our humble giving

So that others may find You. – Johnson

The Lord sees not only how much we give, but also how much we keep.

WHEELCHAIR RIDE

“GOD HIDES HIS FACE”

READ: Psalm 77:1-15

Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favourable no more? – Psalm 77:7

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 10-12

Does it ever seem as if you can’t get through to God in prayer? If so, you’re not alone.

David Brainerd was a godly missionary to the North American Indians in colonial days. He kept a diary in which he recorded his spiritual mountain peaks as well as his valleys. At one point he wrote, “I lodge in a bundle of straw, my labour is hard and extremely difficult, and I have little appearance of success to comfort me…. But what makes all my difficulties grievous to be borne is that God hides His face from me.”

When it seems God isn’t listening, that He’s “forgotten to be gracious” (Ps. 77:9), what should you do?

· Recognize that your experience is not unique and doesn’t mean you are an outcast from God’s redeemed family.

· Seek out a fellow believer with whom you can share your feelings and ask for prayer (1 Thess. 5:25).

· Meditate on the truths of Scripture and what God has done for you in the past (Ps. 77:11-12).

· Keep on praying in faith to your great God, no matter how silent heaven may seem (Luke 18:1).

Remember, our God is “the God who does wonders”! (Ps. 77:14). – Vernon Grounds

And since He bids me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I’ll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer. – Walford

When it comes to prayer, don’t hang up – hang on!

THE POWER IN MEEKNESS

DRIVING LESSONS

READ: Mark 12:28-34

There is no other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:31

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 7-9

One morning on my way to work, I began to wonder, Why should I obey God’s laws? The answer played out as I approached a traffic light that had just turned yellow. A driver at the intersection waited to make sure I had fully stopped. Why did I stop? I asked myself. I could have made it.

Two reasons came to mind – survival and surveillance. I could be injured or killed. Or a police officer might see me and give me a ticket. Good reasons, don’t you think? But are these the highest motives? Am I concerned about other drivers?

Obeying God’s commands out of fear would reduce much of the wreckage strewn along life’s highway due to adultery, lying, stealing, and coveting. But there is a higher motive. When Jesus was asked, “Which is the first commandment of all?” He answered, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart,” and second, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Then He said, “There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).

Once we put our faith in Christ as our Saviour and experience God’s love, our motivation for obeying His commands changes. That means we slow down at God’s “yellow lights,” stop at His “red lights,” and precede at His “green lights” for the highest reason – love. – Dennis De Haan

“We love You, Lord Jesus,” we often may say,

But are we as ready His will to obey?

Let’s heed what God’s Spirit would have us to do,

That’s how we can show Him a love that is true. – D. De Haan

To love God is to obey God.

BETTER WITH AGE

THE FAITH OF A CHILD

READ: Matthew 21:12-17

Out of the mouth of babes … You have perfected praise. – Matthew 21:16

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 4-6

We can be encouraged by the faith of children. They brought encouragement to Jesus as He wrestled the forces of darkness. After He rode on a colt into Jerusalem and entered the temple, the children shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matt. 21:15). When the religious leaders heard them, “they were indignant” (v. 15). I can just picture their arrogance as they put the blame on Jesus: “Do You hear what these are saying?” (v. 16).

Of course Jesus had heard them, and He was encouraged. Their young voices ministered to Him during a crucial time. Their cries of praise countered the slanderous attacks of His enemies.

Jesus was in the midst of an intense spiritual battle. Deep in enemy territory, He was opposed by the religious leaders and under attack by satanic foes. The faith and words of these children were a sharp contrast to the insidious voices of the enemies, and their praise supported Him on His way to the cross.

When we are burdened by troubles or oppressed by the enemy, it might help us to spend some time with children who know who Jesus is. As we hear of their simple trust in the Lord, our faith can be renewed.

We can learn a lot from the faith of a child. – Dave Egner

God, give me the faith of a little child!

A faith that will look to Thee –

That never will falter and never fail,

But follow Thee trustingly. – Showerman

Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.

LOVE, INC

AM I WILLING?

READ: Mark 12:41-44

If there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. – 2 Corinthians 8:12

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 1-3

Guest speaker John De Vries challenged the congregation to give to missions. As the people filled out pledge cards, he noticed a young boy write something and show it to his parents, who smiled approvingly. A minute later he saw him whisper something into his dad’s ear. His father was obviously amused.

After the service the father told John that the youngster had pledged his entire weekly allowance, but then had whispered, “Dad, I guess you know that I’ll need a raise.” No wonder he was so amused. In spite of the boy’s attempt to cover his loss, his parents were pleased with the willing generosity of his gift.

In Mark 12:41, we read that Jesus sat down and watched as rich people cast large gifts into the temple treasury. Then a widow came and dropped in two coins – the smallest in circulation at that time. Knowing that this was all the money she had, Jesus said to His disciples, “This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury” (v. 43).

Jesus wasn’t implying that we must give away all our money. Rather, He was saying that we must give from a heart that is totally devoted to the Lord and willing to trust Him fully. That’s the kind of giving that pleases God. – Herb Vander Lugt

Grant us, then, the grace of giving

With a spirit large and free,

That our life and all our living

We may consecrate to Thee. – Murray

You can give without loving, but you can’t live without giving.

DON'T BE AFRAID

ARE YOU READY?

READ: Luke 16:19-31

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:2

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 29-31

My daughter Julie was home from college and working at her summer job at RBC Ministries. One day as she was cutting the lawn with a riding mower she noticed some movement in the grass. Hopping down, she discovered a couple of baby rabbits scampering away from her noisy machine. She shooed them out of the path of her tractor to what she thought was sure safety, then out of the sky swooped a hawk. In a second he had one of the bunnies in his talons and was gone.

Julie felt bad. While she was helping the little guys avoid one danger, she had made them vulnerable to another. Despite her efforts, that bunny met his demise. As she told me about it, she said, “It made me think of my own mortality.”

That’s not something college students think much about. But they should, and so should all of us. Many people do not want to admit that life tomorrow is not guaranteed. We don’t know if we’ll live until tomorrow, or for 50 more years.

So, why think about this? Simply because we must be prepared to meet the Lord. The Bible says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). If you have never done so, today by faith receive Christ as your Saviour. Make sure you are ready. – Dave Branon

Oh, why not turn while still you may;

Too late it soon will be –

A glorious life you can possess

Throughout eternity. – Anon.

Death could come at any time – so we must be ready all the time.

EXPIRATION DATE

THE POWER OF SMALL DEEDS

READ: Zechariah 4:1-14

Who has despised the day of small things? – Zechariah 4:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 25-28

Many great accomplishments for God had small beginnings. When Zerubbabel was called to rebuild God’s ruined temple, one of the first things he did, with the help of God’s people, was lay a foundation. Then they began building on that foundation, stone upon stone. Many short-sighted citizens balked at those basic efforts and “despised the day of small things” (Zech. 4:10). But God promised Zerubbabel success, not by mere human might and strength but by His Spirit.

Author Mike Yaconelli illustrated this principle by writing about a teenager who became burdened for homeless people in Philadelphia. He decided to go around his neighbourhood and collect blankets, which he gave to people living on the street. The following week he made another collection. Others soon followed his example. As a result of that first small act, there’s now an organization that gives blankets to homeless people around the world.

Do you long to have an impact on others’ lives but feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task? Don’t despise small beginnings. Like that teenager, start helping people in the name of Christ, one small deed at a time. You’ll soon prove that little is much when God is in it. – Joanie Yoder

The work we do in Jesus’ name,

When strengthened by His might,

Can start off small but grow in time

And bring the Lord delight. – Sper

The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.

ELEPHANTS DOWN

A PRAYER JESUS NEVER PRAYED

READ: Luke 11:1-10

Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. – Luke 11:1

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 22-24

We usually ask an expert to give us the best he or she has to offer. When we’re with a successful banker, we ask how to invest our money wisely. Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

Because prayer was central to Jesus’ ministry, He wanted it to be vital in theirs. So He responded by giving them what Christians call “The Lord’s Prayer.” Actually, the prayer is misnamed, for Jesus Himself could not have prayed it. As the Son of God, without sin, He could not join in the petition; “Forgive us our sins” (v. 4). The prayer should be labelled “The Disciples’ Prayer.” It can serve us in the same way that an outline serves a minister when he preaches a sermon. It guides us as we pray.

The prayer opens with an address to God: “Father.” Then follow two major sections. First, we are to worship Him as King and talk to Him about His kingdom (Luke 11:2). Second, we are to speak to the Father about our place in His family – our need for provision, pardon, and protection (vv. 3-4).

If you need help in your prayer-life, let the pattern Jesus gave His disciples guide you. As you follow it, you will learn what to say when you speak to the Father and how to make your requests. – Haddon Robinson

Lord, teach us how to pray aright,

Oh, lead us in Your way;

We humbly bow in Your pure sight –

Lord, teach us how to pray. – Anon.

We never graduate from the school of prayer.

LITTLE THINGS

MY ACHILLES HEEL

READ: Ephesians 6:10-18

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 19-21

Nobody is temptation-proof. Even mature Christians have weaknesses in their spiritual armour that make them vulnerable to a wounding attack by the enemy of their souls. Our pride can provide the very opening needed for the sharp thrust of a satanic dart. So can the love of money, a quick temper, a critical tongue, or chronic impatience.

What, after all, is temptation? It’s any enticement to think, say, or does something contrary to God’s holy will. It may be a weak impulse or a powerful urge. It’s anything that’s against what God approves or desires for us.

The ancient Greeks told a story of a warrior named Achilles. His mother had been warned that he would die of a wound, so she dipped him as an infant in the river Styx. That was supposed to make him invincible. But she held him by one heel which the protective waters didn’t cover. And it was through that heel that he received his fatal wound.

Each of us must ask: What is my Achilles heel? We need to know our weaknesses, where we could easily be wounded spiritually. Then, as we rely on the Lord for His help, we will be protected from “the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Eph. 6:16). – Vernon Grounds

Leave no unguarded place,

No weakness of the soul;

Take every virtue, every grace,

And fortify the whole. – Wesley

Our greatest weakness may be our failure to ask for God’s strength.

WHY PRAY?

LIFE WISH

READ: Acts 20:17-32

None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy. – Acts 20:24

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 15-18

A Colorado mountaineer and guide were once asked if he thought climbers had a death wish. He replied, “Actually, they have a life wish, to live life to the fullest.” As a careful yet adventurous climber, he explained why he considered the risks worth taking: “When it comes time for me to die,” he said, “I do not wish to discover that I have not lived.”

As the apostle Paul travelled to Jerusalem, it may have appeared to his closest friends that he had a death wish. At one point, several people warned him of the danger and urged him not to go (Acts 21:4, 12). But Paul had already made up his mind in Ephesus, where he clearly stated that his purpose was to “finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (20:24).

Paul did not take unnecessary risks in his witness as a Christian, but he never shied away from publicly declaring his faith in Jesus Christ. His goal was not to play it safe and protect himself. Instead, he lived to finish his spiritual race with joy, and to complete God’s task for him.

Paul’s courage challenges us to live for Christ with selfless abandon, not apprehension. That’s the way to know fulfilment and joy. Do we share his life wish today? – David McCasland

Only this hour is mine, Lord –

May it be used for Thee;

May every passing moment

Count for eternity. – Christiansen

To find the greatest joy in life, give your life to Christ.

THE BIBLE GUY

THE RIGHT FIT

READ: Romans 12:3-8

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. – Romans 12:6

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 12-14

According to a study of 350,000 people, four out of five have jobs that don’t match their abilities. The survey also suggests that the most commonly used guidelines for hiring, like education and experience, are of little value in predicting how well an applicant will do in a particular position. What makes a person either fit or unfit for a job are the inner aptitudes for certain types of work.

The right kind of giftedness is also essential to our effectiveness in the Lord’s work. Secondary factors such as talent and experience have their place. But God, through the Spirit, supernaturally endows every Christian with unique spiritual gifts to serve His church (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12). We function best and accomplish the most for the Lord when we do what we’ve been gifted to do. It’s fruitless and frustrating to try to be something we are not.

God wants each of us to discover and confirm our gifts. Some of us might feel uncomfortable talking about our strengths, but these are not abilities we can take credit for. The Creator Himself has put these gifts within us to benefit others and to fulfil His purposes.

Having discovered our gifts, let’s offer them back to God and build up His church by doing the right job. – Mart De Haan

God gives each Christian special gifts

So the church can function well;

And if we all will do our part,

Then its members will excel. – Sper

Many people make a grave mistake by burying their gifts.

SILENT HELPER

FOR HONEST SKEPTICS

READ: Acts 17:10-15

They … searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. – Acts 17:11

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 8-11

A sceptic is one who is inclined to doubt. If such a person is honestly seeking to know the truth, his doubting may be the first step toward finding the truth.

When Paul came to Berea, he found Jews who were more “fair-minded” than those in Thessalonica. They received the word “with all readiness,” but also “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Although they believed in the Old Testament, they had a healthy scepticism about the subject of Paul’s preaching. Yet when they found it to be supported by Scripture, they became strong believers in Christ.

Not all scepticism is wrong. The Bereans were commended for their readiness to listen and for their diligence to evaluate carefully what Paul said in the light of Scripture. An honest sceptic will give the gospel a fair hearing. He will be willing to consider the evidence for the truthfulness and unique authority of the Bible. He will examine and test the claims of all who say they have a message from God (1 Thess. 5:21). He will recognize that Christians have a rational basis for their faith and that there are sound reasons for their hope (1 Peter 3:15).

Yes, God welcomes honest sceptics. – Herb Vander Lugt

If you doubt but want to know God,

Doubt can help you find His way;

But your doubts will lead to darkness

If His will you disobey. – D. De Haan

Honest questions can lead to faith-building answers.

LIVING SACRIFICE

FRUSTRATED PLANS

READ: Acts 16:6-12

They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia. – Acts 16:6

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 4-7

A young man went to college and then to seminary, determined to become a pastor. God blessed his years in school and gave him many opportunities to preach.

After graduation he looked for a church to pastor but couldn’t find one that needed him. So when he was offered a contract to teach in a Bible college, he said yes, still intending to pastor a church someday. But after 2 years of teaching, it finally became clear that God wanted him to be a teacher rather than a pastor.

God sometimes frustrates our own plans as we seek to determine His will. We head in one direction; He blocks our way. Finally we become content to go where He directs us.

Paul experienced that kind of frustration in Asia Minor on his second missionary journey. He headed for the Roman province of Asia, but was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia” (Acts 16:6). So he and his companions tried to enter Bithynia, “but the Spirit did not permit them” (v. 7). So they journeyed to Troas, where Paul learned that God wanted him to preach in Macedonia (vv. 9-10).

Is God frustrating your plans? He may be trying to lead you. Be open to His will and sensitive to His guidance, and He will use you and bless you. – Dave Egner

I want to follow You, O Lord,

Your plans for me I will obey;

So when You close or open doors,

Help me to see Your perfect way. – Sper

Contentment comes when we want God’s will more than our own way.

THE TIME OF ANYONE'S LIFE

RIGHT TIMING

READ: Haggai 1

This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.” – Haggai 1:2

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 1-3

I live in Singapore, so I had more than a casual interest in the 1997 Asian economic crisis. It came suddenly and caught most people off-guard. One day people were rich and the next day they were poor.

It was a vivid reminder of the importance of right timing. We can start a business and carefully plan for the future, yet if the timing is wrong that business can fail.

In our Bible reading today, the focus is on the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. They knew God wanted them to rebuild the temple, and they had begun the work. But then construction stopped. Their excuse? “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built” (Hag. 1:2).

Is there ever a wrong time to obey God? A friend told me that his priority now is to become successful so he can earn lots of money to give to the Lord later. I told him that God did not need his money. God wants us to be His “living sacrifice” right now (Rom. 12:1).

We might be afraid of what will happen to us if we choose to obey God immediately. But being obedient to His commands is not about right timing. It is all about who God is and who we are as His servants. – Albert Lee

THINKING IT OVER

When have I been reluctant to obey the Lord?

Why do I struggle to do what is right?

How has God blessed me when I have obeyed Him?

True faith will obey without delay.

MARRIAGE BEFORE LOVE

SECRETS

READ: Deut. 29:10-29

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever. – Deuteronomy 29:29

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 148-150

After reading a short passage of Scripture, a preacher took off his glasses, slammed his Bible shut, and said, “This morning I intend to explain the unexplainable, find out the undefinable, ponder over the imponderable, and unscrew the inscrutable.”

That’s a rather bold claim, for we read in Deuteronomy 29:29 that God has secrets He keeps to Himself. One of them is our future. Moses was reminding a new generation of Israelites of God’s covenant to establish them as His people in the Promised Land (29:13). Moses also warned that they would be uprooted if they disobeyed (vv. 25-28). They were not to speculate about how their future would unfold; rather they were to concentrate on living in obedience to God’s revealed law.

There is a broader purpose, however, for the “secret things” that belong to God. He is infinite and we are not. Therefore, He doesn’t give us answers to all the “whys” of His ways. He has revealed, though, how we today can know Him personally by trusting Jesus as our Saviour, and how we can live wisely by entrusting our future to Him as Lord.

Although we will still have many questions, we can be sure that God’s secrets are always designed for our good (Rom. 8:28). – Dennis De Haan

When the future is dark and we can’t see what’s next,

Of the Lord we make childish demands;

We cannot know all; our minds are too small,

We must leave all our “whys” in His hands. – Carbaugh

We can trust our all-knowing God for the unknown future.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

SINFUL HABITS CAN BE BROKEN

READ: Romans 6:11-23

If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. – John 8:36

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 145-147

A friend and I conducted an experiment. First I cut a length of cotton thread and knotted the ends together to make a loop. Then my friend held up both index fingers. I slipped the thread over them, he pulled them apart, and the thread broke quite easily. Next we knotted two strands together. These also broke, but it took more effort. However, three strands knotted together couldn’t be broken without cutting into his skin.

Sinful habits are like that. It’s been said, “Habits that begin as cobwebs sometimes end as cables.” If repeated, they become more difficult to break. This applies to alcohol and drug abuse as well as worry and anger.

Jesus came not only to forgive our sins but also to break their hold over us. When we receive Him as Lord and Saviour and ask Him for deliverance, He also asks something of us – willingness, with His help, to form new habits (Rom. 6:19). As we fellowship with believers, study the Bible, and obey it daily, God will help us develop godly attitudes, actions, and reactions to life.

Are you battling bad habits? Let God help you build new habits of righteousness. He’ll break those stubborn sinful habits and make you “free indeed” (John 8:36). – Joanie Yoder

Nothing between, like worldly pleasures:

Habits of life, though harmless they seem,

Must not my heart from Him ever sever –

He is my all! There’s nothing between. – Tindley

Master your habits or your habits will master you.

DON'T LET IT GROW