WHY ME?

READ: Romans 5:6-11

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: Luke 22-24

British pastor Joseph Parker was asked, “Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of His disciples?” He thought deeply about the question for a while but could not come up with an answer. He said that he kept running into an even more baffling question: “Why did He choose me?”

That’s a question that has been asked throughout the centuries. When people become painfully aware of their sin and are overcome with guilt, they cry out to Jesus for mercy. In joyous wonder they experience the truth that God loves them, that Jesus died for them, and that they are forgiven of all their sins. It’s incomprehensible!

I too have asked, “Why me?” I know that the dark and sinful deeds of my life were motivated by a heart even darker, and yet God loved me! (Rom. 5:8). I was undeserving, wretched, and helpless, yet He opened His arms and His heart to me. I could almost hear Him whisper, “I love you even more than you loved your sin.”

It’s true! I cherished my sin. I protected it. I denied its wrongdoing. Yet God loved me enough to forgive me and set me free.

“Why me?” It’s beyond my understanding. Yet I know He loves me – and He loves you too! – Dave Egner

Love sent the Saviour to die in my stead.

Why should He love me so?

Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.

Why should He love me so? – Harkness

God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

November 2012

"GIMME IT!"

Can Christians "Party"?

Can Christians “Party”?

By Dan Vander Lugt

As a non-Christian, I’d like to know if Christians can “party.”

Whether or not Christians can “party” depends on what you mean by the term. To some people, “partying” might mean relaxing with a group of friends or celebrating special occasions with one another. This may include games, food and drink, and music. It would be characterized by good clean fun. To other people, “partying” may mean heavy drinking, the use of drugs, sexual promiscuity, or other forms of self-destructive behavior.

In the first type of partying mentioned, people are simply enjoying themselves and expressing that joy, sharing it with others. In the second type, people are often unhappy and are attempting to escape from reality by involving themselves in a binge of sinful, harmful, short-term pleasures ( Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:1-4 ).

The Bible doesn’t prohibit a party of the first type. After all, Jesus’ first miracle took place during a wedding celebration at Cana ( John 2:1-11 ). Additionally, both Old and New Testaments give considerable emphasis to the healthy enjoyment of feasts and celebrations. On the other hand, the Bible offers a number of serious warnings about celebrating or partying as if there is no tomorrow or accountability to God ( Proverbs 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11-13; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:18 ).

The wedding at Cana would be an example of one kind of party that Christians could enjoy—partying as an expression of thankfulness, joy, and celebration. But partying that is characterized by self-gratification, anger, resentment, and rebellion would not be acceptable to Christians. True joy and happiness that is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ stands in sharp contrast to such a negative approach to partying. Spiritually and emotionally healthy people who are enjoying all that God has given them don’t find self-destructive behavior attractive.

Genuine Christians¹ really know how to party because they don’t depend on the outward, physical elements of the party itself to make them happy within. They come to a party already equipped with love, peace, joy, and spiritual freedom ( Romans 5:5; 14:17 ).To them, a party is an opportunity to celebrate the happiness they already possess. A non-Christian may try to party, but when they do they are often like Damocles ² , trying to enjoy a banquet with a sword hanging above his head, or Belshazzar, quaking in fear after he had seen a supernatural hand writing words on the wall ( Daniel 5:5-9 ). Their partying reveals an inward sense of emptiness and despair ( Isaiah 22:13 ), a haunting voice behind the pretense of joy that incessantly whispers, “Is that all there is to a party? Is that all there is to life?”

1. Of course, not everyone who calls himself a Christian is genuine. Hypocrites are the most miserable people of all. Their happiness is only a pretense, and what they truly need is repentance and conversion. Back To Article
2. According to a legend of ancient Greece, the courtier, Damocles, told the king of Syracuse that he envied his power and privileges. The king gave the naïve courtier an object lesson about the stress and danger of a king’s life by seating him at a banquet with a heavy sword suspended by a hair directly above his head. Back To Article

HIGHER WISDOM

READ: 1 Cor. 1:18-31

The message of the cross … to us who are being saved … is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 18-21

How difficult it is for some highly intelligent people to admit that in their own wisdom they can’t answer life’s ultimate questions.

The well-known astrophysicist Fred Hoyle said: “A common-sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a super-intellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature.” Yet he remains an unbeliever.

The late Carl Sagan spoke of “some kind of force or power” that enabled the universe to create itself. But he was “opposed to any kind of revealed religion.”

The majority of us as Christians may feel unqualified to debate such intellectual giants. But it’s not God’s purpose to refute human wisdom with intellectual arguments. Instead, He confounds human wisdom and power by displaying His greater wisdom and power. He does this by saving ordinary people like you and me through the “message of the cross” (1 Cor. 1:18). The truth that Jesus died for our sins and rose again is viewed as foolishness by the world.

God’s best evidence to refute worldly wisdom is a transformed life. What a privilege to bear this message! What a challenge to live it! – Herb Vander Lugt

No wisdom gained through arduous quest

Can set a sinner free,

But God in wisdom sent His Son

To die for you and me. – D. De Haan

True wisdom begins and ends with God.

WHO IS YOUR GOD?

THE NAME

READ: Philippians 2:5-11

God also has highly exalted Him …, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. – Philippians 2:9-10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 14-17

Jesus! No other name draws people together so closely, while at the same time evoking hatred in others.

In 1999, a political candidate answered a question about who had the greatest effect on his life by saying, “Jesus Christ. He changed my heart.” This person’s honest answer was met with disdain from people who detest the name of Jesus.

On the other hand, people all over the world who love Christ meet every week to honour and praise Jesus’ name. To them, His name means love, joy, peace, hope, and forgiveness.

What is it about this name that divides people so clearly? Why do some treat the name of Jesus with contempt while others hold it in highest esteem? I think the reason some people can’t stand Jesus’ name is that they don’t want to be reminded of their sins. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), the One who saves us from our sins (Matt. 1:21). People who refuse to ask for forgiveness from sin cannot love the name of Jesus. Yet His name “is above every name,” and one day “every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:9, 11).

Jesus! Do you love that name? Praise God for that holy name – and tell others what He has done for you. – Dave Branon

Jesus – O how sweet the name,

Jesus – every day the same;

Jesus – let all saints proclaim

Its worthy praise forever. – Martin

We honour God’s name when we call Him our Father and live like His Son.

GOD-OGRAPHY

LIFETIME GUARANTEE

READ: Deuteronomy 31:1-8

The LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:8

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 10-13

Three years ago I bought a suitcase with a lifetime guarantee. “We don’t care who breaks it,” the manufacturer said, “we’ll repair or replace it free – forever.” To its credit, the company repaired it twice, just as promised. But a few weeks ago I learned that the business had filed for bankruptcy and its future was in doubt. If the company goes under, so does the guarantee.

In a world where we can’t always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord’s pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses’ assuring words to Joshua: “The LORD … will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (v. 8).

This promise is repeated in the New Testament: “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5-6). The promise of God’s unfailing presence with us is the key to living with confidence and contentment.

No matter how many pledges are broken by people, God’s promises will last through all time and eternity. Because He is eternal, He can give us an eternal guarantee. – David McCasland

Sweetest of all life’s blessings,

Communion with Christ above,

Assurance of His presence,

His matchless, eternal love. – Anon.

Every promise of God comes with an eternal guarantee.

PERSPECTIVE

Judgment Day and the Return of Jesus. The vision of a young asian girl n...

RIGHT BENEATH OUR FEET!

READ: Ephesians 1:1-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. – Ephesians 1:3

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 7-9

The Mount Morgan gold mine in Queensland, Australia, is one of the richest in the world. For many years, though, the original landowners lived in deep poverty on the mountain’s barren surface. Even though the vast wealth was out-of-sight, it was beneath their feet all the time.

Many Christians live in a similar situation. They plod along and struggle through their spiritual lives, labouring every step of the way. They are unaware of the vast riches God has promised them, and therefore they do not claim them.

Grace, forgiveness, strength, wisdom, direction, the power to resist temptation, reconciliation, protection, lightened burdens – all these riches and many more are ours. But how do we become aware of them and claim them? The answer is: Prayerfully read the Bible and pay close attention when the Word of God is preached or taught.

Here’s a suggestion. Whenever you read the Scriptures or hear them taught, look for the truths about “every spiritual blessing” God has given to you (Eph. 1:3). When you discover a truth or a promise that clearly applies to you, say to yourself, “That’s for me!” As you do, you’ll be tapping into the riches of God that lie right beneath your feet. – Dave Egner

I look at the cross upon Calvary,

And O what a wonder divine!

To think of the wealth it holds for me –

The riches of heaven are mine. – Christiansen

Children of the King have no reason to live like paupers.

IN YOUR HEAD

THE WORK OF GOD

READ: John 15:1-5

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 4-6

The Pharisees asked Jesus, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” (John 6:28). How audacious of any of us to think we can do the work of God! If anything at all is to be accomplished, it must be done by faith, with Christ’s power enabling us. “Without Me,” Jesus said, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

It’s not easy to stop trusting ourselves and rely on Christ. In this world, the message we hear is that value comes from what we do, what we earn, and what we accomplish. If we believe that, life becomes a prolonged struggle to fix everything that’s broken and strive for perfection in all we do. We’ll be driven and compulsive, busier than God ever meant us to be, trying to do extremely well what He never intended us to do.

Jesus was never that busy. Throughout His public ministry, He had much to do and only a little more than 3 years to do it, yet His pace was measured and deliberate.

And so it comes to this: God’s work must be done by God. We work, but we must rely on Him every step of the way.

Before you do anything else, begin your day by expressing your dependence on God. Ask Him to help you rely on Him. Growing faith, like any other job, is a job for God! – David Roper

I need Thee, O I need Thee,

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Saviour,

I come to Thee. – Lowry

To do the work of God, we must trust God to work through us.

MAKE A U-TURN

LOST AND FOUND

READ: Luke 15:1-10

Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost! – Luke 15:9

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 1-3

During the many years I’ve worked with drug-addicted youth, I’ve never given up on anyone – until Sam. He had peculiar problems and was extremely rebellious. Without realizing it, I began to pull away from him. Then God alerted me to my wrong attitude.

I was staying overnight with friends when I lost a treasured ring. I hunted frantically for it. I even pulled the bed apart and remade it, but still no ring. Finally I thought, This hunt is consuming too much of my attention. I’m going to turn to God and His Word.

As I knelt by the bed, I opened my Bible to Luke 15 and began reading about the woman who hunted diligently for her lost con. When I thought about the parable, it seemed as if God was saying, “You’ve given a lot of effort looking for your lost ring. Are you willing to work that hard seeking after Sam?” With closed eyes, I earnestly answered, “Yes, Lord, I am!”

When I opened my eyes, I discovered my ring on the bed not far from my Bible. How I rejoiced! But months later, the angels and I rejoiced far more over Sam, who at last turned his life over to Christ!

Ask yourself: Am I as diligent in searching for lost people as I am in searching for lost things? – Joanie Yoder

Is your life a channel of blessing?

Are you burdened for those who are lost?

Have you urged upon those who are straying

The Saviour who died on the cross? – Smyth

Because we have been found, we have a mission to seek the lost.

THE RIPENING SELF

THE DEATH OF DEATH

READ: 1 Cor. 15:20-28

The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. – 1 Corinthians 15:26

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 14-16

When I was about 8 years old, I tried to deny the reality of death. It happened at my grandmother’s funeral. Seeing her lifeless body in the casket, I recall thinking, If that should ever happen to me, I’ll just get up and walk away.

I look at death differently at age 70. I’ve officiated at many funerals. I’ve said farewell to both of my parents, all of my aunts and uncles, and many friends. I can no longer deny the harsh reality of death. It rips apart life’s closest bonds, leaves hearts broken, ushers in loneliness, and opens floodgates of tears. Using pleasant-sounding words and calling funeral services “celebrations” do not change that.

There is a greater reality, though, that can give us the will to go on living with hope. Jesus Christ broke the power of death. He did “get up and walk away” from the grave. And one day this “last enemy,” as Paul called it, will be destroyed forever (1 Cor. 15:26). He said it like this: “’Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (vv. 54-57).

Praise God! The death of death is sure! – Dennis De Haan

Oh, death of Christ – the death of fear!

The death of condemnation!

Oh, life! His gift to trusting souls –

Eternal, free salvation! – F. Hess

Because of Christ’s empty tomb, we can be full of hope.

SHARK TONIC

THE ETERNAL GOD

READ: Jeremiah 10:6-13

The LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. – Jeremiah 10:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 11-13

If we stand on a street corner to watch a parade, our limited vision permits us to see the various floats and bands only as they come into view and pass by in succession. But if we were to hover high above in a helicopter, we would see the entire parade route with everybody and everything in it.

This helps us understand the way it is with God, the timeless One. He sees human events from a perspective that is so much broader than ours. He has an all-encompassing view and sees everything from start to finish.

The fact that God exists “from everlasting to everlasting” (Ps. 90:2) is not only a profound theological statement but a comforting and reassuring truth as well. Because “He is the living God and the everlasting King” (Jer. 10:10), without beginning or ending, we have the confidence that He can be relied upon to keep His promises and complete all His plans for us.

Nothing in our lives, whether big or small, takes God by surprise. The eternal, all-knowing One is fully aware of everything that has already occurred, that is now taking place, and that will yet happen.

I’m glad we serve an eternal, all-knowing God, aren’t you? – Richard De Haan

Our earthly sight is limited,

The future we can’t see;

Let come what may, one thing we know:

Our God will faithful be. – Hess

In a changing world, God’s changeless character gives us confidence.

SATISFACTION

WATCH OUT FOR PEBBLES

READ: 1 Chronicles 13:5-10

Do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it. – Proverbs 4:14-15

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 7-10

My kids enjoy rollerblading. My 13-year-old son likes jumps, rails, and anything else he can do tricks on. But my daughters like long excursions on smooth paths.

Straight-line blading has its hazards too, my daughter Julie explained to me. She said that when she blades, she stays alert for big obstacles ahead like a large rock or a limb on the path. But she said that most problems are caused by small pebbles she doesn’t see while watching for the big objects. Then she made this observation: “It’s like that in life. You keep watching for the big problems, but then a little one surprises you and causes trouble.”

She’s right. Most of us are on the lookout for life’s big difficulties – the big sins. But we allow what might be considered a less serious problem to trip us up. An angry word, a dirty thought, a hateful feeling toward someone – we see these as small indiscretions. But to a holy God, all our sins are serious. Look at Uzza. He may have thought that touching the ark of God was a small infraction. But it wasn’t, and he died instantly (1 Chron. 13:5-10).

“Little sins” can cause us to fall down in our forward movement toward maturity. Sure, watch out for the big problems, but don’t forget the pebbles. – Dave Branon

It’s “little” sins that trip us up

And cause an unexpected fall;

That’s why we need to stay alert

To every sin, both large and small. – Sper

Little sins can add up to big trouble.

SILHOUETTE

A MERRY HEART

READ: Proverbs 15:13-30

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 4-6

Are only a few fortunate people born with a bright outlook on life, or is optimism an attitude we can learn? Susan C. Vaughan, author of Half Full, Half Empty, says that seeing life’s possibilities instead of its pitfalls is the result of an internal process anyone can follow. One of her conclusions is that “there is a powerful link between facial expression and emotion.” She believes that people who begin to act happier actually feel happier.

There is merit in thinking and acting positively, but the Bible declares that true spiritual joy begins deep inside us, then spreads to our faces. A wise man wrote, “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance …. He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast” (Prov. 15:13, 15). When we’re happy on the inside, our faces can’t help but show it on the outside.

How do we develop a merry heart? We can begin by thanking the Lord for being with us and working for our good in every situation (Rom. 8:28). It’s not a matter of pretending but of practicing an outlook on life that reflects our faith in Christ. “Rejoice in the Lord always,” Paul wrote from prison. “Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).

That kind of optimism begins with a merry heart and spreads quickly to the face. – David McCasland

The smile on the face that reveals true joy

Always comes from deep within;

It springs from a heart that is full of thanks –

That’s where our joy must begin. – Fitzhugh

If you have the joy of Christ in your heart, it will show on your face.

ON HIS SHOULDERS

A GENTLE WITNESS

READ: Acts 17:16-34

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient. – 2 Timothy 2:24

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 1-3

In Acts 17, we see how followers of Christ can be tolerant of people of diverse religious beliefs without compromising their Christian convictions.

When the apostle Paul came to Athens, he was distressed by the idolatry he saw. Yet he spoke respectfully to his pagan audience, even affirming the words of some of their poets (Acts 17:28). He didn’t denounce his hearers, nor criticize their beliefs, but began by declaring truths they would not find offensive. He spoke of God’s greatness as our Creator (vv. 24-25). He said that God is actively involved with mankind so that people might seek Him and find Him (vv. 26-28).

Paul didn’t compromise the truth. He showed the folly of worshiping idols and boldly declared that God commanded people everywhere to repent. He further stated that God had appointed a Man to judge the world and proved this by raising Him from the dead (vv. 29-31).

In a global society we will come in contact with more and more people of different religious beliefs and practices. Our witness will be most effective when we avoid quarrels and arguments, and share our faith with respect, kindness, and gentleness. The Spirit will bring conviction and enlightenment as people see the truth lived out in us. – Herb Vander Lugt

O Lord, transform my stubborn heart

And help me always see

That gentle, kind, and courteous

Is what I ought to be. – Anon.

A kind witness is the right kind of witness.

GOD'S LOVE STORY

WHAT IS HEAVY WHEN EMPTY?

READ: Isaiah 1:1-17

Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. – Isaiah 1:17

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 26-28

After reading Isaiah 1, I thought of this riddle: What is heavy for God when it’s empty for me?

Nothing is too hard for God to do, of course, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is a burden to Him. In fact, one thing I sometimes take lightly is actually a heavy concern to God.

In the time of the prophet Isaiah, the Jewish people followed their religious celebrations to the letter. They showed up at the right time, sacrificed the right amount, and offered many prayers. But when they left the temple, it was as if they left God there.

Nearly 3,000 years later, not much has changed. Sometimes I think my responsibility to God begins and ends with going to church and giving an offering. But this attitude makes me more of a burden to God than a blessing. I’m not accomplishing the tasks that are important to Him – doing good, seeking justice, defending the fatherless, and pleading for widows (Isa. 1:17).

God is not impressed with a full house at religious gatherings if the people come with empty hearts. God wants worshipers with hearts so full of love for Him that they overflow in good deeds for others.

Oh, are you still wondering what is heavy for God when it’s empty for me? The answer is worship. – Julie Ackerman Link

My heart is filled, dear Lord, with love,

So let it show in words and deeds;

And help me share, in all my ways,

The overflow for others’ needs. – Hess

The heart filled with praise brings pleasure to God.

DO SOMETHING WITH NOTHING

IGOR AND ME

READ: Psalm 3

You, O LORD, are a shield for me. – Psalm 3:3

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 23-25

When I was in Siberia, my friend Igor and I stopped at a store. Just outside the door a large, mean-looking dog snarled at us and would not let us inside. After a while the store owner came out, and to my surprise he shot the dog. So Igor and I went in.

A few minutes later, four angry Russians burst into the building, looking for the man who had killed their dog. One slapped Igor in the face, and another slammed me against a wall. When they saw that neither of us had a rifle, they left. But they returned almost immediately. After more heated conversation, they left again. Only then did I realize that Igor had positioned himself between me and the half-drunken men. They would have had to fight Igor to get to me – and he is one strong man!

What Igor did for me illustrates what God does for His people. King David’s foes were aligned against him, led by his son Absalom. Yet David saw God as his shield (Ps. 3:3). This truth reflected David’s own relationship to his people. They saw the king as their shield, their protector against the enemy. Now the king saw the Almighty as his protector.

Whoever may rise up against us – man or spiritual foe – will find our God between us and him. We can trust the Lord to shield us from our foes. – Dave Egner

God is always present with us,

Though His face we cannot see;

He protects and guides and comforts

All His children faithfully. – Sper

God is always protecting us – even when we don’t realize we need it.

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

OUT OF OUR MINDS

READ: Jeremiah 5:20-31

“Do you not fear Me?” says the LORD. – Jeremiah 5:22

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 20-22

Why would a prison inmate escape from prison the day before his scheduled release? That’s what a Rhode Island prison spokesman wondered as he answered questions from reporters. He said, “For the life of me, I don’t know what possessed him to leave with only one day of his sentence left to serve.” Once captured, the escapee would be arraigned on charges that could land him back in prison for up to 20 years.

Most of us probably would wonder about the short-sightedness of this inmate. But we might not be as conscious of our own near-sighted approach to sin. We might not see the absolute mindlessness of pursuing a few moments of selfish pleasure in exchange for lasting regret.

Jeremiah pointed out the folly of such actions. In the 5^th chapter of his prophecy, he reminded us of how much we should respect God’s power (v. 22), and that short-term pleasures will bring long-term losses (vv. 28-29). Sin thrives on self-deception and doesn’t look ahead to the result (v. 31).

Father, forgive us for being so stubborn and blind. Thank You for making a provision for our forgiveness. We realize that without Jesus we would have no hope. Help us to do what makes sense – for today, and for tomorrow. – Mart De Haan

We can’t afford to play with fire

Nor tempt a serpent’s bite;

We can’t afford to think that sin

Brings any true delight. – Anon.

Sin sees the bait but is blind to the hook.

A HILL TOO HIGH

LIVING IN THE FIRE

READ: Isaiah 33:14-24

Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? – Isaiah 33:14

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 16-19

Just before darkness settled, the Israelites who stood on the walls of Jerusalem saw with dismay the mighty Assyrian army surrounding the city. But at dawn the enemy camp was deserted, and thousands of dead soldiers lay scattered on the ground. What awe and gratitude must have filled the hearts of godly Israelites – but the wicked were terrified!

The prophet Isaiah portrays trembling sinners asking how they can live with “the devouring fire” and “everlasting burnings” (Isa. 33:14). These phrases do not refer to hell, but to our holy God. Those hypocrites were really asking, “Who can live with Him?” Isaiah’s answer was simple: “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly” (v. 15). It wasn’t enough just to participate in religious ritual; Isaiah was reminding them that to live in the presence of the consuming fire they had to obey God.

Hebrews 12:29 reminds us that “our God is a consuming fire.” How is it possible, then, to have a close relationship with Him? Jesus said, “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).

If we trust Jesus as our Saviour and seek to please Him, we need not fear living in the fire of His holiness. – Herb Vander Lugt

No sinner can endure God’s fire,

His holiness consumes all sin;

But Jesus took our punishment –

Now we can have His peace within. – D. De Haan

God’s holiness reveals what is good by consuming what is evil.

BREAKING THE SPIN CYCLE

MAKING THE MOST OF TIME

READ: Ephesians 5:8-16

… redeeming the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:16

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 12-15

We tend to read Ephesians 5:16 as if Paul is calling believers to action because the days are short, but that’s not what he meant. He said we are to make the most of time “because the days are evil.”

Evil days are days of opportunity. The more evil our culture becomes, the more opportunities there will be to show and share our faith.

God controls human history – permitting the rise of nations, determining their geographical boundaries, and orchestrating their fall – so that men and women will “seek the Lord” (Acts 17:26-27). History is “His story” of providing salvation for a lost world and pointing people to the Lord. Even the forces of evil are used in such a way that “all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD, You alone” (Isa. 37:20).

God may hold back His judgment for a time, allowing evil tyrants to have their day, upsetting people’s well-ordered lives, presenting them with dilemmas beyond their understanding. Evil brings pain, but it is the genius of God to bring good out of evil (Rom. 8:28).

Evil times, therefore, are not to be feared. They are times of unparalleled opportunity. That’s why we must make the most of them. – David Roper

Lord, help us to redeem the time

You give us every day,

To take each opportunity

To follow and obey. – Sper

God can turn any difficulty into an opportunity.