WAITING FOR HOLINESS

READ: Galatians 5:1-6

We through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. – Galatians 5:5

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Galatians 1-3

The British novelist J. R. R. Tolkien wrote, “Sheep get to be like their Shepherd, it is said, but slowly.” The renewal of the inner person, becoming Christ-like, is not accomplished in a moment but a lifetime.

Augustine (354-430) observed that this process is like healing from a near-fatal wound. “It’s one thing,” he said, “to remove the spear, but quite another to heal the wound by long and careful treatment.” This healing occurs gradually as our old ways of thinking and living are erased, and we become more like our Saviour as we are renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).

This renewal takes place not by self-effort alone but by faith. It involves reading, meditating on, and obeying God’s Word. We must also fix our minds on the character of Christ and ask God to make us like Him.

Then we must wait, confident that God is working in us to accomplish His purposes. Every day has its mishaps and memories of something we should have done or not done, but we must not be impatient. Though incomplete, we are in process. Sin may frustrate us for a day, but God is at work – and on ahead lies perfection, which is “the hope of righteousness” (Gal. 5:5). Someday we’ll see His face and we’ll be like Him – as holy as the holy One (1 John 3:2). – David Roper

Dear Jesus, take my heart and hand,

And grant me this, I pray:

That I through Your sweet love may grow

More like You day by day. – Garrison

The new birth takes only a moment; growth in holiness takes a lifetime.

December 2012

WAITING FOR JOY

MIXED REVIEWS

READ: 2 Cor. 11:16-30

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. – 2 Corinthians 11:30

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Corinthians 10-13

Several years ago The New York Times reported that coyotes were repopulating much of the American East. But they were getting mixed reviews. Some people saw them as a threat to domestic animals and regarded them as a nuisance. Others found the coyotes beneficial. One farmer said, “We’re happy to have them. The coyotes kill the mice and rabbits, which gnaw at the bottom of our trees.”

In the same way that people see the coyote as either a friend or an enemy, we have a choice about how we are going to view the sharp-toothed people and adverse circumstances of our lives. We recognize the danger they pose, but do we see how we can benefit from their presence? We can decide to let their threats drive us to the Lord. Then, even though they seem to be working against us, they are actually working for our good.

The apostle Paul trained himself to view the perils of his life as opportunities to express his faithfulness to Christ. He came to the place where he could “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Father, help us to see opportunities for growth where others see only problems. – Mart De Haan

The obstacles that we must face

Along life’s rocky way

Are used by God so we might hear

“Well done” from Him someday. – Sper

When we keep our eyes on Christ, obstacles become opportunities.

LEND A HAND

REPENTANCE IS FOR EVERYONE

READ: Luke 5:27-32

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. – Luke 5:32

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Corinthians 7-9

A local newspaper carried an article about my work of helping drug addicts. Later, the paper published this letter: “I commend Mrs Yoder for trying to help drug addicts, but sadly, she is dealing with a problem that shouldn’t be there in the first place.” That’s true, but it’s no use saying it shouldn’t be there – it already is!

Sin shouldn’t be here at all. Yet God anticipated our sin and prepared a perfect sacrifice – “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). In Romans 5:8, Paul emphasized that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

No matter what circumstances drive us to God, He won’t deride us for honestly seeking His deliverance from our most regrettable sins. Jesus insisted He came into the world for this very reason, not to “call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:32). When we repent, we not only admit our wrongs, but we willingly turn from them and open ourselves to God’s transforming power.

Repentance is necessary to enter into a relationship with Christ. Daily repentance is necessary to stay in close fellowship with Him and to grow spiritually. Both lead us to the fountain of God’s forgiveness and His life-changing power.

Which repentance do you need today? – Joanie Yoder

When we confess our sins to God,

We’re washed as white as snow;

And He keeps on forgiving us

Each time to Him we go. – Sper

If you are truly sorry for your sins, you will want to give them up.

A CONVENIENT CHRISTIANITY

NEVER GIVE UP!

READ: Galatians 6:6-10

Let us not grow weary while doing well, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. – Galatians 6:9

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Corinthians 4-6

As Hitler was mounting his attack against England during World War II, Winston Churchill was asked to speak to a group of discouraged Londoners. He uttered an eight-word encouragement: “Never give up! Never, never, never give up!”

There will be times when you’ll be discouraged in your Christian walk, but you must never, never, never give up. If nothing else, your struggle against sin will cause you to turn to God again and again and cling to Him in your desperation.

In his book The Fight, John White writes, “It is the man or woman who gets up and fights again that is the true warrior …. Strengthen yourself with a powerful draught of the wine of Romans 8:1-4. Then get back into the fight before your muscles get stiff!”

What’s required is dogged endurance, keeping at the task of obedience through the ebbs and flows, ups and downs, victories and losses in life. It is trying again, while knowing that God is working in you to accomplish His purposes (Phil. 1:6; 2:13). It is persistently pursuing God’s will for your life till you stand before Him and your work is done.

God is wonderfully persistent too. He will never, never, never give up on you! – David Roper

O Lord, You are faithful and always will be,

You never give up on working with me;

So as I am striving to serve You each day,

Help me to follow Your will and Your way. – Fitzhugh

Perseverance can tip the scales from failure to success.

SIN CROUCHES AT THE DOOR

MINISTRY OF REMEMBERING

READ: Romans 12:9-21

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Corinthians 1-3

The holidays can be a difficult time for people who are grieving. Friends may be reluctant to mention the name of someone who has died, fearing that it will cause unnecessary pain. But during the next few weeks, friends or family members may need you to talk openly with them about the person they have lost. Call it the “ministry of remembering.”

A chaplain at a Connecticut hospital says, “When you’ve experienced the loss through death of a spouse, child, or parent, it hurts terribly. And when people don’t want to use their names or refer to the death, it’s like losing that person all over again.”

Bereaved people ache for opportunities to talk about their loved one, whether the person died last week or many years ago. Even though remembering may bring tears, it can also produce emotional release and even joy.

Tucked into a series of commands in Romans 12, we find these words: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v. 15). Sharing a time of remembering with a hurting friend may help to ease a heavy burden.

If someone comes to mind, don’t put it off. Pray, make the call, stop by for a visit, or invite the friend to lunch. It may be the most important thing you do today. – David McCasland

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,

Help me know what to do and to say;

Speak to my heart and give me compassion,

Let Your great love flow through me today. – K. De Haan

To ease another’s burden, help to carry it.

GLADLY!

A CHANGE FROM WITHIN

READ: 1 Timothy 1:1-7

The purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. – 1 Timothy 1:5

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 13-16

On several occasions I have been encouraged when men I knew to be dishonest and immoral agreed to talk to me about their conduct. Yet each time I was disappointed at the outcome of our meetings.

In each situation the person said he believed in God and wanted to escape hell. Some rationalized by saying everybody, even churchgoing people, are basically selfish. They do good only to be rewarded, and avoid evil only to escape punishment. Those who reasoned this way believed that because they sometimes were kind and gave generously to charitable causes, their chances of going to heaven were as good as those of the Christians they knew. One man vowed that he would do his best to be more honest, moral, and kind. But like the others, he wanted to have eternal life without the forgiveness and inner change that only Jesus can give.

The apostle Paul told Timothy how to deal with religionists who focused on externals. He reminded him that the purpose of godly instruction is a life that reflects a radical inner change: “love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5). Has God changed you from within? You can have a life-changing encounter with Jesus if you’ll trust in Him. – Herb Vander Lugt

HOW TO BE CHANGED FROM WITHIN

Admit that you are a sinner and turn from your sin.

Believe that Jesus died for you and rose from the dead.

Call on Him to be your Saviour and Lord.

When God changes you, he works from the inside out.

CATCH AND RELEASE

TROUBLE AT THE TOP

READ: Malachi 1:6-14

“I have no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of hosts. – Malachi 1:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 9-12

Leadership has its privileges, but more important – it comes with huge responsibilities.

Through the years, I’ve observed the lives of many Christian leaders. I’ve noticed that they don’t always demonstrate godly traits. Sometimes there can be trouble at the top.

When God removes His hand of blessing because a leader engages in ungodly activity, everyone suffers. That’s why it’s so important for every Christian in a leadership position to strive daily to keep his heart attuned to God and His Word.

In Israel in 500 BC, there arose some leadership issues that God dealt with directly. Apparently the priests who were supposed to be serving God weren’t. They had stopped honouring the Lord, and they were offering defiled sacrifices (Mal. 1:7-8). Those actions caused God to remove His blessing from the priests. He could not accept their sacrifices (v. 10). Imagine the difficulties this brought on the people.

Are you a leader? At home? At work? At church? Stay close to God. Give Him the glory and honour due His name. Obey His Word. Worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Don’t risk losing the Lord’s blessing by causing trouble at the top. – Dave Branon

They truly lead who lead by love

And humbly serve the Lord;

Their lives will bear the Spirit’s fruit

And magnify His Word. – D. De Haan

Follow the leader who follows Christ.

HOLDING YOUR HAND

CONDUCT UNBECOMING

READ: 1 Corinthians 5

Those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” – 1 Corinthians 5:13

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 5-8

An Air Force pilot who was court-martialed on bigamy charges paid a high price for his actions. According to the Los Angeles Times, a jury of five officers sentenced him to 3 months in a military jail and ordered that he be discharged from the service. The Air Force captain was 9 months shy of having 20 years in the service and would lose his monthly pension. The prosecutor called his action “conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.”

Just as a military court saw the need to take strong action against behaviour unbecoming to an officer, so too the church needs to discipline any member whose behaviour is a reproach to the name of Christ. Some people will call this harsh and unmerciful, but it is for the person’s good as well as the good of the church. Genuine love doesn’t let a Christian go on sinning and hurt the reputation of Christ. Just as a branch of the military is respected for its ability and readiness to serve with honour, so also must the church of Jesus hold its members accountable so they will be above reproach. Yet, too often we are reluctant to correct and restore an erring member.

Father, if we are dishonouring Your name, forgive us. And if we must take part in disciplining another, help us to do it with humility, courage, and especially love. – Mart De Haan

When Christians turn from serving God

And choose the path of sin,

The church should seek to turn them back

With loving discipline. – D. De Haan

Discipline yourself and others won’t have to.

IMPOSSIBLE ITOKAWA

A SEASON OF RENEWAL

READ: Isaiah 40:28-41:4

Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength. – Isaiah 40:31

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 1-4

A survey showed that 84 percentage of people in the United States want a less materialistic holiday season. I suspect the same is true of people in many other countries. But when all roads seem to lead to the shopping malls, what is the pathway toward a more spiritual and meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth?

Some church leaders suggest that we put more attention on the observance of Advent, the 4-week period before Christmas. Instead of filling those days with activity and ending up physically and spiritually depleted, we need to recall that “those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).

Even with a busy calendar of school and church programs, and family obligations, we can still carve out time to “wait on the LORD” and to concentrate on the true meaning of this season. We can determine to make the most of our times of daily Bible reading and prayer, and to give people priority over things.

As we take time to focus on Christ’s birth and to strengthen our relationship with Him, this time of year can become a season of renewal instead of exhaustion. – David McCasland

Take time this Christmastide to go

A little way apart,

And with the hands of prayer prepare

The house that is your heart. – Anon.

A Christless Christmas is like a counterfeit dollar.

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

RECOUNT IF NECESSARY

READ: Genesis 24:1-7

Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. – Genesis 24:1

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 12-16

The 2000 US presidential election was finally decided after weeks of recounts, court battles, and controversy about punch-card ballots. Political pundits and comedians had a heyday. Even after the Florida recount wrangling was over, a billboard along a Michigan highway reminded travellers of those post-election days. It carried this clever message: “Count your blessings. Recount if necessary.”

In Genesis 24:1 we read that “the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.” Remarkable! The brief biography of Abraham’s 175 years (11:29-25:8) reveals blessing after blessing interwoven through all the adversities, testings, and even failures of his life. He received guidance (12:1), the promise of a homeland (13:14-15), great wealth (13:2), success in battle (14:16), an everlasting covenant from God to be his God (17:7), an heir at the age of 100 (21:2), protection for his family (19:16; 20:2-8) – and these are just a few. Many were repeated. Each blessing seemed to add one more fibre in the making of a strong cord of faith.

As we review our years, whether many or few, we can see that same wonderful mixture of blessings, promises, and mercy running through our lives, even the trials and lapses of faith. If we can’t, maybe a recount is necessary. – Dennis De Haan

For blessings without number

And the joys they do afford,

Accept my deepest heartfelt thanks –

I am so grateful, Lord. – Lyle

Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings.

HOW WILL THEY KNOW?

GRATITUDE OR GRUMBLING

READ: Colossians 2:1-10

… rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,… abounding in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 2:7

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 9-11

Imagine being given a bowl of sand containing tiny particles of iron, and you are told to remove the iron from the sand. You have two choices. You can pull your fingers through the sand, searching for specks of iron but finding very few. Or you can pull a magnet through the sand and watch it attract countless bits of iron.

Like the fingers in the sand, the grumbling heart finds very few mercies. But as the grateful heart moves through life, it finds countless blessings, just as the magnet finds iron.

Of all the choices we make in life, few affect us more powerfully than our choice between gratitude and grumbling. An honest look at our lives will reveal which choice we have made. If it’s grumbling, we probably see few blessings. If it’s gratitude, we not only find innumerable blessings – they seem to find us!

Paul taught that a heart overflowing with thankfulness comes from being grounded in faith (Col. 2:7). In Philippians, he pled with the believers, even repeating himself: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4).

Which choice have you made? Grumbling or gratitude? Grumbling overlooks blessings, but gratitude finds blessings everywhere – even in dry, sandy places! – Joanie Yoder

A grumbling mood of discontent

Gives way to thankfulness

When we consider all God’s gifts

And all that we possess. – Sper

With a little practice, anyone can master the art of thankfulness.

OFF TRACK

BLUE-RIBBON CHRISTIANS

READ: Hebrews 12

He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 5-8

While visiting New England, I was presented with a tin of pure Vermont maple syrup. It was given to me by a man who consistently had won blue ribbons for his product.

Producing syrup of that quality is no easy task. Its richness, flavour, and colour depend on many factors: the tree from which the sap is drawn, the time it is collected, the existing weather conditions, and the skill of the one who controls the boiling and filtering process. A blue-ribbon award is the result of a carefully controlled procedure from start to finish.

This reminds me of the way the Lord refines the lives of His children. Even now, He is working on us. The fires of affliction and trial may be painful for a time, but afterward they will result in great blessing and reward (Heb. 12:11).

I remember well when my brother and I collected some sap from our maple trees in the back yard. We put it in a big tub on a burner in the basement, and then promptly forgot all about it. Many hours later Mother almost fainted when she opened the basement door and was greeted by billowing clouds of smoke. How thankful we can be that God never forgets us in that way. He knows just the right amount of heat necessary to make us blue-ribbon Christians! – Richard De Haan

All God’s testings have a purpose –

Someday you will see the light;

All He asks is that you trust Him,

Walk by faith and not by sight. – Zoller

God sends trials not to impair us but to improve us.

LIFE'S SURPRISES

YOU GO AROUND TWICE

READ: John 11:17-26

I am the resurrection and the life. – John 11:25

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 1-4

There’s a little trout stream in the state of Oregon called Riley Creek. It was named for “Judge” Riley, a prospector who grubbed for gold there in the 1800s. Though he laboured night and day for 40 years, he never found the fortune he sought.

Early one morning, his partner discovered a rich vein of gold near their campsite. He raced back shouting, “Wake up, Riley! We’re rich!” Riley, however, was unmoved. He had died in his sleep.

Most people live their lives similar to Riley. They work their entire lives searching for a fortune of wealth or happiness, and then die. “So why go on?” we may ask ourselves. Why face an endless sequence of frustrations in a world where everyone sooner or later ends up under the ground? It all seems so futile.

But there’s good news: Jesus died and rose again! His resurrection guarantees that God will bring believers in Christ out of the ground to live forever (John 11:25-26). We don’t go around just once, but twice! This life is not all there is.

That means we can endure hardship here and now. We can live in broken and ruined bodies for a while. We can face loneliness, heartache, and pain for a season. We don’t need to “have it all” in this life. There is another life to come! – David Roper

How glorious to think ahead

Of blessings yet to be,

Of help from God while life shall last –

Then joys eternally! – Branon

You can endure this life’s trials because of the next life’s joys.

OUT OF OPTIONS?

“NOT ENOUGH MERCY”

READ: Matthew 5:43-48

Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do well to those who hate you. – Matthew 5:44

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 27-28

A nationally known radio commentator once went on a tirade against Christians. He ridiculed their views of the end-times, particularly the return of Christ for His church. He said that “the evaporation of 4 million people who believe this nonsense would leave this world a better place.”

It wasn’t long before the network apologized to any listeners who were offended. But the commentator himself refused to say he was sorry. He received hate mail, venomous condemnations, and even death threats from professing believers. This convinced him more than ever that the world would be better off without people filled with this kind of hatred.

It’s unfortunate and sad to see Christians become so enraged. As Joseph Stowell, president of Cornerstone University, said, “There’s too much mean and not enough mercy.” When followers of Jesus spend more time condemning their enemies than praying for them or showing love to them, they lose their spiritual credibility. Jesus expects us to stand out from the world by letting our “light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). One way we live that out is by obeying His command to love our enemies (v. 44). – Dave Egner

It’s easy to love one who loves in return,

There’s no test of character – nothing to learn;

The real lesson comes when we follow Christ’s call

To love those who’d rather see us take a fall. – Carbaugh

The warmth of love can melt the heart of an enemy.

COOLER HEADS

NOT A KILLJOY

READ: Leviticus 23:33-44

Take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, … and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God. – Leviticus 23:40

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 25-26

Contrary to what many believe, God is not a killjoy who frowns on His people having fun. The Old Testament Feast of Tabernacles is one evidence of this. The week-long festival came 5 days after the annual Day of Atonement, a day of fasting when Israelites expressed sorrow for their sins (Lev. 23:26-32). The tabernacles were booth-like structures reminding Israel of the temporary dwellings they had in the wilderness. Also known as “The Feast of Ingathering” (Ex. 23:16), it pictured God’s blessing on their harvest, as well as the final rest and harvest planned for them in the future.

Everyone who was able joined in a week of worship, rejoicing, and celebration (Deut. 16:13-14). Imagine children greeting playmates they hadn’t seen for a year, feasts with plenty of food for all, bonfires under the starry sky, families feasting, and the nation celebrating forgiveness and freedom together.

God used the feasts to teach His people the close connection between the spiritual and physical aspects of life. Times of prosperity and blessing were to be marked by rejoicing before the Lord. Though God takes sin seriously, He is also the One who abundantly pardons and provides for every need. He is not a killjoy! – Herb Vander Lugt

God takes delight when we rejoice

In all that He has done;

And when we see the love of Christ

Our joy has just begun. – D. De Haan

God wants to paint your life with joy.

CLOSING THE GAPS

A SACRIFICE REMEMBERED

READ: Hebrews 11:32-12:4

Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. – Hebrews 12:3

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 13-14

A white wall in the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri, bears the names of 406,000 US soldiers who died in World War II. Each name points beyond itself to the larger cause for which they died.

Nearly every nation has monuments to its fallen soldiers and a day to remember those who died fighting for their country. Whether or not we agree with their ideals, we do well to ponder their courage and sacrifice.

Hebrews 11 lists heroes who lived and died courageously “by faith.” Near the end of the chapter, the list changes from the names of individuals to groups of believers whose experiences ranged from miraculous deliverance to torture and death because they refused to compromise their faith in God.

Individually and collectively, they remind us that the spiritual battle is not over. One paraphrase of Hebrews 12:1 says, “Do you see what this means – all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it” (The Message by Eugene Peterson).

As we recall every sacrifice made on our behalf and every example of spiritual courage, let’s determine to keep our eyes on Jesus and to join the parade of faithful veterans of the faith. – David McCasland

As we remember those who’ve gone before

And think about the sacrifice they made,

We cannot help but think about our Lord,

Who gave His life – our ransom fully paid. – Hess

Let’s never forget that others have died so that we might live.

OUT OF OBSCURITY

LET LOOSE YOUR PRAISE!

READ: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome. – Psalm 47:1-2

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 10-12

On the left side of the aisle three people sat stiffly in the pew; on the right side sat a man in a wheelchair. When the congregation stood to sing, the man on the right had someone help him stand. The three on the left had their arms folded; the man on the right strained to lift his weak arms toward heaven. As the music swelled to a crescendo, the man on the right closed his eyes and struggled to make his mouth from the words of the familiar song; the three on the left stared straight ahead, their lips sealed.

Obviously I do not know the hearts of anyone in this story, but when I heard it, I knew I had to examine my own. The story reminded me that I often do more pouting than praising in church. Instead of concentrating on the God I worship, I often criticize the way others are worshiping.

When King David worshiped the Lord exuberantly, his wife called him shameless. He said, “I will be even more undignified than this and will be humble in my own sight” (2 Sam. 6:22). He knew that being God-conscious couldn’t co-exist with being self-conscious.

Taking worship seriously means taking ourselves less seriously. Worship is not about holding on to our dignity; it’s about letting loose our praise. – Julie Ackerman Link

Worship, praise, and adoration,

All are due to Jesus’ name;

Freely give your heart’s devotion,

Constantly His love proclaim. – Anon.

We can never praise God too much!

NO GREATER LOVE

ON THE EDGE OF ETERNITY

READ: 1 Peter 4:7-19

It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. – Hebrews 9:27

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 6-9

During the dark days of World War II, Adolf Hitler was tyrannizing Europe and herding millions of people into concentration camps. No wonder there was a widespread belief that the end of history had arrived.

Sophie Scholl, a heroic resister of the Nazi regime, made this comment in a letter to a friend just before she was executed in 1943: “People believe that we live in the end-times, and many terrible signs make such a belief all too credible. But isn’t it irrelevant? Don’t we all realize that, no matter when we live, God can call us at a moment’s notice? How do I know if I’ll even be alive tomorrow morning?”

We need to take those words to heart. All of us live on the edge of eternity. That’s why Peter’s words to first-century followers of Christ are so important for us today (1 Peter 4:7-19). We too must live as if “the end of all things is at hand” (v. 7), realizing that we are accountable to God (vv. 17-19) and that at any second, death may terminate our earthly existence.

Are you prepared for that event? Do you view that possibility with confident assurance, knowing that the end here will mean a new and glorious beginning there? It will if your faith is in Christ, the death-conquering Saviour. – Vernon Grounds

If I gained the world but lost the Saviour,

Were my life worth living for a day?

Could my yearning heart find rest and comfort

In the things that soon must pass away? – Olander

To make the most of each day, keep eternity in mind.

GOSSIP-FREE ZONE

LEARNING TO FISH

READ: Matthew 4:18-22

He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 3-5

Thomas Boston, a young minister and fly fisherman from Scotland, wrote this in his diary in 1699: “Reading in secret, my heart was touched with Matthew 4:19, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ My soul cried out for the accomplishing of that to me, and I was very desirous to know how I might follow Christ, so as to be a fisher of men.”

Boston later wrote a booklet titled, A Soliloquy on the Art of Man Fishing, in which he spelled out what he learned about soul-winning by following the Master Angler. He pointed out that the habits of fish and the habits of sinners are often quite similar.

I am an avid fisherman, and I have worked our Idaho trout streams many times. I agree with Boston that catching fish and winning souls are very much alike. But analogy can only take us so far. The best way to become an effective “fisher of men” is simply to follow Jesus.

For us that means watching how the Master “fished” and then imitating Him. It involves reading the Scriptures and lingering over His words and deeds, learning how He “caught souls.” Then we must cry out, as Thomas Boston did, and ask Jesus to make us like Him – great “fishers of men.” – David Roper

Keeping in step with the Saviour,

Living a life that is true,

Clearly let’s sound out a witness,

Proving what God’s grace can do. – Bosch

If you’re not fishing for souls, you are not following the Saviour.

THEY NEVER MEET

MERCY IN DISGUISE

READ: 1 Kings 14:1-18

The child shall die. And all Israel shall mourn … because in him there is found something good. – 1 Kings 14:12-13

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 1-2

“Don’t worry. Only the good die young.” This was the reply of an unbelieving man to his sister when she expressed concern that he wasn’t ready to meet the Lord.

The parents of a young boy who died apparently had the same idea, saying, “He just seemed to be too good for this wicked old earth.”

I am sure this sentiment cannot be proven, but I know of one instance when a child died because he was the only good person in his family. In 1 Kings 14:12-13, we read that young Abijah would die, be mourned, and be given an honourable burial because God “found something good” in him. Other members of his family lived a little longer, only to be executed as criminals (15:27-29). I believe that God, seeing the dreadful fate Abijah would have faced if he had continued to live, took him to heaven peacefully. His early death was indeed an act of God’s mercy.

Through the years, I have often used this passage of Scripture to comfort those mourning the death of a baby, a child, or a young person. God alone knows what awaited them if they had lived. He may have delivered them from unbelievable distress by taking them home. An early death can be God’s mercy in disguise. – Herb Vander Lugt

That which seems a tragic ending

To our red and tear-filled eyes

In our heavenly Father’s wisdom

May be mercy in disguise. – Fitzhugh

Look for the blessing in every burden.

BETTER THAN REVENGE

READ: Romans 12:14-21

Do not avenge yourselves,… for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. – Romans 12:19

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: John 18-21

For centuries, Albanian clans were known for their bloody family feuds. They considered it cowardly not to avenge the death of one of their own. Sometimes retaliation would set off a chain reaction that left 25 to 30 people dead before it ended.

This bloody tradition continued until 1990, when a group of Albanian peacemakers settled a large number of those clan conflicts. The change came about because the people found something they desired more than revenge. They wanted to become a part of the wider European community, and also to unite in defending themselves against a common enemy.

So too, church fights and family feuds will end when Christians find something they want more than the bitter excitement of a grudge match. Holding a grudge loses its appeal when the combatants realize they are cutting themselves off from the support and enjoyment they need, which Christian fellowship provides. Getting even doesn’t look so appealing when they see how their angry words and belittling comments play into the hands of the devil, who is trying to destroy them.

Why pay the high price of getting even? We have so much more to gain by dropping our grudges and extending forgiveness. That’s so much better than revenge! – Mart De Haan

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

If you find yourself looking for ways to get even, why not look for ways you might turn an enemy into a friend?

Believers at war with their brothers and sisters can’t be at peace with their Father.