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Saturday, March 31, 2018
Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves? by Oswald Chambers
A Living Sacrifice by Charles Stanley
In the book of Romans, Paul works through a progression of truths—from our sinful condition, which deserves God’s wrath, to the display of His mercy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Chapter 11 ends in a crescendo of praise that should cause us to respond in worship by offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices.
But practically speaking, how are we to do this? In Romans 12:2, the apostle spells out a mindset to avoid and a goal to pursue.
Do not be conformed to this world. This is not a command to withdraw to the hills and live off the grid. Rather, we’re to lay aside our former manner of life because it is corrupted by our sinful desires (Eph. 4:22). Paul calls this “the old self,” and it’s what John referred to as “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Until we deal with these things, we’ll find ourselves continually crawling off the altar to follow our own desires.
Be transformed by the renewing our minds. Lasting change isn’t brought about by willpower or emotional mountaintop experiences. For change that endures, we must renew our mind with God’s truths as revealed in His Word. Paul describes this renewal as “put[ting] on the new self,” which is created by God in righteousness, holiness, and truth (Eph. 4:23-24).
To be a living sacrifice requires submission in obedience to God’s will. As long as we’re in our earthly body, there will always be a battle with sin and self. But by letting God’s Word renew our mind, we’ll find ourselves praising Him as we use our life in accordance with His will.
Draw Near / PAST FEELING
PAST FEELING
In 1906, a beautiful baby boy was born into a German home. As a child he was sensitive to the things of the Lord, but as a young adult he became very bitter. At twenty-six, he joined the Nazi party and became known as the butcher of Germany. Adolf Eichmann murdered six million Jews and bragged, "I will leap into my grave laughing." When he was captured and tried, he had not changed. He was executed and died as he lived--a bitter and evil man--sneering, "Regrets are for small children." Here is a vivid example of a man "past feeling."
God's Word warns that this can happen, and when it does, hell spills over on our world. The Hitlers and Stalins were once children with tender feelings, but something happened along the way to drain them of all consciousness of God and compassion for man. Little by little, they stopped caring until they were "beyond feeling."
Because it is urgent that men sustain compassion and love for God, preachers plow the fallow ground of people's hearts. This is why ministers urge people to give and be compassionate. The only antidote to men like Eichmann is men of love. We should examine ourselves to see if we are still moved by the hurts of humanity. Dr. Pierce often says, "Break my heart with the things that break the heart of God." This prayer reminds us that believers are to be caring people. Those who have shut off the flow of compassion will die in bitterness; those who love God and men will live forever. The Bible says: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy (Psalm 126:5).
In 1906, a beautiful baby boy was born into a German home. As a child he was sensitive to the things of the Lord, but as a young adult he became very bitter. At twenty-six, he joined the Nazi party and became known as the butcher of Germany. Adolf Eichmann murdered six million Jews and bragged, "I will leap into my grave laughing." When he was captured and tried, he had not changed. He was executed and died as he lived--a bitter and evil man--sneering, "Regrets are for small children." Here is a vivid example of a man "past feeling."
God's Word warns that this can happen, and when it does, hell spills over on our world. The Hitlers and Stalins were once children with tender feelings, but something happened along the way to drain them of all consciousness of God and compassion for man. Little by little, they stopped caring until they were "beyond feeling."
Because it is urgent that men sustain compassion and love for God, preachers plow the fallow ground of people's hearts. This is why ministers urge people to give and be compassionate. The only antidote to men like Eichmann is men of love. We should examine ourselves to see if we are still moved by the hurts of humanity. Dr. Pierce often says, "Break my heart with the things that break the heart of God." This prayer reminds us that believers are to be caring people. Those who have shut off the flow of compassion will die in bitterness; those who love God and men will live forever. The Bible says: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy (Psalm 126:5).
“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Ephesians 4:19 KJV
Great Sacrifice By: Bill Crowder / Our Daily Bread
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March 31 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman
The wind was contrary (Matt. 14:24).
Rude and blustering the winds of March often are. Do they not typify the tempestuous seasons of my life? But, indeed, I ought to be glad that I make acquaintance with these seasons. Better it is that the rains descend and the floods come than that I should stay perpetually in the Lotus Land where it seems always afternoon, or in that deep meadowed Valley of Avilion where never wind blows loudly. Storms of temptation appear cruel, but do they not give intenser earnestness to prayer? Do they not compel me to seize the promises with a tighter hand grip? Do they not leave me with a character refined?
Storms of bereavement are keen; but, then, they are one of the Father's ways of driving me to Himself, that in the secret of His presence His voice may speak to my heart, soft and low. There is a glory of the Master which can be seen only when the wind is contrary and the ship tossed with waves.
"Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms. He has never promised you an easy passage, only a safe landing."
Oh, set your sail to the heavenly gale,
And then, no matter what winds prevail,
No reef can wreck you, no calm delay;
No mist shall hinder, no storm shall stay;
Though far you wander and long you roam
Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam,
No wind that can blow but shall speed you Home.
--Annie Johnson Flint
And then, no matter what winds prevail,
No reef can wreck you, no calm delay;
No mist shall hinder, no storm shall stay;
Though far you wander and long you roam
Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam,
No wind that can blow but shall speed you Home.
--Annie Johnson Flint
The Deceitfulness of Riches by Adrian Rogers
MARCH 31
The Deceitfulness of Riches
“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the Word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-19
There are many misconceptions and illusions about money. Money can buy some things but not others. It can buy marriage, but it can’t buy love. It can buy four years in college, but it can’t buy an education. Money can hire a doctor, but it can’t make you well. Money can take you almost anywhere except to heaven. It can buy almost anything except happiness. Some people think money means security. But there’s no security in money. It fades away.
The Bible speaks of the deceitfulness of riches because earthly treasures can be wiped away so easily. Are you putting your trust and hope in things of eternal value?
The Third Day by David Jeremiah
The Third Day
MARCH 31, 2018
He rose again the third day…. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:4, 58
1 Corinthians 15:4, 58
Easter is why we don’t give up. According to the Resurrection Chapter of the Bible—1 Corinthians 15—Christ arose as the firstfruits of all who fall asleep in Him (verse 20). He destroyed our last enemy (verse 26) and provided the power, proof, and pattern for our own resurrection (verse 49). Because of Easter, the trumpet will sound and we’ll be raised incorruptible (verse 52). Our Lord gives us the victory (verse 57), which is why we remain immovable and abounding in His will and work.
Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
OUR FINAL VICTORY
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
We don’t give up when Satan attacks, when friends turn against us, when family upsets us, or when the work seems futile.
History’s worst moment occurred on Good Friday, when the Savior perished and the devil gloated. But everything was different three days later—so don’t give up. Look up. Cheer up. Your life and labor in the Lord is not in vain. That’s His promise at the end of Resurrection Chapter.
Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.
Clarence W. Hall
Clarence W. Hall
The Summation of Humility by John MacArthur
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The King’s Crown / Our Daily Bread
The King’s Crown
March 31, 2018
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They . . . twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.—Matthew 27:28–29
We sat around the table, each person adding a toothpick to the foam disc before us. At our evening meal in the weeks leading up to Easter, we created a crown of thorns—with each toothpick signifying something we had done that day for which we were sorry and for which Christ had paid the penalty. The exercise brought home to us, night after night, how through our wrongdoing we were guilty and how we needed a Savior. And how Jesus freed us through His death on the cross.
The crown of thorns that Jesus was made to wear was part of a cruel game the Roman soldiers played before He was crucified. They also dressed Him in a royal robe and gave Him a staff as a king’s scepter, which they then used to beat Him. They mocked Him, calling Him “king of the Jews” (Matthew 27:29), not realizing that their actions would be remembered thousands of years later. This was no ordinary king. He was the King of Kings whose death, followed by His resurrection, gives us eternal life.
On Easter morning, we celebrated the gift of forgiveness and new life by replacing the toothpicks with flowers. What joy we felt, knowing that God had erased our sins and given us freedom and life forever in Him! —Amy Boucher Pye
Lord Jesus Christ, my heart hurts to think of all of the pain and suffering You endured for me. Thank You for Your gift of love that sets me free.
The crown of thorns has become a crown of life.
INSIGHT: The horrific scene described in today’s reading serves to underscore how this fallen world and the powers of darkness held nothing but contempt for Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Yet Christ chose to suffer to redeem us: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
How might we praise our Lord for enduring the cross in order to erase our sins and give us freedom and life forever with Him?
For further study, see The Mockery and Majesty of the Cross at discoveryseries.org/hp081. Dennis Fisher
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Little White Lies by Stephen Davey
| Little White Lies |
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| James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. In the summer of 1899, four Denver newspapers, including the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News, published a story claiming that American business firms were planning to demolish the Great Wall of China and use the rubble as paving gravel in a series of new roads. Of course, there was no such plan—the Great Wall remains fairly intact to this day. So what happened? As it turns out, four reporters met by chance at Union Station, where they were hoping to catch the latest scoop from elsewhere coming in on one of the passenger trains. When no newsworthy items materialized, one reporter suggested that if they all published the same fictitious story, no one would be the wiser. The group made their way back to the Oxford Hotel where they conspired to craft a tale that would be exciting, believable—and not easily verified. They determined that a story set in the Far East would be less likely to be unraveled by anyone close to home. The Great Wall hoax was published the next day—reporting that a Mr. Frank C. Lewis of Chicago, stopped at the Oxford on his way to the West Coast to meet with Chinese representatives about the plan. The fabrication was soon published in other major newspapers. But the joke didn't end there! Decades later, in 1939, Denver songwriter Harvey Wilber published an article claiming that the Denver news report had reached China, infuriating the Chinese people. Wilber said that the Chinese citizens were so outraged by the prospect of westerners demolishing their ancient wall that they rioted, setting off the Boxer Rebellion. Wilber's source for this legend was a Methodist bishop who was speaking to a Denver church about the power of the printed word—and what may happen when an untruth is allowed to circulate. Yet there are no reports in China that suggest that news of the Denver story ever reached the country. Though the Denver Great Wall hoax made an excellent cautionary tale, the idea that it set off the rebellion in China was itself an urban legend. Although every lie won't launch national concerns or international bloodshed, lies are at the heart of rebellions against God. It's little wonder that lying is considered ungodly, and treated harshly by our Lord. When you tell the truth, it's easier to live with the consequences. When you tell a lie, the consequences just might cost you more than you ever could have imagined. Honesty is still the best policy . . . it's certainly the biblical practice to pursue. |
| Prayer Point:Ask the Lord to reveal dishonesty in your heart—cutting corners at the office; padding expense accounts; cheating in class; exaggerating accomplishments—and ask Him to make honesty your automatic response in life. |
| Extra Refreshment:Read Acts 5:1-11, a reminder of how much God hates dishonesty. |
Friday, March 30, 2018
Holiness or Hardness Toward God? by Oswald Chambers
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Our Merciful and Faithful High Priest by Charles Stanley
Sometimes when people are estranged, they need a mediator who comes between them to bring reconciliation. This is one way to think of the Old Testament priests. They stood between God and sinful man, offering sacrifices that would reconcile the two.
These earthly priests were a mere shadow of Christ, who came as both the Lamb of sacrifice and the final high priest. God’s Son left heaven to become flesh and blood so He could offer His life on the cross (Phil. 2:6-8). In that way, Jesus set free from sin and death all who believe in Him.
Our Savior was the perfect mediator. Because Jesus was fully God, He was the spotless Lamb the law required (Deut. 17:1). And because He was fully man, it was possible for Him to die. Unlike the earthly priests who repeatedly brought animal sacrifices for themselves and the people, Jesus offered Himself once for all to the Father in payment for the sins of mankind (Heb. 7:27). Then, having satisfied God’s justice with His blood, He was raised to life.
Death did not end the Savior’s role as our High Priest. After the resurrection, Christ ascended to heaven, where He sits at the Father’s right hand and intercedes for us. Having lived on the earth as a man, He understands our weaknesses and gives mercy and grace to help us in times of need (Heb. 4:16).
There’s great comfort in knowing we have a merciful advocate in heaven. His prayers are according to God’s will, so we also have the assurance that the Father will answer every intercession Jesus makes on our behalf.
Draw Near / SYMBOLS
SYMBOLS
Americans are intrigued by symbols. The city of Phoenix, for example, gets its name from the ancient symbol of resurrection--the mythical Phoenix bird. City fathers felt this legend expressed the city's rise from the burning desert. The olive branch has always symbolized peace; a palm, victory; an anchor, faith and hope; a peacock, immortality. In the early church, the fish symbolized Christian faith because the five letters of the Greek word fish formed an acrostic meaning "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."
In the New Testament, four things symbolize eternal truths: the manger, the cross, the empty tomb, and the trumpet. They burn the truths deeply into our minds. The manger symbolizes God's eternal love for man in giving His only begotten Son; the cross, man's release from sin through the blood of Christ shed in His sacrificial death; the empty tomb, God's eternal existence; and the trumpet, Jesus' return for those who await His appearing. Our hearts are stirred when we think of these symbols of our Savior.
The manger is present in all contemporary nativity scenes, and crosses are worn as necklaces, charm bracelets, and key chains. Unfortunately, the empty tomb and the trumpet are not as prominent. These symbols are most meaningful to believers, however. Someday, Jesus will come back so we can live with Him forever. All the world is waiting for that redemption.
Americans are intrigued by symbols. The city of Phoenix, for example, gets its name from the ancient symbol of resurrection--the mythical Phoenix bird. City fathers felt this legend expressed the city's rise from the burning desert. The olive branch has always symbolized peace; a palm, victory; an anchor, faith and hope; a peacock, immortality. In the early church, the fish symbolized Christian faith because the five letters of the Greek word fish formed an acrostic meaning "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."
In the New Testament, four things symbolize eternal truths: the manger, the cross, the empty tomb, and the trumpet. They burn the truths deeply into our minds. The manger symbolizes God's eternal love for man in giving His only begotten Son; the cross, man's release from sin through the blood of Christ shed in His sacrificial death; the empty tomb, God's eternal existence; and the trumpet, Jesus' return for those who await His appearing. Our hearts are stirred when we think of these symbols of our Savior.
The manger is present in all contemporary nativity scenes, and crosses are worn as necklaces, charm bracelets, and key chains. Unfortunately, the empty tomb and the trumpet are not as prominent. These symbols are most meaningful to believers, however. Someday, Jesus will come back so we can live with Him forever. All the world is waiting for that redemption.
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
John 20:31 KJV
Fresh Faith / Our Daily Bread
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You Are What You Watch by Adrian Rogers
MARCH 30
You Are What You Watch
“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?” Proverbs 6:27
Filmmakers and TV executives tell us that what kids watch in movies or TV does not affect them. If it has no affect, then why do businesses spend billions of dollars in advertising?
Why would a corporation spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for one minute of television time to showcase their product if what is seen has no affect on the viewer? You cannot tell me that someone sitting and watching some sex-saturated show for one hour is not going to be affected. Of course they are! We are affected by what we see. As a matter of fact, what we see makes us what we are. Don’t be fooled!
There’s an old saying: “The eyes are the window to the soul.” Job vowed in Job 31:1, “I have made a covenant with my eyes.” God has given you individual freedom. It is your responsibility to set a guard over your eyes and what they take in.
March 30 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow"(Isa. 50:11).
What a solemn warning to those who walk in darkness and yet who try to help themselves out into the light. They are represented as kindling a fire, and compassing themselves with sparks. What does this mean?
Why, it means that when we are in darkness the temptation is to find a way without trusting in the Lord and relying upon Him. Instead of letting Him help us out, we try to help ourselves out. We seek the light of nature, and get the advice of our friends. We try the conclusions of our reason, and might almost be tempted to accept a way of deliverance which would not be of God at all.
All these are fires of our own kindling; rushlights that will surely lead us onto the shoals. And God will let us walk in the light of those sparks, but the end will be sorrow.
Beloved, do not try to get out of a dark place, except, in God's time and in God's way. The time of trouble is meant to teach you lessons that you sorely need. Premature deliverance may frustrate God's work of grace in your life. Just commit the whole situation to Him. Be willing to abide in darkness so long as you have His presence.
Remember that it is better to walk in the dark with God than to walk alone in the light.
--The Still Small Voice
--The Still Small Voice
Cease meddling with God's plans and will. You touch anything of His, and you mar the work. You may move the hands of a clock to suit you, but you do not change the time; so you may hurry the unfolding of God's will, but you harm and do not help the work. You can open a rosebud but you spoil the flower. Leave all to Him. Hands down. Thy will, not mine.
--Stephen Merritt
--Stephen Merritt
HIS WAY
God bade me go when I would stay
('Twas cool within the wood);
I did not know the reason why.
I heard a boulder crashing by
Across the path where I stood.
He bade me stay when I would go;
"Thy will be done," I said.
They found one day at early dawn,
Across the way I would have gone,
A serpent with a mangled head.
No more I ask the reason why,
Although I may not see
The path ahead, His way I go;
For though I know not, He doth know,
And He will choose safe paths for me.
--The Sunday School Times
('Twas cool within the wood);
I did not know the reason why.
I heard a boulder crashing by
Across the path where I stood.
He bade me stay when I would go;
"Thy will be done," I said.
They found one day at early dawn,
Across the way I would have gone,
A serpent with a mangled head.
No more I ask the reason why,
Although I may not see
The path ahead, His way I go;
For though I know not, He doth know,
And He will choose safe paths for me.
--The Sunday School Times
Taking a Bath... Daily! by Stephen Davey
Taking a Bath... Daily!
Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?
The believer who wants true revival throws away his list of favorite excuses for sin. Confession replaces excuses. Commitment replaces compromise.
You might be tempted to say, "But I've confessed, tried, and failed so many times--revival just doesn't last." A skeptic once made a comment to evangelist Billy Sunday in the early 1900s. He tried to make the point that since personal revival wasn't a permanent end-all to temptation, sin, and failure, times of revival weren't really that important. "Revival just doesn't last," the man complained to Billy Sunday one evening. Sunday just smiled and replied, "Well, a bath doesn't last either, but it's good to take one occasionally!"
Has it ever occurred to you that a great word to describe Christianity is exposure? You become a Christian after being exposed as a sinner. You grow as a Christian after being exposed to your need of change in some area. You confess daily sin as it is exposed in your life. You flourish in your walk as a result of being exposed to the Scriptures.
No wonder every Christian is in need of daily revival. We so easily sugarcoat our selfishness and rationalize our rebellion. We manage our sin, but fail to confess it. We conveniently forget how heartbreaking sin is to our heavenly Father.
Revival, then, could be defined as a movement of God's Spirit in the believer's life, which produces both private confession of sin and public obedience to the Scriptures. The priority for our outward behavior is to please God--a priority that will undeniably impact personal relationships, financial decisions, and lifestyle choices. Therefore, revival is not a once-and-done event . . . it is daily. And it should interrupt your life over and over again.
By the way, you can't plan for revival but you can pray for it. You can't orchestrate it or announce that it is going to happen in a series of meetings the third week of May. All you can do is beg God to give you a heart that confesses and a life that obeys.
So, take His Word daily; ask God to blow on the smoldering embers of your heart, making it burst into flaming affection for Him all over again. While you're at it, remember that revival is not so much about emotion as it is about action.
Don't wait for a week of revival meetings to pray, "Revive me, O Lord" . . . do it today!
Prayer Point: Pray the prayer of David, asking the Lord to create in you a longing for Him, for His Word, for His will, and for His work.
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