Bible in One Year: April 30

 Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19

The Spontaneity Of Love / Oswald Chambers

 

The Spontaneity Of Love Love suffereth long, and is kind.… 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8 Love is not premeditated, it is spontaneous, that is, it bursts up in extraordinary ways. There is nothing of mathematical certainty in Paul’s category of love. We cannot say — “Now I am going to think no evil; I am going to believe all things.” The characteristic of love is spontaneity. We do not set the statements of Jesus in front of us as a standard; but when His Spirit is having His way with us, we live according to His standard with out knowing it, and on looking back we are amazed at the disinterestedness of a particular emotion, which is the evidence that the spontaneity of real love was there. In everything to do with the life of God in us, its nature is only discerned when it is past. The springs of love are in God, not in us. It is absurd to look for the love of God in our hearts naturally, it is only there when it has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. If we try to prove to God how much we love Him, it is a sure sign that we do not love Him. The evidence of our love for Him is the absolute spontaneity of our love, it comes naturally. In looking back we cannot tell why we did certain things, we did them according to the spontaneous nature of His love in us. The life of God manifests itself in this spontaneous way because the springs of love are in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 5:5.) Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS There is no allowance whatever in the New Testament for the man who says he is saved by grace but who does not produce the graceful goods. Jesus Christ by His Redemption can make our actual life in keeping with our religious profession.

Sunday Reflection: Taking Christ to the World / Charles Stanley

Sunday Reflection: Taking Christ to the World

Sharing the gospel can begin with simply being kind to those in your community.

After His resurrection, Jesus asked three times if Peter loved Him. And each time the disciple answered yes, the Lord said to take care of His sheep (John 21:15-17). Like Peter, we are called to tend to one another, loving the church and going out to “the roads and the hedges” to reflect Christ’s love (Luke 14:23).

Whether we’re volunteering at an after-school program, befriending unbelievers in our workplace, giving of our time and talents to benefit a charity, or simply having a conversation in the checkout line, we can do good for our communities and bring glory to God.

Our mission is to join in Christ’s vision as an outpouring of His love—uplifting, engaging, and supporting the people we encounter. And just as Jesus left His seat next to the Father to go out into a cold world and rescue those who needed it, we have all kinds of opportunities to share the loving message of the gospel.

Think about it

• Think about Christ’s commands to “love your neighbor” and to “go … and make disciples” (Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 28:18-20). How do these work together and even enrich one another? 

Remember God’s Provision to Increase Faith / Adrian Rogers

 Remember God’s Provision to Increase Faith

Hebrews 10:35-36

Sermon: 2126 Patience

Pray Over This

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

Hebrews 10:35-36

Ponder This

Every person who has walked with God very far knows God has seen you through dark times. The passage is basically saying, “Remember and don’t throw in the towel. Don’t cast away your confidence!” After God has brought you through things, you initially say, “I will never ever doubt God again.” Have you said that? But later, you find yourself doubting God again.

One time, Joyce looked at me and said, “Adrian, you’re so wonderful. If I ever criticize you about anything, I want you to remind me of what I’m saying right now about how wonderful you are.” And you know, I’ve had to remind her many times. We forget sometimes just how good our God is. Then we get into difficulties and trials and God brings us through, and we say, “Thank You, Jesus. I’ll never forget.” But then another trial comes, and we do forget.

The first thing you do when you want to hold onto a promise is to remember yesterday’s provision. God took care of you yesterday, and He will be with you in the future.

• When have you witnessed God’s faithfulness? When have you forgotten God’s faithfulness?
• How can you make an active practice of remembering God’s faithfulness?

Practice This

Encourage someone you know is struggling to remember God’s past faithfulness.

Wagging Tails and Tongues / ODB

 

Wagging Tails and Tongues The words of a gossip are like choice morsels. Proverbs 18:8 READ Proverbs 18:1–8 The newspaper declared that Pep had taken the life of the cat belonging to the governor’s wife—but he didn’t do it. The only thing he may have been guilty of was chewing the sofa at the governor’s mansion. Pep was a rambunctious young Labrador retriever owned by Pennsylvania’s governor Gifford Pinchot in the 1920s. The dog actually was sent to Eastern State Penitentiary, where his mug shot was taken with a prisoner identification number. When a newspaper reporter heard about it, he made up the cat story. Because his report appeared in the newspaper, many believed Pep really was a cat-killer. Israel’s King Solomon knew well the power of misinformation. He wrote, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Proverbs 18:8). Sometimes our fallen human nature causes us to want to believe things about others that aren’t true. Yet even when others believe untruths about us, God can still use us for good. In reality, the governor sent Pep to prison so he could be a friend to the inmates there—and he served for many years as a pioneer therapy dog. God’s purposes for our lives still stand, regardless of what others say or think. When others gossip about us, remember that His opinion—and His love for us—is what matters most. By James Banks How does it encourage you to know that God isn’t affected by what someone may say or think about you? How will you celebrate His perfect love today? Abba, Father, thank You for making me Your child. Help me to share Your love with others today.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Using a food metaphor, Solomon describes the words of a gossip as “choice morsels” (Proverbs 18:8). This could literally be translated as “things greedily devoured,” a delicious treat. We love to hear and share gossip because it’s tasty and enjoyable. The Good News Translation describes it well: “Gossip is so tasty—how we love to swallow it!” Like food ingested into our inner organs, gossip is easily assimilated into our innermost thoughts. Thus, gossip is readily remembered and retained. Speaking of the damage gossip does to relationships, Solomon warns, “A gossip separates close friends” (16:28). Gossip is like fuel to a scorching fire that destroys everything in its path (26:20–21; James 3:5–6). Because “a gossip betrays a confidence,” we’re advised to “avoid anyone who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19). For the person who gossips to you will likely gossip about you. K. T. Sim

A Marriage Triangle / Ann Graham Lotz

A Marriage Triangle

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?

2 Corinthians 6:14, niv

One of God’s principles for marriage is that those who have established a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ are not to marry those who are not in a right relationship with God. The reason for this principle was explained logically by Amos when he said, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3, niv) For someone who has real faith in God to marry, or “walk with,” another person who is in rebellion against God would mean a lifetime of compromise on everything from how to spend time and money, to setting priorities and standards. If there is no basic agreement on an issue as significant as a person’s relationship with God, then there can be no agreement on lesser issues, and a compromise would have to be made to preserve the marriage. That compromise would inevitably lead to neglect of God’s Word.

So . . . make your marriage a triangle, with Jesus Christ at the apex. As you and your spouse grow closer to God you will grow closer together.

 

Bible in One Year: April 29

 Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47

Gracious Uncertainty / Oswald Chambers

Gracious Uncertainty …it has not yet been revealed what we shall be… 1 JOHN 3:2 Our natural inclination is to be so precise– trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next– that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty. Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, “Well, what if I were in that circumstance?” We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been. Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life– gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God– it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, “…unless you…become as little children…” (Matthew 18:3 ). The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next. If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self–righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled. But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, “…believe also in Me” (John 14:1), not, “Believe certain things about Me”. Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in– but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him. Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS The truth is we have nothing to fear and nothing to overcome because He is all in all and we are more than conquerors through Him. The recognition of this truth is not flattering to the worker’s sense of heroics, but it is amazingly glorifying to the work of Christ.

 

The Church What Is It All About / Charles Stanley

 The Church What Is It All About

Colossians 1:18-24

Church buildings are plentiful in our country. Locating one may be easy, but wisely deciding which to join involves more effort. God's Word gives us some specific instructions in this matter.

First, let's explore the original biblical meaning of the word "church." The term ecclesia meant a group of people who are called out of the world's system by God's grace for the purpose of assembling to worship and serve Christ. Ephesians 5:29-30 further specifies that believers are the body and Jesus is the head of such a fellowship. Under His leadership, we can enjoy the unity and purpose that He intended.

God's design for this sacred gathering involves worship, instruction, encouragement, evangelism, and ministry to those in need, both within the fellowship and outside its walls. A healthy, vibrant congregation is possible only when members rely fully on the Holy Spirit's guidance. The work of the church is to be done in His power, in humble, prayerful submission to the Lord.

To help you determine whether a church is following the design laid out in Scripture, here are some important questions to ask: Do they believe God's Word is infallible and inerrant? Is the church disciplining her people? Does the fellowship have some kind of missionary or evangelistic program?

Joining a congregation is an important decision, as a fellowship of believers is one tool God uses to mature and encourage His children. Those three questions can be helpful in discerning God's will. Listen for His Spirit to warn or direct as you prayerfully investigate your options.

Are You Seeking God Diligently? / Adrian Rogers

 Are You Seeking God Diligently?

Hebrews 11:6

Sermon: 2126 Patience

Pray Over This

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6

Ponder This

God wants us to be diligent. When I was growing up and playing with my friends, we would sometimes go ring a doorbell and run away. The person would come to the door, and there’d be nobody there. I think sometimes we do that with God. Too often, before God ever gets there to answer the prayer, we’re gone.

Some of our prayers are easily offered and soon forgotten. No wonder we don’t inherit the promise. Some of our prayers are wandering generalities rather than specific requests. This means many of us could not even remember what we’ve prayed for—whether or not God has answered our prayer.

God wants us to be diligent and devoted. The writer says we are to diligently seek Him. Often we are seeking the blessing rather than seeking the Lord, the Blesser. We are called to seek His face, who He is. We’re not to only seek His hand, the things we can receive from Him. We are to hold onto God, even when the promise does not seem to come right away.

• How difficult do you find it to be diligent in prayer?
• What is the difference between seeking God’s face and merely seeking His hand? Why is it important to make the distinction between the two?

Practice This

Consider your recent prayer requests; evaluate what you have been seeking from God and how diligent you have been in seeking Him.

Always Trustworthy / ODB

 

Always Trustworthy The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises. Psalm 145:13 READ Psalm 145:9−13 I’m a worrier. Early mornings are the worst because I’m alone with my thoughts. So I taped this quote from Hudson Taylor on my bathroom mirror, where I can see it when I’m feeling vulnerable: “There is a living God. He has spoken in the Bible. He means what He says and will do all He has promised.” Taylor’s words came from years of walking with God and remind us of who He is and all He can do through our times of illness, poverty, loneliness, and grief. He didn’t merely know that God is trustworthy─he’d experienced His trustworthiness. And because he’d trusted God’s promises and obeyed Him, thousands of Chinese people gave their lives to Jesus. Experiencing God and His ways helped David know that He’s trustworthy. He wrote Psalm 145, a song of praise to the God he’d experienced to be good, compassionate, and faithful to all His promises. When we trust and follow God, we realize (or understand better) that He is who He says He is and that He’s faithful to His word (v. 13). And, like David, we respond by praising Him and telling others about Him (vv. 10−12). When we face worrisome times, God can help us not to falter in our walk with Him, for He is trustworthy (Hebrews 10:23). By Karen Huang What have you been worried about lately, and which of God’s promises can you hold on to? How does knowing that Hudson Taylor’s and King David’s faith wasn’t in vain encourage you and give you hope? Dear God, thank You for being trustworthy and keeping Your promises to me. Please help me to remember Your faithfulness as I trust and obey You each day.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The book of Psalms, the hymnbook of the Israelites, is a collection of 150 songs that were sung by God’s people as part of their personal and corporate worship. Psalm 145 is the last psalm in the final collection of songs penned by David (see Psalms 138–145). In this song of praise, he proclaims God as “my God the King” (145:1). David speaks of His “majesty” (v. 5) and “goodness” (v. 7). He exalts God in his greatness, mentioning His “mighty acts” (v. 4), “awesome works” and “great deeds” (v. 6), and “abundant goodness” and “righteousness” (v. 7). David also praises the King’s attributes: He’s “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. . . . He has compassion on all he has made” (vv. 8–9). He’s “trustworthy in all he promises” (v. 13) and “righteous in all his ways” (v. 17). Twice, David says God is “faithful in all he does” (vv. 13, 17). K. T. Sim

The Unpayable Debt/ Billy Graham

 

The Unpayable Debt

Years ago King Charles V was loaned a large sum of money by a merchant in Antwerp. The note came due, but the king was bankrupt and unable to pay. The merchant gave a great banquet for the King. When all the guests were seated and before the food was brought in, the merchant had a large platter placed on the table and a fire lighted on it. Then, taking the note out of his pocket, he held it in the flames until it was burned to ashes. The king threw his arms around his benefactor and wept. Just so, we have been mortgaged to God. The debt was due, but we were unable to pay. Two thousand years ago God invited the world to the Gospel feast, and in the agonies of the cross, God held your sins and mine until every last vestige of our guilt was consumed.

Daily Prayer

In gratitude I kneel before You, Lord Jesus Christ.

“who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

In Pursuit of Peace/ Greg Laurie

In Pursuit of Peace

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NLT)

Sometimes you can’t live peaceably with some people. They’re ill-tempered and don’t want to get along with anyone, including you.

That is why the Bible says, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NLT). Notice the phrase “do all that you can.” That means you make the effort.

Jesus said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:23-24 NLT).

For instance, let’s say that someone has wronged you and you’re angry about it. You’re at church worshipping, but you can’t stop thinking about what they did to you. Something is wrong. It’s hindering your prayer life.

You need to go to that person and try to resolve the conflict. It may be just a misunderstanding. Maybe you say, “The other day you made this comment, and this is the way I took it. Is that how you meant it?”

“Of course not!” they reply. “The last thing I want to do is offend you!”

On the other hand, they might tell you that is exactly what they meant and then say something even worse to offend you. What do you do then?

You’ve done what you were supposed to do. If they don’t want to reconcile with you, then it has become their problem. Put it into the hands of God, and pray for them. If they want to stay mad at you, then let it go.

When you’ve made the effort, when you’ve tried to reconcile, you can know that you’ve done your part. And you can come before God with a clean conscience.

 

Indeed! Personal Accounts of the Resurrection Story: The Apostles / David Jeremiah

 

Indeed! Personal Accounts of the Resurrection Story: The Apostles

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20

 Recommended Reading: Luke 24:45-49

From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus made it clear why He came to earth: “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10) and “to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). But it soon became clear to Jesus’ disciples that His mission would become their mission.

From day one, He made the disciples’ future clear: “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). They continually received expanded insights: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16). But it was only after His resurrection that Jesus gave His disciples their life-long mission: to go and make disciples in all the nations by baptizing and teaching new believers.

That was their mission then, and it is our mission today. The resurrected Christ is sending us into the world with His Gospel.

The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.
Henry Martyn

He Became Sin for Us / Ann Graham Lotz

 He Became Sin for Us

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21, nkjv

In our increasingly secularized society, spiritual suffering is often ignored. It seems to get categorized under all sorts of psychosomatic labels. We may try to drug it, drown it, or lock it up, but it doesn’t go away because it is very real. The spiritual suffering Jesus endured on the cross is not as easily recognizable as His physical and emotional suffering, but it was by far the worst suffering of all. We first glimpse it when Jesus was stripped of His robe and left to hang virtually naked before the world. The emotional shame and humiliation would have been acute for any dignified Jewish rabbi. Yet it wouldn’t even have warranted an honorable mention alongside the spiritual humiliation He endured as He was spiritually stripped of His robe of righteousness in God’s eyes.

Christ didn’t just take our sins upon Himself, He became those sins for us. Imagine how dirty and vile and evil and guilty and ashamed Jesus must have felt as He hung there before a holy God with our sins exposed asthough they were His! Would you thank Him for bearing your sin—so that you can wear His righteousness?