Busy With Joy by David Jeremiah

Thursday, November 2 Busy With Joy    I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives…it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13    According to the BBC, the British government commissioned a study to determine the happiest and unhappiest professions. Some of the happiest people, it turned out, were members of the clergy, CEOs, farmers, secretaries, medical practitioners, hotel managers, and primary teachers. At the bottom of the list: barkeepers, telephone salespersons, industrial cleaners, and debt collectors.

Recommended Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

From a biblical perspective, we know happiness doesn’t depend on what we do but on who we are. Perhaps the researchers have it backward. Happy people seek out professions that fulfill them. But happiness is based on serving the Lord wherever we are, whatever our calling. True happiness is based on the joy of Jesus.    The central message of the book of Ecclesiastes is that life is fleeting and futile without a spirit of gladness, which only comes from a relationship with God. If we fear God and keep His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13), we’ll have a basis for rejoicing all the days of our lives. The Bible says, “It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor…because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).    There is nothing dreary and doubtful about [life]. It is meant to be continually joyful…. We are called to a settled happiness in the Lord whose joy is our strength. Amy Carmichael

Living Anonymously / Our Daily Bread

Living Anonymously November 2, 2017

Read: Romans 12:1–13 Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 27–29; Titus 3 Let us have real warm affection for one another as between [family].—Romans 12:10 Phillips My well-worn and often-read copy of Jane Yolen’s essay “Working Up to Anon” (Anonymous) was clipped from The Writermagazine many years ago. “The best writers,” she says, “are the ones who really, in their heart of hearts, aspire to the byline Anon. The story told is important, not the storyteller.” The story we tell is about Jesus, the Savior, who gave His life for us. Together with other believers we live for Him and share His love with others. Romans 12:3-21 describes the attitude of humility and love that should permeate our relationships with each other as followers of Jesus. “Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all. . . . Let us have real warm affection for one another as between [family], and a willingness to let the other [person] have the credit” (vv. 3, 10 J.B. Phillips New Testament). Pride in our past accomplishments can blind us to the gifts of others. Arrogance can poison the future. John the Baptist, whose mission was to pave the way for Jesus, said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). That’s a good motto for us all. —David C. McCasland I admit, Lord, that I have a lot to learn about humility. Help me to see You for who You are so You and others have their rightful place in my life. Always be humble before God and allow Him to be your all in all. Oswald Chambers INSIGHT: In the letter to the church at Rome, Paul was writing to Jesus-followers he had never met and was one day hoping to visit (see Rom. 1:8-11). In this message he challenged them to serve with humility and love. For further study on the book of Romans, check out this free resource at christianuniversity.org/NT225. J.R. Hudberg

“You Are Not Your Own” by Oswald Chambers

“You Are Not Your Own” Do you not know that…you are not your own?  1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way. If you refuse, you will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and a stumbling block. The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn’t we experience heartbreak? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God’s purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, as if to say, “Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine.” If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking yours? From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS We begin our Christian life by believing what we are told to believe, then we have to go on to so assimilate our beliefs that they work out in a way that redounds to the glory of God. The danger is in multiplying the acceptation of beliefs we do not make our own. from Conformed to His Image, 381 L

The Passion to Obey by Charles Stanley

John 14:15

For a sermon I wrote several years ago, I jotted down a list and titled it “The Evolution of a Passion to Obey God.” A passion to obey the Lord doesn’t typically just spring up, full-blown, when we get saved. We do enter our new life in Christ with a desire to please Him, but a determined pursuit of His will develops more slowly and over time.

In fact, when we first believe, we’re typically motivated by fear concerning the consequences of disobedience. This barely qualifies as reverence for God, because it’s more about us than Him. But as we progress in our faith and form a commitment to obey the Lord, we develop a deep love for and devotion to Christ. Wouldn’t you rather follow Him out of love than out of fear?

Progressing from one motivation to the other begins with what you might expect: a growing knowledge of the Lord. As we dig into God’s Word, we learn who He is—His heart, His character, His will. We begin to see how He has provided in the past and trust that He’ll provide in the future. People like Mary, David, and Paul weren’t satisfied with what the world had to offer, and we won’t be either once we witness God’s hand at work. We’ll recognize the wisdom of obeying our heavenly Father—not just because of the promised blessings, but because He knows what’s best and loves us.

Where are you on the spectrum between fear and devotion? It is my hope that you’ve committed to obeying God and that you’re reading His Word daily to learn how to stay faithful to those intentions. God wants your best—your passionate pursuit of His will—and is giving His best to you.

November 1 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman

When the cloud tarried... then the children of Israel... journeyed not(Numbers 9:19).

This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying.

Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger -- there was no option but to remain encamped.

The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages. Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?

There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies.

Wait, young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord's good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!
--Daily Devotional Commentary

An hour of waiting!
Yet there seems such need
To reach that spot sublime!
I long to reach them--but I long far more
To trust HIS time!
"Sit still, my daughter"--
Yet the heathen die,
They perish while I stay!
I long to reach them--but I long far more
To trust HIS way!
'Tis good to get,
'Tis good indeed to give!
Yet is it better still--
O'er breadth, thro' length, down length, up height,
To trust HIS will!
--F. M. N.

”...to Live is Christ...to Die is Gain” by Adrian Rogers

November 1

”...to Live is Christ...to Die is Gain”

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

I read about a man who was on an airplane in a bad storm. Even the flight attendant was nervous. But there was a little lady humming “Blessed Assurance.” She seemed to be at ease. This man said to her, “Lady, aren’t you afraid?” She replied, “Not at all. I’ve given my heart to Jesus Christ. Not so long ago, I had a daughter who died. She was a radiantly beautiful Christian and is now in heaven. I have another daughter who’s in Denver, where this airplane is going. But, I tell you the truth. It really doesn’t make much difference to me which daughter I visit.”

Jesus told a man on a bloody cross, “Today you’ll be with Me in paradise.”

If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity? And what about your family?

NKJV 365 / Booker T. Washington

NKJV 365 Day Reading Plan

Day 305 of 365 Booker T. Washington Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was the most influential American black leader and educator of his time. He was the founder and head of the famous Tuskegee Institute, a vocational school for blacks in Tuskegee, Alabama, and his students became leaders and educators across the nation. He also advised two Presidents-Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft-on racial issues and policies and was influential in the appointment of several blacks to federal office. Born a slave in the hills of Virginia, from the age of nine Washington worked in coal mines and salt furnaces. Determined to get an education, at the age of sixteen he attended Hampton Institute, an industrial school for blacks in Hampton, Virginia. Upon graduating with honors in just three years (1875), Washington joined the faculty and was soon offered the position to lead a new school in Tuskegee, Alabama. He started this school in an old abandoned church and a shanty, and by 1915 he had built Tuskegee Institute into a school of 107 buildings on 2,000 acres with over 1,500 students and more than 200 teachers and professors-a phenomenal accomplishment, especially considering the times in which Washington lived. As the presiding principal, Washington outlined several objectives for the new school. He not only offered the traditional academic courses, but industry and trade skills were also required. Students learned bricklaying, forestry and timber skills, sewing, cooking, and practical agriculture; in addition, every student was obligated to master at least two trades. Washington's goal was to produce independent small businessmen, farmers, and teachers. He also insisted on high moral character for both students and faculty. His clear emphasis on the value of character and the training of the "head, hand, and heart" was filled with great insight. Christian faith was something Washington learned as a child in Sunday school, and it helped shape his ideals. Devotional exercises were held every morning at Tuskegee as well as evening prayers. He wrote that the support that "the Christ-like work which the Church of all denominations in America has done" would have convinced him of the value of the Christian life, if he wasn't already a believer. Taken from The American Patriot's Bible Nehemiah 2:17 NASB 17 Then I said to them, "You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach."

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / EXODUS FROM EGYPT

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 304 of 365 EXODUS FROM EGYPT In Hosea 11:1, God spoke through Hosea of his great love for his people, a promised love that was deep and parental. God regarded Israel as a child, and the Israelites were often referred to as God's children. When God said he called his people out of Egypt, he was referring to how he redeemed his people from slavery and bondage in Egypt during the exodus. This great act was the act of redemption the Israelites associated with God as Redeemer of his people. This was the event that exemplified true redemption for the people of Israel in Old Testament times. Now, living in the shadow of the cross, followers of Jesus can see how God is always redeeming, and just like he brought his people out of Egypt and out of slavery, he has now brought all people out of slavery to sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, giving them the title "children of God." In Romans 8:14 - 15, the promise is clear: "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship." As the Israelites walked out of slavery, so also people today can make their exodus from fear and death into the freedom and life found in Christ. Jesus, thank you for putting an end to my slavery and making me a child of God. Help me to follow your Holy Spirit out of fear and death and into freedom and life. Amen. Hosea 11:1 NASB 1 When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.

November 1 / Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

Morning and Evening

Day 305 of 366 Morning - Day 305 "Renew a right spirit within me." A backslider, if there be a spark of life left in him will groan after restoration. In this renewal the same exercise of grace is required as at our conversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. We wanted faith that we might come to Christ at first; only the like grace can bring us to Jesus now. We wanted a word from the Most High, a word from the lip of the loving One, to end our fears then; we shall soon discover, when under a sense of present sin, that we need it now. No man can be renewed without as real and true a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's energy as he felt at first, because the work is as great, and flesh and blood are as much in the way now as ever they were. Let thy personal weakness, O Christian, be an argument to make thee pray earnestly to thy God for help. Remember, David when he felt himself to be powerless, did not fold his arms or close his lips, but he hastened to the mercy-seat with "renew a right spirit within me." Let not the doctrine that you, unaided, can do nothing, make you sleep; but let it be a goad in your side to drive you with an awful earnestness to Israel's strong Helper. O that you may have grace to plead with God, as though you pleaded for your very life--"Lord, renew a right spirit within me." He who sincerely prays to God to do this, will prove his honesty by using the means through which God works. Be much in prayer; live much upon the Word of God; kill the lusts which have driven your Lord from you; be careful to watch over the future uprisings of sin. The Lord has his own appointed ways; sit by the wayside and you will be ready when he passes by. Continue in all those blessed ordinances which will foster and nourish your dying graces; and, knowing that all the power must proceed from him, cease not to cry, "Renew a right spirit within me." Evening - Day 305 "I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought." Yes, Lord, thou didst indeed know me in my fallen state, and thou didst even then choose me for thyself. When I was loathsome and self-abhorred, thou didst receive me as thy child, and thou didst satisfy my craving wants. Blessed forever be thy name for this free, rich, abounding mercy. Since then, my inward experience has often been a wilderness; but thou hast owned me still as thy beloved, and poured streams of love and grace into me to gladden me, and make me fruitful. Yea, when my outward circumstances have been at the worst, and I have wandered in a land of drought, thy sweet presence has solaced me. Men have not known me when scorn has awaited me, but thou hast known my soul in adversities, for no affliction dims the lustre of thy love. Most gracious Lord, I magnify thee for all thy faithfulness to me in trying circumstances, and I deplore that I should at any time have forgotten thee and been exalted in heart, when I have owed all to thy gentleness and love. Have mercy upon thy servant in this thing! My soul, if Jesus thus acknowledged thee in thy low estate, be sure that thou own both himself and his cause now that thou art in thy prosperity. Be not lifted up by thy worldly successes so as to be ashamed of the truth or of the poor church with which thou hast been associated. Follow Jesus into the wilderness: bear the cross with him when the heat of persecution grows hot. He owned thee, O my soul, in thy poverty and shame--never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of him. O for more shame at the thought of being ashamed of my best Beloved! Jesus, my soul cleaveth to thee. "I'll turn to thee in days of light, As well as nights of care, Thou brightest amid all that's bright! Thou fairest of the fair!" Psalms 51:10 NASB 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Hosea 13:5 NASB 5 I cared for you in the wilderness, In the land of drought.

Day By Day With Billy Graham / Hope For the Future

Day By Day With Billy Graham

Day 305 of 366 Hope For the Future If you are moving to a new home, you want to know all about the community to which you are going. And since we will spend eternity some place, we ought to know something about it. The information concerning heaven is found in the Bible. When we talk about heaven, earth grows shabby by comparison. Our sorrows and problems here seem so much less, when we have keen anticipation of the future. In a certain sense the Christian has heaven here on earth. He has peace of soul, peace of conscience, and peace with God. In the midst of troubles and difficulties he can smile. He has a spring in his step, a joy in his soul, a smile on his face. But the Bible also promises the Christian a heaven in the life hereafter. Daily Prayer Father, as I face whatever trials come my way, I will take heart in the glorious promise of heaven-knowing I shall be with You! Philippians 3:20 NASB 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Living Wisely by John MacArthur

Living Wisely “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Wisdom is the art of living life skillfully. Most philosophers throughout history have believed that if a person could acquire anything, it should be wisdom, because wisdom would allow him to obtain anything else. That philosophy matches Scripture. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding.” Many people claim to be wise, but it’s also true that no fool in our world is a self-confessed fool—everyone believes he’s an expert. The world offers a sea of opinions, but the bottom line is that no one’s opinion is worth more than anyone else’s. The only trustworthy perspective on wisdom—on who is wise and who isn’t—is God’s. In James 3:13 He gives His divine insight on the matter by first asking, “Who among you is wise?” The Greek term translated “wise” is sophos. The Greeks used it to refer to speculative knowledge, theory, and philosophy. But the Hebrews infused wisdom with a deeper meaning: skillfully applying knowledge to the matter of practical living. God also asked, “Who among you is . . . understanding?” The Greek word translated “understanding” is used only here in the New Testament and refers to a specialist or a professional who is highly skilled in applying his knowledge to practical situations. In other words, God is asking, “Who among you has practical skill? Who among you is truly a professional and specialist in the art of living?” The only one who can live life skillfully is the one who lives according to God’s wisdom, and He gives His wisdom to all who receive His salvation and obey His Word. What about you? Are you living life skillfully? If so, your life will manifest good behavior and a meek spirit (James 3:13). Determine to live your life according to God’s wisdom, not the world’s opinions. Suggestions for Prayer Ask God to help you live life skillfully each day by obeying His Word. For Further Study As a Christian, you are responsible to appropriate God’s wisdom in your life on a daily basis. To help you do so, begin a daily reading program in Proverbs. Read one chapter a day, and let God’s wisdom penetrate every aspect of your life. From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

A Blessed By-Product by David Jeremiah

Wednesday, November 1 A Blessed By-Product    Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust. Psalm 40:4a    When a giant oak, cedar, walnut, or pine tree is ripped into planks at a sawmill, lumber is the product. But there are by-products, too. In the case of sawmills sawing lumber, there are two by-products: bark and sawdust. And they have huge value. Bark is turned into mulch for our yards and sawdust is made into particleboard, briquettes for wood stoves, and pulp for making paper.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 1:1-2

There are “by-products” in the spiritual life as well, happiness being one the Bible identifies clearly. An oft-used phrase in Scripture is, “Blessed is the man who.” In fact, Jesus’ Beatitudes are based on the by-product premise (Matthew 5:1-12). What does this mean? It means the person who does something or other will be happy, or blessed. Happiness is a by-product of doing something specific. In the case of Psalm 40:4, happiness is a result of trusting in the Lord. In Psalm 1:1-2, happiness comes from delighting in God’s Word. Our modern culture seeks happiness as an end-game, a quest that is rarely rewarded. True happiness is not a product but a by-product of knowing God.    Are you happy today? Continue to put your trust in God and His Word and watch as happiness rises in your heart.    To seek God is to desire happiness; to find Him is that happiness. Augustine

Who Is This? / Our Daily Bread

Who Is This? November 1, 2017

Read: Mark 4:35–41 Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 24–26; Titus 2 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”—Mark 4:41 “Remove everything from your desks, take out a piece of paper and pencil.” When I was a student these dreaded words announced that “test time” had come. In Mark 4, we read that Jesus’s day, which started with teaching by the seaside (v. 1), ended with a time of testing on the sea (v. 35). The boat that had been used as a teaching platform was used to transport Jesus and a handful of His followers to the other side of the sea. During the journey (while an exhausted Jesus slept in the back of the boat), they encountered a swirling storm (v. 37). Drenched disciples woke Jesus with the words, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (v. 38). Then it happened. The One who had exhorted the crowds to “Listen!” earlier in the day (v. 3), uttered a simple, powerful command to the winds of nature—“Quiet! Be still!” (v. 39). The wind obeyed and the wonder of fear-filled disciples was displayed with the words, “Who is this?” (v. 41). The question was a good one but it would take them a while to honestly and correctly conclude that Jesus was God’s Son. Sincere, honest, open-hearted questions and experience lead people to the same conclusion today. He is more than a teacher to listen to; He is the God to be worshiped. —Arthur Jackson Father, thank You for Your Word that helps us to see Jesus as Your Son. Please help me to listen to You and to trust that You are in control. Our Daily Bread welcomes writer Arthur Jackson! Meet Arthur and all our authors at odb.org/all-authors. “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Matthew 8:19 INSIGHT: Mark’s gospel record is filled with mystery and subtlety, yet moves to a clear destination—declaring the identity of Jesus. Throughout his account, Mark provides indicators of Jesus’s identity, beginning with the opening statement of his record, “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). He continues to present his case through events like Jesus’s baptism, where the heavenly voice declares, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (v. 11); and Jesus’s transfiguration when the heavenly voice confirms, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (9:7). Finally, what Mark has asserted and the Father has declared is affirmed. But, shockingly, this affirmation comes from a Roman centurion. Following the miraculous events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, this military officer agrees, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (15:39). Who is Jesus? The Son of God who is worthy of all praise. To consider further the identity of Jesus, check out the Discovery Series booklet Is Jesus God? Bill Crowder

The Trial of Faith by Oswald Chambers

The Trial of Faith If you have faith as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.  MATTHEW 17:20 We have the idea that God rewards us for our faith, and it may be so in the initial stages. But we do not earn anything through faith— faith brings us into the right relationship with God and gives Him His opportunity to work. Yet God frequently has to knock the bottom out of your experience as His saint to get you in direct contact with Himself. God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of emotional enjoyment of His blessings. The beginning of your life of faith was very narrow and intense, centered around a small amount of experience that had as much emotion as faith in it, and it was full of light and sweetness. Then God withdrew His conscious blessings to teach you to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). And you are worth much more to Him now than you were in your days of conscious delight with your thrilling testimony. Faith by its very nature must be tested and tried. And the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character must be proven as trustworthy in our own minds. Faith being worked out into reality must experience times of unbroken isolation. Never confuse the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life, because a great deal of what we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith, as the Bible teaches it, is faith in God coming against everything that contradicts Him— a faith that says, “I will remain true to God’s character whatever He may do.” The highest and the greatest expression of faith in the whole Bible is— “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS We can understand the attributes of God in other ways, but we can only understand the Father’s heart in the Cross of Christ. from The Highest Good—Thy Great Redemption, 558 L