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Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Faulty Wiring by David Jeremiah
Like a Little Child / Our Daily Bread
Like a Little Child
March 6, 2018
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Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.—Mark 10:14
The little girl moved joyfully and gracefully to the music of praise. She was the only one in the aisle but that didn’t keep her from spinning and waving her arms and lifting her feet to the music. Her mother, a smile on her lips, didn’t try to stop her.
My heart lifted as I watched, and I longed to join her—but didn’t. I’d long ago lost the unselfconscious expression of joy and wonder of my childhood. Even though we are meant to grow and mature and put childish ways behind us, we were never meant to lose the joy and wonder, especially in our relationship with God.
When Jesus lived on Earth, He welcomed little children to Him and often referred to them in His teaching (Matthew 11:25; 18:3; 21:16). On one occasion, He rebuked His disciples for attempting to keep parents from bringing their children to Him for a blessing, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Jesus was referring to the childlike characteristics that ready us to receive Christ—joy and wonder, but also simplicity, dependence, trust, and humility.
Childlike wonder and joy (and more) open our hearts to be more receptive to Him. He is waiting for us to run into His arms. —Alyson Kieda
Abba (Daddy), Father, help us to be more childlike in our relationship with You. We long to be filled with wonder at all You have done.
Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.
INSIGHT: The wonder of what we see in Mark 10:13-16 becomes more stunning when we understand the connection with what follows in Mark’s gospel. One phrase that links the two sections is “the kingdom of God”—the rule of God in our hearts (see Mark 10:14-15). God’s kingdom (which includes eternal life) is the possession of those who are childlike in their dependence on God. They are the ones who are welcomed by Jesus (v. 16).
On the other hand, we see a full-grown man running unhindered to Jesus, but he ends up leaving Him “because he had great wealth” (v. 22). Three times the phrase “the kingdom of God” is used in verses 17-27. “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23); “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (vv. 24-25, emphasis added). Simple, childlike trust in Jesus is better than “adultlike” independence and trust in lesser things.
How can you be more like a child in the presence of Jesus? Arthur Jackson
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Hiding Behind Your Halo by Stephen Davey
| Hiding Behind Your Halo |
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| Matthew 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. There is no doubt that first impressions can last a long time. Whether you are interviewing for a job, showing up for a class, or moving into the neighborhood, first impressions are hard to live down. Sociologists have studied the subject of first impressions. One study concluded that a first impression is solidified in the first four minutes of a conversation. They say that if those first four minutes are positive, your acquaintances will most likely view everything about you in a positive light—even things unknown to them. Your professional skills, your morals, and even your intelligence will be held by them in high regard. Why? Simply because you made a good first impression. Sociologists have even given a name to this phenomenon—the "halo effect." If you can put your best foot forward and come out looking and sounding impressive, you will create a certain air about you that may last a long time, regardless of whether or not it is true. This happens all the time in our modern culture; a culture where charisma matters more than character—where image is more important than integrity. We live in a world that is consumed with creating halos and keeping them shiny at every opportunity, while hiding the sordidness of our true identity. This is certainly not a new development. During the days of Christ, the people who wore the brightest halos were the Pharisees. They arrived at the busiest street corners in the marketplace at exactly 9 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m., where they prayed on public display. People thought of them as men who loved God more than other people did; men whom God loved most; but Jesus Christ was not deceived by their chicanery. He, being God, looked beyond their smiles and priestly robes and saw what was in their heart. They were hypocrites to the core and Christ was not fooled by their good impressions. His condemnation of the Pharisees was justified when they crucified Him. How ironic! They were the supposed "Godfearers" of the day, yet at their first chance, they put Christ to death for unmasking their true identity. Though they studied the Scriptures fervently, they did not heed the words of Solomon, who wrote in Proverbs 15:33, "The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility." Fear of man induces hypocrisy—fear of God produces humility. Are you living a double life in order to gain the approval of others, or living a singular life that recognizes the need for God's grace and direction each day? Are you shining your halo or cultivating your humility? Halos make a good first impression on mankind . . . humility makes a lasting impression on God. |
| Prayer Point:David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." Pray this same prayer, knowing that God sees your heart—and ask Him to move you from hypocrisy to humility. |
| Extra Refreshment:Read Acts 5—a story of a hypocritical couple who desired men's approval rather than God's, and received their just reward. |
Monday, March 5, 2018
Is He Really My Lord? by Oswald Chambers
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Developing Discernment by Charles Stanley
We live in a fast-paced culture that demands instant results. For many people, waiting has become a lost art. But God’s way of maturing us in our faith is different from how the world works. The character qualities He values take time to develop.
Discernment is one such trait. Far from being a ready-made skill, it is cultivated by saturating the heart and mind with Scripture. The transcendent Lord of the universe wants to share His thinking with us through His Word. What could be more important or valuable in life than having the capacity to know the mind of God?
Our lives are filled with situations that require discernment. Sometimes we can be so busy trying to determine God’s will and direction for our next step that we fail to hear His voice. He is calling us to come and spend some quiet, unhurried time absorbing the truth of His Word and listening to Him.
After listening to the Lord, we can begin applying what we have learned. Only as we put His Word into practice in our lives will we have our “senses trained to discern good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). The Scriptures open our eyes to see all of our experiences from God’s perspective so that we are able to make wise choices.
Our challenge for today and every day is to make it a priority to spend time with the Lord in His Word. We may have to reorganize our schedule or wake up earlier. But it’s well worth the effort—discernment and wisdom await us if we put into practice the truths we absorb daily.
Draw Near - THE GLORIOUS HOPE
THE GLORIOUS HOPE
During the Cold War, a famed scientist remarked, "The United States has 100,000 atomic weapons while Russia has 50,000. Yet, only four thousand such weapons can destroy the entire human race." Another scientist said, "I am not optimistic that the human race will survive another ten years." Bertrand Russell once bitterly said, "I wouldn't give a 50-50 chance that one person will be alive on this planet forty years from now."
Winds of despair often blow across our dying planet until we all live in an uneasy tension. We wonder what shattering blow will hit us next. Terrorism, pollution, and violence permeate our daily lives.
Man without God has absolutely no reason to hope. Without question, our scientific accomplishments have outstripped our moral strength. We recklessly rattle rockets and threaten ourselves with total extinction. Pitted against the blackness of the hour, however, is the promise of centuries ago: "I will return." Christ promised to return to our world and bring order out of chaos, joy out of despair. This is the glorious hope of the believer.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come." What a remarkable petition this is. When Christ's Kingdom comes, there will be no more war and hatred. Babies will not die of starvation and neglect. When Christ comes, human suffering will cease. No wonder the believer should daily pray, "Thy kingdom come." The true believer longs for his Lord's return.
During the Cold War, a famed scientist remarked, "The United States has 100,000 atomic weapons while Russia has 50,000. Yet, only four thousand such weapons can destroy the entire human race." Another scientist said, "I am not optimistic that the human race will survive another ten years." Bertrand Russell once bitterly said, "I wouldn't give a 50-50 chance that one person will be alive on this planet forty years from now."
Winds of despair often blow across our dying planet until we all live in an uneasy tension. We wonder what shattering blow will hit us next. Terrorism, pollution, and violence permeate our daily lives.
Man without God has absolutely no reason to hope. Without question, our scientific accomplishments have outstripped our moral strength. We recklessly rattle rockets and threaten ourselves with total extinction. Pitted against the blackness of the hour, however, is the promise of centuries ago: "I will return." Christ promised to return to our world and bring order out of chaos, joy out of despair. This is the glorious hope of the believer.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come." What a remarkable petition this is. When Christ's Kingdom comes, there will be no more war and hatred. Babies will not die of starvation and neglect. When Christ comes, human suffering will cease. No wonder the believer should daily pray, "Thy kingdom come." The true believer longs for his Lord's return.
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Hebrews 9:28 KJV
March 4 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman
For we have become partners with Christ, if in fact we hold our initial confidence firm until the end (Heb 3:14).
It is the last step that wins; and there is no place in the pilgrim’s progress where so many dangers lurk as the region that lies hard by the portals of the Celestial City. It was there that Doubting Castle stood. It was there that the enchanted ground lured the tired traveler to fatal slumber. It is when Heaven’s heights are full in view that hell’s gate is most persistent and full of deadly peril. “Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” “So run, that ye may obtain.”
In the bitter waves of woe
Beaten and tossed about
By the sullen winds that blow
From the desolate shores of doubt,
Where the anchors that faith has cast
Are dragging in the gale,
I am quietly holding fast
To the things that cannot fail.
Beaten and tossed about
By the sullen winds that blow
From the desolate shores of doubt,
Where the anchors that faith has cast
Are dragging in the gale,
I am quietly holding fast
To the things that cannot fail.
And fierce though the fiends may fight,
And long though the angels hide,
I know that truth and right
Have the universe on their side;
And that somewhere beyond the stars
Is a love that is better than fate.
When the night unlocks her bars
I shall see Him--and I will wait.
--Washington Gladden
And long though the angels hide,
I know that truth and right
Have the universe on their side;
And that somewhere beyond the stars
Is a love that is better than fate.
When the night unlocks her bars
I shall see Him--and I will wait.
--Washington Gladden
The problem of getting great things from God is being able to hold on for the last half hour.
--Selected
--Selected
Victory in Jesus by Stephen Davey
Victory in Jesus
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Sometimes it takes more faith to believe that God is in control of your own personal life than it takes to believe that He is in control of the whole world.
When my children were young, my wife, Marsha, read to them before bedtime. One book that I vividly recall her reading was the biography of Adoniram Judson, pioneer missionary to Burma.
On one occasion Judson was falsely accused of being an English spy. As a result, he endured a cruel imprisonment by the Burmese government. His wife, Anne, faithfully and courageously attempted to have him released through every possible channel, but to no avail.
His prison cell was so tiny that he was forced to stand, while the cells of others allowed room to lie down to sleep. The sun was unbearably hot at times; prisoners were never allowed to bathe; pain filled every fiber of his body as he was tortured day after day. His only respite from the agony of his incarceration was a visit from Anne. In those brief but wonderful moments, she would encourage him with the same message, "Hang on, Adoniram, God will give us the victory."
Week after tortuous week, Anne came and encouraged him, delivering the same words, "God will give us the victory." After many months, Adoniram was unexpectedly released and assigned the task of interpreter for affairs between the English and Burmese. Because of this new duty, he was still separated from Anne. Sadly, during his time of absence, Anne became deathly ill.
Months passed and Judson was finally allowed to return home a free man. Body broken and weak, he approached the place he once called home. As he slowly limped toward the door, he saw a child sitting in the dirt. The little girl was so covered with filth that he failed, at first, to recognize her as his own daughter. He went into their simple hut, squinting in the darkness, and gasped as he saw the emaciated form of his wife lying on a cot, weakened by disease. Tears coursing down his cheeks, he hugged his daughter close to him and knelt beside the cot. Anne looked up at him and with her last breath, smiled and whispered the words, "Adoniram, God will give us the victory."
If you were to be able somehow to interview the Judsons today, they would no longer be saying, "God will give us the victory"; instead, they would joyfully deliver the news, "God has given us the victory!"
Be encouraged, my friend. No matter what you're going through right now, your life is in God's hands. Hold fast to your faith as Anne and Adoniram did, even in the face of squalor and disease, deprivation and disappointment, heartache and loss.
Your reward in the end is everlasting, and the celebration of final victory is . . . just ahead!
Prayer Point: Pray right now that God will give you the kind of faith that Adoniram and Anne Judson exercised, even in the face of persecution. Then, thank God for giving you victory over sin, death, and the world, through Christ's perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.
Extra Refreshment: Read John 16.
The Word Cuts Anyway by Adrian Rogers
MARCH 5
The Word Cuts Anyway
“When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” Acts 5:33
Suppose you were on the battlefield and someone’s coming at you. You warn him, “Don't come any further! I'll shoot!” He answers, “I don't believe in your gun. As a matter of fact,” he says, “I don't believe in guns at all.” That's not going to change anything, is it?
Likewise, the Bible is the Sword of the Spirit. Someone may say, “Well, I don't believe the Bible.” But it will cut him anyway! The apostles preached the Bible, and when the people heard it, they were cut to the heart. The Word cuts even an unbeliever. It's a two-edged sword. It cuts to heal, or it cuts to judge. But it will cut--believe it or not.
Before going into battle, soldiers are dedicated to training in the use of their weapons. How foolish to go into battle without training. How familiar are you with your Sword?
God has given you a weapon for spiritual battles...the Sword of the Spirit. In the armor of God, it is the only offensive weapon--the rest are defensive. To have the victory God wants for you, you must see the sharpness of your sword, the Bible, and you must be trained in it.
The Nearness of God by John MacArthur
The Nearness of God
“He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
God will come near to the truly humble, who have by faith sought to be close to Him.
One of the greatest promises in the Bible is that God responds to the humble and draws near to them. Such people will yearn for a closeness to God by which they can know Him, love Him, learn His Word, praise Him, pray to Him, and fellowship with Him. In summary, the humble will be true worshipers, those who “worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).
John 4:23 concludes with the statement, “for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” This strongly implies that God wants to have a relationship with the humble, which means He will respond to us. This idea of the Lord reaching out to us and responding to our humble obedience is also found in the Old Testament, when David instructed Solomon: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chron. 28:9).
The principle of God’s drawing near to the humble is illustrated by Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). First, the prodigal son manifests humility and repentance: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (vv. 18-19). Next, his behavior pictures a longing to draw near to God: “he got up and came to his father” (v. 20). Finally, there is the picture of God drawing near to us: “while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him” (v. 20).
You might not find yourself in the same predicament as the prodigal son did, but you will experience the same response from God if you have humbly drawn near to Him in faith and worshiped Him in spirit and in truth.
Suggestions for Prayer
Pray that God would help you be a true worshiper of Him.
For Further Study
Read and meditate on Psalm 40. What things did David find true about God’s nearness?
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.
It Took a Miracle by David Jeremiah
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Grass or Grace / Our Daily Bread
Grass or Grace
March 5, 2018
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Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan.—Genesis 13:11
My friend Archie came home from vacation to find his neighbor had erected a wooden fence five feet inside his property line. Several weeks went by during which Archie tried to work with his neighbor to remove the fence. He offered to help and to split the cost of the work, but to no avail. Archie could have appealed to civil authorities, but he chose to forgo that right in this instance and allow the fence to stand—to show his neighbor something of the grace of God.
“Archie is a wimp!” you say. No, he was man of towering strength, but he chose grace over a patch of grass.
I think of Abraham and Lot, who fell into conflict because their flocks and herds overwhelmed the land. “Quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and the Perizzites [the unbelieving community] were also living in the land at that time” (Genesis 13:7). Lot chose the best of the land and lost everything in the end. Abraham took what was left over and gained the promised land (vv. 12-17).
We do have rights and we can claim them, especially when other’s rights are involved. And sometimes we shouldinsist on them. Paul did when the Sanhedrin acted unlawfully (see Acts 23:1-3). But we can choose to set them aside to show the world a better way. This is what the Bible calls “meekness”—not weakness. Strength under God’s control. —David H. Roper
Dear Lord, I am prone to look out for myself. Give me wisdom to know when giving up my rights would best demonstrate Your love and grace to others.
My life helps paint my neighbor’s picture of God.
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Sunday, March 4, 2018
Is This True of Me? by Oswald Chambers
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