Draw Near / THE SKATES

THE SKATES

A little boy was given a pair of skates he had long wanted. He tried his best to balance himself on them but kept falling to the hard concrete. A passerby noticed the lad's persistent efforts and constant falling. He said, "Son, if I were you, I would give up. Otherwise, you might get hurt." With tears in his eyes, the boy looked up from the ground and said, "Mister, I didn't get these skates to give up on; I got them to learn on."

Nehemiah already knew God's will. He had prayed about the wall, and so the people began to build it. However, they had hardly started when the enemies came and threatened them. Wisely, Nehemiah paused to pray, and one sees in this prayer the steel will of Nehemiah and his people (Nehemiah 4:1-6). He seems to have said, "God, You do the watching, we'll do the work." Determination and prayer paid off.

Anything worthwhile we do for the Kingdom is going to be bitterly opposed by the enemy. However, if we have received clear direction from God, then we should have the same determination as the boy on the skates. We didn't come this far to give up. We will finish the work God has set before us. God will watch as we pray, and our personal contributions to Christ's Kingdom will be made.

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Love of the Truth Brings Hatred by John MacArthur

STRENGTH FOR TODAY

Love of the Truth Brings Hatred  “‘All these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me’” (John 15:21). The world, in its general hatred of the truth and ignorance of God, will also hate believers. The religious leaders of Jesus’ time hated Him intensely. If we are committed to following Him wholeheartedly today, we can’t expect to avoid persecution and hardship any more than He did. In John 15:20 our Lord tells us what to expect: “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” If our perspective is right, however, this expectation should actually make us happy and even provide a certain sense of security. Receiving persecution from the world because we are Christ’s representatives means we have an opportunity to experience what Paul called “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). As one commentator has said, Christian suffering “is the very means God uses to transform us into the image of His Son.” Troubles and pains can be great reassurances that we have been united with Christ. As we saw yesterday, it’s no surprise that the world hates us. It despises our general opposition to its system, but aside from that, the world hates believers simply because it doesn’t know God. This basic ignorance of God usually appears in one of two ways. Either it shows up as apathy and religious superstition (Acts 17:22-23) or as more glaring actions and attitudes of moral and spiritual deviation (Romans 1:18—2:2). Whatever the case, people in the world are just doing what is natural for them because of their sin and depravity. As a Christian, what should your response be? You should not be indifferent or accommodate the serious challenges you’ll face from the world. Instead, you ought to, by faith, realistically accept the truth of John 15:21, comfortably rest in the teaching of Philippians 3:10, and confidently seek to minister to the world “because the foolishness of God [the gospel] is wiser than men, and the weakness of God [the cross] is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). Suggestions for Prayer Ask the Lord to help you begin grasping what it means to partake in “the fellowship of His sufferings.” For Further Study Read Acts 5:17-42. How is the world’s attitude toward the gospel displayed in this passage? What did the apostles appeal to when faced with severe opposition?

May 3 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman

And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered (Joel 2:32).

Why do not I call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down and devise schemes and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon the Lord?

Straightforward is the best runner--why do not I run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for "deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal shall to make it sure. I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word "Whosoever" is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text, and at once call upon the glorious Lord who has made so large a promise.

My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver.
--C. H. Spurgeon

Confession, Cleansing, and Conversion by Stephen Davey

Confession, Cleansing, and Conversion

1 John 1:9-10

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

In 1971, a revival came to many churches in Western Canada. It made news in the secular press because of the number of people who journeyed to stores and other businesses to make restitution for their past sins.

Whether it was paying delinquent income tax, admitting dishonesty in business dealings, or going to the border to confess they had lied about goods brought over from the States--hundreds of people were willing to do anything to be fully right with God and man. One author writing about the incident recorded:

When these Christians displayed such a desire for righteousness, the world both admired and hated them. On the one hand, people were thankful that  Christians had the courage to make past wrongs right; but on the other hand they deeply resented such integrity. For in the process of seeing righteousness at work in the lives of others, they saw their own hidden sins exposed.

The Bible describes two very different kinds of Christians: those who claim the name of Christ but refuse to live for Him, and those who not only claim the name of Christ, but live for Him as well. The hypocritical Christian is loved by the world because he gives people all the more reason to castigate the church and call it "that bunch of hypocrites"; it actually makes them feel good about themselves. The distinctive Christian, however, is hated by the world because he exposes the world for what it really is--fallen and sinful.

True Christianity is like the glass of a mirror. Not only do we reflect the glory of God to the world, but we show the world its marred image, exposing all its defects and its attempts to hide the blemishes.

This is why we must confess our sins constantly to God and to others, not only to renew our fellowship with Christ, but to show the world where our true identity lies. Indeed this is one of the greatest witnessing tools that you and I have--to live repentant lives before men.

Will you sin? Yes. Will you struggle at times with sin? Absolutely. Will the world notice it? You bet they will. But then, to their shock, they hear from you an apology . . . confessions . . . attempts to make restitution. In so doing, you declare to the world the message of the gospel: People sin . . . but there is a Savior!

Prayer Point: Ask God to reveal any sin in your life that you are hiding, or may not even recognize.  After confessing it to Him, pray for the strength needed to change. Is there anyone who needs an apology from you? Is there restitution that you should make? Ask the Lord for courage to make amends and set the record straight.

Extra Refreshment: Read Psalms 32--a prayer of repentance and restoration.

Removing Trip-Ups from the Track by Adrian Rogers

MAY 3

Removing Trip-Ups from the Track

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24

Runners not only need to untangle themselves from weights that may slow them down, but they need to also remove things from the track that may trip them up!

As a Christian, the good things in life may slow us down, but sin will stop us dead in our tracks--it will trip us up. You had better learn to treat sin as sin would treat you! Sin will be merciless to you, and you need to be merciless to sin.

2 Timothy 2:19 says “Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Is there any unconfessed sin in your life that is tripping you up today? Pray Psalm 139:23-24.

Doctrinal Drift by David Jeremiah

Thursday, May 3 Doctrinal Drift    Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.  Hebrews 2:1    As a theory, continental drift was first suggested in 1596—the idea that today’s continents were originally together, gradually drifting apart. That idea is now discussed under the theory of plate tectonics—the motion of the world’s seven or eight major (and other minor) tectonic plates. The movement of those plates is the major cause of earthquakes as we know them today.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:21

Have you ever seen one of earth’s tectonic plates move? Probably not, unless you have seen the action of a major earthquake. Plates drift imperceptibly, but the effects of such drifts are all too real. The same is true of “doctrinal drift,” warned about by the writer of the letter to the Hebrews. He warned his readers about drifting away from the truth by not giving “earnest heed” to doctrine. Such drifts happen slowly, but their effects are eventually seen: lukewarm affections, apathy, disinterest in worship, changes in values and priorities, and a loss of love. How to prevent doctrinal drift? Bible study, fellowship, prayer, worship, and “earnest heed” to matters of the faith. Send the roots of your faith deeply into Christ to avoid drifting from Him. Faith cannot stand, unless it is founded on the promises of God.  John Calvin

Go to Jesus by Alistair Begg

DAILY DEVOTIONAL MAY 3, 2018

Go to Jesus

A very present help.
Psalm 46:1

Covenant blessings are not meant only to be observed but to be appropriated. Even our Lord Jesus is given to us for our present use. Believer, you do not make use of Christ as you ought to do. When you are in trouble, why do you not tell Him all your grief? Does He not have a sympathizing heart, and can He not comfort and relieve you? No, you are going to all your friends, except your best Friend, and telling your story everywhere, except into the heart of your Lord.

Are you burdened with this day's sins? Here is a fountain filled with blood: Use it, saint, use it. Has a sense of guilt returned upon you? The pardoning grace of Jesus may be proved again and again. Come to Him at once for cleansing. Do you deplore your weakness? He is your strength: Why not lean upon Him? Do you feel naked? Come here, soul; put on the robe of Jesus' righteousness. Do not stand looking at it, but wear it. Strip off your own righteousness, and your own fears too: Put on the fair white linen, for it was meant to be worn.

Do you feel yourself sick? Call upon the Beloved Physician, and He will give the medicine that will revive you. You are poor, but remember you have a kinsman, who is incredibly wealthy. What! Will you not go to Him and ask Him to give you from His abundance when He has promised that you will be joint heir with Him and has credited all that He is and all that He has to your account? There is nothing Christ dislikes more than for His people to make a show of coming to Him and yet not to use Him. He loves to be employed by us. The more burdens we put on His shoulders, the more precious He will be to us.

Let us be simple with Him, then,
Not backward, stiff, or cold,
As though our Bethlehem could be
What Sinai was of old.

A Change in Perspective / Our Daily Bread

A Change in Perspective May 3, 2018

Read: Psalm 73:12–28 Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 14–15; Luke 22:21–46 It troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God.—Psalm 73:16-17 My hometown had experienced its heaviest winter in thirty years. My muscles ached from hours of shoveling the unrelenting snow. When I stepped inside after what felt like a fruitless effort, weary as I kicked off my boots, I was greeted by the warmth of a fire and my children gathered around it. As I gazed out the window from the shelter of my home, my perspective of the weather shifted completely. Instead of seeing more work to do, I savored the beauty of frosted tree branches and the way the snow blanketed the colorless landscape of winter. I see a similar, but much more poignant, shift in Asaph when I read his words in Psalm 73. In the beginning, he laments the way the world seems to work, how wrongs seem to be rewarded. He doubts the value of being different than the crowd and living for the good of others (v. 13). But when he enters the sanctuary of God, his outlook changes (vv. 16-17): he remembers that God will deal with the world and its troubles perfectly and, more importantly, that it is good to be with God (v. 28). When we’re chilled by the seemingly ceaseless problems in our world, we can enter God’s sanctuary in prayer and be warmed through by the life-altering, perspective-changing truth that His judgment is better than ours. Though our circumstances may not change, our perspective can. —Kirsten Holmberg Lord, I admit I quickly become frustrated with the way things appear. Help me to see the way You do. God gives us the right perspective. INSIGHT: In Psalm 37 David addresses the same perplexing issue Asaph writes about in Psalm 73—the wicked prosper while the godly suffer unjustly. David tells those who suffer unjustly not to fret or be envious, for God is just and will one day make all things right (Psalm 37:7-11, 35-38). Instead, those who fear the Lord are to rest fully in God and to continue to live holy lives (vv. 3-6). For the Lord “will not forsake his faithful ones” (v. 28). Are you weighed down because of injustice? How can the hope expressed in these psalms encourage and strengthen you? K. T. Sim

The Patience To Wait for the Vision by Oswald Chambers

The Patience To Wait for the Vision Though it tarries, wait for it…  HABAKKUK 2:3 Patience is not the same as indifference; patience conveys the idea of someone who is tremendously strong and able to withstand all assaults. Having the vision of God is the source of patience because it gives us God’s true and proper inspiration. Moses endured, not because of his devotion to his principles of what was right, nor because of his sense of duty to God, but because he had a vision of God. “…he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). A person who has the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue— he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it. Things come to you with greatness and add vitality to your life because everything is energized by God. He may give you a time spiritually, with no word from Himself at all, just as His Son experienced during His time of temptation in the wilderness. When God does that, simply endure, and the power to endure will be there because you see God. “Though it tarries, wait for it….” The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have already grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. The psalmist said, “What shall I render to the Lord…? I will take up the cup of salvation…” (Psalm 116:12-13). We are apt to look for satisfaction within ourselves and say, “Now I’ve got it! Now I am completely sanctified. Now I can endure.” Instantly we are on the road to ruin. Our reach must exceed our grasp. Paul said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on…” (Philippians 3:12). If we have only what we have experienced, we have nothing. But if we have the inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can experience. Beware of the danger of spiritual relaxation. From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS Sincerity means that the appearance and the reality are exactly the same.

Heirs With Christ by Charles Stanley

Romans 8:12-18

How often do you think of yourself as an heir of God? It’s not usually the first thing that comes to mind as we consider the blessings that are ours when we accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Perhaps this is because we don’t really know what it means to be God’s heir. Nor can we begin to comprehend what awaits us in eternity or when that will be.

Being an heir is usually associated with family ties, and the same is true of our relationship to God. When we were born again by His Spirit, we became His adopted children, and as such, we are heirs along with Christ. In Colossians 1:15, Jesus is called “the firstborn of all creation.” In the ancient world, the firstborn son had a place of prominence in the family and was the chief heir of all that his father owned. In the same way, Jesus Christ holds the position of firstborn and is the heir of all creation.

What’s truly amazing is that He has promised to share His inheritance with us. When He returns in glory to take up His rightful place as King of Kings on earth, we will rule with Him, under His authority (Revelation 2:26-27). The Christian life is filled with undeserved favor. What we experience now of God’s grace is only the tip of the iceberg. 

Realizing all that Christ has done and will do for His followers should prompt us to live for Him today. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to put to death our fleshly desires and to follow God in obedience, even when it’s costly. Anything we suffer here for Christ’s sake is insignificant compared to the glory that awaits us.

Draw Near / HIS OWN ANSWER

HIS OWN ANSWER

A wealthy farmer prayed each day for the wants of the needy. However, when anyone asked him for a little corn from his barns, he never seemed to feel he had enough to spare. One day the farmer's little son said, "Daddy, I wish I had all your corn." "Why, son? What would you do with it?" asked the father. "I would answer your prayers," the boy innocently replied.

Often, we have the power to answer our own prayers but fail to see the opportunity. When Nehemiah prayed, he placed himself squarely in a position where he could help answer his own prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-11). "Prosper, I pray thee, my servant this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." Nehemiah had every intention of taking advantage of his high position with the king to seek help for his depressed people.

People who are the real pray-ers have learned to offer themselves in service as they pray. They are not merely willing to mouth high-sounding words for the needs of mankind. Instead, they place themselves in the position to help. This does not take the edge off divine intervention. Rather, it gives God channels to work through for His blessings to mankind. Let us make ourselves available for God's use today.

“O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Opposition to the World Brings Hatred by John MacArthur

STRENGTH FOR TODAY

Opposition to the World Brings Hatred  “‘If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you’” (John 15:18-19). Because they are not part of the world’s system, Christians should expect it to hate and oppose them. If you’ve been a Christian for a while, you doubtless remember how soon you realized that you were no longer in step with the world’s culture. You were no longer comfortable with its philosophy. You no longer had the world’s desires and yearnings. You no longer felt good about doing some of the things the world takes for granted. In fact, you even felt constrained to speak out against such things and urge unbelievers to turn from their sins and embrace Christ. All that opposition to worldliness, when added up, can and will result in hatred toward us from people in the world. In John 15, the Greek word translated “world” (kosmos) refers to the world’s system of sin, which is devised by Satan and acted out by sinful people. The Devil and his angels sometimes make it even more difficult for us by subtly presenting their “religion” as if it were true. Such deception can lull us into complacency and leave us spiritually weak when persecution comes. Because of the world’s relentless opposition to God’s kingdom, it is crucial that we remember Christ’s call to stand for Him in our sinful society. The apostle Paul exhorts us to be “children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (Phil. 2:15). If we take Scripture seriously and prayerfully spend time in it daily, we will not be caught off guard when our faith is opposed. Instead, we will be heartened by Jesus’ words, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14). Suggestions for Prayer Ask the Lord to strengthen you today and to remind you that even though you are not of the world, you are to be a light to it. For Further Study Read the account of John the Baptist’s death in Mark 6:14. How did John suffer before he was killed? What character differences do you see between John and Herod? 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.

All Things May Be Lawful, But... by Adrian Rogers

MAY 2

All Things May Be Lawful, But...

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” - >1 Corinthians 6:12

If you want to be a victor in the race God has for you, you must learn the discipline of laying aside some weights. Many times these weights are good things in our lives. But good things are bad things when they keep us from doing the best things.

Life would be simple if it were a choice between good and bad. But typically it’s a choice between good and best.

Our verse says “all things are not expedient.” When you think of the word “expedient,” think of the word “expedition.” You are going somewhere, and if something doesn’t speed you on your way, it’s excess baggage and you need to get rid of it.

Ask God, “Are there legitimate, lawful things in my life that are keeping me from running the race You’ve given me?” If revealed, ask for discipline to lay them aside!

---

May 2 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all (Ps. 103:19).

Some time since, in the early spring, I was going out at my door when round the corner came a blast of east wind--defiant and  pitiless, fierce and withering--sending a cloud of dust before it. I was just taking the latchkey from the door as I said, half impatiently, "I wish the wind would"--I was going to say change;  but the word was checked, and the sentence was never finished.

As I went on my way, the incident became a parable to me. There came an angel holding out a key; and he said: "My Master sends thee His love, and bids me give you this." "What is it?" I asked, wondering. "The key of the winds," said the angel, and disappeared.

Now indeed should I be happy. I hurried away up into the heights whence the winds came, and stood amongst the caves. "I will have done with the east wind at any rate--and that shall plague us no more," I cried; and calling in that friendless wind, I closed the door, and heard the echoes ringing in the hollow places. I turned the key triumphantly. "There," I said, now we have done with that."

"What shall I choose in its place?" I asked myself, looking about me. "The south wind is pleasant"; and I thought of the lambs, and the young life on every hand, and the flowers that had begun to deck the hedgerows. But as I set the key within the door, it began to burn my hand. "What am I doing?" I cried; "who knows what mischief I may bring about? How do I know what the fields want! Ten thousand things of ill may come of this foolish wish of mine."

Bewildered and ashamed, I looked up and prayed that the Lord would send His angel yet again to take the key; and for my part I promised that I would never want to have it any more. But lo, the Lord Himself stood by me. He reached His hand to take the key; and as I laid it down, I saw that it rested against the sacred wound-print.

It hurt me indeed that I could ever have murmured against anything wrought by Him who bare such sacred tokens of His love. Then He took the key and hung it on His girdle. "Dost THOU keep the key of the winds?" I asked. "I do, my child," He answered graciously. And lo, I looked again and there hung all the keys of all my life. He saw my look of amazement, and asked, "Didst thou not know, my child, that my kingdom ruleth over all?"

"Over all, my Lord!" I answered; "then it is not safe for me to murmur at anything?" Then did He lay His hand upon me tenderly. "My child," He said, "thy only safety is, in everything, to love and trust and praise."
--Mark Guy Pearse