Monday, May 30, 2016

Too Close? by David Jeremiah

Monday, May 30

Too Close?

And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:31

Praise from Pure Hearts / Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread -- Praise from Pure Hearts

May 30, 2016

Read: Psalm 51:7-17
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 10-12; John 11:30-57

A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. —Psalm 51:17

During my friend Myrna’s travels to another country, she visited a church for worship. She noticed that as people entered the sanctuary they immediately knelt and prayed, facing away from the front of the church. My friend learned that people in that church confessed their sin to God before they began the worship service.

This act of humility is a picture to me of what David said in Psalm 51: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (v. 17). David was describing his own remorse and repentance for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba. Real sorrow for sin involves adopting God’s view of what we’ve done—seeing it as clearly wrong, disliking it, and not wanting it to continue.

When we are truly broken over our sin, God lovingly puts us back together. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This forgiveness produces a fresh sense of openness with Him and is the ideal starting point for praise. After David repented, confessed, and was forgiven by God, he responded by saying, “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise” (Ps. 51:15).

Humility is the right response to God’s holiness. And praise is our heart’s response to His forgiveness. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear God, help me never to excuse or minimize my sin. Please meet me in my brokenness, and let nothing hold me back from praising Your name.

Praise is the song of a soul set free.

INSIGHT: In today’s reading, the psalmist cries, “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean” (Ps. 51:7). Hyssop was a wild shrub used in several significant purification rites. On the night of the Passover, the Lord commanded the Israelites to use a hyssop branch to spread the blood of the lamb on the doorpost and lintel of their homes (Ex. 12:22). If a leper had been healed of leprosy, the priests were to use hyssop to sprinkle a mixture of blood and water onto the person as a sign of healing (Lev. 14:1-9). And on the day of the ultimate purification, a hyssop branch hoisted the sponge filled with sour wine to the lips of Jesus (John 19:28-30). Dennis Moles

Sunday, May 29, 2016

May 29 / One Minute Devotionals

Untroubled Relationship by Oswald Chambers

Untroubled Relationship

May 29, 2016

In that day you will ask in My name…for the Father Himself loves you… —John 16:26-27

“In that day you will ask in My name…,” that is, in My nature. Not “You will use My name as some magic word,” but— “You will be so intimate with Me that you will be one with Me.” “That day” is not a day in the next life, but a day meant for here and now. “…for the Father Himself loves you…”— the Father’s love is evidence that our union with Jesus is complete and absolute. Our Lord does not mean that our lives will be free from external difficulties and uncertainties, but that just as He knew the Father’s heart and mind, we too can be lifted by Him into heavenly places through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that He can reveal the teachings of God to us.

“…whatever you ask the Father in My name…” (John 16:23). “That day” is a day of peace and an untroubled relationship between God and His saint. Just as Jesus stood unblemished and pure in the presence of His Father, we too by the mighty power and effectiveness of the baptism of the Holy Spirit can be lifted into that relationship— “…that they may be one just as We are one…” (John 17:22).

“…He will give you” (John 16:23). Jesus said that because of His name God will recognize and respond to our prayers. What a great challenge and invitation— to pray in His name! Through the resurrection and ascension power of Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit He has sent, we can be lifted into such a relationship. Once in that wonderful position, having been placed there by Jesus Christ, we can pray to God in Jesus’ name— in His nature. This is a gift granted to us through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus said, “…whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” The sovereign character of Jesus Christ is tested and proved by His own statements.

WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS

There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus. We have to learn to abide in Him wherever we are placed. Our Brilliant Heritage

Rekindling the Flame of Ministry by Charles Stanley

2 Timothy 1:6-7

What do you do when you’ve lost your enthusiasm for ministry? Perhaps difficult circumstances have led to discouragement or frustration. Or maybe you just keep going, but the Holy Spirit seems absent and no fruit is visible. In today’s reading, Paul tells Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you” (2 Tim. 1:6), but how is that accomplished? Over the years, God has taught me what to do whenever I sense that my flame is beginning to flicker.

Refill. Ministry is exciting when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, but everyone springs a leak now and then. Get on your knees before the Lord and ask Him to refill your heart. Examine your life, repent of any sins, and submit to His leadership in every area of your life.

Refocus. Nothing dims the flame like fixing your eyes on the problem. Whenever we focus on obstacles, they grow larger. But when we shift our eyes to Christ, He becomes bigger than any problem we face.

Reject. When we’re down, the devil whispers lies into our minds: You can’t do this. No one appreciates you. Why not call it quits? We need to recognize all discouraging thoughts as coming from him—and not let them take root.

Retreat. Turn off the phone, electronics, and entertainment, and get away with the Lord to rekindle your intimate relationship with Him.

After going through all these steps, you will be able to return to ministry with new enthusiasm and commitment. Hard circumstances may remain, but you’ll be equipped to handle them because the Spirit’s flame is burning brightly within you. Rely on Him, and He will empower you for service.

Encourage Each Other by D. James Kennedy

Today’s devotional reading for:

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016

Encourage Each Other

… strengthening the minds of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, to go through many afflictions and thus enter the kingdom of God. —Acts 14:22

Devotion:

Probably few of you would know who the New Testament character Joseph of Cyprus was. But you probably would recognize him if I used the other name given to him: Barnabas, meaning the “Son of Consolation,” or the “Son of Encouragement”. That was his name and he was famous for comforting other people. Does anyone like that come to your mind?

I know a Christian who is always encouraging others. I cannot think of this individual without thinking of the fact that this man is an overflowing reservoir of comfort. He is always concerned about other people and about their difficulties and trials. You would never find out about his trials because he was so concerned about others. He is a blessing and benediction to all who know him. He is truly a Barnabas, a son of consolation.

Go out and be a blessing as you encourage someone this day.

Question to ponder: Can you think of a person to imitate who is an encourager of others?

May 29 / Springs in the Valley by L.B. Cowman

May 29

And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known. (Gen. 45:1)

In the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice. (Song 2:14)

There are feelings and experiences too tender and too sacred for the public gaze. Joseph could not reveal himself to his brethren in the face of the Egyptian Court. The stranger could not be allowed to intermeddle with the demonstration of his love.

It is so with Christ’s revelation of Himself to the human soul. Not in the busy marketplace, not in the social circle, not even in the crowded sanctuary do we come into the closest touch with the heart of our Elder Brother and our Friend. In the hour of silent communion, when the door is shut; when the world is excluded; in the hush of breathless and holy silence there comes to us the fullest apocalypse of the Divine affection. It is then that we see with clearest vision the glory of the face of Christ, and hear most distinctly the melody of the Divine voice as it tells to us the story of His love.

No public feast with Him can compensate for the loss of the private interview.

Make time to be alone with God. He has visions to reveal to us that are not for the eye of the worldling. Alone with God—to know the depth and sweetness of our relationship to Him!

Precious, gentle, holy Jesus!
Blessed Bridegroom of my heart,
In Thy secret inner chamber
Thou wilt whisper what Thou art.

A calm hour with God is worth a whole lifetime with man.
ROBERT MURRAY MCCHEYNE

Cowman, L. B. E.. Springs in the Valley (pp. 164-165). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

May 29 / Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman

Streams in the Desert

I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father. (John 15:15)

Years ago there was an old German professor whose beautiful life was a marvel to his students. Some of them resolved to know the secret of it; so one of their number hid in the study where the old professor spent his evenings.

It was late when the teacher came in. He was very tired, but he sat down and spent an hour with his Bible. Then he bowed his head in secret prayer; and finally closing the Book of books, he said,
“Well, Lord Jesus, we’re on the same old terms.”

To know Him is life’s highest attainment; and at all costs, every Christian should strive to be “on the same old terms with Him.”
The reality of Jesus comes as a result of secret prayer, and a personal study of the Bible that is devotional and sympathetic. Christ becomes more real to the one who persists in the cultivation of His presence.

Speak thou to Him for He heareth,
And spirit with spirit will meet!
Nearer is He than breathing,
Nearer than hands and feet.
—Maltbie D. Babcock

Good and Best by Adrian Rogers

Love Worth Finding

MAY 29

Good and Best

“… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” - Hebrews 12:1

There's a certain discipline that belongs to the child of God. He does not have time to participate in good things because there are too many best things.

People sometimes ask me, “Oh, have you read thus and such a book? It’s so good.” I say, “No, I haven't.” And I think, “Where on earth did you ever get time to read that? I haven't even read the best books yet. How am I going to have time to read good books?”

I'm amazed at how many people spend so much time doing good things. But good things are bad things when they keep you from best things. Life would be simple if it were a choice between good and bad. But it's a choice between good and best.

Keep Moving Forward by Billy Graham

Day By Day With Billy Graham

Day 150 of 366

Keep Moving Forward

When I was seven years old, my father bought me my first bicycle. I had never ridden one. Patiently, my family and friends tried to teach me the art of cycling. I soon found out there was one thing I must do if I was to stay on the bicycle-keep moving forward. If I ceased to go forward, I would fall and hurt myself. So it is in the Christian life. We can never live this life on the highest plane unless we are continually growing and moving forward. You should be closer to God today in heart, soul, and body, than at any other time so far in your life.

Daily Prayer

Lord, I have progressed far too slowly in my pilgrim walk with You. Might I be drawn closer to the light of Your love and grace.

Acts 17:28

Acts 17:28 KJV

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

NIV 365 / Friends - The Family We Choose

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 150 of 365

Friends - The Family We Choose

Many of us were blessed to be born into a loving, caring family; some of us were not so fortunate. But there is a family into which we can be

reborn

- the family of God (see John 1:12). And God is delighted to "[set] the lonely in families" (Psalm 68:6).

I love my earthly family. I was born into a Christian home and have known God all my life. As I grew up, my family separated to different parts of the United States to raise their own families, and I stayed close to where I was born. Do I miss day-to-day activities with members of my birth family? Absolutely!

But I have others nearby who have become part of my circle of friends. I found these wonderful, dear friends in the family of God where I worship. We share faith in God, as well as similar likes and dislikes, goals and aspirations. I have reached out to share my life with these friends, and together our friendships have formed a chosen family - a family in which trust, caring, love and acceptance have flourished, just as in my birth family.

I believe God smiles on us as we work and play together. Laugh and cry together. Strive and thrive together. We are his family, his friends. We belong to him and to one another as we live as friends and "family." I am so happy we are his friends - his chosen family.

Charlotte Greeson

Taken from NIV Fulfilled

Psalms 68:6

Psalms 68:6 KJV

6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Can't Die But Once / Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread -- Can’t Die But Once

May 29, 2016

Read: Matthew 10:26-32
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 7-9; John 11:1-29

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. —Matthew 10:28

Born into slavery and badly treated as a young girl, Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913) found a shining ray of hope in the Bible stories her mother told. The account of Israel’s escape from slavery under Pharaoh showed her a God who desired freedom for His people.

Harriet found freedom when she slipped over the Maryland state line and out of slavery. She couldn’t remain content, however, knowing so many were still trapped in captivity. So she led more than a dozen rescue missions to free those still in slavery, dismissing the personal danger. “I can’t die but once,” she said.

Harriet knew the truth of the statement: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28). Jesus spoke those words as He sent His disciples on their first mission. He knew they would face danger, and not everyone would receive them warmly. So why expose the disciples to the risk? The answer is found in the previous chapter. “When he saw the crowds, [Jesus] had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (9:36).

When Harriet Tubman couldn’t forget those still trapped in slavery, she showed us a picture of Christ, who did not forget us when we were trapped in our sins. Her courageous example inspires us to remember those who remain without hope in the world. —Tim Gustafson

May we find our peace and purpose in You, Lord, and share You with others.

True freedom is found in knowing and serving Christ.

INSIGHT: The passage we are reading today explores the likelihood of persecution for those who profess faith in Christ. We are encouraged by the certain future judgment of God when everything done on Earth will be disclosed (vv. 26-27). Meanwhile, Christ admonishes us not to fear the harm man can do to us but rather to fear God (v. 28). Then our Lord points to God’s care for even the smallest of creatures and tells us we are much more valuable than they are (vv. 29-31). If God cares for the sparrow, how much more will He care for us. Persecution will one day end, and we will receive God’s eternal reward. Dennis Fisher

Saturday, May 28, 2016

May 28 / One Minute Devotionals

Unquestioned Revelation by Oswald Chambers

Unquestioned Revelation

May 28, 2016

In that day you will ask Me nothing. —John 16:23

When is “that day”? It is when the ascended Lord makes you one with the Father. “In that day” you will be one with the Father just as Jesus is, and He said, “In that day you will ask Me nothing.” Until the resurrection life of Jesus is fully exhibited in you, you have questions about many things. Then after a while you find that all your questions are gone— you don’t seem to have any left to ask. You have come to the point of total reliance on the resurrection life of Jesus, which brings you into complete oneness with the purpose of God. Are you living that life now? If not, why aren’t you?

“In that day” there may be any number of things still hidden to your understanding, but they will not come between your heart and God. “In that day you will ask Me nothing”— you will not need to ask, because you will be certain that God will reveal things in accordance with His will. The faith and peace of John 14:1 has become the real attitude of your heart, and there are no more questions to be asked. If anything is a mystery to you and is coming between you and God, never look for the explanation in your mind, but look for it in your spirit, your true inner nature— that is where the problem is. Once your inner spiritual nature is willing to submit to the life of Jesus, your understanding will be perfectly clear, and you will come to the place where there is no distance between the Father and you, His child, because the Lord has made you one. “In that day you will ask Me nothing.”