How many years have you lost to the locust? Have self-indulgence, sensuality, sinful motives and personal ambition robbed you of joy, peace and fruitfulness? Perhaps you feel discouraged when you think of all the time that seems to have been wasted, never to be reclaimed.

If so, consider the words of the Lord through the [...]]]> Scripture: Joel 2:12-27

How many years have you lost to the locust? Have self-indulgence, sensuality, sinful motives and personal ambition robbed you of joy, peace and fruitfulness? Perhaps you feel discouraged when you think of all the time that seems to have been wasted, never to be reclaimed.

If so, consider the words of the Lord through the prophet Joel. God told the people of Israel that even though they had been disobedient to Him and had been disciplined through a plague of locusts, there was still hope. The Lord said that He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness” (Joel 2:13). The He promised, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts has eaten” (v. 25)

When we confess our sin to the Lord, He is quick to forgive our past and fill our future with hope. He can bring good out of our wasted years. He does that by teaching us humility through our failure, and by helping us understand the weaknesses we have in common with others.

Although our previous years may have been blighted by sin, God is eager to restore us and give as much fruit from our labor. What we have learned from the past can now result in productive service for Him and heartfelt praise to Him. The year aheads is filled with hope — from Our Daily Bread

No matter how dark your past,
With Christ your future is bright.

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We recognize that His birth was unusual because He was born of a virgin. His life was unique, too, for He was the only one who lived without sinning. His death was also unusual. Jesus was not a martyr. He was not the [...]]]> Although millions celebrate Jesus’ birthday, few seem to be aware of its real significance.

We recognize that His birth was unusual because He was born of a virgin. His life was unique, too, for He was the only one who lived without sinning. His death was also unusual. Jesus was not a martyr. He was not the victim of unfortunate circumstances,
dying for a worthy cause. Nor did He lay down His life just to set a good example. There’s much more to it than that. The Lord Jesus came into this world to be our Savior!

Jesus Himself said that He came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Who are the lost? The Bible tells us that “all have sinned” and that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23; 6:23). In order to save the world, Jesus had to die for it. He came and lived the perfect life and then died the death we should have died. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because He was crucified and then rose from the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe (John 1:12).

Have you accepted God’s gift of salvation? If not, do so today, and this will be your most meaningful Christmas ever. – from Our Daily Bread

Unless we see the cross overshadowing the cradle. We have lost the real meaning of Christ’s birth.

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In the 12th chapter of Luke, Jesus tells the story of a foolish farmer who made two serious miscalculations.  First, he underestimated the productivity of his crops and had to tear down his barns to build larger ones.  After finishing that, he was summoned to give an account for his soul.  At that point, he [...]]]> Luke 12:16-21

In the 12th chapter of Luke, Jesus tells the story of a foolish farmer who made two serious miscalculations.  First, he underestimated the productivity of his crops and had to tear down his barns to build larger ones.  After finishing that, he was summoned to give an account for his soul.  At that point, he realized how perilously shortsighted he had become.  God summed up his life in two words:  “you fool!” (v. 20).

At that point, Jesus made this observation:  “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (v. 21).  To be rich toward God, it is necessary to “make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven” (Luke 12:33).  How are we to become rich toward God and make money belts which do not wear out?  That was the question on Peter’s mind when he said to the Lord, “We have left all we had to follow You” (Luke 18:28).  For the disciple’s statement, Jesus had high praise.  He promised that sacrifices of this type would result in great reward, both in this life and in the one to come (v.30).

In order to make deposits in heaven’s bank, we must “leave all we have.”  How many of us can truly say that we have placed higher priority on God’s kingdom than on what is ours – even home, job, spouse, and children?  How many of us are building larger barns and becoming fools in the process.  Let’s cry to God for grace to “leave all we have” and seek first His kingdom.

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On long road trips in unfamiliar places, we sometimes start wondering if we are going the right way.  Following the Lord’s will can seem like that too.  Though God may reveal His plan to us, the steps to achieving it aren’t always obvious.  To learn obedience requires moving ahead at God’s signal, even when every [...]]]> Hebrews 5:7-9

On long road trips in unfamiliar places, we sometimes start wondering if we are going the right way.  Following the Lord’s will can seem like that too.  Though God may reveal His plan to us, the steps to achieving it aren’t always obvious.  To learn obedience requires moving ahead at God’s signal, even when every detail is not clear.

As we travel along a path of obedience, we will most likely experience conflict.  Challenges could arise because what we think or want is contrary to God’s plan.  Or there could be conflict between God’s values and the world’s (2 Cor. 7:5).  We who are children of light must be willing to encounter conflict – we have to move through it and obey.

A life of obedience also includes submitting to earthly authorities (Romans 13:1).  God has given some people jurisdiction over us so that we can learn what it means to obey.  Obedience also requires learning to submission to God (Hebrews 12:9), whose way is perfect.  We are to surrender our desires to His, even when we do not understand or when the cost seems too high.  Finally, to learn obedience requires a willingness to accept divine chastisement.  There isn’t one of us who lives a perfect life – we go off course daily.  God, out of His great love, will discipline us in order to turn us back toward Him (Hebrews 12:6-7)

Although there is a learning curve for obedience, God has equipped us with His Spirit to teach us, and He expects us to master our lessons.  What kind of student are you?

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It is a fact of the Christian life that spiritual battles are often won or lost in the mind.  The Devil loves to mislead our thinking.  Why else do you suppose we are called to put on the helmet of salvation everyday? (Ephesians 6:17).  It is because our minds present such a tempting target to [...]]]> Philippians 4:13

It is a fact of the Christian life that spiritual battles are often won or lost in the mind.  The Devil loves to mislead our thinking.  Why else do you suppose we are called to put on the helmet of salvation everyday? (Ephesians 6:17).  It is because our minds present such a tempting target to the Enemy!  Knowing that Satan is out to deceive us, we must focus our minds on three fundamental beliefs.

Believe that God has gifted you to do what He has called you to do.  Your life is no coincidence, the Father has a specific plan for each one of His children. (Jer. 29:11)  He has empowered you with the spiritual gifts to accomplish what He has in mind.  Therefore, do not be afraid!  The One who called you is strong enough to keep you.

Believe that you can do whatever He calls you to do.  If you allow fear and doubt to knock you off course, then you have become disobedient to the will of your heavenly Father.  Do not permit the Enemy to rob you of your calling!  Be assured that you are, in fact, able to do all things through the power of God. (Phil. 4:13)

Believe in the principles of Scripture to guide you.

God has not left you in a distant land with no instructions.  Just as a map leads soldiers to the specific target, so will God’s Word direct your path in the way He wants you to go.

Do you struggle with self doubt as you go about your life?  Turn your doubts over to God, and accept His call to the successful Christian life.

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As we accept God’s amazing gift of grace for our lives, we experience the peace that comes with knowing Him.  While our problems may still exist, we have the assurance that God is with us.

Peace with God means we understand that our sins have been forgiven.  The inner turmoil that once raged within us has [...]]]> Philippians 4:4-9

As we accept God’s amazing gift of grace for our lives, we experience the peace that comes with knowing Him.  While our problems may still exist, we have the assurance that God is with us.

Peace with God means we understand that our sins have been forgiven.  The inner turmoil that once raged within us has vanished.  We know where we will go after this life on earth ends – we will be with Him for eternity.

And while that provides a great measure of peace for us now, there are still other areas of our hearts that need peace.

We wrestle and struggle with God, wanting to take control of that area and unwilling to surrender to Him.  If we win the battle for control, we ultimately lose.  However, if God wins the battle, we win, too.

The peace of God is what we need as we walk in His grace.  Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

None of us are immune to the life-shaking events that sometimes broadside us in the middle of an unsuspecting afternoon.  However, the peace of God enables us to weather the most violent of storms in our lives.  Instead of wondering about what might happen, He gives us the peace in our hearts necessary to stand.

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Stop for a moment, and think about the many different greetings that we use each day, perhaps with little or no thought at all. When we see a friend at the store, for instance, what do we say? Most likely, phrases such as “Hello!” “It’s nice to see you!” or “How are you [...]]]>

Bible Reading: John 20:19-22

Stop for a moment, and think about the many different greetings that we use each day, perhaps with little or no thought at all. When we see a friend at the store, for instance, what do we say? Most likely, phrases such as “Hello!” “It’s nice to see you!” or “How are you doing?” seem to pop out of our mouths automatically. When we give a greeting out of a habit rather than from genuine concern, is the sentiment lessened?

In Jesus’ day, friends greeted each other with a wish of peace: “Shalom.” Most likely, manyof these people said “Shalom” out of sheer habit, just as we use the “hello” today. But what about Jesus? Do you think Jesus ever said anything without thinking?

In today’s passage, we see that Jesus appears to His disciples a few days after His crucifixion. What is the first thing He says to them? “Peace be with you.” Could He be doing something more than offering a simple greeting?

Consider the scene: the disciples were hiding in a locked room; they feared for their lives, and they were grieving their Master’s death. What did they need most? Protection? Escape? No, Jesus knew their greatest need, and that is what He gave them up front: PEACE.

Today the unfinished task for the church is to follow Jesus’ lead by seeking the lost and frightened and bringing them the saving word of peace. Never underestimate the power of a greeting; it may be just the key that unlocks the door to their hearts.

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One example is a man who angrily shuts his hymnbook and pouts through the rest of the service if the song leader does not sing every verse of a song.

Another example is the church where members argue against adding [...]]]> Did you ever notice that some Christians act decidedly unchristian while trying to prove how godly they are?

One example is a man who angrily shuts his hymnbook and pouts through the rest of the service if the song leader does not sing every verse of a song.

Another example is the church where members argue against adding a new service geared toward youth because they dislike the music.

Then there is the church in which the middle aisle is a demarcation line between two social classes of people who refuse to mix. As Christians, we must stand for truth as spelled out in the Bible. Though truth was not violated in any of these situations, these professing followers of Christ acted in decidedly unloving ways. They chose to protect personal preferences rather than demonstrate the love of Jesus to a watching world.

As we read 1 John 4:7-21, we see that God’s love seeks to transform our behavior. In His love, we don’t react disdainfully toward others simply because we don’t agree.

Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Do others see the love of Jesus in you?

— Our Daily Bread

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If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, How could you call yourself an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am Comforter?

If you never made a [...]]]> If you never felt pain, How would you know that I am a Healer?

If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, How could you call yourself an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am Comforter?

If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I am a Forgiver?

If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your question?

If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?

If you never were broken, Then how would you know that I can make you whole?

If you never had a problem, How would you know that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what I went through?

If you never went through fire, Then how would you become pure?

If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?

If  I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?

If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on Me?

If your life was perfect, Then what would you need for me?

Love,

Jesus

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11 “But [...]]]>

Psalm 81:8-16
⁸ “Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you!
O Israel, if you will listen to Me!
⁹ There shall be no foreign god among you;
Nor shall you worship any foreign god.
¹⁰ I am the LORD your God,
Who brought you out of the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

¹¹ “But My people would not heed My voice,
And Israel would have none of Me.
¹² So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart,
To walk in their own counsels.

¹³ “Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!
¹⁴ I would soon subdue their enemies,
And turn My hand against their adversaries.
¹⁵ The haters of the LORD would pretend submission to Him,
But their fate would endure forever.
¹⁶ He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat;
And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.”

Children have “selective hearing”, the ability to tune out an adult’s voice whenever they want. Either they are absorbed in their own activities and do not want to be disturbed, or they do not like what they are hearing so they ignore the voice. The adult is speaking, but you would never know it by the child’s response. At times we behave the same way toward our heavenly Father, don’t we?

The Lord speaks to us through the Bible today just as He always has. His Word contains the complete revelation of God and was written by His chosen people under the control of the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16) If we are in attentive to the Bible, then we have turned away from our major source of hearing from God.

But if we open His Word, we will hear how much He loves us. God wants to fellowship with us, to express His love to us, and to receive our love in return. From Scripture, we will receive definite  direction for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) God knows that the world, our own selfish nature, and Satan clamor for us to choose their ways over His. God wants to provide us with His wisdom so we will make right decision. God also talks to us to give us the reassuring and comforting words we so desperately need. He sees our trials, our failures, our humiliations, and our sorrows and wants to speak words of loving truth to us. And His Holy Spirit helps us understands what He is saying.

God still speaks. The question is, Are you still listening?

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As Christians we often encounter some unusual paradoxes. A prime example is Jesus’ comment that the first shall be last and the last shall be the first (Matthew 20:16) Hard sayings like this challenge out thinking – they may seem confusing until we remember that we have been called out of this world into a [...]]]> Romans 7:15-21

As Christians we often encounter some unusual paradoxes. A prime example is Jesus’ comment that the first shall be last and the last shall be the first (Matthew 20:16) Hard sayings like this challenge out thinking – they may seem confusing until we remember that we have been called out of this world into a new way of living.

Self-effort which works so well for the natural man, must be abandoned by the Spirit-filled believer. That is why the Lord sometimes allows us to experience failure in our pursuit of holiness.  He wants to show us how totally dependent we are on Him. When seen in that light, our human failures can actually be viewed as friends to instruct us rather than enemies to be resisted.

This perspective is not easily obtained. From earliest childhood, we are urged to work hard,  strive for excellence, and do our very best. We are told to set goals and then pursue them with diligence and determination. These virtues are useful in their place, but when conscientiously employed, they can actually betray us by suggesting that our salvation lies in them. They whisper to the human ego, “You have all it takes to be successful.” Gradually, if we pay attention to these voices, our confidence begins to shift from trusting in the Spirit to relying upon the flesh. God will not accept our dependence upon anything or anyone beside Him. If necessary He will engineer circumstances that will defeat our best efforts and humble us until we learn to live by the faith which He supplies.

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Her writing career spanned three decades, from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s. She wrote 12 books and received 16 honorary doctorate degrees. But three years before she died of cancer in 1996, popular humorist Erma Bombeck told on ABC TV interviewer that no matter how many columns she had written, her legacy would be [...]]]> Reading: Psalm 34:11-22

Her writing career spanned three decades, from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s. She wrote 12 books and received 16 honorary doctorate degrees. But three years before she died of cancer in 1996, popular humorist Erma Bombeck told on ABC TV interviewer that no matter how many columns she had written, her legacy would be her three children. “If I did a bad job with them,” she said, “then everything else I do isn’t very important.”

Bombeck had riches and fame and the goodwill of millions of readers but she realized that her top priority was taking care of her children.

Although no parent can be guaranteed that his or her child will turn out to be a godly model citizen, those of us who are parents must start with Erma’s attitude. Our motivation is to provide spiritually, physically, and emotionally for our children. They will be our legacy.

That means introducing them to the Savior, providing spiritual guidance (Ps. 34:11-14), praying for them, and encouraging them to find mentors who can guide them in godly living.

Sometimes it’s a battle. Often it’s expensive in time and toil. But the value of child overshadows it all – Our Daily Bread

LITTLE CHILDREN ARE GREAT VALUE TO GOD!

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We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. 2 Open the gates, That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in. 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on [...]]]>

Isaiah 26

A Song of Salvation

¹ In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

We have a strong city;
God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.
² Open the gates,
That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
³ You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
⁴ Trust in the LORD forever,
For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.

Life can be seem unbearable at times. Physical pain, difficult decisions, financial hardships, the death of a loved one, or shattered dreams threaten to engulf us. We become fearful and perplexed. Plagued by doubts, we may even find it difficult to pray.

Those of us who know the Lord through personal faith in Christ have in Him a calm retreat in the storms of life, even while the howling winds of trial are sweeping over us. We can experience peace of mind and calmness of spirit.

Richard Fuller, a 19th century minister told of an old seaman who said, “In fierce storms, we must put the ship in a certain position and keep there.” Said Fuller, “This, Christian, is what you must do… You must put your soul in one position and keep it there. You must stay upon the Lord, and, come what may… winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers — no matter what, you must hold fast your confidence in God’s faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.”

Do you feel overwhelmed by your toubles? Learn a lesson from that old sailor. Fix your mind on the Lord. Ask for His help. Then trust Him to give you peace in your storm (Phil 4:6-7).

Our Daily Bread

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The following incident won’t make the “Job Humnting 101″ curriculum anytime soon. When a thief broke into the Fowler and Holden factory in Grimsby, England, he walked away with a modest sum of money – but he didn’t walk far.

After the burglar’s arrest, the engineering firm he has stolen from took an interest in [...]]]> Read: Judges 6:14-40

The following incident won’t make the “Job Humnting 101″ curriculum anytime soon. When a thief broke into the Fowler and Holden factory in Grimsby, England, he walked away with a modest sum of money – but he didn’t walk far.

After the burglar’s arrest, the engineering firm he has stolen from took an interest in him. They learned that he was an addict who needed to get off drugs and find a job. So they did something incredibly gracious – they offered him a position at the factory!

“If he wants to pay off his debt to society and Fowler and Holden Ltd…” said managing director John Hardy, “we would be prepared to offer him a good job on the basis that he stays clean of drugs.” The company keeps a quarter of the man’s wages till he pays back the cost of the burglary.

This man was shown grace by a leader who offered him a position in spite of his offense. As a result, he repented and turned away from his old lifestyle.

In the book of Nehemiah, we read that Nehemiah repented of the sins of ancient Israel and prayed to God for mercy (!:4-11). He was allowed to go back to Jerusalem, the capital city of the Israelites, and to rebuild its walls and start its restoration. God’s grace moved in the heart of Artaxerxes, King of Babylon, who gave Nehemiah a new position. He went from being a cupbearer to becoming a governor in Judah.

Both of these stories encourage you to make a fresh start this January. God has shown you grace in so many ways. In response to His favor, will you repent of your sin and honor Him? Humble yourself before God and He will reveal the new steps He wants you to take.

Our Daily Journey With God

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