Life to the Full

Verse: John 10:10

Of all the gifts God has given us, life, both physical and spiritual, is the most fundamental and the most precious. In Jesus, God reaffirms the gift of life he bestowed on humanity in the beginning of time and provides the antidote to the culture of sin and death that was introduced by the fall. In the introduction to the encyclical Gospel of Life (Evangelium vitae), Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) proclaims the preciousness of the gift of life.

When he presents the heart of his redemptive mission, Jesus says: “[I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full]” (Jn 10:10). In truth, he is referring to that “new” and “eternal” life which consists in communion with the Father, to which every person is freely called in the Son by the power of the Sanctifying Spirit. It is precisely in this “life” that all the aspects and stages of human life achieve their full significance.

The encyclical also addresses “the incomparable worth of the human person.”

Man is called to a fullness of life which far exceeds the dimensions of his earthly existence, because it consists in sharing the very life of God. The loftiness of this supernatural vocation reveals the greatness and the inestimable value of human life even in its temporal phase. Life in time, in fact, is the fundamental condition, the initial stage and an integral part of the entire unified process of human existence. It is a process which, unexpectedly and undeservedly, is enlightened by the promise and renewed by the gift of divine life, which will reach its full realization in eternity (cf. 1Jn 3:1–2). At the same time, it is precisely this supernatural calling which highlights the relative character of each individual’s earthly life. After all, life on earth is not an “ultimate” but a “penultimate” reality; even so, it remains a sacred reality entrusted to us, to be preserved with a sense of responsibility and brought to perfection in love and in the gift of ourselves to God and to our brothers and sisters.

As stewards of God’s gifts, the pope admonishes every believer to celebrate, value and guard the gift of human life.

Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, every person sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by the light of reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize in the natural law written in the heart (cf. Ro 2:14–15) the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end, and can affirm the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree. Upon the recognition of this right, every human community and the political community itself are founded.

Think About It

*  What is your definition of life?
*  What makes life so valuable?
*  How might you celebrate, value and guard the gift of life?

Pray About It

Lord, thank you for the life that you give “to the full.” Help me to live in celebration of the life you have given to all people, and to be a good steward of this sacred reality--your life in myself and in all the people you have made.

The Whole Bible Guides Us Toward Jesus

By Rick Warren

“Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (>Luke 24:27 NIV).

Only God could have put the Bible together. It contains 66 books written over 1,600 years by 40 authors -- and it has one theme.

Having a single unified theme is one of the reasons we know that the Bible is God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is all about God redeeming humanity. Jesus is its star.

The fact that the Bible has only one theme is nothing short of a miracle. It’d be one thing if one person wrote the Bible. The Koran was written by one person, Mohammed. The Analects of Confucius were written by Confucius. The writings of Buddha were written by Buddha. You’d expect them to be uniform.

The Bible, on the other hand, was written by 40 different people, at every age and in every stage of life, on three continents. And they all wrote the same story: Jesus’ story. Prophets and poets, princes and kings, and sailors and soldiers all had the same story. Some were written in homes, others in prisons, and others on ships. You couldn’t have put together a more diverse group of authors.

Yet the story is the same.

Imagine if I gave 50 people each a piece of paper, and I told them to tear their pieces of paper into different shapes -- but I never said how I’m going to use them. What’s the likelihood I’d be able to take those pieces of paper and make a map of the United States out of them? Those odds would be astronomically low. If I did that, most people would think it was a trick.

That’s the miracle of how the Bible was put together.

We tend to think that the New Testament is about Jesus and the Old Testament is about Israel. But that’s not true. The Bible says in Luke 24:27, “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself”(NIV). The New Testament wasn’t even written then.

The pictures, the metaphors, the analogies, and the illusions -- from beginning to end -- are about God’s plan to redeem people and build a family for eternity. It all began with Jesus. You can see him in every book.

That’s a miracle.

Talk It Over

• How does your appreciation for the Bible reflect an understanding of the miracle of its cohesiveness?
• If you had to sum up the Bible in one sentence in your own words, what would you say?
• What are some ways you can make the Bible more personal to you?

Hope in the Midst of Pain

Lamentations 3:21-23

21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
NKJV

Lamentations is a difficult book because of the images of suffering that fill its pages. Yet, in the very middle of Jeremiah's words of pain and suffering are words of hope. In fact, it is as if the prophet simply turns a corner in his mind and begins thinking of God's character and nature rather than his circumstances. It's at that moment where we read these words, "Therefore, I have hope."

In a broken world, hope can be hard to come by. Each day, we are face to face with tragedy, sickness and death, but it is within this reality of pain that God brings hope. This hope is not founded on our situation or ability; our hope is founded on God. How can we have hope in God? Because He is all powerful, all knowing, never-changing, and He loves us. This means that no matter the pain, God is there. No matter the difficulty, God is guiding us and using that difficulty for our good. If you find yourself in the middle of hard times, do not fear, because the maker of heaven and earth is with you. Draw close to Him, and He will help you to live in hope, not fear.

Life Lesson: In life, we should think more about how great God is and less about how great our troubles are.

Dear God,
I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I'm in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Cross the Bridge crossthebridge.com

Pondering Thoughts

ATHEISTS: An atheist approaching the end of life made this confession:
"There is one thing that mars all the pleasure of my life...I am afraid the Bible is true. If I could know for certain that death is an eternal sleep, I should be happy. But here is what pierces my soul...if the Bible is true then I am lost forever."
A good reply to an atheist is to give him an excellent dinner and then ask if he believes there is a cook.
An atheist cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.

AUTOMOBILES: Most people are having trouble with their cars. The engine won't start and the payments won't stop.
The wheel was man's greatest invention...until he got behind it!
A driver is safest when the roads are dry...but the road is safest when the driver is dry.
It takes thousands of nuts to construct an automobile, but only one nut to scatter it all over the road.

BIBLE: We only really believe as much of the Bible as we practice!
Many Christians mark their Bibles, but their Bibles never mark them!
The bread of life never becomes stale.
Study the Bible, to be wise;
Believe the Bible, to be saved;
Practice the Bible, to be Holy.
Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.
The Bible is like a lion, it needs no defense. Let it out of its cage, and it will defend itself. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon).
There are 3 stages of Bible study...The Cod Liver Oil Stage (You take it like medicine because it is good for you.)
The Shredded Wheat Stage (dry, but nouishing.)
The Peaches and Cream Stage ( a delicious delight.)
Show me a person who has a clean, unspotted Bible and I will show you a person with an unclean heart.
But show me a person who has a soiled Bible, and I will show you a person with a clean heart. (Basil Malof)
Most people are bothered by passages in the Bible which they cannot understand. As for me, the passages in the Bible which trouble me most are those I do understand. (Mark Twain)

The Bible:
Know it...in your head;
Stow it....in your heart;
Sow it... in the world;
Show it....in your life!
God cannot open the windows of heaven for those who keep their Bible shut!
A knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a knowledge of the Bible. (William Lyon Phelps)
Don't feed on the world's crumbs; get some delicious meals from the Living Bread!

What Are Your Priorities?

Cure for an obsession: get another one. -- Mason Cooley

Because we aren’t able to know God fully or comprehend just how awesome He is, we regularly turn our attentions to more finite things--things we can comprehend on a much more tangible level.

Just before Moses asked to see God’s glory fully, he had been up on Mount Sinai where he got an intense glimpse of the glory of God. Now he was descending the mountain with supernaturally carved tablets containing the law of the holy and powerful God. It might be safe to say that he was excited to go and tell his people what God had to say.

But what did he find? While he was gone, the Israelites made a large golden calf... and they were worshiping it as if their lives depended upon it!

He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?” “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us...’ So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.”  (Exodus 32:21-24)

“Make us gods who will go before us.” That is the essence of idolatry. Idolatry takes place anytime we allow anything to take the place of God as the central life-giving almighty force in our life. In the Western world, golden calves are pretty much out of vogue, but in their place, we have managed to create a huge list of other things that become our substitute for God. And honestly, just like the Israelites, we worship these things as if our lives depend upon them.

• Girlfriends/boyfriends
• Careers
• Money
• Reputation
• Cars, houses, clothes
• The body, physical pleasures
• Knowledge
• Comfort
• Security
• The list goes on and on.

These things will stay with us and vie for our ultimate attention for the rest of our lives. However, it is our choice to give in to these things. Always choose God above all, because He is perfect and will not fail. His presence in us through Jesus is everything you will ever need.

God, at this moment, I acknowledge You as the most important thing in my life. Remind me to keep You where You belong in my priorities day by day. Keep me faithful and joyful in what You’ve given me. Amen.

Sleeping Trouble

by Max Lucado

Millions of Americans have trouble sleeping!  You may be one of them. Only one other living creature has as much trouble resting as we do.  They are woolly, simpleminded, and slow...sheep. Sheep can’t sleep!  For sheep to sleep, everything must be just right. No predators. No tension in the flock.  Sheep need help.  They need a shepherd to lead them and help them lie down in green pastures. Without a shepherd, they cannot rest.

Without a shepherd, neither can we!  Psalm 23:2 says, “He, (the Shepherd) makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”  Who’s the active one?  Who’s in charge? The Shepherd!  With our eyes on the Shepherd, we’ll get some sleep. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us of the promise,  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.”

Keep Laughing

by Bayless Conley

I want to head back to 1 Peter 1:5-7 again today.  Something tells me we could all continue to use the encouragement of Peter's words, especially the advice I want you to focus on today.    

1 Peter 1:5-7,

Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of what you may be going through today, you need to rejoice.  Peter says in verse 6, In this you greatly rejoice, even if for a season you are experiencing various trials. Friend, keep your sense of humor.  It will help you outlast your trials.

I read a story once about a guy parachuting when the wind blew him onto a track where they were racing cars...not a good place to land in a parachute.  He was trying to get his parachute off when another gust of wind came and started dragging him face first down the track.

He finally got the parachute off and stood up only to see a car racing towards him.  He quickly jumped out of the way and said to himself, "Man, I'm glad that's over!" and turned to get off the track.  As he did, he stepped in a hole and twisted his ankle.

That was just too much!  Even in his pain, he just started laughing!

Keep your sense of humor.  Even if you are going through the roughest patch you have ever been through.

Do not let your trials rob you of your joy. 

A Prayer for Christian Boldness

By Alistair Begg

“Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do” - Philemon 1:8

Heavenly Lord, as we start this New Year, please give us the boldness to follow you in all things. Let your spirit lead us into the future. 

The Christian will be sure to make enemies. It will be one of his objects to make none; but if doing what is right and believing what is true should cause him to lose every earthly friend, he will regard it as a small loss, since his great Friend in heaven will be even more friendly and will reveal Himself to him more graciously than ever. You who have taken up His cross, don't you know what your Master said? "I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother . . . And a person's enemies will be those of his own household."

Christ is the great Peacemaker; but before peace, He brings war. Where the light comes, the darkness must vanish. Where truth is, the lie must flee; or if it remains, there must be a stern conflict, for the truth cannot and will not lower its standard, and the lie must be trampled underfoot. If you follow Christ, you will have all the dogs of the world yelping at your heels. If you live in such a manner as to stand the test of the last judgment, you can depend upon it that the world will not speak well of you.

He who has the friendship of the world is an enemy to God; but if you are true and faithful to the Most High, men will resent your uncompromising commitment, since it is a testimony against their iniquities. You must do the right thing and not fear the consequences. You will need the courage of a lion to pursue a course that turns your best friend into your fiercest foe; but for the love of Jesus you must take your stand. To risk reputation and affection for the truth's sake is so demanding that to do it constantly you will need a degree of moral principle that only the Spirit of God can work in you. Do not turn your back like a coward, but play the man. Follow boldly in your Master's steps, for He has made this rough journey before you. Better a brief warfare and eternal rest than false peace and everlasting torment.

Dear Lord, please equip me with the courage to love my enemies and repent for my faults. Give me courage to take the path that might mean making enemies our of friends, but ultimately brings me closer to you. Help me find willingness to risk reputuation all for Your sake. Help me love you more than anything or anyone on this earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Making Statements into Promises

by Dr. Randy White

"He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him." (2 Chronicles 26:5, NASB95)
King Uzziah was probably the most prominent King of Judah, reigning 52 years.  He was “on again, off again” in his relationship with the Lord and obedience to His Word, but when he was on, “God prospered Him.”

Many times we read statements like this and we claim them as personal promises.  We make an unmerited leap from a statement about Uzziah the King to a promise that we can claim.  Most of the “name it and claim it” theology of today’s church is based on this kind of leap.

Joshua was given a promise that when he was obedient to the Law of God then he would have success.  Again, so many of us today make a leap from this statement about Joshua and we make a promise for anyone.

I once heard of a fellow who walked out of a two-story window because the scripture said,  “He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.  They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11-12).  Even Jesus would not apply this scripture to Himself when Satan tempted Him at the precipice of the Temple wall.  This scripture has a very specific end-times application, and making a specific into a general will generally get you into a world of hurt!

Before you claim a promise, make sure it is really a promise, and that it is authorized for your claim!

In His Grace,
Dr. Randy White

Trusting GOD

But the dove found no rest for or the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him... And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf (Genesis 8:9-11).

God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of
encouragement, and when to grant us such a sign. How good it is that we may trust Him anyway! When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are withheld, that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any
evidence of our senses. When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it. Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of His love.
--C. G. Trumbull

Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly 'round,
And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound?
He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow's fall.
And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near,
And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear?
Our loss is gain. Praise Him; in Him we have our All.
Our hand in His; e'en though the path seems long and drear
We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear?
He guides aright. He has it thus to keep us near.
And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare,
And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair?
Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay.

Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: "My time is not yet come." God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance.
--Selected

Living by Faith, Not Sight

Deut. 31:12: Assemble the people--men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns--so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law (NIV).

Moses was very clear about the obligation of the Israelites to be people devoted to God's words, and he instructed the people to pass that knowledge down from parents to children. Although the God of Israel could not be seen, He spoke through His Word. In contrast, the people of the nations surrounding the Israelites worshipped man-made idols that could be seen, but could not speak, because they were lifeless.

Moses warned the people about turning away from the words of the living God and worshipping dead idols. He knew that they were inclined to worship by sight, rather than by faith. As we know, the Israelites did turn and worship other gods, and God used the Assyrian and Babylonian armies to discipline them.

Like the Israelites, we are presented with a choice each and every day. Will we live by faith in that which is unseen or chase after the lifeless idols of earthly success?

 

When we worship material things, we are living by sight and not by faith.

When a Dream Dies

SHARON JAYNES

“Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” Ezekiel 37:4b-5 (NIV)

I sat on my porch with my Bible and a hot mug of coffee. Early morning is my favorite time of day. Just me, Jesus and a smattering of birds. However, this morning, as I looked out over my backyard, my eyes landed on a mound of fur nestled in the grass.

I moved in for a closer look. My heart sank as I discovered what appeared to be a curled-up lifeless baby fawn. Probably the same fawn my neighbor had seen nursing from its mom the day before. My heart broke. I understand the circle of life, but still. A baby fawn lay dead in my yard. Most likely the target of the coyote I’d seen roaming around.

I couldn’t get close enough to see the wound. Sometimes that is the way of things. I would have to wait until my husband got home to take care of the situation, as I didn’t have the nerve.

All morning long my mind returned to the still form lying in the sun. Hours passed. At noon I looked out of the window and the fawn remained unmoved. I couldn’t stand it. I had to know what had happened to it. So I mustered up my courage and made my way to the fawn. Three feet away. Stop. No signs of an attack. I inched closer.

Finally, I knelt down by the beautifully-crafted creature, admiring God’s handiwork. But I couldn’t see what had killed it.

“What happened to you, little deer?” I whispered.

Suddenly, the fawn’s head popped up! Startled eyes stared into mine. Like a deer caught in the headlights, I fell back on the grass. Time stood still for a moment as we stared at each other in disbelief!

Finally, the fawn sprang to its feet, wobbled a bit and scampered off. I sat in the grass and laughed and laughed and laughed. So, the fawn wasn’t dead after all. It had simply found a bit of grass and fallen asleep ... until almost noon.

After my heart rate returned to its normal pace, God spoke to my heart: “Sometimes things are dead, and sometimes they just need to be woken up.”

I pondered those words for the rest of the day. I called a friend who was struggling in her marriage -- in a very bad way. The sort of way that leaves you wondering if it will survive. I told her the story.

Sometimes things are dead, and sometimes they just need to be woken up.

Sometimes a marriage is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.

Sometimes a friendship is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.

Sometimes a dream is dead, and sometimes it just needs to be woken up.

I think of how God told the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the valley of dry bones: “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD’” (Ezekiel 37:4-6).

I imagine Ezekiel felt pretty silly talking to those dry bones. And honestly sometimes I feel pretty silly obeying God and speaking life into the dry bones of some of my situations.

So here’s the word for me and you today.

For my friend struggling in her marriage ...

For my friend who cries for her adult son who walked away from God ...

For my friend who longs to cuddle up with a good husband rather than a good book ...

Don’t assume the dream is dead. Sometimes it just needs to be woken up.

Dear Lord, Wake me up! Stir my heart. It’s not over until You say it’s over. I commit to continue to pray for what others deem as a lost cause, for I know that there is never a lost cause when it comes to Your power to save, to deliver, to redeem, to rebuild. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)

James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (NIV)

Down in the Valley

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me ...” Psalm 23:4

Until the fourth verse in this psalm, David has been talking about the Lord. “The Lord is my Shepherd. He maketh me to lie down. He leadeth me. He restoreth my soul.” But now when he's in the valley, he's no longer talking about the Lord--he's talking to Him. “Thou art with me.... Thy rod, Thy staff...”

Nothing will bring you face to face with God more than the dark valleys of life. But when you get in the dark valleys, you're going to know what Jesus meant when He said, “I will never leave thee or forsake thee,” and, “I will be with thee always, even to the end of the age.”

Is the Lord your Shepherd? Here’s how to find out. Ask yourself: “Is the Shepherd my Lord?” You see, the only way you can say “The Lord is my Shepherd” is to be able to say, “The Shepherd is my Lord.” Not everyone can recite Psalm 23 and claim it for their own. It belongs to those who’ve found a personal relationship with the Lord--a personal, permanent, protected relationship that will endure for all eternity.

---

From Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers

How to Prepare Yourself for God’s Abundant Blessings

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”

Luke 16:10-11

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that my parents sent me off to college at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. I met several friends my first year who aspired to be pastors. Many of them talked about how they’d love to have a nice big church and a powerful ministry to thousands.

But there were some of these guys who had big visions for ministry, but didn’t want to be faithful with the little they had. On many Sunday mornings, they were the ones who slept through church. They weren’t actively involved in any kind of ministry. It seemed like they wanted all the benefits of being a great pastor without putting in any of the work.

It’s not surprising then that today, I never hear about any of those guys. That’s because the biblical adage is true that whoever is faithful with a little will be faithful with much. That’s why God will rarely entrust much to those whom aren’t first faithful with the little He gives them.

Whether in your career, at home, or in ministry, be faithful with the little you have now. Doing so will prepare you to be faithful in abundance if God chooses to bless you. Practice faithfulness in the small things today for the big things tomorrow!

BE FAITHFUL WITH A LITTLE TODAY TO PREPARE YOUSELF FOR ABUNDANCE TOMORROW!

---

From PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham

Seeking to Turn Away from the Faith

- Acts 13:4-12

INTRODUCTION

Satan is always at odds with God because Satan refuses to place himself in submission to the Almighty. Likewise, there are always two spirits at work: the Holy Ghost and a satanic or false spirit. While the Lord seeks to give life, and joy, and peace, the forces of evil seek to turn men away from the truth. Barnabas and Saul, while on their missionary journey, had the opportunity to declare the word of God to Sergius Paulus, the deputy of the country. As the Holy Ghost worked in the deputy’s heart, another spirit began to work. Elymas the sorcerer withstood them, seeking to turn the deputy from the faith (Acts 13:8
). What does this reveal to us? Sorcerers and all other forms of witchcraft are the enemies of all righteousness (Acts 13:10
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Jannes and Jambres were magicians who sought to defeat the effect Moses had upon Pharaoh (2 Timothy 3:8
  ; Exodus 7:10-12 , 20-22; Exodus 8:7
  ). Satan is behind all such opposition, deceit, and trickery (John 8:44
  ; Luke 8:11-12 ). God is against such acts (Deuteronomy 13:1-5 ).
• (For everyone): What did Saul, also known as Paul, call Elymas the sorcerer (see Acts 13:10
  )? What does this suggest about those who practice various forms of witchcraft?
• God judged Elymas by blinding him for a season. How did this physical judgment match Elymas’ spiritual condition? Which is worse: to remain physically blind or to remain spiritually blind?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to open your eyes to the wickedness of witchcraft.
• Thank the Lord for giving you the truth.

The Love of Money

- Acts 16:16-24

INTRODUCTION

The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10
). One should take notice that witchcraft, magic, and similar practices are very lucrative industries. Many have foolishly imagined that these things have some redeeming value. However, the world cares most for the temporal profits and not for the ultimate consequences of polluting the minds and hearts of the masses. As Paul and Silas ministered, they were followed by a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16
). After many days, Paul turned and rebuked the spirit, setting the damsel free (Acts 16:18
). Instead of rejoicing in the damsel’s new found peace, her masters incited violence against Paul and Silas.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Preachers are to preach God’s word (2 Timothy 4:2
  ) which is the truth (John 17:17
  ). They are not to preach to make money (Titus 1:7-11 ; 1 Peter 5:2
  ; 2 Peter 2:1-3 ). Consider Paul's example (Acts 20:33-34 ; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:9
  ). God took care of him. Paul never charged for helping people.
• (For everyone): How did the love of money affect the response of the damsel’s masters? What was their major concern? How can this be related to similar practices in our day?
• How are witchcraft and similar practices lucrative today? Why would they keep producing such things at the risk of harming the minds and hearts of young and old alike?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you the true motives behind witchcraft.
• Ask the Lord to help you repent of any evil associations.

Putting Holes in the Darkness

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16, nkjv

One night when Robert Louis Stevenson was a small boy, his nanny called him to come to bed. Oblivious to her summons, he was staring at something outside his nursery window. The nanny walked over, stood at his shoulder, and inquired patiently, “Robert, what are you looking at?” The little boy, without taking his eyes away from the window, exclaimed in wonder as he pointed to the lamplighter who was lighting the streetlamps, “Look, Nanny! That man is putting holes in the darkness!”

You and I may not be able to change the world, but surely each of us can put a hole in the darkness! Turn on the Light! Share what Jesus means to you and give God’s Word to someone else!

All through the ages, men and women have done just that! They have turned on the Light so that a living faith in God has been passed from generation to generation. Not everyone has been attracted to the Light, but one by one people have come to Him for truth, wisdom, hope, salvation, and eternal life.

Just Give Me Jesus, (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2000). 

(c)2004 Anne Graham Lotz. All rights reserved.

Trusting GOD

But the dove found no rest for or the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him... And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf (Genesis 8:9-11). God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of encouragement, and when to grant us such a sign. How good it is that we may trust Him anyway! When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are withheld, that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses. When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it. Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of His love. --C. G. Trumbull Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly 'round, And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound? He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow's fall. And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near, And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear? Our loss is gain. Praise Him; in Him we have our All. Our hand in His; e'en though the path seems long and drear We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear? He guides aright. He has it thus to keep us near. And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare, And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair? Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay. Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: "My time is not yet come." God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance. --Selected

A lost emphasis

by Selwyn Hughes
For reading & meditation: Malachi 3:13-18
"Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other '" (v.16)

Although in Psalm 73 the psalmist is beset by doubt, he begins, nevertheless, on a triumphant note: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." Preachers usually leave their conclusion until the end of their sermon - but here the psalmist begins with it! It might seem strange to some that the psalmist should begin with a conclusion, but this is often seen in the book of Psalms. And the reason is this: the psalmist is so convinced of the fact that God is good that he decides to start right there. It is as if he is saying: "I want to tell you how I moved from doubt to faith, but the thing I want you to get right away is this: God is good." Some commentators believe that in the Temple services there was a time of open testimony and worship, similar to that which featured in the old Methodist class meetings, when individuals gave testimonies to their fellow believers of God's dealings with them. This is one of the most powerful ways of building the spiritual life of the Church, but regrettably it does not seem to be widely practised today. If this psalm was part of the psalmist's testimony during an open time of worship, one can imagine the impact it would have made upon the hearers as he related how he emerged from crippling doubt to renewed confidence in the goodness of God. I know of nothing more motivating in the Christian life than for believers to identify and share the spiritual principles which have enabled them to overcome attacks on their faith. When we ignore this principle we do so at our peril.

 

Prayer:

O Father, show us clearly how sharing with each other what You are doing in our lives not only inspires and motivates us, but greatly strengthens the Body. Help us restore this lost emphasis wherever it is missing. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

For further study:

John 3:25-36; John 3:25-36; John 3:25-36; Acts 20:24

1. When was the last time you publicly testified to the goodness of God?

2. When will be the next time?

Acquire Wisdom!

 “Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.” (Proverbs 4:5–6) 

How sad to see a young man or woman who have failed to heed the instruction of this Proverb.  It is not hard to find the one who turned from these words, who forsook wisdom and understanding.

The easy path is foolishness and ignorance. For a time, they have their reward: relaxation, friends, folly, and the pleasures of sin for a season. In time, time that passes all too quickly, the rewards disappear and “pay day” arrives.

Wisdom and understanding are expensive commodities that pay handsome dividends. They do not come cheap! To master a subject means untold hours of grapling with hypotheses, digging into truths, and wrestling with realities. This is true should your subject be doctrines of the faith or principles of physics.

Today, remember that the investment is worth the cost!

In His Grace,

Dr. Randy White

Our Great Mission

Matthew 28:18-20

If you’re a believer, you are part of the awesome body of Christ, which is called to bring His light to the world both individually and corporately. Though many see the church as a social organization, that’s not what the Bible says it is. Sometimes we forget that our purpose isn’t simply to have fellowship, sing, preach, and worship. Jesus entrusted us with good news of the true life He offers to everyone. This calling isn’t just for foreign “missionaries”--it’s for every believer. Your mission field includes your family, friends, coworkers, and perhaps even a people group God puts on your heart, often right in your community.

Before returning to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, in which He promised to be with believers to the end of the age. That pledge still stands. He doesn’t send us out to do His work on our own. Vowing never to leave us, He gave the assurance that all tasks He assigns will be achieved through us by His Holy Spirit.

What an honor to be included in the Lord’s redemptive plan for the world! He invites you to have a vital part in His kingdom work of transforming what is broken and giving new life. Everything you do in obedience is an opportunity for His Spirit to work powerfully through you!

He is still speaking His message of assurance to us: You’ll have Me as your companion, your captain, your victory. You’ll have Me as your resource, your energy, your anointing. Everything you need, you’ll find in Me. How does recognizing the greatness of your calling change the way you see your daily life?

From Dr. Charles Stanley

A Prayer against Depression

By John Barnett
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

If you've ever felt trapped, imprisoned, or helplessly caught by life, then you share the emotions of David in the midst of life in the Cave of Adullam.

Things had gotten so bad that David makes a confession that is packed with meaning to us today. In the form of an urgent prayer offered to God, and captured for us on paper, David explains that his soul is in prison. The setting is so graphic, look at it with me in I Samuel 22.

David is in the midst of his life on the run, under immense stress in verses 1-4:
"David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him. Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, "Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me." So he brought them before the king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the time that David was in the stronghold."

David describes this time as when he felt trapped, with nowhere to escape in Psalm 142. Here in this Psalm written from a cave, David reflects on the circumstances all around him that made him have.

When we get depressed, life really does feel like an endless pursuit of nothingness. Such daily struggles are a far cry from the expectations of those who heard this type promise before they became a Christian: "Just get saved and everything will be great from then on!" But that's not always true, is it?

Even saved people can go through emotionally imprisoning cave times like David experienced. Trigger that can start a slide downward emotionally are: family conflicts; losing a job; losing a home; moving to a new location under duress; working with a tough crowd; being betrayed by friends; being wronged in a business deal; suffering the sudden loss of a family member, friend, or finances, and so forth.

Suffering from depression is a very common malady. In fact, although most of the Bible is in the major key (saints fearlessly witnessing as churches valiantly serve against all odds), side-by-side with all those wonderful testimonies is the minor key where God's Word contains true glimpses into the weaknesses and frailties of some of His greatest saints.
“Heavenly Father, please strengthen our hearts, and remind us to encourage one another when the troubles of life start to overwhelm us. Please guard our hearts from depression. Give us the strength up to rise up each day and fight against the struggles which seek to weigh us down.”
Editor’s Note: The following is an abridge version David's Life in the Minor Key: Is Depression Sin? by John Barnett.