Middle of the Road

How long will you hesitate between two opinions? 1 KINGS 18:21 Barbara was driving into town from home one day when, topping a hill, she spotted a two-year-old boy standing there in his diaper--smack dab on the yellow line in the middle of the road. Without enough time to brake, she swerved wildly onto the shoulder, coming to a screeching stop a good distance past the child. Flinging open her car door, she ran back up the street to retrieve the toddler from danger, when the mother--having heard the squealing tires and commotion--raced out into the road herself. She scooped up her crying child into her arms, trembling with shock and fright at what might have been if Barbara hadn’t been driving so carefully. Truly, the middle of the road is no place for anyone to be. But sadly in our culture today, far too many Christian families are parked in the middle. Not sure what they believe. Not sure what they expect of their children. Not willing to take a stand on certain issues that are clearly biblical. Basing their lives on “near beliefs.” I believe that God is calling families like yours today to be counter-cultural--not in a weird, obnoxious way, but establishing a lifestyle that communicates at a glance, “This family is different. They’re distinctive in their beliefs and practices. They represent Jesus Christ.” There is no reason why so many Christian marriages should end in divorce. There is no reason why people who call themselves evangelicals should account for one in every six abortions performed in America. There is no reason why more than half of our Christian teens are engaging in some form of sexual involvement to the detriment of their own hearts and futures. We’ve spent enough time in the middle of the road. It’s time to get in gear in the right direction and head for home. DISCUSS How would an outsider tell the difference between your family and one who didn’t claim to be Christian? PRAY Pray for the courage to determine and live by your convictions--biblical convictions--no matter the cost.

Troubled Comparisons

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. - 1 Timothy 4:4

 

Why is it that we don’t accept who we are? I don’t know about you, but I look at others around me (friends, people in the news, in movies, athletes, co-workers) and compare how I look . . . my clothes, my physical features, my sense of humor, my speaking ability, my communication skills, my car, my cell phone, my glasses, the color, length and fullness of my hair, and my experiences. 

If you’re like me, you always come up short and feel intimidated. You never measure up so you clam up. You don’t offer to use your gifts and talents because you’re feeling inferior. So your gifts and talents die inside you. You stop living, stop loving, and stop feeling. Some of you may have turned to things to numb the pain and shut down the lying, hounding voices of your past hurts, mistakes, disappointments, and your failure to measure up to others.

But it’s all a lie. God created you just as you are. Satan wants to shut you down. He doesn’t want the uniqueness of you to shine forth.  When you stifle who you are, you’re giving Satan a victory. When you allow your personality, your experience, your gifts and skills to shine forth, you’re giving God a chance to use you just as he made you. It’s only then that you’ll grow more and more into who he created you to be.

Accept who you are in Christ. He accepts you. Why don’t you accept you? There’s no reason good enough. Work through your insecurities and let God use you, starting today, just as you are.

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Men of faith

from BBH

Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said...Now therefore give me this mountain...if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out– Joshua 14:6,12
 

Are there any challenges, or trials, or ambitions in your life that seem to be insurmountable or unachievable? If so, then listen to the spirit and wisdom of Caleb’s words.

Understand, first, that Caleb is 85 years old when he makes this declaration. Secondly, “this mountain” is not some green-pastured, undefended plot of land; it is positively swarming with enemy combatants. But God had promised this land to Caleb and so he courageously claims it: “Give me this mountain.”

Such confidence might at first seem admirable, and yet naïve or unrealistic, in an 85-year-old man. But Caleb’s courage was based upon the wise realization that “if the Lord is with me, then I will be successful.”

All my excuses and fears are wiped away by this aged man’s faithful example. Is there anything in my life that seems insurmountable or unachievable? Then may Caleb’s faithful battle cry become my own.

If it is a sin against which I am striving, then I have been promised victory, with the Lord’s help -- give me this mountain! If it is a life endeavor that I am being led to undertake for the cause of Christ, then I have been promised success -- give me this mountain! If it is a particular grief that threatens to overwhelm me, then I have been promised the comfort and strength to overcome it by God’s grace -- give me this mountain!

Five-Fingered Prayer

by Kelly McFadden

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. --Ephesians 6:18

I received an email some time ago that demonstrated how to use your fingers to pray. It’s a simple reminder of how we can easily be reminded of different ways to pray for those around you. If you’re looking for ideas to improve your prayer life, give it a try.

Thumb: The strongest digit on your hand. Give thanks for all the strong things in your life, like home and family, or relationships that support and sustain you.

Index finger: This is the pointing finger. Pray for those people and things that guide and help you in your life. Friends, teachers, doctors, nurses, emergency services and so on.

Middle finger: The tallest finger. Pray for all the important people who have power in the world, like world leaders and governments, members of parliament and local councilors, city mayors and aldermen, or our president.

Ring finger: The weakest finger on your hand. It cannot do much by itself (ask anyone who plays piano). Remember the poor, the weak, the helpless, the hungry, the sick, the ill and the bereaved.

Little finger: The smallest and the last finger on your hand. Pray for yourself.

One of the things I like most about this guide to prayer is that it reminds me to keep others before myself. Too often when I pray, I immediately present God with my needs, wants and desires and then lose my train of thought before I even think to pray for anyone else. Try using this tool as you drive home from work or go out for a walk. Prayer is something we can do at all times and this may be just the tool to make it a part of your life, not just something you do before you go to bed or face a difficult situation. Prayer is an activity we can’t engage in enough.  God hears our prayers and your hand is a good way to remind yourself to pray for someone else.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Think through the five-fingered prayer.  Can you place someone you know in each category?

2. Today, when you are in your car, turn off the radio and put your cell phone aside.  Take some time to pray through your fingers for those in your life who fit each category.

Living as a Pilgrim

1 Peter 2:11

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
NKJV

Have you ever considered yourself a pilgrim in this world? It can be a hard concept to grasp since all we've ever known is earth, but if you have trusted in Jesus for salvation, then the Bible says that your real home is in Heaven with Jesus. Because of this Truth, we are not so easily trapped by the things of this world because we know them to be temporary. Our job, money, possessions and even relationships are gifts from God for us to use during our time on this planet. Like the manna from Heaven during the time of Moses, these items are here for a moment for us to use, yet our home is not the desert. Instead, our home is the Promised Land of God. The things we have are good, but what God promises for us in Heaven is greater.

How does that Truth change your perspective on life? It is not that this life is meaningless; in fact this life is filled with even greater meaning when we realize the purpose of our time here. We are here to point to Jesus. He has given us a command to tell others about His love and grace. While we can enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not be trapped by them because our purpose is great here on earth. Our purpose is to spread the news of our Lord who is eternal and His Word which will never change.

Life Lesson: When we live within the bounds of Scripture and in the power of Christ, we can change our world.

Dear God,
Thank You for the promise of Heaven and the blessings on earth. Give me an eternal perspective so that I can live as a pilgrim on this earth, sharing the love of Jesus with everyone I meet. Help me not to be distracted by the things of this world but instead, give me a greater passion for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

How To Stay United In The Face of Division

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

John 17:20-21

Everywhere I go today it seems I see churches divided. I was in another state preaching awhile back and it felt like everywhere they drove me, there were little tiny churches. So I asked the man who was with me, “Why are there so many churches? Was there some kind of big revival here?”

And he told me, “Nope. Every church you see only has a few people who actually attend it. They didn’t start from revivals, but from church splits.” He went on, pointing to the churches as we passed, “That church split because of the color of the carpet in the sanctuary... and that one split because they brought in a modern praise band.”

As he told me about the church splits, I was saddened. But unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised. It amazes me how men and women of God can find so many reasons to divide rather than unite for the cause of Christ. It’s contrary to the biblical message!

It’s time to stop the division and unite under the banner of Jesus Christ. Don’t let petty things drive a wedge in the body of Christ. Keep your focus on Christ, first and foremost, and that which threatens to divide us will fade away as our Savior is brought into focus!

FOCUS ON JESUS, NOT PETTY DIFFERENCES, AND YOU’LL FULFILL CHRIST’S COMMAND TO STAY UNITED IN THE BODY!

A Caring Father

Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION

Since God is responsible for man’s possessions or the lack thereof, some Christians question why God gives a man some things while He withholds from others. Romans 8:28
contains one of the answers as it points out that “all things work together for good.” This does not imply that everything in the believer’s life is enjoyable or good. It means that everything combined results in good. God works in every piece of a believer’s life. He combines all things so that even the supposed bad things result in what is “good” according to the will of God. So long as God is at the controls, contentment teaches man how to be satisfied. Man's conditions, circumstances, and possessions are appropriate because God has worked everything together for the good of that man.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Most children like to play out in the street. Why would parents not allow their children to play on a busy street? Why would Dad insist on his son only using a sharp knife when he is supervised? Girls love to help their moms cook, yet why do moms insist on removing the food from the oven themselves? These actions reflect the nature of God; He allows or doesn't allow things for our good and well-being.
• (For everyone): Knowing that God is your Father and that He cares for you, how do you think He feels when a Christian displays discontentment?
• Look back over your life and think about some of the things that you have desired but never received. Would all of those things have been good for you? What would have happened if God gave them all to you?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you yield every aspect of your life to His care.
• Ask God to help you be content in the areas in which you struggle.

The Lord Gives and He Takes Away

Job 1:20-22

INTRODUCTION

Seemingly, Job possessed many of man's most treasured possessions: health, wealth, and a strong family unit. Suddenly, he lost them all. Job lost his health, his possessions, and his children. He also lost the esteem and approbation of his wife and friends. These events very easily could have devastated and embittered him. Yet, rather than expressions of doom and gloom, Job's words offer a profound glimpse into the depths of his contentment. In the midst of his heartache, Job exhibited an extremely important truth. A Christian's material and physical blessings, all of which are completely within the Lord's control, should never influence one's relationship with the Lord or others. Job also pointed out that man will depart this world in the same condition in which he entered: without one shred of material wealth. Ultimately, a Christian's possessions or the lack thereof reflect God's provisions; therefore, a lack of contentment reflects an unwillingness to trust in the Lord.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): What is your favorite toy? If you were asked to give that particular toy away, how would you react? How would the Lord want you to behave? Why is it so very important for us to do what God wants us to do?
• (For everyone): If God is responsible for all that we have or do not have, what does complaining about our current possessions or conditions reflect about us?
• In the midst of the many things he lost, Job also lost his children. Through it all he was still able to reflect contentment. Can you imagine how difficult things would be if the Lord allowed something like this in your life? Why do you think Job was able to lose so much and still serve the Lord? Could you have continued to serve Him?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to teach you how to be satisfied with what you have.
• Ask God to meet your needs according to His timing and will.

What is Contentment?

Philippians 4:10-12

INTRODUCTION

The words content and contentment infer that one is satisfied with life's present conditions (Genesis 37:27
; Exodus 2:21
). Living contently is the opposite of wanting (Philippians 4:11
) and covetousness (Hebrews 13:5
) and is strongly associated with godliness (1 Timothy 6:6
). Interestingly, contentment is a learned behaviour that believers must put into practice on a consistent basis throughout life. No one is born into the world content. Yet, once learned and practiced consistently, Christians will experience contentment in spite of any circumstance faced. Unfortunately, far too often, Christians exhibit no more contentment than non-Christians. In fact, believers seem to desire and covet the things of the world more and more with each passing year. This covetousness combined with a lack of contentment amongst Christians results in less godliness and a closer association with worldly pleasures.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God wants us to be happy with those things with which He has blessed us. Name some things you have that you really like. Are you happy with these things or do you find yourself always wanting more stuff? How could you learn to be more content? Why and how would this please the Lord and your parents?
• (For everyone): Ponder for a moment your life. Are you satisfied with your conditions and possessions or do you find yourself increasingly dissatisfied?
• Meditate for a moment on the things God has provided for you that are not directly associated with money. Can you name some specific examples of things that God has taken away from you that would have been harmful to you or others you love?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Take some time to thank God for His manifold blessings upon your life.
• Ask God to give you a greater desire to willingly sacrifice and to be zealously content.

Compassion One of Another

1 Peter 3:8-9

INTRODUCTION

Every word of God is pure, but the Bible contains words of emphasis intending to draw the reader’s attention to a specific thought. 1 Peter 3:8-9 begins with the word finally, thus signifying that this is the final statement in a list of thoughts. The closing statements on a matter frequently contain crucial truths. Certainly, these two verses offer the believer vital bits of information. They reveal five responsibilities: Believers are to be of one mind. They also are to have compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful (that is, full of pity for others), and be courteous. Verse nine defines courteous as not mistreating others even if mistreated. Finally, believers are promised that obedience offers them a great blessing.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Name some of your friends from church. Why do you like them? Is there anyone who doesn’t treat you right? How should you treat them?
• (For everyone): What would happen if all believers obeyed the commands given in the 1 Peter 3:8-9 passage? What would happen if you obeyed them? How would it benefit the saved and the lost alike?
• Why is this passage so very important for us living in a sinful world? Why should believers have the right relationship with one another? (Hint: Consider John 13:35
  .) How could this help eliminate many of the problems experienced by churches?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you obey the commands of 1 Peter 3:8-9 .
• Ask God to work in your heart to love others like you should.

Love with Action

1 John 3:14-19

INTRODUCTION

The Bible associates love with action. In this passage, the Bible speaks of the believer’s love for other believers, relating it to the Lord’s crucifixion. If a Christian knows and recognizes the love of God, it should drastically affect his relationships. He cannot deal with others as the world would because the love of God has formed compassion within in his heart. This matter is so important to the Lord that He provided believers with a scenario to help judge their level of compassion. The book of First John says that if a brother has a need, and another brother can help him with his need, yet refuses, he lacks compassion (see also James 2:15-16 ). Therefore, one’s deeds, not simply one’s words alone, demonstrate true love!

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): We need to do good to all people, but especially to our church family. What are some ways that we can help our pastor, our song leader, our Sunday School teacher, the elderly and those who clean the church, etc?
• (For everyone): Compassion requires action. If there is no action attached to one’s desires, true love or compassion does not exist. The greatest example was given by Christwhen He died on the cross. What are other examples of compassion that come to mind?
• Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ? What have you donefor others to show your love for them? Have you prayed for them? Have you helped them in a time of need?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to provide opportunities for you to show compassion toward others.
• Ask God to help you love others inspite of how they or others may have mistreated you.

The Sighing Saviour

Mark 7:31-37

INTRODUCTION

The journey of the Lord from Phoenicia (Tyre and Sidon) to Decapolis covered between 50 and 75 miles. No doubt much of the traveling might have taken place on foot. When He arrived at the Sea of Galilee, the Lord must have been drained physically. Yet, there was no time for rest because a man in need of healing was brought to Him. The man was deaf and had a speech impediment. The Lord separated from the multitude and healed the deaf and dumb man. He first put His fingers in the man’s ears, then spit and touched the man’s tongue. The Lord looked toward heaven and sighed, then commanded the man’s ears to be opened. Immediately, his eyes were opened and his tongue was loosed and he could both see and speak.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Discuss how mom and dad show their love by still caring for their family even when they are tired or sick. Godhelps them to do this. Jesus cared for people even when He was tired. He even took care of people even while suffering on the cross.
• (For everyone): How would you feel after a journey of 50-75 miles? (Remember travel was not the same as it is today.) Would you easily be able to focus on helping others?
• What problems did the man in need have? How did Christ heal him? If compassion means “suffer with someone,” why is it significant that the Lord touched the man’s ear and tongue?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for being touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
• Ask God to help you become more aware of His compassion.

God: Full of Compassion

Psalm 145:8-9

INTRODUCTION

God’s compassion originates from His mercy and grace and the way He deals with man displays this compassion. For example, He is “slow to anger” and “good to all,” etc. It is important to note that compassion is not something God simply does but rather a manifestation of His character. The Bible emphasizes the importance of this truth  by stating that God is “full of compassion” on five separate occasions in the book of Psalms (Psalm 78:38
; Psalm 86:15
; Psalm 111:4
; Psalm 112:4
; Psalm 145:8
). God’s actions (past, present, or future) can all be traced back to His compassion. This even includes His acts of judgment. When the Bible refers to God’s longsuffering it means that He will suffer for a long time before bringing judgment against a person, nation, or the whole world.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When you do something wrong, your mom or dad does not just simply snatch you up and discipline you. Rather, they generally first warn you to change your behaviour. Yet, if you keep doing the same thing after you've been warned, correction usually follows. God is like that with us—He is slow to anger.
• (For everyone): Can you think of a time when God was slow to anger with you? What kind of judgment did you deserve? What kind of judgment did you receive?
• When you think of the compassion of God, what comes to mind? How has God’s compassion helped you through some difficult times?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for the benefit of compassion.
• Ask the Lord for help in not abusing His compassion.

What Is Compassion?

Lamentations 3:22-23

INTRODUCTION

The word compassion consists of two components: “com” plus “passion.” Acts 1:3
defines the root word “passion” as suffering. The prefix “com” means with. Therefore, the compound word, compassion means to suffer with someone. God expects every true child of God to demonstrate compassion, but even more impressive is the thought that the Lord Jesus Christ manifested compassion during His earthly ministry. What an amazing truth—the Lord of glory willingly humbles Himself to suffer with others. One might assume this only became possible because Christ took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3
). Yet, the Bible attributes compassion to God prior to the first coming of Christ.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): How do you feel when someone gets sick or hurt? What can you do to help them? You want to do these things because you hurt for them. That ishow you express compassion.
• (For everyone): Upon what is the Lord’s compassion based? How does this help us understand God’s ability to have compassion before His Son came in the likeness of sinful flesh?
• What are some ways in which the Lord has had compassion on you?  Were you completely deserving of His compassion?  Were you grateful to Him for having this compassion upon you?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Take time to thank the Lord for His compassion toward you.
• Ask God to giveyou opportunities to be more compassionate toward others.

HYMN

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!

A Burning Revival

Acts 19:13-20

INTRODUCTION

When the “name of the Lord Jesus” is truly magnified (Acts 19:17
), everything contrary to Him either becomes insignificant or observably wicked. As men believe on the Lord, they naturally begin to consider the moral nature of everything else in life. As they begin to see the wickedness of their flesh, they must choose whether to obey God or to satisfy the flesh. The people in Acts chapter 19 chose to obey God. As they learned of the wickedness of their curious arts, they brought their books together to be burned. This was done at no little cost to them (Acts 19:19
), but they considered it a greater cost to displease the One who died for them. Naturally resulting from this, the word of God grew and prevailed (Acts 19:20
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When we hear the word of God, it should move us to action (James 1:22
  ). Consider king Josiah's reaction to the word of God (2 Kings 23:24-25 ). Would you be willing to get rid of something displeasing to God if it were shown to you (Genesis 35:2-4 )?
• (For everyone): Is the word of God growing and prevailing in your home? If not, have you considered whether or not there are some things in your home that need to be set aflame to the glory of God?
• What is keeping you back from a closer walk with the Lord? What is more important to you—pleasing the flesh or pleasing the Lord who bought you?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you the courage to obey Him.
• Ask the Lord to help you see the cost of disobeying Him.

HYMN

AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

A Work of the Flesh

Galatians 5:16-21

INTRODUCTION

Many have erroneously suggested that witchcraft is a spiritual gift, but the Bible plainly declares that it is instead a work of the flesh. As such, it is anti-Spirit and lustful. It is of the same kind as adultery, idolatry, hatred, heresies, murders, and drunkenness. No Christian who finds joy in these practices can rightly claim to be led of the Spirit, and so it is with Christians involved in witchcraft at any level. Unfortunately, many beguiled saints have grown increasingly accepting of witchcraft, at times even suggesting there are hidden scriptural messages. Men should not be deceived into thinking that God will partner with a work of the flesh to accomplish His work.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God hates witchcraft (Exodus 22:18
  ; Micah 5:12
  ). If you are attracted to it, it is not God doing it (James 1:13
  ) but your own desires and longings (James 1:14
  ). Remember, in God's eyes there is no such thing as a "good" witch no matter how the world dresses them up to appear so (1 John 4:1
  ).
• (For everyone): No man can rightly suggest that God led him to get drunk or to commit adultery. Yet, why do you think people justify witchcraft as a harmless endeavor?
• The works of the flesh have bombarded man’s entertainment. Do you find witchcraft, adultery, and drunkenness entertaining?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you rid your life of the works of the flesh.
• Ask God to give you wisdom to know what is right and wrong.

HYMN

TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

They Have Made Others to Hope

Ezekiel 13:1-9

INTRODUCTION

Due to the false hopes offered through the lies of witchcraft, many lives have been devastated. Fortune tellers, psychics, and horoscopes become a source of hope, assuring simple souls of peace when there is no peace apart from the Lord (Ezekiel 13:10
). Men expect the promises of peace to come to pass to the point that they search diligently, looking for the slightest confirmation that these counsellors speak the truth. Some have gone so far as to claim that these counsellors are of God and speak for God. Rest assured that this is not the case. Only the word of God can speak for God. Where there is hope, the word of God offers that hope. Where there is no peace, the word of God declares it plainly.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Most people really do not want to hear the truth (Isaiah 30:9-11 ). Yet, words are useless if not from God (Jeremiah 2:8
  ; Jeremiah 14:13-16 ; Jeremiah 23:30-32 ). Simon the sorcerer wanted others to think he was great. But he needed to be saved (Acts 8:9-13 ).
• (For everyone): In whose hand is your future? Why would you trust the words of man when only God knows your future? Why is it blasphemous to trust the words of horoscopes, magicians, psychics, or other such witchcraft?
• From whence do you derive your hope? Do you reject any and all forms of witchcraft as the false prophets that they are?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you the only true source of hope.
• Thank God for giving you light.

HYMN

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Get Under the Waterfall

by Pastor Carter Conlon 

Psalm 42, verses 7 and 8 says this, “Deep calls unto deep, at the noise of your waterfalls. All your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime and in the night His song shall be with me. A prayer to the God of my life.”

You know the psalmist in this passage remembers how faithful God has been to him in past times. There have been times of refreshing, deliverance, and divine strength that have come into his life. In his present time of deep need, he knows, as you and I do, that the deep compassion and strength of God will again be his. Not just for a moment, but will so carry him and so carry you and I through the day, that we will all be singing at night. Get under the waterfall of God’s love today.

It’s time to pray!

Timeless Truths for a New Generation

Timeless Truths for a New Generation 2 Timothy 3:15 From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. One of the tragedies of our contemporary culture is that people are not convinced of the Bible's worth. I have often shared with our congregation the burden that people in the 21st century do not believe the Bible has anything to say to today's generation. Six hundred Christians from a wide range of cultures were questioned, and it was discovered that 25% read their Bible more than once a week, and most of the remaining 75% don't read it at all. Did you catch that? Over half of so-called "Christians" today do not even read their Bible! The president of the research group  summarized the findings of the survey: People aren't reading the Bible because they think it is irrelevant to everyday life. Many people, even those who read the Bible, do not see the Scriptures as containing instruction and answers that deal with the everyday problems they face. They think of the Bible as they would a cookbook. It is a wonderful thing for putting together thirty-person dinner parties, but it doesn't have any recipes in it for tonight's dinner for the family. It's great for special occasions but not for everyday situations. Is the Bible relevant today? In the 21st century, is the Word of God still as powerful as it was in Hebrews 4:12, when it was described as "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword?" Is our Bible today the same divinely-inspired book that Paul spoke of to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, praising it as "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work"? The answer is yes!  The Bible that we hold in our hands today, translated from the original languages and passed down to us over the centuries, is just as profitable for every aspect of our lives in the 21st century as it was for believers in the first century.If you've paid attention to history, you'll understand that except for technological advances, the world hasn't changed much. People will always be people, and as Solomon wisely said in Ecclesiastes 1:9, "There is nothing new under the sun." As long as there are people to inhabit the world, there will always be a dire need for truth and direction for living. Praise be to God who has given us both in His Word! Perhaps the reason Christianity has taken somewhat of a "new face" in the present century is because we have forgotten whose face we are supposed to reflect. The Bible is clear--if we want to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ, He has been revealed in Scripture. His Word is not just a to-do list of spiritual chores, or an informative historical document; it is the way we can know Him and show Him to an unbelieving world. Scripture is God's Truth to mankind in every generation, and it never grows old . . . it's timeless! Prayer Point: If you have been taking God's Word lightly, having fallen into the belief that it is no longer relevant, confess that to God and ask Him to show you your desperate need for it. Then, thank him for calling men throughout the centuries who were willing to face death and persecution, so that you and I could have copies of the Bible in our own language.

Becoming

by Alan Smith
The famous actor Gregory Peck was once standing in line with a friend, waiting for a table in a crowded Los Angeles restaurant. They had been waiting for some time, the diners seemed to be taking their time eating and new tables weren't opening up very fast. They weren't even that close to the front of the line. Peck's friend became impatient, and he said to Gregory Peck, "Why don't you tell the maitre d' who you are?" 

Gregory Peck responded, "No, if you have to tell them who you are, then you aren't." 

There's a great deal of wisdom in that statement. There's a big difference in who we think we are, who others think we are, and who we really are. Someone has well said that, "Reputation is who others think we are. Character is who we really are." As Christians, we ought to be more concerned with character than with reputation. Christianity is more than just knowing the right facts. It's more than going through the right motions. It begins in the heart; it's who we are.
There is a continual process of growing and adding Christ-like virtues to our lives. Peter wrote, "Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." (2 Peter 1:5-8). We never stop "becoming"; it's an ongoing process. There's always something positive to add to our lives, always something negative to try to get rid of. 

We have different ways of measuring growth. When Sueanne and I would take our children to see the pediatrician, the nurse would always check their height and weight. Then that information was written onto a chart that gave us a picture of how they were growing. When we get to be adults, we measure our growth by whether or not we can fit into last year's pants. 

But how does a person measure his growth in Christianity? In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul says, "...but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into him who is the head -- Christ -- from whom the whole body...causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." Paul says that it's time for us to grow up, it's time for us to mature. But what is the goal of our growth? Jesus Christ is! 

My favorite picture of the growth of Christianity is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." Paul says it's as if we're holding a mirror in our left hand, and a picture of Christ in our right hand. Now when we look in the mirror and see our reflection, and we then we look at Christ, they don't look much alike. But every day as we mature, we grow up, we become more like Christ, striving for the day when we look in the mirror and see the reflection of Jesus Christ. 

Knowledge, conduct, and character must always go together. We learn God's will so that we might obey it; and in obeying it, we serve him and grow in Christian character. While none of us is perfectly balanced in these three areas, we ought to strive for that balance. 

May God bless you as you seek to "know" His will better, "do" more in service to Him, and "become" more like Jesus Christ!