Thursday, October 1, 2015

Signing Off


Since this blog gets so few hits, in the future, I plan to just use it as an archive, rather than adding to it.

For the daily devotionals, go to
http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions#.U8edMVIg_X4

For my new posts, go to https://disqus.com/by/BaalTyranny/ where I will periodically refer to this blog for the archived posts.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Our Quiet Communication


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/our-quiet-communication?firstItem=49cc8a54-2491-4239-972e-aa92bf54f643

Today’s scripture reading:

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

James 2:14-18

Today’s devotional:

The Lord calls us to share His truth with others, but oftentimes our actions and attitude completely contradict the words that are coming out of our mouths. This is an area in which we all seem to struggle.

Every day, every one of us communicates something to someone. We send messages by what we say and by what we don’t say, by what we do and by what we don’t do.

For example, if a father quietly decides to stop tithing, he is sending a loud message to his children. Without ever opening his mouth, he is declaring, “Kids, you can’t trust the Lord with your money. God isn’t faithful to meet your needs, so you better hold on to as much as you possibly can.” Is that the message you want to pass on to your sons and daughters?

You might argue, “Well, I’m not really a tither, but I would never tell my kids that you can’t trust God.” However, you have already sent an unspoken yet very clear message. What people—especially children—witness in our behavior speaks much louder than what we actually say with our mouths.

The apostle Paul understood what powerful lessons we teach by our actions. For this reason, he made sure he modeled the right behavior and values for his spiritual children to emulate (“For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.” 2 Thess. 3:7-9).

It is not an issue of whether or not we will communicate a message. Rather, the issue is, What kind of message are you already communicating? Search yourself for any disparity between what you say and what you do, and choose to share a complete, unified message of hope with the world.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

The Purpose of Spiritual Highs


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/the-purpose-of-spiritual-highs?firstItem=cb2b1e99-1056-40ce-bcf8-592b44288896

Today’s scripture reading:

It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”c eferences for Hebrews 11:18 Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.

Hebrews 11:17-19

Today’s devotional:

The Lord doesn’t offer us tremendous spiritual experiences simply so we may boast or witness something marvelous. Instead, He uses them to foster genuine faith. They are part of His unique process for maturing us as disciples of Jesus.

God gives us spiritual highs for several reasons: to unveil Himself in a fresh way, to prepare us for the valley, and ultimately to teach us obedience. The lessons we learn from Him in those special moments of peak revelation are intended to carry us through harder times. Then we can look back and remember what He taught on the mountaintop.

But this means that when the Lord gives us a glimpse of glory, we can expect to be tried later. If we fail, He’ll test us again. And He will keep testing until the trials become triumphs in our life. Every pupil must be put to the test, and those who obey bring honor to God’s name.

An exceptional spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ is intended to encourage our growth, deepen our intimacy with God, and develop obedience. It is also designed to enhance our motivation to serve the Lord with all our heart, giving ourselves without reservation for His work and His glory.

Treasure each and every thing God teaches you in your prayer closet—during times of profound worship, in a moment of deep devotion, or when you’re all alone, listening and intimately conversing with Him. Every moment of your life is ripe for growth and spiritual maturity. If you let the Lord shape you and lead you on the path of obedience, He’ll take you to even greater heights.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Spiritual Highs: Real or Counterfeit?


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/spiritual-highs-real-or-counterfeit?firstItem=3cd0cee8-e502-4e46-b99a-f03d45e10612

Today’s scripture reading:

Luke 9:28-37

Today’s devotional:

God gives us high spiritual experiences in order to reveal truth about Himself. But how do you know if your experience is authentic or not? Any spiritual event that magnifies itself or some other activity but does not direct your attention to God is, more than likely, counterfeit. When God lifts us up, He does so to focus our thoughts on Him.

That’s what happened at the Mount of Transfiguration: As they stood in the presence of God in human flesh, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in all His majesty. Observing Him there with Moses and Elijah, who were deceased, the disciples realized there is life after death. The things they learned frightened them, but the Lord was revealing something they would never forget.

Why does God open our hearts and give us glimpses of Himself? By doing so, He strengthens and motivates us for His purposes. At the same time, He helps us to absorb understanding that will transcend any future doubt. Peter and his companions were never the same after the transfiguration. Even when their beloved Lord was taken and crucified, nothing could erase their indelible memories of the miracle they’d witnessed.

The idea that God is somewhere far away from us isn’t scriptural. He wants to unveil Himself to His people and commune through His Holy Spirit. If you have never heard God speak, could it be that there is too much noise in your life distracting you from Him? Next time you are in church, don’t simply go through the motions. God wants to say something to you that will make a difference in your life. If you listen to Him, He will.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Jesus Christ, the Son of God


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/jesus-christ-the-son-of-god?firstItem=6b5ebfdd-de07-44b9-be6c-dc918f10f01e


From the CANON on this blog:

Salvation Verses

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

Today’s scripture reading:

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

John 20:30-31

Today’s devotional:

Have you ever heard someone deny that Jesus claimed to be God? Such a statement simply does not make sense. Repeatedly, Jesus placed Himself on equal footing with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 10:30; John 14:6-14). Scripture gives us a clear picture of Jesus’ eternal, intimate relationship with the heavenly Father.

Why is it important for us to believe this? Because Jesus did something that had never been done before: He enabled men and women to see God in a new way. In Colossians 1:15, Paul explains that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God.” No one has ever looked upon the face of the Almighty. In the Old Testament, some people were confronted with God, but they were never able to look fully upon His glory. In fact, even Moses, who is called a friend of God (Ex. 33:11), could not look directly at Him. At best, Moses had the opportunity to look upon God’s back as He passed by, but never saw His face (Ex. 33:18-23).

The reason Jesus came, however, was to bridge the gap between God’s glory and mankind’s sinful nature. In the original Greek text, the word for “image” is directly related to the English word icon. Just as an icon on your computer screen directs you to the main program, Jesus directs believers to the fullness of God’s glory. As the “icon,” Jesus is the exact, flawless replica of God. Therefore, Jesus could say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Finding Contentment


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/finding-contentment?firstItem=00a55c97-721d-49c2-a019-e4a7b3f69462

Today’s scripture reading:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

John 14:1

Today’s devotional:

Too often we let our circumstances determine our attitude. If life is going smoothly, then we feel good about ourselves. But when it gets hard, our mood drops. However, we don’t have to live this way. Like the apostle Paul, we can learn and practice the secret of being content.

Contentment means accepting things the way they are—in other words, not wanting anything to be more or different. This requires developing an “I can through Christ” attitude. It means learning to allow God’s power to come into our weakness so we can accept and adapt to changing circumstances. When we respond to life with that kind of thinking, we move beyond living by feelings to living by faith (“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Corinthians 5:7). Submission and trust are needed for such a lifestyle. First, we must surrender our will to God’s: In every situation, we are to yield what we want and then accept whatever He allows. Our desire to control events is replaced by reliance on Him. This option becomes more appealing when we realize that the alternative—fighting against our circumstances—brings anxiety and distress. The second step is to trust God to oversee our specific situation. If we believe He is working out His perfect plan for us, then we will experience the joy that comes from trusting Him. Contentment will be ours.

Paul submitted his life to God and trusted Him. He faced insults, rejection, and many difficult trials but was still content. When we surrender control to the Lord and believe He has our best interest at heart, we will experience contentment, too. Who has control in your life?

Friday, September 25, 2015

The Secret of Contentment


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/secret-of-contentment?firstItem=61395419-ce1f-4393-bfcc-99377c617aa4

Today’s scripture reading:

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ,d who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:10-13

Today’s devotional:

After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul had much to learn about salvation and following Christ. From that moment on, the apostle shared with others what he was discovering. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote about an important life lesson—the secret of being content.

What kind of life do you think brings contentment? You might assume it’s one with few troubles or great success. You may want good health, financial security, and a loving family. Paul’s life was not at all like this. He was in danger from both his own countrymen and the opposition (2 Corinthians 11:23-26). Sometimes the people listened when he spoke, but more often they were hostile to his message. He also had a “thorn in the flesh,” which God refused to remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). What’s more, Paul spent considerable time in prison, chained to a guard. Yet he boldly wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Phil. 4:12 NIV).

The secret he discovered was to live on the basis of his position in the Lord, not his circumstances. As God’s child, Paul knew he was spiritually rich—“blessed . . . with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3)—because he had a loving Father and the Holy Spirit to guide him.

Contentment in our media-driven age is hard to find and harder to keep. There’s always something newer, bigger, or better to buy and someone else who has what you want. When you feel unsatisfied, try basing your response on your position as a fellow heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17) rather than feelings.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Reward of Letting Go


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/the-reward-of-letting-go?firstItem=195c4abf-f221-4f9a-9c69-85013ec7a2e0

Today’s scripture reading:

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about.

Genesis 22:1-3

Today’s devotional:

While it’s often a struggle to put everything on the altar, one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand how God will accomplish His plans. All He asks is that you surrender your will to His and trust that He will show you the way forward (“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Prov. 3:5-6). Abraham’s willingness to give up what was most precious to him came from his unyielding faith in the Lord’s trustworthiness.

However, if you tell God no because He won’t explain why He wants us to do something, we are actually hindering His blessing. But when we say yes to Him, heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward our obedience. What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit. But don’t mistake His way of rewarding as being like a parent who withholds a treat until the child does as he’s told. Rather, obeying the Lord naturally positions us to receive what He is already trying to give us and accomplish in our lives. So, when we fail to trust Him and refuse to do what He says, we are the ones choosing to close ourselves off from those good things.

What has God asked you to do? Have you only partially cooperated? Or have you, like Abraham, given up your need to understand and then obeyed completely?

If the Lord says to give more than you think you’re able to give, know that He will provide. Whether things are running smoothly or the bottom has dropped out, He is always trustworthy. You can count on almighty God to keep His everlasting Word.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The Freedom of Letting Go


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/the-freedom-of-letting-go?firstItem=b2e31985-9558-4254-9278-98dfdcbd7ce8

Today’s scripture reading:

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Today’s devotional:

Our heavenly Father is interested in every detail in our life. If we want Him to work in a particular area—whether relationships, finances, vocation, habits, or something else—we must be willing to let go of our control and give over to Him whatever He asks of us.

We may think we have no attachments that come between us and the Lord, but He knows our hearts. One Sunday as I was about to preach a sermon along these lines, He showed me something I hadn’t yet surrendered. I realized I needed to deal with it, or I wouldn’t be able to preach the sermon. So I was glad when the choir’s song took a while, because I had time to come to a place of being able to say, “Lord, if that’s what You desire, I commit it to You. You have the right to claim it at any time, so it’s Yours right now.”

It’s difficult to be completely obedient if we’re holding on to something too tightly. The Lord wants our attachment to be exclusively to Him. You may have multitudes of things that God has blessed you with, but the moment any of it has a hold on you, His work in your life will be blocked. But when you open your hands, gripping nothing, you will be totally free as the Holy Spirit’s power flows through you.

Is there anything you feel you could never give up? Think about whatever captivates you, and honestly consider whether it also holds you captive. I challenge you to release that relationship or situation to the Lord right now so He can give you the freedom you’ve been craving.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

God’s Provisions in Adversity



From the CANON on this blog:

Solutions

1.    God is omnipotent and therefore can solve any problem.  He may choose to use the solutions listed below, but he often provides in ways you could have never imagined.  The poor should cry out to God for help, rather than depending on Baal.
 

Today’s scripture reading:

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today’s devotional:

As we determined yesterday, if you are not going through a difficult time, you likely will encounter one soon. Jesus assured us that we’d have many hardships in this life (“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33).

As unpleasant as trials are, there are still many reasons for giving thanks. Yesterday, we looked at three provisions believers can count on during adversity: God’s presence, a pathway through the trouble, and potential to grow. Today, let’s explore two more.

1) Protection. God doesn’t necessarily keep believers from suffering or disappointment. Stopping the storms may be our goal, but from His point of view, the adversity may be necessary to mature us spiritually. However, the Father offers protection by staying with us in the struggle. Once we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are promised that God’s Spirit indwells us and will never leave. What’s more, we have assurance that nothing can separate us from His love (“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,p neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. References for Romans 8:38 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:38-39). So our ever-present God walks with us through the hardships, providing guidance and speaking truth into the situation.

2) Peace. While difficulties cause many people anxiety, God’s peace is available to His children. This inner serenity does not depend on whether circumstances improve. Rather, it’s a result of our relationship with Him. Our main focus shouldn’t be on fixing the problem; rather, we should concentrate on our dependence upon God.

As we recognize the Lord’s provision during trials, we can genuinely express gratitude. We often don’t know what the purpose is for each ensuing difficulty, but we do know that our God is good and trustworthy.

Monday, September 21, 2015

The LORD is my helper



From the CANON on this blog:

Solutions

1.    God is omnipotent and therefore can solve any problem.  He may choose to use the solutions listed below, but he often provides in ways you could have never imagined.  The poor should cry out to God for help, rather than depending on Baal.
 

Today’s scripture reading:

Matthew 14:22-34

Today’s devotional:

No one gets through life without trials. Realistically, you are currently in a storm, just getting out of one, or about to enter a turbulent time. That is the bad news. Thankfully, we serve a good God who provides—even through dark times.

Today’s passage tells of a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus provides for us today just as He did for His disciples in that unsettling situation. Today, we will focus on ways that He does this.

• The Father offers Christians His presence and the promise that He will never leave (Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”c Heb. 13:5-6). To the extent we are mindful of these wonderful provisions, we are able to live with a sense of comfort and courage, regardless of our circumstances. What an amazing gift!
• The Lord blesses His children with a pathway through trouble. He is in total control of our storm and will use the trial for His purpose. We may not understand, but we can trust His hand to guide us and accomplish good. Sometimes the reason or benefit of a difficulty becomes obvious, while in other cases, it may never be clear.

• The Father offers believers the potential to grow. Hardships serve as exercises in trust, and they allow us to learn more fully how great God’s power and love are.

No one enjoys trials. But remember to express gratitude for God’s hand in your life. Hardships offer the chance to trust your Creator and know Him better. Even though they are painful, don’t waste the opportunity trials offer to become all the Lord has planned for you.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

The Patience of God



Today’s scripture reading:


I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
 

1 Timothy 1:12-16

Today’s devotional:

If God were impatient, we would all experience immediate wrath for sin. Imagine living in constant fear of doing something wrong! But fortunately for all of us, God possesses great patience.

One reason that the Lord shows mercy is because He knows we have a fallen nature. Just as a toddler has to learn obedience, God’s children also must learn to walk in His ways. He takes pleasure in watching us do what is right and wants to help us when we go wrong.

Paul appreciated God’s patience. His life demonstrated that because the Father is slow to anger, unbelievers have a much greater opportunity for salvation (1 Tim. 1:16).

In Romans 2:4, the apostle affirms that our heavenly Father’s kindness and mercy lead to repentance. But in the following verse, he warns those with stubborn hearts that they will experience judgment. In other words, the warning is that God’s patience will at some point run out if someone continuously sins against Him, submitting to unrighteousness instead of to the Father.

In the Old Testament, Israel repeatedly experienced this painful truth. The people turned away from the Lord and did evil in His sight by worshipping idols. God patiently tolerated their waywardness, giving them ample opportunity to choose obedience. Eventually He’d withdraw His protection until they would cry out and return to Him. Ultimately, even when the Lord allows calamity to reach His children, it is still drenched with His love and purpose.

Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Be thankful that the Lord is slow to anger. And be wise: Do not test the limits of His tolerance.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

The Godly Quality of Generosity



From the CANON on this blog:

Solutions

3. Christians are called to give.
 

4. Family members are called upon to help other members.
 

5. Friends are called upon to bear one another’s burdens.
 

Today’s scripture reading:

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25

Today’s devotional:

When I was a child, I lived with my mother in a single-room home. She made just enough money for food, clothing, and rent. Most Saturdays, this one boy would come to the door and ask, “Do y’all have anything to eat?” I’d look in the icebox and see perhaps a piece of fruit or a few eggs and a little bacon, and not much else.

But my mother always found some food for that boy.

Generosity is an attitude of sharing gladly whatever we might have, regardless of wealth. Scripture reveals liberality is an attribute of God (“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”  Deut. 28:12, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Eph. 3:20). And as part of His transformative plan for believers, the Father desires that we develop a generous spirit.

A bighearted approach to our time and material goods starts by giving ourselves to God. When we accept that He owns everything, we can hold our small share with an open hand. But the choice to nurture generosity is based on our trust. Instead of adding figures to see what little amount might safely be set aside for charity, Christians should give sacrificially by faith. Hebrews 13:16 (NIV) tells us, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The Lord responds by supplying enough to cover the gift and our own need (“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.c” References for Luke 6:38 Luke 6:38). Only through giving do we learn that we can never outgive God.

Some believers choose selfishness and rebellion, but God promised a form of poverty—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual—to those who do. Instead, make a decision today to cultivate a generous spirit for the Lord.

Friday, September 18, 2015

The God to Whom We Pray



Today’s scripture reading:


Today’s devotional:

Nehemiah demonstrates power in prayer. As a servant to King Artaxerxes of Persia, he had no right to request leave to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, much less to requisition materials and protection. Yet knowing the nature of the God he served, Nehemiah did not hesitate to act boldly and ask the king for what was needed.

His prayer began, “I beseech You, O lord God of heaven” (Neh. 1:5). Lord, when it appears in all capital letters, denotes the word Jehovah (a form of Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God). It means “God who is eternal in His being”—conveying that everything everywhere is in His presence. So, when God makes a promise, He knows how He will keep it. That is why Nehemiah called Him “the awesome God who preserves the covenant.” He knew God was committed to bringing repentant Israelites back to their homeland to dwell in His presence (Neh. 1:9).

Another Hebrew name used to refer to God, Elohim, is translated “He who is absolutely sovereign.” If He spoke the world into being, then He is certainly more than able to provide Nehemiah with supplies, some time off from work, and favor from the Persian king.

There are many other names for God, such as Adonai (“master”), Jehovah-Jireh (“provider”), and Jehovah-Rapha (“healer”). Since the Hebrew language is precise, it can help us to better know who He is—when we need solace, we call upon the God of comfort; in our confusion, we have the God who teaches. Just as knowing one’s audience affects which words we choose to speak, the way we view God impacts how we pray.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Blessing of Loyalty


http://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/the-blessing-of-loyalty?firstItem=f88fcc0b-64fd-46d5-b4e7-e5271e66a581

Today’s scripture reading:

Ruth 4:13-22

Today’s devotional:

I believe Ruth’s remarkable loyalty is what earned her a place in both the Bible and the lineage of Jesus Christ. Our culture idealizes “looking out for number one,” but Scripture teaches us to protect loved ones and those in need (“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Cor. 13:7; “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.” Ps. 82:3-4). Ruth is a shining example of faithfulness—she willingly adjusted her own schedule and expectations to meet Naomi’s needs.

With no family left to care for her and no neighbors who shared her faith in God, Naomi found herself in a foreign land, far from the comfort of a familiar and like-minded community. During those dark hours, Ruth—her son’s pagan widow—sacrificed everything to stay at Naomi’s side. Then, to care for her aging mother-in-law, Ruth set aside hope of remarriage as well as the prospect of a child. She packed her bags for a foreign country and swore to follow a strange religion: the worship of Naomi’s God.

Ruth undoubtedly was aware of the risks involved in casting her lot with another woman in a male-dominated society, but she did so without hesitation. And the young woman’s commitment did not end when they arrived in Israel. It was Ruth, following Naomi’s directions, who kept the two women fed. And it was Ruth, again under Naomi’s tutelage, who made a strategic alliance with Boaz that secured their future.

Ruth sacrificed mightily for her mother-in-law, and as a result, God gave her the very things she thought she’d forfeited—a God who loved her, a home, a husband, and a son. Moreover, Ruth is counted among the ancestors of the Messiah, Jesus. What a testimony of the reward for loyalty.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Bear one another’s burdens



From the CANON on this blog:


      Solutions

4.    Friends are called upon to bear one another’s burdens
 

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  John 13:34
 

Today’s scripture reading:

Ruth 1

Today’s devotional:

The Christian life isn’t free of obligations. The many “one anothers” in the Bible are God’s instructions about how to treat people in our circles and give of ourselves to enrich those relationships. Yet many people today prefer not to invest in deep friendships, opting instead for casual acquaintances that demand little. The devoted loyalty of Ruth—a pagan from Moab—stands in sharp contrast to such superficiality.

Casual friends can talk about politics, movies, and sports but avoid discussing deep concerns. Then they won’t have to bear anyone else’s burdens or heartbreak. But neither will they learn the deep joy of expressing loyalty to a person in need. The human heart was created to crave intimate fellowship—the kind of connectedness that can share feelings without fear of judgment. Because of loyalty based on mutual trust and love, close companions can point out blind spots and challenge each other to greater faith.

Ruth is an example of this kind of selfless dedication. When her mother-in- law Naomi went through a bitter period of hopelessness and loss, the young widow Ruth chose to follow the older woman. Though this meant sacrificing the comforts of home and any prospect of marriage to a countryman, she demonstrated absolute allegiance.

Loyalty demands a high price that too few are willing to pay. Some hold acquaintances at arm’s length to avoid obligation. But believers are saved to stand together in love and encourage one another (“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34; “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thess. 5:11). Doing so brings blessing, even when there’s a cost.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Responding to Conflict


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Today’s scripture reading:

Matthew 18:21-35

Today’s devotional:

When conflict occurs, people often look for someone to criticize. Though it happened long ago, I still remember being severely chastised during a meeting at an organization. Because of God’s enabling, I was able to react in a godly manner. Turning to the Lord in prayer is always the best way to respond in a crisis.

As we do, we can ask for Him to provide. . .

Spiritual discernment. God knows and understands perfectly the source of the problem, and He can enable us to comprehend it, too. Perhaps there has been a communication breakdown, a feeling of jealousy on the other person’s part, or a mistake on ours. With the Spirit’s assistance, we will gain insight.

A quiet spirit. Our human nature will want to react quickly so that we can defend ourselves or stand up for what we think is right. Before we act, we must deliberately focus our attention on God and experience the inner peace that He promises (John 14:27).

Wisdom. The Lord told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them wise words to say when they faced hostile authorities (Luke 12:11-12). He will do the same for us. If tempted to speak hastily, we should ask the Spirit to put a seal on our lips until God reveals it’s time to respond and gives us the words to say (Ps. 141:3).

We do not have to react to criticism with anger and self-protectiveness, as the world does. God has called us to represent Him in every situation the same way Christ did—through dependence on the heavenly Father. Next time someone speaks critically to you, how will you respond?

Monday, September 14, 2015

Confronting Conflict


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Today’s scripture reading:

But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”d

Galatians 2:11-16

Today’s devotional:

The Scriptures record many instances of conflict between nations, among friends, and in families. Today we see the same types of problems. While fighting, people can say harsh and even unfair words. Their accusations create turmoil and emotional pain. What we believe will determine the way we respond to such difficulties.

God’s Word proclaims His sovereignty over nature (“The LORD does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths.” Ps. 135:6), government (“He builds up nations, and he destroys them. He expands nations, and he abandons them.” Job 12:23), and mankind (“Human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” Acts 17:25). Nothing in heaven or on earth is hidden from Him or outside of His control. So, how does this help us in a conflict? First, our Father knows when people verbally attack us, and He has promised to protect us. Nothing can touch His children apart from His permissive will. Second, He has the power to work the painful times we endure into something beneficial (“We know that God causes everything to work togetherm for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Rom. 8:28). We can have hope because His will cannot be thwarted, even in bad circumstances. Finally, we are His beloved children. He is a loving Father who understands what we are going through and always remains by our side. As His sons and daughters, we are not on our own.

When we believe in the Lord’s sovereign rule, our perspective on hard times changes. Instead of responding with fear, anger, or resentment, we will turn to Him in prayer and ask for guidance.

Conflict is inevitable. When we, or something we have done, is the source of the turmoil, we are to apologize. If others are at fault, we may have to confront them the way Paul did with Peter. But we are also called to forgive without exception. As Christ’s ambassadors, the way we respond really matters.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

An Imperishable Inheritance


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Today’s scripture reading:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

1 Peter 1:3-5

Today’s devotional:

Human beings have a fundamental need to feel safe and secure. But whenever we base our sense of security on the things of this world, we can expect disappointment. This is especially true when it comes to our finances. We are living in very uncertain times of high unemployment and diminishing retirement accounts. Our money and belongings can disappear no matter how carefully we plan and try to guard them. That’s why remembering our eternal future is so important.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that believers have an inheritance that never depreciates and cannot be stolen? It was given to us when we placed our hope in Jesus Christ and will never be taken away because it’s reserved and protected for us in heaven. Someday, when we see Jesus face to face, we’ll enjoy all the riches of God’s grace and receive the fullness of our inheritance.

But did you know that every day we live on this earth, we have an opportunity to build up that inheritance by investing in things the Lord values and credits to our account? That’s what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). Whenever we live righteously in obedience to God, we’re laying up good works and adding to the treasure that awaits us.

Are you more concerned with investments in this life than with everlasting riches? It is very easy to let daily demands and responsibilities overshadow the importance of building eternal prosperity. Take time each day to refocus your mind and heart. Then start storing up wealth of lasting value.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Confronting Goliaths


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1 Samuel 17:1-53

David’s short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israelites and Philistines. It was a defense of Jehovah’s name against those who doubted His supremacy. As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord’s hand. And that’s exactly what happened.

In confronting Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). David believed that someone had to wipe away from Israel the reproach caused by Goliath’s insults. Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh’s name.

Modern audiences often read this story merely as a battle scene wherein an inexperienced underdog toppled an ancient superhero. We comfort ourselves that we will probably never have to deal with such a scenario. But the real story is that David stood up for God. Given how our culture scoffs at both the Father and Jesus Christ, believers will certainly spend some time in David’s sandals. The question is whether we will listen to our own flesh and silently remain in fear, or stand and represent God’s name in the way for which He’s called and equipped us.

You don’t need a theology degree to combat those who would mock God. Your “smooth stones” (1 Sam. 17:40) are the truths you have pulled from the Bible. No enemy can win an argument against Scripture. Whatever the outcome seems to be, the battle is the Lord’s, and He gives victory to the faithful.