Volume VIII, Number 17                                      April 27-May 3, 2008

Sunday, April 27

Psalm 93 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty. (v.4 NIV)

I reported for my first day of flight training at Laredo AFB, Texas. Four of us stood at attention at the table assigned to us in Flight Operations, waiting for our instructor. We saluted as he approached and, once seated, made introductions all around. Then he began with a statement designed to impress upon us the seriousness of our training. “Gentlemen,” he said, “Flying is a great calling; but like the sea, it is dreadfully unforgiving of ignorance, error, or neglect.” He succeeded in his purpose: focusing my tablemates and me on the disciplines required for a successful career in aviation.

In Scripture, the sea is often used as an example of danger whose power must be feared and respected. So must I view my Creator God—mightier, even, than the sea. The good news is that God has an unfailing and eternal love for all of His creation, including me. He guides and protects me from the pitfalls of my life as I receive Him as my Lord and Savior and grow in Him. I humbly admit that I greatly fall short of returning such a love as His, yet I can rest on His promise to me: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

Leviticus 25:1-7; Psalm 96; James 1:2-8, 16-18; Luke 12:13-21

Monday, April 28

Colossians 1:9-14 We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all wisdom and understanding. (v.9b)

I recall when I was born again in Christ Jesus; the joy, the love and the excitement of the encounter was a “heady” experience to say the least! Such was the realization that God had “qualified” me, as St. Paul says, “to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of Light” (v.12). But soon I realized that I had some learning and growing to do to learn what “sharing this kingdom” meant. Colossians speaks of disciplining myself to study God’s will for me; to pray for wisdom and understanding; to live a good life doing the works according to God’s plan for me to His glory.

As a new creature in Christ, these tasks sounded so do-able. But like mountain climbing in the Alps, it’s not as easy as it may first seem, especially without the guidance of God through His Holy Spirit. St. Paul hints that the process of spiritual maturity will require challenges, sacrifices, and even darkness, which will thwart my progress along the way. But praise God; a blind-man is not leading the blind, but Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, leads me and beckons me to “follow” Him. As He leads, He increases my faith, encourages my patience, and builds my courage to persevere on the journey to eternal life.

Leviticus 25:35-55; Psalm 80; Matthew 13:1-16

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Matthew 13:18-23 The one who receives the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. (v.22)

I am constantly being distracted by the cares of my worldly existence. The analogy of the thorn bush is appropriate. In Arizona there is such a bush that is called by the locals the “wait-a-minute bush.” The thorny plant is renowned for its ability to quickly snag the unsuspecting person—one of life’s worries from which one has to “wait a minute” to extract oneself. Perhaps there’s a message here for me in my hurried (and worried) life.

C.S. Lewis describes the reality of evil as derailing the life of the believer or blinding the eyes of the non-believer to the truth. I find that the same description can be applied to lesser distractions as well. But God Himself “in all things works for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). It is God who puts us back on track, or opens the eyes of the blind to the truth. Thus, I can agree with Lewis that God’s power of love and grace will eternally overcome the powers that distract me from glorifying and enjoying Him forever.

Leviticus 26:1-20; Psalm 78:1-39; 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Wednesday, April 30

Matthew 22:41-46 “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, Calls him Lord?” (vv.42-43a)

I am inspired by David’s constant seeking of God’s will for his life’s purpose. His hours of solitude on the hillsides of Judea tending sheep surely gave David ample opportunity to establish a close personal relationship with God. Once established, this companionship with His Creator enabled him to achieve greatness as King of Israel. David was truly “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). Even in his sins, David sought God—not for answers, but for forgiveness. In Psalm 51, David confesses his sin and petitions God to forgive him and restore him. He prays: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me” (vv.10-11).

Even though David’s sin would cause turmoil in his family, and trouble in the future of his line, it was God’s good pleasure to forgive David and to assign him, by the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the coming of his Lord: the Messiah. I pray that I may receive such passion for God that He can use me as He did David.

Leviticus 26:27-42; Psalm 119:97-120; Ephesians 1:1-10

Thursday, May 1

Hebrews 2:5-18 What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (v.6b)

I have been a Christian for more than thirty years. Though my desire is to continually grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ, in this I often fail miserably. Like St. Paul, I know that “What I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). Again, this begs the question: What is man that you are mindful of him? To me, this question is one of the mysteries concerning fallen man.

God doesn’t exactly answer the question. Instead, He sends His Son Jesus Christ, to be like us, to name us His brothers and sisters, and to share in our humanity. By being an example for me of Godly living, and by becoming a perfect sacrifice for my sins, Jesus assures me of eternal life with Him.

Many times in the Bible God demonstrates His answer to a question rather than answer it directly (See Job 38-42 and Luke 7:20-23). The answer to the question is God’s love.

Daniel 7:9-14; Psalms 8, 47; Matthew 28:16-20

Friday, May 2

Matthew 7:22-27 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who builds his house on sand.” (v.26)

Last Sunday, as I was half-listening to an evangelist on television while trying to take a nap, I heard the preacher ask, “Jesus Christ is eager to lead us, but are we willing to follow?” Sometimes I have a small check in my spirit when following some rabbit trail leading me in the wrong direction. I try to deny whose “still small voice” it is and foolishly (or rebelliously) proceed on my way. Hopefully a storm won’t destroy my house due to my some thoughtless act on my part.

Scripture is replete with examples of biblical characters that either neglect, rebel, or become impatient with God’s intentions. Great Saints such as Moses, King Saul, Jonah, or Paul of Tarsus (to name a few) have done so. God the Father, in His love, exhorts me to trust and obey Him. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, encourages me to follow Him and choose Him as my guide for “(His) yoke is easy, and (His) burden is light.” The “still small voices” in my heart are calling me constantly. Lord, teach me how to listen!

1 Samuel 2: 1-10; Psalms 85, 86; Ephesians 2:1-10

Saturday, May 3

Matthew 7:28—8:4 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” (v.3a)

“Unclean! Unclean!” “Ssh!” said a woman, “He is speaking!” No one seemed to notice the leper. Maybe, in a large crowd, he could pilfer some food. He adjusted the cloth hiding his face to see well. A man was teaching on the hillside above.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” the Teacher said. “Blessed are those who mourn.”

“Amen,” murmured the leper. “Ssh!” the woman said. “Listen!” He became attentive to the man’s words. “Who is He?” asked the leper. “Jesus of Nazareth,” she whispered; “a teacher and healer! Many say he’s the Messiah!”

“A healer? The Messiah?” As he listened further, his heart responded. “A teacher!” The leper absorbed Jesus’ words. “A Healer!” He started running forward, his faith growing. People jumped away from the leper as he ran to Jesus. He knelt before Him, and with a knowing beyond faith, he blurted, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean!” He encountered loving eyes, and a smile as broad as Creation itself.

Jesus said, “I am willing!” He touched him and said, “Be clean!” And he was! Amen.

Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29; Psalms 87, 90; Ephesians 2:11-22

by Tap Holt

Sunday, May 4

Exodus 3:1-12 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters and oppressors; for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. (v.7 AMP)

The pain started about noon. This was only my second day out of the hospital; already two different stays, each a week long, and I didn’t want to go back. All day I prayed, spoke scripture and sang praises. When night came, the pain was horrible. If I slept any, it was brief. I prayed in the spirit all night, believing and trusting that morning would bring relief. It didn’t. I was readmitted by noon and heartbroken that God had ignored my cries for help. The Word says: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles” (Psalm 34:17). “Maybe you’re not righteous,” whispered the enemy. I listened. It seemed to provide an answer. But the Holy One, the One Who is Truth, grabbed hold of my tired, bruised and sad spirit and said, “I have seen your affliction. I have heard your cry. I know.” And He always does. Listen, can’t you hear Him calling to you?

Psalms 66, 67; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 10:17-24

Monday, May 5

Matthew 8:5-17 And Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him. (v.7)

Boy I’m busy! What about you? Is it hard to drop everything at a moment’s notice? You’ll notice I’m not answering the question. Yet, I have been blessed because someone else dropped everything for me. Friends have traveled to other states and cities to visit me in the hospital. I’ve been encouraged through cards, letters, and phone calls from people who stopped what they were doing. And recently, a dear brother in Christ, a busy business owner, took time to bake cookies to help me gain weight after surgery. Our Lord Jesus never told anyone, “I’m too busy.” There has never been anyone who walked on this earth who had a more important mission. He is the Lord who came down from heaven and gave life to the world. He had a lot to accomplish, but He always took time to help, to heal, to touch, and to talk.

Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for people who follow His example and make themselves available. Please help me to be one of those people.

Joshua 1:1-9; Psalm 89:1-18; Ephesians 3:1-13

Tuesday, May 6

Ephesians 3:14-21 May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. (v.17)

Several years ago, I started asking the Holy Spirit to guide me to specific scriptures to pray over loved ones. Why, you ask? First is Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power…” Second is Jeremiah 12:1, “…I am alert and active, watching over My Word to perform it.” How’s that for powerful truth? His Word is personal. He wrote it just for you, so take it and personalize it. These verses from Ephesians are things I want for my children. I’ll start—open your Bible and finish, adding the names of your loved ones.

Father God, I lift Miles and Kyle to you. Please grant to them, out of Your rich treasury of Glory, to be strong and reinforced by the Holy Spirit in their inner man. Oh Lord Jesus, please make a permanent home in their hearts. Root them deeply and securely in your love…

1 Samuel 16:1-13a; Psalms 97, 99, 100; Matthew 8:18-27

Wednesday, May 7

Psalm 109 …my body is gaunt and has no fatness. (v.24b)

Last month I spent almost 3 of the 4 weeks in the hospital. For most of the time, I was classified as a “nothing by mouth” patient. No food. No drink. So, the above verse perfectly described me at discharge. Two days after leaving the hospital, I ran into an acquaintance. I don’t even remember what he said, because I was so offended by his eyes. They were full of pity. Here I was too weak to stand, too exhausted to laugh, and too drained to talk, but I had no problem mustering up some pride. Yes, that’s what it was. Then pride turned to anger. I was angry with someone who was concerned about me. Ephesians 4 tells us to live with humility, meekness, patience, to bear with one another, and to make allowances for each other. That man didn’t reflect a knowledge of Christ’s healing works in today’s world. And because of pride, I walked away from him without sharing that good news. Please forgive me Lord.

Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 101; Ephesians 4:1-16; Matthew 8:28-34

Thursday, May 8

Ephesians 4:17-32 But you did not so learn Christ! (v.20)

As the redeemed of Christ, we do not live under condemnation. But sometimes a wrong choice forever affects the way we live. Many years ago, while recovering from surgery and facing more dire projections from doctors, a friend asked me to call a young woman. Like me, this woman was battling cancer. Like me, she had young children. At the moment, she was at home receiving hospice care and writing letters to her children that they could open at the big occasions of their lives—birthdays, graduations and weddings. Fear paralyzed me. I was face to face with my greatest fear. The similarities between us were too great and I allowed fear to win. I didn’t call. Later, an e-mail informed me she had died. I sat at my computer and sobbed. I wept for her, for her family, for her children, and for me—for my hard heart. I did not so learn Christ! I still make plenty of wrong choices, but I won’t make this one again.

Zechariah 4:1-14; Psalm 105:1-22; Matthew 9:1-8

Friday, May 9

Psalm 102 You will arise and have mercy and loving-kindness for Zion, for it is time to have pity and compassion for her; yes, the set time has come [the moment designated]. (v.13)

While I was preparing for a recent surgery, my mother shared with me that early one morning the Lord spoke into her spirit, “And God remembered Amanda.” If it sounds familiar, it’s because that phrase is used in Genesis—“And God [earnestly] remembered Noah” (8:1) and “Then God remembered Rachel” (30:22). It doesn’t mean that He had forgotten them. It means that He was about to do something in their lives—something powerful, wonderful and miraculous. The Sovereign Lord declared that it was the perfect time. Are you waiting? Like me, have you been waiting a long time? Are you discouraged? Are you starting to doubt the promises of God? Hold on. Your day of deliverance, your day of healing, your day of victory has a set time. The promises of God are not hoaxes or pipe dreams. They are promises from a covenant-keeping God, a God of truth, and a faithful God. Don’t give up. Your day is set. Your moment is designated. Keep believing. Stand fast. And one day, at the perfect time…and God remembered…you.

Jeremiah 31:27-34; Ephesians 5:1-20; Matthew 9:9-17

Saturday, May 10

Psalm 108 Through and with God we shall do valiantly, for He it is Who shall tread down our adversaries. (v.13)

Once I announced at a healing service that I wasn’t going to allow cancer to come back. Can you believe the audacity? Somebody should have handed me one of those bumper stickers that says, “If God is your co-pilot, switch places.” He is the Redeemer. I am the redeemed. He is the Creator. I am the created. He is the Savior. I am the saved. He is the Healer. I am the healed. The reading from Ephesians says that in the face of battle, we are to do three things: put on God’s complete armor, stand firm, and pray constantly. He will do the rest. The battle is the Lord’s. On the surface, this seems difficult. I like to be pro-active. I am independent, stubborn, and strong-willed. I like to do thing myself—my way. But as I come before Him, this truth becomes crystal clear. He is the Lord who is able to do more than I can ask or imagine. I am the recipient of His grace. Our Lord is a warrior (Exodus 15:3). So, I follow His instructions. I’m dressed. I’m praying. I’m digging in my heels. Thank you Lord.

Ezekiel 36:22-27; Psalm 107:33-43; Ephesians 6:10-24; Matthew 9:18-26

by Amanda Brown

Sunday, May 11

Deuteronomy 16:9-12 And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be careful to observe these statutes. (v.12 NAS)

My friend Martha wrote a song she calls “I will not go back to Egypt,” taken from this verse. Perhaps we all have our own “Egypt”—a place or circumstance or self-image that holds us in bondage.

I remember when I couldn’t speak face-to-face with another person. I was not “naturally shy”; I was in bondage. Regardless of the cause of my problems, the effect was that I believed I had nothing to offer. I could not break away from a dysfunctional self-image. Not only was I shy, but I also could never get anywhere on time. The Lord led me out of bondage by the fire of His love and the cloud of His witnesses. I will not go back to Egypt.

“When in my distress I called to the Lord, his answer was to set me free” (Psalm 118:5 NEB).

A note to mothers: Please do not think that your dysfunctional children are always a result of your lack of wisdom. There are many influences that impact a child’s thinking.

Psalm 118; Acts 4:18-21, 23-33; John 4:19-26

Monday, May 12

1 John 1:1-10 …but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His son cleanses us from all sin. (v.7)

When Jesus freed me from the bondages of “late” and “shy” He led me into “fellowship” and “caring.” He turned my heart from an inward focus to an outward one. He is still teaching me in this area. Currently, He is showing me how to live from my servant heart (for others) instead of my arrogant heart (for self). I still have an arrogant heart with which to contend, but I am learning to identify its motives. I am learning to separate my needs from my wants. I know my needs will be met in many ways, but always involving others. As my needs are met, my wants are changing from self-serving to self-offering. My desire is for a servant heart. I have discovered there is a life-giving glow in living out of my servant heart. For me this is walking in the light with Jesus.

Ezekiel 33:1-11; Psalm 106:1-18; Matthew 9: 27-34

Tuesday, May 13

1 John 2:1-11 The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. (v.10)

How many times have you fumbled in the dark for the light switch? The arrogant heart (writer Jack Frost calls it our “Orphan Heart”), leaves us fumbling in the dark and stumbling over all kinds of faulty baggage—self-reliance, need for approval, the need to be right, competition and rivalry, spiritual ambition, shame and guilt, and a myriad of self-bashing thoughts: “It’s all my fault,” “I’ll never get it right,” “I’m not good enough,” and on and on. When the light of Christ enters that room in our heart we are suddenly aware of his love for us and our need to love others. In God’s light all that baggage is seen for what it is—an array of false notions and obstacles in our path. We can place them at the foot of the cross for His disposal or transformation.

Ezekiel 33:21-33; Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123; Matthew 9:35—10:4

Wednesday, May 14

Matthew 10:5-15 And as you enter the house, give it your greeting. And if the house is worthy, let your greeting of peace come upon it: but if it is not worthy, let your greeting of peace return to you. (vv.12-13)

I create what I call “Scripture Paintings.” Several years ago I began asking the Lord to put His blessing upon each painting that it might bless those who purchase it. Since my work is an extension of me, I am entering their house with a greeting of peace. This I would explain to the buyer. Finally, it occurred to me that I also needed to ask the buyer if they will receive the blessing. I really don’t want my work hanging in a place where the owner rejects God’s blessing. Most people are delighted with the idea of receiving God’s blessing. Some even send photos showing where it is hanging in their home. Others don’t know quite what to say, but the blessing is free (although the painting is not) so they accept it.

In a culture that blesses people every time they sneeze, there should be more teaching on the nature of God’s blessing in Holy Scripture. How often do we miss God’s blessing by being unaware?

When Joseph was sold into slavery God blessed everything that he did in Egypt. The Lord even blessed the master’s house and all that he owned. My Bible concordance calls “blessing” the gift of God’s grace. Peace is the result of His blessing. We all want peace. According to Matthew’s gospel, preparation is required to be a bearer of His peace to others. Are we willing to come under such authority and discipline?

Ezekiel 34:1-16; Psalm 119:145-176; 1 John 2:12-17

Thursday, May 15

Matthew 10:16-23 “And brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.” (v.21)

My friend, David, has returned from Rwanda, Africa, where reconciliation has begun between feuding tribes and families. In their recent past, Matthew 10:21 became reality as thousands killed their own families and friends, even their own children. Genocide captured their minds and today they are still burying their dead. Out of this, the amazing stories of God’s grace brings reconciliation as killers ask for and receive forgiveness from survivors. I can hardly fathom that depth of death and forgiveness. It sure puts a new perspective on my own petty angst. How dare we question God’s ability to forgive our failures and wrong turns! How dare we withhold forgiveness from ourselves for stupid mistakes! How can we not forgive those who have fought against us? Lord, have mercy on us all.

Ezekiel 37:21b-28; Psalms 131, 132, 133; 1 John 2:18-29

Friday, May 16

Ezekiel 39:21-29 “And I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I shall have poured out My spirit on the house of Israel,” declares the Lord God. (v.29)

After my husband died, I knew I needed to put my large house on the market. I had not the finances, the energy, or the incentive to maintain a 1925 house with multiple repair needs. Only God could have orchestrated the series of events that led to my property today being headquarters for various ministries. It is home to prayer groups, healing ministries, worship events, and art workshops. Repair and maintenance are under control, and I still have “my space” plus the fellowship of community. God has prepared me and my house for this new role. He surely can prepare the House of Israel to receive the outpouring of His Spirit. One of the speakers at my house this year was a woman who brings the Messiah Jesus to Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem. Dangerous business, but she is leading them one by one to their Savior. “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in Heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

Psalms 140, 142; 1 John 3:1-10; Matthew 10:24-33

Saturday, May 17

Matthew 10:34-42 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (v.34)

I do not believe Jesus meant that peace is not desirable, but rather that we should avoid “peace at any price.” More to be desired than peace is a heart for God that is willing to take a stand on behalf of His plan. That presupposes that we can know His plan or at least follow His guidance. That means we should read His Word, listen to His voice and see His action in others. Jesus means to encourage us to stand in the face of discouragement and doubt. We are to battle satanic forces that would deceive and destroy.

It is plain that Jesus did not intend his remarks to be an excuse for genocide or for turning family members in to the Gestapo. He is telling his disciples they have a hard road ahead of them; so hard that even friends and family may turn against them. For those expecting a military hero, He is an unacceptable Messiah. How many times do we miss present-day prophets because they do not fit our image? I knew a man 40 years ago who prophesied difficult times for the church of which he was a member. The people refused to listen and wanted to evict him from the premises, but the rector said no. The prophecy proved to be true. The church is intact today, but the congregation went through a hard period. It is true that we are not to listen to everyone crying in the wilderness because some are deceivers. But some are not. We are to seek Gods wisdom in all matters.

Ezekiel 47:1-12; Psalms 137, 144; 1 John 3:11-18

by Ellen M. Smith

Sunday, May 18

Job 38:1-11, 42:1-5 Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know….I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. (42:3b, 5 NRSV)

In Jesus, we see the Living God! The reading of the New Testament has become so familiar to us that it seems common. We miss the amazingness of what has been given to us. In Jesus, we see the Living God! He walked the earth. He touched people. He spoke. He ate. For centuries, the people of Israel knew that to see God was impossible and would meet only with certain death. Even Moses only ever saw the Lord’s back. So, imagine John’s exclamation: “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel” (John 1:29-31). Did John know the fullness of whom he saw? I doubt it. He had heard of God, but in Jesus, He saw God for the first time.

Beloved, have you seen God? You do not need to look any further than the person of Jesus. Do you ever wonder how God will respond to your brokenness? See Jesus touch and straighten the bent woman. Do you ever wonder how God will respond to your vulnerability? See Jesus embrace the woman who anoints his feet. Do you ever wonder how Jesus will respond to your failure? See Jesus restore and send Peter to be the foundation of the Church. See Jesus and you see God.

Psalms 146, 147; Revelation 19:4-16; John 1:29-34

Monday, May 19

Matthew 11:1-6 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see.” (vv.2-4)

Why does John doubt? Isn’t this the John who proclaimed Jesus the Lamb of God and baptized him? Why does he now doubt Jesus’ identity? As I have studied, this passage has been made clear—Jesus is not behaving as John expected. The Old Testament depicts a Messiah who judges and condemns the wicked, who brings righteous order to the world, who finally frees Israel from her captivity. But, in Jesus, God came in mercy, not in judgment. The judgment will come. We saw it yesterday in the passage from Revelation. But we are in a season of grace—a time when “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them” (v.5). This is the Kingdom of God on earth.

If someone were to look at your life, would they know that you are a Christian? I don’t mean the kind who never sins and who goes to church regularly. Would they see the Kingdom actions that we see in Jesus’ life—that the blind see, the lame are healed, the poor hear the good news. Would they know that you are about the Kingdom of God?

Lord, transform us into your reflection. As you came to earth and showed yourself as God, may people also see you in us. May they see your Kingdom work in our lives.

Proverbs 3:11-20; Psalms 1, 2, 3; 1 John 3:18—4:6

Tuesday, May 20

1 John 4:7-21 We love because he first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (vv.19-21)

At times the teachings of Jesus are hard. The past couple of weeks, a friend and I have had some conflict. I feel as if I cannot say anything right, and I have been very angry with her. I felt justified in my anger because she was being unreasonable; so I held onto it. And it has grown until there is a bitterness and, dare I say, a hatred toward her in my heart. But I hear the commands of Jesus to forgive if I want to be forgiven, and the verse above that says that unless I love my sister, I cannot love God. This is a hard teaching to swallow.

Yesterday, I repented from my unforgiveness and I chose to forgive. It was a choice. I did not feel like forgiving her. I did not want to forgive her. I wanted to hang onto my anger and my bitterness because I felt justified in it. But Scripture does not say to forgive your sister when you want to, or when you feel like it. It just says to forgive. And forgiveness is an act of the will. It is a choice to release anger, to release bitterness, to release that person from having to “make it up to you.” Immediately after forgiving (and asking the Lord to forgive me for my sin against Him in holding onto unforgiveness), I felt no different. But within an hour, I felt free. Free from anger. Free from bitterness. Free to love!

Proverbs 4:1-27; Psalms 5, 6; Matthew 11:7-15

Wednesday, May 21

Psalm 119:1-24 With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes. (vv.10-12)

One of my good friends was telling me the other day that she is trying to grow her hair out because her husband really likes it when her hair is longer. To her, it is an act of love to satisfy the desires of her husband’s heart. He is not dictating how she should wear her hair; he is not demanding that she grow it out. He told her what was pleasing to him and she wants to please him.

God’s Word, and more specifically God’s Laws in His Word, are His way of telling us what pleases Him. Very often, we treat God’s Laws like they are rules to live our lives by, and we try to do so; but more often, our hearts are rebellious and bitter even if our actions are right. What I love about our readings for today is that obeying God’s Laws is not seeking God’s approval, but it is an expression of love toward God, our Lover. He has laid out for us what pleases Him, and when we are in right relationship with Him, we long to please Him. So we keep His laws, not to earn His approval, but to seek His pleasure. And, in that, there is great joy! Beloved, why do you keep God’s Laws? Are you trying to earn His approval or are you expressing love toward the Lover of your soul?

Proverbs 6:1-19; 1 John 5:1-12; Matthew 11:16-24

Thursday, May 22

Psalm 18:1-20 The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress, I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help….He reached down from on high, he took me; he drew me out of mighty waters. (vv.4-6a, 16)

The proverb for today tells a story of a young man who is seduced by a “loose woman.” She meets him on the street as he is walking by, potentially too close to where she does business, and entices him. She kisses him and tells him of her fragrantly perfumed bed. She says that her husband will never know, that there will not be any consequences to her actions. “With much seductive speech she persuades him” (v.21) and he follows her, “not knowing that it will cost him his life” (v.23). I think that this proverb is speaking literally about the attractions of adultery, but I think that it also has lessons for us in a figurative sense. The book of Hosea presents an allegory where the Lord is played by Hosea and where his prostitute wife represents Israel. In that story, the Lord pursues Israel and she is unfaithful to Him in turning to idols. She “prostitutes” herself to others, giving them her affection and worship instead of the Lord. Beloved, there are ways that we also prostitute ourselves. And the offerings of the idols look good to our eyes, just like the woman’s offerings looked good to the young man’s eyes in the proverb. We think it is not a big deal, that there will be no consequences, not realizing that they lead us to our death. Beloved, what are the things that you worship instead of, or in addition to, the Lord? Is it wealth? Is it comfort? Is it success? Is it the opinions of others toward you?

Whatever it may be, know that you are not beyond reach. As the Psalmist says, cry out to the Lord when these snares of death entangle you and He will reach down and draw you out of mighty waters!

Proverbs 7:1-27; 1 John 5:13-21; Matthew 11:25-30

Friday, May 23

Matthew 12:1-14 “But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” (vv.7-8)

In this Matthew passage, and throughout most of the Gospels, Jesus is at odds with the Pharisees because he is calling forth a deeper righteousness. The Pharisees are a group seeking to bring the Messiah by becoming more pious and eliminating those who are not. Jesus, however, calls forth a righteousness that is not about outward acts of piety but an inward righteousness, which comes from complete submission to the Father. In these passages, Jesus’ acts of goodness to feed the disciples and to heal the man with the withered hand more completely fulfill the intentions of the law, not just the behaviors of the law.

Beloved, are there ways that you are more concerned with outward actions of piety than with the inward motivations of your heart? It is so easy in our world to get swept up in what others think of us, particularly here in the Church. We wrongly believe that God will like us better if we are more “pious” in our actions and that God will like us less if we “sin” or are not good enough. Beloved, God is more concerned with the state of your heart than he is with your actions. Good, righteous acts are important to God; but as with Jesus, from a surrendered heart that trusts God and is seeking to know Him, righteous actions will flow.

Proverbs 8:1-21; Psalms 16, 17; 2 John 1-13

Saturday, May 24

Matthew 12:15-21 “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles….And in his name the Gentiles will hope” (vv.18, 21)

Praise the Lord that He succeeds in His plans, even when we do not cooperate. It was always God’s intention in choosing the people of Israel as His chosen ones, that they would bring light to the Gentile peoples. In His original covenant with Abraham, God proclaimed that Abraham would be a blessing to the nations. But as Israel got more and more distracted from following the Lord, they also neglected their mission of bringing light to the nations. Israel chose to go her own way. She thought that she knew better how to be “successful in life” than the Lord and His plans for her. Praise the Lord that He did not forget us, and that He brought forth the fulfillment of His plans through Jesus Christ, the one in whose name the Gentiles will hope. Are there places in your life where the Lord has instructed you in His ways, and you are pursuing your own ways? Beloved, you can believe that the Lord will bring about His plans. The question is, will you go willingly or must He go around you in order to bring those plans about? Trust the Lord, and trust His plans for your life!

Proverbs 8:22-36; Psalms 20, 21; 3 John 1-15

by Kim Koi

Sunday, May 25

Acts 8:14-25 “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (vv.21-23 NIV)

Sin always takes you further than you wanted to go, lasts longer than you want it to last, and costs you more than you were willing to pay. Serving God, in any ministry, requires us to remain open channels for a constant filling by the Holy Spirit. Daily confession is our way to uninterrupted communion with our Heavenly Father. The fullness of God is available to you today.

Proverbs 9:1-12; Psalms 148, 149, 150; Luke 10:25-28, 38-42

Monday, May 26

Psalm 25 Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. (vv.12-13)

If you are having trouble holding on to your money, check God’s principals on money. The Bible tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7a). Without wisdom, God’s way of living, it is impossible to accumulate wealth and to keep what is accumulated. God tells us that tithing protects what we accumulate and what we give, over and above our tithe, increases our prosperity. The secret to financial prosperity is found in God’s Word.

Proverbs 10:1-12; 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Matthew 12:22-32

Tuesday, May 27

Matthew 12:33-42 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (vv.36-37)

It is so easy to speak negatively about someone or something. A year or two ago my wife, Kitty, and I made a promise that we would stop inviting negativity into our lives. If one of us slips and says something negative or doubtful, we renounce all spoken words that are not positive and uplifting. As a result, our life together has become more positive, full of peace and joy and optimism.

Proverbs 15:16-33; Psalms 26, 28; 1 Timothy 1:18—2:8

Wednesday, May 28

Matthew 12:43-50 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.” (vv.43-44)

When we pray, through the power of Christ, to remove a negative spirit (things like doubt, abandonment, judgment, etc.), it is imperative that we replace that negative spirit with something positive. I have found God’s Holy Word to be an excellent replacement. Also, positive actions like helping others works well and creates peace and joy in your life.

Proverbs 17:1-20; Psalm 38; 1 Timothy 3:1-16

Thursday, May 29

Psalm 37:1-18 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (v.4)

Have you ever prayed and it appeared that God did not answer your prayer? Chances were that you were either praying for something for yourself or you just did not recognize God’s answer to your petition. When you pray for someone other than yourself, a prayer for uplifting, a prayer based on the welfare and growth of someone, you can be assured that it is a result of delighting yourself in the Lord.

Proverb 21:30—22:6; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Matthew 13:24-30

Friday, May 30

Proverbs 23:19-21, 29—24:2 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (vv.20-21)

I have an addictive personality. It runs in my family of origin. I addressed my addiction to alcohol nineteen years ago, resulting in complete abstinence since then. I could easily have the same problem with food if I would let myself go. Today, my addiction is with sugar. I have become a candyholic.

Psalm 31; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; Matthew 13:31-35

Saturday, May 31

1 Timothy 6:6-21 Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (v.10b)

I committed my life to Christ in 1975. My first year as a Christian was a great growth year for me. However, in the fall of 1976 I went to work as Area Representative for one of the fastest growing companies, NIKE. Slowly, I “wandered from the faith and pierced myself with many griefs.” Fortunately God is always faithful, even if I am not. I rededicated by life to God in 1988 and have walked and grown in Him since.

Proverb 25:15-28; Psalms 30, 32; Matthew 13:36-43

by Michael O’Grody

Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP

P. O. Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790