HITTING THE WALL
November 2
He gives power to the weary, And to him who lacks vigor He increases might. Isaiah 40:29
Endurance runners talk about ‘hitting the wall.’ They are referring to the time in the race when they have run out of energy and cannot go another step. Running coaches give a number of tips to overcome that moment: fuel your body throughout the race, and listen to those around you who can be a source of encouragement and motivation. But even in those moments, it takes a runner deciding whether or not he is going to keep going or if he is going to give up and quit.
Sometimes in the Christian life we can ‘hit a wall.’ Difficult things happen, we are struggling and failing against the temptation to sin, there seems to be no results for all of the effort and time we put into someone else. In those moments it can be tempting to give up in despair. But just like a good endurance runner we must get through the wall. We must continue to fuel ourselves with the truth of the Word of God. We must continue to surround ourselves with believers who can encourage us and remind us of the truth. And most importantly, we must continue to rely on the Lord, who is the only One who can provide the power and might we desperately need to keep going. Take hope from the final two verses of Isaiah 40, “Though youths grow weary and tired, and choice young men stumble badly, yet those who hope in Yahweh will gain new power; They will mount up with wings like eagles; They will run and not get tired; They will walk and not become weary.”
Joshua Steiner
GOD IS HOLY
November 1
Because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
The word, “holy” occurs over 900 times in the Bible. Isaiah alone tells us that God is “the Holy One of Israel” more than 50 times. What does it mean that God is holy and how does He expect us to be holy? The word itself means to be set apart, or separated for a particular purpose. When used of God, it means that He is set apart from His creation and from sin. Isaiah 57:15 reads, For thus says the One high and lifted up; who dwells forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place.” God is transcendent above His creation. He is also set apart from sin. In Him, there is no darkness at all. What does that mean for us? As 1 Peter 1:16 states, God expects us to be like Him; set apart from sin. Rather than drawing as close as possible to self-centeredness and trying to walk the line between that and holiness, like a good parent God tells us to stay far away from it. God tells us where to go…what to look out for…and what not to participate in. He also tells us how we can have a deeper, more enjoyable relationship with Him through the work of His Spirit. What is it that you desire the most in your life and for your life? Money? Pleasure? No responsibility?
Do you know what an ermine is? It is a weasel-like animal with white fur. It is said that an ermine would rather die than soil its white fur. This illustrates how God values purity and separation from sin (holiness). Is that true of you? Do you so value being like God that you would avoid the pollution of sin even to the point of physical death?
Ike Graham
THE POWER OF NEGATIVE EXAMPLES
October 31
Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
We all need positive examples and role models to look up to and follow in our lives. Besides good examples we find in the Bible to imitate, there are also negative examples for us to avoid. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-15 we see God reminding us of mistakes the Israelites made on their way to the Promised Land as examples and warnings for us to learn from and not repeat.
First (10:6), don’t lust/covet anything. Second (10:7), don’t usurp God’s #1 position of worship and service in your life. Third (10:8), don’t fall into any sexual immorality. Fourth (10:9), don’t tempt Christ in bold presumption of His Word and will. Fifth (10:10), complaining is not appropriate for God’s people. These accounts of the Israelites are true negative examples for us to learn from. We should indeed flee/abstain from all fleshly lusts (2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Peter 2:11), have no other gods/idols besides the Lord (Exodus 20:3-5), flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), not tempt or test the Lord by ignoring His Word (Matthew 4:5-7) and do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14). God is just as serious today as He was then even though the consequences may differ.
God urges us to BE AWARE of these “warning lights” (10:1-11). He desires us to BE HUMBLE, not proud/boastful, thinking you’ll never be like them (10:12). BE ENCOURAGED, God promises to never allow you to be tempted above and beyond what you can bear (10:13). BE-WARE, fleeing from idolatry in any form (10:14) and BE WISE, heeding these examples (10:15). The bottom line question is “Will you?” You’ve been duly warned and encouraged to be all you can be for Jesus. Doesn’t He deserve it?
Bob Kulp
OPEN EYES
October 30
But blessed are your eyes, because they see... Matthew 13:16a
It is said that the captain of the Titanic refused to believe the ship was in trouble till water was ankle deep in the mail room. Because of this he did not call for help until it was very late in the crisis. Perhaps if he had been more willing to humbly consider that his great ship really could sink, more lives might have been saved.
As the Gospel goes forth there is always two different reactions to the truth of God. One person is hard hearted and rejects the message, thinking they don’t need what is being presented. They might misunderstand the fundamental necessity of receiving Christ. They do not see their spiritual deficiency.
Another person has a soft and receptive heart. They are convicted in their heart as they consider God’s Word and what God is saying to them. God is working on them to draw them to Himself. In that moment we repent of our sins and commit in our hearts to believe and follow God. This attitude should continue throughout our Christian experience.
In Matthew 9:27-31 there were two blind men who cried out to Jesus asking for mercy. They had faith that He could help them. Jesus then touched their eyes and gave them sight. Not long after Jesus cast out a demon from another man. In response the Pharisees accused Jesus of doing these things by “the ruler of demons” (Matt. 9:34).
Those two blind men were physically unable to see the world around them. Yet, they perceived the truth about the Messiah, Jesus which the religious leaders were unwilling to see. Be a man or woman of God who has not only believed in the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ, staying open to further learning as time goes on.
Matt Foreman
“O KING, LIVE FOREVER!”
October 29
…fear God, honor the king. 1Peter 2:17b
An absurd situation (Daniel 6)…
A forceful assembly of scheming courtiers successfully manipulate a sincere but inexperienced sovereign into drafting an ill-advised law that cannot be repealed—thereby ensnaring the octogenarian Daniel, the king’s most trusted official.
Following the execution of the sentence, King Darius unseals the entrance to the lions’ den and cries out, hoping to hear the voice of his beloved Daniel—but dreading that the only response will be the lions’ roar! But it is Daniel that responds (6:21): “O king, live forever!”
This salutation customarily offered unto Babylonian monarchs is employed multiple times within Daniel by various court dignitaries (2:4; 3:9; 5:10; 6:6). This is the only time in the book, however, that we see Daniel (or any Hebrew) address a Gentile ruler in this fashion. Some commentators have connected this usage with v. 20, in which the king refers to Daniel’s God as “the Living God.” If such a connection be made, it would thus reflect Daniel’s heartfelt desire that the Great Author of Life would grant life in its fullest meaning unto his friend, King Darius. Note John Calvin’s paraphrase of 6:21: “…that is, may God protect thy life and bless thee perpetually.” Observe that while Daniel had been condemned for refusing to pray unto Darius, he did not cease from praying for him!
MARK the respect which Daniel offers unto dignitaries (Rom. 13:7, Prov. 24:21), even in the aftermath of a situation in which he was appallingly ill-used by the regime—and thus perhaps entitled to some degree of frustration!
MARK Daniel’s benevolent and sincere concern for the welfare of the king!
MARK that Daniel’s pre-eminent thought is to rejoice and bring glory unto God for his deliverance (6:22).
Terry L. Reese
WHERE IS YOUR REAL HOME?
October 28
We prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
How many places have you called “home” in your lifetime? My birth home was Manheim, PA. Since getting married in 1979 we have lived in 15 different dwellings in four states (IN, PA, OH, VT) plus New Zealand. But all these are really just homes away from our ultimate home: Heaven.
The Apostle Paul affirmed that he was a citizen of heaven, and was patiently waiting for His Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ to come and take him home (Philippians 3:20)! I can fully relate to what Paul is saying! You might ask, “How can I be absolutely sure that my final home will be in heaven and not hell?” Great question!! Jesus Christ told us that there are many mansions/dwelling places in the Father’s house/heaven, and He wants to prepare one for all who will trust Him for forgiveness of their sins and eternal life (John 14:1-6).
In Jesus’ parable (Luke 15:11-32) the wayward son wastes his portion of his father’s inheritance with wild, immoral living in a far-off land. When his money is gone, he is forced to feed pigs. Seeking forgiveness, he risks going home to his father hoping to be a servant. But his father welcomes and forgives him rejoicing, “My son is back! He is home!”
The same is true when we repent of our sin and put our trust in Jesus. We are received whole-heartedly by our heavenly Father, forgiven of our sins, adopted into His forever family and have a home reserved for us on high! Don’t you dare settle for anything less! I really look forward to going HOME someday! Will I see you there?
Bob Kulp
DEVELOPING GOD-LIKENESS
October 27
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness. 2 Peter 1:5-6
A few years ago, a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one.
He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, ‘Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?’ She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, ‘Please forgive our carelessness.”
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, ‘Mister. ...’ He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, ‘Are you Jesus?’ He stopped in mid-stride, and said, “No, but I know Him. He changed my life. Could I tell you about Him?” Go and do likewise.
Ike Graham
OUR GLORIFIED BODIES
October 26
For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1
How often does the senior man or woman long to get across to a teenager or young adult that they do not have all the time in the world. Our lives are truly short. We are like a vapor which is there one moment and gone the next (James 4:14). Our time on this earth is like grass or a flower which is blown away by the wind (Psa. 103:15-16).
As we get older our bodies get weaker. We have more and more physical problems. Dr’s visits come with greater and greater frequency. All are reminders that we cannot always do the things we used to do in the prime of life. One day we will leave this world. Are we ready for that?
The Bible compares our body to a house or a tent, something that wasn’t always there in the past until it was built. A point will come in the future when it will no longer be standing. For the non-believer these thoughts are crushingly depressing. All negative. But for the Christian we simply look to a bright and blessed future provided by our God.
When our earthly house “is destroyed,” that is, when we die, we are not destined to roam eternally without a body. There is a resurrection body which the Lord provides so we can live on in that body for all eternity.
What happens when the Christian dies? “We are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). There we remain until the time of the resurrection and rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15). Praise God for a future resurrection body!
Matt Foreman
HONESTLY, WALK IN THE DAY
October 25
Let us walk properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. Romans 13:13
This verse is Paul’s explanation from the previous verse of what putting on the armor of light is and the giving of some examples of the works of darkness that we are to cast off. Christians are not to be involved in “carousing and drunkenness.” This Greek word refers to any kind of wild drinking parties, usually happening at night, although the time doesn’t matter. This also includes the music and out of control revelry that usually occurs at such events. Christians are not to practice “sexual promiscuity and sensuality” referring to our world’s practice of “hopping in the sack” or maybe you call it “free love.” This “wantonness” or wanting more and more, is excessive, unrestrained lust which is shameless for unbelievers, and it is doubly so for a Christian. We are not to practice “strife and jealousy.” A Christian ought not to be arguing and fighting especially if the strife is because they are envious or jealous of another. I find all of these sinful practices happening amongst professing Christians way too much. But, true believers are to walk or live “properly as in the day.” Deeds done in the day can be seen by all. So, the believer is not to be ashamed of what they are doing and how they are living. Everyone should find what you do as being acceptable according to the Bible and Christ. That is actually a high standard and hard to attain to perfectly. But, it is a Biblical requirement, so “Let us” live up to this as much as possible, for the sake of Christ.
Tom Johnson
AMAZING GRACE!
October 24
But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Romans 5:20b
You have all heard the hymn Amazing Grace written by John Newton. Born in 1725, his mother died in July 1732. She had taught him to read and memorize Bible verses. After her passing, John went to school for three years, dropping out at age 11 to go to sea with his father, the captain of a merchant ship. By age 24 he had experienced despair, depression, dangers, abuse, public floggings and even some miraculous escapes from death. Newton lived without restraint, caring for no one but himself. He was one LOST soul for sure!
Later he became the captain of a slave ship. Newton was insensitive to the inhumane treatment of the Africans chained in the hold of his ship. In May 1848, a violent storm almost sank his ship. For 4 weeks the sailors were in deep despair. Finally after near starvation, they reached Ireland’s shores. Months later on an African island, Newton contracted a deadly disease. Burning with fever he wrote, “Weak and almost delirious, I arose from my bed and crept to a secluded part of the island; there I found renewed liberty to pray. I made no resolves, but cast myself before the Lord to do with me as He should please. I was enabled to hope and believe in a crucified Savior. The burden was removed from my conscience.”* God miraculously saved him. He married, and later became a pastor and hymn writer. In 1779 he wrote and published the hymn, Amazing Grace.
At age 82 shortly before his death, he said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things; that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!”* Amen!
*The Amazing Story Behind ‘Amazing Grace’, 1996, American Tract Society
Bob Kulp
GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING
October 23
Yahweh has established His throne in the heavens, And His kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
During WWII, one of America’s mighty bombers took off from the island of Guam headed for Kokura, Japan, with a deadly cargo. Because clouds covered the target area, the sleek B-29 circled for nearly an hour until its fuel supply reached the danger point. The captain and his crew, frustrated because they were right over the primary target yet not able to fulfill their mission, finally decided they had better go for the secondary target. Changing course, they found that the sky was clear. The command was given, “Bombs away!” and the B-29 headed for its home base. Sometime later an officer received some startling information from military intelligence. Just one week before that bombing mission, the Japanese had transferred one of their largest concentrations of captured Americans to the city of Kokura. Upon reading this, the officer exclaimed, “Thank God for that protecting cloud! If the city hadn’t been hidden from the bomber, it would have been destroyed and thousands of Americans would have died.” God’s ways are behind the scenes; but He moves all the scenes which He is behind.
Two of the great biblical examples of God’s sovereignty are Joseph, son of Jacob, and Esther. God controlled each situation in the lives of both Joseph and Esther. If we, as God’s people, have a good grasp of the sovereignty of God, then fear, anxiety, fretting and anger will greatly diminish in our lives. To know that God sees all and has all power and controls all, should bring peace of heart and comfort to my soul. These should remind me that nothing will happen to me today without passing through my Father’s hands because He alone is the all-seeing, all-powerful, sovereign God.
Ike Graham
DEMOTING GOD
October 22
Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you, saying, “Yahweh will deliver us.” Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? Isaiah 36:18
It is natural for an unbeliever to think that Yahweh is no different from any other god. Thus, we must not be surprised when an unbeliever does or says something that demotes God from His true position. As believers we know that there is only one God (1 Cor. 8:4). All of the so-called gods other people worship, are simply figments of imagination or an evil spirit trying to manifest as a god. As such, false gods have no power. Thus, it is not surprising that the king of Assyria was able to defeat the other nations who were worshiping false gods. But for Rabshakeh to demote Yahweh, by comparing Him to those false gods, he was making a serious error.
But how often can we do the same thing? No, we don’t compare Yahweh to other gods, but sometimes in our minds we demote God, making Him just like us. We think that He should do things the way we want them to be done. We doubt that He is really in control of certain situations. We worry that terrible things will happen to us or our loved ones. In these instances, and many more, we are in a sense demoting God. May God strengthen us to “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My counsel will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:9-10).
Joshua Steiner
DESCRIPTIVE ≠ PRESCRIPTIVE
October 21
…even David with his two wives… 1Sam. 27:3b
A common error of Biblical interpretation that has led to both heterodoxy (wrong belief) and heteropraxy (wrong behavior) deals with the error of uncritically reading a given Biblical narrative as though it were a prescriptive command, when in fact it may simply be descriptive, relating certain bare, historical facts. Not all historical narratives are to be regarded as emulative examples or inducements to continuing precedents.
The Bible accurately records the actions of men—saved and unsaved, living in various dispensations and eras—as well as the activities of angels—both fallen and elect. It is not necessarily calling upon us to follow their examples, however, simply because it relates what they “did.” These narratives do not, in and of themselves, constitute commands.
The Mormons are WRONG, for example, to assume that polygamy is theoretically “OK” just because the Bible relates the case histories of such worthies as Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon—all of whom had plural marriages. In fact, the commanded and universally prescribed pattern for marriage, according to Jesus, is monogamy (Matt. 19:4-6; Gen. 2:18-25).
Likewise, we are not commanded to speak in tongues just because the historical narratives of the Book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles accurately relate that some people (1 Cor. 12:30) in the early church did so. In fact, this practice is definitely NOT normative for today (1 Cor. 13:8). We are not living in the foundational Apostolic Age (Eph. 2:20)! The foundations have already been laid—and there are no living Apostles (Acts 1:22), whose very ministries these miraculous signs were designed to endorse in the first place (2 Cor. 12:12)!
Further, if a behavior was commanded, we must interpret dispensationally—i.e., is this command applicable for today?
Terry L. Reese
BE PORPOISES
October 20
They are not of the world...I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil. John 17:14b-15
We as Christians are in the world but not of the world. We are called pilgrims or sojourners. We are just passing through, not really fitting in. But therein lies the struggle. How do we keep from being overcome by the world and its system? Paul tells us to be not confirmed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). Easier said than done.
Perhaps this example will help crystalize things for us. The porpoise is not a fish. It lives in the sea, but it is not of the sea. It must stay in contact with the world above in order to breathe or it will drown. Baby porpoises and weak porpoises are helped by the family pod that they are in to stay in contact with the air above. We can see, therefore, that we Christians need to stay in contact with the Lord above. We are doubly helped when newly saved or in vulnerable times by our family pod called the church to stay alive in Christ. We help each other to stay in contact with the Lord above lest the world suffocates us. The Lord is our vital air.
Russ Simpson
THE OLD-FASHIONED “R” WORD
October 19
The Lord is… not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
In the old days schools emphasized the “3 R’s” of “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.” Hopefully we still do!
In those same old days many churches emphasized the “3 R’s” of repentance, regeneration and revival. We find “repentance” and “repent” 58 times in the New Testament from Matthew to Revelation. Jesus began His ministry preaching, “REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17). The apostles continued with that same theme (Acts 3:19; 20:21). Finally in Jesus’ letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3), 5 of those 7 were commanded to REPENT!
Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a changed heart which leads to a changed life. It’s turning from sin to God. Who needs to repent? In Acts 17:30, Paul told the philosophers and intellectuals of Athens that “God is now commanding men that everyone everywhere should repent.” What does repentance involve? First, we must admit without reservation “I am a sinner” (Isaiah 64:6). Second, we have to realize that Jesus Christ is our only hope (John 14:6). Thirdly, we have a choice to make. Will I personally turn from my sin and trust in Jesus alone to be forgiven, saved and born again (Mark 1:15)? True repentance is changing one’s mind and heart about sin, self and the Savior.
The proof of repentance is an ongoing changed life until we get to glory (2 Corinthians 5:17). All too often the essential need of repentance is forgotten or ignored in today’s Christian circles. If we have not truly realized and repented of our sin, we are only playing a game. I trust that is not true for you!
Bob Kulp
GOD’S WORD RINGS TRUE
October 18
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
When my wife and I were preparing for marriage, we searched diligently for a place to live that we could afford on my $130 per week salary managing a hardware store. Needless to say, our options were scanty. One place that we looked at to rent was the bottom floor of an old farmhouse, where someone had painted all the light bulbs red, and the hardwood floor rolled up and down like waves on the ocean.
After several such rejections, we began to wonder if we would start out life together in my parents’ basement. We found one place that may have worked had my father not insisted on having his say about it. As we emerged from this place, we were facing the first mountain of our married life, and we weren’t even married yet. As we walked out of the front door, the church across the street began to play a welcome tune from its bell tower, “God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way…” It was a solid promise; our Lord soon worked out a deal where my dad bought us a nice home that we rented from him. It was a comfortable and welcome start to our life together, and it began with a melodic divine promise from a bell tower at just the right time. What else would you expect from the One Who cautions us not to worry?
Davy L. Troxel
GOD SEES EVERYTHING
October 17
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we have an account to give. Hebrews 4:13
A child in Burma (Myanmar) was permitted by his parents to go to a mission school in order that he might learn to read. By and by they found he was losing faith in the idols. This made them feel very sad. So, the father took the lad to one of the most beautiful of the temples where the fragrance of incense filled the air. There he showed him the glittering images covered with gold and silver ornaments and surrounded by flowers and candles. "Here," said the father "is a god you can see! The Christians cannot show you their God." "Yes,” said the child, “we can see your god, but he cannot see us. We cannot see the Christian's God, but He sees us all the time!”
It's this characteristic of God—His all-seeing ways—that we who work and play and parent must understand and believe.
• When we struggle to maintain a healthy schedule at home despite numerous pressures, God sees.
• When we attempt to potty-train our three-year-old for the umpteenth time, having given up on M&Ms, begging, and tears, God sees.
• When we feel like Hagar, tempted to flee our circumstances, God sees.
• When we do the right thing, though everyone else rails against us, God sees.
• When our spouse injures us, yet we love and forgive, God sees.
• There is no place God can't see. There is no situation He cannot discern. He sees it all.
Like Hagar, in Genesis 16:13, who calls God אֵ֣ל רֳאִ֑י God sees and knows all about you and your circumstances. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
Ike Graham
FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS
October 16
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you,
you have no part with Me.” John 13:8b
When Peter heard these words from his Lord, He was all in. Previously he resisted the idea of Jesus washing his feet, but when he heard that he would not have part with Jesus, he was ready to have his hands and head washed as well. Why? What changed? Peter loved the Lord. Thus, the thought of not having part or fellowship with his Lord was a terrible thought. Peter longed to continue to have fellowship with his Lord. Do we?
In God’s providence, the Lord used Jesus’ exchange with Peter to teach us an important truth about our relationship with Him. You could also think of it this way. Growing up, my mother had a very clear rule, “You must wash your hands before you come to the table for a meal.” My mom loved me and had demonstrated her love by preparing a wonderful meal for me to enjoy. But our fellowship was interrupted by my dirty hands.
The solution was simple: wash my hands and I could come to the table to enjoy the scrumptious meal, and continue to experience fellowship with my mom. My mother didn’t love me any less when my hands were dirty, but my dirty hands were preventing her from having ‘part’ with me. Aren’t we thankful that God has promised to continue to cleanse us day by day as we come to Him? Bask in the fellowship we are able to have with our Savior. “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Joshua Steiner
JOY OUTSIDE CIRCUMSTANCES
October 15
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Men have pursued joy in every avenue imaginable. Some have successfully found it while others have not. People might surround themselves with personal pleasures which they think will bring them happiness. Eventually they find the pleasure did not last. It is the same with all purely earthly pursuits.
True Biblical joy is different from happiness as we know it. Happiness comes and goes whether things are going well for us or not. Striving for this happiness results in eventual depression and lack of fulfillment. Worse, longing only for worldly happiness could reveal pride in our hearts to only satisfy ourselves at any cost.
Joy, on the other hand, is something we can experience no matter if things are going well or not well. Even if trials and tribulations are coming rapid fire in our lives, we can have joy through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Paul had joy that the Gospel was being preached (Phil. 1:18). He tells the Philippian believers they can have “joy of faith” (Phil. 1:25). The Apostle desired a joy of knowing that Christians would have unity (Phil. 2:2). A believer rejoices “in the day of Christ” (Phil. 2:16). Any Christian can “rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1).
Only in Christ are true unity and joy possible. Trust in Him. Rely on Him for your daily strength. Order your life on Biblical principles and you will have the joy of knowing you have invested in eternal, spiritual things. Always look onward and upward no matter what is going on in life (Col. 3:1). And one day, all believers will be able to enjoy the blessings of heaven, and the new Jerusalem, as we worship God for all eternity.
Matt Foreman
COUNTING THE COST
October 14
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27
Shortly after feeding 5,000+ with five loaves and two fish, Jesus confronted the twelve with the high cost of discipleship. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23-26). What does discipleship with Christ demand?
Discipleship demands continual DENIAL of one’s self. Jesus is now # 1, and we give up our right to being # 1. “There are always two choices on the shelf: pleasing God or pleasing self.” Discipleship also demands continual SACRIFICE of one’s life (take up your cross daily). Taking up one’s cross is paying the cost of obedience wherever God places you. After all Christ has done for us, it should be a pleasure, a joy and a privilege to obey Him! Finally, discipleship demands continued ALLEGIANCE to Christ. We follow Him wherever He leads, rain or shine, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, in winning or losing. Once we put our hands to the plow, we don’t turn back.
In Luke 14:28-30 Jesus challenges potential disciples to count the cost of being His disciples. You don’t make a decision for Jesus and continue living the same! Only you can determine whether truly following Jesus as He desires is worth the cost. Don’t just be a fan of Jesus, but instead be His committed disciple. Jesus said, “For whoever wishes to save his life (keep for himself) will lose it, but whoever loses (yields) his life for My sake will find (save) it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26). Is it worth trusting and following Jesus no matter what the cost? You make the call!
Bob Kulp