The Bible Says
GraceNotes offers Short Devotions that speak to the heart
Updated: 6 hours 22 min ago
To Use, Not to Have
Photo: Studiomill
“Being conservative is a sin,” stated the young guest preacher at our church. “It will kill us.”
I glanced around warily at my fellow parishioners. Didn’t this sleek California boy know his audience? We are Mid-westerners—the children and grandchildren of sturdy, practical homesteaders and farmers. Our forbearers would never have survived the howling winter blizzards or sun-scorched summers of blowing sand without the mottos of “Waste not, want not” and “Save for a rainy day.” Conservation was necessary for survival. No one squandered money, energy supplies or words.
“We must be generous—even lavish—in our responses to Jesus,” the speaker went on. “Christianity is all about Jesus Christ, not about rules or laws or buildings or organizations. Christianity is to use, not to have. An attitude of protectionism will lead us to institutionalism, which is soon followed by death.”
He then pointed out that the goal of Christians should be to “give it away, use it up, pour it out, so you have nothing left when Jesus Christ returns. Christianity can never be a calculated love. It must be a love of abandonment, of total immersion, of surrendering everything to Christ. It’s not about us, or what makes us happy. It’s about Jesus Christ and what He did and is doing for us.”
Given Away
As I mulled over these thoughts later in the day I realized how strong the “protect and preserve” attitudes of my ancestors were and how they have trickled down to me. Yes, some things must be protected and preserved, such as the love between husband and wife. But other things need to be used or given away, not saved up.
So today I am resolving to practice extravagance. When people knock on my door collecting cans for the local food pantry I’m not going to hand them one or two. I’m going to give them all they can carry. I’m going to go through our closets and give away extra coats and gloves and blankets because someone could be using them right now. I’m going to pick the flowers that bloom in the garden and give them away. I’m going to set the table with Grandma’s china every Sabbath. I’m going to use our best sheets and towels for everyday. I’m going to serve the special home canned applesauce whenever anybody wants it. And no matter what, I’m going to hug my teenagers every day.
Most of all I want to be lavish in my love to Jesus Christ. Of course I realize that any love I can give is only a reflection of God’s love already poured out to me. And that love is by far the most generous, the most giving, the most extravagant of all.
"We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Brenda Dickerson. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
“Being conservative is a sin,” stated the young guest preacher at our church. “It will kill us.”
I glanced around warily at my fellow parishioners. Didn’t this sleek California boy know his audience? We are Mid-westerners—the children and grandchildren of sturdy, practical homesteaders and farmers. Our forbearers would never have survived the howling winter blizzards or sun-scorched summers of blowing sand without the mottos of “Waste not, want not” and “Save for a rainy day.” Conservation was necessary for survival. No one squandered money, energy supplies or words.
“We must be generous—even lavish—in our responses to Jesus,” the speaker went on. “Christianity is all about Jesus Christ, not about rules or laws or buildings or organizations. Christianity is to use, not to have. An attitude of protectionism will lead us to institutionalism, which is soon followed by death.”
He then pointed out that the goal of Christians should be to “give it away, use it up, pour it out, so you have nothing left when Jesus Christ returns. Christianity can never be a calculated love. It must be a love of abandonment, of total immersion, of surrendering everything to Christ. It’s not about us, or what makes us happy. It’s about Jesus Christ and what He did and is doing for us.”
Given Away
As I mulled over these thoughts later in the day I realized how strong the “protect and preserve” attitudes of my ancestors were and how they have trickled down to me. Yes, some things must be protected and preserved, such as the love between husband and wife. But other things need to be used or given away, not saved up.
So today I am resolving to practice extravagance. When people knock on my door collecting cans for the local food pantry I’m not going to hand them one or two. I’m going to give them all they can carry. I’m going to go through our closets and give away extra coats and gloves and blankets because someone could be using them right now. I’m going to pick the flowers that bloom in the garden and give them away. I’m going to set the table with Grandma’s china every Sabbath. I’m going to use our best sheets and towels for everyday. I’m going to serve the special home canned applesauce whenever anybody wants it. And no matter what, I’m going to hug my teenagers every day.
Most of all I want to be lavish in my love to Jesus Christ. Of course I realize that any love I can give is only a reflection of God’s love already poured out to me. And that love is by far the most generous, the most giving, the most extravagant of all.
"We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Brenda Dickerson. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Not Mine, His
Photo: Sebastian Czapnik
I close the laptop and rub my forehead in frustration. I feel like my life works around a pattern. A very unpleasant pattern that consists of me making plans, getting way too excited about them, and leaving God completely out of the equation. The only thing that gets me out of my pattern is usually a slap in the face, which came today in the form of a very negative bank statement.It’s a lesson I never learn, it’s not like this hasn't happened before. My mind flashes back to a couple years ago when my favorite artist was releasing a new album. I got really excited, the unhealthy kind of excited, and stayed up past midnight in order to download the album. In the middle of the download, my computer completely shuts off. I should have gotten the message: I was making this album far too important; I was making it a god. But, I did not exactly ‘get the message’. I restarted the computer and tried again.
When I make a plan, not many things can end my resolution to make it come true. In the end, after having bought the album twice and the computer dying, twice, I took a step back and looked at myself. It was nearly 2 a.m and I was showing complete devotion to my plans, more than I had ever shown God. I managed to get the album, but decided that I could wait a few days to listen to it, and spend some time with the real God.
Obsessing Over My Plans
Flash back to the present, and here I am doing it again. Obsessing over my plans for the summer, desperately trying to make money in order to do all that I want to do, never once asking God what His plans for my summer are. I needed that slap today, that negative bank account, in order to take that step back and realize what’s really important.
Fortunately for my pattern and me, God has a pattern of His own. It consists of forgiving me and showing me endless love, no matter how many times I mess up. Two years ago, His pattern led to Him allowing me to listen to the album through a friend of mine who played it in his car. I remember leaning back in the seat and shaking my head with a smile on my face, thinking to myself God, you love me too much. Today, that album contains my favorite Christian song, and never fails to remind me how strong God’s love is. And, today, His pattern cleared the negatives in my bank account.
Did I deserve a happy ending? Absolutely not. But I learned today that God does not wish to deny me the things I want, His only wish is to be in my life, making far better plans for me than I could ever make for myself. I pray that I remember to not focus on my plans or my pattern, but His. I pray that I remember what Proverbs 16: 3 says: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Raquel Levy. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
Rescued from Trouble
Photo: Dreamstime
When I was eight and my sister was six, we lived in a trailer. It was summer, school was out, and we were playing with the kids in the neighborhood. Dad and Mom were working in a plant across the street.
We were playing hide-and-seek. I was “It,” and I could hear the kids running and yelling as they looked for me. I had to find a hiding place quick. As I ran around our trailer, I spied the rear trunk. It’s just the right size to squeeze into, I thought. So in I crawled. The trunk was hinged at the top, so when I let it go, it slammed shut. They’ll never find me in here, I thought.
I was right. I could hear them running and calling as they looked for me. Then everything got quiet. I was smart. After a while, I figured I might as well get out. Then I realized I was not so smart. There was no inside handle. It was pitch dark, with no air, and getting hot and stuffy.
Panic
Then I began to panic. The kids were looking for me elsewhere. Would they ever come back? And, if they did, would they ever think to look in the trunk? Dad and Mom would not come home for a long time. I began to yell and beat on the trunk door.
I had always said my prayers at night. Now it was time for a daytime prayer. I kept on pounding and screaming. Suddenly, the trunk door opened. A little girl had been running by, and had heard me. Fresh air and sunlight had never seemed this good.
God is also good. His Word says, “Pray to Me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).
God keeps His word. You can trust Him. Can He always trust us to keep ours, and to honor Him?
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ®.
When I was eight and my sister was six, we lived in a trailer. It was summer, school was out, and we were playing with the kids in the neighborhood. Dad and Mom were working in a plant across the street.
We were playing hide-and-seek. I was “It,” and I could hear the kids running and yelling as they looked for me. I had to find a hiding place quick. As I ran around our trailer, I spied the rear trunk. It’s just the right size to squeeze into, I thought. So in I crawled. The trunk was hinged at the top, so when I let it go, it slammed shut. They’ll never find me in here, I thought.
I was right. I could hear them running and calling as they looked for me. Then everything got quiet. I was smart. After a while, I figured I might as well get out. Then I realized I was not so smart. There was no inside handle. It was pitch dark, with no air, and getting hot and stuffy.
Panic
Then I began to panic. The kids were looking for me elsewhere. Would they ever come back? And, if they did, would they ever think to look in the trunk? Dad and Mom would not come home for a long time. I began to yell and beat on the trunk door.
I had always said my prayers at night. Now it was time for a daytime prayer. I kept on pounding and screaming. Suddenly, the trunk door opened. A little girl had been running by, and had heard me. Fresh air and sunlight had never seemed this good.
God is also good. His Word says, “Pray to Me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).
God keeps His word. You can trust Him. Can He always trust us to keep ours, and to honor Him?
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ®.
Be the Bigger Person
Photo: Simon Howden
No matter how hard you try, there are going to be people in your everyday life that you don't get along with.
My friend and I had a reasonably good friendship. We weren’t the best of friends, but we were there for each other when needed. I had known her for about four years, and we had gotten to know one another on a somewhat personal level. Then one day, we disagreed on something and though we talked it out, it ended up completely ruining what we had.
Have you ever felt like giving up on being the bigger person?
There are days where you may be able to handle being nice to someone who doesn’t return the favor. The first couple of weeks you may tell yourself it’s a phase that will pass. But when it doesn’t, you may feel discouraged. There are times that you want revenge for what that person has done to you, or how they are treating you. You may pray to God for strength, but you still fall into temptation wanting to make that person feel what you feel. When you have no desire left within you to go ahead and show that person the kindness they do not deserve, you may breakdown, and feel like giving up.
Place of Misery
“What is the point?” you may ask yourself. If the person seems to be going on with their life just fine while you seem to be caught in this place of misery, God is the only one who can deliver you. The moment you feel like you are about to crack, with absolutely no strength within you, turn to Him. He is the Deliverer of all. The Lord promises to help us through the tough times we go through.
God loves us no matter what we do, or what we’ve done. It does not matter where we are from or what our past was like. God is always there with open arms to receive us. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” When it seems like you can no longer be the bigger person, lift this prayer to the Lord:
My Heavenly Father, I know that it will not always be easy to do the right thing. I know that you have commanded me to love others as You have loved us. Give me the strength I need to show kindness to those around me. May Your love shine through me.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Jennifer Camps. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
My friend and I had a reasonably good friendship. We weren’t the best of friends, but we were there for each other when needed. I had known her for about four years, and we had gotten to know one another on a somewhat personal level. Then one day, we disagreed on something and though we talked it out, it ended up completely ruining what we had.
Have you ever felt like giving up on being the bigger person?
There are days where you may be able to handle being nice to someone who doesn’t return the favor. The first couple of weeks you may tell yourself it’s a phase that will pass. But when it doesn’t, you may feel discouraged. There are times that you want revenge for what that person has done to you, or how they are treating you. You may pray to God for strength, but you still fall into temptation wanting to make that person feel what you feel. When you have no desire left within you to go ahead and show that person the kindness they do not deserve, you may breakdown, and feel like giving up.
Place of Misery
“What is the point?” you may ask yourself. If the person seems to be going on with their life just fine while you seem to be caught in this place of misery, God is the only one who can deliver you. The moment you feel like you are about to crack, with absolutely no strength within you, turn to Him. He is the Deliverer of all. The Lord promises to help us through the tough times we go through.
God loves us no matter what we do, or what we’ve done. It does not matter where we are from or what our past was like. God is always there with open arms to receive us. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” When it seems like you can no longer be the bigger person, lift this prayer to the Lord:
My Heavenly Father, I know that it will not always be easy to do the right thing. I know that you have commanded me to love others as You have loved us. Give me the strength I need to show kindness to those around me. May Your love shine through me.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Jennifer Camps. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
I See You!
Photo: Studiomill
In the realm of Christianity, it is a common understanding and teaching that our omnipresent God sees everything that we do. Some think of this as God keeping an eye on us to make sure we stay in line or maybe to even catch us if we don't! Others believe that God's all-seeing ability is in our favor serving as ceaseless companionship in both joy and sorrow. Either way, we humans seem to think a lot about God seeing us. But how much do we, especially Christians, think about ourselves seeing God? And is it out of line for us to actually “keep an eye” on God?
I think it would be a great benefit for us to adopt a personal endeavor to see God, and yes, to keep an eye on him too! Why? Because the more we look at God, the more we will reflect the image from which we were created. Lately, I've been watching for more and more ways to spot God! Sometimes it's very moving, and sometimes it's just plain fun!
For example, as I saw a tulip tree just beginning to open it's magnificent blossoms just recently, I pulled my car over to look at the sight. Immediately, I heard my voice say in a singy-song fashion, “I see you, God!” Not that I believe that the tulip tree is an image of God, but it's beauty is the work of God's hand. How many ways can you spot God?
Here are some ideas to start:
"See what God has done!" (Numbers 23:23).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
In the realm of Christianity, it is a common understanding and teaching that our omnipresent God sees everything that we do. Some think of this as God keeping an eye on us to make sure we stay in line or maybe to even catch us if we don't! Others believe that God's all-seeing ability is in our favor serving as ceaseless companionship in both joy and sorrow. Either way, we humans seem to think a lot about God seeing us. But how much do we, especially Christians, think about ourselves seeing God? And is it out of line for us to actually “keep an eye” on God?
I think it would be a great benefit for us to adopt a personal endeavor to see God, and yes, to keep an eye on him too! Why? Because the more we look at God, the more we will reflect the image from which we were created. Lately, I've been watching for more and more ways to spot God! Sometimes it's very moving, and sometimes it's just plain fun!
For example, as I saw a tulip tree just beginning to open it's magnificent blossoms just recently, I pulled my car over to look at the sight. Immediately, I heard my voice say in a singy-song fashion, “I see you, God!” Not that I believe that the tulip tree is an image of God, but it's beauty is the work of God's hand. How many ways can you spot God?
Here are some ideas to start:
- Nature! Right now, spring is bursting forth and God's creative power and love can be seen in everything from dandelions to newborn animals. Take a walk and see how quickly you find yourself saying, “I see You!” This happened to me just last Sabbath. I was walking through the campus of Union College, where the squirrels are practically tame and accept food from people's hands. I spotted a squirrel and he spotted me. As I approached, I was delighted that he didn't run. He just looked directly at me and continued to munch on the nut held snuggly between his fingers. Close up, I could more clearly admire his creation and I watched for some time, looking at the details of his auburn fur, his almond-shaped eyes, and plump torso. And as he saw me and I saw him, I couldn't help thinking that I was also seeing God!
- People. Sadly, in this world there is so much trouble that it can seem challenging to spot God very quickly. But it is often in the midst of those very situations that we get a clear picture of God. For example, next time you hear of a hero like the firemen who saved countless lives in the Twin Towers aftermath, realize that you are seeing God in their actions. Or when you see something as routine as a child holding a door for an elderly person to pass through first, you are seeing God. Look carefully and might even see God in your own actions!
- Pain. Strangely, there is a lot of light that can be found in the darkness. Even the darkest depression can be a meeting place with the Comforter. And in that moment of relief, though it may be brief, you have spotted God.
- Praise. Notice your blessings, and actively praise God. God inhabits praise, so when you recognize a blessing, you've spotted God.
"See what God has done!" (Numbers 23:23).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Because We're Broken
Photo: Dreamstime
I’m not sure why it sticks in my mind, but it does. I must have been around six years old at the time. As clear as a video before me I can see myself riding my bike on the sidewalk in front of our house. As I rode I passed a neighbor lady pulling her little boy in a red wagon. Her child was wearing a children’s cowboy hat and as I passed the hat flew off, either by the wind or the boy pulled it off. Anyway, the mother lit into me and let me know I would probably burn in hell fire for my evil ways. I tried to explain that I was innocent, but the verdict was passed down.
This incident troubled me so much that I did something I don’t totally understand to this day. I decided I had to be right with God and the world, so I would go and apologize for something I didn’t do. The following morning I fearfully walked up to her door and knocked. She soon appeared and looked down at me like the Wicked Witch of West. “So, you came to apologize, huh?” she blurted out. I offered a weak “Yes” and ran home.
I share this because there was a desire inside me to be good that God placed in my heart. When I became a Christian I believed I could finally be “good” all the time. After all, I was born again and had joined the church. But reality soon struck and being good all the time just didn’t happen. I felt like Paul, the Apostle, when he announced, “. . . for I have a desire to do what is good, but I can not carry it out” (Romans 7:18). This may sound like a lot of us but it’s not “the rest of the story”, as Paul Harvey used to say.
Recall
We must remember that we are all broken. We just don’t work right and we haven’t since the Garden issue with Adam and Eve. We are broken, and even though the Manufacturer has given us a detailed instruction Book, we fail to follow it as we should. The truth is, we will remain broken until the Manufacturer does a recall at His second coming.
Actually, we don’t have to sin. But we will sin, at least those of us who will admit it. That’s why the Bible offers these hopeful words, “But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). What a Savior!
I still want to be “good.” Not to earn points with God, but because I am compelled by His great love. And when I do blow it, I run to the cross and remind myself what it was all about. God said He would cast my sins to the bottom of the sea.
Do you see the “No Fishing” sign?
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By David Snyder. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
I’m not sure why it sticks in my mind, but it does. I must have been around six years old at the time. As clear as a video before me I can see myself riding my bike on the sidewalk in front of our house. As I rode I passed a neighbor lady pulling her little boy in a red wagon. Her child was wearing a children’s cowboy hat and as I passed the hat flew off, either by the wind or the boy pulled it off. Anyway, the mother lit into me and let me know I would probably burn in hell fire for my evil ways. I tried to explain that I was innocent, but the verdict was passed down.
This incident troubled me so much that I did something I don’t totally understand to this day. I decided I had to be right with God and the world, so I would go and apologize for something I didn’t do. The following morning I fearfully walked up to her door and knocked. She soon appeared and looked down at me like the Wicked Witch of West. “So, you came to apologize, huh?” she blurted out. I offered a weak “Yes” and ran home.
I share this because there was a desire inside me to be good that God placed in my heart. When I became a Christian I believed I could finally be “good” all the time. After all, I was born again and had joined the church. But reality soon struck and being good all the time just didn’t happen. I felt like Paul, the Apostle, when he announced, “. . . for I have a desire to do what is good, but I can not carry it out” (Romans 7:18). This may sound like a lot of us but it’s not “the rest of the story”, as Paul Harvey used to say.
Recall
We must remember that we are all broken. We just don’t work right and we haven’t since the Garden issue with Adam and Eve. We are broken, and even though the Manufacturer has given us a detailed instruction Book, we fail to follow it as we should. The truth is, we will remain broken until the Manufacturer does a recall at His second coming.
Actually, we don’t have to sin. But we will sin, at least those of us who will admit it. That’s why the Bible offers these hopeful words, “But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). What a Savior!
I still want to be “good.” Not to earn points with God, but because I am compelled by His great love. And when I do blow it, I run to the cross and remind myself what it was all about. God said He would cast my sins to the bottom of the sea.
Do you see the “No Fishing” sign?
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By David Snyder. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Yet I Will Rejoice
Photo: Jun He
In the three short chapters of the unlikely book of Habakkuk we find a fascinating dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk is explaining to God that things are not going well in his life. Nothing is as it’s supposed to be. Habakkuk complains of injustices, violence, destruction and strife.
But God’s answer in chapter 1verse 5 is exciting: Look, watch, be amazed, because I’m going to do something great! However, Habakkuk doesn’t think God’s plan sounds all that great. It seems that God is going to allow them to be entirely wiped out by their enemies.
Fortunately, the prophet decides to climb up into the watchtower and wait for God to explain the answer. And God does. God also reminds Habakkuk that “if it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT).
Habakkuk must have been encouraged by God’s second answer because the final prayer he sings states that even though his livelihood is gone and his possessions have vanished, even if the cupboards are bare, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Five Reasons to Rejoice
From reading Scripture we can know that whatever is going wrong, whatever the trials are, we as Christians have at least five biblical reasons to rejoice.
In the three short chapters of the unlikely book of Habakkuk we find a fascinating dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk is explaining to God that things are not going well in his life. Nothing is as it’s supposed to be. Habakkuk complains of injustices, violence, destruction and strife.
But God’s answer in chapter 1verse 5 is exciting: Look, watch, be amazed, because I’m going to do something great! However, Habakkuk doesn’t think God’s plan sounds all that great. It seems that God is going to allow them to be entirely wiped out by their enemies.
Fortunately, the prophet decides to climb up into the watchtower and wait for God to explain the answer. And God does. God also reminds Habakkuk that “if it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT).
Habakkuk must have been encouraged by God’s second answer because the final prayer he sings states that even though his livelihood is gone and his possessions have vanished, even if the cupboards are bare, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Five Reasons to Rejoice
From reading Scripture we can know that whatever is going wrong, whatever the trials are, we as Christians have at least five biblical reasons to rejoice.
1. We have salvation (Isaiah 61:10).
2. Trials produce strong character (Romans 5: 1-5).
3. Trouble gives us an opportunity to witness (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
4. Enduring hard times focuses our attention on heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).
5. Jesus, our example, rejoiced in suffering (Luke 22:19-20).
I Peter 4:12-13 (NIV) says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
To those of us who are in the midst of trials, waiting for God’s glory to be revealed may be very difficult. It can help to remember that trials are temporary. God will eventually make everything right. In the mean time, we can follow Habakkuk’s example and climb up into our watch towers to steadfastly wait for God’s answers. And while we wait we can choose to rejoice through Jesus Christ.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Brenda Dickerson. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW LIVING TRANASLATION and the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Clogged Pipes
Photo: Dreamstime
I recently did some work on our downstairs shower. I installed a new shower faucet handle but I accidentally reversed the hot and cold. When I finally switched the pipes around I discovered the faucet handle had quit working properly. Only a dribble of water was coming out of the showerhead no matter which way I turned the handle. I checked to make sure I had turned all the water back on. Still it just wasn’t working.
So I called a toll free support line for this faucet. The operator was very kind and offered to send out another faucet cartridge at no charge. “Great!” I concluded. When I got the new cartridge and installed it, there was not one bit of difference in how much water dribbled out of the shower head. So I took the cartridge out, cleaned it, checked it over, read the instructions again and put it back in. Same problem.
I called the toll free support line once more. Another friendly operator offered to send out another faucet cartridge. I knew this one would do the trick. I was just having bad luck. But I was wrong. I went through the same routine and ended up with the same results. My patience was starting to dribble like the water out of the shower head.
I "Knew"
A third time I called the toll free support line. The kind operator listened to my whole story and then asked, “Have you taken the showerhead off to see if it might be clogged? Maybe that is where your problem is located.” I hadn’t tried this because I “knew” where the problem was located. But I said I would try this and then call back if it didn’t solve my problem.
I never called back. The problem was not the cartridge. It was somewhere else (a clogged showerhead).
That reminds me of a Bible verse I have often prayed: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting” (Psalms 139:23, 24). I admit that I often think I know where the problem is located, but when I continue to pray and listen to God speak to my heart, I discover the problem is somewhere else.
When you are having a “clogged pipe” experience in your life, slow down and pray this Psalms 139 prayer. Wait on God. Listen. You might discover your problem is not where you might think.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
I recently did some work on our downstairs shower. I installed a new shower faucet handle but I accidentally reversed the hot and cold. When I finally switched the pipes around I discovered the faucet handle had quit working properly. Only a dribble of water was coming out of the showerhead no matter which way I turned the handle. I checked to make sure I had turned all the water back on. Still it just wasn’t working.
So I called a toll free support line for this faucet. The operator was very kind and offered to send out another faucet cartridge at no charge. “Great!” I concluded. When I got the new cartridge and installed it, there was not one bit of difference in how much water dribbled out of the shower head. So I took the cartridge out, cleaned it, checked it over, read the instructions again and put it back in. Same problem.
I called the toll free support line once more. Another friendly operator offered to send out another faucet cartridge. I knew this one would do the trick. I was just having bad luck. But I was wrong. I went through the same routine and ended up with the same results. My patience was starting to dribble like the water out of the shower head.
I "Knew"
A third time I called the toll free support line. The kind operator listened to my whole story and then asked, “Have you taken the showerhead off to see if it might be clogged? Maybe that is where your problem is located.” I hadn’t tried this because I “knew” where the problem was located. But I said I would try this and then call back if it didn’t solve my problem.
I never called back. The problem was not the cartridge. It was somewhere else (a clogged showerhead).
That reminds me of a Bible verse I have often prayed: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting” (Psalms 139:23, 24). I admit that I often think I know where the problem is located, but when I continue to pray and listen to God speak to my heart, I discover the problem is somewhere else.
When you are having a “clogged pipe” experience in your life, slow down and pray this Psalms 139 prayer. Wait on God. Listen. You might discover your problem is not where you might think.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
The Perfect Storm
Photo: Dmitri Zakovorotny
The day had been clear, and the sea calm. Jesus had spent a busy day by the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds of people. He had spoken many of His parables explaining the kingdom of God. Jesus had worked many miracles healing the sick. All this activity hadn't allowed Him and his disciples time to eat and rest. So Jesus told His disciples to get into their boat and go to the other side of the lake. It wasn't as inhabited over there, and they would have some time to take a break and relax.
Since Jesus was so exhausted, He went to sleep almost as soon as He lay down in the back of the boat. While He slept, the disciples talked about what they would do during their time off. None of them suspected that disaster would soon threaten. All signs pointed to smooth sailing. But when it got dark, the weather changed drastically. A fierce storm swept in, and their boat was swamped.
The disciples had been in a lot of storms, but never anything like this. They tried everything to save themselves and the ship. Nothing helped. It would take a miracle to save them. They had been so busy in their efforts, they had forgotten all about Jesus. As the lightning flashed, they saw Him lying there asleep. They shook Him and cried out, "Teacher, don't You care that we're about to drown?" (Mark 4:38).
Amazed
Jesus awoke and calmly asked, "Why are you so afraid? You surely don't have much faith" (Matthew 8:26). Then Jesus got up and ordered the storm to stop. It did, and the wind and the waves got calm. The disciples were amazed. They exclaimed, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and waves do what He says?" (Verse 27).
Aren't we all sometimes like those disciples? When we're all jerked around with life's storms, we often forget all about Jesus, and try to save ourselves. We try to do things in our own strength, until we're worn out, and all our hope is gone. Then, when we finally do think about Jesus, we often wonder if He really cares what happens to us. But when we do cry out to Jesus, He will always hear us and come to our rescue.
Remember, friend, Jesus is the only One Who can give you peace, and calm the storms in your life. When you have Jesus on board, there's no reason ever to be afraid. Why not always make Jesus the captain of your ship? He will bring you safely into port.
The Bible says, "He made the storm stop and the sea be quiet. You were happy because of this, and He brought you to the port where you wanted to go" (Psalm 107:29, 30).
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the CONTEMPORAY ENGLISH VERSION ®.
The day had been clear, and the sea calm. Jesus had spent a busy day by the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds of people. He had spoken many of His parables explaining the kingdom of God. Jesus had worked many miracles healing the sick. All this activity hadn't allowed Him and his disciples time to eat and rest. So Jesus told His disciples to get into their boat and go to the other side of the lake. It wasn't as inhabited over there, and they would have some time to take a break and relax.
Since Jesus was so exhausted, He went to sleep almost as soon as He lay down in the back of the boat. While He slept, the disciples talked about what they would do during their time off. None of them suspected that disaster would soon threaten. All signs pointed to smooth sailing. But when it got dark, the weather changed drastically. A fierce storm swept in, and their boat was swamped.
The disciples had been in a lot of storms, but never anything like this. They tried everything to save themselves and the ship. Nothing helped. It would take a miracle to save them. They had been so busy in their efforts, they had forgotten all about Jesus. As the lightning flashed, they saw Him lying there asleep. They shook Him and cried out, "Teacher, don't You care that we're about to drown?" (Mark 4:38).
Amazed
Jesus awoke and calmly asked, "Why are you so afraid? You surely don't have much faith" (Matthew 8:26). Then Jesus got up and ordered the storm to stop. It did, and the wind and the waves got calm. The disciples were amazed. They exclaimed, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and waves do what He says?" (Verse 27).
Aren't we all sometimes like those disciples? When we're all jerked around with life's storms, we often forget all about Jesus, and try to save ourselves. We try to do things in our own strength, until we're worn out, and all our hope is gone. Then, when we finally do think about Jesus, we often wonder if He really cares what happens to us. But when we do cry out to Jesus, He will always hear us and come to our rescue.
Remember, friend, Jesus is the only One Who can give you peace, and calm the storms in your life. When you have Jesus on board, there's no reason ever to be afraid. Why not always make Jesus the captain of your ship? He will bring you safely into port.
The Bible says, "He made the storm stop and the sea be quiet. You were happy because of this, and He brought you to the port where you wanted to go" (Psalm 107:29, 30).
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the CONTEMPORAY ENGLISH VERSION ®.
Celebrating Sabbath
Photo: Dreamstime
As I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, I discover that God's Sabbath has been and always will be celebrated. As a gift to man, the Sabbath was given at Creation. It was observed through Old and New Testament times, and is mentioned as a day that will be celebrated even in the New Earth. Why? Celebrating Sabbath honors God as Creator and Redeemer is certainly worth holding on to throughout the ages.
It is also a joy to celebrate Sabbath throughout the phases of our earthly lives. I think of the great family traditions in my own childhood that made Sabbath special. There was the “Sabbath Box” that my mom got out only on Sabbath, which contained various crafts, books, and tapes. And I have to laugh when I think about the special treat of frozen dinners that we would have on Sabbath sometimes. Now my mom is an excellent cook, but for some reason, we thought TV dinners were some great luxury. So when the time-bake oven came into the picture, we could come home from church and smell the aroma of the TV dinners all cooked and ready to be eaten.
When I got older, I enjoyed special Bible knowledge games that my family played together on Sabbath. Music was also a great part of the special day.
Family Fun
When Mark and I married and had our own children, we passed on our love for the Sabbath to them and added some of our own family fun. For example, our kids had matching Minnie and Mickey Mouse sleeping bags. Since they didn't do a lot of camping at that age, they brought them into our room and camped each Friday night beside our bed.
Now that the children have grown up, we are in another phase of life with new traditions. But one thing that time does not change is our love and celebration of Sabbath. There are no kids camping in our room, but that same special presence of God that comes with the arrival of this time each week never leaves. I now enjoy sitting in a comfortable chair reading the Bible or an inspirational magazine or book. Or maybe taking a relaxing ride on the back of Mark's motorcycle and enjoying a scenic destination. A peaceful walk helps us forget for a few hours the cares of the past week and the ones that will, no doubt, be awaiting us in the coming week.
I imagine when we grow older, we will find even more ways to enjoy the Sabbath blessing. Perhaps we'll hold grandchildren on our laps and read them stories about Jesus and teach them songs of praise to God, their Creator. Perhaps age will cause us to nod off now and then during church services. Whatever comes with the years, though, will bring with it a continued love for this weekly celebration that was handed down first from God, then from our parents, followed by our sharing it with our own children.
As the hymn rings, "welcome, welcome, ever welcome, blessed Sabbath day", so ring our hearts with gladness for this special time of fellowship with our Creator and each other.
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
As I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, I discover that God's Sabbath has been and always will be celebrated. As a gift to man, the Sabbath was given at Creation. It was observed through Old and New Testament times, and is mentioned as a day that will be celebrated even in the New Earth. Why? Celebrating Sabbath honors God as Creator and Redeemer is certainly worth holding on to throughout the ages.
It is also a joy to celebrate Sabbath throughout the phases of our earthly lives. I think of the great family traditions in my own childhood that made Sabbath special. There was the “Sabbath Box” that my mom got out only on Sabbath, which contained various crafts, books, and tapes. And I have to laugh when I think about the special treat of frozen dinners that we would have on Sabbath sometimes. Now my mom is an excellent cook, but for some reason, we thought TV dinners were some great luxury. So when the time-bake oven came into the picture, we could come home from church and smell the aroma of the TV dinners all cooked and ready to be eaten.
When I got older, I enjoyed special Bible knowledge games that my family played together on Sabbath. Music was also a great part of the special day.
Family Fun
When Mark and I married and had our own children, we passed on our love for the Sabbath to them and added some of our own family fun. For example, our kids had matching Minnie and Mickey Mouse sleeping bags. Since they didn't do a lot of camping at that age, they brought them into our room and camped each Friday night beside our bed.
Now that the children have grown up, we are in another phase of life with new traditions. But one thing that time does not change is our love and celebration of Sabbath. There are no kids camping in our room, but that same special presence of God that comes with the arrival of this time each week never leaves. I now enjoy sitting in a comfortable chair reading the Bible or an inspirational magazine or book. Or maybe taking a relaxing ride on the back of Mark's motorcycle and enjoying a scenic destination. A peaceful walk helps us forget for a few hours the cares of the past week and the ones that will, no doubt, be awaiting us in the coming week.
I imagine when we grow older, we will find even more ways to enjoy the Sabbath blessing. Perhaps we'll hold grandchildren on our laps and read them stories about Jesus and teach them songs of praise to God, their Creator. Perhaps age will cause us to nod off now and then during church services. Whatever comes with the years, though, will bring with it a continued love for this weekly celebration that was handed down first from God, then from our parents, followed by our sharing it with our own children.
As the hymn rings, "welcome, welcome, ever welcome, blessed Sabbath day", so ring our hearts with gladness for this special time of fellowship with our Creator and each other.
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Holy Anger
Photo: Dreamstime
I was sure the entire hallway could hear our angry screams. I was also sure they’d heard my voice before; I wasn’t exactly the quietest of girls, and Sally and I always found some way to argue. I love Sally, but that doesn’t stop me from yelling at her. Just the opposite, I argue with her because I care so much about her.
I have the hardest time convincing people that I am showing care whenever I yell at them. If I claim to care about you, you need only check my voice levels when I’m around you for proof. And if I want to punch your face, and express that particular thought aloud, that is the highest form of love I can achieve. If I didn’t care about you, I would be indifferent to the way you treat me or the choices you make. As Elie Wiesel, holocaust survivor and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize once said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.”
At a Bible study one Friday night we were discussing Hosea and how God told him to marry a prostitute so that He could show Israel that they had been unfaithful to Him. Some particularly harsh passages in Hosea 2 had my eyes wide open and my hand over my mouth. God spoke of His anger towards Israel—his wife—in vivid language, threatening to expose her and bring charges against her, strip her naked, slaying her with thirst and making her like a desert. I listened to the words with discomfort until we got to verse 13: “ ‘she went after her lovers, but Me she forgot,’ says the Lord.”
Vulnerable
Those words made the God of the universe, the Maker of all, sound so… vulnerable. I had been shocked at seeing harsh words come from a God that everyone had told me was loving and compassionate, and then I remembered Sally. I love her so much I could not possibly be indifferent to her. God could have, very easily, sat on his throne in Heaven saying, “Okay, go ahead and make horrible choices that will harm you, I will do nothing to stop you. I don’t care what you do, I’ll be okay, because, frankly, I don’t care about you.” How would you respond if your significant other responded with a careless shrug after you confessed you had been unfaithful? You might wonder, did you ever love me at all?
Instead of not caring, God lowers himself to a negative, lowly emotion, caring so much about his unfaithful bride that He follows her through her unfaithfulness, trying to bring her back, and when she does come back He accepts her with open arms. “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy” Hosea 2:19 NKJV.
God is not indifferent to us, because He loves us. The anger of the Maker of all can seem terrifying, but God’s anger is not like our anger, it is holy anger. It is not impulsive and it is not to be paired with lightning. God’s anger comes from love; God’s anger is love. Best of all, God’s anger may be great, but it is always followed by His even greater compassion.
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By Raquel Levy. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
I was sure the entire hallway could hear our angry screams. I was also sure they’d heard my voice before; I wasn’t exactly the quietest of girls, and Sally and I always found some way to argue. I love Sally, but that doesn’t stop me from yelling at her. Just the opposite, I argue with her because I care so much about her.
I have the hardest time convincing people that I am showing care whenever I yell at them. If I claim to care about you, you need only check my voice levels when I’m around you for proof. And if I want to punch your face, and express that particular thought aloud, that is the highest form of love I can achieve. If I didn’t care about you, I would be indifferent to the way you treat me or the choices you make. As Elie Wiesel, holocaust survivor and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize once said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.”
At a Bible study one Friday night we were discussing Hosea and how God told him to marry a prostitute so that He could show Israel that they had been unfaithful to Him. Some particularly harsh passages in Hosea 2 had my eyes wide open and my hand over my mouth. God spoke of His anger towards Israel—his wife—in vivid language, threatening to expose her and bring charges against her, strip her naked, slaying her with thirst and making her like a desert. I listened to the words with discomfort until we got to verse 13: “ ‘she went after her lovers, but Me she forgot,’ says the Lord.”
Vulnerable
Those words made the God of the universe, the Maker of all, sound so… vulnerable. I had been shocked at seeing harsh words come from a God that everyone had told me was loving and compassionate, and then I remembered Sally. I love her so much I could not possibly be indifferent to her. God could have, very easily, sat on his throne in Heaven saying, “Okay, go ahead and make horrible choices that will harm you, I will do nothing to stop you. I don’t care what you do, I’ll be okay, because, frankly, I don’t care about you.” How would you respond if your significant other responded with a careless shrug after you confessed you had been unfaithful? You might wonder, did you ever love me at all?
Instead of not caring, God lowers himself to a negative, lowly emotion, caring so much about his unfaithful bride that He follows her through her unfaithfulness, trying to bring her back, and when she does come back He accepts her with open arms. “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy” Hosea 2:19 NKJV.
God is not indifferent to us, because He loves us. The anger of the Maker of all can seem terrifying, but God’s anger is not like our anger, it is holy anger. It is not impulsive and it is not to be paired with lightning. God’s anger comes from love; God’s anger is love. Best of all, God’s anger may be great, but it is always followed by His even greater compassion.
Respond to this articleView Reader Comments
______________________________
By Raquel Levy. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
Midnight Visitor
Photo: David Kay
Like many Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), I think the pop music I enjoyed in my youth is classic. I recently browsed the web and listened to a song I really liked 30 years ago. It’s about a woman who died and her horse broke out of its stall and ran away. The man in her life believes that even though she died that she would come back to visit him and they would ride this special horse together.
Have you ever found yourself listening more carefully to the lyrics of some of these old songs when you became an adult? I love the flow and melody of this song, but had never really thought about the message behind it. When people die, can they come back in some spirit form to visit you?
The Bible talks about what happens at death. There are many verses that explain what happens when people die … and what you will read may surprise you. It’s not like many movies, books, or songs tell you. For instance, Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing…” What does that mean?
The Bible tells us death is like sleep. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, the Apostle Paul says, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” Jesus also spoke about death as a sleep when referring to Lazarus, a friend of His who died. “After He had said this, He went on to tell them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’ His disciples replied, ‘Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.’ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. So then He told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead’” (John 11:11-14).
Detestable
God warned people to not be involved with those who supposedly communicate with the dead. “Let no one be found among you who … is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). That’s pretty strong language. It should stop and make us think carefully before spending our time reading popular books or watching movies like Twilight or Harry Potter.
When people die they go to the grave until the resurrection. Everyone will be raised again someday. Some to everlasting life and others to face the judgment and be destroyed forever (see John 5:28-29). Until that time, the dead rest in their graves. They do not think or plan or work. Their thoughts have perished (see Psalm 146:4).
I like horses and it is sad when someone special dies. But I would think twice about someone who is dead coming to visit me. The Bible says the dead do not know anything. So, who is impersonating dead people who supposedly come back to life? That’s a very good question. Find out for yourself what the Bible says.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
Like many Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), I think the pop music I enjoyed in my youth is classic. I recently browsed the web and listened to a song I really liked 30 years ago. It’s about a woman who died and her horse broke out of its stall and ran away. The man in her life believes that even though she died that she would come back to visit him and they would ride this special horse together.
Have you ever found yourself listening more carefully to the lyrics of some of these old songs when you became an adult? I love the flow and melody of this song, but had never really thought about the message behind it. When people die, can they come back in some spirit form to visit you?
The Bible talks about what happens at death. There are many verses that explain what happens when people die … and what you will read may surprise you. It’s not like many movies, books, or songs tell you. For instance, Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing…” What does that mean?
The Bible tells us death is like sleep. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, the Apostle Paul says, “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” Jesus also spoke about death as a sleep when referring to Lazarus, a friend of His who died. “After He had said this, He went on to tell them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’ His disciples replied, ‘Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.’ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. So then He told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead’” (John 11:11-14).
Detestable
God warned people to not be involved with those who supposedly communicate with the dead. “Let no one be found among you who … is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). That’s pretty strong language. It should stop and make us think carefully before spending our time reading popular books or watching movies like Twilight or Harry Potter.
When people die they go to the grave until the resurrection. Everyone will be raised again someday. Some to everlasting life and others to face the judgment and be destroyed forever (see John 5:28-29). Until that time, the dead rest in their graves. They do not think or plan or work. Their thoughts have perished (see Psalm 146:4).
I like horses and it is sad when someone special dies. But I would think twice about someone who is dead coming to visit me. The Bible says the dead do not know anything. So, who is impersonating dead people who supposedly come back to life? That’s a very good question. Find out for yourself what the Bible says.
Respond to this article View Reader Comments
______________________________
By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.