Just Reach Out

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4, New American Standard Bible).

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5
Song: "Channels Only"

Todd gripped the jail cell's window bars and looked outside in despair. He hadn't meant to get caught selling cocaine. Now he was locked up for a long time.

He's been learning about the occult and figured he'd use his jail time to learn more about psychic phenomena. As he pondered these things, Todd looked up and saw two inmates looking at him. One held out his hand. "We wanted to introduce ourselves," the man said.

When they discovered his interest in psychic matters, the other man said he'd pursued the same thing, but "then I met Jesus Christ and was baptized." Todd listened closely and then began meeting with the men for a Bible study led by a jail volunteer. Todd was baptized in jail. After his release, Todd married, became a business owner, and eventually served as a deacon in his church.

Todd's two jail mates could have chosen to read their Bibles or pray that day. Instead, they reached out to help someone else. And so I'm seriously considering: Who in my world of associations needs a helping hand today?

Prayer: Lord, I don't know exactly who I'll encounter today, but give me the eyes to see needs and willingness to help. Thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Tomorrow

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow." James 4:14

Tomorrow - The Greek word aurion really means the time that comes right after. So, of course, it gets translated as tomorrow, the time right after today. But what James says in this verse is not true just about tomorrow. It is true about every "next" moment of human life. We don't know what the next moment will bring. Human life is always lived on the moving edge of that smallest of separations between what can never be done again and what is not yet done.

As I reflect back on this year, I see that I never had to wait for tomorrow for life to send me into an upheaval. One minute things seem so normal. The next minute, life was chaos. We can plan for the future, but the future rarely cares about our plans. This is the sense of James' warning. You really have no idea what is going to happen next and more importantly, you have no control over it either.

Take a moment to recall those times in the last year when life took a sudden turn. My guess is that most of those moments were unexpected. I believe that God engineers the universe to be intentionally unpredictable. In spite of the incredible order to things, and the persistent relationship of cause and effect in the inanimate world, human life resists predictability at the only level that counts the individual level. Sure, we can say that statistics show that 1 in every 20 American will contract heart disease this year, or that there will be approximately 40 deaths on the highway, or that 3 million children will be born. But none of that says a thing about what will happen to you, and what happens to you is the only statistic that counts. God inserts a little chaos into every life on purpose. He wants us to face our lack of control and turn in dependence to Him. He is God of the Universe. He is sovereign. And He does not want us to forget it.

There are a few things that I know for certain about tomorrow. They are the few very important things. I know that I am God's child and that no matter what happens; He will be with me tomorrow. I know that tomorrow is in His hands even if it is not in mine. And I know that life for me extends to every tomorrow, forever.

James warns us. When we begin to think we have all of our horizons planned, we are being foolish. None of us knows the future. But there is one horizon that we can plan on with confidence. It is the one guaranteed by God for all His children to live forever with Him.

- Taken from Today's Word

The Vine and the Branches

John 15:1-17

What to say about this passage? It's pretty tough to interpret, that's for sure!

This was spoken to the disciples. In that way, I believe it is targeted towards professing believers.

From v4-v5: You must abide in Jesus, you will not be able to bear fruit unless in working through the power of Jesus.

We are branches, he is the vine. We are connected in that way. You cannot bear fruit if you are not connected to the vine (v.5). For those that bear a little fruit, He will prune you to bear more fruit. Those that bear much fruit remain in Him, and He in them. And for those that bear no fruit, they will be picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (I don't think this is particularly about losing salvation, rather it's saying that if you don't bear fruit, you are useless to Him.)

But what is this fruit we speak of? Is it the qualities of a good and moral life?
Is it bringing people to Christ? The fruit is for the Father's glory (v.8), and it is to be fruit that last (v.16). I see it as the external actions of an internal connection with God. The vine supports the branches. You don't see how the branches draw water and nourishment from the vine, but it does. The healthy relationship with the vine is marked by fruit produced on the branches. Similarly, a healthy relationship with Christ will bear external fruit.

I challenge you guys to abide in Christ. Let His will be the first thought in your mind each morning and the last prayer before you go to sleep.

-Richard Chong

Birth Announcement

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10).

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Song: "How Great Our Joy"

Often a man can tell you in exquisitie detail all the intricacies of a make and model of car. But when it comes to remembering the vital statistics of a newborn baby, some men do well to recall even the gender of the child!

Interestingly, it was men who first received news of the Savior's birth. The birth announcement came to these shepherds via what some might call a singing telegram. The shepherds were thrilled to hear the news and rushed to the "Maternity ward" to see the infant child. Mary, the baby's mothers, "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (v.19) Even a musty stable couldn't dampen the joy of birthing this promised child.

Sometimes the human side of Jesus' birth gets overlooked when we reflect upon the Christmas story. Just as glorious as a divine Savior coming to earth is the fact that He came as a bouncing baby boy. Like us (and with us) Jesus experiences all the ups and downs and twists of like. At Christmas, the supernatual and natural became one in the person of Christ. What good news!

Prayer: Dear God, my joy is great when I, like Mary, ponder all the events that unfolded on that very first Christmas. I stand in awe of Your love that orchestrated the events leading to my salvation. Thank You, Father, in the name of Your worthy Son. Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Weakness

"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26

Weakness - Sick! That's the usual meaning of the Greek word astheneia. It comes from the negative of shtenos, a word that means, "strength or power." This word is used many times to describe those people that Jesus healed. They had sick bodies and sick spirits. They just couldn't do things for themselves. Here Paul uses the word as a metaphor to describe the general condition of being human powerless!

Anyone who has ever faced an addiction knows very personally the meaning of this word. "We admitted that we were powerless." That is the beginning of recovery an admission of weakness. Powerless over the force within that ravages us. Powerless to stop doing what we know is killing us. Powerless to pull ourselves out of the spiral of destruction. But now Paul uses this word to describe the powerlessness of believers in their desire to pray correctly. As believers, we are no longer under the power of that evil grip that sought to destroy us. But that does not mean we are suddenly transformed into super-human resurrected warriors. The weakness is part of who we are. It is designed into us on purpose. God's intention is to let our weakness become His glory. As we saw yesterday, He is the active agent here. His help comes because He is glorifying himself through us, not because He expects us to share the load with Him. This was the pattern of Jesus' life that the Father might be glorified through Him.

Here we see the wonder of the Spirit in the weakness of our prayers. How many times have I gone to my knees and just not known how to express what was on my heart? It is as though my whole being ached to tell God all about my trials and burdens, but I couldn't form the right words. And most importantly, my desire to pray "according to His will" seemed so frustrated by the limit of my earthly vision. I just didn't know what His will was, so how could I pray correctly? What I love about God is that He pays attention to my motives, no matter how deeply embedded they are in all the clutter of my life. He knows what I want to say. So, precisely because of my weakness, the Spirit lifts up my own mind and voice and prays through my powerlessness to the glory of the Father. Amen!

- Taken from Today's Word

Spiritual Gifts

Today's devo taken from: 1 Cor 12:14-20 [1 Cor 12. (in context)]

I wanted to talk to you guys about being envious of others spiritual gifts, as well as gifts in general. Do you guys believe in spiritual gifts though, that it can happen today? It seems pretty far-fetched for some, it takes a lot of faith to believe in the gifts, especially if you haven't witnessed it before. There are some that doubt, even after witnessing... so I can understand. Remember, the early church in Acts was moved by the Holy Spirit, where our gifts come from. The church was so successful back then, because people could demonstrate that they were truly transformed through the Spirit. If you want to demonstrate your faith, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life, transform you, and your Spiritual gifts will manifest. I know I have the gift of prophecy, but I know that there is more that God will grant me, if only I ask. So what are your spiritual gifts?

That isn't my main thought though. Look at 1 Cor 12:14-20. Everyone is given different gifts, and everyone is equal under the eyes of the Lord. Those that can speak in tongues aren't greater than those with the gift of healing. Those that can perform miracles are no better than those that possess wisdom through the Spirit. We all function as members of one body. All parts are necessary to perform! That's what Paul is saying here. Some gifts seem more honourable, and dare I say "flashy". People see the gifts, and say "Man, I wish I had that gift.". That isn't the way we're supposed to do things. We are to raise up with those that seem like they have "less honourable gifts" so that there is no division in the body. Those with "flashy" gifts are already given their due praise. Be satisfied with your gifts, and not envious of others. If it bothers you that much, ask God for more gifts, and He will give you more. But remember, your gifts are useless unless motivated by love. (See 1 Cor. 13).

-Richard

Heavenly Reassurance

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5)

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-5
Song: "Blessed Assurance"

You needed some reassurance, a few encouraging words, or a pat on the back to help you keep going amidst tough obstacles. We've all been there.

As I watched the U.S. figure skating championships on television, I noticed that most of the skaters received a few brief words from their coaches before launching onto the ice to present their programs. The words seemed to fuel their enthusiasm and usually sent them to the ice with a confident smile. A little reassurance can do wonders.

Peter, James, and John were at a low point. A few days earlier, their beloved Jesus had spoken to them of His coming death. Jesus knew their discouragement. Is that why He asked them to accompany Him to the mountaintop to witness a spectacular, miraculous light show?

One thing is certain. Seeing Jesus' heavenly splendor, glimpsing the great Moses and Elijah, and hearing the voice from Heaven must have launched Peter, James, and John into their future ministries with all the confidence in the worlds.

Prayer: O God, speak words of comfort and encouragement into my life today. I do not ask for miraculous demonstations, but should I hear Your still small voice today, I will be thankful. Through Christ, amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Sour Grapes

"Why do you quote this proverb in the land Israel: "The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste"?" - Ezekiel 18:2

When bad things happen the usual question is WHY? It is usually assumed that bad things happen because of somebody's actions. Very often this is the case- cause and effect can be traced. But while this is true, we should not blame everything on somebody else.

That is what the people of Israel tended to do. As they sat in exile, they recited the ancient proverb, " The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste" (Ezekiel 18:2). They were saying, in essence," We are in this predicament because of what our forebears did. Where's the justice in that?" At its root this question challenged the Lord's justice and impeached his holiness. The Lord, through Ezekiel, had an immediate answer. He instructed his people: "As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you will not say this proverb anymore in Israel" (18:3). Why not? Because, as God then explained," All people are mine to judge.... and this is my rule: The person who sins will be the one who dies.... Righteous people will be rewarded for their own goodness, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness" (18:4, 20). No doubt this instruction came as a shock to the people of Israel, especially because the Lord had taught them, " I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations" (Exodus 20:5).

There is some comfort in being able to blame someone else for your misfortune. And because our lives are inextricably bound up in each others', there is a sense in which the actions of one will inevitably affect the experience of another. The actions of a parent will no doubt contribute to the makeup of the child, and this makeup will include tendencies that may lead to wrong actions. But this does not absolve an individual from the consequences of his own sin. Each person is fully responsible for what he chooses to do.

We need to understand this principle clearly. In our day we see the link between our genetics, our environment, and our behavior- and we tend to blame everything on genetics and environment!Yet whatever our "nature or nurture," the bad news is that we are individually responsible for our actions. But the good news is we can be individually forgiven! If you accept individual responsibility, you can enjoy personal forgiveness. This God offers because He is not only just, but gracious, too.

Receive Nothing

"A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven." John 3:27

Receive nothing - The Greek expression (lambanein ouden) carries the sense of not being able to take with our hands. The verb lambano often is associated with a self-motivated action of receiving even if the action is not really favorable. We have a contemporary expression that captures it "Grab all you can get." John the Baptist is expressing the world's view of possessing I will take this for myself. This is not necessarily a spiritual term. But John adds something the world does not see. We cannot take anything into our hands unless God gives it. The meaning behind John's words is clear: nothing comes to us, even if we think it is due to our own actions, unless it has already been given to us by God.

This verse was an answer to a question. The question of his disciples was about priorities. They were complaining. "Master, Jesus is doing the same thing you do. But many people are following him. You were the first one to proclaim this message. You are entitled to better treatment. He is usurping your authority. Why don't you stop him?" Most of us would have agreed with these men. "Wait a minute. You're right. I should get my due. I set him up. I gave him my endorsement. I should be more important. Crowds should recognize me." But John sees a deeper meaning to life. Life is not about him at all. It is about God's purposes. So he tells his disciples, "You don't understand. I did not grab this fame by my own efforts. God gave it to me. And if God moves me to the background, He has His purposes for that too." Doesn't this sound like Job "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

How often have we been passed over or put aside and we complained? How many times has our importance diminished and we felt slighted? The world sees fame and status as a product of our own efforts grab all you can get. John tells us something far more important. God gives first. And what we have can only come because God gives first. Look at what you have taken with your own hands. Now view it as the gift of God. You can't take anything for yourself without His involvement first. Another confirmation. God gives.

- Taken from Today's Word

Active Compassion

Every so often when I walk into my office in the morning, I find a surprise on my desk. Not long ago the item was a sunflower coffee mug dropped off by a fellow employee. She had seen it in a shop and knew it would cheer up my wife—so she bought it and left it on my desk with an encouraging note.

It was my pleasure to take that gift home to my wife Sue and to give it to her in the name of the woman who wanted to encourage her.

This person could have simply thought about my wife. She could have talked to someone about her in a positive way. But those things don’t come close to providing the encouragement that comes from taking action.

In 1 John 3:18, John talked about what we are to do when we see others in need. He told us to have active compassion: “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed.” When we see a need, it’s good to talk about it, but we must also do something about it. We are instructed: “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Ask the Holy Spirit to place someone on your heart to help in Jesus’ name. Then take action. Make a difference today. Send a card. Give a gift. Offer a ride. Make a call. Love in deed is love indeed.
—Dave Branon

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today. —K. De Haan

Compassion is love in action.

Taken from Our Daily Bread... sorry for the late post

"By the Grace of God I Am What I Am"

By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain . . . —1 Corinthians 15:10

The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God’s perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, "Oh, I shouldn’t claim to be sanctified; I’m not a saint." But to say that before God means, "No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn’t possible." That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.

Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, "Thank God, I know I am saved and sanctified," is in God’s eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.

There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.

Taken from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest"