Date: July 11, 2010 9:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Creation
God and Creation
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities...have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).
Scripture Focus: Romans 1:18-25
The war between proponents of intelligent design and evolution rages on with evolutionists controlling academia. Noted author of The God Delusion, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins argues that a super-natural creator almost certainly does not exist. In a 2005 interview, Dawkins called atheism the logical extension of understanding evolution. Recently he asserted that aliens are more likely than a god to have created human beings.
Contrast this with a man Brother Andrew met in a remote Russian forest. This man saw God through creation as he walked through the forest and was moved with desire to know Him. He had knowledge of salvation's plan from beginning to end without ever having been told: God divinely revealed it. He expressed tearful amazement that it was recorded somewhere-he'd never seen a Bible.
One brilliant man can see only his own conclusions; another man sees and hears the shout of creation gloriously proclaiming the beauty and power of its divine Creator.
Insight: Today, stop and look at the earth and sky. Note their visible qualities and receive what they reveal about God. They are His constant witnesses.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
+DEV+ God and Fruit Trees
Date: July 8, 2010 8:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Fruit Trees
God and Fruit Trees
"His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season..." (Psalm 1:2-3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 1:1-6
We are constantly buffeted by the world's news. War, rumors of war, financial crisis, joblessness, famine, earth quakes, etc. are things we absorb into our souls everyday. Some of us are news junkies and feed on it; others know just enough to stay informed or avoid it altogether. Yet in stark contrast there is this incredible picture of promise, peace and prosperity from an anonymous psalmist.
Verse 1 urges us to ignore the advice of the wicked, avoid constant companionship with habitual sinners and refrain from joining in with those who mock and ridicule God; interesting, since this is often the media's voice. It's no wonder that we live with nagging anxiety and worry.
The antidote is not to avoid the media but to tip the scales in favor of refreshing and replenishing ourselves with God's Word. The more we do, the more His water of life will reach our dry spirits. Then we'll be like leafy trees planted by a river . . . prospering, bearing fruit and never withering regardless of the news!
Insight: What do you think about most? Make an honest assessment of the fruit of your thinking. You can live in peace by changing fruitless habits.
Topic: +DEV+ God and Fruit Trees
God and Fruit Trees
"His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season..." (Psalm 1:2-3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 1:1-6
We are constantly buffeted by the world's news. War, rumors of war, financial crisis, joblessness, famine, earth quakes, etc. are things we absorb into our souls everyday. Some of us are news junkies and feed on it; others know just enough to stay informed or avoid it altogether. Yet in stark contrast there is this incredible picture of promise, peace and prosperity from an anonymous psalmist.
Verse 1 urges us to ignore the advice of the wicked, avoid constant companionship with habitual sinners and refrain from joining in with those who mock and ridicule God; interesting, since this is often the media's voice. It's no wonder that we live with nagging anxiety and worry.
The antidote is not to avoid the media but to tip the scales in favor of refreshing and replenishing ourselves with God's Word. The more we do, the more His water of life will reach our dry spirits. Then we'll be like leafy trees planted by a river . . . prospering, bearing fruit and never withering regardless of the news!
Insight: What do you think about most? Make an honest assessment of the fruit of your thinking. You can live in peace by changing fruitless habits.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
+DEV+ God and Seasons
Date: July 7, 2010 11:14 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Seasons
God and Seasons
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-12
The complete passage about the seasons of life has an ebb and flow, like the rhythm of the tides: the tides come in; the tides go out, the tides come in, the tides go out . . . Every phrase is conjoined with its opposite in an inexorably linked cycle.
Because we live within these seasons, change is at the root of our being. The rhythm of change is part of every life. We see it in creation: the turning of the seasons; sunrise, sunset; the planting, the harvest. We see change in our bodies, our understanding, our relationships, our activities, our employment, our country. The rhythms repeat.
Yet many of us are caught off guard and obstinately resist change. Some come unexpectedly; some are infinitely less pleasant than others and can only be patiently endured. Each season has much to teach us. In God every season offers promise and fulfillment, the very most glorious one awaiting us: when we shall all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet call (1 Corinthians 15:51).
Insight: What season do you find yourself in? God ordains the length of the seasons and every one produces good fruit if we're open.
Topic: +DEV+ God and Seasons
God and Seasons
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-12
The complete passage about the seasons of life has an ebb and flow, like the rhythm of the tides: the tides come in; the tides go out, the tides come in, the tides go out . . . Every phrase is conjoined with its opposite in an inexorably linked cycle.
Because we live within these seasons, change is at the root of our being. The rhythm of change is part of every life. We see it in creation: the turning of the seasons; sunrise, sunset; the planting, the harvest. We see change in our bodies, our understanding, our relationships, our activities, our employment, our country. The rhythms repeat.
Yet many of us are caught off guard and obstinately resist change. Some come unexpectedly; some are infinitely less pleasant than others and can only be patiently endured. Each season has much to teach us. In God every season offers promise and fulfillment, the very most glorious one awaiting us: when we shall all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet call (1 Corinthians 15:51).
Insight: What season do you find yourself in? God ordains the length of the seasons and every one produces good fruit if we're open.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
+DEV+ God and the Wind and Waves
Date: July 6, 2010 10:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Wind and Waves
God and the Wind and Waves
"'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves..." (Matthew 8:25-26).
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41
This familiar passage refers to the time when the disciples and Jesus were together in a boat traveling across a lake. A sudden storm blew up, and high waves broke into the boat which began to take in water. They were in extreme danger, yet Jesus slept at the back of the boat, undisturbed by the sea's violence. They woke Him shouting, "Don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38). They were shocked (Mark 4:41) when after a word from Jesus, the raging sea instantly obeyed His command.
Although Jesus was physically with the disciples, they still felt themselves in danger. That's how we feel sometimes, as if we have to shout and wake up the sleeping Jesus to do something. "Why are you afraid?" He asks. He is teaching us to trust Him. Even during the fiercest storms when we're knee deep in water, when we fear everything is lost, Jesus is always in command. Our lack of faith is exposed during these times, but He can instantly calm any storm at any moment. Do not be afraid. You will live!
Insight: If a storm is brewing in your life, try to transition from anxious mental repetition into trusting prayer. God will calm the storm inside.
Topic: +DEV+ God and the Wind and Waves
God and the Wind and Waves
"'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves..." (Matthew 8:25-26).
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41
This familiar passage refers to the time when the disciples and Jesus were together in a boat traveling across a lake. A sudden storm blew up, and high waves broke into the boat which began to take in water. They were in extreme danger, yet Jesus slept at the back of the boat, undisturbed by the sea's violence. They woke Him shouting, "Don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38). They were shocked (Mark 4:41) when after a word from Jesus, the raging sea instantly obeyed His command.
Although Jesus was physically with the disciples, they still felt themselves in danger. That's how we feel sometimes, as if we have to shout and wake up the sleeping Jesus to do something. "Why are you afraid?" He asks. He is teaching us to trust Him. Even during the fiercest storms when we're knee deep in water, when we fear everything is lost, Jesus is always in command. Our lack of faith is exposed during these times, but He can instantly calm any storm at any moment. Do not be afraid. You will live!
Insight: If a storm is brewing in your life, try to transition from anxious mental repetition into trusting prayer. God will calm the storm inside.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Bible,
reveals the mind of God, the state of man,
the way of salvation, the doom of sinners,
and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts binding,
its histories are true, its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you,
and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff,
the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword,
and the Christian's charter.
Here, Heaven is opened and the gates of
hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design,
the glory of God its end.
It should fill your memory, rule your heart,
and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is given in life, will be opened in the judgment,
and will be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward
the greatest labor, and will condemn all those who
trifle with its sacred contents.
Owned, it is riches; studied, it is wisdom; trusted, it
is salvation; loved, it is character; and obeyed, it
is power.
~author unknown~
reveals the mind of God, the state of man,
the way of salvation, the doom of sinners,
and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts binding,
its histories are true, its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you,
and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff,
the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword,
and the Christian's charter.
Here, Heaven is opened and the gates of
hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design,
the glory of God its end.
It should fill your memory, rule your heart,
and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is given in life, will be opened in the judgment,
and will be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward
the greatest labor, and will condemn all those who
trifle with its sacred contents.
Owned, it is riches; studied, it is wisdom; trusted, it
is salvation; loved, it is character; and obeyed, it
is power.
~author unknown~
Sunday, July 4, 2010
+DEV+ God and the New Eden
Date: July 4, 2010 8:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God and the New Eden
God and the New Eden
"the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them" (Isaiah 11:6).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 11:1-10
YouTube has a clip that seems to foreshadow this. Two men raised a lion cub in domesticity but had to release him into the wild after he matured. Later the young men looked for and found the lion and his mate in their natural habitat. They had no idea whether he would remember them since he had long been among his own kind. After a moment's hesitation the lion recognized them and bounded joyfully into their arms! His lioness followed suit, showing no fear of the strangers.
These occurrences and the world Isaiah describes fascinate us: they are beyond normal, yet we instinctively feel they shouldn't be. Eden still glimmers faintly within us in our longing for a perfect world. Isaiah foresaw a renewed earth and world order, as did John (Revelation 21, 22), in which Jesus will reign over nature and mankind! Though it won't happen in this world because it is too broken, God promises an incredible future in which we will experience what Isaiah describes, the home God always intended for us. Eden!
Insight: Do not let a dismissive "pie in the sky" attitude rob you of a pleasurable anticipation of the future God has planned. It's your destiny!
Topic: +DEV+ God and the New Eden
God and the New Eden
"the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them" (Isaiah 11:6).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 11:1-10
YouTube has a clip that seems to foreshadow this. Two men raised a lion cub in domesticity but had to release him into the wild after he matured. Later the young men looked for and found the lion and his mate in their natural habitat. They had no idea whether he would remember them since he had long been among his own kind. After a moment's hesitation the lion recognized them and bounded joyfully into their arms! His lioness followed suit, showing no fear of the strangers.
These occurrences and the world Isaiah describes fascinate us: they are beyond normal, yet we instinctively feel they shouldn't be. Eden still glimmers faintly within us in our longing for a perfect world. Isaiah foresaw a renewed earth and world order, as did John (Revelation 21, 22), in which Jesus will reign over nature and mankind! Though it won't happen in this world because it is too broken, God promises an incredible future in which we will experience what Isaiah describes, the home God always intended for us. Eden!
Insight: Do not let a dismissive "pie in the sky" attitude rob you of a pleasurable anticipation of the future God has planned. It's your destiny!
Friday, July 2, 2010
+DEV+ God and Weedy Impostors
Date: July 2, 2010 12:09 AM
Topic: +DEV+ God and Weedy Impostors
God and Weedy Impostors
"'Where did the weeds come from?' 'An enemy has done this,' he replied. The servants asked, 'Do you want us to pull them up?' 'No...you may root up the wheat with them...'" (Matthew 13:27b-29).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:24-29
Here's the devil's crafty plan: Plant impostors (weeds) among the body of Christ (wheat) and use them as instruments of deception; people who are loved and respected will more easily dupe others into ungodly thinking or behavior. It is easy for any of us to turn a blind eye or to spiritualize and excuse wrong when our love and loyalty are involved. Satan seeks to thwart the renewing of our minds to maintain control over our thoughts, slowing our maturation which would be deadly to him. This is one reason it is important to follow uncompromisingly the teachings of the Scriptures. Love for our friends should never alter the rule of God's Word over our own lives.
But neither must believers be judgmental and self-righteous. We're to love everyone, just not blindly! Love and approval are not synonymous.
I can love you and not agree with what you do;
I can share my concerns. Still, we're not "holy weeders." We could accidentally uproot wheat! Only God can perfectly judge anyone's heart.
Insight: The people in your life that seem a bit weedy need your love and your prayers, most of all. Pray for guidance.
Topic: +DEV+ God and Weedy Impostors
God and Weedy Impostors
"'Where did the weeds come from?' 'An enemy has done this,' he replied. The servants asked, 'Do you want us to pull them up?' 'No...you may root up the wheat with them...'" (Matthew 13:27b-29).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:24-29
Here's the devil's crafty plan: Plant impostors (weeds) among the body of Christ (wheat) and use them as instruments of deception; people who are loved and respected will more easily dupe others into ungodly thinking or behavior. It is easy for any of us to turn a blind eye or to spiritualize and excuse wrong when our love and loyalty are involved. Satan seeks to thwart the renewing of our minds to maintain control over our thoughts, slowing our maturation which would be deadly to him. This is one reason it is important to follow uncompromisingly the teachings of the Scriptures. Love for our friends should never alter the rule of God's Word over our own lives.
But neither must believers be judgmental and self-righteous. We're to love everyone, just not blindly! Love and approval are not synonymous.
I can love you and not agree with what you do;
I can share my concerns. Still, we're not "holy weeders." We could accidentally uproot wheat! Only God can perfectly judge anyone's heart.
Insight: The people in your life that seem a bit weedy need your love and your prayers, most of all. Pray for guidance.
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