Get Moving!

April 30, 2013

Get Moving!

Exodus 14:15-31

Read Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!" Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! (Exodus 14:15-22)

Reflect The Lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving! Prayer illustrates our dependence upon God, but action shows that we live by faith. Sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance to postpone actually doing it. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving. Some scholars believe the Israelites did not cross the main body of the Red Sea. They point to the shallow lakes and marshes to the north that dry up at certain times of the year or perhaps a smaller branch of the Red Sea where the water would have been shallow enough to wade across. But this fails to explain what prevented the Egyptian army from pursuing the people. The Bible, on the other hand, clearly states that the Lord drove the sea back "with a strong east wind" and turned "the seabed into dry land." Also, the water was deep enough to cover the chariots. The Israelites had no apparent way of escape, but the Lord opened up a dry path through the sea. Sometimes we find ourselves caught in a problem and see no way out. Don't panic; God can open up a way. The God who created the earth and water performed a mighty miracle at exactly the right time to demonstrate his great power and love for his people.

Respond Have you been praying for God's guidance? Perhaps like Moses, it's time to take some steps in faith. You may not see how you'll make it through, but when you reach the other side you'll be able to echo the psalmist: "Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there!" (Psalm 77:19) Ask God to give you the courage to take steps forward.

Positive Thought #2 For 04-30-13

Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
—John Wesley. © 1951 Singspiration

Our salvation was infinitely costly to God, but it is absolutely free to us.

Positive Thought For 04-30-13

Hope this positive thought helps you today: The Bible says you don't have to worry about anything, just take all your concerns to the Lord in prayer with a thankful heart. (See Phil. 4:6)

Devotional For Men

Tuesday April 30, 2013

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.

Ephesians 6:14, NLT

Signs of various sizes dot our highways these days, urging us to buckle up. We put on seat belts, not to prevent accidents but in recognition that accidents happen. A seat belt may prevent some of the deadly results of an accident. Belts hold things together. They keep you in your seat; they keep your pants up; and they minimize the effects of an expanding waistline . . . putting on a belt is a moment of truth. When the apostle Paul described God's armor for spiritual warfare he began with the belt. When a Roman soldier put on his gear, there were three items for constant wear: the shoes, the body armor, and the cinch belt. Other items (sword, helmet, shield) were worn as needed but not always. The first three were uniform; the last three were weaponry. The belt held the undergarments in place and provided a point of attachment for the body armor and sword. When he buckled up, a soldier began to get ready for battle. That was a moment of truth. In that action he deliberately added to his outfit as a citizen the uniform of a warrior. He picked up his helmet, sword, and shield on the way out the door. Paul calls the first item of God's armor the "belt of truth." This is not the first time he has mentioned "truth" in this short letter. In 1:13 he says, "And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you." He describes the footwear of a Christian soldier as "the peace that comes from the Good News" (6:15). We apply the Good News to our lives as a belt, and we spread it as peace to others wherever we walk. The truth of the gospel has to change us before we can expect it to affect others through us. In chapter four, Paul mentions "truth" four times (vv. 14, 15, 21, 25). He is describing the way believers should treat each other within Christ's body, speaking and acting out of truth and honesty. Honesty with Christ and with our fellow soldiers in his service becomes the essential first action we take each day in recognition that we don't belong to ourselves. We belong to Christ. We follow his orders. We serve him. And we dress for the battle, deliberately cinching truth around us again.

Proverbs 9:10-18

Proverbs 9

10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom.
  Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

11 Wisdom will multiply your days
  and add years to your life.
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
  If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Folly Calls for a Hearing
13 The woman named Folly is brash.
  She is ignorant and doesn't know it.
14 She sits in her doorway
  on the heights overlooking the city.
15 She calls out to men going by
  who are minding their own business.
16 "Come in with me," she urges the simple.
  To those who lack good judgment, she says,
17 "Stolen water is refreshing;
  food eaten in secret tastes the best!"
18 But little do they know that the dead are there.
  Her guests are in the depths of the grave.*

Our Daily Bread For 04-30-13

READ: 1 Peter 1:3-9

[God’s] abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. —1 Peter 1:3

I am amazed at the unbelievable offers that flood my e-mail box every day. Recently, I added up the offers of free money that came to me in a week, and my “take” totaled $26 million. But each of those offers was a fraud. Every one—from a $1 million prize to a $7 million offer—was nothing but a lie sent by unscrupulous people to squeeze money from me.

We’re all vulnerable to fantastic offers—to scams that in reality pay off with nothing but trouble. We are offered false hope that ends in dashed dreams.

There is one offer, however, that is genuine, though fantastic beyond belief. It’s the offer God makes to us—salvation through faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). It is an offer that cost Him greatly—and we get the benefits. The book of Romans tells us, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (4:25 niv).

By saying yes to salvation, we can have hope (Titus 1:2), peace (Rom. 5:1), forgiveness (Eph. 1:7), incomparable riches (2:7), and redemption (4:30). This is the real deal. Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantees it. —Dave Branon

Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
—John Wesley. © 1951 Singspiration

Our salvation was infinitely costly to God, but it is absolutely free to us.

For a Lifetime

2 Peter 1:3-8

David Brooks, in his book The Social Animal, details how Gary McPherson studied 157 randomly selected children who had chosen to play a musical instrument. McPherson wanted to know why some students went on to become really good musicians and why others faltered. He believed there was one factor. Even before the kids picked up their instruments, McPherson asked: “How long do you think you will play?” The students who planned to play for a short while did not become very proficient. The students who planned to practice and play their whole lives became very good musicians.

Peter reminded his readers that it was vital for them to have a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus. Only then could they soar in their faith and experience an ever-deepening relationship with him.

Peter penned a symphony of grace, urging the young believers he was addressing to continue on toward Christian maturity. He lifted up God’s promised spiritual resources that every true believer possesses in Jesus (2 Peter 1:3-5). Peter also wanted them to know that it would take every ounce of effort, along with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, to supplement their faith with a complement of Christlike character traits (2 Peter 1:5). His readers were told to work hard at cultivating moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). And, if they cultivated these character traits throughout their lives, they would become more like Jesus (2 Peter 1:8).

Growing in our relationship with Jesus is a lifelong process and endeavor. If we’re fully convinced and determined that we will follow Jesus all our years, it’s highly likely that our faith will take wing and soar. How strong is your commitment to follow Him?

— Marvin Williams

According to 1 Peter 2:1-3 and 2 Peter 3:18, how can you grow spiritually?

Which of the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 do you most want to add to your character traits? How will you begin developing a godly quality today?

Positive Thought For 04-29-13

Let's start the week with a Positive Thought! from Isaiah 30:19 -- How Gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He'll answer you.

Devotional For Women

Monday April 29, 2013

So Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she became pregnant and gave Hosea a son.

Hosea 1:3, NLT

It is difficult to imagine Hosea's feelings when God told him to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him. He may not have wanted to do it, but he obeyed. He married a woman named Gomer. Hosea knew ahead of time that his wife would be unfaithful and that their married life would become a living object lesson to the adulterous northern kingdom. Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful woman would illustrate God's relationship to the unfaithful nation of Israel. What did Gomer think and feel? What was her reaction when a holy man plucked her out of a life of prostitution and made her his wife? The original language doesn't say Gomer was already a prostitute but a promiscuous woman--a girl with a reputation. Just the girl all the boys want to know but no one wants to love, the very motivation that often causes her behavior. Did Gomer believe Hosea could love her? One assumes that Hosea had a choice of several wanton women with whom he could have obeyed God's command. Why did he choose Gomer? We don't know. Hosea and Gomer had three children together. She was apparently unfaithful for a while, but Hosea bought her back from her enslavement. She had sold herself into prostitution. Did this second chance mean anything to Gomer? We only know that Hosea "laid down the law" about Gomer staying at home and chaste for "many days." If the parallels hold, Hosea 3:3-5 may indicate that Gomer put her past behind her and became devoted to her marriage. Probably the closest we come to feeling what Gomer felt are those times when we act unfaithfully towards God yet he continues to faithfully lavish his love on us. We know Gomer better than we might think at first, for she was what we are--sinners offered overwhelming grace! Yet how often, even when we understand the lengths God has gone for us, do we treat his grace lightly! God often required extraordinary obedience from his prophets who were facing extraordinary times. God may ask you to do something difficult and extraordinary too. If he does, how will you respond? Will you obey him, trusting that he who knows everything has a special purpose for his request? Will you be able to accept the fact that the pain involved in obedience may benefit those you serve and not you personally? God's presence and truth can be found even in the most shameful situations.

Psalm 119:144-176

Psalm 119

144 Your laws are always right;
  help me to understand them so I may live.
Qoph
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD!
  I will obey your decrees.
146 I cry out to you; rescue me,
  that I may obey your laws.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up;
  I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night,
  thinking about your promise.
149 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry;
  let me be revived by following your regulations.
150 Lawless people are coming to attack me;
  they live far from your instructions.
151 But you are near, O LORD,
  and all your commands are true.
152 I have known from my earliest days
  that your laws will last forever.
Resh
153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
  for I have not forgotten your instructions.
154 Argue my case; take my side!
  Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from rescue,
  for they do not bother with your decrees.
156 LORD, how great is your mercy;
  let me be revived by following your regulations.
157 Many persecute and trouble me,
  yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
  because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, LORD.
  Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 The very essence of your words is truth;
  all your just regulations will stand forever.
Shin
161 Powerful people harass me without cause,
  but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word
  like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood,
  but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day
  because all your regulations are just.
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace
  and do not stumble.
166 I long for your rescue, LORD,
  so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your laws,
  for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
  because you know everything I do.
Taw
169 O LORD, listen to my cry;
  give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer;
  rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips,
  for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word,
  for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand,
  for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O LORD, I have longed for your rescue,
  and your instructions are my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you,
  and may your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
  come and find me,
  for I have not forgotten your commands.

Going, Going, Gone

April 29, 2013

Going, Going, Gone

Exodus 14:5-14

Read As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, 'Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It's better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!'" But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:10-14)

Reflect Trapped against the sea, the Israelites faced the Egyptian army sweeping in for the kill. The people thought they were doomed. After watching God's powerful hand deliver them from Egypt, they still could only respond with fear, whining, and despair. Where was their trust in God? Israel had to learn from repeated experience that God was able to provide for them. The people were hostile and despairing, but Moses encouraged them to watch the wonderful way God would rescue them. When it looked as if they were trapped, Moses called upon God to intervene. This is the first instance of grumbling and complaining by the Israelites. Their lack of faith in God is startling. Yet we often do the same, complaining over inconveniences or discomforts. The Israelites were about to learn some tough lessons. Had they trusted God, they would have been spared much grief. God preserved these examples in the Bible so that we can learn to trust him the first time. By focusing on God's faithfulness in the past we can face crises with confidence rather than with fear and complaining.

Respond You may not be chased by an army, but you may still feel trapped. Instead of giving in to despair, adopt Moses' attitude: "Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today."

Our Daily Bread For 04-29-13

READ: Psalm 4

Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. —Psalm 4:6

“There are many who say, ‘Who will show us any good?’” (Ps. 4:6). These words of David seem to describe the pessimistic outlook we so easily develop in our world today. The front page of newspapers and the top stories on the Internet or television seem to focus on crime, accidents, politics, the economy, and prominent people behaving badly. Our conversations at work and home begin to dwell on difficulties, and it’s enough to discourage anyone. Where can we turn for better news?

In the midst of his troubles, David turned to the Lord, who relieved his distress (v.1) and heard his prayer (v.3). Instead of hoping for temporary good from altered circumstances, he found unceasing encouragement in God. “Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us” (v.6). The result was a gladness of heart that surpassed any earthly prosperity or success (v.7).

Throughout David’s life, before and after he became king of Israel, he was never without opposition. But at the end of the day, he could say, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (v.8).

Pondering the truths in Psalm 4 about God’s care for us is a good way to begin and end every day. —David McCasland

In His care confiding
I will sweetly sleep,
For the Lord my Savior
Will in safety keep. —Psalter

God is a safe dwelling place in life’s storms

The Promised Spirit

Joel 2:28-32

In a world where promises are easily made and broken, many people are skeptical about the value of them. We read quotes such as, “The problem with promises is that once you’ve made one, it’s bound to be broken. It’s like an unspoken cosmic rule.”

So how good is a promise? Well, it depends on the content of the promise as well as the character and ability of the promise-maker. Thankfully, as believers in Jesus, we don’t need to be skeptical about promises. We’re recipients of promises that are “great and precious” (2 Peter 1:4), and as C. H. Spurgeon says, “[God] who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it.”

Today’s reading provides some compelling insights. God promised that all believers—Jews and Gentiles, men and women, old and young, servant and master—would possess the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29). This is an amazing promise, because at this point in history God’s people had been identified by circumcision and by obedience to the Torah. The Holy Spirit had come upon certain people for specific purposes only—such as Bezalel in Exodus 35:31.

We read of the amazing fulfillment of Jesus’ prophetic promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-6—something that is still being fulfilled. For anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will receive His Holy Spirit as a seal for the day of redemption as well as empowerment to live the Christian life (Ephesians 3:16; 4:30).

Just as God has brought His promise in Joel 2:28-29 to pass, He will also fulfill His promises in Joel 2:30-32. The day of reckoning is coming, and God has promised that all who receive salvation will be saved (Joel 2:32).

Praise Him for being the promise-keeping God!

— Poh Fang Chia

Read 2 Corinthians 1:20 for assurance that God is completely trustworthy and will fulfill His promises.

How will the knowledge that God is a promise-keeping God shape the way you read His promises? What promises from God are most precious to you?

Taking the Long Way

April 28, 2013

Taking the Long Way

Exodus 13:17–14:4

Read When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. . . . . . . The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:17-18, 21-22)

Reflect God doesn't always work in the way that seems best to us. We may see faster, cheaper, nicer, more enjoyable routes, but that may not be God's way. God didn't guide the Israelites directly from Egypt to the Promised Land. He took them a longer way to avoid fighting the Philistines. God gave the Hebrews a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire so they would know day and night that God was with them on their journey. In the same way, when we follow God's path, he goes with us. His presence with us on the journey is more important than anything else—even the destination. "How good it is to be near God!" (Psalm 73:28). God can see the end of your journey from the beginning, and he will go with you.

Respond What pillars has God given to you? He has given you his Word and his Spirit. As the Hebrews looked to the pillars of cloud and fire, you can look to God's Word day and night as "a lamp to guide [your] feet" (Psalm 119:105). And the Holy Spirit "will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I [Jesus] have told you" (John 14:26).

Job 37:5-24

Job 37

5 God's voice is glorious in the thunder.
  We can't even imagine the greatness of his power.

6 "He directs the snow to fall on the earth
  and tells the rain to pour down.
7 Then everyone stops working
  so they can watch his power.
8 The wild animals take cover
  and stay inside their dens.
9 The stormy wind comes from its chamber,
  and the driving winds bring the cold.
10 God's breath sends the ice,
  freezing wide expanses of water.
11 He loads the clouds with moisture,
  and they flash with his lightning.
12 The clouds churn about at his direction.
  They do whatever he commands throughout the earth.
13 He makes these things happen either to punish people
  or to show his unfailing love.

14 "Pay attention to this, Job.
  Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!
15 Do you know how God controls the storm
  and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds?
16 Do you understand how he moves the clouds
  with wonderful perfection and skill?
17 When you are sweltering in your clothes
  and the south wind dies down and everything is still,
18 he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror.
  Can you do that?

19 "So teach the rest of us what to say to God.
  We are too ignorant to make our own arguments.
20 Should God be notified that I want to speak?
  Can people even speak when they are confused?*
21 We cannot look at the sun,
  for it shines brightly in the sky
  when the wind clears away the clouds.
22 So also, golden splendor comes from the mountain of God.*
  He is clothed in dazzling splendor.
23 We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty;
  but even though he is just and righteous,
  he does not destroy us.
24 No wonder people everywhere fear him.
  All who are wise show him reverence."

Our Daily Bread For 04-28-13

READ: Psalm 23

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. —Psalm 23:4

When our first child was born, my wife, Marlene, was in labor for more than 30 hours, creating tremendous stress for both her and the baby. The doctor, a fill-in for her regular physician, was unfamiliar with her and her pregnancy. As a result, he waited too long to make the decision to perform an emergency Caesarean section, and the resulting trauma put our infant son in the neo-natal intensive care unit. There was nothing they could do to help our baby to overcome his trauma-induced condition.

By God’s grace, Matt recovered—but I cannot remember any moment in my life as terrifying as when I stood by his crib in intensive care. Yet I knew the Lord was near as I talked with Him through prayer.

In the terrifying moments of life (and all the other moments as well) nothing can bring comfort to the hurting heart like the reality of God’s presence and care. The psalmist David wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4).

When fear is overwhelming, the Lord is there. His comforting presence will carry us through our deepest trials. —Bill Crowder

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll—
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.” —Spafford

Peace is the presence of God.

Lost In The Dark

John 3:1-17

Last March, the Ecuadorian navy rescued 18-year-old Adrian Vasquez after he had aimlessly floated 28 days across the ocean on a 10-foot schooner. He had gone fishing with two friends, but as they headed toward shore the motor failed. Vasquez’s friends soon died from exposure and hunger. When he was found, the fortunate teen was 600 miles from home. He was clinging to life and completely disoriented. “He was quiet, looking lost,” the navy captain said. Vasquez asked for a phone to call his mother and to call his boss in order to explain why he’d been absent.

Nicodemus, a religious leader, came to Jesus with questions. Wanting to highlight how Nicodemus was lost and groping in the night, John clarifies that Nicodemus came “after dark” (John 3:2). In John’s gospel, darkness often has a metaphorical meaning. For instance; darkness represents the shroud of confusion and death covering the world (John 3:19-20), and darkness represents people who stumble and lose their way (John 11:10).

In contrast, Jesus is the Light who brings salvation into the world (John 1:9, 8:12). Light, through Jesus, breaks through the impenetrable darkness. Wherever darkness and death are found (which is everywhere), the brilliance of God’s work in Jesus Christ bursts free. Whoever is lost in a dark night (which is everyone) can be found by Jesus’ light.

The question for Nicodemus was whether or not he would walk into this light—whether or not he would grasp Jesus’ teaching. He repeatedly asked how the things being taught could be possible (John 3:4,9). Nicodemus couldn’t comprehend Jesus’ strange words.

“If you don’t understand,” Jesus said, “I can’t help you” (John 3:12, my paraphrase). Jesus’ words stand for us as well. If we don’t choose to follow and understand Jesus—if we don’t walk into the light—we remain lost, groping in the dark.

— Winn Collier

Read John 3:16 again. Reconsider this famous verse from the vantage point of Nicodemus, the one who is confused and bewildered.

The First Passover

April 27, 2013

The First Passover

Exodus 12:1-30

Read Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, "Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. For the LORD will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the LORD will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down. . . ." So the people of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded through Moses and Aaron. And that night at midnight, the LORD struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died. (Exodus 12:21-23, 28-30)

Reflect Every firstborn son of the Egyptians died, but the Israelite children were spared because the blood of the lamb had been placed on their doorframes. So begins the story of redemption, the central theme of the Bible. Redemption means "to buy back" or "to save from captivity by paying a ransom." One way to buy back a slave was to offer an equivalent or superior slave in exchange. That is the way God chose to buy us back—he offered his Son in exchange for us. In Old Testament times, God accepted symbolic offerings. God accepted the life of an animal in place of the life of the sinner. When Jesus came, he substituted his perfect life for our sinful lives, taking the penalty for sin that we deserve. Thus he redeemed us from the power of sin and restored us to God. Jesus' sacrifice made animal sacrifice no longer necessary. For us to be freed from the deadly consequences of our sins, a tremendous price must be paid. But we don't have to pay it. Jesus Christ, our substitute, has already redeemed us by his death on the cross. Our part is to trust him and accept his gift of eternal life. Our sins have been paid for, and the way has been cleared for us to begin a relationship with God (Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:13-15, 23-26).

Respond Thank God that when he sees you, he sees the sacrifice Christ made for you. You are forgiven, redeemed. You were bought back so that you could be with God.

Psalm 118:24-29

Psalm 118

24 This is the day the LORD has made.
  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Please, LORD, please save us.
  Please, LORD, please give us success.
26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
  We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27 The LORD is God, shining upon us.
  Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise you!
  You are my God, and I will exalt you!

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
  His faithful love endures forever.

Our Daily Bread For 04-27-13

READ: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

The Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” —1 Samuel 3:6

A couple of co-workers and I had just gone through airport security and were walking to our gate when I heard my name: “Paging Anne Cetas. Paging Anne Cetas.” It’s not a common name, so we knew it had to be mine. I assumed I had absent-mindedly left something at the check-in point. I checked with an airline agent, who told me to pick up a red phone, give my name, and ask why I was being paged. I searched for a phone and called, but the operator said, “No, we didn’t page you.” I said, “It was definitely my name.” He replied twice, “No, we did not page you.” I never did find out why I had been called that day.

A young boy named Samuel heard his name being “paged” long ago (1 Sam. 3:4). The Scriptures say that he “did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him” (v.7), so the temple priest Eli had to help him understand who was calling him (vv.8-9). God then revealed His plan for Samuel’s life.

The Lord has a plan for us as well, and He calls to our hearts: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). That’s His call to us to receive the gift of His salvation, rest, and peace.

The Savior is calling us to come to Him. —Anne Cetas

Jesus calls me—I must follow,
Follow Him today;
When His tender voice is pleading,
How can I delay? —Brown

Christ calls the restless ones to find their rest in Him.

Doing God’s Will

Romans 12:1-2

The young missionary couple was confused. Certain that God had called them to serve in a specific mission field, they shared their calling with the church leadership. They then received conflicting counsel. One group affirmed their call. Another group redirected them to go to a safer country. The couple brought their conflicted situation to the Lord. After much prayer, they headed to the country God had originally placed on their hearts to begin their mission work. Because they were committed to obey His Word, they quickly found themselves doing His will.

Paul says we must first surrender ourselves to the Lord to know God’s will and then reject worldly thinking and see things from an eternal perspective (Romans 12:1-2). God’s Word, not our own wisdom, must dictate how we think and direct how we live. Only then will we be able to discern God’s will.

Romans 12:1-2 says that you will find yourself in God’s will if you surrender to Jesus’ lead and seek to do what pleases Him. Jesus said that whoever wants to know God’s will must first want to do His will (John 7:17). Our obedience comes first. Then God reveals the next step to us while we’re doing what He has called us to do (Deuteronomy 29:29).

One Bible teacher likens this to a car with the engine already started and ready to roll. It’s certainly easier to move the car to the next destination when the engine is already running and the driver is at the wheel. To follow God’s will is also like using a GPS device. It’s most effective when the car is headed toward a destination and redirecting you when you make a wrong turn.

— K.T. Sim

How does God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-11,105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) and prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) help you discern God’s will for your life?

As you strive to discern God’s will, why is it vital that you first do what He’s calling you to do? (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 7:17). How have you been following His will lately?

Positive Thought #2 For 04-26-13

Lord, give me the grace to accept life right where
it has put me, and help me to overcome the fear
that would waste my days. Give me the wisdom
and desire to make every day count for You.

Life matters—make the most of it!

Positive Thought For 04-26-13

A Friday Positive Thought: Peace is priceless and you can have that by living for the Lord. He paid for it! See John 14:27

Psalm 66:5-20

Psalm 66

5 Come and see what our God has done,
  what awesome miracles he performs for people!
6 He made a dry path through the Red Sea,*
  and his people went across on foot.
  There we rejoiced in him.
7 For by his great power he rules forever.
  He watches every movement of the nations;
  let no rebel rise in defiance.    Interlude

8 Let the whole world bless our God
  and loudly sing his praises.
9 Our lives are in his hands,
  and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
10 You have tested us, O God;
  you have purified us like silver.
11 You captured us in your net
  and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
12 Then you put a leader over us.*
  We went through fire and flood,
  but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

13 Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings
  to fulfill the vows I made to you—
14 yes, the sacred vows that I made
  when I was in deep trouble.
15 That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—
  the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,
  and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats.    Interlude

16 Come and listen, all you who fear God,
  and I will tell you what he did for me.
17 For I cried out to him for help,
  praising him as I spoke.
18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
  the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God did listen!
  He paid attention to my prayer.
20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
  or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Devotional For Students

Trying to be good and not sin seems like a full-time job. How can anyone stay pure? Why would anyone want to?
In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul encouraged Timothy to 'pursue righteousness and a godly life.' In other words, keep doing what's right. But some try to seem holier than others in order to be admired or to earn their way to heaven.

Jesus talked a lot about the Pharisees. These men had created long lists of rules that they followed. They wanted to be admired for their discipline.

But in Matthew 5:20, Jesus made an incredible statement: 'But I warn you--unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!' In other words, you have to have more than just correct behavior. You have to be pure on the inside. This inner purity begins by accepting Christ's death on the cross as taking the punishment for our sins. When we do this, we take on Christ's purity. In God's eyes, we are worthy of eternity in heaven! Now that's a pretty good deal!

It doesn't stop there, of course. God wants us to be like Jesus. This is a lifelong process of allowing God to change us (see John 15:1-17; 1 Tim 6:11-12).

A Christian who's really alive realizes that her eternity is settled. But she also genuinely wants to be more like the one who paid such a high price for her soul--Jesus. Her motivation--and yours--is not to parade her goodness in front of others, but rather to please God.

A Stubborn Heart

April 26, 2013

A Stubborn Heart

Exodus 8:1-19

Read "This is the finger of God!" the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh's heart remained hard. He wouldn't listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted. (Exodus 8:19)

Reflect It's tempting to believe, "If only I could see a miracle, I could believe in God." For Pharaoh, each plague was a second chance to believe. When gnats infested Egypt, even the magicians agreed that this was God's work—"the finger of God"—but still Pharaoh refused to believe. After ten second chances, God finally seemed to say, "All right, Pharaoh, have it your way," and Pharaoh's heart became permanently hardened (Exodus 9:12). Did God intentionally harden Pharaoh's heart and overrule his free will? No, he simply confirmed that Pharaoh freely chose a life of resisting God. Pharaoh's stubbornness became a crutch, propping up his pride and disabling his heart. He became so used to his stubbornness that he could no longer stand without it. The rehabilitation of truth would be too painful, too humbling.

Respond After a lifetime of resisting God, your heart may be so disabled that you are unable to turn to him. If you are far from God, don't wait. Turn to God while you still have the chance. "Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. . . . They will run and not grow weary" (Isaiah 40:31).

Our Daily Bread For 04-26-13

READ: Ephesians 5:15-21

See then that you walk circumspectly, . . . redeeming the time, because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15-16

Life is a lot like the weather . . . it’s seasonal. It has a way of pushing us into the next season whether we like it or not. And when pushed into the next season, we are often uncertain and even fearful of what it might hold for us.

This is especially true of later seasons of life, when we are haunted by thoughts such as: Will I be left all alone? Will my health hold up? Will my money last? Will my mind stay fresh? As with every season of life, we have to make a choice—to waste the season in fearful thoughts or, as Paul says, make “the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16 esv).

Regardless of your season, you can count on God’s faithfulness. He says, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’” (Heb. 13:5-6).

Because you have God’s presence and provision, you can make the most of your time in every season by following Jesus closely, spending time in His Word and prayer, loving and forgiving more freely than ever before, and serving others with joy and generosity.

God has blessed us with our present season—make the most of it! —Joe Stowell

Lord, give me the grace to accept life right where
it has put me, and help me to overcome the fear
that would waste my days. Give me the wisdom
and desire to make every day count for You.

Life matters—make the most of it!

The Question

Colossians 2:6-23

Here’s something you will never read in an obituary: “Susan Abernathy is survived by Harold, her husband of 47 years, three children, and six grandchildren. Susan was treasurer of the West Kalloon Realtor’s Association, director of numerous Vacation Bible Schools, and finished the human race in 823rd place.”

We will be asked some crucial questions when we die. “Did you repent of your sin and put your faith in My Son?” “Have you forgiven others as you were forgiven?” But the one question we will never be asked is, “Where did you place?”

You couldn’t tell this by the way many of us live. We scurry around doing things we hope will make our lives count. We fret about our Amazon ranking, number of hits on our blog, the title on our business card, and how many second looks we draw as we walk down the street. We waste our lives striving to answer a question that will never be asked.

“Where did you place?” will not be asked by others, for they’re too focused on their own frantic race to worry about ours. And it won’t be asked by God, the only One who matters, because He knows we can’t begin to match the pace that has already been set by Jesus. Paul declares that “in Christ lives all the fullness of God” (Colossians 2:9). Jesus’ deity not only relativizes anything we might accomplish, but it also supplies the key to our success. When we place our trust in Jesus, everything He achieved becomes ours. We may be limping near the back of the pack, but God considers us to have broken the tape because of what His Son has done.

You may not feel like a success, but when you’re in Christ you’ll always finish first. Nothing you do will ever improve on that.

— Mike Wittmer

Read Philippians 3:5-11 to learn how we can find our identity in Jesus rather than in ourselves.

What makes you feel important? Do you look to Jesus or some other source for your significance? How can you remember where your true identity lies?

Weekly Sermon: Jesus Pattern

Pastor Diehl shared the message Journey Through John: The Jesus Pattern.


Weekly Sermon: Jesus Pattern

Positive Thought For 04-25-13

Maybe you could use this positive thought today: If you're living with guilt, by serving God you can forgive yourself. He forgives you! See Romans 8:1

Positive Thought For 04-24-13

Here's a Positive Thought for a rainy day like today: God comforts, encourages and consoles me in every trouble. He enables me to console others who need comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

A Devotional for Leaders

Thursday April 25, 2013

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.

2 Peter 1:3, NLT

"Sorry, you just don't have the experience we're looking for." "Sorry, but we're looking for someone with a little more education." "What were some major accomplishments (if any), while being a stay-at-home parent?" "While working at your previous company, did you do any volunteer work at all?" It can really be tough in the job market. After a few interviews and even more rejection letters, a person can feel completely inadequate. Fortunately, in God's economy, every believer is immediately qualified for Kingdom work. Peter reminds us that the Holy Spirit equips each believer with everything necessary to please our Father. That's great news. But, even within the earthly church, it's easy to feel inadequate when surrounded by believers with long histories of ministry or the ability to memorize long passages of Scripture. We need to remember that nothing more special than the Holy Spirit is required to serve God effectively. We all have everything necessary to do our jobs within the Kingdom. Still, Peter doesn't stop with this reassurance. He challenges every believer to add personal disciplines that will build character, mature us, and be used to encourage the church as a whole. He goes on to write, "Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone" (2 Peter 1:5-7). The pursuit of these virtues is just one way of expressing our thanks and love to the God who rescued us from our complete inadequacy. Having the Holy Spirit with us at all times, we can depend on him to guide us through the stresses that are used to hone these virtues. All that is asked of us is that we continue on and not give up. Being fully equipped by the Holy Spirit, let's heed his guidance and pursue spiritual maturity. May we ever strive to become all that God has called us to be, and may he ever grant us the ability to serve him faithfully.

1 Chronicles 16:24-43

1 Chronicles 16

24 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
  Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
25 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
  He is to be feared above all gods.
26 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
  but the LORD made the heavens!
27 Honor and majesty surround him;
  strength and joy fill his dwelling.

28 O nations of the world, recognize the LORD,
  recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.
29 Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!
  Bring your offering and come into his presence.
Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor.
30   Let all the earth tremble before him.
  The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
  Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
32 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
  Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
33 Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise,
  for the LORD is coming to judge the earth.

34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
  His faithful love endures forever.
35 Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation!
  Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
  and rejoice and praise you."

36 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel,
  who lives from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted "Amen!" and praised the LORD.

Worship at Jerusalem and Gibeon
37 David arranged for Asaph and his fellow Levites to serve regularly before the Ark of the LORD's Covenant, doing whatever needed to be done each day.38 This group included Obed-edom (son of Jeduthun), Hosah, and sixty-eight other Levites as gatekeepers.
  39 Meanwhile, David stationed Zadok the priest and his fellow priests at the Tabernacle of the LORD at the place of worship in Gibeon, where they continued to minister before the LORD.40 They sacrificed the regular burnt offerings to the LORD each morning and evening on the altar set aside for that purpose, obeying everything written in the Law of the LORD, as he had commanded Israel.41 David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the LORD, for "his faithful love endures forever."42 They used their trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments to accompany their songs of praise to God.* And the sons of Jeduthun were appointed as gatekeepers.
  43 Then all the people returned to their homes, and David turned and went home to bless his own family.

Victorious Viper

April 25, 2013

Victorious Viper

Exodus 7:1-13

Read Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pay close attention to this. I will make you seem like God to Pharaoh, and your brother, Aaron, will be your prophet. Tell Aaron everything I command you, and Aaron must command Pharaoh to let the people of Israel leave his country. . . ." Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Pharaoh will demand, 'Show me a miracle.' When he does this, say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, and it will become a serpent.'" So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did what the LORD had commanded them. Aaron threw down his staff before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent! Then Pharaoh called in his own wise men and sorcerers, and these Egyptian magicians did the same thing with their magic. They threw down their staffs, which also became serpents! But then Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. Pharaoh's heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the LORD had predicted. (Exodus 7:1-2, 8-13)

Reflect God made Moses "like God to Pharaoh"—in other words, a powerful person who deserved to be listened to. Pharaoh himself was considered a god, so he recognized Moses as one of his peers. His refusal to give in to Moses shows, however, that he did not feel inferior to Moses. How were these sorcerers and magicians able to duplicate Moses' miracles? Some of their feats involved trickery or illusion; others may have used satanic power, since worshiping gods of the underworld was part of their religion. Ironically, whenever the sorcerers duplicated one of Moses' plagues, it only made matters worse. If the magicians had been as powerful as God, they would have reversed the plagues, not added to them. God performed a miracle by turning Aaron's staff into a snake, and Pharaoh's magicians did the same through trickery or sorcery. Although miracles can help us believe, it is dangerous to rely on them alone. Satan can imitate some parts of God's work and lead people astray. Pharaoh focused on the miracle rather than the message. We can avoid this error by letting the Word of God be the basis of our faith. No miracle from God would endorse any message that is contrary to the teachings of his Word.

Respond Thank God for the miracle he has done in your life, choosing you and transforming you from lost sinner to heaven-bound saint.

A Living Picture

Apr 25, 2013

John 1:1-14

On a visit to the Passages Interactive Bible Exhibit, I was reminded of the beauty and scholarship of Scripture. Accustomed to the modern-day, gold-filigree edging, I was impressed with one particular exhibit that showcased fore-edged printing—beautiful pictures, some representing events from Scripture and others with countryside scenes—that graced the outer edges of the Bibles. Interestingly, the pictures become visible when the Bible cover is first opened and the pages softly rest against one another, as if in a state of readiness to be turned.

In a society where Bible translations and study guides abound, we may at times take the availability of God’s Word for granted. More than letters on a page, however, the Word reveals the very nature and heart of God. It’s not something we read simply to stretch our thinking or advance our learning. We engage Scripture to be transformed into the likeness of Christ—the one who is the Word incarnate (John 1:1-14).

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “The Word of God is alive and powerful.” Scripture has the ability “to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s Word molds and motivates us. Hebrews 4:12 goes on to tell us about the revealing power of the Word as it exposes hidden places in our hearts. So both of these passages present an important aspect of God’s Word—its ability to change us.

Opening the cover of our lives, we become a living picture of the canvas of Christ at work when we allow His Word to be on our lips and in our hearts so that we can obey it (Deuteronomy 30:14).

— Regina Franklin

Read 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 14-17 to see how the Word being active in our lives will enable us to discern true godliness from mere religion.

Why must the transforming power of Scripture in our lives be a work of the Holy Spirit? What is our role in this transaction? How does our intimacy with Jesus connect with our ability to live out God’s Word?

Let My People Go

April 24, 2013

"Let My People Go"

Exodus 6:1-13

Read "Therefore, say to the people of Israel: 'I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the LORD!'" So Moses told the people of Israel what the LORD had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go back to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and tell him to let the people of Israel leave his country." "But LORD!" Moses objected. "My own people won't listen to me anymore. How can I expect Pharaoh to listen? I'm such a clumsy speaker!" (Exodus 6:6-12)

Reflect When Moses gave God's message to the people, they were too discouraged to listen. The Hebrews didn't want to hear any more about God and his promises because the last time they listened to Moses, all they got was more work and greater suffering. And think how hard it must have been for Moses. He had to bring God's message to Pharaoh when his own people had trouble believing it. Eventually the Hebrews believed that God had sent Moses, but for a time he must have felt very alone. Nonetheless, Moses obeyed God, and what a difference it made! Ultimately, God's promises for the Hebrews were fulfilled to the letter when they left Egypt. He freed them from slavery, became their God, and accepted them as his people. Then he led them toward the land he had promised. When the Hebrews were rescued from slavery, they portrayed the drama of salvation for all of us. When God redeems us from slavery to sin, he delivers us, accepts us, and becomes our God. Then he leads us to a new life as we follow him.

Respond Sometimes a clear message from God is followed by a time when nothing seems to change. During that time, apparent setbacks may turn people away from wanting to hear more about God. If you are a leader, don't give up. Keep bringing people God's message as Moses did. If you are a follower, strive to be patient. God always fulfills his promises.

Relvelation 15:3-8

Revelation 15

3 And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

"Great and marvelous are your works,
  O Lord God, the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
  O King of the nations.*
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
  and glorify your name?
  For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
  for your righteous deeds have been revealed."

The Seven Bowls of the Seven Plagues
5 Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God's Tabernacle, was thrown wide open.6 The seven angels who were holding the seven plagues came out of the Temple. They were clothed in spotless white linen* with gold sashes across their chests.7 Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bowl filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.8 The Temple was filled with smoke from God's glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.