MARCH 31, 2010

GLORY

PRIVILEGES

Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 6:10-20- "What? know ye not that your body is the

temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye

are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in

your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

1 Corinthians 7:23- "Ye are bought with a price;

be not ye the servants of men."

If we are saved through the precious blood of Christ, God has chosen us to experience the same special place of honor as the Temple in Jerusalem. People came from all over the world to see the Temple of God and of Jerusalem-not just because it was an architectural marvel but because people somehow knew it was a glorious place. Man knew it was the place of God's dwelling on earth, the place of His presence on earth. You and I are no less important in God's plan.

Believe it or not, you and I are God's dwelling place on earth!

That is a sobering thought. Think about the places where we sometimes take the glory of God with us. Think about what we allow the glory of God to witness in our relationships with others, even with those we love. You and I are the residence of God's glory on earth right now.

It is important to understand that the dwelling place of God's glory on earth isn't just in the stars in the heavens or in the intricacies of His creation on earth. God demonstrates His glory in your life and in mine. At least, that's what God intends. God wants us to live our lives in such a way that when others see us, they will see His glory. How are you doing with that responsibility?

SELAH: Consider the various areas of your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how you are glorifying-or failing to glorify-God in each area.

-T.P. Johnston, Jr.-

MARCH 29, 2010

WHEN GOD

SHOWS UP

At different times and places in history, God chose to reveal His glory in specific ways. In Exodus 40, for example, God gave instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, a sort of mobile chapel for worship. The Tabernacle was designed so the Israelites could take it down and carry it with them in their wilderness wanderings. When the Tabernacle was completed, the presence of God came down in a cloud of fire and a pillar of smoke.

Later, when the Temple, a more permanent place of worship, was completed, the Lord manifested His glory again ( 1 Kings 8 ).

Many years later, the glory of God came forth in the Person of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:14 says, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, [ notice this ] ( and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ), full of grace and truth." God's glory was veiled in Jesus. Many knew Jesus was God, but they saw only hints of God's glory when Jesus performed miracles. Finally, on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus allowed some of His veiled glory to "leak out" for Peter, James, and John to see.

The glory of God was present in the Tabernacle, in the Temple, and in the Person of the Lord Jesus. Did you know that God's glory is present today in a specific place on planet Earth? Ephesians 3:20-21 says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

That's right! If we know Jesus Christ, God's glory resides in you and me. The Scriptures tell us that God has chosen to display His glory in your life and in mine.

SELAH: Thank the Lord today for the amazing privilege of being one in whom His glory dwells!

-T.P. Johnston, Jr.-

MARCH 29, 2010

GLORY IN CREATION

Scripture Reading- Romans 1:20-21

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly

seen, being understood by the things that are made,

even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened."

According to astronomers, we can see more than 3,00 stars in the night sky with the naked eye. Sophisticated telescopes allow us to view some two billion stars just in our galaxy, and scientists estimate the existence of one million galaxies beyond our own. The Bible says God calls each star by name. That thought is staggering, and staggering is a good word to describe God's glory.

Plentiful stars aren't the only indication of God's glory in His creation. Consider the nearly six billion people who inhabit planet Earth, each having a distinct set of fingerprints. What a glorious god who can create such wonders!

Such wonders make the statement "It all happened by chance" seem even more ridiculous. It would be like a builder giving a tour of a newly constructed home and remarking, "Oh, by the way, we just had the lumber and materials hauled onto the lot. We threw a stick of dynamite into the pile. After the explosion, there was this house!"

In Romans 1, God tells us that He doesn't believe in atheists. Every human being is accountable to God because everyone, just by looking at nature, recognizes the existence of a Creator. The Bible says that those who deny the existence of a Creator, who say the creation of the world happened by chance, are deliberately denying the truth God has made available to them about His glory.

SELAH: As a family, discuss why people try to explain away all the evidence God has given us of His glory.

-T.P.Johnston, Jr.-

MARCH 28, 2010

GLORIOUS

LIGHT

Scripture Reading- Ezekiel 1:28

"As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain,

so was the appearance of the brightness round about.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

And when I saw it, I fell upon my face.

and I heard a voice of one that spake."

Have you ever experienced pain from looking at the sun? Eye specialists say that looking directly at the sun causes permanent eye damage, even blindness. Full sunshine on a cloudless day is beautiful. Even then, however we do not experience complete light. There is still some measure of darkness.

Our God often describes His glory in terms of light. First Timothy 6:15-16 says, "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, [ notice this ] dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen" ( emphasis added ).

God is so glorious that if we were to think of Him in terms of light, He would be unapproachable. We could not come into His presence if He didn't allow us. John explains this truth in 1 John 1:5. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" ( emphasis added ). No darkness at all! Consider that truth in view of how we shield our eyes from "full" sunshine that provides only partial light, as bright as it is!

Ezekiel saw a vision of God-like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the likeness of the glory of the Lord. The Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus, will be the Light of heaven.

SELAH: Discuss the greatness of God's glorious light. He will someday change our bodies so we will be able to behold Him.

-T.P. Johnston, Jr.-

MARCH 26, 2010

IMAGES

OF GLORY

Scripture Reading- 1 Corinthians 11:15a- "But if a woman have long hair,

it is a glory to her."

1 Peter 3:3- "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning

of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,

or of putting on of appeal."

God says that a woman's hair is her glory. Yet He clearly says in 1 Peter 3 that a woman's true beauty is not the arrangement of her hair or her outward appearance. It is the inner person of the heart. A truly beautiful woman is not one with the right hair style, though God says her hair "is a glory to her." True beauty derives from a right relationship with the Lord. That is, a truly beautiful woman is one who has invested as much in her spiritual life as she has in arranging her outward appearance.

God also says that "the woman is the glory of the man" ( 1 Cor. 11:7 ). The Bible does not say that women shouldn't pay attention to how they look. What is says is that a woman's true beauty is an inner beauty that comes from a right relationship with God, with her husband, and with those around her- even though her hair is her glory.

Many men and women try to achieve glory by looking glorious, but that glory doesn't exist if they have nothing internal to back it up. Our society places great emphasis on the outward appearance, and often certain people will look glorious to us. They may look appealing and important. But as we get to know them, we will realize that they have nothing inside to back up their glorious appearance. True glory comes from within, and that fact is certainly true of the glory of God.

SELAH: Ask family members to list qualities of God that reveal His glory. Take time to thank God for who He is in Himself and for the qualities that make Him so glorious.

-T.P. Johnston, Jr.-

MARCH 26, 2010

WHAT IS GOD'S GLORY?

Scripture Reading- Psalm 19:1-6

Perhaps one of the most glorious events in our nation is the inauguration of the president of the United States. Gathered on such an occasion are dignitaries of every stripe. Crowds of citizens gather, bands play, prayers are prayed, and songs are sung as we observe the swearing in of our president every four years.

This event is a glorious one because it embodies truth about what has made the United States a great nation. Here, after an election, the most powerful nation on earth changes leadership without a single shot being fired!

What an immeasurably glorious sight must be the vision of the God of heaven! But what do we mean when we speak of "God's glory" or of the glory of anything? Authors have written volumes, seeking to define God's glory adequately. God is such a great God that no description can suffice. Examining God's Word, we learn that we can express "God's glory" as the external demonstration of an inward quality. God is glorious because of who God is.

The glory of a winning team of athletes is not in the beauty of their uniforms, in the impressiveness of their home stadium, or in the enthusiasm of the cheering squad. The glory of the winning athletes lies in the internal quality that brought them to the place of victory. It is long hours of hard practice, careful planning, and skillful plays worked out in detail and learned through discipline. It is the interaction as athletes work together.

"Glory" is only an outward manifestation of what's true inside. People may try to look glorious, but the appearance is not true glory unless there is that inner working of quality behind it.

God is all-glorious. Everything within Him and about Him is above and beyond all else. His glory demands our worship, and part of His glory is that such a One would desire it.

SELAH: As you ponder the glory of God as revealed in creation ( Ps. 19 ), consider whether He receives from your life the worship that is rightfully His.

-T.P. Johnston, Jr.-

MARCH 25, 2010

THE RESULT

OF REVIVAL

Scripture Reading- Psalm 85:6

"Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Rejoicing is the result of revival. I'm not in favor of feel-good religion, but there's nothing wrong with feeling good! God wants His people to rejoice in Him. Our God is a supremely happy God. "In thy presence is fulness of joy" ( Ps. 16:11 ).

Dealing with sin is a dirty business. In Bible times, a silversmith put silver ore in a big pot and turned up the heat until the ore melted. Scum rose to the surface on the liquefied metal. With ladle in hand, the smith skimmed the scum off. If he failed to do so, impurities settled back into the fabric of the metal as it cooled.

Purifying silver required a process of heating the ore successive times. Each time, the heat became hotter than the time before, and a different type pf impurity surfaced. Seven times, the smith reheated the silver until the ore was so pure he could see the reflection of his face in the liquefied silver.

As we deal honestly with sin before God, He cleanses us; and we reflect His glory. It's good to be clean in God's sight. What a blessing to feel the blood applied, as the old hymn says! Intense pain comes with conviction, but intense joy is the outcome of God's reviving touch.

Throughout the Bible, Scriptures tell us and even command us to rejoice. The rejoicing that honors God is the type of joy that finds its source in God Himself. When we get our hearts clear with God and man, we can rejoice in Him.

God's grace is "greater than all our sin"! Look up! Clean up! Pack up! Soon we're going up! God's mercy is plentiful. His will is for His people to rejoice, and the byproduct of revival is rejoicing.

ACTION POINT: Which Bible verses can you quote about rejoicing? Look up several Scripture references on joy and rejoicing.

-Harold Vaughan-

MARCH 24, 2010

THE OBJECT

OF REVIVAL

Scripture Reading- Psalm 85:6

"Wilt thou not revive us again: That thy people

may rejoice in thee?" ( emphasis added )

One man prayed, "Lord, turn me upside down. Lord, turn me upside down, because what's on the top should be on the bottom, and what's on the bottom should be on the top. Lord, turn me upside down!" This candid prayer demonstrates that this man realized his life was out of order.

Note the psalmist is praying for himself and for those who are close to him. "Wilt thou not revive us?" ( emphasis added ). We are the object of revival. God does not revive nations, denominations, or churches. He revives individual Christians. Of course, when a group of people receive a fresh touch of grace, it has positive effects on the whole. But the point here is that we need a fresh encounter with God. In verse 4, David prayed, "Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease" ( emphasis added ). He didn't pray for the heathen or the compromisers; he prayed for himself and for his comrades.

Revival is God's pointing His finger right at me! This kind of experience is intensely personal, painful, and powerful. In chapter 6, when Isaiah the prophet saw the Lord, he said, "Woe is me." The clear vision of God brought the recognition of unclean lips in him and in others. God sent the seraphim to cleanse Isaiah's mouth with the live coal from off the altar.

There is a time to pray for a broad, sweeping move of God. This is certainly appropriate and right. But God desires a revived man to pray for revival on a larger scale.

Someone asked Alan Redpath, "Do you think we are out of touch with our generation?" To which he responded, "No, our problem is that we are out of touch with God!" What about you? Do you stand in need of spiritual cleansing God is ready to revive His people.

PRAYER: "Lord, search us, break us, melt us, and revive us. Amen."

-Harold Vaughan-

MARCH 23, 2010

THE CONTINUATION

OF REVIVAL

Scripture Reading- Psalm 85:6

"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people

may rejoice in thee?' ( emphasis added )

Spiritual vitality is not a one time shot. The word again indicates that what has happened before needs to happen over and over again. God has moved in the past, and we need Him to move among us once more.

As we read church history, we discover that God periodically brings a neglected truth to the forefront. Like a fresh spring, the illuminated truth gives life to thirsty souls. People are refreshed and invigorated when they feast on the recovered truth. God's presence and power energize His people, and God's kingdom is expanded. If not for these seasons of rejuvenation, the entire Christian enterprise would have collapsed long ago.

The word revive means to give life again. Because our hearts are "prone to wander," we stand in need of a reviving work from time to time. Our needy hearts need the ever-flowing grace of God to meet our deepest needs. Like branches on a vine, we must abide in the true vine if we are to bring forth fruit.

God will complete the good work He started in us ( Phil. 1:6 ). As we cooperate with Him, we grow in grace and go from glory to glory. The purpose of a wake-up call is to keep us awake, not to put us back to sleep! The purpose of revival is to set us on the path of spiritual progress.

Paul admonished Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" ( 2 Tim. 1:6 ). The gift was there, but it needed to be rekindled. Yesterday's manna won't meet today's needs. The old hymn says,

Revive us again-

Fill each heart with Thy love;

May each soul be rekindled

With fire from above.

SONG TIME: Sing "Revive Us Again."

-Harold Vaughan-

MARCH 22, 2010

Scripture Reading

Psalm 85:6-"Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people may rejoice in thee?" ( emphasis added ).

Psalm 138:7-"Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine

hand against the wrath of mine enemies,

and thy right hand shall save me."

A man died in his sleep. His wife asked the barber to shave her husband's face prior to his burial. Taking a candle, the barber climbed the stairs to the bedroom and found the body. He placed the candle on the man's chest so he could see while shaving the man's face. He finished the man's face nearest to where he stood and needed to get to the other side, but the bed had been shoved tightly against the wall. Weighing his options, the barber decided the best solution was to remove his shoes and to crawl over the corpse so he could see. As he crawled across the man's body, he absently placed his knee in the man's midsection. When he rested his weight on the midsection, the dead man rose and blew out the candle.

Startled, the barber ran downstairs and dashed out of the house in his stocking feet. "He's alive! He's alive!" he shouted. Upstairs, family members found the extinguished candle lying on the bed and the barber's shoes lying on the floor. Figuring out what had happened, they went to the terrified barber and said, "The man isn't alive. He had wind, but he didn't have breath."

The word revive means "to breathe life into." It describes the refreshing, life-giving breath of God. Unfortunately, it's possible for us to go through the motions and to do right things apart from God's power. Yes, we may have wind and not have breath!

Perhaps your heart has grown cool toward the things of God. Maybe your Christian life has become mechanical. David and his associates needed a fresh touch. He prayed for revival, and so can we!

INVITATION: Sing the hymn "Breathe on Me, Breath of God." Pray as the Lord leads.

-Harold Vaughan-

MARCH 21, 2010

GETTING READY

FOR CHURCH

Scripture Reading- Hebrews 22-25

Why are so many families late for church? And why are those on time hurried, stressed, irritable, pushed, aggravated, pressured, scrambling about, and--well, you're getting the idea, aren't you? For many families, just the thought of Sunday morning causes frustration. Frustration comes from getting up late, from missing shoes, from spilled cartons of milk, from lost lesson books, from misplaced keys, and--of course--from lots of squabbling on the way to church. Again, I ask the question. Why!

We may find the answer in when we start getting ready. If we wait until Sunday morning to start getting ready for church, we're already in trouble. By sleeping in ( since there's no work or school ), we communicate that Sunday isn't as important as other days of the week. Many tasks we must get done for Sunday could be completed on Saturday. Ironing outfits, gathering Bibles, preparing breakfast, gibing the children baths, putting gas in the car, setting the table for dinner--these are tasks we can complete before that final hour before we leave for church.

Getting ready for church begins with attitude. It's amazing that families who are late for church are never late for school or work. If they were consistently late, the kids would get detention, and Dad would get fired. Except for rare occasions that can't be helped, lateness is an excuse. The reason is carelessness about the Lord's Day and the Lord's house.

Dedication and discipline enable families to treat the Lord's Day like the most important day of the week. We have no excuse for arriving at church in a frenzy, wishing we could skip the idea because of all the hassle we must go through. Changes begin with choices. Choose to get ready for church early.

ACTION POINT: Ask each family member to make a list of tasks he could do on Saturday to help prepare for Sunday morning.

-Tom Palmer-

MARCH 20, 2010

A MIND TO LEARN

Scripture Reading- Ezra 7:10

"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it,

and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."

Years ago, I visited an old country church in Madisonville, Pennsylvania. On the auditorium wall hung an antiquated sign with the following message:

Our Aim

1. Every member present every Sunday

2. On time

3. With his own Bible

4. A liberal offering

5. A studied lesson

6. And a mind to learn

I copied the message into my Bible as a reminder of the importance of preparing my heart when I go to church. As a preacher, I've been fascinated by folks who walk out of the service saying, "I got nothing out of the sermon," while others make life-changing decisions. I'm convinced that the key is a prepared heart. The best seed must have good soil that is prepared and ready to receive it.

Several tips will help your family prepare to learn on Sunday morning. Ask God to speak to you ( Ps. 81:10, 85:8, 119:18 ). Make sure each family member brings a Bible and has it open during the message. Instruct children to take notes as soon as they are able to write. Limit distractions. Tell everyone to sit up and look at the preacher. On the way home, ask each family member to share something he learned from the message. On Saturday night, go to bed early; this step will enable everyone to stay awake.

Don't allow yourself to "Come as your are and leave as your were"--as one of my preacher friends said. Allow church to be a place of learning and growing in the things of God.

DISCUSSION: What does Matthew 5:6 say about hunger and thirst? Compare your physical appetites to your spiritual appetites.

-Tom Palmer-

MARCH 19,2010

WHAT SHOULD

WE DO AT CHURCH?

Scripture Reading- Acts 2:41-47

Three basic parts should comprise the time we spend in church. Each of them should draw us closer to God as we get to know Him better.

1. First is praising. Acts 2:46-47 tells us that showing "gladness" and "praising God" were activities of early believers when they met for worship. Typically, they participated in these activities through music. Music dominates the part of the service when we worship God in song. The whole congregation sings songs, and the choir or other individuals or groups present songs as special music. If the music has a message about God and is presented in a godly style, it draws our attention to the Lord.

2. Second is praying. During this part of the service, we talk to God. Acts 2:42 tells us that prayers were also a part of the gatherings of believers. "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." When we talk to God, we bring our needs and requests to Him, asking Him to answer according to His will. Prayer has a unique way of bringing believers together, whether one person leads the prayer or many meet in a prayer meeting. Talking to God is always a special time.

3. Third is preaching. In Acts 2:41, we read that many "gladly received" God's Word. Verse 42 tells us that they continued learning doctrine. Preaching is when we hear from God and His Word. Each believer must listen to and learn God's truth, whether in a Sunday school class, a youth meeting, or a preaching service.

As you prepare for church this Sunday, be aware of how these basic parts of the service will help you meet with God as a family. Our time in church will be more meaningful if we understand why we're there.

ACTION POINT: Discuss how each person can be more involved in each part of the service.

-Tom Palmer-

MARCH 18, 2010

GOD MUST

BE THERE

Scripture Reading--Ephesians 2:21-22

"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy

temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together

for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

The pastor of a big church in Washington D.C. was sitting in his office on a Sunday morning when a visitor called. "Will the president be in attendance this morning?" the visitor asked.

"I can't tell you if the president will be here," replied the pastor, "but God will be here, and that's a good enough reason to come." In a unique way, the pastor had exposed the motive of someone who wanted to come to church only to see the president.

When you go to church, who do you want to see? A friend or members of your family? Do you find yourself looking around, seeing who might be impressed by your presence? How sad that when we go to church, we're often more conscious of others than we are of God. Church should be a time for getting in touch and staying in touch with God.

Francois Fenelon was the court preacher for King Louis XIV of France in the 17th century. One Sunday, when the king and his attendants arrived at the chapel for the regular service, no one was there except the preacher, King Louis demanded, "What does this mean?"

Fenelon replied, "I had published that you would not come to church today in order that Your Majesty might see who serves God in truth and who flatters the king."

Amazingly, some folks would see church as special only if a president or king were in attendance. Church is special, however, because God is there in the Person of the Holy Spirit. If God's presence isn't there, then services will be no different than those of many churches that do not even know God.

TALK ABOUT IT: As a family, discuss how services at your church would change if Jesus sat on the platform.

-Tom Palmer-

MARCH 17, 2010

THE PRIORITY

OF WORSHIP

Scripture Reading-

Psalm 5:7-- "But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple."

Psalm 69:13-- "But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me,

in the truth of thy salvation."

Years ago, Ann Landers published letters in which her readers described their church services. Several were especially interesting.

A reader from Alabama wrote, "Protestant worship services are mostly selling tickets to ball games, tapes, pictures, records, and signing petitions on political issues. There is very little spirituality. And the music is a disgrace. No hymns anymore, just modern junk."

Someone from Florida wrote, "There is very little worshipping and meditation in our church. No time for it. Too busy congratulating couples on new babies, wedding anniversaries, engagements and leaning on parishioners to shell out more money. I pray at home."

We might assume these letters reflect members of main-line denominational churches. For the most part, that may be true. However, these members aren't the only ones who've lost the concept of an atmoshpere of worship where folks meet with God.

Worship demands a consciousness of God that focused everything on Him. When we leave a genuine worship service, we should have a sense of being overwhelmed by God and by His greatness. Here's a good test: What does your family talk about on the way home from church? Your answer will indicate whether your family goes to church to meet with God. If their talk is about the donuts, the softball trophy, or the next political election, your family may have missed the point in going to church.

Worship begins with God. If He's not the center of our attention at church, we should hardly say that we've been to a worship service.

ACTION POINT: As a family, discuss the atmoshpere of Sunday morning worship at your church.

-Tom Palmer-

MARCH 16, 2010

HOLY DAY

OR HOLIDAY

Scripture Reading- Exodus 20:8-11

On Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

These Ten Commandments became the foundation of God's law that

showed His people the difference between right and wrong.

These commandments weren't optional; rather,

they stated exactly what God required of His people.

In the first four commandments, God told His people about their relationship with Him. The fourth commandment set aside a special day each week for the Lord. On this day of rest and refreshment, God wanted His people to meet with Him. God said the day was to be holy because He is holy.

In the 21st century, many fail to understand the significance of this day. Someone has said that our great-grandfathers called the Lord's Day the "Holy Sabbath," our grandfathers called it the "Sabbath," our fathers called it "Sunday," and our generation calls it the "weekend." We see evidence of this decline in the fact that Sunday is "Funday" for so many people. Tragically, many have left little of the Lord in the Lord's Day.

More tragic is the fact that our view of God's day is a direct indication of our view of Him. Those who are casual and careless about God's day are typically casual and careless about God Himself. They don't care much about His day because they care little about Him.

When the Lord's Day becomes a day for shopping, eating out, traveling, and playing sports, God quickly gets eliminated from our thoughts and efforts. Ask yourself what's more important--the worship service at 11 or the kickoff at 1? Do you care more about the Sunday sermon or about Sunday dinner? Which do you enjoy most--going to church or going to the mall?

A godly family must place great importance on the Lord's Day. Without this emphasis, a weakened relationship with God will cause family members to drift away from God.

APPLICATION: Take time to review the first four commandments, noting the significance of each.

-Tom Palmer-

MARCH 15,2010

DON'T MISS GOD'S GLORY

Scripture Reading- 1 Corinthians 10:31

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God."

The pages of National Geographic give us glimpses into the beaut and vastness of this great world. With each picture, we can grab, in imaginative detail, the wonder and awe of the creative nature of our God. While appreciating the skills of explorers, photographers, and editors, we realize these men and women fail to grasp the spiritual significance of their discoveries. The magazine never gives credit to God, and its contributors never seem moved by His genius design.

We can observe God's greatness regularly by observing nature during a walk, by enjoying the fragrance of a blooming flower, by eating fresh vegetables from our garden, and by welcoming a new baby into the world. We should praise God for what He allows us to see and experience every day.

Selfish men see man as the center of his own universe. Their faulty view distorts their image of God, preventing them from recognizing His unique greatness. The world dethrones God by ignoring Him. By ignoring Him, they belittle Him. By belittling Him, they worship themselves and serve "the creature more than the Creator" ( Rom. 1:25 ).

We should value God, recognizing that He is credible, reliable, and powerful in His dealings with men without exception. Our God is profoundly interested in us and in directing our lives. By showing us His greatness, He has shown us His ability to guide us throughout life. The psalmist said, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" ( Ps. 37:23a ). "To Bod be the glory!" should be our cry.

While National Geographic is enamored with man's achievements, we should recognize that God is the "author and finisher of our faith" ( Heb. 12:2 ), the Sustainer of our lives, and He who is worthy of our worship.

APPLICATION: Take a moment and prayerfully express gratitude to God for who He is and what He has done and is doing in your life. Find a verse that reflects God's greatness and memorize it.

-Jeff Kahl-

MARCH 14, 2010

WORDS THAT WOUND THE HEART

PART 3

Scripture Reading- Proverbs 18:8

"The words of a talebearer are as wounds,

and they go down into the innermost

parts of the belly."

Some words stay with us for a long time, perhaps even a lifetime, because of the wound they inflict on the heart. Many speak like a loose cannon without regard for appropriateness, timing, or kindness. Though they speak the truth, sometimes the truth is neither helpful nor necessary and shouldn't be spoken at all.

Sadly, our families often receive the brunt of our careless words. My wife's life verse is Psalm 19:14. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Every believer should pray this prayer. God's Word clearly warns against careless speaking. ( See Prov. 10:19, 13:3, 15:2, 17:27, 21:23, 29:11; and Ecc. 5:2-3. ) Take time to read these instructive and convicting verses.

The Lord will hold us accountable for careless words. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" ( Matt. 12:36 ). I believe one reason for such stern accountability is because of how damaging careless words can be.

Angry words wound us. Words and anger are often linked in God's Word ( see Gen. 30:1-2; 1 Sam. 17:28; 2 Sam. 12:5; Luke 15:28-29; and James 1:19 ). When we're angry, we don't realize the volume and intensity of our voices, words, and tones. Regrettably, we often fail to realize how deeply we've hurt those to whom we've spoken in anger.

Destructive words wound us. Some words lead to destruction ( Prov. 18:7 ), but encouraging words should characterize the Christian ( Isa. 50:4; Eph. 2:29 ). We should repent of hurtful words by making restitution and seeking forgiveness. Psalm 141:3 is another appropriate prayer. "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."

THINK ABOUT IT: When was a time you spoke carelessly and foolishly

--Rick Johnson--

MARCH 13, 2010

WORDS THAT WOUND THE HEART

PART 2

Scripture Reading: James 3:8

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison."

Our mouths are like a dispensary at a pharmacist's bench. They can pour out poison or medicine depending on the words we speak. Poisonous words can wound the heart, some wounding us deeper than others. We must be careful to deal with them properly and not to dispense them to others.

Lies wound the heart. The most important quality we can have is a commitment to the truth. The Bible is filled with warnings against lying ( see Prov. 6:16-19, 18:8, 25; and Eph. 4:25 ). God wants our words to be marked with the simplicity of truth ( Matt. 5:37 ). It has been wisely observed, "If you always tell the truth, you don't have to remember what you said the last time."

Truth spoken without love wounds hearts. God places a premium on truth; however, speaking truth alone is insufficient ( see Eph. 4:15 ). This verse mentions truth before love, but that doesn't diminish our responsibility to guard the way we speak the truth. God doesn't give us permission to speak truth without thought to how we present it. Keith Miller said, "Love without truth is hypocrisy, but truth without love is brutality."

Jesus' words were gracious. "And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth" ( Luke4:22a ). He not only spoke the truth, but He did so graciously.

Sarcasm is often hyperbole intended to motivate, but it often hurts instead. A lack of kindness in our speech makes us focus on the messenger rather than on the message. It has been said, "When a man speaks, his words convey his thoughts, and his tone conveys his mood." In your desire to help and to correct, be careful to rebuke from a heart of tenderness, love, and kindness. "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious" ( Ecc. 10:12a ).

THINK ABOUT IT: When did someone's words wound your heart?

--Rick Johnson--

MARCH 12, 2010

WORDS THAT WOUND THE HEART

PART 1

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:18

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:

but the tongue of the wise is health."

Most of us have no idea how much we talk. It is said that, in a single day, some use enough words to fill a 50-page book. In one year's time, the average person's words fill 132 books, each containing 400 pages.

Our words have incredible power. They have power to hurt or to heal. Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Some use words that cut and wound the soul of others.

In preparation for a message, I asked several people to recall deeply hurtful words someone had said to them. In each case, they remembered a specific childhood incident involving a family member, a coach, or a teacher.

Something that motivates others is the words they hear from those they respect. Words can carry enormous weight. Approval or disapproval from the right person can last a lifetime. Proverbs 18:21a says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

God compares words to a sharp sword ( Ps. 57:4 ), poison ( Rom. 3:13-14 ), a tree of life ( Prov. 15:4 ), deep waters ( Prov. 18:4 ), and a fire ( James 3:5 ). Oh, how powerful our words are! Words can follow us throughout our lives, scarring our souls and our destinies. "You'll always be a failure." "You'll never be a decent person." "I can never trust you again."

In contrast, words can motivate others to noble deeds. After a service, a boy named Billy approached evangelist Dr. John R. Rice. Placing his hand on the boy's head, Dr. Rice said, "Son, you would make a fine preacher." The boy, W.A. Criswell, later became the well-known pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.

ACTION POINT: Your words make a difference - for good or for bad. What kind of words are you speaking? Throughout the day, be aware of your words and of the effect they have on others.

--Rick Johnson--