Month: November 2011

Those who go down to the pit are those who have no hope; they do not acknowledge God in their ways. But God has redeemed us, so we do not need to fear that we will ever be unheard, but the answer may not come exactly when we want. The Psalmist was yearning to hear from the Lord, to see His hand at work in his life, yet the Lord delayed. But an answer eventually came. The Lord ever hears our cries for help, mercy, and guidance and He answers. May the Lord create within us a heart that trusts even when answers to prayers seem to be delayed.—B. Crawford

In speaking to the older brother about the prodigal son, the servants and the father both used the term “thy brother.” The older brother would not say, “my brother” saying instead to his father, “thy son,” thus distancing himself from his brother. Holding ourselves aloof from brothers and sisters in Christ is not of God. “Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor. 1:13). Heaven will not be partitioned to accommodate our carnal divisions. Christ prayed that we “may be made perfect in one,” (Jn. 17:23). Let us make that prayer reality. —D. L.

Joseph was in difficulty. Sold as a slave by his brothers, in a foreign country, away from everyone he knew, and falsely accused. Yet four times over in this chapter we read that “the LORD was with him.” Those he worked for also recognized that “the LORD was with him.” Is that my testimony? —P. W.

Why do people complain? Because their expectations are not met. Because today is deemed worse than yesterday. The Israelites murmured because their wilderness situation was less desirable than their faulty memories of Egypt. God had delivered them from bondage to have communion with Him. When judgment came, it was those furthest from the Lord that suffered the most. Nearest to Christ and a Christ-focused mind alleviates complaining and its consequences.—Warren Henderson

DAILY READINGS: 1 Chronicles 21; Ezekiel 20:1-44; John 7:12-30 

Why did the Lord dramatically stop Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus? Why did He suddenly call Levi, a sinful tax collector or Mary Magdalene, whose life was tortured by evil spirits. Why did He rescue a person like the man of Gadara or the woman at the well? Why did He do this for them—and you and me for that matter? It was to shine out His grace but also that we might learn of Him as we “follow after.” The Lord has something in store for you. Stay close to Him and in time you will apprehend why He apprehended you. —Mark Kolchin

A story is told of John the disciple that when he was very old he was asked to preach, but being too weak, devoted himself instead to repeating "Beloved, love one another. If only this is done, it is enough." John had seen with his eyes the life of love that Jesus led. He had heard the new commandment to "Love one another, even as I have loved you". The disciple whom Jesus loved was adamant that love is the most important action in a believer's life. Let us act in love today. —C. Oriold

Ever wonder where heaven is? Thomas’ question is worth considering. The Bible speaks of heaven as being up. The Lord Jesus had come down from heaven and now He was going back to heaven. One day He will again descend from heaven and we will be caught up to be with Him forever. Yes, Heaven is up, but the real question is not where heaven is, but how to get there? Jesus answered this question in a wonderful way by saying, “I am the Way!” Through faith in Him, you can be there. —Rex Trogdon

Before breathless Cleopas and his friend could tell the news they had traveled seven miles to share, equally excited friends burst out with their news: “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.” What a display of grace! Simon (Peter) had denied his Lord during Calvary’s dark hours, but the Lord was anxious to quickly restore fellowship with His erring disciple. He is still anxious to restore people to Himself. In 1 John 1:9 the Word of God says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” From a repentant heart, confess your sins to Him today, and be assured He will forgive you. That is why He died and rose again. —Arnot P. McIntee

All too often our perception of successful Christianity is in the outward appearance: clean cut, well dressed, quality transportation, nice home, etc. None of these things are mentioned in Christ’s teachings. All of the blessed qualities here in Matthew 5 are found in the inner man: poor in spirit, mourning for those who are proud, meek, hungering, thirsting after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, taking patiently persecution for righteousness. Imagine a world where everyone lived by such attributes! That world is coming. When His kingdom is come, His will will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Are we living thus now? —Tom Steere