fbpx
>
Standard Print

Fruitful to the End

Read: Psalm 92:12–15 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 14–15; James 2

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14

Although Lenore Dunlop was ninety-four years young, her mind was sharp, her smile was bright, and her contagious love for Jesus was felt by many. It wasn’t uncommon to find her in the company of the youth of our church; her presence and participation were sources of joy and encouragement. Lenore’s life was so vibrant that her death caught us off guard. Like a powerful runner, she sprinted across life’s finish line. Her energy and zeal were such that, just days before her death, she completed a sixteen-week course that focused on taking the message of Jesus to the peoples of the world.

The fruitful, God-honoring life of Lenore illustrates what’s seen in Psalm 92:12–15. This psalm describes the budding, blossoming, and fruit-bearing of those whose lives are rooted in a right relationship with God (vv. 12–13). The two trees pictured were valued for their fruit and wood, respectively; with these the psalmist captures a sense of vitality, prosperity, and usefulness. When we see in our lives the budding and blossoming fruit of loving, sharing, helping, and leading others to Christ, we should rejoice.

Even for those who may be labeled “senior” or “seasoned,” it’s never too late to take root and bear fruit. Lenore’s life was deeply rooted in God through Jesus and testifies to this and to God’s goodness (v. 15). Ours can too.

How does your life reflect the fruit found in a growing relationship with Jesus? What can you add or eliminate to help you grow?

Father, give me the strength to bear fruit that clearly demonstrates that my life is rooted in the life of Jesus, Your Son.

INSIGHT

Psalm 92 has this superscription: “A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.” This tells us the Israelites sang this praise song in public worship on the Sabbath day (vv. 1–3). According to the New Living Translation Study Bible, “Jewish tradition assigned one psalm to each day of the week: Sunday (Psalm 24), Monday (Psalm 48), Tuesday (Psalm 82), Wednesday (Psalm 94), Thursday (Psalm 81), Friday (Psalm 93), and the Sabbath (Psalm 92).” The Sabbath was a day God set apart for His people to rest and participate in community worship—celebrating His greatness in creation (Exodus 20:8–11; Leviticus 23:3) and remembering their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:6, 15). For the Israelites, long life was considered a reward and blessing from God (Deuteronomy 4:40; 5:33; 30:20). Psalm 92 celebrates that blessing, capturing the gratitude of those who’ve experienced a lifetime of walking with Him (vv. 5–15).

K. T. Sim

By |2019-11-18T16:30:16-05:00November 20th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

True, Deep Desire

Read: Mark 10:46–52 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 11–13; James 1

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. Mark 10:51

A mouse with a shrill voice, Reepicheep is perhaps The Chronicles of Narnia’s most valiant character. He charged into battle swinging his tiny sword. He rejected fear as he prodded on the Dawn Treader toward the Island of Darkness. The secret to Reepicheep’s courage? He was deeply connected to his longing to get to Aslan’s country. “That is my heart’s desire,” he said. Reepicheep knew what he truly wanted, and this led him toward his king.

Bartimaeus, a blind man from Jericho, sat in his normal spot jingling his cup for coins when he heard Jesus and the crowd approaching. He yelled out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). The crowd tried to silence him, but Bartimaeus couldn’t be stopped.

“Jesus stopped,” Mark says (v. 49). In the midst of the throng, Jesus wanted to hear Bartimaeus. “What do you want?” Jesus asked (v. 51).

The answer seemed obvious; surely Jesus knew. But He seemed to believe there was power in allowing Bartimaeus to express his deep desire. “I want to see,” Bartimaeus said (v. 51). And Jesus sent Bartimaeus home seeing colors, beauty, and the faces of friends for the first time.

Not all desires are met immediately (and desires must be transformed), but what’s essential here is how Bartimaeus knew his desire and took it to Jesus. If we’ll pay attention, we’ll notice that our true desires and longings always lead us to Him.

What do you truly desire? How might this desire lead you to Jesus?

Jesus, help me to bring my desires to You. What I’m ultimately seeking can only be satisfied by what You alone can provide.

INSIGHT

The story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52) isn’t the only account in Mark’s gospel where Jesus healed physical blindness. The other is in 8:22–26 where He healed an unnamed man in Bethsaida. But physical blindness wasn’t the only “sight” issue that Mark highlights. Spiritual blindness was prevalent. Just before Jesus healed the blind man in Bethsaida He rebuked His disciples saying, “Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear” (vv. 17–18). And just before He healed Bartimaeus, Jesus reminded His disciples that He was destined for suffering and death, but they didn’t get it (vv. 31–33; 9:30–32; 10:32–34). It wasn’t until after Christ’s resurrection that their spiritual blindness was banished.

Arthur Jackson

By |2019-11-18T16:20:14-05:00November 19th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

Loving the Stranger

Read: Exodus 23:1–9 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 8–10; Hebrews 13

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Exodus 22:21

After a member of my family converted to a different religion, Christian friends urged me to “convince” her to return to Jesus. I found myself first seeking to love my family member as Christ would—including in public places where some people frowned at her “foreign-looking” clothes. Others even made rude comments. “Go home!” one man yelled at her from his truck, not knowing or apparently caring that she already is “home.”

Moses taught a much kinder way to act toward people whose dress or beliefs feel different. Teaching laws of justice and mercy, Moses instructed the children of Israel, “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt” (Exodus 23:9). The edict expresses God’s concern for all strangers, people vulnerable to bias and abuse, and it is repeated in Exodus 22:21 and Leviticus 19:33.

Therefore, when I spend time with my family member—at a restaurant, in a park, taking a walk together or sitting and talking with her on my front porch—I seek first to show her the same kindness and respect that I would want to experience. It’s one of the best ways to remind her of the sweet love of Jesus, not by shaming her for rejecting Him, but by loving her as He loves all of us—with amazing grace.

What attitudes do you hold about people who appear “different” or “foreign”? In what ways can you practice God’s edict to not mistreat a “stranger” or “sojourner” in your land?

Gracious Father, open my heart today to a stranger or foreigner in my land, helping them to encounter You.

INSIGHT

The covenant people of God were to be distinctive and separate from the surrounding nations. This was primarily to protect them from worshiping false gods. Exodus 34:15 says, “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices.” God’s commands were protective, but that didn’t mean the people of Israel were to totally isolate themselves from foreigners. The word translated “foreigner” in Exodus 23:9 means to live among people who aren’t blood relatives. Because immigrants weren’t protected by family, they became dependent on the hospitality of the people where they lived—which the children of Israel had themselves experienced in Egypt during a time of famine (Genesis 50:15–21).

Bill Crowder

By |2019-11-15T12:17:26-05:00November 18th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

Easily Entangled

Read: Hebrews 2:17–18; 12:1–2 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 5–7; Hebrews 12

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1

“Dad! Where are you?”

Soldiers fighting in a sweltering jungle many years ago encountered a frustrating problem. Without warning, a pervasive prickly vine would attach itself to the soldiers’ bodies and gear, causing them to be trapped. As they struggled to get free, even more of the plant’s tentacles entangled them. The soldiers dubbed the weed the “wait-a-minute” vine because, once entwined and unable to move forward, they were forced to shout out to other members of their team, “Hey, wait a minute, I’m stuck!”

In a similar way, it’s hard for followers of Jesus to move forward when we’re ensnared by sin. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and “run with perseverance.” But how do we throw off the sin weighing us down?

Jesus is the only one who can free us from pervasive sin in our lives. May we learn to fix our eyes on Him, our Savior (12:2). Because the Son of God became “fully human in every way,” He knows what it’s like to be tempted—yet not sin (2:17–18; 4:15). Alone, we may be desperately entwined by our own sin, but God wants us to overcome temptation. It’s not through our own strength, but His, that we can “throw off” entangling sin and run after His righteousness (1 Corinthians 10:13).

What sin or sins have a strong hold on you? What can you do to gain freedom from the struggle you’re experiencing?

Jesus, give me Your strength to overcome the sin in my life. Help me to trust in Your power rather than my own and lead me in the right path.

INSIGHT

Hebrews 2:18 gives us great insight into the life of Jesus: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” When we think of Christ’s temptation, we think of His time in the wilderness (see Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4). When Satan attempts to turn Him away from His mission, Jesus combats the tempter with Scripture. This confrontation shows us that knowing Scripture and relying on God enables us to stand firm in the face of temptation. Jesus felt the allure of temptation in the same way we do, and because of that, He’s able to help us in our weakness.

J.R. Hudberg

By |2019-11-11T13:19:50-05:00November 17th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

Dad, Where Are You?

Read: Deuteronomy 31:1–8 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 3–4; Hebrews 11:20–40

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

“Dad! Where are you?”

I was pulling into our driveway when my daughter, panicking, called me on my cell phone. I’d needed to be home by 6:00 to get her to play practice; I was on time. My daughter’s voice, however, betrayed her lack of trust. Reflexively, I responded: “I’m here. Why don’t you trust me?”

But as I spoke those words, I wondered, How often could my heavenly Father ask that of me? In stressful moments, I too am impatient. I too struggle to trust, to believe God will keep His promises. So I cry out: “Father, where are you?”

Amid stress and uncertainty, I sometimes doubt God’s presence, or even His goodness and purposes for me. The Israelites did too. In Deuteronomy 31, they were preparing to enter the Promised Land, knowing their leader, Moses, would stay behind. Moses sought to reassure God’s people by reminding them, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (v. 8).

That promise—that God is always with us—remains a cornerstone of our faith today (see Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 13:5). Indeed, Revelation 21:3 culminates with these words: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”  

Where is God? He’s right here, right now, right with us—always ready to hear our prayers.

What Scripture brings to mind the truth of God’s presence? Place it somewhere easily visible to remind you.

Father, help us to see how much You love us!

INSIGHT

In Deuteronomy, Moses recounts in three speeches (chs. 1–4; 5–26; 27–34) the history of the Israelites about to enter the Promised Land. The forty years of punishment had ended, and all Israelites twenty years and older when the exodus began had died, except Moses, Joshua, and Caleb (Numbers 14:29–35). Moses urged the Israelites to learn from their past unfaithfulness and to trust God (Deuteronomy 31:4–6). Moses himself wouldn’t enter Canaan because of his disobedience (v. 2). On the way to the Promised Land he dishonored God at Kadesh by striking the rock for water instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:1–13; Psalm 106:32–33). Yet Moses was permitted to see Canaan from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1–5).

K. T. Sim

By |2019-11-11T13:10:24-05:00November 16th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

Aiming for the Prize

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:19–27 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 1–2; Hebrews 11:1–19

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

In the 1994 fictional movie Forrest Gump, Forrest becomes famous for running. What began as a jog “to the end of the road” continued for three years, two months, fourteen days, and sixteen hours. Each time he arrived at his destination, he set another one and continued to run, zig-zagging across the United States, until one day when he no longer felt like it. “Feeling like it” was the way his running began. Forrest says, “That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run.”

In contrast to Forrest’s seemingly whimsical running, the apostle Paul asks his readers to follow his example and “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Like disciplined athletes, our running—the way we live our lives—might mean saying no to some of our pleasures. Being willing to forgo our rights might help us reach others with the good news of our rescue from sin and death.

With our hearts and minds trained on the goal of inviting others to run the race alongside us, we are also assured of the ultimate prize—eternal fellowship with God. The victor’s crown God bestows will last forever; we win it by running our lives with the aim of making Him known while relying on His strength to do so. What a reason to run!

What is your “aim” in life? How is it similar to or different than Paul’s?

Jesus, help me stay focused on the reason I run: to share about You with those around me.

INSIGHT

The New Testament letter to the Hebrews was written to readers born and raised under the law of Moses. Their lives had been centered in the moral, civil, and ceremonial obligations of a temple-based culture. Now, however, they were in trouble for believing in Jesus in defiance of temple authorities and the teachers of their law. Some were discouraged. They needed to know that, while no one likes to suffer, they didn’t have to live in fear of dying (2:14–15). Jesus had suffered and tasted death for them (v. 9). He was greater than Moses and was the last sacrifice for sin they’d ever need (3:1–3; 9:24–48). He was a High Priest who wasn’t ashamed to call them brothers and sisters (2:10–13). In Jesus—their new temple—they had become the house of God (3:1–6). Remembering what Jesus had suffered and won for them, they could encourage one another.

To learn more about the letter to the Hebrews, visit christianuniversity.org/NT337.

Bill Crowder

By |2019-11-11T12:13:14-05:00November 15th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

Alert Circles

Read: Hebrews 10:19–25 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Lamentations 3–5; Hebrews 10:19–39

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

African gazelles instinctively form “alert circles” while resting on the savannah. They gather in groups with each animal facing outward in a slightly different direction. This enables them to scan the horizon a full 360 degrees and to communicate about approaching dangers or opportunities.

Instead of looking out only for themselves, the members of the group take care of one another. This is also God’s wisdom for followers of Jesus. The Bible encourages us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Christians were never intended to go it alone, explains the writer of Hebrews. Together we are stronger. We’re able to “[encourage] one another” (v. 25), to “comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4), and to help each other stay alert to the efforts of our enemy the devil, who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

The goal of our care for each other is so much more than survival. It’s to make us like Jesus: loving and effective servants of God in this world—people who together look forward confidently to the hope of His coming kingdom. All of us need encouragement, and God will help us help each other as together we draw near to Him in love.

How do you receive strength and help from other believers? Who can you encourage with God’s love?

Thank You for Your faithfulness, loving God. Please help me to encourage others to look forward to You today!

INSIGHT

The New Testament letter to the Hebrews was written to readers born and raised under the law of Moses. Their lives had been centered in the moral, civil, and ceremonial obligations of a temple-based culture. Now, however, they were in trouble for believing in Jesus in defiance of temple authorities and the teachers of their law. Some were discouraged. They needed to know that, while no one likes to suffer, they didn’t have to live in fear of dying (2:14–15). Jesus had suffered and tasted death for them (v. 9). He was greater than Moses and was the last sacrifice for sin they’d ever need (3:1–3; 9:24–48). He was a High Priest who wasn’t ashamed to call them brothers and sisters (2:10–13). In Jesus—their new temple—they had become the house of God (3:1–6). Remembering what Jesus had suffered and won for them, they could encourage one another.

To learn more about the letter to the Hebrews, visit christianuniversity.org/NT337.

Mart DeHaan

By |2019-11-11T12:08:28-05:00November 14th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

True Friends

Read: 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 19:1–6 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Lamentations 1–2; Hebrews 10:1–18

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

In high school, I had a “sometimes friend.” We were “buddies” at our church, and we occasionally hung out together outside of school. But at school, it was a different story. If she met me by herself, she might say hello; but only if no one else was around. Realizing this, I rarely tried to gain her attention within school walls. I knew the limits of our friendship.

We’ve probably all experienced the pain of disappointingly one-sided or narrow friendships. But there’s another kind of friendship—one that extends beyond all boundaries. It’s the kind of friendship we have with kindred spirits who are committed to sharing life’s journey with us.

David and Jonathan were such friends. Jonathan was “one in spirit” with David and loved him “as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1–3). Although Jonathan would have been next in line to rule after his father Saul’s death, he was loyal to David, God’s chosen replacement. Jonathan even helped David to evade two of Saul’s plots to kill him (19:1–6; 20:1–42).

Despite all odds, Jonathan and David remained friends—pointing to the truth of Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times.” Their faithful friendship also gives us a glimpse of the loving relationship God has with us (John 3:16; 15:15). Through friendships like theirs, our understanding of God’s love is deepened. 

Who do you consider a true friend? Why? How is it comforting to know that God is our truest friend?

Heavenly Father, we long for friends. Please open up doors to true, lasting, and God-centered friendships.

INSIGHT

David and Jonathan shared an amazing friendship. Twice in today’s text we read that Jonathan “loved [David] as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1, 3). Jonathan loved David even though his own father, King Saul, despised him. He looked out for David’s best even when that meant family division and possible detriment to himself. This relationship is seen in the New Testament in the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19).

J.R. Hudberg

By |2019-11-06T13:28:03-05:00November 13th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

Our Blessings, His Love

Read: Psalm 136:1–3, 10–26 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 51–52; Hebrews 9

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
To him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. Psalm 136:16

In 2015, a woman discarded her deceased husband’s computer at a recycling center—a computer that had been made in 1976. But more important than when it had been made was who made it. It was one of 200 computers hand built by Apple founder Steve Jobs, and was worth an estimated quarter of a million dollars! Sometimes knowing the true worth of something means knowing who made it.

Knowing that it’s God who made us shows us how valuable we are to Him (Genesis 1:27). Psalm 136 catalogs key moments of His people—ancient Israel: how they had been freed from captivity in Egypt (vv. 11–12), journeyed through the wilderness (v. 16), and were given a new home in Canaan (vv. 21–22). But each time a moment of Israel’s history is mentioned, it’s paired with this repeated refrain: “His love endures forever.” This refrain reminded the people of Israel that their experiences weren’t random historical events. Each moment had been orchestrated by God and was a reflection of His enduring love for those He’d made.

Far too often, I allow moments that show God at work and His kind ways to simply pass by, failing to recognize that every perfect gift comes from my heavenly Father (James 1:17) who made me and loves me. May you and I learn to connect every blessing in our lives to God’s enduring love for us.

How can we better remember the Source of life’s blessings? What hinders you from doing so?

Heavenly Father, please don’t allow even one blessing that You’ve given pass by without me recognizing that it came from You, and You alone!

INSIGHT

When we read the Psalms, it’s easy to forget they were actually written to be sung, not read. While many were about individual experiences, some were directed to the people of Israel corporately. This was often expressed when the people gathered for worship. Psalm 136 was such a psalm, and some scholars believe it was intended to be sung antiphonally—where one group made a musical declaration and another group responded to that declaration. The priests and Levites (worship leaders) would sing a statement about God (“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,” v. 1) and the assembled congregation would respond, “His love endures forever.”

Bill Crowder

By |2019-11-06T12:18:21-05:00November 12th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Standard Print

It’s Up to God

Read: Matthew 6:5–15 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8

Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
Your will be done. Matthew 6:10

Nate and Sherilyn enjoyed their stop at an omakase restaurant while visiting New York City. Omakase is a Japanese word that translates, “I will leave it up to you,” which means customers at such restaurants let the chef choose their meal. Even though it was their first time to try this type of cuisine and it sounded risky, they loved the food the chef chose and prepared for them.

That idea could carry over to our attitude toward God with our prayer requests: “I will leave it up to You.” The disciples saw that Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places” to pray (Luke 5:16), so they asked Him one day to teach them how to pray. He told them to ask for their daily needs, forgiveness, and the way out of temptation. Part of His response also suggested an attitude of surrender: “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

We can pour out our needs to God because He wants to hear what’s on our hearts—and He delights to give. But being human and finite, we don’t always know what’s best, so it only makes sense to ask with a humble spirit, in submission to Him. We can leave the answer to Him, confident that He’s trustworthy and will choose to prepare what’s good for us. 

What do you want to share with God right now? What would it look like if you totally surrendered it to Him?

Thank You, God, for carrying me and my needs close to Your heart. I surrender my life and those I love to Your care.

INSIGHT

Why did Jesus begin this section on prayer (Matthew 6:5–15) with a caution? And who were these “hypocrites” He warned against (v. 5)? Mark 12 indicates they were “teachers of the law” who “devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers” (vv. 38–40).

This doesn’t mean that public prayer is wrong, but it comes with a great danger. We might pray to impress those around us rather than pray with humility to the One who sees our hearts and answers our prayers. At the same time, we might wish we could pray like some particularly eloquent person. In either case, it’s vital we remember that God isn’t in anything done for the sake of appearance.

Tim Gustafson

By |2019-11-05T13:14:53-05:00November 11th, 2019|
See other authors

FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail
Go to Top