"Blessed is the man . . . [whose] delight is in the law of
the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose
leaf also shall not whither." Psalm 1:1-3Living in the middle of a desert that is experiencing a drought, I often look upon the barrenness of the land with sadness. Yet, when we consider ourselves, how often do our spiritual lives resemble the desert--dry, cracked, and fruitless?Psalm 1:2-3 tells us that as we delight in the Word of God and meditate upon it, we will become nourished, refreshed, and fruitful. Delighting in the Word is more than simply doing our Bible reading for the day. It is looking forward to and enjoying our time with the Lord above all else. Afterwards, it is savoring those tasty morsels and meditating upon them throughout the day.When you have a free moment, where do your thoughts go? May we shift the focus of our hearts and minds off ourselves, our schedules, and our 'to do' lists and onto the Word of God, that our delight might be continually in Him and His word.Then we will be like that tree planted by the rivers of water.What do you spend your time thinking about? When I was your age all I thought about was boys, but it may also be gossip, jealous thoughts, insecurities, etc. I know that I for one, was encouraged to check my heart to make sure that I delight in the Lord more than anything else and continue to meditate on scriptures as I live through my day.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Delighting in Him
This devotion was written by Amber Knapp from Calvary Chapel Green Valley, Nevada. It is included in my Passion for Jesus daily devotional. I really like how challenging and honest it is. Love ya.
Monday, January 21, 2008
At Jesus' Feet
This was my devotion on January 20 (yesterday) and it has so much to do with where we are at right now in John. It is by Becky Hallman, Calvary Chapel Kauai, from A Passion for Jesus.
At Jesus' Feet
"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said." Luke 10:39
A few years ago, my sister treated me to a wonderfully relaxing pedicure at a luxurious spa--an experience I'll never forget! For a glorious half hour, my pedicurist was totally devoted to pampering my tired feet!
Mary, the sister of Martha, expressed her devotion to the Lord by being at His feet. Mary is mentioned three times in the Gospels and each time, she is at the Lord's feet! In the popular account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:39, we find Mary sitting "at the Lord's feet listening to what He said." She is quietly absorbing all He is teaching her.
Sometime later, Mary's brother Lazarus died, and in despair, Mary fell "at His feet" (John 11:32). In a time of crisis, Mary was seeking Jesus. Then, just days before Jesus' crucifixion, Mary took her expensive perfume and "poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair" (John 12:3). In servant-like humility and costly devotion, she annointed and blessed her Lord before His burial.
Do you long for more of Jesus? Are you in a crisis? Do you desire to bless the Lord? Whatever circumstances you are in, take some time today and sit at His feet--listening, seeking, and worshiping your Lord!
"Come let us worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker" Psalm 95:6
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Answers to Your Questions--by Charlie Campbell
Charlie Campbell is going to speak at the winter retreat. You can read more at AlwaysBeReady.com
What evidence do you have that there is a God?”
The very existence of the universe itself is evidence that there is a God. Let’s think about this for a moment. There are only three options for the existence of the universe. One, that it has always been. Two, that it came into being by itself. Three, that it was created. The first option, that the universe is eternal, has been utterly rejected by the scientific community. The motion of the galaxies, the background radiation echo, and other evidences all overwhelmingly point to the fact that the universe sprang into existence at a particular point in time, something scientists call the Big Bang. Option two, that the universe created itself, is philosophically impossible. Of course, before the universe existed it would not have been around to do the creating. Obviously, a non-existent universe could not have done anything! It did not exist. We all know that nothing can not do anything. Nothing is nothing. It (if we could even call nothing an it!) cannot see, smell, act, think, or create. So option one and two can be thrown out on scientific and philosophical grounds. Option three, that something or someone outside of the universe created the universe, is the only reasonable option. Let’s imagine I am holding up a painting. When you see a painting, what proof do you need to establish the fact that a painter exists? Nothing else besides the painting itself. The painting is absolute proof that there was a painter. You do not need to see the painter to believe that he or she exists. The painting is all the evidence you need. It would not be there if the painter did not exist, and so it is with the universe. The existence of the universe itself proves absolutely that there is a creator.
“What evidence do you have that the Bible is actually true?”
If I had to narrow it down to a few evidences, I would probably say: fulfilled prophecies, archaeological discoveries, and the Bible’s amazing unity. The Bible, unlike any other religious book, has demonstrated itself to be the Word of God through its ability to rightly predict the future. There are literally hundreds of very specific prophecies in the Bible that were spoken hundreds of years before their fulfillment that have already come to pass. No other religious book can verify itself in this way. The Bible has also been proven to be historically reliable by numerous archaeological discoveries. To date, there have been more than 25,000 archaeological discoveries that have verified the names of persons, places, events, and customs mentioned in the Bible. Finally, there is the Bible’s amazing unity. Here is a book that is actually a collection of sixty-six different books, written down by more than forty different authors, over a period of 1,500 plus years, on three different continents, in three different languages, and it addresses life’s most controversial topics from beginning to end. You would think there would be chaos, confusion, and contradictions, yet the Bible miraculously remains absolutely consistent and internally harmonious from beginning to end. These three evidences (fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries, and the Bible’s amazing unity) build a compelling case for the divine origin and historical reliability of the Bible.
“Why aren’t dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible?”
First, we should not expect to see the word dinosaur in the Bible. The term was not coined until a famous paleontologist, Sir Richard Owen, gave them that name in 1841–nearly eighteen centuries after the New Testament was finished. Second, just because a creature is not mentioned in the Bible does not mean that it did not exist. There are thousands of creatures that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible: giraffes, alligators, penguins, just to name a few. Thirdly, the Bible does actually mention at least two different creatures that very well may have been dinosaurs: Behemoth, and Leviathan. Behemoth is described as having a tail like a cedar tree (Job 40:15-19). Of Leviathan, the Lord said to Job, “…indeed, any hope of overcoming him is false; Shall one not be overwhelmed at the sight of him? No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up….Who can remove his outer coat? Who can approach him with a double bridle? Who can open the doors of his face, with his terrible teeth all around? His rows of scales are his pride” (Job 41:9-10, 13-15a). Scales? Terrible teeth? So fierce that no one would dare wake him up? It is easy to see why numerous Biblical scholars have concluded that Leviathan may have been a dinosaur.
Go to AlwaysBeReady.com to read the answers to these other questions too! May the Lord bless you with an answer to give to those who ask you.
"What about those who have never heard of Jesus? Will they be condemned to hell?”
“Hasn’t the Bible undergone corruption as it was translated hundreds of times down through the centuries?”
“If God is so loving, why does He allow evil and suffering?”
“What about homosexuals? Do you believe that they go to hell?”
“Why would God have created us, if He knew in advance that so many people would be eternally lost?”
What evidence do you have that there is a God?”
The very existence of the universe itself is evidence that there is a God. Let’s think about this for a moment. There are only three options for the existence of the universe. One, that it has always been. Two, that it came into being by itself. Three, that it was created. The first option, that the universe is eternal, has been utterly rejected by the scientific community. The motion of the galaxies, the background radiation echo, and other evidences all overwhelmingly point to the fact that the universe sprang into existence at a particular point in time, something scientists call the Big Bang. Option two, that the universe created itself, is philosophically impossible. Of course, before the universe existed it would not have been around to do the creating. Obviously, a non-existent universe could not have done anything! It did not exist. We all know that nothing can not do anything. Nothing is nothing. It (if we could even call nothing an it!) cannot see, smell, act, think, or create. So option one and two can be thrown out on scientific and philosophical grounds. Option three, that something or someone outside of the universe created the universe, is the only reasonable option. Let’s imagine I am holding up a painting. When you see a painting, what proof do you need to establish the fact that a painter exists? Nothing else besides the painting itself. The painting is absolute proof that there was a painter. You do not need to see the painter to believe that he or she exists. The painting is all the evidence you need. It would not be there if the painter did not exist, and so it is with the universe. The existence of the universe itself proves absolutely that there is a creator.
“What evidence do you have that the Bible is actually true?”
If I had to narrow it down to a few evidences, I would probably say: fulfilled prophecies, archaeological discoveries, and the Bible’s amazing unity. The Bible, unlike any other religious book, has demonstrated itself to be the Word of God through its ability to rightly predict the future. There are literally hundreds of very specific prophecies in the Bible that were spoken hundreds of years before their fulfillment that have already come to pass. No other religious book can verify itself in this way. The Bible has also been proven to be historically reliable by numerous archaeological discoveries. To date, there have been more than 25,000 archaeological discoveries that have verified the names of persons, places, events, and customs mentioned in the Bible. Finally, there is the Bible’s amazing unity. Here is a book that is actually a collection of sixty-six different books, written down by more than forty different authors, over a period of 1,500 plus years, on three different continents, in three different languages, and it addresses life’s most controversial topics from beginning to end. You would think there would be chaos, confusion, and contradictions, yet the Bible miraculously remains absolutely consistent and internally harmonious from beginning to end. These three evidences (fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries, and the Bible’s amazing unity) build a compelling case for the divine origin and historical reliability of the Bible.
“Why aren’t dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible?”
First, we should not expect to see the word dinosaur in the Bible. The term was not coined until a famous paleontologist, Sir Richard Owen, gave them that name in 1841–nearly eighteen centuries after the New Testament was finished. Second, just because a creature is not mentioned in the Bible does not mean that it did not exist. There are thousands of creatures that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible: giraffes, alligators, penguins, just to name a few. Thirdly, the Bible does actually mention at least two different creatures that very well may have been dinosaurs: Behemoth, and Leviathan. Behemoth is described as having a tail like a cedar tree (Job 40:15-19). Of Leviathan, the Lord said to Job, “…indeed, any hope of overcoming him is false; Shall one not be overwhelmed at the sight of him? No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up….Who can remove his outer coat? Who can approach him with a double bridle? Who can open the doors of his face, with his terrible teeth all around? His rows of scales are his pride” (Job 41:9-10, 13-15a). Scales? Terrible teeth? So fierce that no one would dare wake him up? It is easy to see why numerous Biblical scholars have concluded that Leviathan may have been a dinosaur.
Go to AlwaysBeReady.com to read the answers to these other questions too! May the Lord bless you with an answer to give to those who ask you.
"What about those who have never heard of Jesus? Will they be condemned to hell?”
“Hasn’t the Bible undergone corruption as it was translated hundreds of times down through the centuries?”
“If God is so loving, why does He allow evil and suffering?”
“What about homosexuals? Do you believe that they go to hell?”
“Why would God have created us, if He knew in advance that so many people would be eternally lost?”
Monday, January 14, 2008
Dancing With Jesus
If you haven't seen it yet, the kids from our youth group did the "Dancing with Jesus" skit. You can check it out by clicking here and scrolling down a little bit. Love ya.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Memorizing Scripture
Felicia subscribes to Greg Laurie's daily online devotions and she sends me the ones that she thinks will be good for you guys. She thought this was great in reminding us why we memorize scripture and how we can use it. So don't forget how important it is to learn the memory verse; we don't do it in vain or to feel like super smart Christians; it is a crucial part of our armor. Love ya.
Keep a Sharp Sword
Temptation is definitely going to come your way and mine. When we know the Word of God, we can deflect the blows that come against us and strike out offensively.
For example, the devil will come to us when we have sinned and say, "You failed. There is no forgiveness for you."
So we pull our sword out of its sheath and say, "It is written in 1 John 1:9, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' " Touché!
The devil says, "You are wrong. God condemns you."
So you strike back with your sword and say, "You are wrong, because Romans 8:1 says, 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.' "
Then the devil says, "Now wait. You are going to fall again. I am going to take you down."
You can reply, "No. You are wrong. In John 10:28, Jesus said, 'And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.' " And you thrust your sword again.
This is why it is important for us to commit Scripture to memory and to keep our sword sharp.
Keep a Sharp Sword
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged
sword.
— Hebrews 4:12
Temptation is definitely going to come your way and mine. When we know the Word of God, we can deflect the blows that come against us and strike out offensively.
For example, the devil will come to us when we have sinned and say, "You failed. There is no forgiveness for you."
So we pull our sword out of its sheath and say, "It is written in 1 John 1:9, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' " Touché!
The devil says, "You are wrong. God condemns you."
So you strike back with your sword and say, "You are wrong, because Romans 8:1 says, 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.' "
Then the devil says, "Now wait. You are going to fall again. I am going to take you down."
You can reply, "No. You are wrong. In John 10:28, Jesus said, 'And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.' " And you thrust your sword again.
This is why it is important for us to commit Scripture to memory and to keep our sword sharp.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Right Choice
I thought that this was so good. I look back at the things in my
life that I regret and the memories that cause me pain and they are all centered
in the sinful things I didn't want to miss out on. There was a way that seemed
right to me, but it was very wrong for me. Trust in the Lord, and follow Him,
and then you will look back on your youth with peace and joy. --Brandi
The Right Choice
Greg Laurie's Devotion from January 1, 2008
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.
The smartest thing I did as a 17-year-old kid was to give my future to God. Did I miss a few parties? Did I miss some fun times? In one sense, I suppose I did. But as I look at what life has done to my friends back then who were unbelievers and then look at how life has been for me, I know that I made the right decision. I have missed nothing. What have I really given up, especially when compared to what God has given to me? I have never regretted that day.
There are two ways to learn things: the easy way and the hard way. You can go out and make mistakes that will haunt you for the rest of your life, or you can believe that God means what He says when He warns you about certain sins, and you can walk the way He wants you to walk. I can assure you that you will look back one day and say, "I made the right decision." You won't regret it. But if you don't make the decision to follow Christ, you will indeed regret it.
God has a future for you. He has a plan for you. Don't be afraid to commit your life to Him. If you have never asked Jesus Christ to come into your life, if you have never known God in a personal way, then I am asking you to commit your future to God, to say without reservation, "Lord, I want to follow You. I want to be Your disciple. I want to go where You tell me to go. I will obey." Do that today. Commit this New Year to God.
A Devotion from Greg Laurie
Felicia sent this to me a couple weeks ago. I thought it would be great to share with you.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Caught in Its Current
Some years ago, I was at the beach with my son Jonathan, and we decided to go swimming. We weren't very far from the shore. Suddenly, there was one of those drops in the sand and, for a few moments, my feet could not touch the ground.
As I held on to Jonathan, a little riptide began to pull us over to the right, just enough to move us along. We were originally lined up with a lifeguard stand, but I noticed it had moved quite a distance. Obviously it had not moved. We had moved. We were being pulled along. I could not stop myself. I kept reaching for the ground with my feet, but I could not get my footing.
Suddenly, the lifeguard came down from his stand and began running toward us with his flotation device. I didn't mind being saved, but I was only a few feet from the shore.
"I'm all right," I said, trying to wave him off.
But you know what? I wasn't all right. I couldn't stop myself. As he began swimming out, I thought, "I have got to get my feet on the ground." Finally, I planted myself.
"I'm OK," I shouted to him, and he waved and swam back in.
That is what temptation is like. You think you can handle it, but suddenly you are caught in its current.
To pray we won't be tempted and then place ourselves in a vulnerable situation is like thrusting our fingers into a fire and praying they won't be burned. We need a healthy respect of the enemy we face and of the temptation that he will utilize in our lives.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Caught in Its Current
Some years ago, I was at the beach with my son Jonathan, and we decided to go swimming. We weren't very far from the shore. Suddenly, there was one of those drops in the sand and, for a few moments, my feet could not touch the ground.
As I held on to Jonathan, a little riptide began to pull us over to the right, just enough to move us along. We were originally lined up with a lifeguard stand, but I noticed it had moved quite a distance. Obviously it had not moved. We had moved. We were being pulled along. I could not stop myself. I kept reaching for the ground with my feet, but I could not get my footing.
Suddenly, the lifeguard came down from his stand and began running toward us with his flotation device. I didn't mind being saved, but I was only a few feet from the shore.
"I'm all right," I said, trying to wave him off.
But you know what? I wasn't all right. I couldn't stop myself. As he began swimming out, I thought, "I have got to get my feet on the ground." Finally, I planted myself.
"I'm OK," I shouted to him, and he waved and swam back in.
That is what temptation is like. You think you can handle it, but suddenly you are caught in its current.
To pray we won't be tempted and then place ourselves in a vulnerable situation is like thrusting our fingers into a fire and praying they won't be burned. We need a healthy respect of the enemy we face and of the temptation that he will utilize in our lives.
Happy New Year
"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11
So, now it is 2008. Some of you are going to graduate this year and I am so sad about that. But as we always do, we can use this time to think about ways we want to see our lives improve spiritually. Pray about it, do you need to stop losing your temper, respect your parents, spend more time with Christian friends, make a commitment to do your devotions? What do you want to see happen this year.
It is a good resolution to get rid of the things in your life that bring you down, be it friends, music, or parties. But raise your expectations, and focus on how you want to be used by the Lord this year. If you merely stay where you are at spiritually, you are not growing closer to the Lord. Build yourself up in the word of God and then ask God to use you. What can you do this year or even this week that will bless the Lord? Can you pass out a Bible tract, pray for someone, volunteer at church, share with a nonbeliever, pray for a missionary, help someone in need in the name of Christ? Pray and ask God to bring you an opportunity.
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