TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 13:44-52
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. - Isaiah 49:6b
TODAY IN THE WORD
Few people could have predicted that Chuck Colson would emerge from the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s as a leading figure in the Christian community. In fact, his conversion was so startling that many people doubted it at first.

The apostle Paul was also a very unlikely convert. Paul (first called Saul) watched the execution of Stephen, an early church leader (Acts 8:1). Even though Saul persecuted the early church, he was motivated by what he thought would please God. When Jesus revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus, Saul’s heart was pierced to the core. Following a brief blindness, Saul was baptized and became a fearless follower of Jesus Christ (Acts 9).

Today’s passage records one of Paul’s earlier sermons, on his first missionary journey. Having been invited back to the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch (in modern Turkey), Paul continued explaining the good news of Jesus Christ. So many people gathered that Scripture says the Jews “were filled with jealousy.”

What would make the Jews so angry? Most likely they weren’t ready, or willing, to adjust their expectations of the Messiah. Almost no one had anticipated a crucified and risen Messiah! But Paul encountered the resurrected Jesus and knew that salvation was possible only through the risen Christ. What’s more, Paul understood that he had been called by Jesus to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46–47). As he spoke, Paul quoted from Isaiah 49:6. This part of Isaiah contains many references to the Servant of God, especially Isaiah 52–53. Early Christians saw that these passages ultimately referred to Jesus, the One who suffered for the sins of all people, even though He was without sin. But Paul also understood that because he had surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, he too was called to suffer for God and to share God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. In fact, the Lord Jesus had told him this very thing when he was converted (Acts 26:15–18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We may not be called to a ministry exactly like the apostle Paul’s, but we are still called to be Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In many ways, this is a suitable “life verse” for every Christian. During your prayer time today, ask the Holy Spirit how you can be the Lord’s witness in your own “end of the earth.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 1
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. - Psalm 119:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to Parade magazine, Marilyn vos Savant is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records Hall of Fame for having the “highest I.Q.” If that honor were bestowed in around A.D. 400, it would have been given to Jerome. This early church leader was born in 331, in what was then northeast Italy, to a wealthy family. Early on, he was sent to Rome to study grammar and philosophy. Jerome passionately loved Greek and Roman classics. In fact, Jerome loved this literature so much, especially the works of the Roman statesman Cicero, that he later wrote about a dream that he had in which the Lord said to him, “You are a follower of Cicero, not of Christ.”

Because of this dream, Jerome set aside the study of classics, and devoted himself to studying God’s Word. He once wrote, “Make knowledge of Scripture your life.” In this regard, he was like the psalmist who wrote, “His delight is in the law of the Lord” (Ps. 1:2). Like the psalmist, Jerome meditated on God’s Word day and night. And the Lord watched over him in a remarkable way (v. 6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you know the stories behind the names Ignatius, Origen, and Jerome? With all the pressures of daily living, it’s hard to find time to read about the exciting lives of the early followers of Jesus. Yet reading about the faith and devotion of these believers is very encouraging. If you don’t already have a good one-volume book on church history, this month might be a good time to obtain one. One such volume is Great Leaders of the Christian Church, published by Moody Press and available at Christian bookstores.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 13:8-14
I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. - Romans 12:1b
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s often said that God moves in mysterious ways, and the person we’ll look at today is one of the better examples of this. When we hear the name Augustine, we may think of his brilliant writings, such as The City of God. For centuries, Augustine’s work as a theologian and philosopher has been influential. Yet you might be surprised to learn that Augustine’s youth was anything but praiseworthy.

Because of his obvious brilliance, Augustine left home early to study in Carthage in northern Africa. But Augustine didn’t always study. By eighteen, he had a mistress, and by twenty, an illegitimate child. God had other plans for this wild young man. His mother, Monica, a devoted Christian, prayed for her son continually. Although Augustine resisted for years, slowly his objections to Christianity began to break down. One day (in 386) in a villa outside of Rome, he threw himself on the ground, disgusted by his lifestyle and feeling powerless to change. As he lay there, he heard a voice saying, “Take up and read; take up and read!” It was probably some nearby children singing in a game, but Augustine had been trying to read the Bible just before he heard this. He picked up the Bible again and, when he “took up” to read, his eyes fell on Romans 13:13–14. At that very moment Augustine was converted to Christianity.

This passage follows a long section that urges believers to offer their lives fully to the Lord (12:1). As Christians, we are no longer to conform to worldly standards. Rather, being a Christian should impact every area of our lives. Romans 13 then addresses our relationship to government (vv. 1-7) and our daily conduct. Christians are to be loving, because truly loving one another actually fulfills the Ten Commandments (vv. 8-10). Next, Christians are to be spiritually “awake,” or diligent. Like Augustine, this means setting aside sin (v. 13) and “clothing” ourselves with the Lord Jesus (v. 14).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Augustine wrote another book, Confessions. Instead of dwelling on his lifestyle before becoming a Christian, this book is a confession of Augustine’s faith. Here Augustine writes how his heart found rest in God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 10:5-20
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Hardly a month goes by without hearing about someone winning an amazing lottery jackpot. Sometimes the winner was on the brink of financial ruin when the winning ticket suddenly changed everything. Like a fairy tale, the lottery seems to epitomize the “rags to riches” story.

The story of Giovanni Francesco Bernadone, better known as Francis of Assisi, presents one of history’s greatest “from riches to rags” stories. Born into a wealthy family, Francis expected to become a Crusader and win fame and adventure. When war broke out with a neighboring city, Francis eagerly joined the battle, hoping to return a war hero. Instead, he spent a year as a prisoner of war and returned home unsure of his future. A long illness that nearly cost Francis his life also helped to redirect his thinking.

One day while praying in a local church, Francis felt as if Jesus were speaking Matthew 11:28 directly to him, calling him to a life of service for Him. Some time later Francis heard Matthew 10 while at church. In the words of Jesus to His disciples, Francis heard his own call–a life of simplicity and radical obedience to the gospel. In fact, Francis used this passage (especially Matt. 10:7–10) as the basis for what would become a worldwide movement.

In this passage, Jesus sent His disciples out into the surrounding country to preach the kingdom of God, the good news of God’s salvation. The disciples were instructed to minister to the downtrodden (v. . They were also instructed to remain utterly dependent upon the Lord for all their provisions (vv. 9-10). Ministering in this way was risky--those who resisted God’s ways would present severe obstacles for Jesus’ disciples. But their peace came from the Holy Spirit, who would speak through them at the time of trial (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage from Matthew is a powerful reminder to reach out to the downtrodden in our own lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 1:14-17; 5:1-2
The righteous will live by faith. - Romans 1:17b
TODAY IN THE WORD
It probably wasn’t the first time the young man had been outside in a thunderstorm, but this time was different–the storm was especially violent. As a bolt of lightning struck the ground nearby, the young man cried out, “Help me, Saint Anne! I will become a monk!” And that’s exactly what he did . . . for a while.

It’s hard to imagine a more intriguing figure than Martin Luther! It’s seems only fitting that God used a bolt of lightning to “speak” to this amazing young man, who would change the course of the church and impact Western history.

Born in Germany in 1483, Luther was raised in a devout home–at a time when there was much corruption in the Roman Catholic Church. When Luther was nearly struck by lightning in 1505, his vow to become a monk came from a sincere desire to serve God. Luther completely dedicated himself to the church, even though he had been studying to become a lawyer.

His “lawyer’s” mind would prove invaluable as Luther studied God’s Word and later sought to reform the church. The verse that changed Luther’s life–and also the course of history–was Romans 1:17. As Luther reflected on this verse, he was tormented by the question of who could truly be righteous. He knew from his own life that he could not be righteous in his own strength.

Day and night Luther wrestled with this verse until he finally realized (in 1515) that only by faith, which was a gift from God, could he be righteous. God’s power, working though the gospel (Rom. 1:16), brought salvation to those who believed. Righteousness, or living a life pleasing to God, could only come from God. Until that point, Luther had tried to make himself righteous first so that he could live by faith. He had it backwards. His struggle with Romans 1 showed him that he had to begin with faith.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Martin Luther is one of the key figures in the history of the church. Why not take some time today to find out more about this fascinating individual? You can read about him in Great Leaders of the Christian Church, which we recommended on September 3. Although Luther was a difficult person in some ways and said some harsh things, he was used powerfully by God at a time when reform was desperately needed. His struggles with what it means to be forgiven and to have peace with God have encouraged believers for centuries.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 17
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. - Hebrews 6:19b
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the early 1980s, a quiet “revolution” began to take place in Poland. The Solidarity movement found much popular support, fueling the desire for moral reform as well as political change. Finally, in 1989, the Communist regime fell and a new Polish democracy emerged.

Although revolutions are often primarily political events, several struggles for national independence have included spiritual liberation as well. When John Knox sought Scottish independence, he also opened the doors for the gospel and laid the foundation for the Presbyterian church. During the tumultuous years of his life, Knox’s sure anchor was John 17, particularly verse 3.

At this time, preaching directly from God’s Word was uncommon, and many churches were more involved with politics than ministry. As a young man, Knox met two preachers who powerfully proclaimed the gospel message. Eventually, both these men were executed, but this only strengthened Knox’s resolve to preach. And his favorite text was John 17.

This chapter closes Jesus’ final teaching and prayer with His disciples, the so-called Farewell Discourse. Knowing that the time had come for His death and resurrection, Jesus prayed that the Father might indeed glorify Him (v. 5). Then Jesus prayed for His disciples, who also brought glory to Jesus through their belief in Him (v. 10). He prayed for their protection and encouragement (vv. 13–15).

Finally, Jesus prayed for all who would come to believe in Him, the source of life everlasting. Reflecting on the eternal unity that Jesus has with the Father, He prayed that believers would “be brought to complete unity” as well (v. 23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Did you know that in John 17 Jesus prayed for you? Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Jesus continually intercedes on our behalf. Take a few minutes to ponder this more fully. Look back over John 17:20–26, and list a few of the things for which Jesus prays, such as unity. How are you comforted and strengthened by this knowledge? Take some time to praise God that you will be with Jesus and see His glory (v. 24), and thank Jesus for His prayers for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 8:34-9:1; Luke 12:13-21
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? - Mark 8:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you were looking for a missionary to take the gospel to India and Sri Lanka, you probably wouldn’t start by searching taverns of Paris! If you looked into one these raucous establishments in the 1530s, you might have seen a strikingly handsome young philosophy professor who liked to gamble and drink. Born in Spain, this brilliant young man eventually made his way to the University of Paris. His name was Francis Xavier, and the Word of God changed his life forever.

The pursuit of pleasure and success eventually left Xavier empty. He sought the company of a good friend, who quoted Mark 8:36 to him. It completely redirected Xavier’s life–he left his teaching position and joined a small group of missionaries.

Xavier began ministering in northern Italy, but later traveled between India and Japan, even ministering on South Seas islands. Even though he could not speak the language where he ministered, he would memorize entire sermons in that language so that he would not be hindered in sharing the gospel.

This verse that impacted Xavier fits into a larger section in Mark about denying oneself for the gospel. Beginning in Mark 8:34, Jesus taught those following Him about gaining and losing life. Life can only be found by following Jesus. Although such self-denial can seem harsh, Jesus’ command is really gracious, for any pursuit that takes higher priority will only lead to a lost life. Jesus doesn’t ask us to deny ourselves to take away our “fun,” but so that we might enjoy fullness of eternal life.

Jesus illustrated this principle in today’s teaching from Luke. The rich fool (Luke 12:20) thought that he could protect himself by greed (v. 19). How different is the truth! Those who are “rich to God” (v. 21) store up spiritual treasures that can’t be harmed or taken away.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although Xavier had been raised in the church, in all likelihood, he never considered the condition of his soul prior to his friend’s challenge of Mark 8:36.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 10:1-15
So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped. - Joshua 10:13a
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1992, the New York Times carried a rather curious headline: AFTER 350 YEARS, VATICAN SAYS GALILEO WAS RIGHT: IT MOVES. We may be amused by this official acknowledgment of what had been unofficially granted for centuries. But in Galileo’s day (1564–1642), many people believed that the idea that the earth revolved around the sun was not only absurd, it was contrary to God’s Word. And Joshua 10:13 was often used to refute this new idea.

Today’s passage from Joshua gives the account of Joshua’s conquest of southern Canaan. After Joshua conquered the city of Ai, the king of neighboring Gibeon got scared and negotiated a peace treaty with Joshua (v. 1). But this treaty made the surrounding kings nervous because Gibeon was a large, important city. So these five kings attacked Gibeon, who appealed to Joshua for help. After Joshua’s successful surprise attack, the Israelites pursued the fleeing enemy, while the Lord rained down hailstones on these conquered troops. Even more surprising, however, was that the Lord stopped the sun and the moon (v. 13)! This may have occurred to give the Israelites more time to pursue their enemies. It’s clear, however, that the final outcome of this remarkable event was to reveal the Lord’s faithfulness and to demonstrate who “was fighting for Israel” (v. 14). In fact, the book of Joshua was written to record God’s power and faithfulness to His people.

When Galileo affirmed Copernicus’s theory that the earth rotated around the sun, he never intended to disprove any part of God’s Word, including today’s passage from Joshua. Galileo wrote, “God is known by nature in his works, and by doctrine in his revealed word.” Galileo believed that this new theory was actually supported by Scripture. There is not chaos in the heavenly bodies, because such confusion would be contrary to God’s perfect being and His created order.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s lesson reminds us again how much the Bible has shaped history. At times an entire culture’s understanding of the world was governed by God’s Word, as was the case in Galileo’s day. More remarkably, even people who have denied the Lord have been impacted by His Word. If you would like to read more about the power of God’s Word in history, we recommend 101 Bible Verses That Changed the World, by William J. and Randy Petersen. Your local Christian bookstore probably has a copy of this fascinating book.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 4:7-12
All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to trade for your wares. - Ezekiel 27:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
As you read today’s theme verse, you may have wondered if there was a misprint! This verse certainly wouldn’t strike many people as a key evangelism verse. But perhaps God picked an unusual verse for an unusual man who became an amazing missionary.

John Eliot left England for America in 1631 because of the persecution he faced as a Puritan. In America, he pastored in Roxbury, Massachusetts. With no printed prayer book available, Eliot wrote The Bay Psalm Book (1640), the first book published in America.

Eliot could have remained quite busy with his growing family and pastoral duties. But God opened Eliot’s eyes to the needs of the Algonkian Native Americans around him, and Eliot was filled with the desire that they know Christ. Rather than teach English to the Algonkian, Eliot believed that they must have the Bible in their own language. Even though Algonkian was a difficult language, Eliot learned it and began preaching the gospel in it. He eventually produced an Algonkian Bible–the first Bible to be printed in America.

Now you may be wondering how Ezekiel 27:9 fits in! This was the verse Eliot used for his first sermon to the Algonkian. They knew all about ships coming to trade for wares–the English had been doing this very thing for years. Eliot used this verse to show that God loved both the traders and those they came to trade with; in other words, God loved both the English and the Algonkian.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In many respects, John Eliot was far ahead of his time. Few people in his day understood the importance of having God’s Word in native languages. But today, Bible translators around the world know that it’s essential for people groups to have a Bible in their own language.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 15:11-32
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. - Luke 15:20b
TODAY IN THE WORD
A year ago today, a horrific tragedy shook our nation. Within minutes, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were no longer standing and thousands of people lost their lives. Hundreds more died at the Pentagon and near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where United flight 93 was brought down by brave individuals who resisted the terrorists. At first it seemed like nothing good could possibly come from such devastation, but slowly, a quiet sort of “beauty” began to emerge–the beauty of heroism and selflessness in the midst of such horror.

Perhaps it’s this contrast between the beauty of goodness (and light) and the horror of evil (and darkness) that makes the work of Rembrandt van Rijn so powerful. No doubt Rembrandt painted this way because he had experienced deep joys and tragedies in his life.

As a youth, Rembrandt’s life resembled the younger son in today’s parable. But the “high life” was fleeting for Rembrandt. First his parents died. Within a few years, three of his children died. Finally, his wife Saskia, whom he loved dearly, died in childbirth. Later in his life, his remaining son, Titus, died, leaving behind a young wife and small daughter.

One of Rembrandt’s most famous paintings, The Prodigal Son, captures the joys and sorrows of Rembrandt’s life. His own youth was likely in mind as he painted the younger son, and he may have contemplated the approaching end of his own life in mind when he painted both the younger son and the father. In his painting, the younger son kneels with head bowed, perhaps afraid to even hope for forgiveness (vv. 18–19). But in the resplendent, gracious figure of the father, we see forgiveness

so complete that it can only be described as lavish (vv. 22–24). Rembrandt captured his longing to be with the Father as he painted the father in this parable embracing his returning son.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There’s something about beauty that soothes and heals, perhaps because beauty reflects God’s perfection.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jeremiah 2:1-19
They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. - Jeremiah 2:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every once in a while we hear about a child prodigy–a child who graduates from high school at age eleven or from college at fifteen. Some of these wonder children are gifted musicians; others excel in calculus or physics.

If the nightly news had been around in the 1630s, a young boy who had conducted mathematical experiments at age ten and who had written a major scientific paper as a teenager would have certainly caught the media’s attention. To assist his father’s work, this youth invented an early adding machine. And the name of this boy wonder? Blaise Pascal (1623–1663). It was said that even he was embarrassed by his intellect.

But even these staggering mental abilities could not satisfy Pascal’s soul. For years he wrestled spiritually, desiring to know God more deeply. Then in 1654 a serious accident got his attention completely. Following this, Pascal had a “vision” of the crucified Christ that changed his life. He recorded the exact time of this vision: November 23, 1654, from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Following his conversion, Pascal wrote a praise of thanksgiving, filled with scriptural references, such as Jeremiah 2:13, today’s verse. He carried a copy of his praise in his coat pocket every day for the rest of his life.

Jeremiah was called by God to urge Judah to repent and to return to Him. Even with the fall of the northern kingdom in 723 B.C., the inhabitants of Jerusalem continued to disobey God. The people had grown cold and rebellious, despite their earlier love for God (v. 2) and God’s unfailing mercy and love. Because of their idolatry, God was bringing charges against His people (v. 9): the people had forsaken the source of living water (God Himself) and had tried to find fulfillment on their own (v. 13). This passage ends with an appeal to consider the consequences of sin and to return to the Lord. In this prophecy, Pascal heard a warning and a promise for his life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Pascal’s conversion “song” abounds with worship. Consider making it the basis of your own praise as you read along: “Fire! God of Abraham, not the god of philosophers and savants. Certainty! Joy! Peace! I forget the world and everything but God! Righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you! Joy, joy, joy! Tears of joy! Jesus! Jesus! I separated myself from him, renounced and crucified him! 'They have forsaken ME, the fountain of living waters.’. . . I submit myself absolutely to Jesus Christ my Redeemer.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:7-11
You are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. - 1 Corinthians 1:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome in the early 60s, some may have thought that his ministry was thwarted. But God enabled Paul to write some of his most powerful letters–Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon–while in prison. About sixteen hundred years later, another man wrote powerfully from prison.

There were no indications in John Bunyan’s youth that he would one day write a book that would become the bestselling book in publishing history, apart from the Bible. He grew up very poor with only minimal education. He was also, in his own words, “foul-mouthed and greedy.” When his own efforts to be good failed, Bunyan decided to “take his fill of sin.” But all the while he longed to know God.

He married a young, poor woman–his wife’s “dowry” consisted only of two devotional books. But these books led him to eternal riches. He began to read them and occasionally attend church. At first he only felt condemnation, but gradually, he began to learn about God’s grace and forgiveness. One day, Bunyan kept hearing the words “Thy righteousness is in heaven.” Because righteousness is in Christ who is in heaven, Bunyan found the closest parallel to this expression in 1 Corinthians 1:30. This experience set him free. Within four years he was preaching powerful sermons. At this time, the Church of England began to persecute independent churches. In 1661, Bunyan was imprisoned for participating in a Nonconformist church.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although much of The Pilgrim’s Progress is autobiographical, Christians everywhere can identify with its allegorical characters and images, “Mr. Valiant-for-Truth” and “Mr. Worldly Wiseman,” “The Slough of Despond” or “House Beautiful.” If you have never read this Christian classic, now would be a good time. You can get a copy of it in any bookstore or library. You might also consider another Christian allegory: Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard. Both books offer profound insights into walking by faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 5:1-12
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Three hundred and twenty-one years ago, the King of England must have thought that he got the better end of the deal. Forced to pay off a personal debt, he agreed to give a large plot of what he considered “worthless wilderness” to a young man who was causing him problems. Best of all, this “useless” land was thousands of miles away in the American colonies. What could be better?

The “troublemaker” in question was William Penn, who received this royal land grant in 1681. As a young man, Penn joined the Quakers, a group whom many, including the King, disliked. The Quakers “dissented” from much of English society, including swearing allegiance to the King. They left England for America because of persecution.

Today’s verse from 1 John played a key role in Penn’s earlier conversion. When he arrived in America, he determined to embark upon “a holy experiment” in the settlement later known as Pennsylvania. Penn established Philadelphia, the “city of brotherly love,” as a place where the principles of “overcoming the world” could be lived out. He based his ideas on 1 John.

First John 5 continues the apostle John’s theme of love (toward God and one another), faith, and obedience. John writes that we love others by loving God and keeping His commandments. In John’s writings, the “world” always represents darkness and sin. But verse 4 says that the believer has overcome the world through faith–those who have been born again are able to do what is not possible for non-Christians, namely, to love God (and others) and to keep His commandments. Those who have overcome the world have eternal life (vv. 11–12). The Spirit testifies to the truth of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (v. 6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the clearest expressions of our Christian faith is found in 1 John 5:11–12: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 98
You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. - Revelation 5:9b
TODAY IN THE WORD
Perhaps you’ve been challenged along the following lines when you were complaining about something: you have no right to complain unless you’re willing to do something about the situation, or unless you can do better.

It’s said that Isaac Watts’s father told his son this very thing when the young Watts was complaining about the songs sung in church. In the 1680s in England, many churches sang only psalms in metered rhyme. This combination of bad translations, such as “As pants the hart for cooling streams” (Psalm 42), and poor music frustrated and bored Watts.

Isaac Watts first decided to go beyond the Psalms for inspiration. He wrote his first hymn based on today’s verse from Revelation. When his father introduced this hymn to the congregation, they liked it so much that they asked Isaac to write another one for the next week, which he did . . . reportedly for the next 222 weeks!

One of Isaac Watts’s most popular hymns, “Joy to the World!,” was based on Psalm 98. This praise psalm begins with the command that started Isaac Watts writing hymns: “Sing to the Lord a new song.” The “lyrics” of this new song first tell about the “marvelous things” the Lord has done, which include making His salvation known and revealing His righteousness (v. 2). The psalmist continues by praising God for his faithfulness.

It’s hard to miss the exuberance of verse 4–shout for joy to the Lord! Use whatever musical instruments are at hand, and shout your joy to Him! In fact, the psalmist’s joy is so contagious that he “commands” the sea, the rivers, and the mountains to join in! All of creation is to praise the Lord for His right and just judgments (v. 9). It’s hard not to get caught up in this call to worship!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have a hymnal, take a few minutes to locate some hymns by Isaac Watts, such as “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” and notice how closely Watts followed the Bible.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-20
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. - 1 Timothy 1:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Historian Perry Miller writes that Jonathan Edwards was “the greatest philosopher-theologian yet to grace the American scene.” Just a few facts about this remarkable man show that this claim is not exaggerated. Edwards started learning Greek, Hebrew, and Latin at age five. Just a few years later, he was making important scientific observations. At age 13 he entered Yale, where he graduated at the top of his class four years later.

Shortly after his graduation, Edwards experienced a personal conversion while reading 1 Timothy 1:17. Of this experience Edwards later wrote: “There came into my soul . . . a sense of the glory of the Divine Being; a new sense, quite different from anything I had ever experienced before.”

It’s not hard to see why 1 Timothy had such a significant influence on Edwards. This epistle was written by the apostle Paul to another outstanding young man who had been called to the Lord’s ministry. Paul begins this section by praising Jesus Christ for the grace that had been poured out upon his own life, even though he had been persecuting the early church. Paul then continued with a very precise statement of the Christian faith: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (v. 15). Paul knew firsthand that salvation was only because of God’s mercy and patience in Christ Jesus. This core truth naturally led to the hymn of praise in verse 17--the verse that so profoundly struck Jonathan Edwards. Paul follows this praise with a personal appeal to the young pastor Timothy: “fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience” (vv. 18–19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like Jonathan Edwards, many people link their own personal “spiritual awakening” to the power of the Word of God. God’s Word is essential not only when we are spiritually “sluggish,” but also for maintaining our daily spiritual health.