Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"On My Heart Imprint Thine Image"

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

There is a community in the northeastern United States where centuries of wind and weather have sculptured one side of a mountain into the likeness of a human face.
“It was a happy lot for children,” wrote Hawthorne in The Great Stone Face, “to grow up to manhood or womanhood with the Great Stone Face before their eyes, for all the features were noble … as if it were the glow of a vast warm heart that embraced all mankind in its affections, and had room for more.” Parents would tell their children the legend that had passed from one generation to another: that one day a man would appear who would resemble the Face and who would embody all the virtue that the Great Stone Face suggested.

One young boy looked every day upon the benevolent countenance on the mountainside and longed for the legend to come true. Many years went by and his life was dedicated to the needs and welfare of his townspeople. Late one afternoon he spoke to a group of his neighbors. Hawthorne writes, “It was not mere breath that this preacher uttered; they were the words of life, because a life of good deeds and holy love was melted into them.” As he spoke, someone gasped, “Why, you must be the man. You are yourself the likeness of the Great Stone Face!”

This man who loved the Face and looked upon it so longingly had come to reflect the very image of that face. Even so, we reflect the image of Christ when we focus steadily on Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Did My Sovereign Die?"

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20

C. S. Lewis once said about Jesus Christ, “A man who was merely man and said the sort of things Jesus said wouldn't be a great moral teacher. He’d either be a lunatic, on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg, or else he'd be the devil in hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was and is the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse.” Today I should like to urge upon you to recognize Jesus Christ for the person He claims to be.

When Christ was born in the little Judean village of Bethlehem, God’s plan for the redemption of mankind reached its culmination. It was God’s subtle purpose that through His Son—through His life and death, through His suffering and agony and resurrection—a new kind of life might be shared with mankind. It was God's purpose not to condemn sinners, but to win them, even as Christ said, “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Myself” (see John 12:32).

Are you still in doubt because you cannot understand it all? Well, I might as well tell you that you never will quite understand it all. I cannot quite understand how God and man could dwell together in one person. This actually happened in the Person of Jesus Christ. Yet I believe Jesus Christ was God and that God had a great purpose in doing just what He did. That purpose was to reconcile all men unto Himself.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Slavery Still "

And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. Mark 13:21
   

Does the name Marshall Applewhite mean anything to you? How about Bonnie Nettles?

Probably not. They are a here-today-gone-tomorrow kind of couple, people who had their fifteen minutes of fame and then disappeared from almost everyone’s remembrance. Maybe I can jog your memory with a final clue: Heaven’s Gate. Does that help you remember? For those who are still drawing a blank, let me share that Applewhite and Nettles were the founders of the cult which believed that Jesus was a spaceship-riding alien whose mission to move humanity to another level was aborted by His crucifixion.

Applwhite told the Heaven’s Gate believers not to worry since Jesus had come back in the person of himself to finish the job. The education process was completed when the faithful showed their willingness to hitch a ride on an alien spacecraft that Applewhite said was hiding behind the newly discovered Hale-Bopp comet.

Thirty-nine people confessed their faithfulness to Applewhite’s promises by committing suicide.

When the Heaven’s Gate story broke ten years ago this week, most people wondered, “How can anyone be deceived by such foolishness?”

I still wonder why people believe the Bible when it talks about Jesus as being a real person, but prefer the explanations offered by the DaVinci Code when it comes to the Savior’s death and resurrection. I’m confused when folks trust Holy Scripture when it tells of the Jesus who was tried and crucified by Pontius Pilate, but turn their backs to His resurrection from the dead. Was it only a few weeks ago that everyone was talking about Jesus’ family crypt which some scholars theorized had been discovered in Jerusalem?

Knowing history would be filled with Marshall Applewhites, DaVinci Codes and FILLED Jesus’ tombs, the Savior warned His followers, ‘If somebody says they’ve discovered Me, don’t you believe them; they haven’t discovered Me because they can’t discover an ascended Savior.’

So what can we believe? The writer to the Hebrews tells us, “Let us hold fast (to) the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (10:23) Which is why I can confidently encourage you with these words: “No matter what you hear today; no matter what story breaks on the news; no matter how all the world contradicts God’s Holy Word, hold fast. Hold fast to the Scriptures which tell of the Savior who was born for you; lived, died and rose for you.”

[nChrist]

AMEN Pastor Roger!

The last devotion is very timely since we have false teachers and false prophets on just about every corner these days. Some points were brought out that bear considerable attention. One is studying the Bible and knowing the Bible. This obviously includes the study of the Old Testament.

There were false teachers and false prophets during the time of Paul. Paul advised very wisely that self-proclaimed prophets should be measured, and many of them would be false. The best measurement is with the Holy Bible itself. There are many already proven Prophets in the Holy Bible, and what they have said is TRUTH that we can measure self-proclaimed prophets of today with. Bible Prophecy already covers to the end of time, and a prophet giving information contrary to the Holy Bible is FALSE! JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF gave PROPHECY, and every word that HE SPOKE will happen most perfectly. Portions of many Old Testament Prophecies are still in the future, and they will also be fulfilled most perfectly at GOD'S Appointed Time.

The main point I want to make is simple: anyone teaching something that is contrary to the Holy Bible is FALSE! Christians can't know these things unless we study our Bibles, so Bible Study is more critical now than ever. We can't and SHOULD NOT simply depend on our pastor to teach us what he thinks is important. We must also measure our pastor with the Holy Bible, and we can only do that by diligent Bible Study and knowledge of our own. If we are ignorant of the Bible, we are also vulnerable to just about every false teacher and false prophet who opens their mouths.

A top priority for us and our families should be Bible Study and building a firm foundation of knowledge about all things that are of or from our LORD and GOD. Being wise in the things of this world and men will not serve us for ETERNITY.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 1:21-22 NASB  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.

[Soldier4Christ]

Amen Brother! This very subject came up on another thread just last night. Your main point hits the mark.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Foolishness"

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
   

Some time ago I read about a zookeeper who saw a mouse that had fallen into the glass enclosure of a large snake. Although the snake was sleeping in a bed of sawdust, the mouse knew that it was only a matter of time before he became supper. The man could almost see the gears of the mouse’s mind turning and churning as he tried to find a remedy to his situation. He couldn’t climb the glass walls to freedom. He couldn’t tackle the snake in direct confrontation. In desperation, the mouse did the only thing he could do. He tried to cover the snake with sawdust chips. The chips flew fast and furious until that mouse had buried the snake. Now, the mouse might have been content with his paw work, but the man knew the clock was still ticking — the snake would awake — the mouse would die. That’s when the man took a wooden rod and placed it into the snake’s cage. The mouse grabbed hold and was freed.

That is, I believe, an accurate description of humanity’s history and God’s salvation. Although some may object to the comparison, we are that mouse. Because of sin we find ourselves face-to-face with death — Satan, the snake. We can try to escape; or, like that mouse try to bury our problem, but God knows better. God knows that death will someday, somewhere, somehow, eat us alive. Seeing us in our helplessness, God, like the man observing the mouse, had pity on us. Motivated by His pity, God, like the man, extended a pole, a wooden cross, to lift us to salvation.

Of course there is a large difference between the man and the Lord. When the man rescued that mouse, it cost him nothing. In order for God to save us, He had to send in a substitute, someone to take our place. Unbelievably, God sent His Son to do that job. Jesus died the death that we had coming. Jesus died so that we might live. Jesus was crucified so that we might be free.

No, the world thinks it is foolishness for God to do such a thing. But God, in His grace, did exactly that. When humankind was doing its worst, God did His best. He put His Son on the cross so that we might be saved. Now for those who cling to the cross, there is salvation. They are brought to safety by God's great grace, by His unmerited love.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Done Nothing"

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them…“He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.” Luke 23:13, 15-16
   

Not so long ago, I had the opportunity while standing in line at the grocery store to observe two little boys about three and four years old who were doing what three- and four-year-old boys do best: fighting with each other. The battle escalated with the older doing the taunting and the younger fighting for position. Eventually, because he couldn’t come up with anything better, the younger said, “I hate you!” The older replied in kind, “Not as much as I hate you.”

Realizing she had lost control, Mother resorted to a bit of bribery. “Boys, you know we don’t talk that way to each other. I’m not going to take my two young men to McDonald’s as long as they hate each other.” Recognizing superior wisdom when he heard it, the four-year-old capitulated, “I don’t really hate you.” But the younger replied, “I’m not hungry. I still hate you.”

Will Rogers said that he never met a man he didn’t like. That may have been true for the cowboy-philosopher, but most of us find many qualities in others we don’t like. The know-it-all at work, the crazy driver on the expressway, the rude clerk, the uncaring relative: All are targets for our contempt. “I know I shouldn’t feel that way,” we confess, and then we add, “But they deserve it.” Possibly. We’re all sinners.

Except for Jesus. Jesus did nothing wrong. His judge, Pontius Pilate, knew He was innocent. Christians know why. As God’s Son, He was perfect. Anyone who looks at Jesus’ life must conclude that He has, following the Father’s plan to save us, done everything right. He healed the sick; He fulfilled the laws we had broken; He lived His life perfectly for us.

And how have those He came to save treated Jesus? His friends deserted and betrayed Him, His church and government crucified Him, and the crowd called for His death. With the rarest of exceptions, the world, like the boys in the story, yelled out, “I hate you.” The world still despises the Savior. But Jesus never hates back. He gave Himself—all that He was—to live, die, and rise for them. For you. Which is why we say, “Jesus, I love You, because You first loved us."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide"

"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth." Acts 26:9
   

Let your conscience be your guide. Who of us has not used that expression? Someone comes to us for advice. We make certain suggestions, and then, as if to summarize all we have said, we add: "Just let your conscience be your guide!"

Conscience is that small voice within that calls us to task, that challenges us to think, that takes issue with our judgment. It is the red light flashing its warnings at the crossroads of life. It is that irritating little summons that refused to allow sin to become a pleasure. At times we wish we couldn't hear it.

But conscience has its flaws. God created Adam and Eve perfect. They knew God's will without it being put down on paper. But sin changed that, and conscience was dulled -- not silenced, but twisted and bent to some degree. Where once it was a sure, reliable guide, it became unreliable.

So Paul confesses that even when he persecuted the followers of Jesus, he felt he was doing the right thing. His conscience led him to believe that he was championing the right. Only when he came face-to-face with the holy and blessed Christ did he realize that his conscience had misled him.

Conscience needs to be tuned to God's Word, the Bible, so it sends out correct signals and keeps one walking in the footsteps of the Lord. Yes! Let your conscience be your guide, but let it be an enlightened, Christian one!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Possessions"

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10
   

According to an old fable, a fly discovered a tantalizing strip of flypaper. It looked so appetizing that he decided to claim it for himself. So, after chasing away all the other insects that threatened to share his find, he landed on its very edge and happily announced: "My flypaper!" Then he proceeded to partake of the tasty feast. However, in his desire to satisfy his appetite, he tried to walk around to get all he could. Soon his feet became firmly attached to the sticky surface. Realizing he couldn't move his legs, he began flapping his wings, but they too became mired. Finally, completely exhausted he gave up. It was then that the flypaper proudly exclaimed, "My fly!"

This fable portrays what happens to those who get caught in the trap of materialism. At first they say, "My possessions!" But after catering to the trinkets and pleasures of this world, they themselves are the ones who have been taken captive. They are being possessed.

Though there is nothing wrong with material possessions in themselves, it's what priority we give them that makes the difference. Only when Christ and His salvation are first in our lives are we freed from bondage to what is perishable.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dangerous Distractions"

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Luke 10:40
   

It is easy to become distracted while driving. We get involved in a conversation; something beside the road catches our eye, the car phone rings. Distractions can lead to serious accidents.

On the journey of life there is much to distract us from focusing on our Lord and His Word. In our text Martha was distracted, showing hospitality toward Jesus instead of listening to His message. Distractions can stand in the way of a close relationship with Jesus. The devil entices us to place a higher priority on business or social activities than on spiritual health.

Few Christians wake up one morning and decide to abandon their faith. Falling away from God more often is a gradual process. Each time we skip a worship service or neglect our daily devotions or prayer life makes it easier to miss them again and again until God ceases to be meaningful at all.

Although we too easily become distracted from God on our journey, God always rejoices when we repent. He is ready and eager to welcome us back. He sent His Son to suffer and die for us to bring us back to Him. Keep focused on Jesus and He in turn will rivet your focus on the God who loves us and helps us to fight off all that would distract us from Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Future Saints"

"Go and make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:19
   

God wants to make Himself known through His saints, those who already believe in Him, so other people can come to know Him and thus become saints in their turn.

It is a continuous process. The story of Jesus and the Good News of salvation must be told over and over so new generations of saints can join the body of Christ.

It is a worldwide process. There are always parts of the world that either have not heard or have forgotten what they once knew about Jesus. The Gospel must be proclaimed in every corner of the earth age after age.

It is a renewing process for the hearers and brings new life to them. Eternal death is what those without the Gospel know of life. To unlock the doors of eternal death with the Gospel is to enlarge, enrich, and expand life for all who believe it.

It is a renewing process also for the bearer of the Gospel. People who try to keep the Gospel for themselves will soon not appreciate it. Their faith will become lukewarm and perhaps fade entirely away. Speaking the Gospel renews faith in the speaker as well. Jesus made it clear that saints are to make new saints in every generation.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Who is My Neighbor?"

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
   

Who is my neighbor? That is a good question. It can also be a most embarrassing one. Most people don't know the names of all who live in their immediate neighborhood. Some don't even care to know.

According to Christ's story of the Good Samaritan, all those are our neighbors who are in need of our help. We are to love them even as we love ourselves. This goes pretty deep.

The needs of our neighbors may be similar to the needs supplied to the man who was beaten on the Jericho road. Our neighbors have many needs. Some people are lonely. Others hunger for a word of warm encouragement. Death may have taken a loved one. Someone has lost a job. Another's son or daughter is in serious trouble. Gossip may be undercutting a neighbor's reputation. Others are living in unbelief and rejection of the Gospel message.

Helping others may mean going out of our way, causing an inconvenience, and changing our immediate plans. It may even present some real problems. When God's love dwells in our hearts it overcomes all barriers. Do you see a neighbor in need?

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Privileged Role"

February 23, 2006

Train a child in the way he should go. Proverbs 22:6
   

Babies do not come equipped with knowledge about what is right and wrong. They aren't born knowing who God is and what He is like. Infants do not automatically know Jesus as the one who came to save them from their sins. Babies start with a memory bank that is empty. For them to know, understand, and remember, they must be taught. Teaching, therefore, is essential to the development of a child. And if the right things are to be learned, then the right things must be taught.

Solomon, the wise author of the book of Proverbs, understood this. He knew that if children were to go in a certain way, it was necessary to train them.

We are sometimes led to believe that it is bad to train children biblically. What a lot of nonsense! The fact is that it is impossible not to. If parents don't influence their children, someone else will. The list of other teachers is endless: friends, TV, movie stars, and sports personalities. Someone will teach the growing child. Why not parents?

We have such wonderful things to teach our children: God's love, forgiveness, the Christian life. What a privilege this is!

[Soldier4Christ]

"For Such a Time"

"Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
   

Have you ever thought of an age in which you might like to have lived? Was it the "good old days" -- a time when the world seemed more peaceful, when the pace of life was slower? Whether there ever was such a time is hardly debatable, for sin was always present.

Esther lived in a troubled age. Although she was a Jewess, she had become queen of the Medes and Persians. Wicked Haman hated her people and plotted their annihilation. Esther had a choice. She could cling to her crown, or she could try to help her people at great risk to herself. God had placed her into the kingdom for such a time as this and expected her to do His will.

It won't help to dream of a better age when there was less violence, more respect for God and His Word, no television, fewer leisure options, and less money to corrupt people. God wants us to live in the world as it is. There is no other one. He knows these times and He knows us better than we do. He put us here and made us what we are because He knows what is good for us and what good He can do through us in His kingdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Jesus Timely and Timeless"

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
   

Jesus is unchangeable. He lives and reigns today without any change in personality since the days when He personally reached out in compassion to the weak and sinful and offered new life to the crushed and defeated. He remains the saving God. Glory be to His name!

But a distorted application can be made of His unchangeable nature. Some may picture Jesus in long robes and beard and cannot imagine the changeless Christ understanding computers or modern society and so dismiss Him from modern life. Or an inactive church member, knowing that Jesus never changes, believes that his childhood introduction to God was complete and considers any further religion repetitious or unnecessary.

It is a sad mistake to believe that Jesus is timeless but to forget that He is also timely. The words of Christ gave startling light to the world in which He lived, and they hold penetrating truth also today. The life and cross of Jesus, which offered amazing pardon to the first Christians, do the same today. Christ is not behind us but always before us. The closer we follow the more will we marvel at His infinite truth and grace, which apply to any world in any generation. Christ never changes. He is always timely and timeless.