Be Wise...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 10 / NT - Romans 16

"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." -- Romans 16:19

The pursuit of knowledge can be quite profitable. Soon classes will be filled with students seeking an education in preparation for a career. While these studies can be good, there are some college experiences that would be best avoided. Some students will graduate wise in what is good, but others will not be so wise.

Paul was very well educated. His writings and testimony reveal great insight and understanding in many areas. But he saw the need to be discerning in our pursuit of knowledge. With only so much time and too much to learn, Paul directs us to be "wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil"

Knowing all about evil will never improve our ability to deal with temptation. Being wise about what is good will deepen our walk with God and strengthen our resolve against sin. Choose your reading and media carefully my friend. Someone wisely said, "You are what you read.

Think about this: "The things you read will fashion you by slowly conditioning your mind." ~ A. W. Tozer

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 11 / NT - 1 Corinthians 1

You Need Others...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 9 / NT - Romans 15:14-33

"I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf" - Romans 15:30

You go to your doctor, lawyer, professor or some other professional for specific help. You see them as people who have expertise in their field to give help, not receive help. But, don't they ever need support from others? Doctors need nurses, lawyers need paralegals, and professors need research assistants. No man is an island ... people need people.

In that spirit, Paul was never so independent that he didn't need others. He was a premier apostle with credentials galore and yet he sought help from brothers in Christ. His request was made with passionate words that acknowledged the need for prayer support. No Christian is an island ... believers need believers.

Are you always ready to pray for someone in need my friend? This is good, but when have  you been transparently honest about your own needs? When was the last time you asked for prayer and support from others? Follow the example of Paul and be as ready to ask for help as your are to give help. You're not an island ... you need others.

Think about this: "For the early Christians koinonia was not the frilly 'fellowship' of church-sponsored bi-weekly outings. It was not tea, biscuits and sophisticated small talk in the Fellowship Hall after the sermon. It was an unconditional sharing of their lives with the other members of Christ's body." ~ Ronald J. Sider

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 10 / NT - Romans 16

Acceptance...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 8 / NT - Romans 15:1-13

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" -- Romans 15:7

Being accepted onto a college campus as a freshman can be quite a challenge. It all begins with someone who is willing to welcome you. Hopefully, an upper class-man might remember when they received a kind welcome themselves. Acceptance leads to acceptance.

Paul knew what it was like to be suspect as a new believer. To be accepted by Jesus was a great blessing after he had persecuted so many believers. This gracious reception by the Lord marked Paul's ministry forever. Acceptance led to acceptance.

In the Christian family we all stand on level ground. Jesus forgave each of us and lovingly receives us into his fold. If our Lord is so accepting of us, how can we not be accepting of one another? Acceptance should lead to acceptance.

Think about this: "God has a secret method by which he recompenses his saints: he sees to it that they become the prime beneficiaries of their own benefactions!" ~ I. D. E. Thomas

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 9 / NT - Romans 15:14-33

Build Up!

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 7 / NT - Romans 14

"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand... Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." -- Romans 14:4, 19  

Where I grew up there were occasions when neighborhood pranks would take a bad turn. One such prank was the use of Coka-Cola poured on someone's car. Over night the chemicals in the soft drink would eat into the paint finish. The soda would taste sweet but have the power to damage.

The process of judging someone with a critical attitude is very much like Coke on a car. It may seem sweet to the taste to talk about others and put them down, but over time this practice will damage. It eats away at relationships as well as the heart of the one who criticizes.

Do you find it easy to find fault with your brother or sister in Jesus? Is it your expectation that they follow the Lord in the same way as you? Remember, we are all the Lord's servants, unique and accountable to him. Rather than pour acid on others, learn to accept them without passing judgment. Build up, don't tear down.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 8 / NT - Romans 15:1-13

Wake Up!

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 6 / NT - Romans 13

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." -- Romans 13:11

Have you ever been awakened by the alarm clock, wondering about the time? Did you find yourself so groggy that you weren't sure what day it was? Thankfully, after a few moments and a splash of cold water on your face, you were awake and ready to take on the world. That's a good thing, because the day wouldn't go so well if you walked around in a state of slumber. The blessings of life will pass you by when you're asleep.

Our spiritual lives are no different. While we have been made alive in Jesus, we're not always awake. If we were, Paul would have no reason to write this admonition. If we walk through life in a state of slumber we won't understand the present time or live in readiness for the Lord's return. Spiritual blessings will pass you by when you're asleep.

Occasionally you will read about someone who has been in a very long coma. When they waken they are shocked and saddened at how much time has passed since they slipped into the deep sleep. Don't be a coma Christian my friend. Wake up from your slumber and live your life to the full for Christ. Get the most out of God's challenges and blessings before they pass you by.

Think about this: "Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of; in nothing on which you might not pray for the blessing of God; in nothing which you could not review with a quiet conscience on your dying bed; in nothing which you might not safely and properly be found doing if death should surprise you in the act." ~ Richard Baxter

Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 7 / NT - Romans 14

Zeal...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 5 / NT - Romans 12

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." -- Romans 12:11

When I was growing up I played football and soccer. We always looked forward to game day. Practices were not as much fun or exciting. We were driven by our coaches to built our stamina and skill. To win on game day, we needed to maintain our zeal.

The spiritual life is no different. We all want to do the fun ministry activities. But if we don't practice by performing spiritual disciplines, we'll never build stamina. The Lord wants us to have energy and zeal in the second half of our lives. To win the race set before us by the Lord, we need to maintain our zeal.

You may be excited about preaching, witnessing and counseling those in need. But if you hope to keep your fervor over the years, you need stamina. Make quality time to pray and read the Scriptures every day. Listen to the voice of God and nurture a deeper walk with him through discipline. Get back to the basics of your spiritual life and then you will have the zeal to win.

Think about this: "A disciple can be forgiven if he does not have great mental ability. He can be forgiven also if he does not display outstanding physical prowess. But no disciple can be excused if he does not have zeal. If his heart is not aflame with a red-hot passion for the Savior, he stands condemned." ~ William Macdonald

Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 6 / NT - Romans 13

Only One Way...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 4 / NT - Romans 11

"But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace." - Romans 11:6

We make decisions every day. Do you want fries with your order? Does the brown couch match better than the beige? Should you take the highway or the local road? In most cases you have to choose one or the other, but you can't have it both ways.

We find the same issue in spiritual matters. You will worship Jesus Christ or another God. You may believe God's Word or man's word. You may choose heaven or hell. Ultimately you must choose God's gift or your works, but you can't have it both ways.

Don't you wish you could "have your cake and eat it too" my friend? Some may teach you that heaven is reached by grace AND works. Others believe that our sins are paid for by Jesus AND our efforts. But the truth is clearly stated in the above verse. It's one way or the other, but you can't have it both ways.

Think about this: "Grace in the New Testament is not... an impersonal energy automatically switched on by prayer and sacraments, but the heart and hand of the living almighty God." ~ J. I. Packer

Readings: OT Year 3 - Ezekiel 5 / NT - Romans 12