The Velvet Glove...

 Today's Readings: OT - Num. 22:22-41 / NT - 1 Cor. 16

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."  ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

My grip is no different than most men my age. I can easily crush a soda can with one hand or maintain a firm grip on a dog when it wants to chase a squirrel across the street. At the same time I can hold a newborn infant tenderly or carry an egg across the kitchen without breaking the shell. It's God's creative gift to have a steel grip in a velvet glove.

The believer has much the same quality spiritually. As Paul counsels, we are to be firm and strong, doing everything in love. Our guard should never be down and our courage should never wane. We are to have a spiritual strength that confronts evil forcefully and presses on toward righteousness powerfully. At the same time we are to minister with the loving compassion and tenderness of our heavenly Father. We are born again with a steel grip in a velvet glove.

How about you my friend? Are you the kind of believer that is known to be firm and strong? Yet, is it rare that anyone experiences your loving touch? Or are you quite loving in everything and have no courage to deal with evil and pursue righteousness? The Lord created you with a unique grip physically and a similar spiritual quality. As you fully exercise all that you are spiritually, you too should have a steel grip in a velvet glove.

Think about this: "Joy is love exalted; peace is love in repose; long-suffering is love enduring; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love in school; and temperance is love in training."

 ~ Dwight Lyman Moody

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num. 23 / NT - 2 Cor. 1

Never in Vain...

 Today's Readings: OT - Num. 22:1-21 / NT - 1 Cor. 15:35-58

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." -- 1 Corinthians 15:58

I well remember one rather painful spring some years ago. I decided to install a two car driveway with blue chip and Belgian block at our home. I ended up seeing the Chiropractor for the rest of the summer, but the driveway is a real honey! My labor was not in vain.

Paul's teaching on the resurrection is a great motivator. The promise of a glorified body in our future gives us hope and a driving force to press on in our spiritual lives. The work of the ministry may be hard and exhausting, but as we push ourselves for Jesus there will be a final day when our work will be complete. Then we will find, not a great driveway or some other magnificent achievement, but an imperishable body that will inherit the kingdom of God. Our labor for the Lord is never in vain.

Last week, or last month may have been grueling. You may be so tired and almost too weary to continue. Don't give up my friend. The way may be hard, but the end will be sweet. Keep your eye on the prize and be assured that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

Think about this: "Christians that would hold on in the service of the Lord must look more upon the crown than upon the cross." 

~ Thomas Brooks

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num. 22:22-41 / NT - 1 Cor. 16

Future Hope...

 Today's Readings: OT - Num. 21:10-35 / NT - 1 Cor. 15:12-34

"If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:19

When you are considering new employment, benefits are a major priority. Yes, you appreciate a weekly salary that will pay your bills, but your focus is definitely on the future. If, after thirty years, all you have is a drawer full of pay stubs but no retirement, you may feel quite empty. Future hope is all encompassing.

When you take into consideration the daily blessings we have in Christ, the above verse is quite thought provoking. Isn't grace for the journey enough to satisfy? The answer may be found in the idea of "journey". Without a risen Savior we are all on a "journey" to nowhere. Future hope is all encompassing.

One day at a time is good advice, but when we come to the end of all our days what will we have? With a risen Savior we have both daily blessings and heaven as well! In light of such a promise there is nothing to pity. Future hope is all encompassing.

Think about this: "Everything antecedent in the incarnate life of our Lord moves towards the resurrection and everything subsequent rests upon it and is conditioned by it." ~ John Murray

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num. 22:1-21 / NT - 1 Cor. 15:35-58

Working Harder...

 Today's Readings: OT - Num. 20:14-21:9 / NT - 1 Cor. 15:1-11

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." -- 1 Corinthians 15:10

Ah yes, we are what we are by the grace of God. Such is a profound truth that should keep us focused every day of our lives. But, as a result, do we work harder? In another place we read, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13). We love His grace and HIS working, but what about OUR working?

Evangelicals have battled so much over "grace alone" for our salvation that we forget about the fact of Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." God gives free grace, and we should freely work.

How about it my friend, are you working harder today because you are what you are by the grace of God? Are you so devoted to His cause that you work with unlimited diligence? In the words of our Lord, "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4) By the grace of God, work harder.

Think about this: "You cannot be too active as regards your own efforts; you cannot be too dependent as regards divine grace. Do everything as if God did nothing; depend upon God as if he did everything."  ~  John Angell James

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num. 21:10-35 / NT - 1 Cor. 15:12-34

Order needed!

 Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 20:1-13 / NT - 1 Cor. 14

"What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church... For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." -- 1 Corinthians 14:26, 33

The first edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, whose full title was Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies, was published in February 1876 by U.S Army Brigadier General Henry Martyn Robert and is currently in its newly revised 12th edition. Robert desired a means to provide order in church and various business meetings. Over the years I have used this little treasure successfully to keep organization and peace. There needs to be order to be productive.

From the time Paul penned the above words, to church meetings conducted last week, without organization and orderly direction there can be no benefit. There are many who come to services and meetings with much to offer for the strengthening of the assembly. But like a beautiful symphony, each part must be contributed at the right time and in the right way to the produce sweet music. There needs to be order to be productive.

The next time you attend a service, special meeting or business session, allow good order to prevail. Pray for the leadership to have wisdom to guide the event in a peaceful manner. Should you have something to contribute; remember that you are only one part of the whole and are participating in a Divine symphony. There needs to be order to be productive.

Think about this: "Christians in concert are an abridgment of heaven, shining like a firmament of bright stars." ~ George Swinnock

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 20:14-21:9 / NT - 1 Cor. 15:1-11

No Satisfaction!

 Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 19 / NT - 1 Cor. 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Our family is full of jokesters. Quite often, when a box of crackers is empty, one of the men in the family will neatly place it back in the closet as if it was still full. Then, my dear wife will reach in for a quick snack and find... nothing! Absolutely nothing! The appearance of the box is always quite promising, but with nothing inside, there is no satisfaction.

The spiritual life and ministry is very much the same. The outer box may look great and might attract great interest, but it's what's inside that counts. Love is not just an action; it's the very heart of the matter. Believers that appear pleasing may look quite promising, but with nothing inside, there is no satisfaction.

Our ministry is the saving and nurturing of souls. The Lord has sent us out into the world to satisfy hungry and thirsty lives with love. But we can never accomplish this calling with empty boxes that just look good. Are you filled with and compelled by the love of Jesus? The world needs more than an empty promise of love, because with nothing inside, there is no satisfaction.

Think about this: "Not tongues nor faith nor prophecy nor knowledge nor martyrdom nor philanthropy, but love is the Christian's mark of distinction." ~ Vance Havner

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 20:1-13 / NT - 1 Cor. 14

Everybody Needed...

 Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 18 / NT - 1 Cor. 12:12-31

"The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"" 

~  1 Corinthians 12:21

Since I had knee surgery I have been very cautious in how I bend. On one occasion I was so cautious that I lifted the wrong way and injured my back. Each part of my body is important and needs proper care, because each part is needed.

Paul gave wise counsel to a church family that had suffered from divisiveness. There was no member that was any more important than the next. Paul wrote in verse 27, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."  As each one is a part, each one is important. They are all needed.

As a member of the body of Christ you are important. You have spiritual gifts and purposes that have been given by the Spirit of God. While these are incredibly significant, always remember that the body is made up of many parts. We are all important and all needed.

Think about this: "Church-goers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow; when they separate, they die out."

 ~ Billy Graham

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 19 / NT - 1 Cor. 13

Self Examination...

 Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 17 / NT - 1 Cor. 11:17-12:11

"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." -- 1 Corinthians 11:27-28

There are many physical maladies that need to be detected early. The best way to discover certain problems is to do a regular "self-examination". Along with such "self-exams" are those pesky annual physicals. Over the years I have received positive medical care due to these exams and always wondered why anyone would ignore such helpful procedures. I guess some people just figure "what you don't know won't hurt you".

Paul had a very different belief. He knew that unchecked sin leads to an unsafe life. The Lord's Table is to be approached with a prepared and cleansed heart. The bread and the cup are to be received in a worthy manner by an examined people. Careless and sinful living is not a lifestyle that will just be ignored over time. A "self-examination" is imperative because, "what we don't know can hurt us".

As we come to the communion table, we are reminded of our Lord's sacrifice to redeem us and set us apart as a people of God. Moments of examination bring us back to the basics of our relationship with the Lord. Take time to learn what may have broken your fellowship and pray with David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

Think about this: "An humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning." ~ Thomas à Kempis

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 18 / NT - 1 Cor. 12:12-31

Together...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 16:23-50 / NT - 1 Cor. 11:2-16

"Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. - 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

I remember one summer my wife broke her ankle and I was her faithful care-giver for two months. Then in September I fell and tore my right Rotator Cuff in four places, requiring extensive surgery. The care-giving role was then reversed. While our roles within the family may differ, we are never independent of each other in the challenges of life. We are in this thing together.

Paul gave clear and distinct directions for marital roles of leadership and partnership. Over the years these instructions have either been ignored by some or misinterpreted and abused by others. Right in the middle of his instruction Paul gives the balance of dependence to protect from both extremes. And for every marriage to be blessed, the central truth is highlighted... "All things are from God".

My friend, the strength of our marriage should always be the ruling presence of the Lord and the supportive partnership of two. We should laugh together and weep together. We should grieve together and grow together. We are never independent of each other, and all that we are and have is always from God.

Think about this: "Love is not a state, it is a movement. Personal contact is not a state, but a fleeting movement that must be ceaselessly rediscovered. Marriage is not a state, but a movement—a boundless adventure." ~ Paul Tournier

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 17 / NT - 1 Cor. 11:17-12:11

Glorifying God...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 16:1-22 / NT - 1 Cor. 10:23-11:1

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31

When I turned sixteen my Pastor gave me a copy of "In His Steps" by Charles Sheldon. This book, which was first published in 1897, has since sold over 50,000,000 copies which places it as one of the best selling books of all time. The full title is "In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?" While the lingering phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" has been quite popular, the more precise and Biblical question should be: "Does It Glorify God?"

Paul led believers to live a selfless life that considered others first. The greatest focal point was the honor and glory of the Lord in everything. He never handed out wrist bands or bumper stickers that raised a qualifying question for decisions. He just stated a simple word of counsel; "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God". Life becomes so much clearer and far more simplified when we bring every decision and action into line with this mandate.

Here it is my friend... Will that purchase glorify God? Does that conversation glorify God? Is that thought or action bringing Glory to God? Does your treatment of that person Glorify God? Is your conduct at work glorifying God? You may ask; What does God have to do with it? EVERYTHING. Remember... "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever" (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

Think about this: "The ultimate end of all things that come to pass, including the ultimate end of the great drama of redemption, is found in the glory of the eternal God." 

~ J. Gresham Machen

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 16:23-50 / NT - 1 Cor. 11:2-16

Examples...

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 90 / NT - 1 Cor. 10:1-22

"Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did." -- 1 Corinthians 10:6

It has been said that the only thing we learn from history is... that we don't learn anything from history. Could this be true? Is it possible that some people never learn from the past? While in high school drivers education I remember being shown pictures of auto collisions caused by careless drivers. That same year one of my classmates died from the same kind of careless driving. Some lessons from the past are never learned.

As Paul wrote to believers who were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, he was confident that they could learn from history. While the unbeliever is lost in their sin-bound condition, every believer has the freedom and power to learn from the past, avoid evil and live rightly. Examples are recorded in the pages of Scripture as lessons to keep us from careless living. Lessons from the past are given to be learned.

Do you regularly read the Scriptures from Old Testament through the New Testament? Have you considered the positive lessons to follow as well as the examples of evil to avoid? Don't be like my friend who ignored tragic examples of the past. "... if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (verse 12)

Think about this: "I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once a year. My custom is to read four or five chapters every morning immediately after rising from my bed. It employs about an hour of my time, and seems to me the most suitable manner of beginning the day. In what light soever we regard the Bible, whether with reference to revelation, to history, or to morality, it is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue." ~  John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Numbers 16:1-22 / NT - 1 Cor. 10:23-11:1

As Many as Possible...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 15:22-41 / NT - 1 Cor. 9

"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible... I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." -- 1 Corinthians 9:19, 22

They call us at dinner on a daily basis. They send us brochures in duplicates. They come knocking at our doors on a regular basis. Who are these nefarious schemers that seek our attention with such determination? They are sales people! They strive to win us over to buy their product or service and they won't take no for an answer. They will do whatever is necessary to win as many as possible.

While you will readily relate to the above experiences, do you believe that there might be a greater reason for which to win people? Don't you think that a heavenly home is more valuable than new siding for your earthly one? Sales people are seeking the big paycheck, but Paul was seeking the big blessing of souls saved. He was willing to do whatever was necessary to win as many as possible.

Are you afraid of offending people with your witness for Christ? Paul said earlier in chapter one, verse eighteen, "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." A soul is worth far more than a paycheck, so never give up. Do whatever is necessary to win as many as possible!

Think about this: "I would rather win souls than be the greatest king or emperor on earth; I would rather win souls than be the greatest general that ever commanded an army... My one ambition in life is to win as many as possible. Oh, it is the only thing worth doing, to save souls; and, men and women, we can all do it."

 ~ R. A. Torrey

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 90 / NT - 1 Cor. 10:1-22

Well known...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 15:1-21 / NT - 1 Cor. 7:25-8:13

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God." -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

The world is full of scholars and experts in their various fields. They know that they know, and know how to inform others about that knowledge. There are very few who have the capacity to exercise their knowledge graciously to benefit others. These are those who are moved with love and compassion to use their knowledge to build up, not criticize and tear down. Such individuals are often well known by the world.

In the church there are also those who are scholars and experts in Biblical matters. They know the right and wrong as well as all the implications of both. But it takes a special love from God to exercise such knowledge with care and understanding. These brethren care little about what they know, but care very much about how they love. Such individuals are always well known by God.

Which one are you my friend? Do you know that you know, or do you know that you might love with such knowledge? As Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:15 "...speaking the truth in love... we will in all things grow up". When we love God and his church with all that we know, we will always be well known by Him with love.

Think about this: "Let me always remember that it is not the amount of religious knowledge which I have, but the amount which I use, that determines my religious position and character." ~ Alexander Maclaren

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num.15:22-41 / NT - 1 Cor. 9

The Main Thing...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 14:20-45 / NT - 1 Cor. 7:1-24

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches." ~ 1 Corinthians 7:17

The balanced Christian life is a difficult pursuit. Within the context of Scripture marriage is a blessing from God, but as with everything else, balance is the key. As Paul presents the converted lifestyle, he would have us conduct ourselves with an undivided devotion to the Lord in view.

There are many people who are quick to live the Christian life in the extreme. They choose to withdraw from almost everything possible to be distinct for Christ. Yet, Paul says, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him." Be devoted to the Lord and live your life to the glory of God.

The principle is clear my friend. Live an "undivided" life for Jesus. Make your choices wisely about any change, and be sure that such changes never jeopardize your devotion to the Lord. It's all about balance and keeping the main thing the main thing.

Think about this: "It may be true that there are two sides to every question, but it is also true that there are two sides to a sheet of flypaper, and it makes a big difference to the fly which side he chooses." ~ unknown source 

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num.15:1-21 / NT - 1 Cor. 7:25-8:13

Not Your Own...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 14:1-19 / NT - 1 Cor. 6

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

From our last church family, we had one young man serving our country as a Ranger Officer and three other young men serving in the Navy. As many of us have experienced, these men were bought and paid for as military property. As a result they were to honor their country with all that they had. For then, they were not their own.

While we might resist the thought, as believers, we have also been bought and paid for as God's property. The price was higher than we could possibly comprehend. We were purchased by the blood of Jesus and sealed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The only thing left for us to do is honor God with our body. Now and forever, we are not our own.

Why do we think that we are free to live any way that we choose? We come to Christ and receive his marvelous gift of salvation, but we refuse to wear the uniform of the day? Those that try to live this way in the military are most often tried as deserters. While military personnel have personal freedoms, they always live within certain perimeters. So it is with us: Christian liberty should always be lived within the perimeters of being a temple of the Holy Spirit, owned by God. Be sure to honor Him today my friend!

Think about this: "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they have not yet come to the end of themselves. We are still giving some of the orders, and we are still interfering with God's working within us." 

~ A. W. Tozer

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num.14:20-45 / NT - 1 Cor. 7:1-24

Hard, but Simple...

Today's Readings: OT - Numbers 13 / NT - 1 Cor. 4-5

"Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. " -- 1 Corinthians 5:6-7

I had knee surgery a few years ago. A certain part of my knee joint that had been healthy and valuable tore away and became hard as a rock. The good old "stuff" became bad old "stuff" and brought pain with the promise of future damage. Since the "stuff" wouldn't change for the better, it had to be removed. It's just that simple.

The Doctor made it clear that bad days were ahead if I didn't have the surgery, and Paul said the same thing for a church that wouldn't remove bad "stuff" from the fellowship. The church is full of sinners saved by grace, being changed everyday to be more like Christ. As believers, we may not be perfect, but if we love Jesus we are fighting "the sin that so easily entangles" (Hebrews 12:1) everyday. Those who stop fighting and become hardened in sin need to repent or be removed from the fellowship for the sake of spiritual health. It's just that simple.

Do you find yourself overlooking unrepentant brethren in your church because you don't want to judge? Paul gave clear counsel in verses 12 and 13, "Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."". Don't be that brother or sister hardened in sin and don't allow such fellow believers to damage the "body". Sometimes surgery is necessary. It's just that simple.

Think about this: “Why should a church practice discipline? For the good of the individual, the good of non-Christians, the good of the church, and the glory of Christ. Keeping these basic goals in mind will help churches and elders move from one difficult case to another, knowing that God’s wisdom and love will prevail even as ours fall short.” ~ Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Num.14:1-19 / NT - 1 Cor. 6