Soft and Pliable ....

Today's Readings: OT - Esther 6-7 / NT + Proverbs 28

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble."  - Proverbs 28:13-14

For years I had a paper weight on my desk in the shape of a submarine. It even had the appearance of water on the deck. This little treasure was made during my early school years in art class. We were given clay to form into something of our choosing. I learned that while the clay was soft and pliable in my hands I was able to form it into something of beauty and purpose.

Being soft and pliable is the key to molding clay and it's the key to molding hearts. How does one stay soft and pliable? Solomon writes about confession of sin and reverence to our Lord. If we are quick to renounce our sins and careful to fear the Lord, we will always be soft and pliable in his hands. He will be free to form us into something of beauty and purpose.

Will you place yourself in the hands of your Creator today and allow him the freedom to mold your heart? Will you allow him to form you into the likeness of his Son? (Romans 8:29) Remember to be soft and pliable because...  "he who hardens his heart falls into trouble".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Esther 8 / NT + Psalms 137-138

True Love...

Today's Readings: OT - Esther 4-5 / NT + John 21

"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”... Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”.... The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”" - John 21:15, 16, 17 (NIV)

 A young man told his sweetheart, "I love you so much that I'd climb the highest mountain for you, I'd swim the largest ocean for you, I'd walk around the world for you... and by the way, I'll be over to see you tonight if it doesn't rain." Songs, cards and letters are written everyday proclaiming an undying love to someone. And in no time at all those same relationships break apart for the lack of true love. True love is the necessary element.

Jesus took Peter aside to restore him to fellowship and service after a most painful denial. Many things could have been said, but Jesus focused on the most important factor, "do you truly love me" The words meant, do you love me selflessly and sacrificially? To rightly serve the Lord, one must love him first, more than anything.

Are you preparing to serve the Lord today? Will you be busy in some ministry this week? Before you begin, ask yourself the BIG question. Do you truly love the Lord today, more than anything? Your love for him is the necessary element.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Esther 6-7 / NT + Proverbs 28

To be Changed...

Today's Readings: OT - Esther 3 / NT + John 20

"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." -- John 20:30-31

A wise man once wrote, "Of making many books there is no end" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). These are true words indeed, as libraries exist all around the world with millions of volumes on every subject known to man. While there are unending tomes to read for knowledge and entertainment, there are only a few that will truly change the life of the reader.

As for the writings of the New Testament, the purpose is great and the power is life changing. They tell us of a mighty Savior who came to earth, performing miraculous works with the climax of resurrection from the dead. The purpose of these pages is to bring eternal life to the hearts of those who believe in Messiah Jesus. They were not written to be critically evaluated or academically discussed; they were recorded to change the life of the reader.

How do you approach the Scriptures my friend? Do you see them as just another ancient book filled with religious jargon? Or do you find the door to eternal truths and a deeper understanding of God? Remember, "... faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Romans 10:17) Read them to be changed and you will be!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Esther 4-5 / NT + John 21

Family Commitments ...

Today's Readings: OT - Esther 2 / NT + John 19

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." -- John 19:25-27

Far too many families are lost to the pursuit of careers. Both men and women are consumed with making it big and finding success in their field of expertise. There is no sacrifice too great to achieve their goals. With such overwhelming preoccupation, family commitments fade.

Jesus went to the cross with the greatest goal in all of history. His purpose was to redeem the souls of mankind through the shedding of his blood. He became sin for sinners so they might be clothed with the righteousness of God. While this demand was tremendous, his devotion to family remained a priority. To Jesus, family commitments never faded.

How about it my friend? Where is your family in the flow of your life? Have you become so entrenched with your work and all your expectations that your family has become a distant second? Look to the cross and see the Savior; in the midst of incredible suffering, loving and caring for his mother. Be wise, and never, never, never let your family commitments fade.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Esther 3 / NT + John 20

The Long Run ...

Today's Readings: OT - Esther 1 / NT + John 18

"... “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising." -- John 18:38-40

Life is all about choices. We choose our friends, our colleges, our spouses and our careers. Each of these choices ultimately determines the outcome of our future. Therefore, our choices are critical in more ways than one can imagine. Should we choose for the moment or the long run?

The day arrived when the people were given a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. The reasons for their choice may be more than meet the eye. Barabbas was a man of the world who followed the path of evil to fulfill his desires. Jesus brought the kingdom of God which called for a very different way of living. The crowd chose for the moment rather than the long run.

We begin our spiritual walk by choosing Jesus as Savior. But, do we choose his kingdom and lifestyle every day? Are you enticed by the way of the world that follows any path to fulfill its desires my friend? Or will you choose the path of Jesus that leads to eternal blessings? Be wise, and choose for the long run rather than the moment.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Esther 2 / NT + John 19

His Love Endures Forever!

Today's Readings: OT - Zechariah 14 / NT + Psalms 135-136

"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." -- Psalm 136:26

After a long journey, treacherous weather and rampant illness a small party of puritans arrived in a new land. In spite of loss and sorrow, they recognized the providential provision of God and they made the time to give thanks for his gracious care... because His love endures forever.

As the Psalmist reflects on the history of Israel, he connects every event with the covenant love of God for his people. He saw the hand of God in every step of the journey and called for praise and thanksgiving. He spoke of victories, miracles and provisions that the Lord faithfully poured out upon Israel. The years were also filled with struggles and hardships, but the Psalmist repeated the eternal truth that His love endures forever.

Thursday was Thanksgiving my friend. Did you take time to reflect on your journey through the last twelve months? Were there struggles and hardships that seemed to overwhelm? How did you survive the storms and rocky roads along the way? You know that the Lord has been with you every day and though there may be ice on the deck, there's a fire in the hearth because... His love endures forever!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Esther 1 / NT + John 18

Unity ...

Today's Readings: OT - Zechariah 12-13 / NT + Psalms 133-134

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! ... It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." -- Psalm 133:1, 3

I well remember how wet the fairways were early in the morning. While I was in high school I would work as a golf caddy, going out on the course at 6 or 7 in the morning. The moist dew would saturate my shoes, but it would prepare the grass for a hot day a head. The morning dew is a quiet and simple blessing.

As the morning dew refreshes, so the unity among brethren blesses. It permeates the community drawing the people together as one. Differences are set aside and shared commitments are embraced. You find love and concern for one another resting on every heart and conversation. Brothers and sisters labor together as one with a common devotion to the Lord. Daily unity is a quiet and simple blessing.

Why do we carry on from day to day without the blessing of unity? In the absence of such a refreshing presence is a dry harshness that rubs us raw. To live in unity and to strive toward that end is worth every effort. As the morning dew is a welcome relief to dry grass, so our lives, families and churches will find that unity is a quiet and simple blessing.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Zechariah 14 / NT + Psalms 135-136