A FORTIFIED HOUSE

Matthew 7:15-27

The floods came, and the wind blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall. Matthew 7:25

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, some people in the US are building houses stronger than ever before.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes have caused billions of dollars in property damage in states across the nation. So, at the urging of businesses, government, and hard-pressed insurance companies, some builders are constructing fortress-like homes with windows that can withstand 130 mile-per-hour winds, roof nails so strong they can only be cut off and framing material that can weather the tremendous forces faced by a supersonic jet. In Bolingbrook, Illinois, a community damaged by a tornado in the 1990’s, a company is constructing such a “fortified” house in hopes that the idea will catch on.

We who know the Lord Jesus realize that when it comes to building our spiritual foundation, it must be strong and secure. In today’s Scripture, Christ made it clear what that foundation must be when He referred to “these sayings of Mine” (Matthew 7:24), which included His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

When we receive by faith Christ’s words and His work on our behalf, our spiritual lives are “founded on the Rock,” Christ Jesus. —dave egner

I do not stand on shifting sand and fear the storm that rages; but calm and sure, I stand secure upon the Rock of Ages. —anon

To survive the storms of life, be anchored to the Rock of Ages.

REMEMBERANCE DAY

1 Corinthians 11:23-34

He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

I was in London’s Heathrow Airport waiting for a connecting flight to the US. An announcement came over the public address system stating that it was “Remembrance Day” in the UK, the day on which people honored those who had died for their country in times of war. The announcement further said that at 11:00 a.m. there would be 2 minutes of silence and that it would be appreciated if everyone kept that in mind. Thousands of people from all over the world stood in silence as a tribute to the fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen of the UK.

The desire to remember those who gave their lives for their country is noble. Yet, as meaningful as that is, it cannot compare to the privilege that belongs to us when we approach the Lord’s Table. As we celebrate Communion, we are obeying Christ’s command that we remember His death (Luke 22:19) and to do it “till He comes” (1 Corinithians 11:26). When He sacrificed His life for us, He provided the forgiveness of sins that sets us free and secures for us an eternal home in heaven.

Rather than letting the Lord’s Supper become routine, make every opportunity at the Table a true “Remembrance Day” by honoring Him til He comes. —bill crowder

Thank You, Lord, for dying for me on the cross of  Calvary; help me always to remember what You did to set me free. —sper

Remembering Christ’s death for us should cause to live for  Him.

ONE PROBLEM; TWO VIEWS

Romans 13:1-7

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. Romans 13:1

Jamaicans were recently concerned that their country’s murder rate was nearing an all-time high. Debate was lively as good citizens sought solutions.

Typical of two common approaches came in letters to the editor of one Jamaican newspaper. One writer said, “Unless our scholars. . . . policymakers and political representatives seriously seek answers, the future of our nation is dire.” Another observed, “It is time we address the heart of the problem — that the people of Jamaica go . . . not to the Minister of National Security but to God Himself.”

One problem, two views: The totally secular proposal, which leans on the wisdom of man alone; and the divine approach, which depends on God and those who love Him.

We need both: God-ordained government to care for the people (Romans 13:1-7); and people who have  a proper view of God and His guidelines for life (Proverbs 14:33).

No matter where we live, we must pray for those in charge, asking God to provide direction. Then we must also work and pray that individuals — one by one — see their need for Jesus and their dependence on the Lord.

By combining the two views, we can make a difference. —dave branon

It’s always easy to complain and say that government’s unfair, but God’s Word says we should give thanks and lift our leaders up in prayer. —hess

Through prayer, the public business of the nation can become the private business of the Christian.

LIFE’s STORM-TOSSED SEA

Mark 4:35-41

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Emilie, wife of 19-century German pastor Christoph Blumhardt, envied his ability to pray for his parishioners and then effortlessly fall asleep. So one night she pleaded “Tell me your secret!”

He answered, “Is God so powerless that my worrying would help the well-being of our parish?” Then he added, “There comes a moment each day when we must simply drop what weighs on us and hand it over to God.”

One evening Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Weary after a long day of ministry, He fell asleep in the stern of the boat. A fierce squall suddenly arose — so fierce that even the Lord’s fishermen-turned-disciples were terrified. But Jesus continued to sleep serenely until His frightened followers woke Him, crying out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). You see, Jesus was in the habit of entrusting Himself to His heavenly Father. Having made that commitment, He could sleep through the turbulent squall.

When worries begin to gnaw at our mind, let’s surrender them to the Lord and not take them back again (1 Peter 5:7). That’s the secret of soul-serenity when we’re on life’s storm-tossed sea. —vernon grounds

Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal — take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. —tindley

Drop what weighs you down by giving it to God.

HE DID IT

2 Timothy 2:1-10

The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2

At the memorial service for LeRoy Eims, longtime staff member with The Navigators, I pondered why hundreds of colleagues and friends had come from across the US to pay tribute. Why did so many people love him so deeply?

As a young Christ, LeRoy had been challenged to disciple others one on one. He took seriously Paul’s charge to Timothy: “The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). LeRoy embraced that clear, simple command of Scripture and practiced it faithfully for more than 50 years.

Scores of people who packed the church that afternoon had lived in LeRoy and Virigina Eims’ home. They had been embraced, encouraged, and instructed by him. As his spiritual children, they had multiplied his ministry by investing themselves in others, just as he had in them.

One sentence in a written tribute captured the essence of the man: “His life was characterized by singleness of purpose, great creativity and a wonderful sense of humor.”

LeRoy’s example spurs us on to a lifetime of faithfully following the Lord. He did it! And by God’s grace, so can we. —david mccasland

It is in loving — not in being loved — the heart is blessed; it is in giving — not in seeking gifts — we find our quest. —anon

You can teach more with your life than with your lips.

THREE CERTAINTIES

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55

As I waited outside the Intensive Care Unit for changes int he condition of a loved one, I was reminded that death affects all of us; old and young, male and female, rich and poor.

In 1 Thessalonians 4, the apostle Paul comforted those who mourned the death of their loved ones. He told them that excessive grief resulted from being uniformed. Weeping for our loss is good, but we need not weep like those who have no hope. Instead, we must rely on three certainties of death.

The first certainty is that the soul does not die. The souls of departed believers are with the Lord (verse 14). They have retired from this problematic world, and they “sleep in Jesus.”

Second, Jesus will come for every believer. Whether a Christian is alive on earth or asleep in death, Jesus will return for all His children (verses 16-17).

Third, there will a joyous reunion. “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (verse 17).

Knowing these certainties brings comfort to believers when their friend and loved ones depart. Although we are separated from them for a while, we will meet again the presence of our Lord. —albert lee

When facing death’s shadow, remember the Light; the shadows bring fear, and the dark shrouds our eyes; but if we will turn to face Jesus the Light, the shadows will fade as He brightens our skies. —lee

Sunset in one land is sunrise in another.

THE CHOICE

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. Deuteronomy 30:15

You’ve heard the infamous name of John Wilkes Booth. He assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. But have you heard about Edwin Booth, John’s eldest brother? Edwin, a well-known actor, was waiting at Jersey City train station when he saw someone slip and fall of the platform. Edwin quickly grabbed the man’s collar and pulled him to safety — rescuing him from serious injury or death. Who was the man he saved? Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert, a soldier in the Civil War.

How ironic that the man who saved Lincoln’s son had a brother who would soon kill the president. One saved a life; one took a life. One chose life; the other chose death.

The Lord gave His people a choice between life and death: They could love Him and obey His commands (Deuteronomy 30:16), or they could worship and serve other gods (verse 17). He told them, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (verse 19).

We too have a choice between life and death. We can receive Jesus as our Savior and live with Him forever, or we can reject Jesus and be in darkness forever without Him. The best choice is clear. Receive God’s gift of His Son Jesus. Choose life! —anne cetas

The choice we make determines our Eternal destination; one leads to everlasting life; the other, condemnation. —sper

The choice you make today will determine your tomorrow.

 

 

A SURPRISE ANSWER

1 John 3:16-23

Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing to His sight. 1 John 3:22

When Josh McDowell’s mother died, he was not sure of her salvation. He became depressed. Was she a Christian or not? “Lord,” he prayed, “somehow give me the answer so I can get back to normal. I’ve just got to know.” It seemed like an impossible request.

Two days later, Josh drove out to the ocean and walked to the end of a pier to be alone. There sat an elderly woman in a lawnchair, fishing. “Where’s your home originally?” she asked. “Michigan — Union City,” Josh replied. “Nobody’s heard of it. I tell people it’s a suburb of  —” “Battle Creek,” interrupted the woman. “I had a cousin from there. Did you know the McDowell family?”

Stunned, Josh responded, “Yes, I’m Josh McDowell.” “I can’t believe it,” said the woman. “I’m a cousin to your mother.” “Do you remember anything at all about my mother’s spiritual life?” asked Josh. “Why sure — your mom and I were just girls — teenagers — when a tent revival came to town. We both went forward to accept Christ.” “Praise God!” shouted Josh, startling the surrounding fishermen.

God delights to give us what we ask when it is in His will. Never underestimate His desire to respond to our prayers. A surprise may be just around the corner. —dennis dehaan

That long-sought wish, oh, how I prayed, I thought it not divinely willed, and then the joyous, tear-stained smile of faith triumphant, hope fulfilled! —brandt

If you get definite with God, He’ll get definite with you.

MULTITUDE OF COUNSELORS

Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 27:9

In the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

In October 1962, the world held its breath as the US and the Soviet Union stood at the brink of nuclear war. Premier Nikita Khrushchev had delivered nuclear missles to Cuba, and President John F. Kennedy demanded their immediate removal. Tensions were at an all-time high.

Kennedy phoned three former US presidents to get their advice. Herbert Hoover had faced the economic problems of the Great Depression; Harry Truman had ended World War II; and Dwight Eisenhower had served as he Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Each had valuable insights to share. After Kennedy conferred with all of his White House advisors, a balanced course of action defused the crises. War was averted.

The Bible encourages us to seek the advice of wise counselors. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” The word translated “counsel” is a Hebrew nautical term used for steering a ship. The wisdom of godly advisors can help steer us in the right direction.

Are you facing a crisis? A truly wise person is open to the counsel and insight of others. Why not prayerfully seek the advice of some godly believers today? —dennis fisher

When a crisis looms before you, don’t face it on your own; seek advice from godly counsel, and take it to God’s throne.

If you seek wise counsel you multiply your chances for sound decisions.

GETTING EVEN

Ephesians 4:25- Ephesians 5:1

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

When we or someone we love has been hurt, thoughts of revenge may dominate our minds. But we won’t ever be able to “get even.” Dr. Lewis Smedes, a professor of theology, wrote extensively about forgiveness in Forgive and Forget, saying: “Revenge never evens the score, for alienated people never keep score of wrongs by the same mathematics. Forgiveness is the only way to stop the cycle of unfair pain turning in your memory.”

These insights help us understand why Paul wrote with urgency: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger . . . be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, . . . forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). Paul knew that a spirit of forgiveness was essential for the Ephesians’ spiritual survival. His appeal was based on God’s forgiveness of them.

Smedes said that forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or smoothing things over. Instead, forgiving breaks the cycle of revenge and “creates a new possibility of fairness by releasing us from the unfair past. Forgiving is love’s toughest work, and love’s biggest risk. To forgive is to dance to the beat of God’s forgiving heart. It is to ride the crest of love’s strongest wave. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” —david mccasland

Jesus came our debt to pay, saved our soul in grace one day, so in love we all should live, ready always to forgive. —bosch

Revenge imprisons us; forgiveness sets us FREE.