DOING WHAT WE CAN

1 Corinthians 3:5-15

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward. 1 Corinthians 3:8

Sometimes we may get discouraged because what we’re doing for the Lord seems unsuccessful. The children in the Sunday school class we teach are restless and inattentive. The neighbors we’re trying to reach with the gospel are politely indifferent. The members of our own family are far from the Lord. The world we lift up to God in fervent intercession grows increasingly violent and anti-Christian. All of this can add up to deep soul-discouragement.

Listen to the words of a Salvadoran clergyman who was murdered for his fearless denunciation of violence and injustice. He wrote: “We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. . . . We cannot do everything, and there’s a sense of liberation in realizing that.” This attitude helps us to do small things and to leave “an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.”

That agrees with the apostle Paul’s encouragement to be faithful in our tasks and to wait on God who “gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Don’t allow discouragement to cause you to quit. In God’s own time our work will bear fruit. —vernon grounds

Go, labor on, spend, and be spent, Thy joy to do Thy Father’s will; it is the way the Master went; should not the servant tread it still? —bonar

You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED…

John 18:15-18, John 21:15-17

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” John 21:17

What do you do when you fail? Maybe you said something you shouldn’t have said, you took on a project and it didn’t go as planned, or a relationship fell apart. At the next opportunity to improve on your past record, what do you do?

My son Stevie brought home a paper from school that was not up to his usual stellar performance — he had failed to color his kindergarten paper completely and neatly. Mom talked to him and explained how important it is to do his schoolwork well. Then, expecting a promise of better things, she asked, “So, what are you going to do about it tomorrow?” “I’m going to stay home!” he replied. I guess he figured that would be easier than facing the problem.

Giving up may seem to be the easy way out for Steven, but soon enough he will learn what Peter learned. Just before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied that he was one of Christ’s disciples (John 18:15-18). But the story doesn’t end with failure. Later, Jesus encouraged Peter to serve Him faithfully. And what happened to Peter? In the opening chapter of Acts we find him leading the early church and boldly proclaiming the gospel.

With God’s help we don’t need to give up. —jdb

When I have failed, I need You, Lord, to teach this lesson clear: if I but learn and try again, success is always near. —jdb

If at first you don’t succeed with Christ’s help, try again.

BURGLAR-PROOF RICHES

1 Timothy 6:1-10

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

Many people are confused about what is of greatest value in life. They think they would be truly happy if only they were rich and could buy anything their hearts desired. But, as those who amass great fortunes discover, money and the things it can buy do not bring lasting satisfaction and peace of mind.

J. Oswald Sanders, in his book Facing Loneliness, writes, “When Jeremy Taylor, the old Puritan, had his house burglarized, all his choicest possessions taken, and his family turned out of doors, he knelt down and thanked God that his enemies had left him the sun and moon, a loving wife and many friends to pity and relieve, the providence of God, all the promises of the gospel, his faith, his hope of heaven, and his charity toward his enemies!” Sanders adds, “With wealth such as this, no buglar could impoverish him.”

Material things do not make a person wealthy, nor do they bring lasting contentment. Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Our greatest wealth is found in a right relationship to God through Jesus Christ and in the hope of heaven.

Let’s be sure we have riches that can’t be taken. —rwd

How we need a keen awareness of the joys God wants to share! Priceless treasures found in Jesus — we are rich beyond compare! —djd

Empty is the life that is filled with nothing but things.

GOOD QUESTION!

Acts 16:16-34

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:30-31

Finding the right questions is as crucial as finding the right answers,” says devotional writer Henri Nouwen. Yet how easy it is to run ahead of God’s Spirit as we talk to nonbelievers about Christ, giving pre-packaged answers before we listen to their questions.

This tendency was highlighted several years ago when someone scrawled the words “Christ is the answer!” on the side of a building. A cynical passerby added these words: “What is the question?”

Paul and Silas, thrown into prison for the gospel’s sake, provoked a deep spiritual question in the heart of their jailer. This wasn’t achieved, however, by preaching a three-point sermon at him. Instead, they prayed and sang hymns to God. When an earthquake opened the prison doors and broke their chains, the jailer tried to kill himself, fearing that he would be put to death if his prisoners escaped. But Paul and Silas stopped him by choosing to stay in prison for his sake. At this he cried out, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

Today, as then, the Spirit will create the right questions in people’s hearts and make them ready for the right answer — Jesus Christ. —jey

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, tell of His power to forgive; others will trust Him if only you prove true, every moment of you live. —wilson

Christians worth their salt make others thirsty for the water of life.

SNOW SHOVEL WITNESS

Matthew 5:1-16

From him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:42

In her book Just Say It! Nellie Pickard tells the story of Dorcas, who nearly lost a great opportunity to witness. A new person had moved into the neighborhood, and Dorcas learned that she was an immigrant. That didn’t bother her, but when the new neighbor borrowed Dorcas’ snow shovel without asking, she was quite upset. She marched over to the woman’s house, rang the doorbell, grabbed the shovel, and stomped away while the woman tried to explain in broken English.

Dorcas had her shovel back, but she also had a good case of bitterness. “The nerve of that woman,” she told friends. “She obviously thinks, ‘What’s theirs is mine.’” Soon, however, God’s Spirit helped Dorcas to see that she needed to show mercy. Prompted by Jesus’ words “Blessed are the merciful” (Matthew 5:7), she bought the woman a shovel. When she gave it to her, the neighbor told her that she was alone with two children and had no way to buy a shovel. Dorcas’ kindness touched her heart, and as a result she allowed her children to attend church, where one of them accepted Jesus.

It’s easy to think the worst of people to protect our own interests. But God’s Word makes it clear that we are to serve others. When we do, we strengthen our witness. —jdb

Helping the widows and orphans in their need, healing the sick ones and binding hearts that bleed, feeding the hungry concerns the Lord above— by this we serve Him and demonstrate His love. —peterson

A helping hand can open the door of a person’s heart to the gospel.

SUFFERING MAY OCCUR

This is a very important message for the days we live in. Much too often have I seen Christians jumping and shouting about their “Christianity” and how wonderful their church is (especially in the public eye!), but when it comes to standing up for Jesus - when it comes to sacrificing anything in the name of Jesus, then the person shuts up and runs. If you cannot handle persecution, discomfort, and suffering for Christ now then what are you going to do when the stakes get higher? Jesus suffered tremendously for us. He died for us. Are you willing to do the same for Him – at any cost? Are you willing to give up everything  –whether it be people or worldly possessions–  and follow Him?

Dre

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1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews. 1 Thessalonians 2:14

“Misery loves company” is an adage often heard. We usually hear the expression when friends are comparing experiences of illness, surgery, or some other adverse circumstance. Everyone knows suffering is an inescapable part of life.

Paul who suffered often identified with his readers who also suffered for the sake of the gospel. He knew the first-century Christians would continue to experience discomfort and persecution as they served the cause of Christ.

In every generation there are those who oppose the spread of the gospel. Christians following Christ today may be called upon to suffer just as the first-century believers did.

Take time today to pray for people you know who are suffering as a result of taking discipleship seriously.

Father, I ask for courage to remain faithful to You regardless of the consequences.

THE BLESSINGS OF OUR INADEQUACY

“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God” 2 Corinthians 2:15-17

Most of us assume that feelings of inadequacy are enemies to be subdued rather than friends to be employed. In some cases, however, these feelings can prepare us for our greatest accomplishments. That is what the apostle Paul found when he set out to preach the Gospel to all creation. In spite of his great learning and varied gifts, Paul acknowledged that he was not sufficient of himself to minister for the Lord. By taking that attitude, he was able to step out beyond his own personal limits and tap into supernatural power.

Many times, we fail to take this extra step because we too easily surrender to our inadequacies. We may use our limitations as an excuse for not taking on difficult assignments – all too frequently we say, “I can’t do this,” or “I don’t want that responsibility” when faced with God’s call to serve. Know that the Lord will not accept such excuses because He has given the Holy Spirit to empower us for any task He assigns.

If we fail to claim this supernatural power, then we run the risk of multiplied failure. First of all, we miss out on the joy, peace, and contentment derived from stepping out in faith to answer God’s “impossible” call and watching His enablement. In addition, our hesitancy may deprive other people of the benefits of our service.

Perhaps you feel that you do not have a lot to offer. But never underestimate the impact of one person who has learned how to depend upon the adequacy of Almighty God.

How can our imperfect inadequacy still be used for God’s perfect glory?

FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST

“For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21

A Christian did not always live for Christ. He or she began to do so when God the Holy Spirit convinced them of their sin, and when by grace he or she was brought to see the dying Savior substituting Himself in their place on the cross. Then, from the moment of our new and spiritual rebirth, we begin to live for Christ.

Jesus is to believers the one pearl of great price for whom we are willing to part with all that we have. He has so completely won our love that it beats alone for Him. To His glory we strive to live, and in defense of His gospel we would even die. He is the pattern of our life, and the model after which we aim to sculpt ourselves.

Paul’s words “For me to live is Christ” mean more than most people think. They imply that the aim and end of his life was Christ. His life itself attempted to embody Jesus. Jesus was his every breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life.

Can you say, as a professing Christian, that you live up to this idea?

Can you honestly say that for you to live is Christ?

Consider your job: Are you doing it for Christ? Or is it done only for self-benefit and family advantage? If we professes to live for Christ, how can we live for another object without committing spiritual adultery?

While many carry out the principle of living for Christ halfheartedly, few would dare say that they live wholly for Christ as the apostle Paul did. Yet this alone is the true life of a Christian. This life’s source and nourishment are all gathered up in Christ Jesus.

Lord, accept me. I present myself, praying to live only in You and for You. Let my life be a ready sacrifice to you, and let my motto be, “For me to live is Christ.”

What does Paul mean when he says “For me to live is Christ”?

LIGHT & DARKNESS

“God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4

Light is good since it began to exist from God’s good command, “Let there be light.” We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures.

When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light, and opens our eyes to see clearly the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We see clearly our sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position. We see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, His plan of mercy, and the world to come as His Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and colors, but whether they are knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received is good, then God, the essential light, is ever so much more glorious.

Lord Jesus, since Your light is so good, give us more of it, and more of yourself, more of the true light.

When God brings light to the world, division is necessary to separate it from darkness. Light and darkness have nothing in common. Since God has divided them, we must not join them. Children of light must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord’s work, leaving the works of darkness behind.

Our churches should divide the light from the darkness with great discipline, and we should do the same by being separated from the world by walking in God’s light instead of the dark paths. In action, in judgment, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world’s first day.

Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the entire day, for Your light is the light of us all.

Are there areas of your life where God’s light is dim or absent? Is it time to let Him in?

THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN

Hebrews 12:25-29

Television news is often filled with interviews and images of people who have suffered some unimaginable tragedy. One day we’re shown tornado survivors whose homes were torn apart by winds. Another day we may see massive floods sweeping through an unsuspecting neighborhood. Occasionally, we even view homes that are swallowed whole by terrible earthquakes. The expressions on the faces of those who have suffered loss can be haunting.

Such losses always draw our attention toward the fragility of those things we hold most dear…our homes, families and careers, for example. We seldom like these “wake-up calls” that remind us of the inherent instability of earthly life.

In a world that is shaking apart, believers in Jesus Christ have the privilege of sharing the best news imaginable: there is something that is stable, something that is completely secure. There is a rock on which we are able to stand and it cannot be shaken. That unshakable foundation, of course, is almighty God.

The Lord gives us other immovable truths as well. We can trust that Scripture is His unchanging, always-relevant truth for all time. We can depend on a secure, eternal relationship with Him through His Son. And we can be sure that a heavenly home awaits all those who place their faith in Christ. We can have stability, even in this unstable world.

Who in your life needs this life-saving Good News? Who is drowning around you, desperately needing you to throw a lifeline? Don’t wait; do it today.

Who in your life needs the life-saving good news of the gospel?