HOW TO CARVE A DUCK
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Posted:Sep 2, 2016 2:31 am
Last Updated:Sep 2, 2016 2:31 am 14620 Views
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Read: Psalm 138.7–8; Ephesians 2:6–10
Bible in a Year: Psalms 137–139; 1 Corinthians 13
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his .
Romans 8.29
My friend, Carolyn, and I met Phipps Festus Bourne in 1995 in his shop in Mabry Hill, Virginia. Bourne, who died in 2002, was a master wood carver whose carvings are almost exact replicas of real objects. “Carving a duck is simple,” he said. “You just look at a piece of wood, get in your head what a duck looks like, and then cut off everything that doesn’t look like it.”
So it is with God. He looks at you and me—blocks of rough wood—envisions the Christlike woman or man hidden beneath the bark, knots, and twigs and then begins to carve away everything that does not fit that image. We would be amazed if we could see how beautiful we are as finished “ducks.”
Growing in Christ comes from a deepening relationship with Him.
But first we must accept that we are a block of wood and allow the Artist to cut, shape, and sand us where He will. This means viewing our circumstances—pleasant or unpleasant—as God’s tools that shape us. He forms us, one part at a time, into the beautiful creature He envisioned in our ungainly lump of wood.
Sometimes the process is wonderful; sometimes it is painful. But in the end, all of God’s tools conform us “to the image of his ” (Rom. 8:29).
Do you long for that likeness? Put yourself in the Master Carver’s hands.
Father, You are the craftsman who shapes me. You are the one who knows what shape my life should take. Thank You for carving me into the image You have planned. Help me to trust that the pieces and parts that You shave from me are the right ones.
Growing in Christ comes from a deepening relationship with Him.
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BECAUSE YOU PRAYED
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Posted:Sep 1, 2016 1:10 am
Last Updated:Sep 1, 2016 1:11 am 14379 Views
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Read: Isaiah 3.79–22, 33
Bible in a Year: Psalms 135–136; 1 Corinthians 12
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
What do you do with your worries? Do you turn them inward, or turn them upward?
When the brutal Assyrian King Sennacherib was preparing to destroy Jerusalem, he sent a message to King Hezekiah saying that Judah would be no different from all the other nations he had conquered. Hezekiah took this message to the temple in Jerusalem, and “spread it out before the Lord” (Isa. 37.14). He then prayed and asked for help from Almighty God.
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. E.M. Bounds
Soon afterward Isaiah the prophet delivered this message to Hezekiah from the Lord: “Because you prayed about King Sennacherib of Assyria, the Lord has spoken” (Isa. 37.21–22 nlt). Scripture tells us that Hezekiah’s prayer was answered that very night. God intervened miraculously, conquering the enemy forces outside the city gates. The Assyrian army didn’t even “shoot an arrow” (v. 33). Sennacherib would leave Jerusalem, never to return.
Three words in God’s message to Hezekiah—“Because you prayed”—show us the best place to go with our worries. Because Hezekiah turned to God, He rescued him and his people. When we turn our worries into prayer, we discover that God is faithful in unexpected ways!
Father, please help me to turn my worries into prayer. My problems are better in Your hands than in my own.
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. E.M. Bounds
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FREE INDEEED
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Posted:Aug 31, 2016 1:06 am
Last Updated:Aug 31, 2016 1:07 am 14205 Views
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Read: John 8:31–37
Bible in a Year: Psalms 132–134; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34
If the sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745–1796) was only 11 years old when he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He made the harrowing journey from West Africa to the West Indies, then to the colony of Virgina, and then to England. By the age of 20 he purchased his own freedom, still bearing the emotional and physical scars of the inhumane treatment he had experienced.
Unable to enjoy his own freedom while others were still enslaved, Equiano became active in the movement to abolish slavery in England. He wrote his autobiography (an unheard of achievement for a former slave in that era) in which he described the horrific treatment of the enslaved.
The price of our freedom from sin was paid by Jesus’s blood.
When Jesus came, He fought a battle for all of us who are enslaved and unable to fight for ourselves. Our slavery is not one of outward chains. We are held by our own brokenness and sin. Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a belongs to it forever. So if the sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34–36).
Wherever such a freedom seems unheard of, His words need to be declared. We can be liberated from our guilt, shame, and hopelessness. By trusting Jesus, we can be free indeed!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making the sacrifice that has secured my freedom and eternal life. May I learn to love You in a way that honors the love You have shown me.
The price of our freedom from sin was paid by Jesus’s blood.
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GENTLE INFLUENCE
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Posted:Aug 30, 2016 2:39 am
Last Updated:Aug 30, 2016 2:39 am 14298 Views
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GENTLE INFLUENCE
Read: Colossians 3:12–17
Bible in a Year: Psalms 129–131; 1 Corinthians 11:1–16
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
A few years before he became the 26th U.S. president (1901–1909), Theodore Roosevelt got word that his oldest , Theodore Jr., was ill. While his would recover, the cause of Ted’s illness hit Roosevelt hard. Doctors told him that he was the cause of his ’s illness. Ted was suffering from “nervous exhaustion,” having been pressed unmercifully by Theodore to become the “fighter” hero-type he himself had not been during his own frail childhood. Upon hearing this, the elder Roosevelt made a promise to relent: “Hereafter I shall never press Ted either in body or mind.”
The father was true to his word. From then on he paid close attention to how he treated his —the very same who would one day bravely lead the landing of Allied soldiers on Utah Beach in World War II.
Since Jesus came in humility, how can we withhold kindness from one another?
God has entrusted each of us with influence in the lives of others. We have a deep responsibility in those relationships, not only to spouses and , but to friends, employees, and customers. The temptation to press too hard, to demand too much, to force progress, or to orchestrate success can lead us to harm others even when we don’t realize it. For this very reason, followers of Christ are urged to be patient and gentle with one another (Col. 3:12). Since Jesus, the of God, came in humility, how can we withhold such kindness from one another?
What kind of expectations do you have of the people in your life—at home and at work? Think about the influence you might have on others. How can you reflect more of the character of Jesus?
What God does for us we should do for others.
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THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP
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Posted:Aug 29, 2016 1:14 am
Last Updated:Aug 29, 2016 1:15 am 14375 Views
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Read: Isaiah 40:1–11
Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33
In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3
Madagascar’s National Road 5 offers the beauty of a white sand coastline, palm forests, and the Indian Ocean. Its 125 miles of two-track road, bare rock, sand, and mud, however, have given it a reputation for being one of the worst roads in the world. Tourists looking for breathtaking views are advised to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, an experienced driver, and an onboard mechanic.
John the Baptist came to announce the good news of the coming Messiah to those traveling on rough roads and through barren landscape. Repeating the words of the prophet Isaiah written centuries earlier, he urged curious crowds to “prepare the way for the Lord” and to “make straight paths for him” (Luke 3:4–5; Isa. 40:3)
God, we need You to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.
John knew that if the people of Jerusalem were going to be ready to welcome their long-awaited Messiah their hearts needed to change. Mountains of religious pride would need to come down. Those in the valley of despair because of their broken lives would need to be lifted up.
Neither could be done by human effort alone. Those who refused to respond to the Spirit of God by accepting John’s baptism of repentance failed to recognize their Messiah when He came (Luke 7.29–30). Yet those who saw their need for change discovered in Jesus the goodness and wonder of God.
Father in heaven, we need You to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves. Please remove any mountain of pride or valley of despair that would keep us from welcoming You into our lives.
Repentance clears the way for our walk with God.
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HONORABLE LIVING
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Posted:Aug 26, 2016 2:46 am
Last Updated:Aug 26, 2016 2:48 am 14439 Views
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Read: 1 Peter 2:9–12
Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:89–176;
1 Corinthians 8
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. 1 Peter 2:9
While delivering a well-publicized speech, a respected leader and statesman got the attention of his nation by declaring that most of his country’s honorable Members of Parliament (MPs) were quite dishonorable. Citing lifestyles of corruption, pompous attitudes, unsavory language, and other vices, he rebuked the MPs and urged them to reform. As expected, his comments didn’t go well with them and they dispatched counter-criticisms his way.
We may not be public officials in positions of leadership, but we who follow Christ are a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession”
(1 Peter 2:9). As such, our Lord calls us to lifestyles that honor Him.
We honor God’s name when we call Him our Father and live like His .
The disciple Peter had some practical advice on how to do this. He urged us to “abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul” (v. 11). Although he didn’t use the word honorable, he was calling us to behavior worthy of Christ.
As the apostle Paul phrased it in his letter to the Philippians, “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8. Indeed, these are the characteristics of behavior that honor our Lord.
Lord, when we are honest with You, we understand how often we fall far short of honorable behavior. We know how much we need You. By Your Spirit, help us replace any selfish thoughts, words, and actions with things that please You and draw others to You.
We honor God’s name when we call Him our Father and live like His .
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REMEMBERING
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Posted:Aug 25, 2016 1:59 am
Last Updated:Aug 26, 2016 2:47 am 14458 Views
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Read: Psalm 119:17–19, 130–134
Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1–88; 1 Corinthians 7:20–40
I have hidden your word in my heart. Psalm 119:11
One difficult part of growing older is the fear of dementia and the loss of short-term memory. But Dr. Benjamin Mast, an expert on the topic of Alzheimer’s disease, offers some encouragement. He says that patients’ brains are often so “well worn” and “habitual” that they can hear an old hymn and sing along to every word. He suggests that spiritual disciplines such as reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns cause truth to become “embedded” in our brains, ready to be accessed when prompted.
In Psalm 119:11, we read how the power of hiding God’s words in our heart can keep us from sinning. It can strengthen us, teach us obedience, and direct our footsteps (vv. 28, 67, 133). This in turn gives us hope and understanding
(vv. 49, 130). Even when we begin to notice memory slips in ourselves or in the life of a loved one, God’s Word, memorized years earlier, is still there, “stored up” or “treasured” in the heart (v. 11 esv, nasb). Even as our minds lose the keen edge of youth, we know that God’s words, hidden in our hearts, will continue to speak to us.
I have hidden your word in my heart. Psalm 119:11
Nothing—not even failing memories—can separate us from His love and care. We have His word on it.
Lord, You are such an amazing comfort to us. Thank You that our salvation and spiritual well-being does not depend on our failing minds and bodies, but on You and Your faithfulness to Your Word.
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REMEMBERING
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Posted:Aug 25, 2016 1:59 am
Last Updated:Aug 25, 2016 2:00 am 14517 Views
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Read: Psalm 119:17–19, 130–134
Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1–88; 1 Corinthians 7:20–40
I have hidden your word in my heart. Psalm 119:11
One difficult part of growing older is the fear of dementia and the loss of short-term memory. But Dr. Benjamin Mast, an expert on the topic of Alzheimer’s disease, offers some encouragement. He says that patients’ brains are often so “well worn” and “habitual” that they can hear an old hymn and sing along to every word. He suggests that spiritual disciplines such as reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns cause truth to become “embedded” in our brains, ready to be accessed when prompted.
In Psalm 119:11, we read how the power of hiding God’s words in our heart can keep us from sinning. It can strengthen us, teach us obedience, and direct our footsteps (vv. 28, 67, 133). This in turn gives us hope and understanding
(vv. 49, 130). Even when we begin to notice memory slips in ourselves or in the life of a loved one, God’s Word, memorized years earlier, is still there, “stored up” or “treasured” in the heart (v. 11 esv, nasb). Even as our minds lose the keen edge of youth, we know that God’s words, hidden in our hearts, will continue to speak to us.
I have hidden your word in my heart. Psalm 119:11
Nothing—not even failing memories—can separate us from His love and care. We have His word on it.
Lord, You are such an amazing comfort to us. Thank You that our salvation and spiritual well-being does not depend on our failing minds and bodies, but on You and Your faithfulness to Your Word.
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WATCH AND PRAY
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Posted:Aug 24, 2016 2:16 am
Last Updated:Aug 24, 2016 2:17 am 14524 Views
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Read: Mark 14:3
Bible in a Year: Psalms 116–118; 1 Corinthians 7:1–34
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Mark 14:38
From my window I can see a 1,700-meter hill called the Cerro del Borrego or “Hill of the Sheep.” In 1862, the French army invaded Mexico. While the enemy camped in the central park of Orizaba, the Mexican army established its position at the top of the hill. However, the Mexican general neglected to guard access to the top. While the Mexican troops were sleeping, the French attacked and killed 2,000 of them.
This reminds me of another hill, the Mount of Olives, and the garden at its foot where a group of disciples fell asleep. Jesus rebuked them, saying, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38.
Lord, help me to watch and pray today for myself and for others.
How easy it is to sleep or become careless in our Christian walk. Temptation strikes when we are most vulnerable. When we neglect certain areas of our spiritual lives—such as prayer and Bible study—we become drowsy and let our guard down, making us easy targets for our enemy, Satan, to strike (1 Peter 5:8.
We need to be alert to the possibilities of an attack and pray to maintain vigilance. If we remain watchful and pray—for ourselves and for others—the Spirit will enable us to resist temptation.
Lord Jesus, I know my spirit is willing, but my body is weak. Help me to watch and pray today for myself and for others.
Satan is powerless against the power of Christ.
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GO TALK
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Posted:Aug 23, 2016 1:55 am
Last Updated:Aug 23, 2016 1:56 am 14449 Views
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Read: Hebrews 1:1–12
Bible in a Year: Psalms 113–115; 1 Corinthians 6
What we have received is . . . the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12
Recently, my -in-law was explaining to my granddaughter Maggie that we can talk with God and that He communicates with us. When Ewing told Maggie that God sometimes speaks to us through the Bible, she responded without hesitation: “Well, He’s never said anything to me. I’ve never heard God talk to me.”
Most of us would probably agree with Maggie, if hearing an audible voice telling us, “Sell your house, and go take care of orphans in a faraway land,” is what we mean by God communicating with us. But when we talk about hearing God “speak,” we usually mean something quite different.
Scripture tells us how to find salvation in Jesus and how to live in ways that please Him.
We “hear” God through reading Scripture. The Bible tells us about Jesus and says that God “has spoken to us by his ” who is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Heb. 1:2–3). Scripture tells us how to find salvation in Jesus and how to live in ways that please Him (2 Tim. 3:14–17). In addition to Scripture itself, we have the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 2:12 says that we are given the Spirit “so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
Has it been a while since you’ve heard from God? Talk to Him and listen to the Spirit, who reveals Jesus to us through His Word. Tune in to the wonderful things God has to say to you.
Speak to me, Lord. Help me to understand the message of Scripture, the lessons of Jesus, and the urgings of the Holy Spirit.
God speaks through His Word when we take time to listen.
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