November 7, 2012

“Most People’s Love Will Grow Cold” (11/7)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 24.

Jesus warned His disciples about some difficult times that would be in their future. Sadly, the hardships would cause many to turn away from God and “grow cold” in their love and dedication for Him.

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” (Matthew 24:9-13).

Notice what Jesus said can cause His followers to turn away from Him:
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October 16, 2012

Confessing Christ (10/16)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 9-10.

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).

Jesus teaches here that it is absolutely essential for His followers to be willing to confess Him before others. But what type of confession is He referring to in these verses?

This passage is sometimes cited to show that confession precedes baptism as a requirement for salvation. It is certainly true that one must confess his faith in order to be saved (Romans 10:9-10) and that this confession comes before one’s baptism into Christ (Acts 8:36-37). But this is not the type of confession that Jesus is talking about here.
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September 27, 2012

"I Am Doing a Great Work and I Cannot Come Down" (9/27)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Nehemiah 6-7.

As the walls of Jerusalem were nearing completion, the enemies of the Israelites made an effort to pull Nehemiah away and disrupt the work.

“Then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me [Nehemiah], saying, ‘Come, let us meet together at Cherphirim in the plain of Ono.’ But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?’” (Nehemiah 6:2-3).

Though these men invited him, Nehemiah refused to come. Even when they spread false rumors about him and threatened to report him to the king, he refused to abandon the work (Nehemiah 6:5-9). There are two important lessons that we can learn from Nehemiah:
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September 6, 2012

A Disciple’s Influence

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described the character of one who would be one of His disciples. He made it very clear that His disciples would have an impact upon the world around them.
Lighthouse

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Jesus used three analogies – the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill – to describe His disciples. Each one of these emphasizes different aspects of the influence which we are to have upon others, and how the world will react to us.
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August 9, 2012

“I Alone Am Left”

Elijah at Horeb

After contending with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and proving to the people the power of God, Elijah was forced to flee from the wrath of Jezebel. He then spoke to the Lord at Horeb about what was troubling him.

“Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away’” (1 Kings 19:9-10).

Elijah had just been a part of a decisive victory for the Lord over Baal on Mount Carmel. But despite this, he was in such a depressed state that he wished the Lord would take his life (1 Kings 19:4). He was focusing on the challenges, hardships, and persecution before him, while being convinced that there was no one else who was of like-mind striving to serve the Lord.

As Christians, we may also feel isolated from others and, as a result, face what seems to be a daunting task of enduring the hardships that will come for servants of God (2 Timothy 3:12) without aid, comfort, or encouragement from others. We may feel as though we are alone in standing for the truth while everyone around us seems to be compromising, apostatizing, or wholly apathetic about contending for the faith. During such times, it is important to remember a few points.
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July 29, 2012

Do Not Fear the Reproach of Men (7/29)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Isaiah 49-53.

The Lord offers some words of comfort for all of His people who must suffer for their faith.

“Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them like a garment, and the grub will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation to all generations” (Isaiah 51:7-8)

Persecution is inevitable for the child of God (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet we must not fear those who would persecute us (cf. Matthew 10:28). The Lord gives two reasons why we should not fear or be overcome by them:
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June 1, 2012

"Redeem Me From the Oppression of Man" (6/1)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 119:89-176.

“Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts” (Psalm 119:134).

Throughout this psalm, David expressed his love for God’s word and his determination to follow it. Yet here he mentioned a potential obstacle for his obedience – oppression. David certainly experienced this in his life. Therefore, he was well aware of the challenges that oppression presented to faithful obedience. So his prayer to God was for this obstacle to be removed.
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