In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley--Feb

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February 2, 2009
The Power of Christ over the Flesh
Romans 6:14-18

Bookstores devote entire sections to "self-help" titles. However, the self-help concept is flawed, since people can do nothing to improve the fleshly nature. We can clean up our attitudes and actions temporarily, but lasting change is possible only through the Lord Jesus Christ. When His Spirit is living within us, we can be shaped into successful followers of God.

It's critical to realize that the Law wasn't intended for salvation. The commands given through Moses are designed to teach us what sin is and how mankind violates holiness. To lead a God-pleasing life, we must follow biblical principles, but doing so isn't enough to get us into heaven. The Law was created to drive us to the Savior for salvation; through it, we understand our inability to adhere to the Lord's rules without His help (Galatians 3:24).

Imbedded within the Law is a warning that sin's penalty is death (Genesis 3:3, 21; Romans 6:23). Christ is the fulfillment of the Law since He took our sin upon Himself and died. When we accept His sacrifice on our behalf, we're covered by divine grace, and His Spirit comes to permanently indwell us.

Using Scripture, God's Spirit challenges Christians to bring fleshly habits and thought patterns under submission. He illuminates the believer's mind with regard to biblical meaning and application. Therefore, the Word is useful for "teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). There is no self-help in the believer's life. We are to surrender to the work and way of God's Spirit.

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February 3, 2009
Brokenness: The Plan
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23

Humans are born "bent away" from the Lord. Our natural inclination is to please and serve self, which is the opposite of a Godhonoring lifestyle. When we become believers, our Father begins to bend our will and ways back towards Him. But we must cooperate with Him and yield to the process; otherwise, we are of little use to the kingdom.

The Lord wants to eradicate every thought pattern and activity promoting dependency on anything other than Him. This means that relying on oneself to attain security, salvation, or physical and emotional comfort are outside His will. Actions that advance a person at the expense of others are also ungodly.

In areas where we resist bending toward the Lord, He may break us by allowing pain into our life. As a result, we are driven to Him in surrender. To break a person may sound harsh, but God does this work in love. He sees beyond the hurt to the outcome--we will be more mature and faithful servants for having walked through trial. And our loving Father takes each hard step with us, offering guidance and comfort. Seeing the benefits He has brought about through my hardships, I can honestly thank Him for every period of brokenness I've experienced (Romans 8:28).

The truth is that we all have areas of selfishness that need to be bent or broken by God's hand. When we honestly look inward to discover wrong habits and thought patterns, our heavenly Father will bring them to mind. Then, we must surrender to His work so we can become wise and useful servants.

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[Debrinconcita]

I am kinda a new member. I don't know if I consider myself a Christian. I haven't been to church in years. But, as soon as I move, I plan on going to the nearest church in the neighborhood. I have started reading the bible since I have been in Recovery. I have been baptized in my youth. My father is a baptist minister. He live in New Mexico. I have been speaking with God alot lately, everyday and nite. I am seeking his help, and I can safely say I have gotten alot of Spiritual support so far. I would like to seek other groups who use religion as there help through Recovery. I do belong to a support group on Beliefnet.com. Later from Debrinconcita in Portland,OR.

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February 4, 2009
Confusion in the Church
1 John 5:12-13

Numerous people believe in God, attend church, and are convinced that they will someday go to heaven. But of these, far too many are misinformed about salvation.

Some believe that a person's eternal destiny depends solely on how much good he accomplishes in his lifetime. Others accept that Jesus died for us but think we have to contribute toward salvation through works. Both views are incorrect. Scripture clearly teaches that we are saved only through a personal faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). What He did--namely, living a perfect life and dying for our sins--is what makes us right with God. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, His completed work is credited to our account. Our sin-debt is paid by His blood, and His righteousness is applied to us. Remember, we are saved not by what we do but by whom we trust--we can't add to or take away from Christ's finished work on the cross (John 19:30; Acts 4:12).

There is another common area of misinformation: many are convinced that belonging to a church, reading the Bible, and praying are evidences of being a Christian. These are important, but they're not what establishes us as God's children. We are adopted into His family when we acknowledge the insufficiency of our own efforts and embrace what Christ did for us. At that moment, we are set apart for the Lord and belong to Him.

It is essential that our faith be grounded in biblical truth. Receiving forgiveness of our sins, belonging to God's family, and dwelling with Him forever depend on it. Do your beliefs agree with Scripture?

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February 5, 2009
Sharing Our Faith
1 John 4:14-15

We live in a world that seeks to function apart from the Lord. Its attention is centered on man and his desires. The tragedy is that people without Christ are under God's judgment for all eternity. This includes those who attend church but do not have a personal relationship with the Savior (Matt. 7:21-23).

As Christ's ambassadors, believers are to be prepared to share the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). Here are five words to help us remember key points about God's good news:

Need--Because of sin, everyone starts out separated from the Lord (Rom. 3:10). The need is for someone who can correct this impasse and reconcile us to the Father. It is crucial for people to recognize that something is seriously wrong between them and God--and in fact, that without divine intervention, sin is an insurmountable problem.

Provision--Once the need is recognized, we can talk about God's provision. He sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior. Only Christ could pay the debt we owe for our sins.

Cost--For man, salvation is a free gift. But it was costly to God, who had to sacrifice His Son upon the cross in our place (Rom. 6:23).

Faith--Trusting in Jesus is the only way to salvation. There are no substitutes (John 14:6).

Assurance--At salvation, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Through Him, we have the absolute assurance that we are God's children and will spend eternity with Him.

Regularly take time to speak to others about what matters most. The most important issue in life is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

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February 6, 2009
Facing Life's Unknowns
Hebrews 11:23-29

Uncertain circumstances characterized Moses' whole life. He was born in Egypt, at a time when the growing Hebrew population was seen as a threat. The king enslaved the community and had their male infants killed (Ex. 1:22; 2:1-4). To protect Moses, his family let others raise him as an Egyptian.

As a grown man, he had to flee the land and live far from home (Ex. 2:11-15). Later, in a personal encounter with God, Moses learned that he was the Lord's chosen leader of the Israelite slaves (Ex. 3). In this new role--for which he felt ill-equipped--he had to approach Pharaoh to request his people's release. And then imagine how he must have questioned his ability to lead more than a million people while contending with their ingratitude and rebelliousness.

Yet Moses steadfastly carried on. Scripture tells us that what enabled him to persevere was faith, which Hebrews 11:1 defines as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (niv). Moses had learned how to see "Him who is unseen" (Heb. 11:27). As a result, he was able to grasp the reality of his invisible God's character and promises. Since encountering the Lord at the burning bush (Ex. 3:2), he viewed life differently: his new purpose was to rely on God and follow His plan.

Though Moses did not live perfectly, the Scriptures commend him for walking by faith. From his example, we can learn how to persevere through life's unknowns. And with the Holy Spirit's help, we, too, can become people of great faith.

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February 7-8, 2009
Living by Faith
Romans 1:16-17

In Scripture, we read that strong faith is essential for facing life's uncertainties. It prompts us to look beyond our trials to the One who's promised to guide and sustain us.

As trust in the Lord increases, obedience becomes a higher priority than pleasure or profit. Moses' life illustrates this--he chose to forsake the advantage of Egyptian royalty in order to be identified with God's people. Placing his future in the Almighty's hands, he became the Israelites' leader and gave precedence to the Lord's interests over his own.

As devotion deepens, a second outcome is spiritual discernment--believers develop an ability to look beyond the external appearance to see things as God does. The attractiveness of sin will decrease, and its offer of satisfaction will be recognized as false. At the same time, eternal matters will become more valuable to us. Moses left his livelihood of 40 years to become God's appointed leader. Pursuing the Lord's plan became more important than anything else in his life. Despite his misgivings and sense of inadequacy, he placed trust in his heavenly Father.

Finally, a growing faith will not permit misunderstandings and criticisms to deter us from pursuing God's plan. The Hebrew slaves didn't make it easy for Moses to lead, but his beliefs enabled him to move forward.

The Hebrew leader's faith became the defining quality of his life. The Lord wants the same to be true of you. By trusting God deeply, you, like Moses, will be able to meet each day's challenges with courage and determination.

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February 9, 2009
When Your Fire Grows Dim
2 Timothy 1:1-11

Do you feel yourself growing cold toward the Lord? Though we, who are children of God, can never lose our salvation, it is possible for our spiritual passion to cool.

Today's passage reveals that even Timothy experienced a decrease in his excitement for God. That's why Paul wrote, encouraging the young pastor at Ephesus to fan the flame of his faith.

Spiritual "cooling" can happen to any Christian. Oftentimes, it starts when tragedy or disappointment diverts one's attention. Instead of crying out to the Lord and finding shelter in Him, the believer slowly ceases reading the Bible. The Word of God is like wood in a fireplace: the flames can be kept alive only when there are logs to burn. As less time is spent in Scripture, other aspects of the relationship with God are affected: church attendance diminishes, giving becomes sporadic, and prayer--which seems increasingly stale--is used only for emergencies.

No longer willing to stand up for what he once deemed important, the Christian soon starts to compromise. He may feel plagued by guilt and become defensive about the way he is living. Finally, the joy, contentment, and peace from God are replaced by worry, doubt, and fear.

A believer who allows himself to drift will miss out on the joy and fulfillment of a rich relationship with the Lord. Think back. Is your excitement about the things of God stronger than ever before? Or has it diminished over time? If your fire needs stoking, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how.

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February 10, 2009
Rekindling the Fire
John 10:10

The Lord created us to live passionately for Him. In that way, we enjoy the blessings of an intimate relationship with our Creator. But there are other benefits as well. Just as the warmth and beauty of flames draw people toward the fireplace, God also uses our passion to draw others to Himself.

So, not just for our own sake but also for the sake of others, we must be careful not to let our fervor toward God fade. Thankfully, the indwelling Holy Spirit nudges believers who start to head in the wrong direction. If you sense this to be the case, you can take several steps to realign yourself with Him.

First, evaluate where you are spiritually--ask God whether your fire has grown cold. Second, acknowledge any distance you have allowed to separate you from your heavenly Father, and repent. Third, refocus your attention on Jesus; meditate on how He teaches His followers to live. Spend quality time in Scripture daily, asking the Lord to speak to you through His Word. Pray, not by using fancy words but by crying out earnestly and seeking God's face. Fourth, rely upon the Holy Spirit to guide you back to an intimate and exciting relationship with the Father. Finally, love and serve God by worshiping Him and reaching out to others.

What occupies your time and attention? Do your thoughts and conversation tend to revolve around worldly topics or the things of God? If your fire for Christ has dwindled, take the necessary steps today to renew your passion. Living closely with Him is well worth the effort and discipline.

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February 11, 2009
Living in Bondage
John 8:31-36

Freedom is one of humanity's most prized possessions. That's why Patrick Henry's famous declaration, "Give me liberty or give me death," resonated with the colonists. His sentiment ignited a revolution and helped bring about the birth of our free nation.

Yet many inhabitants of this land are in captivity. You see, people aren't simply physical beings; they're also spiritual. And they can be enslaved spiritually as well as physically.

Jesus said that anyone who commits sin is in bondage to it (John 8:34). He was referring to continuous wrongs that become a lifestyle, even for the believer. Almost anything--including the pursuit of power, money, or relationships--can develop into a pattern of sinful living.

Usually, ungodly habits begin in a way that seems innocent and fulfills a desire or need. For example, a person might justify working too much in order to take care of his family. Over time, he may become desensitized to any guilt he originally felt. As he gradually senses less conviction by the Holy Spirit, the habit becomes a comfort and eventually controls him. Though he may hate it, he is powerless to stop. Ironically, people in this state often say and believe that they could stop the behavior
if they so chose. But they are deceived.

Neither human determination nor effort can overcome the bondage. Yet what man is unable to do, God can achieve (Luke 18:27).

Take an honest look at your life's motivations. Is there some habit, emotion, or dream that "owns" you? Jesus --and Jesus alone--can set you free.

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February 12, 2009
Liberated to Live
Psalm 22:5

History is replete with stories of slaveholders who dominated the helpless, and wicked rulers who tyrannized entire people groups. These are obvious cases of bondage. Less evident--but damaging nonetheless--are the widespread instances of enslavement to emotional wounds and sinful acts, habits, and attitudes. People oppressed in this way cannot break free.

Thankfully, Christ came to earth to release us from captivity to sin. He said of Himself: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me . . . He has sent me to . . . to set free those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18, 21).

How can you take advantage of this terrific offer of freedom? The first step is to recognize that you are controlled by a spiritual problem known as sin. Second, trace its roots, if possible--ask, Why do I indulge to the point that I am mastered by this temptation? Some possible answers are insecurity, fear of failure, pride, and past abuse. Third, choose freedom. Trust the Lord to help, and believe that His Holy Spirit will enable you to do whatever is necessary. God does not want His children enslaved; He wants them free to live (John 10:10). Fourth, cry out to Him for help.

God will answer by acting in your best interest. Perhaps that means freeing you immediately. Or He may decide that the best process for you will take time, in which case a struggle might lie ahead. Either way, you can be certain that the Father knows what is optimal for each of His children. His chosen course of action will enable you to experience freedom and abundance.

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February 13, 2009
The Cross: Symbol of Supreme Love
John 10:18

Countless people wear a cross because it symbolizes Christianity. But few fully grasp the depth of love that it represents.

The cross stands for what is arguably history's most painful method of execution. Crucifixion usually began with two soldiers flogging the criminal from the front and back. They used a strap with three leather cords, each containing a piece of embedded bone that tore flesh to ribbons. No wonder Jesus fell and struggled to carry His cross after such treatment.

The soldiers then hammered a long square nail into the hands or wrists; this shape would heighten the already excruciating pain. Another nail was driven through the ankles into the wood. Raising the cross, executioners would then drop it into a hole in the ground, the "thud" further tearing flesh. In order to breathe, the convicted man had to push up on his bloody ankles.

Jesus was God, but He was also fully man. So He experienced the physical agony any human would feel at such brutality. On top of that, He felt emotional and spiritual anguish because the nation rejected Him and His disciples denied Him. Worst of all, when He took our sin upon Himself, the Father turned away (Matt. 27:46; 2 Cor. 5:21). Yet Jesus didn't see Himself as a victim; He willingly offered His blood on our behalf and considered it a joy (Heb. 12:2). No greater love exists.

Take time to consider all that Jesus endured on the cross for your sake. As you begin to grasp the enormity of His sacrifice, thank Him for His boundless love.

***

Extra column--"On Love"

"Love is the fulfilment of all our works. There is the goal; that is why we run: we run toward it, and once we reach it, in it we shall find rest."
--Augustine of Hippo

"If I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love."
--Amy Carmichael

"But it is doubtless true, and evident from these Scriptures, that the essence of all true religion lies in holy love; and that in this divine affection, and an habitual disposition to it, and that light which is the foundation of it, and those things which are the fruits of it, consists the whole of religion."
--Jonathan Edwards

"A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver."
--Thomas à Kempis

"When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now."
--C. S. Lewis

"Joy is love exalted; peace is love in repose; long-suffering is love enduring; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love in school; and temperance is love in training."
--D. L. Moody

"Love is the greatest thing that God can give us for Himself is love: and it is the greatest thing we can give to God."
--Jeremy Taylor

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February 14-15, 2009
The Cross: Symbol of Forgiveness
Matthew 20:27-28

Have you ever wondered why the God of the universe didn't decide to save us without having His Son die the gruesome death of crucifixion? Surely, you think, the Lord could do anything, right? Yes, He can do anything--except violate His own character.

God is Holy. We know that all people have disobeyed His law and broken fellowship with Him (Rom. 3:23). From the beginning of time, He has required a penalty for disobedience to His commands. In fact, our sin actually deserves payment of our own life (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23).

However, because of our Father's great love, He allowed another life to be offered as a substitutionary payment for our sin-debt. So in the Old Testament, people would sacrifice animals to atone for their wrongs. However, this gracious provision was just a temporary solution. Jesus' death was the final sacrifice for sin. Our loving Savior took that penalty upon Himself, dying in our place--the Son of God willingly became our sin and took the Father's wrath upon Himself.

And then He did something that we could not. Three days after dying, He rose from the grave. Jesus conquered death! We now have direct access to the heavenly Father through Jesus' death on the cross. Once we accept His free gift of full forgiveness, our entire sin-debt is cancelled.

There's nothing you can do to make yourself right with God. But you can be forgiven of all your sin and receive eternal life by trusting in Christ's death on your behalf.

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February 16, 2009
Our Choices in the Midst of Tragedy
Job 1:6-2:8

Imagine for a moment what it must have felt like to be in Job's sandals. Warriors, fire, and wind wiped out his vast fortune and killed his children. To add injury to insult, his boil-infested body was so irritated that he scratched at the enflamed skin with a shard of pottery. Had Job believed in luck rather than the Lord's sovereignty, He likely would have taken his wife's advice to "curse God and die" (2:9).

Job was brought low and he didn't know why. Read the book carefully, and you'll notice that he never learned the reason behind his testing. The reader is privy to the conversation between God and Satan, but the Lord did not share those details with his humbled servant. Left in the dark, Job had to decide if his faith in God's goodness would stand.

Viewing the new chapter in his life as part of the Lord's larger plan (42:2), Job made a courageous choice to trust God in the midst of tragedy. The impoverished man could have railed against God, as his wife suggested. Or he might have followed his friends' unwise advice and racked his brain for an unconfessed sin that earned divine punishment. But neither of those actions would have been fruitful. Instead, Job acknowledged God's right to do to him whatever He desired for the glory of His name (Job 1:21).

Accepting the good things that God sends our way is easy. Our challenge is to receive tragedy with a willing attitude and a teachable spirit. Chance is not part of the equation--nothing comes into our life except through the Lord's permission.

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February 17, 2009
How Comforters Are Created
2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Job asked a challenging question in his time of suffering: "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10). Even hardship has a place in the Lord's plan.

During a particularly painful time in my life, I decided that I ought to glean something from my distress. That decision allowed the Lord to open up a well of compassion in my heart that I often dip from to comfort those facing similar trials.

I found great solace in Paul's words about our God, who "comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" (2 Cor. 1:4). Think about the kind of people you seek out when you feel hurt. You want someone who has felt your pain, right? A person who's walked the path we find ourselves on can understand our suffering and provide wise counsel. According to the apostle, passing through a "valley experience" prepares us to be a blessing and encouragement to those who must go through something similar later. What's required is that we accept the adversity He has placed in our way and choose to learn from the situation.

God is the Lord and Master of our life, and therefore, He has the right to use us as comforters and encouragers to those in our sphere of influence. As His servants, we must be willing to receive whatever training is necessary to complete His will, even when it hurts. Do not waste your suffering! Instead, use it to bring glory to the Lord.

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February 18, 2009
The Good News about Death
1 Corinthians 15:50-58

The Word of God teaches that physical death is the beginning of a new existence for believers. The Lord has prepared an eternal home where those who honor His name can rejoice forever. The condition for entry is simple: believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and receive His forgiveness.

Some people regard this prerequisite for admittance as narrow-minded. Hanging a "For Believers Only" sign on a place as special as heaven seems unfair to them. God set up that limitation for a reason. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, He laid down a law to protect His creation: Do not disobey Me. The penalty for breaking that command is death.

Of course, we all violate the law because we are flawed human beings. In order to save people from the consequence of their wrongdoing, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to shoulder all of our sin and die in our place. Our Savior fulfilled the law while taking our punishment. The good news is that He did not remain in the grave--Christ arose victoriously after three days!

God promised in His Word that those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior share in His resurrection. When a believer dies, the heavenly gate swings open, and he or she has the same triumph over death that Jesus did. This means that when we leave this world, we do not simply disappear into vapor. We continue serving the Lord in heaven.

Death is not the end. It's the moment we claim our ultimate victory over the lord of this world, Satan, by entering God's presence forever.

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February 19, 2009
Resurrection: Our New Body
2 Corinthians 5:1-10

What a scene will occur at the sounding of the Lord's trumpet! The "dead in Christ" will emerge from their resting places all over the earth and soar into the sky; these saints' resurrected bodies will reunite with their spirits, which will have been residing in heaven with Jesus. Close behind them will follow believers who haven't yet departed this life--at that moment, they'll miraculously be changed as they are "caught up . . . to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

The description sounds extraordinary, but in fact, the plan is practical. We're going to need a body with which to enjoy the new heaven and new earth that Jesus is preparing for His followers. However, earthly flesh and bones will not do. They age, break, and succumb to sin. So God promised to transform our humble structures into glorious bodies like the one Christ had after His resurrection. Common temptations and limitations will be gone. In addition, our physical substance will be altered so that we are not restricted by time and space. Remember, Jesus didn't bother with doors (John 20:19)! Our new bodies will be suited for the environment where we are to dwell forever--an ageless eternity in which all of our needs are perfectly met.

Each believer will still be him- or herself. Friends and family long separated will recognize one another; our personalities will be unchanged, except that we'll be absolutely sinless. At last, you and I will be the persons that God intends for us to be. And we'll be housed in a body fashioned like that of Christ--perfect, sinless, and complete.

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February 20, 2009
Bearing One Another's Burdens
Galatians 6:1-5

If you are looking for a way to carry out Christ's command to love your neighbor, Paul has a suggestion: bear their burdens. At some point, everyone struggles under the weight of an oppressive situation. Believers have an obligation to get under that load next to their brothers and sisters.

Jesus sets the pattern for burden bearing. He calls to Himself all who are heavy-laden and gives them rest (Matt. 11:28-29). Since God predestines believers to be conformed to Christ's likeness, we must imitate His care and concern for those who suffer. Acts 4:32 shows that the early church followed His example. To lift the load of poverty, they pooled their resources so that no one was in need.

Paul's letters make clear his concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of growing churches. He fasted and prayed for them and sent missionaries when he could. He felt it was his responsibility to strengthen them, even though he sustained a personal hardship--his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7).

A believer cannot wait until his life is clear of obstacles before reaching out to others, since that day may never come. Even though we have our own needs, we can do all things through Christ's strength--including sharing someone else's adversity (2 Cor. 12:9).

When you're willing to wade into someone else's troubles to help that person hold up under the weight, two things happen. First, he or she receives desperately needed blessings in the form of aid, support, and love. And second, you fulfill God's command to love a neighbor as yourself.

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February 21-22, 2009
The Pastor's Burden
Romans 12:9-13

By himself, your pastor simply cannot bear all the burdens of his entire flock. Particularly in small churches, the pastor must wear many hats--he is visitor to the sick and elderly, counselor, business manager, referee, and the list goes on. Certainly the minister desires to meet your needs and those of your fellow congregants, but he is only one person. Even in large churches, the staff are too few in number to do the burden bearing alone.

As you pray for your pastor and church, ask the Lord, "Is there some way I can share the load and meet the people's needs?" What you may not realize is that your pastor and his staff are not equipped to deal with every circumstance. In some situations, you are more capable of empathizing and encouraging fellow believers because you have experienced challenges similar to theirs.

The church is a community. We must all become part of a "network of shoulders" supporting the collective weight of our fellowship's troubles. In other words, you get under a sister's burden while a brother takes on a bit of yours. Your contribution might seem small and go unnoticed by all but the individual who is helped. Yet your heavenly Father sees and will reward you for following His command.

When you take your seat in a Sunday service or mid-week Bible study, keep your spiritual antennae up. Allow God to direct you to those who are burdened. With you acting as Christ's hands, people will find rest for their weary hearts.

Extra Column--Exploring the Bible:
On Burdens

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Selah" (Ps. 68:19).

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;? He will never allow the righteous to be shaken" (Ps. 55:22).

"He said, "Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers" (Luke 11:46).

"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1).

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important" (Gal. 6:1-3 nlt).

"[Cast] all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).

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February 23, 2009
The Book of Books
Isaiah 66:1-3

The Bible is God's revelation of Himself to mankind. In the Scriptures, we find the records of His spoken words, His interventions in history, and His coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. From this book, we derive our knowledge about God.

How amazing to consider that the full work was compiled from the pens of 40 men writing in 3 languages on 3 continents over the course of 1,500 years! Gather a group of historians from just one generation, and you will have neither the consistency nor the unified philosophy and mission found in Scripture.

Each book of the Bible reflects its human author's personality and background. For example, Moses was the political leader of the Israelites in the desert; Daniel rose to the rank of prime minister while a captive in Babylon; and Paul, the highly educated former Pharisee dictated letters from prison. Yet every word remained true to God's central theme--that His love redeems those who call on His name.

Second Peter 1:21 tells us why Scripture is cohesive: God Himself spoke through each human writer. In some cases, the Holy Spirit brought to mind essential details (John 14:26), as when certain material was passed down orally for the Old Testament or the gospels. For the writing of prophecies, psalms, and letters, God's Spirit revealed important truths (John 16:15).

The heavenly Father loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him. For this reason, He used men from every walk of life to record His gospel message. Read His invitation for yourself.

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February 24, 2009
The Question of Inerrancy
2 Timothy 3:14-17

Pointing out "inconsistencies" has long been a popular pastime among critics of the Bible. Tragically, even some people in influential positions hold the opinion that portions of Scripture are just plain words.

Of course, these critics cannot agree upon which sections are inaccurate. Some would erase a phrase here and there, while others would toss out entire books. This leaves the Christian in the pew fretting over how to distinguish between God's Word and a scribe's opinion. Which expert is credible? I have the answer to that: Trust God as the final authority. The Sovereign of the universe had no trouble keeping Scripture pure.

Reading the Bible as a whole document will reveal that each part is consistent with every other. God did allow for writers' differences in viewpoint and background, which can at times give the appearance of discrepancy. Further study, however, always reveals how the various parts fit together. Consider the Gospels' four angles on one story. Writing to Jewish people, Matthew emphasizes history and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Meanwhile, John tells a love story about a Savior willing to die for the world. Though they both traveled in Jesus' company, their perspectives differed. Yet in the fundamentals, they and the other two writers are consistent.

It is critical for believers to trust in the inerrancy of the Scriptures. A flawed book could only be the product of man's hand, but the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. His Spirit did the talking, no matter whose hand set down the message.

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February 25, 2009
The Cost of Running From God
Jonah 4:9-11

You would think that a life-threatening sea storm and a few days in a fish's belly would shake some sense into a person. Yet if the man is Jonah, you would be wrong. The last paragraphs of his book reveal a vengeful prophet whose body has obeyed the Lord but whose heart is still on the run.

Jonah paid a financial price for running from God--his expensive ticket to Joppa. And any Sunday School student can tell you the physical consequences he endured. But when those events were long past, Jonah still grappled with the spiritual cost of his flight. His peace and joy were gone. In their place was bitterness so strong that he begged God for the relief that death would bring.

As believers, we cannot disobey the Lord without paying a price. Certainly our spiritual life weakens. The skills and abilities God has bestowed to us atrophy from lack of use while we waste time fleeing. And we risk losses in other areas as the consequences of our actions mount. Family, finances, health, and more can be affected by sin.

Perhaps you have a habit, a plan, or a current course of action that you know defies the Lord's will. Have you considered the cost? Though the Devil may try to convince you otherwise, there are consequences for wrongdoing. God could not remain holy and righteous while allowing people to get by with sin. The price for following your own will is high. Just look at how miserable Jonah was because of the choices he made. The reward for obeying God is much more pleasing.

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February 26, 2009
No Excuses
Jonah 1

Jonah fled toward Tarshish to escape God's plan. The prophet mistakenly thought that ignoring a divine command would cause the Lord to withdraw it. Instead, He repeatedly and dramatically intervened in Jonah's life until the man submitted.

Jonah believed he had good reason to be reluctant. The Ninevites were a bloodthirsty people determined to conquer Israel. So walking across the city, crying out, "Nineveh will be overthrown" was a frightening prospect. And, as the prophet later revealed, he worried that God would spare the city if the people repented (4:2). Jonah wanted them destroyed! Therefore, his reasons for fleeing seemed right in his own eyes, but God was not deterred.

There is no adequate justification for rebellion. People running from God's will often use this six-word phrase: "I know what God says, but..." I can tell you with absolute certainty that everything on the other side of "but" is a waste of time. The Lord is not interested in excuses or selfish ambitions. He desires only obedience. He has reasons for asking a believer to take a specific action, and His purposes are always good. Consider the amazing benefit to Jonah and his countrymen if their enemy Nineveh became an ally that worshipped the same God.

The Lord doesn't change His plan to suit our purpose. Rather, He uses events, people, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to move us into center of His will. For your own benefit, go willingly. You may not like the task God assigns, but if He wants it done, then it must be worthwhile.

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February 27, 2009
Living in God's Grace
Psalm 42:1-11

When I visited the West Coast, I had the opportunity to do some photography at a spectacular beach. From 75 feet above, I watched huge waves roll in and crash on the rocks below, twisting and breaking, spraying foam into the air.

While observing this magnificent display, I realized that our lives are very much like those rocks when we're living in God's grace. This world can throw some mighty fierce waves our way, but no hardship is greater than God's provision for enduring it: Jesus' Spirit lives within each believer. By cooperating with His Holy Spirit, we can allow Christ's life to be released into our circumstance.

Nothing can move Christians out of the Lord's grace. His power dwells in us, ready and available. When we live in fellowship with our Father and rely upon Him, we can become like rocks, standing firm against the onslaughts of life.

God has granted us everything we need to endure triumphantly, no matter how intense the pain may be. Our peace and joy originate not in the circumstances of life but in our relationship with Christ. That's why we can experience contentment even when a tidal surge slams against us.

What situation is crashing upon you--relational problems, health issues, financial struggles? God wants you to live in His grace, rely on His strength, and place your hope in Him. If you were capable of handling everything that came your way, how would others ever realize that His strength is what makes you strong?

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February 28-March 1, 2009
Protection Through Strengthening
2 Timothy 4:9-18

Paul was in prison when he wrote to Timothy. He was experiencing physical discomfort, personal attack, and desertion. Why would the Lord allow one of His most faithful servants to endure such suffering? Why didn't He step in and protect him?

At times God doesn't rescue us from hard situations because He's providing something better. We may feel as if He's abandoning us, but in reality, He is protecting us--not by deliverance but through strengthening.

When trouble and pain pay a visit, we must view the circumstance from God's perspective and ask ourselves these questions:

• Which is a greater demonstration of the Lord's power--changing something around me or changing something within my heart?

• Which is the greater faith builder--seeing God's deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?

• Which reward is greater--immediate relief from discomfort or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?

• Which answer to prayer is greater--that God has removed something and given me external peace, or that He's left me in a trial and given an internal peace that nothing can steal, not even my circumstances?

Does God have to fix something for you to be happy? If He removes the situation, you may never learn that He is sufficient for everything you need. Instead, let Him change you, and you'll discover His joy in whatever circumstance comes your way.

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