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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

An old saying is, “Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow but a vision…” There is some truth in this when we apply it to how we live today. Our yesterdays and tomorrows have everything to do with today! Our past experiences affect us today—for good or for bad. Our hopes and dreams for tomorrow dictate the steps we need to take now.

Life each day is interwoven with the strands and threads of yesterday and tomorrow. We can learn to remove the strands that hinder us or that are hurtful, and search for the strands that are positive and uplifting. The experiences of yesterday ought to teach us where to go and what to avoid. That should make today more profitable. Hope is the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19)—and hope always rests in tomorrow. So focus on today, within the experiences of yesterday and the hope of tomorrow.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Will You Celebrate Jesus Christ's Return?

A very significant month on the calendar lies just ahead of us. Thousands of Christians around the world are preparing to observe a very important biblical Holy Day in just a couple of weeks. Maybe you've heard of it? It's called the Day, or Feast, of Trumpets.

A prophetic picture

Jesus Christ observed this festival, as did the New Testament Church of God. It pictures the time of Jesus' return to this earth to establish His Father's Kingdom here. His return will be announced by a heavenly trumpet blast, and it will occur on the seventh of seven blasts—the seventh trump. We read about this event, as prophesied by Jesus Himself, in Matthew chapter 24:

"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:30-31, emphasis added).

We are approaching the observance of this great event on Sept. 9, the Feast of Trumpets. It makes us stop and consider the time when the actual prophesied fulfillment of the Day of Trumpets will occur—when our Lord descends from heaven to the Mount of Olives and establishes the Kingdom of God on earth, beginning at Jerusalem.

The second coming of Jesus Christ

Throughout history there has been much controversy, doubt and misinformation about the return of Jesus Christ. Many thought He would already have returned—some doubt that He will return at all! Many people today scoff at the idea of Jesus ruling from Jerusalem in the not too distant future.

However, the Bible is clear on this. His return will be as unmistakable and as universally visible as a flash of lightning (Matthew 24:27). It will be sudden and quite unexpected to the world (Matthew 24:37-39). It demands constant readiness on our part (Matthew 24:42-44), since none of us knows the exact time of His coming (Matthew 24:36). But we do know the end will come after the gospel of the Kingdom is preached to the world (Matthew 24:14)!

As Jesus commanded us, let us continue to pray, "Your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10). As thousands of Christians around the world observe the Feast of Trumpets, keep in mind the great significance of what it pictures in God's Holy Day plan for mankind—the return of our Savior. If you're unfamiliar with this important day, you can read all about it in our booklet God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. Perhaps you will feel compelled to observe it, too, as you pray for God's Kingdom to come.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Leading by Example

True Christianity is more than professing a faith in Jesus. It is exhibited by following Jesus' example in everything we do.

On the night of his betrayal Jesus took a basin and washed his disciples' feet. This job was usually done by guests themselves or by servants. One of the disciples, Peter, tried to restrain Jesus from the lowly duty of washing feet. When Jesus finished, he turned to his disciples and said, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:12).

Jesus could have commanded his disciples to serve others, instead he led them by example. Many people declare Jesus as Savior, but few really follow the example he left of kindness, forgiveness and an unflinching adherence to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.

True Christianity is more than professing a faith in Jesus. It is exhibited by following Jesus' example in everything we do.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Rejoice in the Lord always

"“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

“Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” The Apostle Paul wrote these words when he was in prison for serving Jesus.

How can we rejoice, or be happy in Jesus, always? How could the Apostle Paul write “rejoice” when he was in a Roman prison?

he key to this is our happiness must be found in Jesus Christ and in Him alone. If our happiness comes from material things, then if those material things are gone we are no longer happy. But if your happiness and joy come from God, then God will never leave us or forsake us. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy; and this joy is not dependant on our circumstances.

What has God done for you? God has sent His wonderful Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so we could...be forgiven! Go to heaven! Become His sons and daughters! Have the gift of eternal life! Have the gift of His presence to help us overcome sin here on this earth! How great is the love of God for us. God is with us always, in good times and in bad.

So, this week, let us pray that God will
  • Help us to rejoice in Him always!
  • Bring Global Media Outreach the finances so we can reach even more people for Jesus Christ
  • Help you to share the love of God with someone you love
May God bless you,

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Attention

The word "attention" carries a few meanings that depend on how and when it is used. In the military, a soldier is expected to stand upright and face the incoming officer no matter what he is doing. The soldier would salute to show his respect. No soldier understands the command for "attention" to mean "stay sitting." He acknowledges and shows his understanding by rising quickly.

It doesn't do us any good to just sit up and take notice if we are commanded to stand. There is an action that is required when God calls us. When God speaks, we are to be at attention and we are to act. Living by every word from God includes taking notice of His commands and then acting (James 2:18).

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Stony Paths

We may walk along well-groomed paths for much of our lives, but there are always unexpected stones. The paths God sends us on may be rocky, steep and full of sharp obstacles. He tells us that the easy and smooth road is the one that leads to destruction and many people are on that road (Matthew 7:13).

When God leads us over stony paths, He also provides armor to help keep us safe (Ephesians 6:13-17). He provides friends and fellow travelers. He encourages us with goals, visions, hopes and dreams. He shines a bright light on the paths we are to follow. Follow the paths He sets before you and don’t forget to wear the armor He provides.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Whom did God seek to kill in Exodus 4:24?

Why did God want to kill him? What was Moses' sin?

Exodus 4:24 says: "And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him."

Whether it was Moses or his son whom God sought to kill has been disputed by a number of Hebrew scholars. Verse 24 does not clearly give the answer. But it is clear from the story that Moses was the one at fault. Moses knew that all Israelites were to be circumcised when they were eight days old. However, his wife was not an Israelite and did not believe in circumcision. It appears that Moses let his wife have her way; and in doing so, he failed to obey God's command to circumcise his son (Genesis 17:10-14).

If you will read all of Exodus 4, you will see that Moses was going back to lead God's people, Israel, out of Egypt. God could not allow His direct representative to lead the entire nation of Israel if he wasn't obedient in all things and if he wasn't leading his household as he should have.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Matryoshka Doll

Are you seeking a deeper relationship with God? What level has been revealed in your life?

Are you familiar with a Matryoshka doll? It's also known as a Russian nesting doll or a babushka doll. It's a "doll" figure made from wood and it divides, top from bottom, to reveal another figure inside. A set of dolls of decreasing size is found one inside another. The dolls are often decorated with beautiful painting, which can be extremely elaborate.

Now, think of it in this terms. When it comes to your relationship with God, think about this "nested doll principle". When you first begin to understand and seek God's will in your life, it's like the outside of the Matryoshka doll. Yet so much more lies within.

Are you seeking a deeper relationship with God? What level has been revealed in your life? Psalm 92:5 says: "O LORD, how great are Your works! and Your thoughts are very deep."

The more you seek His will in your life, the more you develop a profound, multi-layered relationship with your Creator. Are you continuing to look inside the Word of God to reveal more? James 1:25 "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."(NKJV)

A right relationship with God uncovers real meaning in your life. In fact, God promises to unveil what is contained in His plan. "For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." (1 Cor 2:10 NKJ)

So be committed to open up your spiritual Matryoshka doll and make it your goal to develop a deep relationship with your Creator.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

God's Love and Forgiveness

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:11, 12

We all need God's love and forgiveness. God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. The word "forgive" means to release, to let go of. God releases us from the punishment for our sins when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

How can you share God's love and forgiveness with others? You can ask God to give you His love for others. Maybe there is someone who has wronged you or hurt you, and you have a right to be angry with them. God sends His rain on the just and the unjust. Ask Him to give you love for this person, even though they have hurt you. As God has forgiven you, you can forgive them. Ask God to help you release your anger and hurt and to pray for blessing even on your enemies.

We may feel we do not deserve God's love, and that is true -- we are sinners and we deserve to be punished by God. But God in His great love and mercy is willing to extend His forgiveness to us -- to call us His sons and daughters. Heaven will be a wonderful place. God's love and mercy and forgiveness will reign; and we as Christians will be full of His love and mercy to others. Let's ask God to help us show His love and forgiveness right here, right now on earth.

So, this week, let us pray and ask God to
  • Help us forgive those who may have wronged us
  • Show us ways we can be loving to everyone around us
  • Protect and lead and guide our staff and volunteers as we seek to help reach the world for Jesus Christ
God hears and answers the prayers of His children.

May God bless you,

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Walk With Me

Mankind has been given the example of how to live by what Jesus Christ taught and by His actions. Paul instructed Corinth to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). When you walk with Christ, you experience a deep inner peace of knowing that the way is right and wholesome. But by following Christ, you will be out of step with the rest of the world. The world does not like those who swim against the flow, so some will often expend much energy trying to conform to this world. The end result of conforming to the world is not happiness and fulfillment; it is heartache and regret.

Sin can be pleasurable for the moment; walking with Christ is pleasurable for eternity. Jesus’ invitation carries with it blessings and a future that includes no more tears, sorrow or fear. Try it. Walk with Him every day—and feel the peace He offers.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Giving Pledge and the Riches That Matter

Not long ago, the Giving Pledge would have been laughed into absurdity by the tycoons and magnates of the day. Even today, the very idea seems impossible.

And yet, in spite of this, over 40 of America's richest men and women have publicly pledged to, during their lifetime or after their death, give away 50 percent or more of their personal fortunes—each one being counted in multiple billions of dollars.

Bill and Buffett and billions with a "B"

The Giving Pledge was founded by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. They and the other billionaires participating in the Giving Pledge have each provided a letter explaining their reasons for pledging the majority of their fortunes to philanthropic causes and charity (available for viewing at http://givingpledge.org/).

Warren Buffett, who notes that he and his family can live on less than 1 percent of his wealth without lacking needs or even wants, has pledged to take the funds of the remaining 99 percent "and commit them to benefit others who, through the luck of the draw, have received the short straws in life."

The Bible places repeated emphasis on providing for those who "have received the short straws in life." For example, it places the needs of the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 14:29; 26:12; James 1:27) as the responsibility of the rest of us. The Giving Pledge will likely go a long way to help those in need.

A problem

Even so, we've got a problem. It's not with the Giving Pledge itself, which will hopefully yield wonderful results. The problem is that society's woes run deeper than financial difficulties. Money alone will never be able to address the deep-rooted issues that cause us grief as individuals, as societies and as a planet.

Jesus Christ elaborates in His message to the seven churches of Revelation. In speaking to Laodicea, the notorious lukewarm church, He criticizes them for claiming, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing" without realizing that they were, in fact, "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17).

Although the congregation at Laodicea possessed great physical wealth, they were in a spiritual state of disrepair. They took comfort and pride in the things they owned, not seeing that they were losing the only thing that really mattered—God's calling.

But Christ provided more than just a rebuke for His people. He also gave them the solution—the pathway to true, spiritual wealth. "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Revelation 3:18).

The gold, the garments and the eye salve all represent a way of life in alignment with God's Word. When we daily apply God's instructions to the things that we do, the things that we say and the things that we think, we open the door to a life filled with true riches—peace of mind, meaningful relationships, hope for the future and a purpose for all time. (See our "3 Bible Tips" on "Lessons From Laodicea" for more on this topic.)

True riches

The Giving Pledge has the potential to do tremendous good in the world. But the riches that society truly needs lie not in the checking accounts of the Warren Buffetts and Bill Gates of the world. They lie instead between the covers of a book containing the wisdom of a still small voice, quietly speaking to mankind since the dawn of time.

Fortunes come and go; economies rise and fall; civilizations grow and collapse—but the riches of God endure forever. Make your investments wisely.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

No Means No!

Good parents know when to allow children to make choices and take risks—and they know when to say no for the safety and well-being of the child. There are times when we dare not stray in our commands to children. Their lives could be at stake. Besides physical danger, there is the element of character development and spiritual growth to consider.

Our Heavenly Father is the perfect parent. If God had wanted us to be permissive, He would have given us the “Ten Suggestions.” He did not! He gave us the Ten Commandments. “You shall not” means no! Adam and Eve were not even to touch the tree in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3). Our Heavenly Father has our well-being at heart at all times. His “no” needs our full attention.

Monday, August 16, 2010

What does Matthew 8:22 mean by "let the dead bury their own dead"?

Does this scripture mean that we should not bury our loved ones? What is the spiritual implication of this verse?

In Matthew 8:22 Jesus said, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." He was responding to a request from one of His followers who asked to be excused from his responsibilities to "go and bury [his] father" (verse 21).

It might seem that he was asking to make funeral arrangements for his recently deceased father. However, he was actually asking Christ to excuse him from his spiritual responsibilities, so that he could return to live with his aging father until after his father died. Of course, that could mean the disciple would be gone for a long time. It seems he was skirting his spiritual calling and wanted Christ to give His blessing to this action.

Instead, Christ told him to focus on his calling. A better sense of Jesus' statement would be, "Don't neglect the high spiritual calling I've given you; let the spiritually dead attend to the routine tasks of life." Certainly, Christ would not forbid the man from attending to the funeral arrangements for his father. Christ Himself went to visit the family of His friend Lazarus after Lazarus' death—even at great risk of His life (John 11:1-16).

God wants us to care for the needs of our families (Mark 7:10-13; 1 Timothy 5:8), but not to neglect our spiritual calling in the process.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

God's Will

(God speaking) "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." Proverbs 4:11

How do we know God's will? If we want to serve Jesus Christ, we want to do what He wants us to do. How can we tell what God wants us to do?

Here are 4 ways God communicates His will to us.
  1. God's Word the Bible. As you read the Bible, particularly the New Testament which starts with the book of Matthew, you can learn about God's will for your life. God's plan for your life will never contradict His Word.
  2. The peace of God in your heart. God will lead you and guide you by His Holy Spirit. As you get to know God more and more, He will lead you and guide you by His still quiet voice in your heart.
  3. Counsel of others. Do you know godly Christians who can give you good advice? While not all advice is from God, and people sometime disagree, your pastor or other godly Christians can often be used by God to help you learn God's will.
  4. Circumstances. Sometimes God can speak to you through circumstances; if you pray He can open doors in your life and close other doors.
While it is not always possible to find out God's will through one of these ways, if you pray and ask God He will reveal His will to you. On major decisions, you can look for these 4 ways to line up in your life like a sign pointing you to God's will.

So, this week, let us pray that God will
  • Lead you and guide you to His perfect will for your life
  • Touch the lives of one key family member or friend that you have
  • Protect and lead and guide the staff at Global Media Outreach
THANK YOU so much for your prayers.

May God bless you,

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Smell the Roses

Wise people have found many ways to “stop and smell the roses.” They have learned that any journey we are on—be it a short trip to some favorite location or the longest trip of one’s life—is much more enjoyable and valuable if we enjoy the journey and not only the destination. That does not take away from the importance of seeking a goal and focusing on where we want to be. It simply enriches us along the way and makes the trip a pleasure.

One traveler was looking for a city he had never seen, but on his journey, he became a friend of God. His name was Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10). The journey of his life was filled with experiences that were at times exciting and romantic, but also trying and sorrowful. God offers the unseen and hard to comprehend destination of being a child in His family. Life is the journey that gets us to that goal. Enjoy that journey; stop to smell the roses.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Hiroshima: Will We Do It Again?

Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk, 89, is the last surviving member of the crew of the Enola Gay, the U.S. bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945. Over 70,000 men, women and children died instantly, and another 130,000 died from the aftereffects of this small prototype weapon of mass destruction.

The Mirror.co.uk posted an interview with Dutch Aug. 1. He said, "I have never apologized for what we did to Hiroshima and I never will. Our mission was to end the Second World War, simple as that.

"If we had not dropped that bomb, there is no way the Japanese would have surrendered. We would have had to invade the country and the death toll would have been truly unimaginable."

Such is the logic of war. In a life-or-death struggle, even unimaginable death tolls become a pragmatic calculation.

"Would I do it all again? Yes, given exactly the same circumstances, I would," he said.

Still, Dutch and his crewmates were shocked by what they experienced, and stunned that on their six-hour return flight there was no report of Japanese surrender. That didn't come till after Nagasaki was also vaporized Aug. 9.

The survivors' view

After witnessing the total destruction of 5 square miles of Hiroshima and seeing both the sudden and the slow and agonizing deaths of their friends and family members, the Japanese survivors have a vastly different viewpoint. The hibakusha, as atomic bomb survivors are known, place utmost importance on making sure such destruction never happens again.

Japan Times reported that 95 percent of the survivors surveyed "expressed concerns over whether their experiences can be passed on to future generations." Many stressed the importance of promoting peace education and creating records of their testimony.

On Sunday, Aug. 1, atomic bomb survivors joined with schoolchildren and others to surround the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima with banners tied together with ribbon calling for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.

"'We hope that children will take over the wish for peace,' said Miyoko Watanabe, 80, representing the organizing group of Hiroshima bomb survivors."

Peace declarations past and future

Last year Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba's "Peace Declaration" began:

"That weapon of human extinction, the atomic bomb, was dropped on the people of Hiroshima sixty-four years ago. Yet the hibakusha's suffering, a hell no words can convey, continues. Radiation absorbed 64 years earlier continues to eat at their bodies, and memories of 64 years ago flash back as if they had happened yesterday."

Mayor Akiba went on to call for the world "to abolish nuclear weapons by 2020 to actualize the fervent desire of hibakusha that 'No one else should ever suffer as we did.'"

But the history of humanity's wars does little to encourage this hope. In future life-or-death struggles, what would prevent nations or even terrorist cells from using every weapon at their disposal? As nuclear weapons proliferate, our world is growing more and more dangerous.

Truthfully, the only way lasting peace can come is through a miracle. Thankfully, the Bible tells us that miracle is on its way.

Jesus Christ vividly portrayed our end-time problem—and the solution. "For that will be a time of greater horror than anything the world has ever seen or will ever see again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, the entire human race will be destroyed. But it will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones" (Matthew 24:21-22, New Living Translation).

Please take a moment today to pray for the time of peace Jesus Christ promised will come after His return (see "War and Peace" from "The Wonderful World Beyond Today" series). His chosen ones know that Christ's return is the only way that disarmament will truly happen. Please pray "Your kingdom come"—soon!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Help!

Help! What has life brought me now? How can I wade through this mess I'm in? Do you feel that way? There's no doubt that life can bring unforeseen twists and turns. They can leave us feeling like a person who can't swim—going down for the last time.

What can you do about it? Here's an idea. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, think of that old Beatles song: Help! I need somebody. Help! Not just anybody. Help!

Why think of that song? You see, to help with your life you don't need just anybody. You need
someone that understands you and comprehends everything about your situation. You need someone who cares about you, no matter what. Not only someone who lends a hand, but at times, somebody that can actually come to your rescue. You need someone bigger than life. Who is that somebody, not just anybody? You need God.

God hears your S.O.S. Psalm 46 says that He is "a very present help in trouble." He is you're your refuge and your strength. (NKJ) He's ready and able to help. He can give you relief, comfort and encouragement. He's got the solutions for your life's problems.

When you feel discouraged, helpless or even if things are going well, get to know your constant Helper. Think of that old song and know that you're not just wishing for anybody, but you've got a guarantee that the best somebody will be there to help. Then you can boldly say: "The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6) So develop a close relationship with God and stay near your supreme Helper.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Wisdom That Produces Peace

Tensions heated up this week on the border between Lebanon and Israel. Snipers killed a soldier among a group doing maintenance work on the Israeli side. Another soldier was seriously wounded. It has been four years since the last major clash between Lebanon and Israel. In this part of the world that means another war is overdue.

It is sad to think this way, but it is reality. No one has stepped forward with the right solution, the solution anchored in the wisdom of the ages that will produce the one lasting answer to the problems of wars and division among the nations. James 4:1 asks, "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?" James goes on to show that peace will not come until every last vestige of pride is replaced with humility—and this will come only from God (verse 6).

James gives the path to peace between nations and individuals in the passage that precedes this. In James 3:17 he defines the "wisdom that is from above," meaning the wisdom that comes from God. He says it "is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." Within these words are solutions to conflict. Here is defined wisdom from God as opposed to an earthly, demonic wisdom (verse 15).

James contrasts these two types of wisdom. When the wisdom from below is utilized, and it very often is where we see conflict, it will not produce peace, only further conflict. No real, lasting solutions will be achieved.

Lasting peace comes only when the godly wisdom is applied. I have been focusing on this a lot lately, trying to learn the wisdom that produces peace between people. I have to admit that at times I have not diligently sought nor applied the godly wisdom that James describes. How about you?

Let's look carefully at just one of the elements of this godly wisdom. James says one should be "willing to yield." What does this mean? It means being submissive to one another. The Greek word is eupeithes and means easy to persuade, in the sense of not being stubborn and being willing to listen to reason and appeal. It is a willingness to consider another argument or position and yield if it can be done in good conscience without compromise of principle.

Philippians 2:3 adds to this thought. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." It is a measure of wisdom to submit our will at times, if it can be done in good conscience, for the sake of peace in a relationship. Granted, this is not easy to do. We all have big investments in our positions and ideas. Nations have entrenched historical and cultural positions that are nearly impossible to overcome for the sake of peace.

At times leaders rise to the occasion and forge a peace that lasts for a time. Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin are two who did this for the sake of peace between Egypt and Israel. It is not a perfect peace, but what it is came about because two war-weary enemies yielded. It can be done.

James concludes the chapter by saying, "Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18). This is the fruit of godly wisdom. Now, more than ever, in every nation, business, church and private relationship, there is the need to cultivate this approach. It is my daily desire to seek this kind of wisdom. Peace with God, peace with our fellow man and peace within ourselves is achieved this way. Make it your goal.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dollars in Flight

It sometimes seems that our dollars have wings. They escape from us far too easily. We are creatures of habit and that includes the way we handle our finances. When the financial scene changes, it makes sense that our habits should change as well. But breaking a habit is not easy to do, so people will sometimes slide into bankruptcy rather than change.

Money always seems to go further when it is accompanied by common sense and self-control. There are things we need and things we want. This line is sometimes blurred, but finding that line and buying only our needs when times are tight benefit our dollar control. Common sense added to our spending is the key. The example of Joseph, who had the sense to prepare for famine during the prosperous times, is one of the remarkable stories in scripture (Genesis 41:34-37). It takes control to plan ahead and spend wisely—but it can be done. Clip the wings of your dollars.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Did God cause David to number Israel, then punish them for it?

What does 2 Samuel 24:1 mean? Why did God condemn David's census?

This incident in King David's life is recorded in two places, 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. There are differences in the accounts, so let's start with the one that seems more clear: "Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel" (1 Chronicles 21:1). So Satan tempted David, and David didn't resist strongly enough to overcome the urge to disobey God.

In 2 Samuel 24:1 it says: "Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah.'" A commentary, Barnes' Notes, suggests that the first sentence is actually the title for the section that follows: "And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel." Then the text would begin with, "He moved David against them."

Note that when challenged by the military commander, Joab, about taking a census, David didn't say God told him to take it. David just told Joab to follow orders. Verse 4 says "the king's word prevailed," not that God's word prevailed. So we could say God allowed Satan to tempt David to do what he and the people naturally wanted to do.

So what was wrong with taking a census in this case? The Wycliffe Bible Commentary explains that there were two reasons for taking a census in those days: (1) to assess a tax on the population; (2) to prepare to conscript an army. God had blessed David with abundance and had given Israel peace from its enemies. So it seems taking a census demonstrated a lapse in David's faith, for he was looking to the physical evidence of his national strength, instead of depending upon God to be the nation's shield. Perhaps David was planning a military expansion campaign that God had not sanctioned.

Whatever the case, David realized he had "sinned greatly" (2 Samuel 24:10), and we know from verse 1 that Israel had sinned and aroused God's anger. So although numbering the people is not always a sin (Numbers 1 and 26), it is clear that this time it was.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Time Travel

Did you know that you have access to your very own time machine? There is a "virtual" time machine available to anyone who wants use it. With it, you can figuratively travel back in time or go to the distant future.

This time machine isn't composed of circuits, metal or glass. In fact, it fits easily just about anywhere. What is it? It's a type of an incredible time machine that God's given to all of us—it's your Bible.

How can the Bible be like a time machine? Because your Creator designed it to be that way. He says: "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done..." (Isaiah 46:9-10).

Bible prophecy reflects a type of a time machine. It describes your world as it nears the prophetic end of the age and accurately reflects the headlines of today!

Here's an advance headline from the Bible: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:1-4). What a list! A few days' worth of TV news is enough to see how accurately these conditions were predicted!

Not everyone can see the value of this spiritual time machine. Has God opened your mind to see His truth? In order to understand the things of God, you must have His Spirit, and that comes only to those who truly repent, are baptized, and live a life of obedience to God.

So study your Bible carefully. As you look back, you'll appreciate fulfilled prophecy of the past. As you look forward, you can understand and prepare for future prophesied events yet to come. So get on board your Creator's amazing time machine.

Friday, August 6, 2010

The LORD is my Shepherd

(Jesus speaking) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11

God is our shepherd. What is a shepherd? A shepherd is someone who cares for sheep.

Now sheep are not always the smartest animals. Sheep can get lost; they can do stupid things; they don't know the best way to go on their own. They need attention; they can sometimes be defenseless. Sheep need to be guided, and cared for, and fed. A good shepherd cares for his sheep. David says in the Bible "The Lord is my shepherd."

Doesn't this sound a little like us? We need God to lead and guide us and protect us. Jesus said "I am the good shepherd." When we trust our lives to Him and ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior, He comes to us and He will care for us. Jesus will show us the way we should go in life. When we fall, He will pick us up. He will lead us and guide us all the days of our life. The good shepherd cares for His sheep; Jesus even sacrificed His life here on earth for us. Jesus loves us.

So, this week let us pray that
  • God will help us recognize that we need Jesus to be our Lord and shepherd all the days of our life
  • We will confess our sins to God and be humble when we seek His guidance
  • God will protect our staff and volunteers and help Global Media Outreach reach even more people for Jesus Christ
THANK YOU so much for your prayers. We are partners together. Your prayers to God mean so much as we pray together to see everyone on earth have many chances to accept Christ.

May God bless you,

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Lost and Never Found

Spending time searching for something that we’ve lost is very common in this modern age. However, there is an important item that we can lose very easily and, search as we might, we will never find again. That item is time. Benjamin Franklin said, “Lost time is never found again.” Our life is made up of time. We must rest, work, play and live in balance. It is the wasted time spent in mindless endeavors that threaten us the most.

The Bible tells us there is a time for everything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1). It also tells us to put all of our might and effort into doing the things our hands find to do (Ecclesiastes 9:10). When we are good stewards of this wonderful gift of time, we will have fewer regrets and many more moments of pleasure. Use your time wisely.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Do We Want to Live Forever?

This intriguing question was recently posed in a major American newsweekly. "If we could live forever, would we really want to?" (Jonathan Weiner, Newsweek, "The Trouble With Immortality," July 5, 2010, emphasis added throughout). Clearly some intellectuals feel that immortal life would eventually become boring. One late author observed: "After all, there is such a thing as life-saturation: the point when everything is pure effort and total repetition."

Solely from a human viewpoint, perhaps there is a grain of validity to this thinking. King Solomon wrote: "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, 'I have no pleasure in them'" (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Septuagenarians and octogenarians may have to use their God-given imaginations to make human life perpetually interesting. The most important thing is a daily relationship with our Creator. Remember the prayer of Moses: "Satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!" (Psalm 90:14).

Been there, done that

The Newsweek essay addresses the potential for an extra-long human lifespan: "Thousand-year lives would be the ultimate in conservation. We might even grow up faster as a species if we lived long enough to pay the price for our species's sins in our own skins." But the Bible tells us that this 1,000-year life span has already been tried. Men and women in the world before the Flood of Noah's time often lived for 900 years and more. See the genealogy in Genesis chapter 5.

The price for their many sins was duly paid with suffering and death. The ultimate result was that all but eight persons perished in a global flood. The extra years only hardened the old world's addiction to evil—becoming worse and worse as the decades rolled by (Genesis 6:5, 12). After the Flood, God mercifully but gradually shortened the human life span to the normal 70 or 80 years spoken of in Psalm 90:10. Only in very recent decades have more and more people begun to live to 100 years of age and more.

The Newsweek article expressed our longed-for wishes. "We want a good long life. We also want a good life." The Bible promises human beings an abundant, continually interesting life, but ultimately in a totally different dimension—not in the human flesh. God promises us a new spirit body (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). His Word plainly tells us that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (verse 50).

Both men and women were created in God's image so we could enjoy everlasting life with Him in His divine family (Genesis 1:26-27; 1 John 3:1-2). But first we have to both learn and live by His spiritual values while in the human flesh.

Joy, not boredom

One thing is certain. God has never been bored! Disobedience to His law remains the unrealized source of human boredom. Keeping God's commandments (defined as righteousness, see Psalm 119:172) produces the opposite effect.

The apostle Paul summed up God's overall assessment of King David's life in Acts 13:22: "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." What is the ultimate result of this way of life? David looked forward to eternal fellowship with God. He wrote: "In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).

The fulfillment of this passage will happen at the time of the resurrection. "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness" (Psalm 17:15). Death is a sleep from which we awake when God resurrects us.

Some 3,000 years ago a Middle Eastern patriarch asked this fundamental question: "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14). Is immortality really possible for human beings? Is everlastingly abundant, perpetually interesting immortal life written into our destiny? God says it is!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Why would Jesus Christ say He came to bring a sword, not peace?

What is the meaning of Christ's words in Matthew 10:34?

The Christian way of life brings peace to those who live it, so Jesus Christ's comments in Matthew 10:34 seem puzzling at first. He said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."

In order to understand what He meant, we need to look at the context in which He said these words. The audience He addressed expected and anticipated the establishment of the Kingdom of God in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Christ wanted His disciples to understand that it was not yet time for Him to establish the peaceful Kingdom. Instead, He warned that Christians would face hostility for living God's way of life.

It's not that Christ instigated animosity, but rather that unconverted people resented God's truth by nature. The apostle Paul expressed this in Romans 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." When all people repent and are converted, God's way of life will bring peace to the entire earth (Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:7). But, until that time, Christians will encounter conflict and opposition over their beliefs and practices.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Folly or First Rate?

Christians who serve and obey God appear to critics to be silly and uneducated. Don't allow mistaken criticism to discourage you.

In 1867, Russia was having financial troubles and couldn't defend its territory. The czar decided to sell Alaska rather than lose it.

US Secretary of State William Seward was able to acquire 6 million square miles for just over $7 million dollars! That's only about 2 cents an acre. But soon critics that gave the purchase its name: "Seward's Folly". They said Alaska "contained nothing of value but furbearing animals" and that it wouldn't be "worth taking as a gift."

Nobody thought it was silly when Alaskan gold, salmon, oil, timber and precious natural resources began to generate billions of dollars. Today, no one underestimates Alaska's enormous strategic value. In an event that many considered foolish, God's guiding hand with America's leaders has brought about a wonderful blessing.

Likewise, Christians who serve and obey God appear to critics to be silly and uneducated. Your Bible says: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor 1:18). Similar to the Alaska purchase, detractors only see religious folly, and miss the powerful spiritual resources. But God tells us that He "chose to use the message that sounds foolish, to save those who believe." (1 Cor 1:21)

So take heart! Find strength in knowing that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Cor 1:25). Don't allow mistaken criticism to discourage you. That’s folly. God wants you to be confident and secure realizing that He has made the ultimate purchase—you!