DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

July 31 Purpose As I look into my rear view mirror, my greatest memories of church life are times when the church was unified toward a common goal. When I was a child our small church in Edmonson, Texas had a revival I don’t mean a revival meeting, I mean a revival. We extended the meeting over a several week period because of the overwhelming response. So many people accepted Christ that during the final service all we did was baptize the new converts. Though I was only a young grade-schooler, I too was active sharing my faith with my friends and some of them came to faith in Christ through my efforts. In some ways the fire of that revival meeting are still burning, because that was the first time I heard God speaking to me about becoming a Pastor. The movement of the spirit was amazing. I certainly remember that, but I also remember that we were doing this together everyone was participating. When I was Pastoring in the Central Valley, our church had an annual Memorial Day ...

July 31 I’VE GOT PEACE LIKE A RIVER Spiritual   The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)   Not merely in the words you say,   Not merely in your deeds confessed,   But in the most unconscious way   Is Christ expressed.   And from your eyes He beckons me,   And from your heart His love is shed,   Till I lose sight of you …   And see Christ the Lord instead. —Unknown For the past month we have been considering the benefits and blessings of being a Christian—joy, peace, contentment … with rivers of living waters flowing out of such a life (John 7:38). Knowing Christ as personal Savior, experiencing the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, and living with a glorious hope for eternity should produce a dramatic difference in the personality and lifestyle of every true believer. Christ’s redemptive work provides not only for our eternal glory, but also for a full and abundant life ...

New Bible translation has screenplay format

Monday, July 30, 2012  Forward to a Friend     Print      Free Newsletters   July 30 Reconciling Love and War Luke 6:27-31 One area of confusion about war is the apparent discrepancy between Jesus’ words and God’s approval of battle in the Old Testament. Can such dissimilar teachings be reconciled? How can the God who told Israel to destroy the Canaanites be the same one who said, “Love your enemies,do good to those who hate you” ( v. 27 )? To clarify this issue, we must distinguish between commands issued to nations and instructions given to individuals. The Lord has bestowed certain responsibilities upon governments. He calls them ministers of God for good and entrusts them with avenging evil ( Rom. 13:4 ). But to individuals, He says, “Never take your own revenge” ( 12:19 ). People are killed in war, but this isn’t the same as murder. A soldier on the battlefieldcarries out his duties under the authority of ...

July 30 Purity My Grandfather was a hardworking, custom combine operator. He worked long hard hours. Life was never easy for him, I don’t think he ever wanted an easy life. My Grandmother? Now that’s another story. She tried to live a pampered life on the road. Grandlady insisted that Grumps buy her an air conditioned Pontiac for her to drive as they drove the harvest trail from Texas to Montana. Grumps was more comfortable in his Chevy truck with the gun rack on the back window. One summer, my Grandparents followed the harvest through the community where my family lived. I have very pleasant memories of that trip. We visited with my Grandlady in her trailer and ate at “The Green Frog Cafe,” with my Grumps. I also have some unpleasant memories of the visit. One hot, windy summer day, Grumps invited me to ride on his combine with him. This was not one of those luxury “Jonnie poppers,” (his term for John Deere Tractors with air conditioned cabs) we were riding high on his red M...

July 30 I KNOW I’LL SEE JESUS SOME DAY Avis B. Christiansen, 1895–1985   When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)   Lord, we wait for Thine appearing;   “Even so,” Thy people say;   Bright the prospect is, and cheering,   Of beholding Thee that day. —Thomas Kelly Heaven is not an invention of the human imagination. It is as sure as the promise of Christ in the Scriptures: “I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2, 3). The Bible, however, does not tell us a great deal about the specifics of heaven, simply because our mortal minds are unable to comprehend its riches. The main concern of the Scriptures is to acquaint us with the One who has made our entry into heaven possible. Because of His redemptive work in our behalf, seeing Him personally becomes the real glory o...

In the World This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

July 29 What Does God Say When People Pray? (Part 1) I Kings 18:21 In I Kings 18 , we encounter a group of the children of Israel who drifted away from a vital relationship with God . Their relationship was, well—convenient, but it wasn’t genuine. While they were in the wilderness, they depended upon God for guidance and sustenance. Yahweh was their provider. Without the Manna God gave, they would die. Have you ever noticed how hard times cause us to depend upon God ? But when they reached Canaan, they encountered a new lifestyle, and a new god. Baal was the Canaanite’s fertility god. The locals taught them that if they worshiped Baal, they would have fertile wives, fertile herds, and fertile crops. The last two, fertile herds and crops, were essential for immediate survival, the first one, fertile wives, was essential for long term survival. In the ancient near east, offspring was essential for financial security for old age. The children “honored” their father and mothe...

In the World This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

July 28 Proper Even when things are proper, they aren’t proper everywhere under all circumstances. Throwing, catching, and hitting a ball are all proper at a baseball park, but wouldn’t be proper in a movie theater. Not that there’s anything wrong with baseball. It’s just that it belongs outdoors. Yeah, I know a lot of stadiums are indoor stadiums, but as a baseball purist, I stand by that last statement-it belongs outdoors. OK, I’ll allow that it is still appropriate in an indoor stadium-it’s not the same. There’s nothing wrong with playing baseball in a park or in a field either. Some of my fondest baseball memories are in sandlots, not stadiums. But you’ll have to agree with me that baseball doesn’t belong in a movie theater. Movie theaters are a great place for, well, showing movies, but they would be a terrible place for playing baseball. For one thing, the stage just isn’t big enough to set up the bases, the floors are too slick and ceilings are too low. It just wouldn’...

July 28 AFTER Words and Music by N. B. Vandall, 1896–1970   … weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) How much more content we are if we know that after some trying or painful experience, there will be pleasure and a reward. Such thoughts help to spur on the athlete in competition, a mother during the birth of a child, or a weary workman on his way home to a warm fire and loved ones. It was in the midst of a tragic personal experience that the author and composer of the hymn was moved to express this consoling thought. N. B. Vandall, a singer and a well-known gospel evangelist, was rushed to the hospital to discover that his son Paul had just been struck by a car and was critically injured. The doctor held out very little hope for recovery. Mr. Vandall recalled:   For one hour and fifteen minutes, I held on in prayer while they cleaned and sewed up the head wounds and set the broken bones. Wearily I made my way back to my humb...

Wonder of Creation: Soil: The Work of Life, Part III - Day of Discovery

Promises, Promises “But Daddy, you promised!” These four words strike terror in my heart. Usually the conversation they refer to goes something like this. “Hey Daddy, would you like to get some Ice Cream?” Or, “Daddy, can we go to the mall sometime?” Of course, I say, “Sure, that sounds like fun, we’ll do that sometime.” My children never forget a “Yes,” to a “Can we” question. They forget to clean their room. They forget to do their homework. They forget to do their chores. But they never forget a “Yes,” to a “Can we” question. What I meant as a noncommital, let’s-get-around-to-it kind of answer, they take as a written-in-stone, we’ll-definitely-do-it commitment. I’ve learned to be careful how I answer those questions now. Instead of giving a positive answer to any request, I say “We’ll see.” I hated it when my parents said, “We’ll see,” almost as much as they hated me saying “But, you promised” when I was a kid. It is one thing not to keep a promise that I r...

July 27 FACE TO FACE Carrie E. Breck, 1855–1934   Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:2, 3) For some the concept of heaven is a place of peaceful resting. Others envision it as filled with golden streets and sounds of beautiful music. For most of us the thought of reuniting with loved ones is comforting. However, the most thrilling anticipation for every believer when he reflects about heaven is surely the moment of seeing our Savior “face to face.” The thoughts so well expressed in “Face to Face” were written by a busy wife and mother who by her own admission could not carry a tune. She had only a sense of rhythm. She said, “I penciled verses under all conditions; over a mending basket, with a baby on my arm, and sometimes even when sweeping or washing ...

Wonder of Creation: Soil: The Sustainer of Life, Part II - Day of Discovery

July 26 Providence Could Moses part the Red Sea without God? Could the Disciples feed 5000 men with a boy’s sack lunch without God? Could Lazarus come back from the dead without God? We usually think about God intervening to make something happen, not stop something from happening. Sometimes He frustrates our efforts to accomplish His will. Remember Jonah? He had a whale of a time running from God. What about you? Can you think of times God empowered you to do something? Can you think of other times He stopped you from doing something? Jonah was the CEO of his own life. He wanted to know God’s will, but was unwilling to do it. Now, Jonah didn’t mind hearing what God wanted. He definitely wanted the luxury of having the final decision. Jonah obeyed God with his actions, but not his heart. He celebrated his own will while cowering to God’s will. I’m sure you are willing to experience His power in life to accomplish something. But are you willing to encounter Him to stop...

July 26 HE THE PEARLY GATES WILL OPEN Fredrick A. Blom, 1867–1927 Translated by Nathaniel Carlson, 1879–1957   But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV) Out of the repentant heart of a backslidden Swedish pastor came this deeply emotional and vividly worded hymn, which expresses his renewed faith in God. After serving as the minister of several churches, Fredrick Arvid Blom somehow fell into deep sin and even was in prison for a time. “I drifted from God,” he explained, “and became embittered with myself, the world, and not the least with ministers who looked on me with suspicion because I was a member of the Socialist Party.” Then like a “dove when hunted” or “a wounded fawn,” Blom cried in anguish to his heavenly Father, who in “love divine” forgave him and healed his broken heart and life. From this restoration came this lovely text, wh...

In the World This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

July 25 A Heart for God Acts 13:16-22 King David made several big mistakes in his life. Yet he was called a man after God's own heart and was mightily used by the Lord to lead the Israelites. What set him apart was the priority he placed on his relationship with the heavenly Father. David delighted in knowing God and sought Him earnestly. Writing, "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You in a dry and weary land," he declared that God's love was better than life and pledged to praise Him all his days (Ps. 63:1, 3-4). David viewed the world from a God-centered perspective. He marveled at the Lord's creative power in the world, relied on Him for protection and strength, and proclaimed allegiance in his writings. He also prayed fervently and frequently, lifting requests in the morning and expectantly awaiting a response (Ps. 5:3). At night he'd continue communing with God (Ps. 63:6). Both actions--praying and meditating on God's character--fu...

Wonder of Creation: Soil: The Foundation of Life, Part I - Day of Discovery

July 25 ON JORDAN’S STORMY BANKS Samuel Stennett, 1727–1795   If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. (1 Corinthians 15:19) In this day of the “throwaway” and the temporary, Christians must live according to their belief in eternity. The apostle Paul reminded the believers at Corinth that if their hope in Christ were related only to this life, they would be the most miserable men of all (1 Corinthians 15:17–19). The anticipation of God’s tomorrow makes it possible for Christians to live joyfully today—regardless of life’s circumstances.   He liveth long who liveth well! All other life is short and vain;   He liveth longest who can tell of living most for heavenly gain. —Horatius Bonar What Canaan was to God’s chosen people of the Old Testament, the “heavenly places” are to New Testament believers. God has raised us up with Christ so that even now we can sit with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Living in Cana...

WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT SUFFERING - Day of Discovery

July 24 Providence Could Moses part the Red Sea without God? Could the Disciples feed 5000 men with a boy’s sack lunch without God? Could Lazarus come back from the dead without God? We usually think about God intervening to make something happen, not stop something from happening. Sometimes He frustrates our efforts to accomplish His will. Remember Jonah? He had a whale of a time running from God. What about you? Can you think of times God empowered you to do something? Can you think of other times He stopped you from doing something? Jonah was the CEO of his own life. He wanted to know God’s will, but was unwilling to do it. Now, Jonah didn’t mind hearing what God wanted. He definitely wanted the luxury of having the final decision. Jonah obeyed God with his actions, but not his heart. He celebrated his own will while cowering to God’s will. I’m sure you are willing to experience His power in life to accomplish something. But are you willing to encounter Him to sto...

July 24 MY SAVIOR FIRST OF ALL Fanny J. Crosby, 1820–1915   You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. (Psalm 16:11) The strong, triumphant spirit of American hymnwriter Fanny Crosby was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Even though she was blind from six weeks of age because of improper medical treatment, she never revealed bitterness or depression. At one time a well-intentioned minister remarked to her:   “I think it is a great pity that the Master, when He showered so many gifts upon you, did not give you sight.”   “Do you know,” replied Fanny, “if at birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator, it would have been that I should be born blind.”   “Why?” asked the surprised clergyman.   “Because when I get to heaven, the first sight that shall ever gladden my eyes will be that of my Savior!” For Fanny, the anticipation of heaven was the joy ...

Israel: Signs of the End Times - Day of Discovery

July 23 A Private Matter Have you noticed that people seem to be talking a lot lately? When I was a boy, most folks didn’t talk about politics, or religion with someone unless you knew where they stood on the issue. Sex? Of course not. But you have to remember, that was long before the Jerry Springer Show or interns in the Oval office. Another subject we never discussed was money. When someone bought a new car, you wouldn’t think of asking them, “How much did you pay for that?” Times sure have changed. Now-a-days, most folks are willing to talk about how much money they make and what they spent on their car or how much equity they have in their home, but never talk about how much money they give to the church. I suppose that’s O.K. After all, giving is a private matter. Several years ago, a young man asked if he could address the congregation one Sunday evening. Knowing him to be a fine, Christian man, I invited him to come to the microphone. “Pastor,” he said, “I went thro...

July 23 O THAT WILL BE GLORY Words and Music by Charles H. Gabriel, 1856–1932   God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)   Think of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven!   Of taking hold of a hand, and finding it God’s hand,   Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial air;   Of feeling invigorated, and finding it immortality,   Of passing from storm and tempest to an unbroken calm,   Of waking up, and finding it Home! —Unknown The text for “O That Will Be Glory” was inspired for author and composer Charles Gabriel by his good friend Ed Card, superintendent of the Sunshine Rescue Mission of St. Louis, Missouri. Ed was a radiant believer who always seemed to be bubbling over with the joy of the Lord. During a sermon or prayer, he would often explode with the expression, “Glory!” (Incidentally, there is a bibli...

In the World This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

It Isn’t Fair! Malachi 2:17–3:6 You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” [3:1] “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. [2] “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. [3] “And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness. [4] “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, as in the days of old and as in former years. [5] “Then I will draw near to you...

In the World This Week with the Word The Sunday School Lesson

Priorities Every other day, it seems, we pick up a newspaper and read about another professional athlete that does something that makes us cringe. Occasionally, however, they do something that makes us proud to be a sports fan. Take Chris Spielman, for instance. During the late Spring of 1998, Chris Spielman, linebacker for Buffalo Bills walked up to the microphone at a press conference and announced his retirement. Spielman lived and breathed football and had done so since his childhood. Why would he retire in his prime? Priorities. His wife Stefanie was diagnosed with cancer. To live, she was facing surgery and six months of chemotherapy. Spielman knew his place was with his wife and with his children. He made a decision about what is more important to him, and his family topped the list. Spielman isn’t alone. After many years of struggling to succeed, Curt Warner finally reached celebrity status with his remarkable 1999 season with the World Champion St. Louis Rams...

July 20 SWEETLY RESTING Mary D. James, 1810–1883   For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)   Once my hands were always trying,   Trying hard to do my best;   Now my heart is sweetly trusting,   And my soul is all at rest. —A. B. Simpson Evangelist D. L. Moody once observed that there are three kinds of faith a Christian can have: a struggling faith, a clinging faith, or a resting faith. A resting faith is not some mystical feeling that we might experience at times in a church service or during a spiritually high moment. It is simply the daily repose of a life that has learned to relax and be comfortable in God’s providential care. Such an attitude is the result of ceasing to live for self and starting to live solely for God’s glory. Medical people have long realized the relationship that exists between a happy, calm spirit and a health...

July 20 Priorities Young Solomon was a guy out for a good time—a real party animal. His father was the king and he followed in his dad’s footsteps, and became king himself. Not bad work if you can get it. When you are the king, you can do pretty much what you want to do. Solomon decided to live the “good life.” He spent all of his time and energy searching for the ultimate good time. His search for pleasure left him empty. Next, he turned to the bottle, trying to find relief from his disappointment. He had access to the finest wines and he drank them. He didn’t get any relief and judged his time in the bottle as a foolish way to live. Solomon got pretty serious after he turned from wine and pleasure seeking. He threw himself into his work. He built huge homes and gardens and worked hard at being king. His kingdom increased and became greater than any other king before him, but his accomplishments didn’t bring him any satisfaction. Here is Solomon’s thoughts: “So I decided...

July 20 SWEETLY RESTING Mary D. James, 1810–1883   For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)   Once my hands were always trying,   Trying hard to do my best;   Now my heart is sweetly trusting,   And my soul is all at rest. —A. B. Simpson Evangelist D. L. Moody once observed that there are three kinds of faith a Christian can have: a struggling faith, a clinging faith, or a resting faith. A resting faith is not some mystical feeling that we might experience at times in a church service or during a spiritually high moment. It is simply the daily repose of a life that has learned to relax and be comfortable in God’s providential care. Such an attitude is the result of ceasing to live for self and starting to live solely for God’s glory. Medical people have long realized the relationship that exists between a happy, calm spirit and a health...

The Temple Mount Controversy - Day of Discovery

July 19 Pride During the 2000–01 Football Season, Tampa Bay wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson made headlines before a game with his former team, the New York Jets. When Keyshawn was traded, his starting place in the New York lineup was given to the smaller and slower Wayne Chrebet. Johnson contrasted himself with his former teammate in the October 2, 2000 edition of Sports Illustrated by saying, “You’re trying to compare a flashlight to a star. Flashlights only last so long. A star is in the sky forever.” Yet when the two teams met on the field, the flashlight shone brighter. The star, Keyshawn Johnson, caught only one pass for minimal yardage while the flashlight, Wayne Chrebet, caught the game winning pass with fifty-two seconds left in regulation. Perhaps Johnson’s comments motivated Chrebet to reach new heights in his game. They certainly didn’t do anything for Johnson. Johnson isn’t the first athlete to learn that his performance on the field always gets the last word. Don...

July 19 LEAVE IT THERE Words and Music by Charles A. Tindley, 1851–1933   Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5) “Put all your troubles in a sack, take ’em to the Lord, and leave ’em there.” These good words of advice were given by Charles Tindley, the distinguished black Methodist pastor from Philadelphia, to one of his worried parishioners. It was the spark that prompted the pastor to develop this thought and pen the words and music of this familiar gospel hymn in 1916. Charles H. Spurgeon, the noted English Baptist pastor, once gave this similar advice: “If you tell your troubles to God, you put them into the grave. If you roll your burden anywhere else, it will roll back again.” We will never be able to escape the troubles that life brings, but we can always turn to the Lord for strength and deliverance and then … “leave it there.” When we cannot calmly leave our ...

July 18 Prejudice “Don’t put that nickel in your mouth. Some n*gg*r may have touched it.” Not exactly what you’d expect to hear from a teacher, but it is my earliest remembrance of Sunday School. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that most people struggle with racism—even Christians. I know I do. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t consider myself a bigot, but there are times I prejudge people too. Take the time Susan and I drove through Los Angeles after spending four days on a cruise ship. It was right after the Rodney King riots of 1992. The bustling “City of Angels” looked like a ghost town. People locked their doors and stayed at home. No one was on the freeways. I was very conscious of the color of people’s skin as I drove through town. I couldn’t wait to get home to “my people.” I was scared. Even good Christian men and women struggle with prejudice. Simon Peter did. But after God dealt with him, he said: “I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality. [35] I...

July 18 ALL YOUR ANXIETY Words and Music by Edward Henry Joy, 1871–1941   Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:14)   Upon the Lord your burden cast,   To Him bring all your care;   He will sustain and hold you fast,   And give thee strength to bear. —Unknown Worry, anxiety, and depression have been the subjects of many discourses. The reason, of course, is that these conditions are so common to everyone. Many descriptions of these times have been given:   Worry is nothing more than borrowed trouble. —Unknown   Worry is unbelief in disguise. —Unknown   Worry does not relieve tomorrow of its stress—it merely empties today of its strength. —Unknown   The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. —George Mueller   Depression is the Devil’s tool in thwarting the joy of believers and in immobilizing them in the Lord’s service. —Unknown Y...

'The Bible': Mark Burnett, Roma Downey unveil their epic

July 17 God’s Precious Gift “Grandlady, you’re the bestest cook in the whole world, you’re even better than Mommy.” I assure you, this was not the brightest comment I’d ever made. Politely, my Grandmother thanked me for the compliment, as she gently scolded me for the comparison. It got kinda quiet around the table, Mom looked down, Dad looked through me and I looked, well—pretty stupid. My grandmother was a good cook; she had a way of turning simple food into a feast. Her secret was the bacon grease she stored in an old coffee tin under the sink and used in many of her dishes. You have to remember that “health food” to a Southerner is a T-bone steak with fried potatoes and buttermilk biscuits. I later apologized to Mom, after all, she is a terrific cook. My intent was not to put her down, I was just trying to give my Grandmother a compliment and I couldn’t think of a higher compliment than to say she is better than Mom (who everyone knows is the best cook.) I’m glad I lear...

July 17 UNDER HIS WINGS William O. Cushing, 1823–1902   He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. (Psalm 91:4) Daily living is often filled with unexpected dangers. We never know what lies ahead as we begin each new day. How does a person cope with uncertainty and have the stability to live victoriously? For the Christian, daily security is having an unwavering confidence that God is in absolute control and personally involved in every detail of life. The only condition is that we must be willing to accept His help and remain close to Him wherever He leads. Jesus taught this truth to the people of His day; He longed to gather them to Himself even as a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings when there is an impending storm. The human tragedy then and still today is that people are generally unwilling to accept His gracious offer (Luke 13:34). The author of this hymn text, William Cushing, wrote these words as an expression of Psal...