THE CROSS EXAM DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVES

April 2002

April 1, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: People struggled on for years with "troubles," but they almost always succumbed to "complications." - Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome, 1911

News Of The Resurrection

Scripture: Matthew 28:8-15

Are you prepared to meet the Risen Lord? The disciples of Jesus were as unprepared for his resurrection as they were for his death. The empty tomb made them fearful and joyful at the same time. "Where did they put the body or did he really rise just as he predicted?" Even though Jesus had spoken to them before of his death and rising, they could not believe until they saw the empty tomb and met the risen Lord. Aren't we the same? We want to see with our own eyes before we believe! The guards brought their testimony to the chief priests and elders who met the news with denial. They were resolved to not believe that Jesus had risen and they bribed the guards in the hope of keeping others from believing. What is the basis of our faith in the resurrection? The scriptures tell us that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1). Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. Our faith is a free assent to the whole truth which God reveals to us through his word. Faith is certain because it is based on the very word of God who cannot lie. Faith also seeks understanding. That is why God enlightens the "eyes of our hearts" that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us (Ephesians 1:18). Peter the Apostles says we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). Through the gift of faith, the Lord reveals himself to those who believe in his word and he fills them with "new life in his Holy Spirit". Do you live in the joy and hope of the resurrection? And do you recognize the presence of the Risen Lord in his word, in the "breaking of the bread", and in his church, the body of Christ?

April 2, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: To worship effectively is to enable men to become free. - Bruce Reed

I Have Seen The Lord!

Scripture: John 20:11-18

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14 Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18 Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

How easy it is to miss the Lord when our focus is on ourselves! Mary did not at first recognize the Lord because her focus was on the empty tomb and on her own grief. It took only one word from the Master, when he called her by name, for Mary to recognize him. Mary's message to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, is the very essence of Christianity. It is not enough that a Christian know about the Lord, but that we know him personally. It is not enough to argue about him, but to meet him. In the resurrection we encounter the living Lord who loves us personally and shares his glory with us. The Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to see the truth of his resurrection and victory over sin and death (Ephes. 1:18). The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our hope -- the hope that we will see God face to face and share in his everlasting glory and joy. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9). Do you recognize the Lord's presence with you, in his word, in the "breaking of the bread", and in his church, the body of Christ?

April 3, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: It is impossible that God should ever be the end, if He is not the beginning. We lift our eyes on high, but lean upon the sand; and the earth will dissolve, and we shall fall while looking at the heavens.
- Blaise Pascal

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

Last night, I was watching my oldest son, Andrew, at one of his first baseball practices of the new season. This was nothing unusual, since I'd done this dozens of times over the years. What was different, however, was his performance. I'm not seeking to convey the message of a biased father, but Andrew was the best athlete on the field yesterday. I couldn't say this in past years. Over the eight summers he has played, beginning at Tee Ball, he was middle of the pack, at best. I suppose his good genes have finally kicked in.

As I watched him bat, he was nailing it. When they ran sprints, he was clearly the fastest. The coach has seen such potential in his arm strength, that they are working on him at the pitcher position.

If you haven't noticed, this dad is excited about the season ahead. I'm looking forward to seeing him shine. If last nights' practice showed me anything, it was that Andrew has a lot of potential to be an excellent baseball player.

In Job 1, we see God talking to the Devil about one of his servants, Job. Listen to what he says: "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." In a way similar to the message I just conveyed about my son, God is bragging to Satan about one of his.

I can just picture it. The Lord of the universe is enthroned in heaven looking at Job and thinking, "There is no one on Earth better than him. He is more righteous than the rest. He loves me beyond anyone else on the planet. I love watching him shine."

I'll bypass the rest of the story of Job, but I think this early fact is very encouraging -- God loves watching his children love Him. Nothing thrills the King of Kings more than to look down on Doyline, Louisiana and see his servant ________ (insert your name) live his/her life for Him.

If you reread the verse quoted above, you'll notice an important omission. It never mentions the works that Job performed for God, but only the man he was for God. The Lord knew that the heart of this faithful servant would determine everything else about his life.

As you walk through your life, consider what you deem as most important. For Job, I believe fearing, or respecting God, was his purpose for living. He was "blameless", "upright", and "shunned evil" because these were the natural result of having God as his focus.

In Proverbs 1:7, we see this concept reemphasized: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." The starting point of a successful life always beings with how one views their relationship with God.

You may not consider yourself to be anywhere near the person Job was, but are you seeking the same things he pursued? He was special in God's sight because God was special in his. His life flowed out of a heart that hungered for God.

God is watching you live. What does He see?

Desiring a heart for God,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

April 4, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: If... you are ever tempted to think that we modern Western Europeans cannot really be so very bad because we are, comparatively speaking, humane -- if, in other words, you think God might be content with us on that ground -- ask yourself whether you think God ought to have been content with the cruelty of past ages because they excelled in courage or chastity. You will see at once that this is an impossibility. From considering how the cruelty of our ancestors looks to us, you may get some inkling of how our softness, worldliness, and timidity would have looked to them, and hence how both must look to God.
- C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Problem of Pain

Did Not Our Hearts Burn While He Opened To Us The Scriptures

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Why was it difficult for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord? Jesus' death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. They saw the cross as defeat and could not comprehend the empty tomb until the Lord appeared to them and gave them understanding. Jesus chided the disciples on the road to Emmaus for their slowness of heart to believe what the scriptures had said concerning the Messiah. They did not recognize the risen Jesus until he had broken bread with them. Do you recognize the Lord in his word and in the breaking of the bread?

Augustine, the great 5th century church father, reflects on the dimness of their perception: "They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind" (Sermon 235.1). "Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which was still ignorant of the truth (that the Christ would die and rise again", their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth." (From The Harmony of the Gospels, 3.25.72) How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us? The Risen Lord is ever ready to speak his word to us and to give us understanding of his ways. Do you listen attentively to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?

Jesus Opened Their Minds To Understand The Scriptures

Scripture: Luke 24:35-48

Aren't we like the apostles? We wont believe unless we can see with our own eyes. The gospels attest to the reality of the resurrection. Jesus goes to great lengths to assure his disciples that he is no mere ghost or illusion. He shows them the marks of his crucifixion and he explains how the scriptures foretold his death and rising. Jerome, an early church bible scholar, comments: "As he showed them real hands and a real side, he really ate with his disciples; really walked with Cleophas; conversed with men with a real tongue; really reclined at supper; with real hands took bread, blessed and broke it, and was offering it to them. ..Do not put the power of the Lord on the level with the tricks of magicians, so that he may appear to have been what he was not, and may be thought to have eaten without teeth, walked without feet, broken bread without hands, spoken without a tongue, and showed a side which had no ribs." (From a letter to Pammachius against John of Jerusalem 34, 5th century)

The centrality of the gospel is the cross; but fortunately it does not stop there. Through the cross Jesus defeated our enemies -- death and Satan and won pardon for our sins. His cross is the door to heaven and the key to paradise. The way to glory is through the cross. When the disciples saw the risen Lord they disbelieved for joy! How can death lead to life, the cross to victory? Jesus shows us the way and gives us the power to overcome sin, despair, and death. Just as the first disciples were commissioned to bring the good news of salvation to all the nations, so, we, too, are called to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who live on the face of the earth. Do you witness to the joy of the gospel to those around you?

April 5, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: As out of Jesus' affliction came a new sense of God's love and a new basis for love between men, so out of our affliction we may grasp the splendor of God's love and how to love one another. Thus the consummation of the two commandments was on Golgotha; and the Cross is, at once, their image and their fulfillment. - Malcolm Muggeridge

They Knew It Was The Lord

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Why didn't the apostles immediately recognize the Lord when he greeted them at the Sea of Tiberias? John gives us a clue. He states that Peter decided to return to his home district of Galilee, very likely so he could resume his fishing career. Peter was discouraged and didn't know what to do after the tragedy of Jesus' death! He went back to his previous career out of despair and uncertainty. The other apostles followed him back to Galilee. When was the last time Peter was commanded to let down his net after a futile night of fishing? It was at the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Galilee when the Lord dramatically approached Peter in his fishing boat after a futile night of fishing and commanded him to lower his nets (see Luke 5:4-11). After the miraculous catch, Jesus told Peter that he would be 'catching people" for the kingdom of God. Now Jesus repeats the same miracle. John, the beloved disciple, is the first to recognize the Lord. Peter impulsively leaps from the boat and runs to the Lord. Do you run to the Lord when you meet setbacks, disappointments, or trials? The Lord is ever ready to renew us in faith and to give us fresh hope in his promises.

Skeptics who disbelieve the resurrection say the disciples only saw a vision of Jesus. The gospels, however, give us a vivid picture of the reality of the resurrection. Jesus went out of his way to offer his disciples various proofs of his resurrection -- that he is real and true flesh, not just a spirit or ghost. In his third appearance to the apostles, after Jesus performed the miraculous catch of fish, he prepared a breakfast and ate with them. Peter's prompt recognition of the Master and exclamation, It is the Lord! stands in sharp contrast to his previous denial of his Master during the night of arrest. The Lord Jesus reveals himself to each of us as we open our hearts to receive his word. Do you recognize the Lord's presence in your life and do you receive his word with faith?

April 6, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: He that hath seen Christ has seen the Father, and Christ not only died, but conquered death and rose again. God the Father is suffering, striving, crucified, but unconquerable. We see His triumph now in Nature's glory, and we hear Him calling to us to join Him in the task of conquering the evils which arise from the necessities of creation. He calls us to combat floods and famine and pestilence and disease. He hates them, and wills with us to overcome them, and they shall be overcome. The Doctor, the Pioneer, the Scientist, are workers with God like the Priest. All good work is God's work, and all good workers do God's will.
- G. A. Studdert Kennedy (1883-1929), The Hardest Part

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation"

Scripture: Mark 16:9-15

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

The first to see the risen Lord was not Peter or one of the apostles, but a woman noted for her demonized living! She had been forgiven much, and loved her Master greatly. She was first at the tomb to pay her respects. Unfortunately for the disciples, they would not believe her account of the Risen Master. Jesus had to scold his apostles because of their unbelief and stubborn hearts. Are you like the apostles or like Mary -- slow to believe or quick to run to Jesus? Do you doubt because you do not see? The Lord makes his presence known to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the gift of faith to know him personally and to understand the mystery of his death and rising. Do you believe his word and do you listen to his voice? After his appearance to his beloved apostles, Jesus commissions them to go and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Their task is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations. This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task -- to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?

"Lord Jesus Christ, increase my faith and hope in the power of your resurrection. And give me joy and courage to be your witness to others and to boldly speak of what you have done to save us from sin and death."

April 7, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Scripture nowhere condemns the acquisition of knowledge. It is the wisdom of this world, not its knowledge, that is foolishness with God... The history of philosophy is a story of contradictory, discarded hypotheses... Many of them have failed to avail themselves of that which would unravel every knot and solve every problem, namely, the revelation of God in Christ as given in the Holy Scriptures. - Harry A. Ironside

Unless I See In His Hands The Prints Of The Nails, I Will Not Believe

Scripture: John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Do you know the joy of the resurrection? The Risen Jesus revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time. Even after the apostles saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus' appearance to the women, they were still weak in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus appeared to them he offered proofs of his resurrection by showing them the wounds of his passion, his pierced hands and side. He calmed their fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners and makes one a friend of God. Jesus did something which only love and trust and can do. He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to the sending out of Jesus by his Father. Jesus fulfilled his mission through his perfect love and perfect obedience to the will of his Father. He called his disciples, and he calls us to do the same. Just as he gave his first disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on us the same Holy Spirit who equips us with power, grace, and strength.

The last apostle to meet the resurrected Lord was the first to go with him to Jerusalem at Passover time. The apostle Thomas was a natural pessimist. When Jesus proposed that they visit Lazarus after receiving news of his illness, Thomas said to the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). While Thomas deeply loved the Lord, he lacked the courage to stand with Jesus in his passion and crucifixion. After Jesus' death, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing from the other apostles. He sought loneliness rather than fellowship in his time of adversity. He doubted the women who saw the resurrected Jesus and he doubted his own fellow apostles. When Thomas finally had the courage to rejoin the other apostles, the Lord Jesus made his presence known to him and reassured him that he had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in him. The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit that we may know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power of his resurrection. Do you believe in God's word and the power of the Holy Spirit?

"Lord Jesus Christ, through your victory over sin and death you have overcome all the powers of darkness. Help me to draw near to you and to trust in your life-giving word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and strengthen my faith in your promises and my hope in the power of your resurrection."

April 8, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Time is too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love -- time is eternity. - Henry van Dyke

All The Dead Will Rise!

The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will . . . come forth. - John 5:28-29

In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, stands an unusual gravestone. A woman who didn't believe in the resurrection directed in her will that her burial place be made so secure that just in case there was a resurrection it couldn't touch her. Huge slabs of granite were fastened together with heavy steel clamps and placed over her grave. Engraved on the marker were these words: "This burial place must never be opened."

In time a small seed germinated just beneath the edge of the stone. As it grew into a tree and its trunk got bigger, the heavy slabs were gradually shifted and the steel clamps were wrenched from their sockets. Those massive pieces of granite could not withstand the dynamic life-force within that small seed.

Man cannot thwart the creative power of God. Jesus said that all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth, some to the resurrection of life and others to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). There will be no exceptions-not even those drowned at sea or cremated. The re-creation of human bodies poses no problem to the One who spoke the world into existence out of nothing.

Will your resurrection be one of joy or one of judgment? Today, receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord!

From "Our Daily Bread"
www.getodb.org
�2002 RBC Ministries

April 9, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Something a little different today... lyrics to a song.. this is beautiful:

All the glory and all the gain
All the righteousness I could feign
I have bidden farewell to them
so that I may be found in Him

To know You in my spirit
I must leave my old life dead upon the cross
And though victory comes through suffering
I will follow You no matter what the cost
I will follow You no matter what the cost

To know Your power, to taste Your pain
To share Your death and somehow attain
A walk of Faith and a Life that's new
A righteousness that is found in YOU!

Forgetting all that is behind me
And reaching out for what's ahead
I'm pressing on toward the
Goal to which God's called me:
A Life above in Jesus Christ my friend
A Life above in Jesus Christ my friend!

Why We Need Spiritual Discernment

Philippians 1:8-11

Have you ever had the feeling that God was trying to tell you something? Have you ever walked into a place and felt an unpleasant twinge in your heart? If you are a believer, then most likely these feelings are the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This phenomenon is often described as spiritual discernment.

Spiritual discernment is a gift from God intended to help you on your journey through life. Jesus explained this gift to His disciples just before He ascended to heaven so they would be prepared to receive it. "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you . . . And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:7-8).

Jesus called the Holy Spirit "the Helper" because His purpose is to guide, direct, and assist you. It is His voice that warns you of danger and points you toward opportunities to help others.

When you are living in obedience to God and seeking His counsel, you will begin to recognize the Holy Spirit's promptings. A sure way to distinguish His voice from other influences is to test what you hear against the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will never advise you to do something that is contradictory to the Word of God.

By Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org
Copyright � 2002, In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved

April 10, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Resolution is no strange and extraordinary thing; it is one of the most common acts that belong to us as we are men. But we do not ordinarily apply it to the best purposes. It is not so ordinary for men to resolve to be good as to resolve to be rich and great, not so common for men to resolve against sin as to resolve against poverty and suffering. It is not so usual for men to resolve to keep a good conscience as to keep a good place. -John Tillotson

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

Over the years, Tammilee and I have had a major problem in our marriage. It hasn't been ugly talk to each other, or even knock-down, drag-out fights, but instead failure to develop our completed rolls of film. I can't tell you how many hundreds of exposures are sitting around our house just waiting to be processed.

We have had birthday parties, baseball games, and other significant events that were important enough to photograph, but never made it any further. I'm sure we have film somewhere at home that includes pictures of my Dad who died nearly 10 years ago. These are priceless memories just waiting to be seen that we have left incomplete.

Granted, we occasionally get on a "roll" and take a bunch of our completed film to be processed. Sometimes, we have even gone the next day and gotten one-hour developing on really important things. In the past though, our practice has been load, click, finish the roll, and put it on the kitchen counter to take to the store when we go the next time. The next time doesn't always come.

You may read this and say, "Yep! I know what you mean." Others are sitting appalled because you have never left and single exposure undeveloped in your life. I confess. I'm guilty. I would say that I was "framed", but you can't do that when the film is undeveloped.

How many of you go to church on Sunday and receive a truth from God that is worth remembering, but never allow it to be developed and displayed in your life? You may even respond to the invitation with a heartfelt prayer, but for some reason the impact of your decision doesn't leave the sanctuary. When you pointed and clicked it deserved your attention, but you were unwilling to go the next step of bringing the image to life.

In James 1:22-25, we hear the following advice about this issue: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." (NIV)

The reason I have rolls of film undeveloped at home is because I have no way of remembering what each roll contains. If I did, I would probably run out tonight, put them in processing, and eagerly wait an hour to get them back. My forgetfulness leads to my failure.

Many of you have made decisions for God that go unfulfilled because when it was fresh on your mind you didn't develop it into obedience. You had good intentions, but time has caused you to forget the passion and sincerity of the moment. God's truth has been lost through neglect.

Let me encourage you to dig out whatever misplaced, undeveloped encounters you have had with God and put them into action. Allow what has happened inside of you to become visible to all who are around you. In the future, do not take the movement of God's Spirit in your life lightly, but respond affirmatively and quickly to His voice.

Many of us haven't made memories with God because we have failed to process the opportunities He has placed before us. Consider this message another invitation from the Lord to do His will. The door is open. It is up to you to step in.

A work in process,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

April 11, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede. - Oswald Chambers

Blind Faith?

I heard a scientist on the radio the other day who was arguing his hypothesis that AIDS is not caused by the HIV virus. Whenever the host referred to the scientist's position as his "beliefs" the scientist said it had nothing to do with "belief" adamantly asserting that "belief has to do with religion" because "a 'belief' is when you hold a view in the absence of evidence."

The Koine Greek word used in the New Testament for faith is pistis, which comes from the root word pitho which means "to persuade". Strong's defines pistis as "conviction of the truth; belief"

Christian faith is far deeper than a simple "blind faith" which some people hold to, including some scientists! Christian faith is based on a historical man named Jesus who was born in the historical city of Bethlehem and grew up in the historical town of Nazareth and interacted with real, historical people like Caiaphis, Pontius Pilate and Rabbi Gamaliel. He had a historical and demonstrable impact on both those who followed Him as well as those who despised Him to the point of killing Him. He was a real man. The evidence confirms this.

Regarding His resurrection from the dead, I have yet to see convincing evidence which points to the contrary. Dominick Crossan argues that Christ was never buried but was eaten by wild dogs. That's a creative way of explaining the empty tomb! Some say He didn't really die; He just passed out and "revived" while in the tomb. Other say His body was stolen and hidden by His disciples.

All of these anti-resurrection theories fall down flat in the face of the following evidence:

Jesus' disciples went from lying about being His disciples and hiding behind closed doors (protecting their lives) to boldly proclaiming the Gospel and dying for their beliefs. Who would die for something they knew was a lie? Rabbi Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul) did a complete 180-degree change from terrorizing Christians to preaching the Gospel himself...and also dying for his beliefs. Why would someone who so despised Christ (to the point of having Christians put to death) suddenly repent and become Christian - knowing it would result in his own death?

No person in the last 2,000 years has ever produced any evidence to show that Christ was still in the grave or that He is still in the grave today. Nobody in the days, weeks or years following Christ's death and resurrection has ever suggested anything more than "the disciples stole the body" - and nobody can give any good reason why these same disciples would proclaim His resurrection if they didn't really believe He was risen. The fact is the tomb was empty and is still empty. He is risen, He is risen indeed!

The Gospel continues to change hearts as the most unlikely people continue to make 180-degree changes after coming to faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit continues to take up residence as a deposit and guarantee in the hearts of believers; empowering them to be and do what they never could have been or done without His presence in their lives.

Does that mean that we NEVER exercise blind faith? In all honesty, there are times where I tenaciously cling to God and His promises in spite of current circumstances or situations.but that faith, if you must call it blind faith, is based on my convictions which are themselves built upon the Scriptures, archaeology, history and my own personal experiences with the living God. Believing in spite of my circumstances is more like feeling my way around a room in my own house when the lights are out - I know what's there, I just can't see it too clearly - than blindly going forward with no clue as to where I am or what I'm going to encounter. Not exactly "blind faith" if you ask me.

Jesus said to Thomas "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Some think that implies Jesus prefers blind faith, but right after John recorded those words, he wrote: "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (v. 30-31)

Our faith is not blind.we don't hold to a view in the absence of evidence.we trust in, cling to and rely on the TRUTH as revealed in the Scriptures and in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, our resurrected Lord. His grave is empty, He is risen and He lives in my heart. And nobody has convinced me otherwise!

Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org

April 12, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Discernment is the fruit of obedience. - Anonymous

Acquiring Spiritual Discernment

Hebrews 5:12-14

Have you ever used a set of walkie-talkies or transistor radios? Sometimes marketed as children's toys, these communication devices can actually serve as helpful aids for police officers, emergency personnel, and other professionals who need to convey important information quickly.

The key to the successful use of a walkie-talkie is to be within the proper distance of the person speaking to you. If you move out of the designated range, the transmitted words will become jumbled and hard to hear.

Spiritual discernment works in the same way. If you truly want to receive God's instructions through the Holy Spirit, you must maintain a close relationship with Him.

How can you be assured that you are close enough to hear God's word? You must remove any "static-causing" elements in your life. Sin and disobedience are the primary sources of static, in that they turn your attention away from God. Since discernment is essential in the life of the believer, you must learn to recognize sin and ask God to remove it from your life so that you can effectively hear His voice.

The more time you spend in prayer, study, and meditation, the easier it will be for you to distinguish the messages of the Holy Spirit from the chaos of the world around you. Listen to your spirit today. Do you hear static or the voice of God?

By Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org
Copyright � 2002, In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved

April 13, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Since the life of Christ is every way most bitter to nature and the Self and the Me (for in the true life of Christ, the Self and the Me and nature must be forsaken and lost and die altogether), therefore in each of us, nature hath a deep horror of it. - Theologia Germanica (1518)

Acquiring Spiritual Discernment

Hebrews 5:12-14

Did your parents ever say to you, "You will understand when you grow up" or "It will all make sense when you are older"? Today's Scripture passage deals with the level of understanding that comes with maturity-spiritual maturity, that is.

Verse 11 of Hebrews chapter 5 is addressed to a group of believers who have become "dull of hearing." The verses that follow tell us that these people should be teachers instead of hearers because they have heard the Truth and know it. Instead, they are like babies who need milk and are not ready for solid food. (v. 12)

Verse 14 concludes the discussion in this way, "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good from evil." What does it mean to "train your senses" to discern good from evil? It means that as we seek to become mature Christians, we should trust the Holy Spirit to help us filter the things that enter our lives through His wisdom.

It should be your goal to see, hear, and feel things as God does and to respond in a way that will be pleasing to Him. Though true Christian maturity requires time, growth, and experience, we should always be moving forward instead of backward in our walk with the Lord. Spiritual discernment is a natural result of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

By Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org
Copyright � 2002, In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved

April 14, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me. - Robert Murray M'Cheyne

We Must Have True Faith
By A.W. Tozer

To many Christians, Christ is little more than an idea, or at best an ideal-He is not a fact. Millions of professed believers talk as if he were real and act as if He were not. Our actual position is always to be discovered by the way we act, not by the way we talk.

We can prove our faith by our commitment to it and in no other way. Any belief that does not command the one who holds it is not a real belief - it is only a pseudo-belief. It might shock some of us profoundly if we were suddenly brought face-to-face with our beliefs and forced to test them in the fires of practical living.

Many of us have become extremely skillful in arranging our lives so as to admit the truth of Christianity without being embarrassed by its implications. We fix things so that we can get on well enough without divine aid, while at the same time ostensibly seeking it.

We boast in the Lord but carefully watch that we never get caught depending on Him. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

Pseudo-faith always arranges a way out in case God fails. Real faith knows only one way and gladly allows itself to be stripped of any second ways or makeshift substitutes. For true faith, it is either God or total collapse. And since Adam first stood up on the earth, God has not failed a single man or woman who trusted Him.

Those of pseudo-faith will fight for their verbal creed but flatly refuse to allow themselves to get into a predicament where their future depends upon that creed being true. They always provide themselves with secondary ways of escape so they will have a way out if the roof caves in.

What we need these days is a company of Christians who are prepared to trust God as completely now as they know they must at the last day. For each of us the time is surely coming when we shall have nothing but God. Health and wealth and friends and hiding places will all be swept away, and we shall have only God. To those of pseudo-faith that is a terrifying thought, but to real faith it is one of the most comforting thoughts the heart can entertain.

It would be tragedy indeed to come to the place where we have nothing but God and find that we had not been trusting God at all during the days of our earthly sojourn. It would be better to invite God now to remove every false trust, to disengage our hearts from all secret hiding places and to bring us out into the open where we can discover for ourselves whether or not we really trust Him. That is a harsh cure for our troubles, but it is a sure one. Gentler cures may be too weak to do the work, and time is running out.

April 15, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at the creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today. - Bishop Handley Moule

Faith and Form 1040

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." - Matthew 22:21

The federal income tax is one of many taxes citizens must pay. The Internal Revenue Service does what it can to lighten the task of figuring one's tax. Even so, a great deal of agony attends the ritual of filling out form 1040.

Paying taxes to a despotic Roman emperor was a painful experience to oppressed people. Yet Jesus told them, "Render...to Caesar the things that are Caesar's." Saint Paul says much the same, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue" (Romans 13:7).

Paying taxes to our country is not as hated as it was in Jesus' land. But hated or not, we Christians know that God is involved in the office of government. As Saint Paul said, the government "is God's servant to do you good" (Romans 13:4). Thus for a moral reason -- for the sake of conscience -- citizens want to obey the "powers that be," and the payment of taxes is part of that obedience. Yes, faith in God determines our attitude toward Form 1040 and all it stands for.

Christians find motivation for good citizenship in their faith. The love of Christ which controls them also compels them to render their appropriate dues to both government and God. Jesus is our enabler in this respect, for having redeemed us from sin at the cost of His own life, He elicits from us the response of obedience to God and to all who represent Him.

PRAYER: O Lord, I pray that You will bless our country with a stable, morally responsible government which will wisely administer the taxes we pay. Amen.

Taken from "Each Day with Jesus"
Copyright 1994, Concordia Publishing House

April 16, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Great is the difference betwixt a man's being frightened at, and humbled for, his sins. One may passively be cast down by God's terrors, and yet not willingly throw himself down as he ought at God's footstool. - Thomas Fuller, A Wounded Conscience (1655)

Mountain Climbing

"Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise." - Galatians 4:28

Climbing mountains is a challenge that is not without perils. The "outback" Ayres Rock in Central Australia, for example, has claimed the lives of many who have tried to climb it.

Spiritual mountain climbing can also be hazardous when people try to climb Mount Sinai (the Law) in order to earn forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and a place in heaven. This is the attempt to be right with God by following a be-good-do-good religion. The Bible stresses that salvation cannot be gained by good works, regardless of the hard effort put forth. Sinai, where the Law was given to Moses, is not a mountain to climb. Saint Paul, speaking of it as a spiritual mother states that it "bears children who are to be slaves" (Galatians 4:24).

The same apostle teaches, "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Marvelous, amazing grace! Salvation is God's free gift. But grace is not cheap. It cost the Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ, His life. He did the mountain climbing in our behalf -- carrying a heavy cross, climbing Mount Calvary, atoning for our sins. Faith in Christ saves, not doing of the works of the Law.

Therefore, it is not a chore, not a hazardous journey, for us to undertake good deeds for Christ. Having said that we are saved by grace, Saint Paul goes on, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). For Christians doing good works is a pleasure trip.

Taken from "Each Day with Jesus"
Copyright 1994, Concordia Publishing House

April 17, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Should I worship Him from fear of hell, may I be cast into it. Should I serve Him from desire of gaining heaven, may He keep me out. But should I worship Him from love alone, He reveal Himself to me, that my whole heart may be filled with His love and presence. - Sadhu Sundar Singh

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

Everyone loves to make a good buy. It gives the purchaser pleasure in thinking that he has somehow gotten a great deal on a product. For instance, when an expensive shirt is sold at a low price it causes you to wear it with an added sense of pride. You are thinking, "Everyone believes I paid $40 for this, but little do they know I got it for $9.99. I'm wearing high fashion for a low dollar."

Yet, I suppose value and price are all left to the one who is willing to dish out the cash. One man's robbery is another man's bargain.

This was clearly illustrated in the sports section of this morning's Shreveport Times. The article title reads, "Gum goes for 10,000 on Ebay." It caught my attention.

The contents of the article told of how the Internet auction site sold a piece of discarded, already used chewing gum from Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez for $10,000. (I wonder if it had any flavor left.) The purchaser, the owner of a sports medicine office in Wisconsin, made the winning bid. According to the seller of the gum, the proceeds will go toward funding a high school in Minnesota.

Charity or not, who in their right mind would spend that much money on what we use to call ABC gum -- Already Been Chewed? You could buy a lifetime supply of Bubble Yum for much less than that. I suppose there is something special about possessing something your favorite athlete once chewed.

Where is this leading us? Will our favorite movie stars start selling their teeth when they fall out? Maybe male actors with receding hairlines could start lifting their disconnected follicles from off of their pillows and start a new business. This gum thing could become the start of a market for even more bizarre auctions in the years to come.

The real heart of the matter is why would anyone would spend a significant amount of money on something not worth having? Why do people pursue garbage and overlook the goodness and glory of God?

In one of the saddest passages in the gospels, Jesus is confronted by a rich young man who wants to follow him. He has honest, heartfelt questions. Jesus gives him a choice. He says, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (Matthew 19:21, NIV)."

Be it pursuing fast cars, worldly fame, fancy clothing, elaborate jewelry, expensive chewing gum, or Jesus, the issue is still a choice. Jesus wasn't saying that his money was bad, but that his pursuit of it was too much competition if he truly wanted to be His disciple.

Some of us would look at the guy from Wisconsin and think, "What an idiot!" Yet, in our lives we spend money on other temporal things to the detriment of our relationship with God. Although the amount may be different, the motive is still the same. This is true not only in the area of money, but also our expenditure of time and talents. As you read this, some of you are guilty of having skewed priorities. You give the ball field, lake, garden, camper, and other things great amounts of time and energy, but God has to be jotted down on your waiting list of "things to do". It's not that you don't love Him, but that you love other things more.

"Okay preacher. I'll be in church Sunday."

This is not the issue. Church is just a very small part of our relationship with God. It is kind of like spending $10,000 for a wad of gum and feeling justified because you dropped a twenty in the offering plate.

Speaking in the context of this message, Jesus wants to be your wad of gum. He wants you to be willing to spend everything you have on Him so that He can be your everything. Just as this lucky bidder from the Badger State is proudly displaying his prize, the Lord Jesus wants to be yours.

The bidding is open. How much of you are you willing to put on the line for Jesus?

Following Him,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

April 18, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew.
- Francois de Sales

Christian Witness in a Jail

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved -- you and your household." - Acts 16:31

In recent years our society has seen much unrest among minority groups. Nor are we surprised that the inmates of prison and penitentiaries have become vocal, if not violent, pressing for what they believe to be their rights.

The Bible tells us of one potential prison riot that never came off. In the city of Philippi, Paul and Silas had been imprisoned after driving an evil spirit out of a slave girl. Her owners had made money from using her for prophesying and fortune-telling.

At midnight a sudden earthquake shook the prison to its very foundations, opening the doors and unfastening the prisoners' stocks. All elements were present for a riot, including prisoners who could turn on their jailer.

But the outbreak -- and breakout -- never took place because of the two Christians there, Paul and Silas, who earlier had prayed and sung hymns within the prisoners' hearing. The two missionaries had enough influence to keep the others from rioting and fleeing. When the jailer, thinking all the prisoners had fled, was about to commit suicide, Saint Paul could say in behalf of all prisoners, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" (Acts 16:28).

In the darkness of that prison Paul and Silas let their light shine as they witnessed to the other prisoners and to the jailer, telling the latter as he asked about the way of salvation, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Everywhere in our world, people are sitting in sin's darkness and in the prison of their own making: selfishness, fear, anxiety, doubt, unbelief. We say to them, "Jesus Christ died to set you free. Believe in Him and be saved!"

Taken from "Each Day with Jesus"
Copyright 1994, Concordia Publishing House

April 19, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise. - Sam Pascoe

Sin-Confess-Resist

My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. - 1 John 2:1

People who are caught in the sin-confess-sin-confess-sin-confess cycle eventually begin to lose hope that they can experience any real victory over sin. Sheer willpower can't keep them from repeating the sin they just confessed, and Satan pours on the condemnation. Self-control seems like an illusion, and the Christian life is one of unending ups and downs.

Suppose there is a door you are commanded not to open. On the other side of the door is a dog that keeps insisting, "Come on, let me in. Everybody is doing it. You deserve to have a little fun. Who will know? You can get away with it." So you open the door and the dog roars in and bits you on the leg. Ironically, the dog instantly changes its story: "You opened the door. I have right to be here. You'll never get away with this!" If such a thing happened, would you beat on the dog or on yourself?

Sin which is allowed to reign is like the dog that bits you on the leg and won't let go. Not realizing there is a dog, you beat on yourself for leaving the door open and cry out to God for forgiveness. He forgives you, but the dog is still there. Why not cry out to God and beat on the dog instead of yourself? James 4:7 tells us, "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." We are correct in confessing our sin, but we have failed to follow the complete biblical formula which breaks the cycle: sin-confess-resist. We must first assume our responsibility for opening the door, then we must resist Satan and command him to leave if we are going to experience victory over sin.

We live as though God and a sick humanity are the only realities in the spiritual realm. We must turn to our righteous Advocate (1 John 2:1) and resist our perverted adversary if we are to experience victory and freedom over temptation and sin.

Lord, show me where I have opened the door of my life to sin that I may confess it to You and command Satan to leave in Your precious name.

By Neil Anderson

April 20, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Salvation is the work of God for man; it is not the work of man for God.
- Lewis Sperry Chafer

Dayenu

Dayenu - "It would have been enough..."

These words are part of every Jewish Passover celebration:

If He had brought us forth from Egypt, and had not inflicted judgment upon the Egyptians, it would have been enough.

If He had inflicted judgment upon them, and had not executed judgment upon their gods, it would have been enough.

If He had executed judgment upon their gods, and had not slain their first-born, it would have been enough.

If He had slain their first-born, and had not bestowed their wealth upon us, it would have been enough.

If He had given us their wealth, and had not divided the sea for us, it would have been enough.

If He had divided the sea for us, and had not drowned our oppressors in the sea, it would have been enough.

If He had drowned our oppressors in it, and had not supplied our needs in the wilderness during forty years, it would have been enough.

If He had supplied our needs in the wilderness during forty years, and had not fed us with manna, it would have been enough.

If He had fed us with manna, and had not given us the Sabbath, it would have been enough.

If He had given us the Sabbath, and not given us the Torah, it would have been enough.

If He had given us the Torah, and not led us into the land of Israel, it would have been enough.

A.W. Tozer wrote: "Sometimes I go to God and say, 'God, if Thou dost never answer another prayer while I live on this earth I will still worship Thee as long as I live and in the ages to come for what Thou hast done already.' God's already put me so far in debt that if I were to live one million millenniums I couldn't pay Him for what He's done for me." (from Worship: The Missing Jewel)

What a difference it makes when I start the morning recognizing all that God has done for me rather than complaining about what I don't have! We say "God is good.all of the time" and He is; sometimes we just need to remind ourselves how good He really is by remembering how little we deserve His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness and His love. But deserving or not, He graciously pours out His mercies upon us every morning of every day and gives us abundantly more than we could ever ask for.

If God never answers another prayer of mine while I live on this earth I will still worship Him for all that He has done already. If He had sent Jesus to explain the Torah and not sent Him to die for my sins, it would have been enough. If He had forgiven my sins but not allowed me into His holy presence, it would have been enough. If He had given me life on this earth but not gone to prepare a place for me in heaven, it would have been enough. But thanks be to God who has given us all these things and so much more!

So, with that in mind...

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:15-17

Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org

April 20, 2002 (Something Extra)

Cruel and Unusual?
BreakPoint with Charles Colson

Turn Off TV Week

When Edward Bello committed his most recent crime, he expected to go to prison. Instead the judge sentenced him to nine months with no television. He said he wanted "to create a condition of silent introspection" in order to induce Bello to change his behavior. Bello's lawyers were outraged. They're appealing on the grounds that making Bello keep his seven TV sets turned off is "cruel and unusual punishment"-and thus violates the Constitution.

Oh, brother, now I've heard everything. When our Founders outlawed cruel and unusual punishment, they were thinking of things like floggings and amputations. Forcing someone to watch mind-rotting entertainment might also qualify, but equating a ban on TV with torture is a sad sign that television has become far too important in our culture-important and destructive.

TV critic Michael Medved says the problem with TV isn't just the programming: The problem is the medium itself.

Medved notes that families began falling apart around 1960-the time the first generation raised on TV hit adolescence. These kids grew up on the wholesome sitcoms of the 1950s. Yet by 1965 the family, by every measure, had undergone massive deterioration.

The principal cause, Medved says, "was that most . . . influential of all American institutions: television." Medved argues that television encourages attributes that are "deadly to the survival of marriages and families."

For example, TV encourages impatience by showing programs that solve every imaginable problem in thirty minutes. "And the whole point of commercials," Medved adds, "is to make you want things and to want them now." Both of these elements undermine the quality of endurance necessary for family life.

Television also promotes depression. The focus of TV news is relentlessly negative, Medved observes. If a father works three jobs to support his kids, that's not news. But if the same father shoots his children, we watch the gory details on dozens of stations for days.

Finally, TV leads to selfishness because it creates what Medved calls "the syndrome of entitlement"-the sense that we're all entitled to "ceaseless arrays of ecstatic pleasures"-just like the characters on "Friends" or "Ally McBeal." Programs like these teach that if some aspects of our lives-like our marriages-are not endlessly exciting, we ought to replace them.

In short, Medved concludes, television undermines those attributes most necessary for family survival: patience, sacrifice, optimism, and deferred gratification.

And he's right. We ought to take a good look, not just at what we watch, but how long we watch.

Next week is national TV Turnoff Week, in which Americans are encouraged to hide the remote and find other things to do. Why not figure out how much time your family spends watching TV every week-and then spend that time doing things like reading aloud, going for walks, or volunteering in your community.

Your kids may initially view it as cruel and unusual punishment, but, in time, they'll achieve something far more important than learning what happens on their favorite sitcom: They'll be strengthening their family ties.

www.pfm.org/

April 21, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: To do so no more is the truest repentance. - Martin Luther

The Worth of Works that Abide

"I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." - John 4:38

George Caleb Bingham, a struggling artist, painted the life of fur traders and riverboat people in Missouri. A hundred years after his death, when people finally appreciated his work, his "Flatboatmen" canvas sold for $980,000 in Los Angeles. For some people, recognition comes only after they have passed from the scene.

God has not promised us fame and fortune, neither in the present nor in the future. But He has promised that work faithfully performed -- especially work done in building the lives of others -- will outlast the structures built of stone and steel. Parents who bring up their children to believe in God and to walk in His ways are building for eternity. They leave a heritage that endures from generation to generation. And although they are no longer here, their works do follow them.

All of us today, whether we realize it or not, are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. The founding fathers and mothers of our cities, communities, churches, and other organizations may not have been able to foresee everything in the future. But they laid well the foundations, enabling us to continue their work and ours. As our Lord has said, "Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labors" (John 4:38).

In the words of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Jesus is, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). He left us a treasure, not a piece of art worth nearly a million dollars, but a finished redemption, the charter of salvation, the title to our place in the heavenly Father's spacious condominium.

April 22, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Most of us follow our conscience as we follow a wheelbarrow. We push it in front of us in the direction we want to go. - Billy Graham

Who Is This Jesus I See Others Love So Much?
(Anonymously written by a very passionate 11 year old... WOW!)

I want to know him too? Help me Father!!! Do you see me, I'm desperate. I don't want anything else, anyone else. How much more pain?? How much more pounding??? How many more tears? How much more longing does it take for you to reach out and rescue me from my self? I'm dead, please rescue me. I want YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! I really do. I DO!!! I know you're watching me. Please, I'm going to wrestle with You until You answer, just to let You know I'm desperate. I will knock and keep on knocking, and I know You're at the door watching and waiting for that moment when we can touch. But, I know even though I want and ask, I still don't deserve to be saved. I don't deserve anything. But, I just want to let you know I love You and want to get to know You better. I see your arm is stretched out to me. I'm stretching out too, can't You see!! I can't seem to get my hand right into Yours. I'm reaching but I can't quite grab You, 'cause my feet are being pulled down by my own selfish desires and sins. I'm being swallowed up. But please if You see me reaching, just reach an inch further and grab me. RESCUE ME!!!!!!!!!!! Every day I wake up thinking is today the day!!! Is today the day You will reach out and rescue me. I believe the Day of Salvation is coming, because I am searching for you "with all my heart." Because I don't want a fake "conversion" based on emotion, but only on abandoning my life to You in total trust, I will be patient. I promise!!! I don't want anything less that a real and true miracle and second birth! I really want You. I know You love me!! I know what I've heard is true - Even if I were the only person living here You would have died just for me, because You love me soooooo much. Now here's what I think! With this promise I'm going to get You no matter what it takes!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not gonna be discouraged. I know it's a free gift to be found by You and to know You, so I know this is a season for discovery and courting, not discouragement. I'LL SEARCH UNTIL I FIND YOU AND WE HAVE AN ENCOUNTER THAT FLESH AND BLOOD DIDN'T REVEAL, NOT OF NATURAL DESCENT, OR HUMAN WILL POWER, AS YOUR SON SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL SEARCH UNTIL I FIND YOU AND YOU GRAB AHOLD OF ME AND TOUCH ME, YES I WILL!!!!!

I'M COMING AFTER YOU!!!!!!!!!!! WATCH OUT!!!!!!!

MY HEARTS DESIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 23, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: When you attack the roots of sin, fix your thought more on the God you desire than the sin you abhor. - Walter Hilton

How to Deal with Sin
1 John 1:5-2:2

If you hurt someone as a result of a sin you committed, would you go to him or her for help in overcoming that sin? If you are like most people, you probably would not. Why? Because you would likely feel guilty or ashamed.

Our human minds think this way because we have trouble understanding true forgiveness. The beauty of this scenario is that God is not limited by human understanding. His thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways are different. (Isaiah 55:8) When we sin against God, He is the very One we need to help us break free from the cycle of sin. Though this sounds ironic, it is the truth.

First John 1:9 tells us that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Essentially, no matter what you have done, God is willing to forgive you and to wash away the damaging residue that disobedience can leave upon your life.

If you have unconfessed sin in your life, do not feel like you have to hide from God. Instead, bring the matter to Him in prayer and receive the gift of His forgiveness. Being out of fellowship with God is a terrible place to be. Do not let fear keep you away from the One who loves you unconditionally. Return to Him today just as you are. There is no need to feel ashamed.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org
Copyright � 2002, In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

April 24, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: As Jesus called the thirteen, so He calls us to change the world by announcing the Kingdom of God. - H. S. Vegeveno

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

This past weekend, the National Football League held its annual draft of college football players. As they went through the numerous rounds of selections, the teams picked those players that met their needs at certain positions or were considered to be the best athlete available at the time they were chosen.

As a result of these selections, the players picked in the earliest rounds will command a higher salary, whereas, those drafted in the later rounds will be offered less. In additions, there were literally hundreds of eligible college players that sat by their telephones and watched the TV coverage only to never hear their name called. They find themselves in a position of possibly being picked up as a "free agent", but even then they'll have little chance of playing professionally.

Do you remember occasions in your life where you weren't picked, or you were picked near the bottom? There are not many feelings more discouraging than having your hopes set on being chosen only to have them dashed when you realize that you weren't considered very valuable to the ones making the decision.

In middle school this stood out to me. I was very overweight. I was probably the second or third to largest boy in my school. As a result, when the boys selected teams in P.E., I was always near the end. It was as if I were an obligated choice because the coach made sure everyone was on a team. My classmates assumed that my size meant that I wasn't very good. However, they didn't realize that I had a very good arm and could throw the ball. I was the slowest of the bunch, but I could zing the football. The only problem was that they didn't give me much of a chance to prove myself. As a result, I felt of little worth on the ball fields of life.

Some of you reading this are discouraged today because you've been spurned by the opposite sex. Others have been bypassed for jobs because of a lack of experience or education. There are some who feel like you just don't fit in. You consider yourself an outcast and live a life in a sense of isolation. Many of you don't feel of much worth today, but that is the farthest thing from the truth.

In John 15:16, Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit..." In these words, he is saying that salvation was His idea. It was His invitation.

In Psalm 139:13-18, David writes about how God feels about him: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you."

King David understood that in God's eyes he was a first round selection, just like you.

The prophet Jeremiah had a similar understanding of God's view of Him in Jeremiah 1:5 -- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Paul speaks to this selection in II Timothy 1:9 when he says, "...God,...saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace." He also says in I Corinthians 1:26-29, "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."

Praise the Lord! He doesn't select us by height, weight, degrees, test scores, or any other measurable means known to man. All selections are made through the cross. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, the message was declared -- "You are chosen!"

Therefore, our discouragement comes through our own device and choice. If we feel of little worth in our world it is because we allow it to occur. This is not God's pronouncement to us, but our own assumption based upon who we have decided to listen to.

By the way, did I tell you that I'm a very high draft choice? God made a earth shattering trade to get me. He traded His one and only son's death for my own. I was worth that much. Wow! Also, he got you in the same trade through the same pick.

As I've learned from football, the higher the draft choice, the greater the expectation. The same hold's true for those God selects. In Luke 12:48, Jesus says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

As Christians, we are on God's team. We are pretty special people with a very important job to do. Therefore, let me encourage you to get off your bench of despondency and get on the field of victory. The coach is eager to watch you play. He guarantees that you will win.

Chosen by God,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

April 25, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: It is virtually impossible to reflect the heart, spirit, and essence of any subject unless you are totally dedicated and actively involved. - Perry Cox

A Solid Belief System

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" - Romans 8:15

Claire attended a church college ministry I was involved in several years ago. On a physical, material level, Claire had absolutely nothing going for her. She had a dumpy figure and a bad complexion. Her father was a drunken bum who had deserted his family. Her mother worked two menial jobs just to make ends meet. Her older brother, a drug addict, was always in and out of the house.

When I first met Claire I was sure she was the ultimate wallflower. I didn't think there was any way she could compete for acceptance in a college-aged society which is attracted to physical beauty and material success. But to my delight, I learned that everybody in the group liked Claire and loved to be around her. She had lots of friends. And eventually she married the nicest guy in our college department.

What was her secret? Claire simply believed what she perceived herself to be: a child of God. She accepted herself for who God said she was in Christ, and she confidently committed herself to God's great goal for her life: to be conformed to His image and to love people. She wasn't a threat to anyone. Instead, she was so positive and caring toward others that everyone loved her.

Claire's experiences illustrate the importance of establishing our Christian lives on what we believe instead of how we behave. She knew that she couldn't compete with the world, so she gladly accepted her spiritual heritage, believed God, and lived accordingly. We need a firm grip on God's Word before we will experience much success at practical Christianity. We need to understand who we are as a result of who God is and what He has done. A productive Christian behavior system is the byproduct of a solid Christian belief system, not the other way around.

Thank You for the Claires in my world, Lord, who reflect Your beauty. Forgive me for focusing on myself instead of looking to You and seeking Your eternal qualities.

Neil Anderson
www.crosswalk.com

April 26, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: It would be the height of absurdity to label ignorance tempered by humility "faith"; for faith consists in the knowledge of God and Christ, not in reverence for the Church. - John Calvin

God Blesses the Offerings of Faith

"By faith [Abel] was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings." - Hebrews 11:4

One often reads of children banding together in order to raise money for a worthy cause. In some of those instances, the inspiration undoubtedly comes out of Christian gratitude, giving "as unto the Lord."

Consider the motivation for Abel's gift offering. God was greatly pleased with it, bearing witness of this by accepting his gifts. God did not consider the size or amount of the gift, but the spirit -- the faith -- in which it was given. This fact is stressed when Saint Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (chapter 8) points to the Macedonian churches as examples of generosity because they had first given themselves to the Lord. Because that is so important, the apostle does not prescribe the exact amount, such as a tenth of one's income. Nor does he say that the gifts should be cash, although money is probably the most convenient form. Gifts of food and drink, clothing and shelter, also are spoken of in Scripture.

God has promised to bless also our small love offerings, being able to multiply them so that many needy people are benefited, as were the multitudes that Jesus fed when He multiplied another boy's few loaves and fishes. We can be sure that God blessed both the widow and the mites contributed in God's house. God blesses all our faith offerings, including the cup of cold water, the loaf of bread, the garment, the deed and word of kindness.

God blesses our efforts, not because we deserve it, but because of His grace. The same amazing grace or love that sent Christ Jesus into the world to bring us forgiveness and peace. It is in response to that grace that we share what we have with the needy.

PRAYER: Lord God, bless my offerings of love, however small and in whatever form they may be. Amen.

April 27, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Be careful about the things you pray for, for some day you may receive them. - Goethe

The Road That Gets You There

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." - Matthew 7:13

Early in the 1800s, when many people were migrating westward, the so-called National Road was well traveled. Beginning in the Baltimore area, it crossed the Alleghenies, then ran to the west -- to Wheeling, Columbus, Indianapolis, and beyond. Along the way were supply stores, inns, taverns, and toll stations. At the time the National Road was very important, taking people where they wanted to go to settle down.

The all-important spiritual road that takes us through life to our heavenly home above is the road of faith in Jesus Christ. Along the way are places where life's travelers can rest and be refreshed: Christian churches, schools, homes. But there are no toll stations. Offerings are taken, yes, but these are gifts gladly given for the spread of the Gospel. The road to eternal life is free. It was built by Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. It came into existence when He Himself walked the Calvary road to be sacrificed on the cross for our sins.

The National Road had difficult passages as it ran through mountains, across swollen streams, and over steep grades like the one at Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Similarly, the road that Christ walked and that He bids us take is beset by obstacles. Our Savior has told us, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction ... But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life" (Matthew 7:13-14).

The question is not whether Christ's way is an easy one, but is it the right one? Our Lord settled this question for us when He called Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- the only way to the Father. Christ is the road that gets you there.

April 28, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: (Jesus) became what we are that He might make us what he is. - Athanasius of Alexandria

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft

"The Power of the Name"
Philippians 2:9, 10

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My friend Margaret had just been to a family gathering in the Midwest where she saw many loved ones, including her deputy sheriff nephew. Now, as she started heading home, her foot must have gotten a little heavy. Or at least that's what the officer who pulled her over seemed to think. As he turned to go back to his car with her license and registration in hand, Margaret said, "Do you know Deputy _________?" - she mentioned her nephew's name. The officer did know him. After a few minutes of record checking and paperwork in his squad car, the officer returned to Margaret's car. "I'm just going to give you a warning," he said - followed by, "I checked with your nephew."

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Power of the Name."

Now we could discuss the appropriateness of Margaret's invoking of her nephew's name. But one thing is very clear. There can be decisive power in a name; even power that delivers you from what you deserve. And there is no name with more decisive power in all the universe than the name of Jesus. His name accomplishes things nothing else can accomplish.

In John 14:14, Jesus said, "You may ask for anything in My name, and I will do it." The name of Jesus opens heaven's resources to meet your deepest need - not used as some hollow mantra, but as an expression of complete reliance on your living Lord. Acts 4:12 makes clear that "there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." It is only the name of Jesus that opens heaven to us sinners who could only have our sins forgiven by the Man who died for them. When we come to God, calling on the name of His Son, we do not get the awful judgment we deserve. Jesus took it for us.

And nowhere is the power of that name expressed more boldly than in our word for today from the Word of God in Philippians 2:9-10. "God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." It is the name of Jesus that subdues all opposition - that intimidates and paralyzes all the forces of hell.

That's the reason those who plotted the death of Jesus told His early followers to stop speaking what they called "the name." Hell has been trying to get Christians to stop saying the name that hell fears ever since. Now, maybe you've choked on that name - even though those who don't care about that name use it all the time. The old hymn writer said it well - "Jesus! And shall it be a mortal man ashamed of Thee? Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise, whose glories shine through endless days? Ashamed of Jesus, that dear Friend on Whom my hopes of heaven depend? No; when I blush, be this my shame, that I no more revere His name."

Jesus - the name that opens heaven's resources to meet your every need ... that makes heaven possible for you ... that subdues every other being in the universe. How can we live ordinary, powerless lives? How can we surrender to hell and be ashamed to speak His name? And if you've never called on that name of Jesus and asked Him to be your personal Rescuer from your sin, why would you wait another day? Kings and kingdoms will all pass away - but there is something about that Name!

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft

April 29, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: If I am a son of God, nothing but God will satisfy my soul; no amount of comfort, no amount of ease, no amount of pleasure, will give me peace or rest. If I had the full cup of all the world's joys held up to me, and could drain it to the dregs, I should still remain thirsty if I had not God.
- G. A. Studdert Kennedy (The Wicket Gate)

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft

"The Only Judge You Have To Impress"
Colossians 3:23, 24

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The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City were full of memorable spectacle and, of course, exciting performances. And, as most Olympics, they were tinged with a little controversy. This time the controversy revolved around some of the judging. For several days the headlines focused on the judging of the pairs figure skating competition. Now, most observers thought the Canadian skaters' flawless performance had won them the gold medal. But, much to almost everyone's surprise, the gold went to the Russian skaters. There was some evidence of deal-making between judges and that might have influenced the results. Commentators discussed how similar judging improprieties had actually shown up in other world class skating competitions over the years. Although the Olympic Committee later decided to award duplicate gold medals to both the Canadians and the Russians, that judging controversy - as well as some others - raised a lot of questions about Olympic judging and Olympic results.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Only Judge You Have to Impress."

Now, when the judging is not impartial, athletes can be cheated out of the reward or the medal that they deserve. For a time, at least, it seemed that those Canadian skaters didn't get the reward they had coming. Of course, you don't have to be in the Olympics to have that experience. So many good things that people do - maybe things you've done - go unrewarded ... unappreciated ... even misjudged by people.

It's great to know, though, that there is no way you're going to ultimately be cheated out of the real reward you deserve. And that's important to know to keep you from discouragement, defeat, and resentment when your human judges aren't getting it right.

In Colossians 3:23, 24, our word for today from the Word of God, we're reminded about the only Judge that we have to impress. It may be coming at a time when you need to refocus on Who it is you're doing all this for. God says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Man, that helps me put things in perspective! The One whose opinion is the only opinion that really counts knows everything you're doing. He judges it fairly and He will make sure you receive the reward you deserve - no matter what other people think of what you're doing. That's why you work with all your heart on whatever you have to do. That's why you keep going when nobody's saying thanks, when you're not being fairly compensated, when no one seems to notice, no one seems to care. You just look up and say, "This is for You, Jesus." It isn't the church you're doing it for, or the pastor, or your boss, even your family or even the people you're trying to help - you're doing it for Jesus.

It is the "Lord Christ" you are serving. And if you're pleasing Him, there is no way you're going to go unrewarded, unnoticed, or unappreciated. In fact, you'll probably end up getting ... no, you'll surely end up getting, a lot more reward than you deserve! Jesus said that the servant who is faithful in a few things will be made ruler over many things! Jesus is why you keep skating ... Jesus is why you don't turn negative ... Jesus is why you don't give up. He is the only Judge you have to impress - and Jesus is the only One whose rewards are really worth your very best!

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft

April 30, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: A bright, happy soul, rejoicing in all God's gifts, seeing cause for thankfulness and gladness in every.thing, counting up mercies rather than trials, looking at the bright side, even of sickness, bereavement, and death--what a very fountain of goodness and love of Christ such an one is! I remember one who, worn with sickness and sleepless nights, answered to the question if the nights did not seem interminable: "Oh no, I lie still, and count up my blessings!" - H. L. Sidney Lear

Super Conquerors

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:37 (NIV)

hupernikao - "more than conquerors" from huper (over, above, super - from which we get our English word "hyper") and nikao (to conquer, prevail, get the victory)

According to this verse, believers in Jesus Christ are "hyper-conquerors" or "super conquerors" --- so what does that mean for me?

The first picture which comes to my mind involves "cheat codes" in video games. If you know the right codes you can set up a video game so your character is impervious to all attacks and never dies. When I played "Legend of Zelda" with the cheat codes, Link became a super conqueror. There was no way I wasn't going to eventually beat all the bad guys and finish the game. Without those cheat codes I would have "died" repeatedly and may have even given up.

Does Jesus' presence in our lives make us impervious to everything we encounter? I can't say that since I've been a Christian I've NEVER felt pain or disappointment or struggled with my finances...but then again, playing Zelda with the cheat codes didn't give me an instantaneous victory in the game either; I still had to battle all the bad guys and find all the necessary items to complete my quest.

I believe what Paul meant by calling us "super conquerors" is that no matter what happens: sickness, disease, war, poverty, persecution, social rejection, other's sin against us and even our own sins---none of this can EVER separate us from the love of God. I once WAS separated by my sins...but through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ and in His resurrection I have been reconciled to the Father (2nd Corinthians 5:17-19) and nothing can come between me and God's love for me. Sickness will bring pain...death will cause me to grieve, poverty will make each day a challenge...but I have a promise from God that I will make it through to the end and that He will be there waiting for me...a guaranteed victory in Jesus. And this gives me hope...a hope which does not disappoint. (see Romans 5:1-5)

Gary Zanow
The Grace Cyber Cafe
www.new-mercies.org

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