THE CROSS EXAM DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVES

March 1, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: We are very shy nowadays of even mentioning Heaven. We are afraid of the jeer about "pie in the sky", and of being told that we are trying to "escape" from the duty of making a happy world here and now, into dreams of a better world elsewhere. But either there is "pie in the sky" or there is not. If there is not, then Christianity is false, for this doctrine is woven into its whole fabric. If there is, then this doctrine, like any other, must be faced, whether it is useful at political meetings or no.
- C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Problem of Pain

God's Abiding Love

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 1 Corinthians 4:18

Mount McKinley in Alaska, over 20,000 feet high, is the highest peak in North America. Compared in size, Calvary, although sometimes called a mount, is only a molehill. One hymn calls it a "green hill," but very likely it was a desolate knoll called the place of a skull when Jesus was crucified there. Yet Calvary, or Golgatha, as it is also known, towers above the world's tallest mountains. Because our Lord earned eternal salvation there for us all, it still will have meaning when every mountain range has vanished.

Every physical thing in our world, even a mountain, is temporary. Only the Word of God and the salvation in Christ that it promises are eternal. Saint Paul tells us, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). With our physical eyes we cannot see God and the love in His heart, but it is real. It outlasts mountains, the sea, and the sun. Through Isaiah the Lord tells us, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed" (Isaiah 54:10).

God's covenant of love and peace in Christ abides. 1 Corinthians 13 extols Christian love that outlasts prophecies, philosophic knowledge, and certain extraordinary gifts. God's love too abides, exceeding everything we have experienced or known.

This is a truth worth contemplating every day. We have troubles, problems, cares; they will disappear. God's love is steadfast. We do well to cling to it.

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

March 2, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The end of all my labors has come. All that I have written appears to me as much straw after the things that have been revealed to me. - Thomas Aquinas (1225?-1274)

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
- Hebrews 12:7

The following help-wanted ad for a garage foreman once appeared in a Saint Louis, Missouri, newspaper: "Qualifications: Patience of Job, leader of men, a lover of people, nerves of steel, six hands, twelve ears, ability to be in four places at once. Experience. See John H ..."

It is evident that the garage owner resorted to an over-statement, even to a touch of humor, in listing the qualifications. But he also made it plain that an employee will at all times be called upon to render services above and beyond the call of duty.

The Lord is that kind of an employer. When Jesus called 12 men to be His disciples and later His apostles, He didn't promise that "the livin' is easy" and the work always pleasant. Instead He said this: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

Christ's full-time workers today know that their work doesn't always fall into a neat, nine-to-five daily schedule. They are prepared to agree to the aforementioned qualifications of the garage foreman: "Patience of Job, leader of men, lover of people..."

So what else is new? This: Every Christian, as a servant of Jesus Christ, is expected to go above and beyond the call of duty, to extend him- or herself, to endure hardships, to be hassled and harassed in Christ's behalf and for the good of His brothers and sisters. Why are Christians willing to go the second, even the third and the fourth mile? Because they believe that this is what Jesus did in their behalf. He endured suffering, even death on the cross, for their eternal good.

Christ died also for you. You too can be that kind of a disciple.

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

March 3, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: According to Jesus, by far the most important thing about praying is to keep at it... Be importunate, Jesus says -- not, one assumes, because you have to beat a path to God's door before he'll open it, but because until you beat the path maybe there's no way of getting to your door. - Frederick Buechner

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Running Into Busyness"
1 Samuel 15:13

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It was a traumatic night for every member of our family. Karen and I had just returned from a mission trip to Haiti - and within minutes, Karen was in our bed, writhing in pain. We later learned that she had picked up a major case of gastroenteritis from something she ate just before leaving Haiti. It wasn't life-threatening, but later an emergency room nurse said that, in terms of the pain, "Dying is easier than this."

When our family doctor's remedies failed to bring Karen any relief, he had the emergency medical people come to take her to the emergency room. Now here's our three young children ... they are pretty overwhelmed by seeing a police car and ambulance, lights flashing, out in front - and their mother being carried out on a gurney. Our two youngest just stood in the hall watching with big eyes and the most pitiful expressions I think I had ever seen on their faces. Oh, but not our firstborn, no - in typical firstborn fashion, she dealt with it by going out in the kitchen and doing a mountain of dishes. That's the classic "don't deal with it, just get busy" approach.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Running Into Busyness."

And that's what we do sometimes when there's something we don't want to deal with - we just run into busyness. That's especially damaging when what we're running from is God and something He's wanting us to deal with.

King Saul tried it in our word for today from the Word of God in 1 Samuel 15, beginning with verse 13. God had given Saul clear orders to lead the Jewish army against the Amalekites, who had on several occasions defied and ambushed God's people and God's plans. Saul's orders were to destroy everything and everyone Amalekite. But Saul decided to keep their livestock, directly disobeying what his Lord had told him to do. God's messenger, Samuel, confronts Saul about his incomplete obedience, and the king says, "The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle (remember, that's totally against what God said) to sacrifice to the Lord your God." In other words, "Hey, we didn't do it God's way - but we're going to do something spiritual with it."

Well, God and Samuel didn't buy it. "Why did you not obey the Lord?" Samuel asked him. "Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?" In other words, all your religious talk, all your religious activity doesn't change the fact that you did not do what God said to do. Saul comes back rationalizing, like we do, saying the best of what he brought back was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God. Hey, can't I cover my failure to obey my Lord by doing some nice spiritual things? God's sobering answer through Samuel: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice."

Our daughter didn't want to deal with what was going on that night of Mom's medical emergency - so she just got busy. You may not want to face that sin of yours that God's been trying to get you to deal with - so you've just gotten busy. You're running around, doing all kinds of things for God - but you haven't really repented of that thing that has continually damaged your relationship with God ... and you ... and its probably damaged others. Spiritual activity can actually mask stubborn disobedience.

Working for the Lord is no substitute for obeying the Lord. So, maybe it's time for you to stop your religious running around and to begin to do what God really wants you to do - repent of the things that are breaking His heart.

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

March 4, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: The... task of the ministry is, not to undertake some specialist activity from which the rest of the faithful are excluded, but to pioneer in doing that which the whole church must do.
- Anthony T. Hanson (1916-1991), The Pioneer Church

Being Cherished

Several years ago, Edward Farrell, a priest from Detroit, went on a two-week summer vacation to Ireland to visit relatives. His one living uncle was about to celebrate his eightieth birthday. On the great day, Ed and his uncle got up early. It was before dawn. They took a walk along the shores of Lake Killarney and stopped to watch the sunrise. They stood side by side for a full twenty minutes and then resumed walking. Ed glanced at his uncle and saw that his face had broken into a broad smile. Ed said, "Uncle Seamus, you look very happy." "I am." Ed asked, "How come?" And his uncle replied, "The Father of Jesus is very fond of me."

If the question were put to you, "Do you honestly believe that God LIKES you?" - not loves you because theologically he must - how would you answer? God loves by necessity of his nature; without the eternal, interior generation of love, he would cease to be God. But if you could answer, "The Father is very fond of me," there would come a relaxedness, a serenity, and a compassionate attitude toward yourself that is a reflection of God's own tenderness. In Isaiah 49:15, God says: "Does a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you."

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5

Written by Brennan Manning
Taken from "Reflections For Ragamuffins"
Copyright 1998

March 5, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Let us begin, my brothers, for up to now we have done but little. - Francis of Assisi

The Book We Need

Scripture is God-breathed...so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

While it's interesting to know that "Gone with the Wind' is the only book Margaret Mitchell of Atlanta ever wrote, it's imperative to know that the Bible is the one and only Book God ever wrote. Of course, God did not write it with His own hand, for He is a Spirit. To get His book written, God employed a great many writers, from Moses, who wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, to Saint John the Divine, author of Revelation, the last New Testament book. He did not use the dictation method; if He had, all the writers would have written in the same style. God inspired the writers -- the prophets in the Old Testament, and the apostles in the new. As Saint Peter declares, "Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21) -- and wrote from God. Saint Paul adds, "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16).

We cannot know or explain the process of the Bible's divine inspiration, but we do know what the Bible is -- the Word of God -- and we know why it was written -- to instruct us for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Our Lord Himself said, "The Scriptures ... testify about Me" (John 56:39). They testify that Jesus Christ is God's Son, come into the world to die for our sins and to rise again.

Because the keynote of salvation is so clear in the Bible, it was not necessary for God to write other books on this theme. The one Holy Scripture is all we need. Whatever is clearly and concisely stated in creeds, confessions, and catechisms is drawn from the Bible; they are not bibles to be added to the Bible.

The Bible is the one book God wrote -- we certainly need it so that we can find the road to heaven through faith in Christ and so that we may know how to lead God-pleasing lives in this present world. No other book from the pens or typewriters of human authors can ever replace the Bible.

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

March 6, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: There has been a tendency of late to interpret alienation from faith in intellectual rather than experiential terms. Academically oriented Christians especially tend to think that the barriers to faith should be removed by repackaging the content of the message in a way more congenial to the modern outlook. But it is quite possible that we are dealing not so much with a failure of intellect as with an alienation from the experiential roots of Christianity itself so amply attested in the New Testament. - Clark H. Pinnock (1937- ), Reason Enough

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

In the fifty months I have served here as pastor, I have heard over and over again about a ministry called "Rolling Hills Ministries". As many of you know, this organization predominately does work in two areas -- resort ministry in state parks and disaster relief ministry wherever they are needed.

During two of our Vacation Bible Schools, we have given our missions offering for the week to support the disaster relief work of Rolling Hills. We even had the director of the ministry, David Abernathy, speak to our children during both of these years.

A few weeks ago, David spoke to me about Rolling Hills receiving permission to restart weekly worship services at our own Lake Bistineau State Park and sought a commitment from our church to be involved. I told him we would.

In November and December of 2001, David led two groups of volunteers in assisting the Salvation Army in relief work at Ground Zero, in New York City. Two weeks ago, many in our area had the privilege of hearing David as he spoke about this work at our Associational Missions Rally. He talked about sights, sounds, and smells that he would never forget. He shared about individuals that they had ministered to and lives they saw effected by their presence. He even spoke of how his own life has been permanently changed by the experience.

I mention all this because David is in tremendous need today. As many of you know, at the end of last week his gall bladder ruptured as a result of having experienced gangrene. Earlier today, I learned that he is also dealing with a staph infection in his lungs. He is in an ICU unit in West Monroe.

David leads a ministry that touches strangers. Under his direction, hundreds of volunteers have ministered to thousands of people they didn't previously know. They cleaned dust infested apartments near the World Trade Center site. They have told little boys and girls about Jesus during day camps at our parks. Why? David understands that when we minister unto the least of people, we also do it unto Jesus.

I write today to enlist volunteers to intercede on behalf of David's crisis. As he has labored for countless hours seeking to bring others to Jesus, I ask you, his brothers and sisters, to fervently raise his name before the throne of grace.

Just as David and his crew were willing to fly to New York to work from Christmas Day through New Years Day, today he calls on you to answer the call for his need. LIFT UP DAVID TO JESUS!!!

Looking for Miracles,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

March 7, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Those who flee temptation usually leave a forwarding address. - Lane Olinghouse

How to Deal with Temptation Wisely
1 Corinthians 10:12-13

A popular response to temptation has made waves in the Christian community in recent years. This method of resistance makes perfect sense-flee from the temptation.

On its face, this is a perfectly understandable response. After all, removing yourself from compromising situations is crucial to maintaining solid Christian character. However, simple flight is not the ultimate answer. Unfortunately, fleeing temptation is only a temporary solution. One way or another, that old temptation will always seem to find you, wherever you have fled.

The idea of fleeing from Satan's ploys is a slight distortion of biblical counsel. Rather than running away from Satan, Scripture instructs, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers have the ability to send Satan himself running in terror.

Also, it is important for Christians to remember that temptation is not a problem that we can solve ourselves, by fleeing or any other manner. Instead, we need deliverance from temptation. Jesus taught, "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13).

Evil is a God-sized problem. Thinking that we have within ourselves any means to defeat it negates the need for a Savior. We cannot win this spiritual war; however, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus has already secured the victory. When temptation comes, remove yourself from the situation, but also stand firm in the Lord. Remember, you are part of the victorious army.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 8, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I'd like people to remember me as someone who was good at his job and seemed to mean what he said. - James Stewart

Gotta Love 'Em

Gotta love 'em! Have you ever used that phrase? It's normally used in a condescending way towards those who irritate, annoy or otherwise upset our perfect existence. Gotta love 'em - heh! ...or, gotta love 'em - (sigh).

And you know what? We DO gotta love 'em! That's what separates Christ's followers from everyone else in the world. We love those who don't deserve to be loved...just like Jesus loved us though we don't deserve it. We forgive those who hurt us...just as Jesus forgave us through His suffering and death --- which we caused!

"Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us..." --- how can we withold that love from anyone else as if they are any less deserving of unconditional love than we are?

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His One and Only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:7-12

Gotta love 'em, cuz He first loved us. Amen!

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

March 9, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I was naive enough to think I could talk about spiritual issues in my songs within the church. I wanted to ask questions, push the boundaries, and they wanted me to say that I'd found all the answers. I just don't think life is that simple. True spirituality is much bigger than that.
- Leslie (Sam) Phillips (performing artist)

Wisdom for the Trials of Life
James 1:1-8, 12

The apostle Paul knew something about pain and turmoil. During his ministry, he was hunted, imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, and mocked. His fellow Jews branded him a traitor, and he was often scorned or not trusted by his Christian brothers. Paul faced the worst that life had to offer, yet he retained the joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus.

Unfortunately, many new believers assume that the saving work of Christ in their lives will prevent them from experiencing times of trials and troubles. Paul, however, disagrees.

In 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, Paul illuminates the pain often associated with discipleship. Dispelling the illusion that Christians are spared hardships, Paul instead praises God for those times in which His power is revealed in human weakness.

In verse 7, Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves." The NIV translates "earthen vessels" as "jars of clay." The image here is of the unimaginable power of God being poured into fragile, cracked containers: you and me.

God's glory is not revealed in spite of our brokenness, but rather through our brokenness. Just as a cracked jar will seep water, so will the power of God leak out from our fractured lives.

Do not be ashamed of your "cracks." Rather, examine yourself to discover how God may be more fully revealed to you and others through your hardships.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 10, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: God is too wise not to know all about us, and what is really best for us to be, and to have. And He is too good, not to desire our highest good; and too powerful, desiring, not to effect it. If, then, what He has appointed for us does not seem to us the best, or even to be good, our true course is to remember that He sees further than we do, and that we shall understand Him in time, when His plans have unfolded themselves; meanwhile casting all our care upon Him, since He careth for us. - Henry Parry Liddon

Life's Great Liberator
Luke 4:14-30

Cattle ranchers know all too well that the barbed-wire fences designed to protect their livestock can become dangerous traps for curious animals. In an effort to reach grass that is just outside of the fence, cows often poke their heads between the twisted wires and become entangled in their razor-sharp snares.

At this point of entrapment, the cow is generally helpless. Though it may pull and thrash, the barbs only dig deeper into its flesh. It must now cry out for help. A seasoned rancher will be able to quiet the animal and carefully release it from its place of bondage.

Though it may not be quite as obvious, we, too, can become deeply entangled in the world's snares. Many times "traps" can exist deep within the hearts of those around us. Inner struggles can often prove to be more painful and destructive than external trials.

How wonderful it is to know that we have a "seasoned rancher" in our lives! Jesus is often referred to as the Good Shepherd, and for good reason.

Throughout the Bible we are likened to sheep-in need of direction and rescue. Jesus came to earth to physically, spiritually, and emotionally experience our trials first hand. He came to answer our cries of help and to release us from the barbs of the Evil One.

When the devil tries to ensnare you, there is no need to fight, struggle, and thrash. Instead, be still and call out to the attentive Good Shepherd. He is tends to His flock faithfully and will be there for you in your time of need.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 11, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain thee"--burden and all. "Thee" is the greatest burden that thou hast! All other burdens are but slight, but this is a crushing burden. But when we come to the Lord with our burden, He just lifts up His child, burden and all, and bears him all the way home.
- Charles A. Fox

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Amnesia Of Success"
Hosea 13:4

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In early 2002, Ford Motor Company made a dramatic announcement. Because of serious financial setbacks, they were launching a restructuring plan that would cut out 35,000 jobs - about one-tenth of their entire work force! They announced the closing of several of their major plants and the discontinuing of four of their automobiles, including that symbol of luxury, the Lincoln Continental. The new Chairman of Ford made the announcement - William, the great-grandson of the legendary Henry Ford. In his words, these steps were "painful but necessary." Then, with pretty bold candor, he summarized how this had happened. He said, "We strayed from what got us to the top of the mountain, and it cost us greatly."

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

I heard those words, and I thought, "How many times have we all made that mistake - in our relationship with God?" As you read through the Bible, it's clear that God's children have struggled with this for a long time.

Take our word for today from the Word of God, for example, in Hosea 13, beginning with verse 4. Be careful - it could turn out to be a mirror that shows you what's really going on in your life right now. The Bible says, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but Me, no Savior except Me. I cared for you in the desert, in this land of burning heat." Now here comes the wakeup call. "When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; and then they forgot Me."

That is the amnesia of success. God delivers us, cares for us, and brings us into a season of success, of victory, of results, of progress. But instead of that making us more humble and more grateful, and more dependent on God than we've ever been, we start to take the wheel ourselves. "Thanks for the help, God - I think I can drive from here." And that's where we subtly start to change who's running things from the Lord to ourselves. Oh, your theology is the same, but your life is more about me-ology than theology. You still go to the meetings, you give in the offerings, you serve on the committees, you live a decent life. It's just that you're no longer relying on God like you did when God was all you had. In reality, you're relying on yourself - your effort, your plans, your skills, your judgment. And the humility of God-reliance is turning into the pride of self-reliance.

But it was God who got you to the top of this mountain! If you forget what - if you forget Who - got you to the top of the mountain, it will cost you greatly. God said to His ancient people, "Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you." (Deuteronomy 28:47-48)

You sought the Lord. You trusted the Lord. You surrendered to the Lord when there was no way you could miss how much you needed Him. But now, because of His goodness, it's easy to forget how much you still need Him ... to give Him all the glory ... to leave the steering wheel in His hands. Please, don't forget how you got the success, the results, the recognition, the opportunities you have now. These aren't your achievements - they're God's gifts!

You gave Him everything when you had nothing. Now that you have more, keep giving Him everything. In reality, you need Him more now than you ever have!

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

March 12, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Those who talk about others to us will talk about us to others. - Unknown

How to Handle Conflict and Criticism Wisely
Philippians 1:12-18

Did you hear about what Susan told Becky? Do you know how Rob broke up with Kim? You will never guess what is going on between Chris and Debra!

How many stories have you heard lately that started like this? Do these statements or questions spark your interest? For some reason, people feel quite comfortable being drawn into discussions about the private matters of others.

Gossip is a disease that often runs rampant in the workplace, social circles, and the Church. Not only does this represent a sincere lack of respect for others, it also portrays a glaring spiritual problem.

Proverbs 20:19 instructs, "He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip." In his famous list of grievous sins, Paul includes gossip as being as dangerous as murder, strife, greed, and hating God. (Romans 1:28-32) Why is it that we so enjoy the intimate details of other people's lives?

Gossip takes our attention away from our own faults and deficiencies. Jesus asked, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3). The next time you are tempted to delve into someone else's privacy, stop and ask God to reveal what He would have you see in your own life. You may discover a "log" that you never noticed before.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 13, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: With this sweet hope of ultimate acceptance with God, I have always enjoyed much cheerfulness before men; but I have at the same time laboured incessantly to cultivate the deepest humiliation before God. I have never thought that the circumstance of God's having forgiven me was any reason why I should forgive myself; on the contrary, I have always judged it better to loathe myself the more, in proportion as I was assured that God was pacified towards me (Ezekiel 16:63) - Charles Simeon (1759-1836)

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

This morning, I was reading Acts 3 about the crippled man who is healed by Peter and John. As you recall the story, you'll remember that this crippled man had been unable to walk since his birth and spent much of his time at the gates of the temple begging for money. The narrative tells us that this needy fellow was brought each day to the gate by some friends who are not described in the story.

This guy is in quite a helpless position. He has no means of making a legitimate living and in order to beg he still requires the assistance of others.

This reminded me of a laboratory test that I read about last week in the book "If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat" (p.158) by John Ortberg.

He writes, "Martin Seligman was a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960's when he stumbled onto an interesting phenomenon called 'learned helplessness'. It happened when some dogs were given slight electric shocks over which they had no control--no matter what the dogs did, they could not stop the shocks. The shocks simply stopped at random."

"Later the dogs were placed in a situation where they could easily stop the shocks. They were put in a box that had a low barrier in the middle of it; all they had to do was step over the barrier to the other side and the shocks would stop. Ordinarily dogs learn to do this very quickly. When they are shocked, they start jumping around and discover that crossing the barrier brings relief. However, these previously shocked dogs had apparently learned something different--they 'learned' that they were powerless to stop the shocks. They came to believe that no matter how hard they tried, nothing they did would make a difference. So they stopped trying. They lay down and refused to move even though a few steps would have made all the difference in the world."

"Seligman describes the phenomenon this way: 'Learned helplessness is the giving up reaction, the quitting response that follows from the belief that whatever you do doesn't matter.'"

The crippled beggar in Acts 3 must have had a good case of "learned helplessness". It wouldn't be hard to get this way after concluding that you would never walk again, hold a respectable job, or accomplish anything significant in life other than depending on the generosity of strangers for the necessities of life.

What happens next is that two men of God, Peter and John, hear his helpless plea and give him what he thought was beyond hope -- HEALING. They extend their hands and lift him up for the first walk of his life. He likes the walking so much that he begins to jump. He's so excited by all that God has done that he makes what is likely his first entrance into the temple courts and praises God.

In the matter of a single afternoon, a man's entire outlook on life is changed. His social status transforms from beggar to believer, hurt to healed.

How many of you that are staring at this screen can relate to the crippled beggar and hopeless dogs? Do you go through life with a "what's the use" mentality? You may have met Jesus some time ago, but your situations have gotten much larger than your Savior. If this is your story, then it is time to get up on your feet and walk into the temple of God -- HIS PRESENCE. Give Him your helplessness and allow the Lord Jesus to be your helper. Surrender to Him and allow the Master to put a hop back into your steps and praise back onto your lips.

Some of you need to respond differently. You spend a lot of time going to the temple, yet you pass up helpless beggars without thinking about it. It's time for you to bring healing to the lives of people by lifting them up and taking them to where Jesus is. Be an agent of change for those who need a new start by offering yourself as a crutch to help them stand.

What was the result? The passage ends with these words, "When all the people saw him...they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."

Jesus is still in the healing business. He heals souls, bodies, families, and nations. Therefore, let's takes Peter's words to heart, "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Walking with a hop in my step,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

March 14, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Christ chargeth me to believe His daylight at midnight. - Samuel Rutherford

Response to God's Welcome

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

America's welcome on the Statue of Liberty reads, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Since the time this was written, conditions have changed considerably, and America's welcome to refugees has been muted.

One welcoming invitation that will never change is that of Jesus, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Countries can become so overpopulated and jobs so scarce that newcomers are no longer wanted, but the kingdom of God always has room. More than that, it offers to all the same privileges and gifts of grace. Seniority is not a factor. While God does indeed desire and bless persons for their long-term, faithful services in His kingdom, He does not exclude recent converts from the blessings of salvation. A place in Paradise awaited even the penitent thief on the cross. Though a last-minute convert, he joined all the faithful in the same hymn of praise to Christ for redeeming them with His blood.

As you read your Bible, you find many "come" invitations -- "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters" (Isaiah 55:1); "Come to the wedding banquet" (Matthew 22:4; "He who comes to Me will never go hungry" (John 6:35); "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take of the free gift of the water of life" (Revelation 22:17).

Charlotte Elliott -- and all who sing her hymn -- respond to that invitation by saying, "O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

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

March 15, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: You can't appreciate the miracle of the sunrise unless you 've waited in the darkness.
- Unknown

Walking Through the Darkness with God
Genesis 37-50

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when it seemed like your whole world was shattered? Maybe a loved one passed away, a spouse left home, or you or someone close to you was diagnosed with a serious illness. No one-not even committed Christians-are exempt from these dark times of life.

It has been said that the greatest growth in the Christian's spiritual life occurs during periods of darkness. How can this be so? How can any good come out of the most hideous horrors imaginable?

First, hard times prevent us from thinking of ourselves as invulnerable. A hard fact of life is that we cannot do everything by ourselves; in fact, according to Scripture, we can do nothing apart from Christ. (John 15:5)

Second, life-shattering hardships cause us to fall at the foot of the cross with open, empty hands. God is not impressed with how much we can handle "on our own;" rather, He desires us to come to Him utterly broken, realizing that He alone can restore our lives. (Psalm 51:17)

Third, the darkest life is the one that is affected most by the light of Christ. Just as a single candle has tremendous impact on a dark room, so does the blazing light of Jesus illuminate our hearts.

Pray for a clearer understanding of the hardships in your life, so that you may be better prepared to accept the grace that God desires to pour out.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 16, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Our present joys are sweeter for past pain; To Love and Heaven by suffering we gain.
- George Granville

Standing in the Storm
Psalm 62 "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken . . ." - Psalm 62:1-2

This moving passage can bring to mind many images, but a favorite may be a photograph of a tiny bird wedged into a small crevasse within a rocky cliff. Just outside his hiding place, a brutal storm rages. Strong winds and rain beat down, upturning leaves and breaking tree branches. Yet, the bird is safe and still and his life is spared, thanks to the solid rock around him.

Can you recall a time in your life when it seemed as if you would be blown away by a physical or emotional storm?Think back to what you did in response to this trial. Did you venture out into its midst or retreat into the shelter of God's protective arms?

When the next storm blows into your life, remember the words of Psalm 62. Give special attention to the phrase, "my soul waits in silence for God only." In the photograph mentioned above, the bird was not chirping and fretting. Instead he was resting quietly until the storm passed. His confidence was in the source of his protection, and he did not need to panic.

Though God always hears our cries of distress, we can be assured that once we call for Him, He will be with us. We can release our anxieties and rest in Him until the storms die down.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 17, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: He who has not forgiven an enemy has not yet tasted one of the most sublime enjoyments of life. - Johann K. Lavater (1741-1801)

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Investing Where You Cannot Lose"
I Timothy 6:17

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It seems as if almost no one could foresee the impending collapse of energy giant, Enron. People continued to invest in Enron right up to the announcement of their financial crisis. Many of their employees have been seriously hurt by the possible loss of their retirement funds that they'd invested in the company. Many outside investors have lost everything they invested. One news report indicated that virtually all investment analysts were recommending investing in Enron almost to the end. The scope of the financial disaster may be unfolding for years. Who could have guessed that this seemingly rock-solid investment could turn out to be worth nothing in the end?

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Investing Where You Cannot Lose."

In a sense, any earth-concern or earth-stuff we invest in is going to turn out to be worth nothing in the end - even if our financial dividends and profits continue to grow. But "in the end" means "eternity" - where only things that last forever will prove to have been life's most profitable investments.

In our word for today from the Word of God in I Timothy 6, beginning with verse 17, God talks about those who "put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain" - hey, even our headlines remind us how true that is. God goes on to say, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves, as a firm foundation for the coming age..." God directs us to invest our time, our money, our energies in things that will last forever. Like people's lives.

You may not be getting rich. In fact, you may barely be making it. Maybe your name is virtually unknown and the work you do largely unnoticed. But if you're really affecting the lives of people around you, you are building up a stock portfolio in Heaven, Incorporated that's going to make you an eternal millionaire! The impact of your life isn't measured by the size of your bank account or the title on your business card - it's the number of lives who will say about you in heaven, "He or she made the difference for me!"

As our children left for school each morning, I would tell them to "GO MAD" that day. No, I wasn't encouraging them to be insane. They knew that "GO MAD" means "Make A Difference." God didn't put you here primarily to make money, to make friends, to make an impression. He put you here to make a difference! If you're not investing your best in that, then you're missing what you're here for! And there is no greater difference you can make for someone than to help them be in heaven with you forever - by telling them about Jesus.

Ray Boltz has a song that has really touched a lot of us over the last few years. It's about people who have given quietly to the Lord's work, who have faithfully taught their Sunday School class, or have said a word for the Lord. The song "Thank You" paints this beautiful picture of people you've unknowingly touched, either directly or indirectly, coming up to you in heaven and thanking you for helping them to be there.

Recently, a friend of mine was asked to sing that song at his grandparents' funeral - they went home to heaven with just a couple of days between their partings. It was hard for him to get through that chorus - "Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. I am so glad you gave." But on the final chorus of that song, Steve looked down at his grandparents' caskets and sang - "Thank you for giving to the Lord." Then, with his heart and his eyes full, he said "I am a life that was changed!" Will there be people who will say that about you?

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

March 18, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Do not, as is usually the case, thrust the care of the common weal upon your neighbor; then, as each one in his own thoughts makes light of the matter, all find to their surprise that they have drawn upon themselves by their neglect a personal misfortune. - Basil the Great (330?-379)

At The Center Of The Gospel

Jesus Christ is not only the center of the gospel but the whole gospel. The four evangelists never focus on another personality. Fringe people stay on the fringe, marginal men remain on the periphery. No one else is allowed to take center stage. Various individuals are introduced only to interrogate, respond, or react to Jesus. Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, Peter, Thomas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and a score of others are background to the person of Jesus. He dwarfs everyone else. This is at it should be, because the New Testament is a time of salvation. When the final curtain falls, Jesus will upstage all the famous, beautiful, and powerful people who have ever lived in the course of human history. Every person will be seen as responding to Jesus. As T.S. Eliot put it, "O my soul, be prepared to meet him who knows how to ask questions." This is the proper theological understanding of the New Testament and the eschatological Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Since we live by the Spirit, let is keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25

Written by Brennan Manning
Taken from "Reflections For Ragamuffins"
Copyright 1998

March 19, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul" (Psalm 19:7). Most laws condemn the soul and pronounce sentence. The result of the law of my God is perfect. It condemns but forgives. It restores -- more than abundantly -- what it takes away. - Jim Elliot

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Platform You've Been Given"
Genesis 50:20

He had been a stock boy in a grocery store ... and then one of those rare football players who isn't drafted but just shows up one day and gets a job. Kurt Warner went on, of course, to become the quarterback of the St. Louis Rams, leading them to the Super Bowl two out of three years ... and, of course, becoming the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Now, that would be enough for most people. But not for Kurt Warner. He's got a bigger goal - at least according to what he told Sports Illustrated he would like as what he called his "football epitaph" - "Used his football platform to work for Jesus."

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Platform You've Been Given."

Here's one follower of Jesus Christ who understands why he is where he is - to make a mark for his Lord. And you're where you are for the same reason.

No, you probably don't have a platform that touches millions - the kind a Super Bowl ring gives you. But, believe me, you do have a platform, given to you by God. The reason? "To work for Jesus." That's what the Bible is talking about when it says that "we are Christ's ambassadors." (II Corinthians 5:20)

And God uses your abilities and interests and life experiences to put you in a position in other people's lives that can literally change their eternal address. It's obvious that the Old Testament hero, Joseph, understood this divine platform thing. You can hear it in his words recorded in Genesis 50:20, our word for today from the Word of God. The Lord built Joseph's platform through the brutal attack of his brothers, his being sold into Egyptian slavery, his first job in Egypt, and then two years in prison for something he didn't do.

Ultimately, Joseph is divinely maneuvered into being the assistant Pharaoh of Egypt; possibly the second most powerful man in the world. And just in time. His God-given wisdom leads him to a plan that ends up saving many people during a terrible seven-year famine. He's a champion, a hero in his country, to an even greater extent than any modern sports champion. Here's what Joseph says to his brothers about where God has placed him - "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good ... the saving of many lives."

Joseph was where he was so lives could be saved. That's why you are where you are. So people who know you, who are influenced by you, can meet your Savior and have their lives saved forever. Your platform for spiritual rescue is the job God has placed you in, or the pain you're going through or have gone through, the place where you live, the children God gave you, the recreation, the activities you're involved in. From heaven's viewpoint, the #1 reason you are there is so you will be in a position to take some people there to heaven with you!

It's a whole new way of seeing the everyday activities of your life - they are actually God's means of divinely positioning you with the folks there to let them see what Jesus is like in what you're like ... and to hear what He did for them when He died on the cross. Don't miss the purpose for which you've been placed where you are!

So are you using your platform to work for Jesus to do what Jesus came for - to "seek and save the lost"? (Luke 19:10) He's put you - His personal ambassador - in some places here on earth so some of the people there can have a chance at heaven.

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

March 20, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I shall think it mercy to my soul, if my faith shall out-watch all this winter-night, and not nod or slumber, till my Lord's summer-day dawn upon me. - Samuel Rutherford, letter (1637)

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

A few weeks ago, my wife and I bought our oldest son a game for our home computer called "Roller Coaster Tycoon". Basically, the object of the game is to design and upkeep amusement parks so that they make money and attract customers. You have to hire employees, purchase property, build rides and attractions, and even make sure the guests have adequate bathroom facilities.

From personal experience, the game is addictive. I have spent a few sessions on the computer where I got on just to relax and two hours later realized it was midnight.

One of the interesting features of the game is your ability to hear the opinions of the park's patrons. By clicking on them individually, you can find out such things as "happiness", "hunger", and "excitement". They will even share their opinion on the cost of admission and the price of hamburgers. Therefore, everything I do in the game is done with the purpose of making the customers pleased with their visit to my park.

After playing it a few times, I couldn't help but wonder how this applied to the church. I thought about how wonderful,and yet potentially frightening, it would be to click on people on Sunday and be able to hear their opinions. More specifically, I thought about those who were visiting our church. What kind of impression did we make? Did God speak to their heart? Did they see enough of Jesus in what we did to bring them back?

Some time ago, I heard a speaker state that first time visitors to a church determine their opinion of the congregation, and their willingness to return, within the first 12 minutes. As a pastor, this bothered me a little because it suggests that my preaching is less significant to first timers than I thought. For new people, the issue has more to do with how they are accepted, loved, greeted, and made to feel at home than the traditional focus on "The Message". It is true that significant preaching will cause people to stay in a church over time, but early on it has more to do with belonging and fitting in.

If we clicked on visitors in our church, what would we hear? Would they say, "These people aren't very friendly", or "I feel like I've known these folks all my life"?

In James 2, we see a picture of two visitors coming to church. One is wealthy and well dressed and the other is clearly poor and shabbily dressed. The higher class fellow is offered a prominent seat, but the other is invited to sit on the floor. Unfortunately, James doesn't click on the two visitors to get their opinions, but he does give God's opinion. In verse 9 he says, "...if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

Please understand that on a given Sunday God may bless my message, anoint the singing, and have his Holy Spirit descend on the service, but in such an environment a visitor could leave, never to return, because those who sat near them acted as if they didn't exist. They could experience a warm welcome from God, but a cold response from man.

Let me encourage you to prepare your message each Sunday before you come. This message may only be heard by a few, but it could make all the difference in the world. It is a message of the eyes, the smile, the handshake, and the warm embrace. It may take on words, such as, "It is so wonderful to meet you and your family." It might also come through the gesture of giving up your seat so that a Mom, Dad and kids can sit together.

Unlike "Roller Coaster Tycoon", what we do at church has eternal consequences. It's a great privilege. It's a great responsibility. It's the calling of my life and I thank God for depending on me to fulfill it.

Seeking to be used by the King,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

March 21, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: It is much better to be drawn by the joys of heaven, than driven by the sorrows of earth.
- Anonymous

Following Christ
Matthew 4:18-23

What has Jesus asked you to surrender in your devotion to Him? Has He called you into a radical new life, or has He simply brought about countless subtle changes in your lifestyle?

Unfortunately, the call of Christ is rejected by many, many people, several of whom may honestly desire the changes that Christ can effect. Simply yearning for an improved life, however, is no prescription for change.

The Lord comes to different people at different times. For example, Matthew 4:18-23 tells of Jesus' introduction to His first disciples, Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John. These four men were simply going about their daily business of fishing when Jesus approached them with the simple call, "Follow Me." Leaving their homes, families, and businesses behind, these four demonstrated radical obedience by immediately joining their lives to Christ.

In contrast is the story of the Rich Young Man in Matthew 19:16-26. Unlike the original disciples, this man actually sought Jesus out, yearning to be with Him. However, once he was actually confronted with Christ, the man realized that the cost was too great. Unable to surrender his worldly wealth at Jesus' instruction, this man "went away grieving" (19:22).

Would your own devotion to Jesus be characterized by the radical obedience of the disciples, or the rich man's mournful rejection of Christ? Ask God today to reveal anything in your life that could obstruct Jesus' call.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 22, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Now I do begin to be a disciple of my Master, Christ. - Ignatius of Antioch, as he was thrown into a den of lions.

(Even if you don't read the Bible through in a year, please read Psalm 91 anyway... it's powerful!)

Following Christ
Matthew 4:18-23

As a child, did you ever play the game "Follow the Leader"? It is a harmless activity in which one child is designated as the "leader" and the other children must line up and follow wherever the leader goes. Most children enjoy this game, unless the leader treks where the others do not want to venture.

Is this how you view your walk with Christ? Are you simply following the leader when it is enjoyable, productive, or safe?

In Matthew 20:20-23, the mother of James and John approaches Jesus and requests that her sons sit at places of honor in the kingdom of heaven. Knowing the implications of this request, Jesus responds, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" (20:22). The "cup" refers to the cup of suffering, which Jesus would soon experience. He knew that ultimate devotion to Him would cost the highest price. Therefore, He simply asks James and John, "Can you really follow the leader that far?"

Church history reveals the answer. According to Acts 12:2, James was the first of the apostles to be martyred. One by one, the others were killed as they went about their mission, with the exception of John, who died in exile.

If Jesus were to ask you today if you were willing to drink His cup of suffering, what would you say? Exactly how far would you be willing to follow your Leader?

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 23, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain thee--burden and all. "Thee" is the greatest burden that thou hast! All other burdens are but slight, but this is a crushing burden. But when we come to the Lord with our burden, He just lifts up His child, burden and all, and bears him all the way home.
- Charles A. Fox

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Turf Wars"
I Corinthians 1:10

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Our friends recently got a new horse - number five of the little herd they have in their barn and pasture. And this one is the biggest of the lot - half Morgan, half Belgian, for those to whom that means anything. As soon as she was let out of her corral for the first time, it was interesting to watch the social interaction in the Pasture Club. The smallest horse - a strong-minded Arabian horse came up real close to the new girl on the block, pushing to see who would be in charge. The answer: a swift kick in the hindquarters. Well, the next couple of hours was an equine soap opera as each horse asserted their claim to their turf and maneuvered for dominance - and to be sure who was the herd boss in this new arrangement.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Turf Wars."

This all sounds strangely familiar for someone who's reading - maneuvering for position, for dominance, establishing turf, fighting for turf. Except it's not a horse pasture we're talking about in this case. It may be your church ... your office ... your ministry - pushing for turf. It may be turf issues, ego issues, control issues that threaten to divide your church - or that are keeping churches and ministries from working together in Jesus' name.

Unfortunately, turf wars are not something new. Paul was addressing them with the Corinthian church in the first century. In our word for today from the Word of God, I Corinthians 1, beginning in verse 10, it says, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." Well, it's clear that Christ is expecting us to be working together harmoniously, not working against one another contentiously.

He goes on to address what he calls "quarrels among you." Here come the turf wars. "One of you says: 'I follow Paul.' Another, 'I follow Apollos.' Another, 'I follow Cephas.' Still another, (now here comes the really spiritual group) 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?" Division and dissension start when people forget that it's all about Jesus and start to make it all about themselves.

It must have greatly hurt Jesus to hear his disciples arguing over who would be the greatest in His kingdom on the very night He had told them He was going to die. Jesus answered by saying "he who is least among you all - he is the greatest." (Luke 9:48) And then by taking a towel and basin and doing the dirty job of washing their feet.

But the horses in God's herd start polarizing and maneuvering and playing control games when our agenda becomes more important than God's agenda (of course, we always think our agenda is God's agenda), where there's jealousy, when we go to others with our issues rather than to the person involved, when power and pride and position become our real motivations, when winning replaces Biblical submitting. And sadly, God's churches in a community are divided from one another by turf. Thus diluting the impact of the witness for Christ to a lost and dying world.

Fighting for turf and dominance - it doesn't bring out the best in horses and it surely doesn't bring out the best in God's children. In fact, it brings out our worst - and gives Satan a wide open door to undermine the work of Jesus Christ. The only turf war worth fighting is to fight against turf wars! Be sure you're a uniter, not a divider ... a servant, not a personality ... a healer, not a hurter - and just keep reminding folks that it's not about us - it's all about Jesus.

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

March 24, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: There is no other method of living piously and justly, than that of depending upon God.
- John Calvin

When We Feel Helpless
2 Chronicles 20

Have you ever been walking on the shore of a lake or ocean and discovered a fish that has recently been expelled from its watery home? It is a sad sight, really. Too far from the water's edge to throw itself back in the depth, the creature is doomed to flip and flop around on the shore in a panic-driven attempt to reach the saving waters. In such a situation, the fish is, without a doubt, utterly helpless.

Because the fish is unable to save itself, the only hope is for a passerby to notice its plight and help him back into the water. While the rescuer may not even realize his usefulness, this act is of utmost importance to the hapless fish. It was in a position of certain death; then, through no effort of its own, it was carried back into the safety of the waters.

Sometimes we, like the fish, find ourselves thrown to the rocks, unable to move. Family crises, problems at work, and broken relationships work to break apart our lives.

Lying on our backs, gasping for breath, God must see us much like we would see a struggling fish out of water. When everything has been stripped away and we are unable to rescue ourselves, take comfort in the One who sees your plight. His hands are big enough to lift us up, and He has already promised to carry us to safety.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 25, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.
- Mother Teresa

When We Feel Helpless
2 Chronicles 20

Charlie was a rambunctious little boy. He was not particularly athletic, and yet he always seemed to find ways get hurt. For Charlie, a simple game of Frisbee or a playtime on a swing set often ended in the emergency room.

The first injury was by far the worst. At four-years-old, Charlie discovered that he was not, in fact, a superhero. His first foray into leaping tall buildings in a single bound ended with a tragic fall from a wooden dresser, resulting in two broken arms and shoulder-high casts.

It was during this time in his young life that Charlie learned the hard reality of helplessness. Two heavy plaster casts (before the days of fiberglass) rendered his 48-pound body practically useless. He was unable to feed himself, sit up in a chair, roll over in bed, or do anything else by himself. Without the constant help, encouragement, and loving support of his mother, Charlie would have been in serious trouble!

How often do we, like Charlie, find ourselves in a situation that leaves us completely helpless? Humans were not created to survive independently from their Creator. Rather, God created mankind to be in relationship with Himself. There will be many times in life when we are unable to help ourselves out of trouble; the good news in Christ, however, is that we will never need to.

Written by Charles Stanley
www.intouch.org/
Copyright � 2000, IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

March 26, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: A man who is well-grounded in the testimonies of the Scripture is the bulwark of the Church. - St. Jerome

A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Will The Real You Please Stand Up?"
II Corinthians 5:17

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It was a TV show a long time ago, and it's a TV show again. The idea must still have some life in it! It's called "To Tell the Truth" - maybe you have seen it. Three contestants all tell the panel their name - and they all claim to be the same person. The host reads a little background on the person, and then it's up to the panel to try to figure out which one is the real one. The climactic moment comes when the host says, "Will the real Joe Shlobotnik please stand up?" They all shift in their chairs, but finally one stands up. The real one!

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Will The Real You Please Stand Up?"

For many people, the struggle to identify which person is really them is a deeply personal one - one that rages within us. It's very important that you decide which of three identities is really you. In fact, the identity you choose will determine much of how you make your life choices and whether you feel significant or insignificant.

Identity #1 is you, the victim. Now if you've been hurt, betrayed, maybe abused, or abandoned, or neglected, it's possible to live your life thinking of yourself as a victim. Which means you will spend much of your life feeling worthless, depressed, distrusting, maybe negative, or self-pitying. And your relationships, your decisions, your goals will all be shaped by choosing "victim" as your identity.

OK, Identity #2 is you, the sinner. While the victim focuses on their pain, the sinner focuses on their failures. You are frequently reliving the things you've done that were wrong - maybe very wrong, in some cases. If you decide that the "you" that is going to stand up is you, the sinner, you're also going to feel worthless much of the time ... and ashamed ... and never good enough. You'll accept and you'll expect a little life because you think that's all you deserve. And your shame will cause you to feel, "What's the use?" - and that will set you up for more and more mistakes.

But there's a third identity you can choose. It's spelled out in II Corinthians 5:17, our word for today from the Word of God. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" There is an amazing transformation that takes place when a person gives themselves to Jesus Christ - from that moment on they have the right, they have the spiritual power to live as a new person!

So if you belong to Jesus Christ, the real you is Identity #3 - new person in Jesus Christ! You don't have to be defined by your past pain. You don't have to be defined by your past sin. You are now defined by your relationship with Jesus - you are a child of God ... a servant of Christ ... and a Make A Difference person! Because you are forgiven ... you are clean ... you are free from the shackles of the past. You're about your future now, not your past! Don't miss, don't forget who you really are! It's time for the real you to stand up!

From today on, your life can be about whose you are - defined by your relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ - the Healer, the Forgiver of the past, and the author of a whole new beginning!

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

March 27, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: God the Father is the giver of Holy Scripture; God the Son is the theme of Holy Scripture; and God the Spirit is the author, authenticator, and interpreter of Holy Scripture. - J. I. Packer

Encouraging Word For The Week From Brother Steve

In life, most things that we work toward and achieve result in other good things occurring that were not our intended goal.

When I went to seminary, I started with one purpose -- a diploma. I was tired of school. I had gone directly from finishing a 4-year degree in college to moving into a two and a half year program at seminary. Therefore, I enrolled as a means to an end and began without a desire to learn. After my first year was finished, something changed within me. I developed a hunger to learn. I went from producing grades to embracing truth. School became fun. Books became attractive. I was finally developing into a student. This was not my goal, but it was probably a better result than the degree I finally received.

In 1992, Tammilee and I moved to Ottumwa, Iowa as church starters. We were both excited about the newness of the work and the challenge it would grant us. Little did we know it would be a major struggle on both the church level and the family level. This is not to say that God didn't bless the work, because He did. He built it through the fire. When we talk about our nearly fifteen years of marriage, we always reflect on Iowa. Tammilee likes to say that we got very close as a couple because we had no other human relationship we could ultimately depend upon but with each other. We went there to build a church. God used it to build a marriage.

As I write this, the Webster-Claiborne Freedom Crusade is half over. We've had two services and have two to go. God has truly blessed our efforts. Dozens have gotten saved. The word is getting around our community that something is happening. These last two meetings have the potential to show the glory of God beyond what we have already experienced.

Beyond all this, something has happened for me that I didn't even consider when the planning started many months ago. I have developed a love and appreciation for the area pastors that I have never known in my ministry. We have spent hours discussing the issues related to this meeting. We have cried together, wrestled over tough decisions. and then hung together in complete solidarity.

Yesterday morning, a large group of pastors met with our two guest evangelists and we had a prayer meeting where God showed up. If you've been to many prayer meetings, you know the difference between going through the motions and meeting with the Master. He was there. This was evidenced again by his moving in the service last night.

Our intention was that God would reach souls through the crusade. His plan was much bigger. He not only wanted to expand His kingdom, but to strengthen what He already had. Praise the Lord that His vision sees wider, farther and deeper than the limited understanding I possess.

How does this relate to you? Serve the Lord faithfully with what you possess and control and then allow Him to expand it according to what He possesses and controls. The outcome will be greater than you planned and you will experience God in the process.

Far too many people quit or don't try because they focus upon their limited resources and weakness. God loves weakness because it gives Him the ability to shine. It allows others to view a work that is beyond the scope of human achievement. The result is that Christ is lifted up and His people are encouraged.

I just want to praise the Lord for providing beyond the expectations of a man like me. When I'm weak, He is strong.

For the Glory of God,

Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA

March 28, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly.. who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never known neither victory nor defeat." - Teddy Roosevelt

Betrayal and faltering loyalty to Jesus:

Gospel Reading: John 13:21-38
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6

Jesus' disciples were put to the test as Jesus prepared to make the final and ultimate sacrifice of his own life for their sake and for all the world. What was different between Peter and Judas? Judas deliberately betrayed his Master while Peter, in a moment of weakness, denied him with an oath and a curse. Judas' act was cold and calculated. Peter, however, never meant to do what he did. He acted impulsively, out of weakness and cowardice. Jesus knew both the strength of Peter's loyalty and the weakness of his resolution. He had a habit of speaking with his heart without thinking through the implications of what he was saying. The treachery of Judas, however, is seen at its worst when Jesus makes his appeal by showing special affection to him at his last supper. John says that Satan entered into Judas when he rejected Jesus and left to pursue his evil course. Satan can twist love and turn it into hate. He can turn holiness into pride, discipline into cruelty, affection into complacency. We must be on our guard lest Satan turn us from the love of God and the path which God has chosen for us. The Holy Spirit will give us grace and strength in our time of testing. If we submit to Jesus we will walk in the light of his truth and love. If we turn our backs on him we will stumble and fall in the ways of sin and darkness. Are you ready to follow Jesus in his way of the cross?

The tragedy of the betrayal

Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14-25
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9

Why did Judas betray his Master? Was his treachery motivated by greed, bitter disappointment with Jesus or hatred because of disillusionment? It may be that Judas never intended for his Master to die. Maybe he thought Jesus was proceeding too slowly and not acting aggressively enough in setting up his messianic kingdom. Perhaps Judas wanted to force Jesus' hand by compelling him to act. Nonetheless, his tragedy was his refusal to accept Jesus as he was. Aren't we tempted to use God for our own purposes? It is not God who must change, but we must be changed by him. Jesus knew beforehand what would befall him. As Jesus ate the passover meal with his twelve apostles he put them under trial and suspicion (one of you will betray me) to teach them to examine themselves rightly, lest they be highminded and think themselves more strong than they were. We, also must examine ourselves in the light of God's truth and grace and ask him to strengthen us in faith, hope, and love that we may not fail him or forsake him when we are tempted. Do you pray with confidence in the words Jesus gave us to pray: Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil?

(c) 2002 Don Schwager
www.rc.net

March 29, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Will not our own lamented and beloved be there, in the array of happy spirits? Will they not hail our coming with delight? Do they not remember us now, even in the sight of God? For to see His face does not extinguish but perfect all holy loves. God's love gathers up and perfects all pure love like His own, all love that is for His sake. When we meet our beloved in Him, we shall both know and love them so as we have neither loved or known before. - Henry Edward Manning

Jesus' Supreme Humility

Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14

As Jesus' hour of humiliation draws near he reveals to his disciples the supreme humility which shaped the love he had for them. He stoops to perform a menial task reserved for servants -- the washing of smelly, dirty feet. In stooping to serve his disciples Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of them and that the rest would abandon him through disloyalty. Such knowledge could have easily led to bitterness or hatred. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and disloyalty with the greatest humility and supreme love. Jesus loved his disciples to the very end, even when they failed him and forsook him. The Lord loves each of us unconditionally. His love has power to set us free to serve others with Christ-like compassion and humility. Does the love of Christ rule in your heart and thoughts and in your actions?

It Is Finished

Gospel Reading: John 19:17-30 ( for fuller passage see: John 18:1-19:42)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

The cross brings us face to face with Jesus' suffering. He was alone -- all his disciples had deserted him except for his mother and three women along with John, the beloved disciple. And his death was agonizing and humiliating. Normally a crucified man could last for several days on a cross. Jesus' had already been scourged, beaten with rods, and a crown of thorns pressed into his skull. It is no wonder that he died mid-afternoon. Pilate publicly heralded Jesus "The King of the Jews" as he died upon the cross, no doubt to irritate and annoy the chief priests and Pharisees.

Jesus was crucified for his claim to be King. The Jews had understood that the Messiah would come as king to establish God's reign for them. They wanted a king who would free them from tyranny and foreign domination. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messianic king. Little did they understand what kind of kingship Jesus claimed to have. Jesus came to conquer hearts and souls for an imperishable kingdom, rather than to conquer perishable lands and entitlements. We can find no greater proof of God's love for us than the willing sacrifice of his Son on the cross. Jesus' parting words, "It is finished!" express triumph rather than defeat. Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit knowing that the strife was now over and the battle was won. Even on the cross Jesus knew the joy of victory. What the Father sent him into the world to do has now been accomplished. Christ offered himself without blemish to God and he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (see Hebrews 9:24-26). Christ offered himself without blemish to God and he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (see Hebrews 9:24-26).

Augustine (5th century) comments on those who stood at the cross of Jesus: "As they were looking on, so we too gaze on his wounds as he hangs. We see his blood as he dies. We see the price offered by the redeemer, touch the scars of his resurrection. He bows his head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that he may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption. Ponder how great these things are. Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as he was once fixed to the cross in every part of his body for you, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul."

In the cross of Christ we see the triumph of Jesus over his enemies -- sin, Satan, and death. Christian writers down through the centuries have sung the praises of the Cross of Christ. Paul the Apostle exclaimed, "But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14). "A few drops of blood renew the whole world!" Hear what Gregory Nazianzen, a 6th century church father, has to say: "Many indeed are the wondrous happenings of that time: God hanging from a cross, the sun made dark and again flaming out; for it was fitting that creation should mourn with its creator. The temple veil rent, blood and water flowing from his side: the one as from a man, the other as from what was above man; the earth shaken, the rocks shattered because of the rock; the dead risen to bear witness to the final and universal resurrection of the dead. The happenings at the sepulcher and after the sepulcher, who can fittingly recount them? Yet no one of them can be compared to the miracle of my salvation. A few drops of blood renew the whole world, and do for all men what the rennet does for the milk: joining us and binding us together. [On the Holy Pasch, Oration 45.1]

Abbot Rupert of Deutz, wrote in the early 12th century: "The cross of Christ is the door to heaven, the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil, the uplifting of mankind, the consolation of our imprisonment, the prize for our freedom." The Cross of Christ is the safeguard of our faith, the assurance of our hope, and the throne of love. It is also the sign of God's mercy and the proof of forgiveness. By his cross Jesus has redeemed our sin and atoned for our punishment. The way to peace, joy, and righteousness in the kingdom of God and the way to victory over sin, despair, and death is through the cross of Jesus Christ. Do you willingly follow Jesus in his way of the cross with joy, hope, and confidence?

"Lord Jesus Christ, by your death on the cross you have won pardon for us and freedom from the tyranny of sin and death. May I live in the joy and freedom of your victory over sin and death."

(c) 2002 Don Schwager
www.rc.net

March 30, 2002

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Is it possible for any of us in these modern days to so live that we may walk with God? Can we walk with God in the shop, in the office, in the household, and on the street? When men exasperate us, work wearies us, the children fret and the servants annoy, and our best-laid plans fall to pieces and our castles in the air are dissipated like bubbles that break at a breath, then can we walk with God? That religion which fails us in the everyday trials and experiences of life has a flaw somewhere in it. It should be more than a plank to sustain us in the rushing tide and land us exhausted and dripping on the other side. It ought, if it comes from above, to be always, day by day, to our souls as the wings of a bird, bearing us away from and beyond the impediments that seek to hold us down. If the divine love is a conscious presence, an indwelling force with us, it will do this.
- Christian Union

They Laid Him In A Rock-Hewn Tomb

Gospel Reading: Luke 23:50-56 [also see Matthew 28:1-10]

Jesus not only died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3); he also, by the grace of God, tasted death for every one (Hebrews 2:9). It was a real death that put an end to his earthly human existence. Jesus died in mid afternoon and the Sabbath began at 6:00 pm. Since the Jewish law permitted no work on the Sabbath, the body had to be buried quickly. Someone brave enough would have to get permission from the Roman authorities to take the body and bury it. The bodies of executed criminals were usually left unburied as carion for the vultures and dogs. Jesus was spared this indignity through the gracious intervention of Joseph of Arimethea. Who was this admirer and secret disciple of Jesus? Luke tells us that Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council that condemned Jesus. We are told that he did not agree with their verdict. He was either absent from their meeting or silent when they tried Jesus. What kind of man was Joseph? Luke tells us that he was "good and righteous" and "looking for the kingdom of God". Although he did not stand up for Jesus at his trial, he nonetheless, sought to honor him in his death by giving him a proper burial. This was to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had foretold: "He was cut off out of the land of the living ..and they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth" (Isaiah 53:8-9).

In the Book of Revelations, the Lord Jesus speaks: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one: I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades" (Revelation 1:17-18). No tomb in the world could contain the Lord Jesus for long. His death on the cross purchased our redemption and his triumph over the grave on Easter morning defeated death. What preserved the Lord Jesus from corruption? He was kept from decay and he rose from the dead by divine power. "My flesh will dwell in hope. For you will not let your Holy One see corruption" (Psalm 16:9-10) . The mystery of Christ's lying in the tomb on the sabbath reveals the great sabbath rest of God after the fulfillment of our salvation which brings peace to the whole world (Colossians 1:18-20). Is your hope in this life only, or is it well founded in the resurrection of Christ and his promise that those who believe in him will live forever?

(c) 2002 Don Schwager
www.rc.net

March 31, 2001

HE IS RISEN...
HE IS RISEN INDEED!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Imagine God talking to you:

Did you know that every time you tell Me you love Me, I say thank you?

When your son comes to you asking, 'Do you like Susan more 'cause she skates better and she's a girl' are you grieved and saddened over your child's lack of trust? Do you know that you do the same thing to Me?

Do you claim to know what we shared when Jesus withdrew to a deserted place or spent the night on a hillside alone with Me? Do you know from where the inspiration to wash the feet of the twelve came? Do you understand that, motivated by love alone, your God became your slave in the Upper Room?

Were you grieved by the divine command to Abraham that he slay his only begotten Isaac on Mount Moriah? Were you relieved when the angel intervened, Abraham's hand was stayed, and the sacrifice was not carried out? Have you forgotten that on Good Friday no angel intervened? That sacrifice was carried out, and it was My heart that was broken.

Are you aware that I HAD to raise Jesus from the dead on Easter morning because My love is everlasting? Are you serenely confident that I will raise you too, My adopted child?

Brennan Manning from "The Ragamuffin Gospel"
Copyright 1990, 2000 by Brennan Manning

As Yet They Did Not Know The Scripture, That Jesus Must Rise From The Dead

Scripture: John 20:1-9

On Sunday morning the women went to the tomb to pay their last tribute to a dead body. The disciples thought that everything had finished in tragedy. Neither were ready to see an empty tomb and hear the angel's message, Why do you seek the living among the dead (Luke 24:5)? Is it any small wonder that it was the women, rather than the apostles, who first witnessed the empty tomb and the resurrected Lord? Isidore of Seville, a 7th century church father comments on this: "As a woman (Eve) was first to taste death, so a woman (Mary Magdalene) was first to taste life. As a woman was prescient in the fall, so a woman was prescient in beholding the dawning of redemption, thus reversing the curse upon Eve." The first to testify to the risen Lord was a woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons.

What is the significance of the stone being rolled away? It would have taken several people to roll away such a stone. And besides, the sealed tomb had been guarded by soldiers! This is clearly the first sign of the resurrection. Bede, a church father from the 8th century, comments: "[The angel] rolled back the stone not to throw open a way for our Lord to come forth, but to provide evidence to people that he had already come forth. As the virgin's womb was closed, so the sepulcher was closed, yet he entered the world through her closed womb, and so he left the world through the closed sepulcher." (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,7,24) Another church father remarked: "To behold the resurrection, the stone must first be rolled away from our hearts" (Peter Chrysologus, 5th century). Do you know the joy of the resurrection?

It is significant that the disciples had to first deal with the empty tomb before they could come to grips with the fact that scripture had foretold that Jesus would die for our sins and then rise triumphant. They disbelieved until they saw the empty tomb. Bede explains why the Risen Lord revealed himself gradually to the disciples: "Our Lord and redeemer revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time, undoubtedly because so great was the virtue of the miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not grasp [the significance of] this all at once. Thus, he had regard for the frailty of those seeking him. To those who came first to the tomb, both the women who were aflame with love for him and the men, he showed the stone rolled back. Since his body had been carried away, he showed them the linen cloths in which it had been wrapped lying there alone. Then, to the women who were searching eagerly, who were confused in their minds about what they had found out about him, he showed a vision of angels who disclosed evidences of the fact that he had risen again. Thus, with the report of his resurrection already accomplished, going ahead of him, the Lord of hosts and the king of glory himself at length appeared and made clear with what great might he had overcome the death he had temporarily tasted." (From Homilies on the Gospels 2,9,25)

One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Lord and to know him personally. Do you celebrate the feast of Easter with joy and thanksgiving for the victory which Jesus has won for you over sin and death?

"Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give me the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Help me to draw near to you and to grow in the knowledge of your great love and power."

(c) 2002 Don Schwager
www.rc.net

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