Striving About Words

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings."   1 Timothy  6:4

     We at the Radio Bible Class receive hundreds of letters from "hair-splitters."  We never hear a word from them until they have some criticism to offer or fault to find.  Many of these letters are not deserving of an answer, for they are written in a bitter, condemnatory spirit and are only designed to draw us into an argument by mail on some insignificant, unimportant matter of personal mail which is to no profit.  We try to conscientiously and sincerely help all who write us for advice, counsel, and comfort; we will not, however, be drawn into prolonged arguments over non-essentials with all the cranks who write to us.

     It is said that the ancient philosophers spent days and weeks arguing about the question:  "How many angels can dance on the point of a needle at one and the same time"  Indeed, one fool can ask more questions than ten wise men can answer!

     The Bible warns us against wasting our time over things like that.  Paul charges Timothy "that they strive not about words, to no profit"  (2 Timothy 2:14).  To Titus he writes,  "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain"  (Titus  3:9). Again in 2 Timothy 2:23 we read,  "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes."  We are to "shun profane and vain babblings"  (2 Timothy 2:16).  Don't waste your time arguing when you ought to be working.  Be practical, if a thing produces fruit - the rest is unimportant.

Two professors were arguing the grammatical correctness of saying "The hen was sitting - or the hen was setting."  Unable to agree, they asked Farmer Jones, who replied,  "The question of sitting and setting I cannot answer, nor do I care.  What I want to know is - when the hen cackles, is she laying or lying!"

"Bread For Each Day"

WHEN SOME BASIC NEED IS LACKING ...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

WHEN SOME BASIC NEED IS LACKING - time, energy, money - consider yourself blessed.  Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence.  When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment.  This is where you are meant to live - in the present; it is the place where I always await you.  Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.

The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success.  Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself.  Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

The Tragedy Of "Almost"

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

       "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."  Jeremiah  8:20

     The harvest in Israel usually was limited to the two months of April and May; later came the "ingathering of summer fruits."  Jeremiah in our text speaks to the people of what will happen when the times of reaping are past and there is no longer opportunity to obtain the Living Bread that nourishes to eternal life.  What a tragedy when the springtime and harvest of life is over and one has not reaped the fruits of grace and obtained the salvation needed to enter heaven's sinless portals.

     Has it ever occurred to you how near a sinner can come to the Lord Jesus Christ and yet pass by the opportunity to receive eternal life?  The Bible contains many a solemn warning to show us that individuals can almost come to the point of being saved, and yet be lost forever.  Think of the rich young ruler, held by the devil in a "grip of gold," or of procrastinating King Agrippa who perished  in his indecision.  Call to mind the thief on the cross who was so near to the Saviour that he could hear Him pray,  "Father, forgive them,"  and who yet went down to hell an unforgiven sinner, when he might have heard the joyous words along with the other malefactor:  "Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise."

     Judas is another illustration of how near a man can come to Christ and yet remain unrepentant.  Christ called him  His "own familiar friend."  For years he moved in the very presence of the Son of God Himself, heard His gracious words, listened to His repeated invitation, and even His last soulful, personal appeal to him at the Passover supper, and yet Judas went out into the "night" of unbelief and everlasting perdition.

     Jesus said,  "Remember Lot's wife!"  Why should we remember her?  Because she was almost saved, but still lost!  She had heard the Word of Life, and she had started to obey it, but she looked back and perished. She is now with those who say:  "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Lest her fate be yours, accept Christ today!

"Bread For Each Day"

LET ME TEACH YOU THANKFULNESS...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

LET ME TEACH YOU THANKFULNESS.  Begin by acknowledging that everything - all your possessions and all that you are - belongs to Me.  The dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted.  The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid testimony to My Presence.  If you slow down your pace of life, you can find Me anywhere.

Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in sick beds or shut away in prisons.  Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Me.  The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective.  My world is your classroom.  My Word is a lamp to your feet and light for your path.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Your Brother's Keeper

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak."    1 Corinthians  8:9

     "I don't see any harm in what I am doing, and therefore it is nobody's business but my own!"  Have you ever heard anyone say that - or probably said it yourself  You indulge some habit which you feel is harmless in itself, but forget what effect it may have on someone else.  A man was entertaining some children by lighting a match and then, by placing the burning end in his mouth, extinguishing it.  The father of one of the children saw it and said,  "I wish you would not do that ;it is dangerous."  The man replied,  "I am not hurting myself."  The reply was quick.  "But it may hurt someone else."  Then he pointed at his little son with a dressing on his upper lip.  He said,  "Yesterday my little Jimmie saw you do this trick and he thought it was all right for him to try it.  See the result?  He not only burned his lip but set fire to the tablecloth, and we barely kept the flames from spreading.  You may not hurt yourself, but you have caused someone else to get hurt by your example."

     Sometimes Christians are equally thoughtless.  "Do thyself no harm," was Paul's wise word to the jailor (Acts  16:28), and it was good advice;  but Romans  13:10 says,  "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor."  The believer should consider others before himself.  The question should be:  What effect has my liberty upon my neighbor?  The believer is to deny himself (Luke  9:23); love his brother (1 John 3:14); look on things of others (Philippians:  2:4); minister to others' needs (Galatians  6:10); sympathize with sorrowing ones (Romans  12:15); prefer others before himself  (Romans  12:10); and above all seek to please the Lord (Hebrews  13:21).

     To deny one's self is quite a different thing than self-denial.  We may deny ourselves some things because they are harmful to us, but to deny one's self is to make the sacrifice because it may harm others!

"Bread For Each Day"

AS YOU LOOK...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

AS YOU LOOK into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way.  The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you.  Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.

You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you.  I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way.  Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

The Rewards Of Grace

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . the Lord . . . will make manifest the counsels of the hearts:  and then shall every man have praiste of God."  1 Corinthians  4:5

     Among the clippings I have in my scrapbook is one from the pen of Velma B. McConnell, in which she tells the story of a small child with whom she was personally acquainted.  This little one had a deep love for her mother and a constant desire to show her affection.  One day, while the child's mother was visiting a neighbor, little Frances, tired of looking at her story book, spied a linen handkerchief her parent had been embroidering.  She picked it up and laboriously hemmed it.  The mother, returning later with the neighbor, saw the work of her little girl.  As she gazed upon the crude results she beheld not the awkward, uneven stitches, but the deep affection that had prompted her child to "finish" the handkerchief.  Her eyes filled with tears.  To her the work was beautiful.  Says Velma McConnell,  "How often, with hearts filled with love and eagerness to please, we too attempt to do something for our Heavenly Father.  Though our work is bungled or poorly done, yet He sees the heart and the motive behind it."  God who can read our innermost thoughts will reward us for every good motive and each faithful endeavor.

    A converted girl of thirteen lay dying.  A lady visitor asked,  "Are you afraid, my child?"  "oh, no!" she replied:  "but what shall I say to Jesus when I meet Him, for I seem to have never done anything Him.  You see, Mother died when I was eight.  I tried to do as she had done and took care of the four little ones, kept the house tidy, and then - I was too tired to do more!"  Taking the rough little hands into her own, the visitor, with eyes full of tears, said tenderly,  "I would not say anything, dear, but just show Him your hands!"

  Do what you can for Jesus today, no matter how small or insignificant the deed may appear.  You will reap the rewards of grace when "every man shall have praise of God."

"Bread For Each Day"

COME TO ME....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

COME TO ME with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings.  I know the depth and breadth of your neediness.  Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength.  Come to Me for nurture.  Let Me fill you up with My Presence:  I in you, and you in Me.

My Power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me.  Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Psalm 84:8-12

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob.
                                                                                        Selah.
Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.  I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 84:8-12 KJV

Stop Your Complaining

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                   "Do all things without murmurings and disputings."  Philippians  2:14

     The children of Israel were constantly murmuring and complaining when they should have been trusting and praising.  Many of them, therefore, never reached the Canaan of spiritual victory and blessing because the Lord could not tolerate such lack of resignation to His perfect guidance and leading.  Still today, grumblers and complainers are never victorious Christians.

     Too often people who watch the average churchgoer are offended by the conduct of those who claim to be children of God, for many are constantly unhappy, irritable, quarrelsome, and faultfinding.

     No matter how disagreeable and unpleasant a task may be, Paul says it is to be done cheerfully as unto the Lord  "without murmurings and disputings."  I am sure we would all be surprised if we could hear a tape recording of our conversation for a single day.  We would be amazed at just how much we complain, object, and murmur.  Children fret about doing their homework or washing the dishes.  Mother complains about the stack of mending and having to spend half her time "picking up" after the baby.  Father comes home and makes bitter remarks about his "inconsiderate boss" and the difficulties of the day's work.  And so it goes the whole day through.  Often we complain so much that the joy of our Christian testimony evaporates in the fog of criticism and unhappiness.  Hudson Taylor used to say,  "If your father and mother, your sister and brother, yes, even the very cat and dog in your house, are not happier for your being a Christian, it is a question whether you really are one or not."

     Instead of murmuring and complaining, let us follow the delightful admonition in Ephesians  5:19:  "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

"Bread For Each Day"

I AM CALLING YOU....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I AM CALLING YOU to a life of constant communion with me.  Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life.  You yearn for a simplified lifestyle, so that your communication with Me can be uninterrupted.  But I challenge you to relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world.  Accept each day just as it comes, and find Me in the midst of it all.

Talk with me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings.  Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me.  A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day.  Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life.  Instead, ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment.  He will keep you close to Me.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

My New Home

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
                                                                                                                     Luke  12:15

     The secret of contentment is to be satisfied where we are and with the things which we have.  Wealth alone never brings true happiness.  James said that God hath "chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom"  (James 2:5).  Paul was a happy man because he had learned to be content in whatsoever state he was (Philippians  4:11).  He further says,  ". . . godliness with contentment is great gain (wealth)"  (1 Timothy 6:6).  He did not need much, for he could say,  ". . .  having food and raiment, let us be therewith content"  (1 Timothy 6:8).  Hebrews  13:5 reads,  ". . . be content with such things as ye have."

     Sometime ago I was slowly driving through the colored section of a southern village.  On a sand trail in the "sticks," I passed an isolated cabin of a Negro couple.  It was only a shack of one room, furnished with a few pieces of homemade furniture.  There were no panes or screens on the two windows and the door was off its hinges.  On the stoop sat an elderly Negro reading his Bible.  I stopped the car, got out, and asked,  "What are you reading?"  He answered,  "The Good Book."  Asked what he was reading in the "Good Book,"  his face lit up, his eyes sparkled as he replied,  "I'se readin' about my new house they is building' for me in Heaven.  The Lord am preparin' for me a mansion in the great City of the New Jerusalem."  Placing his hand upon the well-worn Bible, soiled and grimy by much use, he looked at me and said,  "Sir, it's going to be wonderful!"  A faraway look in his eyes seemed to say,  "I don't ind a few years in this shack, for they're building a mansion for me over There."  What a sermon on contentment!  I gave him a copy of "Our Daily Bread" and some tracts and went away ashamed and humbled - envying that old toothless colored man on the stoop in Mt. Dora, Florida.  I never listened to a more impressive sermon.  See you in Heaven, Joe!  God bless you!

"Bread For Each Day"

LISTEN TO ME CONTINUALLY...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."   Ephesians  4:31

LISTEN TO ME CONTINUALLY.  I have much to communicate to you, so many people and situations in need of prayer.  I am training you to set your mind on Me more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of My Spirit.

Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans.  I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning.  When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice.  A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control.  Turn from this idolatry back to Me.  Listen to Me and live abundantly!

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Do You Talk To Yourself?

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                              "And when he came to himself, he said . . ."  Luke  15:17

     Sitting in my car at the curb, waiting for the good spouse to purchase a pair of stockings, I entertained myself by watching the faces of people walking by, to observe the various emotions written on their faces. When people think nobody is looking, they will usually reveal their inmost thoughts by the expression on their faces.  As the various ones passed by, I saw registered upon their faces happiness, sorrow, anxiety, fear, anticipation, determination, etc., etc.  But one man in particular drew my attention, for he was deeply engrossed in talking to himself.  He was so absorbed in his conversation that he bumped into another pedestrian.  As he neared our car I could hear him mumbling.  What he said I don't know, but it surely was a serious discussion.  He was both a good conversationalist and a good listener.  He reminded me of "Mose," who being asked why he always talked to himself, replied,  "I have two reason:  firstly, I like to hear a smart man talk, and secondly, I like to talk to a smart man!"

     What do people talk about to themselves?  It is either good or bad.  The rich man in Luke 12:16-21 talked to himself about his riches and God called him a fool!  The prodigal son in Luke 15 was talking to himself about his poverty, and resolved to seek the better riches of his father's house.

     When you talk to yourself you are simply thinking out loud.  Your private conversation reveals what is in your heart.  A man is what he thinks!  If his thoughts are evil, he will be evil.  If his thoughts are pure, his life will be pure.

     "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just pure, lovely, of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"  (Philippians  4:8).

"Bread For Each Day"

Admit Your Ignorance

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . they . . . became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."  Romans 1:21, 22

     The Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:16:  "Be not wise in your own conceits."  A conceited man is one who is very smart in his own estimation.  He needs a good looking-glass so he can see how he looks to others.  Conceit is a natural trait of the human heart.  Man likes to strut and give the impression of being wise.  A milder form of conceit is its negative aspect, refusing to admit your ignorance.  A patient went to a young doctor with a skin rash all over his body.  The doctor had never had a case like it before, and was deeply puzzled.  He excused himself and went to his library to look up his malady, but could find nothing to help him.  However, unwilling to admit his ignorance he asked the man,  "Did you ever have this before?" "Yes,"  said the man,  "twice before."  "Ah yes, I thought so,"  said the sage, young M.D.  "Well, you've got the same thing again!"

     When I first began preaching I could answer every question in the book (such answers)!  The older I become, the more often (and I mean "often") I must admit,  "I don't know."  May God deliver us from putting up a false front of wisdom, and teach us instead to say,  "I don't know!"  I am compelled again and again to resort to Deuteronomy 29:29 when people come to me with their questions.

     Paul's charge against mankind was  "Professing themselves to be wise they became fools."  The man who is truly wise is the man who finds out that he is a fool without Christ, utterly deceived by the Devil into thinking he can by his own goodness and wisdom be saved.  As long as a man rejects Christ, he is a fool.

     The wisest man is he who, in complete abandonment of self, bows before the Lord.  Christ then becomes unto him "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption"  (1 Corinthians  1:30).

"Bread For Each Day"

"It Came To Pass"

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  1 John 2:17

     There are certain abiding elements in the Christian's life that are always real and unchanging. Circumstances alter; loved ones are snatched from our side by death, and the outward form of this present world swiftly passes away  (1 Corinthians 7:31), but the truth of God's promises abides.  As we build upon the rock foundation of the faithful Word, as we go forward by grace in the will of God, we may face the changing world with confidence and with peace in our soul.  For us, the present is bearable because the future is so secure and glorious!

     An ancient king once charged his wise men to create a sentence which could ever be in view and be appropriated at all times and in all situations.  They finally presented him with a motto on which were inscribed these words:  "AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS AWAY!"  How true a slogan for those who live in this unstable world.  Joy is followed by sorrow, and sorrow by hope, but nothing abides.

     It is said that some years ago a trolley car in Atlanta, Georgia, bumped into the lamppost of the so-called "eternal flame of the Confederacy," and the "eternal flame" went out!  A giant candle was built in a town in New York to be lit once each year for two thousand years, to symbolize friendship among the United Nations; but shortly after this huge candle was created, it was accidentally set afire and was consumed in ten minutes!  Hitler said that his "Third Reich" would last one thousand years; yet it continued less than one thousand days!  Yes, the world passeth away and the lusts thereof, but praise His name,  "He that doeth the will of God abideth for ever!"  In this confidence go forward in faith.  Life comes - to pass; but the best is yet to be!

"Bread For Each Day"

TRUST ME.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

TRUST ME, and don't be afraid.  Many things feel out of control.  Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable.  Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances.  Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities.  Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new.  I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom.  Say yes to the ways I work in your life.  Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

The Resurrection - Incredible?

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

    "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"
                                                                                                                       Acts  26:8

     How is it possible that men should doubt the resurrection from the dead?  It is far more incredible that there should be no resurrection.  The surprised question of Paul to King Agrippa was,  "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"  If there be no resurrection, then life loses all its meaning; it becomes a hollow mockery.  Then God who created us is a God of caprice and sadism.  Is this life all?  Just a few years of alternate crying and laughing - mostly crying - and then darkness? Then with Paul we can say,  "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." But it should not be incredible, for things all around us remind us of resurrection.  The buds on the trees, the flowers in the garden, the emerging life after a long winter of inactivity - all proclaim the resurrection.

     In an ancient tomb in France, buried under tons of debris, archaeologists found flower seeds which had been there for two thousand years!  The explorer took the seeds and planted them and they grew. Egyptian garden peas which had been buried for three thousand years were brought out and planted on the fourth of June, 1844.  Within a few days they had germinated and broken the ground.  Buried 3000 years - then resurrected.  Why then should it be thought a thing incredible that God should raise the dead?  If God could cause a lump of clay to become alive at the creation of man, why then think it incredible for this same God to bring a resurrection from the dead?  Yes, it would be most incredible that after the life He lived Jesus should remain in death.  Hallelujah!  Christ arose!

"Bread For Each Day"

THIS IS THE DAY....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE MADE.  Rejoice and be glad in it.  Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life.  Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances.  The best way to handle unwanted situation is to thank Me for them.  This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it.

To find Joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries.  I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four-hour segments.  I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time.  Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past.  There is abundant Life in My Presence today.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Keep Looking Up!

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                                                    ". . . I . . . will look up."   Psalm  5:3

     Robert C. McQuilkin used to tell of a young Christian who lacked assurance of salvation even though she had trusted Christ and said she had "surrendered and believed a thousand times."  Hopeless and in darkness about it all, she told an older Christian woman of her difficulty.  "Well,"  said this elderly saint,  "just stop doing or trying to do anything, and trust the Lord to do it all."  "I have done that a hundred times,"  was the discouraged answer.  The defeated one seemed to have no will to do anything, and yet she was hungry for victory and peace.  The older woman tried again.  "If you do nothing else, just lift your heart to Christ."  "I can't even do that - my heart is too heavy to lift up,"  said the troubled one.  "Well, one thing you can do, for it is just a physical act.  You can lift up your eyes.  Will you do that?"  The younger woman promised that she would, and on the way home she kept them directed upward as unto Him.  Not much later she gave the following testimony with a radiant face:  "I lifted up my eyes, and my heart went up with them!  Today I am rejoicing in the Lord!"  Brother McQuilkin appended this application:  "The victorious life is just as gloriously simple as that - just looking up - unto Jesus - and then keep on looking!"

     As you climb he steep ascent of life, looking down will only make you dizzy and despairing.  Put your hand into the nail-scarred palm of the One who said,  "Him that cometh to me I will in now wise cast out"  (John  6:37);  Look up, and you won't lose your spiritual balance!

"Bread For Each Day"

Saved By Grace

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved."  Acts  15:11

     Paul and Barnabas had been preaching the marvelous doctrine of salvation by grace, when certain men came down from Judea to Antioch to spy out their liberty.  These legalists said,  "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved."  It was an attempt to add law to grace, and it caused a tremendous stir and division.  The missionary work had to be stopped and the whole matter threshed out at a special council in Jerusalem, where Paul and Barnabas were completely exonerated of any false teaching.

     Today there are still such legalists who are ever expounding their own erroneous doctrines.  They feel they are doing God a service, but actually they are a serious impediment to the work of the Gospel.  Nothing delights satan more than to confuse men concerning the simple plan of salvation; for once the poor sinner realizes that Heaven and forgiveness are by grace plus nothing, his burdened soul soon finds rest in Christ

     Dr. Ironside frequently told the story concerning the conversion of Evangelist A. Stewart because it so well illustrated the delusion under which unsaved individuals labor in their efforts to find peace with God. Stewart, under deep conviction of sin, was told to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but he mistakenly thought that this was far too easy, so he went about according to his own ideas.  He joined a church, sang in the choir, and became quite a worker.  He hoped in all these things to gain salvation, but there was no inner satisfaction, no peace.  One day, as he was reading the parable of the sower, he came tot he words,  "Then cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts lest they should believe and be saved." Stewart threw down his bible and said,  "Well, will you look at that!  Even the devil knows that man will be saved if he just believes!"  That day he settled it and turned to Christ, trusting Him as Saviour.

     Yes, God saves men by grace, apart from the works of the law!

"Bread For Each Day"

Miracles Of Resurrection

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                                  "For I know that my redeemer liveth."  Job  19:25

     Last fall we planted some choice narcissus bulbs, kindly sent to us by some dear friends in Oak Harbor, Washington.  They were dry and hard and gave no signs of life at all.  All winter long they lay in darkness, incarcerated in a tomb of hard, frozen earth.  But today, five months later, I gaze out of my study window upon a scene of exquisite beauty - a gorgeous row of beautiful blooms, nodding smilingly at me through the window.  Springtime is resurrection time.

     Last fall the boys gathered cocoons in the swamp.  There were dry, unattractive, and motionless.  They were hung up in a cool place for the winter.  Not long ago, however, they were moved to a place in the warm sun.  Today there emerged from the tomb of the cocoon a gorgeous creature - a luna moth, gracefully unfolding its drying wings in readiness to take its flight into the sky.  Indescribable are its colors, unspeakably graceful its unhurried stretching and folding of its airplane-like wings.  Yes, springtime is resurrection time. But the blooming of the narcissus and the birth of the month are not a resurrection from death but a metamorphosis of life.  It is a change in form because of its inner life.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ was life from the dead.  But  it is also a "metamorphosis," a change in form.  It is the same creature in an infinitely more beautiful form.  So shall our resurrection be also for the word, "fashioned," in Philippians 3:21 is summorphos, meaning to change form or "metamorphose."  Our bodies will be changed and fashioned like a glorious body of our Lord Jesus.  And all this because He arose.  "O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?"  (1 Corinthians  15:55).

"Bread For Each Day"

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU, your constant Companion and Provider.  The question is whether you are with Me and for Me.  Though I never leave you, you can essentially "leave" Me by ignoring Me: thinking or acting as if I am not with you.  When you feel distance in our relationship, you know where the problem lies.  My Love for you is constant:  I am the same yesterday, today, and forever.  It is you who change like shifting sand, letting circumstances toss you this way and that.

When you feel far from Me, whisper My Name.  This simple act, done in childlike faith, opens your heart to My Presence.  Speak to Me in love-tones; prepare to receive My Love, which flows eternally from the cross.  I am delighted when you open yourself to My loving Presence.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Spirits Of Camphor

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . his hands full of sweet incense beaten small . . . And he shall put the incense upon the fire."   Leviticus 16:12, 13

     On the day of atonement, the High Priest was to take sweet incense, ground to powder, and cast a handful of it upon the fire of the altar.  The original word for incense means "to produce fragrance by burning."  A certain herb, odorless until crushed, was beaten small and cast into the fire on the altar, releasing its aromatic fumes in a pungent, fragrant cloud which filled the whole house.  This was a sweet-smelling savor unto the Lord.

     Notice two things:  1) It must be "beaten small," and  2) it must pass through the fire.  So, too, the fragrance of our lives for Christ must be beaten small by the hammer of His Word and pass through the fiery trials of God's chastening to bring out the true fragrance.  (Read Romans 5:3-5.)  I have found the maximum of tender submissive fragrance on those lives which have been beaten in the fire.

     Last winter I was introduced to a new tree in Florida.  It was a stately, spreading tree with shiny, leathery leaves.  Upon inquiry I was told it was a "camphor tree."  Smell the leaves,"  said my friend.  I did - and smelled nothing.  Then - "Crush those leaves between  your palms,"  and as I did so the whole care was filled with an intensely invigorating fragrance of camphor.  It only needed crushing to release its clean odor.  I was told the tree was "disease free."  No bugs, thrips, beetles, or worms would touch it.  Birds and animals left it alone.  Oh, to be a camphor tree for God, repelling and rebuking all the bugs and grubs of selfishness, greed, pride, envy, and defilement.  Oh, to be beaten small by the hammer of the Word and to be purified by God's loving hand.  That is how God makes "spirits of camphor" to revive fainting souls and to stimulate the heart of the faltering.

"Bread For Each Day"

I AM THE POTTER.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I AM THE POTTER; you are My clay.  I designed you before the foundations of the world.  I arrange the events of each day to form you into this preconceived pattern.  My everlasting Love is at work in every event of your life.  On some days your will and mine flow smoothly together.  You tend to feel in control of your life when our wills are in harmony.  On other days you feel as if you are swimming upstream, against the current of My purposes.  When that happens, stop and seek My Face.  The opposition you feel may be from Me, or it may be from the evil one.

Talk with Me about what you are experiencing.  Let My Spirit guide you through treacherous waters.  As you move through the turbulent stream with Me, let circumstances mold you into the one I desire you to be.  Say yes to your Potter as you go through this day.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

BRING ME THE SACRIFICE....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

BRING ME THE SACRIFICE of thanksgiving.  Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. Before satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, thankfulness was as natural as breathing.  Satan's temptation involved pointing Eve to the one thing that was forbidden her.  The garden was filled with luscious, desirable fruits, but Eve focused on the one fruit she couldn't have rather than being thankful for the many good things freely available.  This negative focus darkened her mind, and she succumbed to temptation.

When you focus on what you don't have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened.  You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me.  You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is "fixed."

When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through.  Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Old Age

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

           "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."
                                                                                                                             Psalm  71:9

     An old Chinese Grandpa, too feeble to work, was considered by the family an unwanted burden - just another mouth to consume the meager supply of rice.  Therefore the father of the home decided to put the old man on a wheelbarrow and take him up to the mountains to die.  The little eight-year-old grandson went along, full of curiosity and question.  The father explained that the grandfather was old and helpless, and that there was nothing else to be done with him.  Then the little chap had a happy thought:  "I'm glad I came along, Daddy,"  said the youngster,  "because when you get old I'll know where to take you!"  The daddy stopped dead in his tracks, thought better of the whole situation, and brought the old gentleman back home.

     Old age is beset with many such fears of being unwanted and cast off when youthful strength has departed.  David too was not immune to such thoughts, and therefore he cries out to God to remember him in his declining years.  God's answer to David comes ringing from the portals of Heaven through the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah:  "Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you:  I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you  (Isaiah  46:4)!

     G.W. Aleen comments most wisely,  "As we grow older in years and in our Christian experiences, satan is less able to tempt us to the sins more prevalent among youth, but it is then that he often succeeds in souring our spirit, making us critical, and at times outright mean ... It has been my constant prayer that, if the Lord permits me to grow old, I may be a kindly old man, sweet in mind and spirit wherever I may be."

     How beautiful a sight it is to see elderly Christians still looking to the future, still happily trusting God and clinging to His promises!

"Bread For Each Day"

I Met An Angel

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."  Psalm 34:7

     I met an angel some time ago while returning from a trip through Georgia.  I was ill and very uncomfortable.  On a turnpike south of Atlanta I stopped at an emergency turnout to rest for a moment.  When I tried to start the motor of my car, it failed to respond.  There we were, miles from a service station.  I know nothing about automobiles except to steer when they run.  The cars whizzed by at 65 miles per hour. And then, after only a few minutes, a station wagon slowed up, a man got out and asked,  "Can I help you?" I replied that I couldn't start the car and was hoping for a state police car to come by.  How happy I was when he said,  "I am a highway patrolman in the employ of the trucking industry."  After a brief consultation and another try to start the motor he suggested pushing it to make it start.  It worked.  I had merely "flooded" the carburetor.  I stopped the car and offered to pay him but he refused.  He asked my name, and when he heard it he stuck out his big hand and exclaimed,  "You mean you are Dr. Dehaan of the Radio Bible Class? I listen to you every Sunday evening over an Atlanta station."  He was a member of the Bible Class.  Just a few sweet moments of fellowship on the highway and I got in my car and was on my way.  I had met an angel to deliver me.

     Coincidence you say?  Oh no!  Oh no!  It was providence!  It was the fulfillment of Psalm 34:7.  Do you thank God for the "little" deliverances?  When He delivers us in some crisis, a severe illness, a serious accident, a great trial, then we praise Him but how about the "little" deliverances?  Today, try and see how often He helps you in the minor, seemingly unimportant problems.  Recognition of God in everything reveals a growth in grace.  Learn to recognize the angel of the Lord.  Yes, I met an angel on the highway!

"Bread For Each Day"

I HAVE PROMISED...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I HAVE PROMISED to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches.  Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace.  I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too:  pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief.  I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds.  I do My work in various ways.  When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart.  In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up.  I also send trials into your life.  When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away.  Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweigh the trials you endure.

"Jesus Calling - Finding Peace In His Presence"