Following Jesus

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 ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."    Mark  1:17

     There is a great difference between coming to Jesus and coming after Jesus.  Jesus means following Him, bearing a cross, and carrying a yoke of service  (Matthew 11:29).  Following Jesus means separation from the world, walking the path of rejection and reproach.  Following Jesus is no child's play, and before responding to a consecration service and coming forward to the strains of "Where He Leads Me I Will Follow," it is well that we first count the cost.  Following Christ we shall:  be obedient to God's will  (John  12:24 - 26); enter the wilderness  (Matthew  4:1); be rejected by our own  (Luke  4:28 , 29); be misunderstood  (Luke  7:39); go with Him to Gethsemane  (Luke  22:39); be falsely accused  (Mark  14:56); and go with Him up the hill of Calvary  (Galatians  2:20); but we shall also share in the victory of the resurrection  (Philippians  3:11).  Yes following Jesus means going "without the camp, bearing his reproach"  (Hebrew  13:13).

     An old Chinese woman brought her ancestral tablet to the missionary who had been the means of her conversion, and requested that it might be burned.  The missionary responded to the request.  A further request was made regarding the utensil in which the ashes of the ancestors were preserved, that it might be destroyed.  The missionary suggested that the pot might do service to keep a plant in.  "No," said the woman after thinking for a few minutes,  "it belongs to the devil, and all that's connected with him must be destroyed."  Whereupon she picked it up, and going outside the missionary's house dashed it against the wall and began to sing in a cracked voice:  "Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus, Anywhere everywhere, I will follow on."

     Have you ever come to Jesus for salvation?  If not, do it now.  If you have come to Him, are you willing now to follow Him in complete dedication?  Today where will your steps lead you?

"Bread For Each Day"

"Thou Remainest"

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

                                                ". . . thou reaminest . . . "  Hebrews 1:11

     The faithfulness of God is constantly highlighted in the Bible.  Men falter and prove untrue, but God remains constant.  What a comfort this is to His weak and doubting children!  It is not always easy to see this divine control in our lives.  It looks sometimes as if things have gotten out of hand, but this can never be for "God abideth faithful."

     In the spring of the year a preaching missionary band in China asked a poor Christian farmer to join them in carrying on their work.  "But I haven't planted my wheat yet,"  he protested.  Even as he made the excuse, however, a voice within his heart said,  "Your wheat?  Nay it is your Heavenly Father's wheat."  He recognized that this was true and decided to go.  His heathen neighbors scoffed at him and said he was very foolish not to stay and first plant his crop.  However, he filled his days with scattering the incorruptible seed of the Word upon the good soil of needy souls, and was very happy.  After some weeks it was possible for him to return home.  His heart sank when he saw his neighbor's fields already lovely and green with the sprouting grain.  He hasn't even planted his yet; how would he ever overcome their lead?  His crop would come in last and he would receive little for it.  Then he thought of the comforting words,  "Your Heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of,"  and his peace returned.  He planted his wheat but for some time there was no rain.  The ground was so dry and the seed refused to sprout.  The green fields of his neighbors turned yellow and died.  Then came refreshing rains and his wheat took root and sprang up. When the harvest season arrived he had a most beautiful field of waving grain, while his neighbors complained bitterly of their poor yield.  Thus God honored His faithful servant.

     Though all may seem to slip from your grasp, do not despair.  With trusting heart look up to your faithful God and quietly say,  "I thank Thee, Lord, that 'Thou remainest'!"

"Bread For Each Day"

Cornered

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

" . . . in a strait bewtixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.  Nevertheless to aide . . . is more needful."   Philippians  1:23, 24

     The Apostle Paul had once enjoyed a unique experience.  Being caught up into the third heaven, he had tasted the indescribable bliss of Paradise and knew that it was gain and far better.  He longed to return to those "many mansions," yet the urgent need of his converts here below tempered his yearning to "depart and to be with Christ."  The expression Paul uses is picturesque.  Literally he says,  "I am pressed in a corner between two strong desires."  It is not difficult to understand his problem, for in this life he had a thorn in the flesh, was languishing in a prison, and had the tremendous burden of all the new missionary churches resting upon his shoulders.  Bearing in his earthly tabernacle the "marks of the Lord Jesus," he knew he would find blessed relief in the sinless bowers of Paradise.  Yet Paul recognized that he must not selfishly seek to desert the duties which God had given him.

     We often hear of those who because of illness or discouragement earnestly wish to "depart, and to be with Christ."  However, the Lord has work for them to do - even though it may be only a silent witness from a white cot of pain - therefore, He leaves them here.  If you are among those who are pressed into such a corner, remember the Apostle Paul, who was willing to remain here if it was for God's glory and the benefit of others.

     On the other hand, there may be some who are clinging to life though they know death is near.  To you Paul says in effect,  "There is something far better beyond the horizon of time.  You may soon be granted the joy of eternal gain - the glory of Christ's presence.  Do not fear, for when you leave your cramped corner of pain, you will suddenly find yourself in the broad palaces of His eternal pleasures!"

     Whatever your lot, keep trusting, knowing that to those who leave the choice with Him, God ever sends the best.

"Bread For Each Day"

Living The Book

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

            "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."                                                                                                                                                James  1:22

The Word of God is the "seed of truth" which requires clean soil if it is to thrive and be productive.  The Holy Spirit must be allowed to purify our lives, to clean out the debris of malice and lust - to weed out besetting sins, then, in the soil of humble modesty and true dedication to Christ, the Word will take firm root and bring forth the delightful clusters of the "fruit of the Spirit."  God wants us to walk in obedience to the faith that has been worked into our hearts, and to reflect to those about us the truths of His Word.  Many are ready to hear, discuss, argue, and place into mental pigeonholes the great doctrines of the Bible, but this is mere "religion."  It is all in vain, unless the truth is spiritually digested and translated into vital action that is discernible and effective in our everyday walk and conduct.  Mere theological knowledge is not enough.  We can only be sure that the truth has been received when it brings forth fruit.

     A Brahmin is said to have written to a missionary:  "We are finding you out.  You are not as good as your Book!  If your people were only as good as your Bible you would conquer India for Christ in five years."

     Indeed, the grace of God in our hearts should cause us to live "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world"  (Titus 2:12).  How true it is that often:

                                        We are the only Bible the careless world will read,
                                           We are the sinner's Gospel, we are the scoffer's creed,
                                        We are the Lord's last message, given in deed or word;
                                           What if the type is crooked?  What if the print is blurred?

     If we who are Christians were only as good as our Book, what startling things would happen!  No doubt it would be said of us as it was of the disciples of old,  "These....have turned the world upside down"  (Acts  17:6).

"Bread For Each Day"

No Interest

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

                                 "Yea, I think it meet . . . .to stir you up."  2 Peter 1:13

  An elderly lady was once leaving a missionary rally in the company of a young woman.  One who was close enough to listen to their conversation was surprised to hear the young girl say rather flippantly,  "I just can't get interested in missions!"  "Well, dearie,"  said the sweet old lady,  "tisn't to be expected you would - yet awhile.  It's just like getting interest in a bank.  You have to put in a little something first or you'll never have any!  The more you put in, the more you'll get out of it.  Try it, dearie, just put in a little something and you're sure of the interest."  The old lady's philosophy was simple, but true.  If you lack interest in something, it is probably because you have put very little into it.  You say you can find no pleasure in Bible study, but have you ever sat down with a concordance and the Scripture and cross-checked the proof text on a given subject?  Have you ever read the book of Psalms until you came to some promise that comforted you, and then meditated and rested upon that choice blessing until your soul had drawn all the spiritual honey out of it and your heart overflowed with the sweet nectar of praise?  Have you ever completely read a book of the Bible at one sitting so that you could get the entire sense of its message?  If not, no wonder you have no interest!

     You say you can stir up little enthusiasm for soul winning or personal work, but have you ever tried to speak to someone or really worked at showing others the love of Christ?  Have you ever volunteered or spent time visiting the poor and / or needy?  If not, it's no wonder you have "no interest."

"Bread For Each Day"

The Power Of The Word

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

             "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."  John  15:3

     The Word of God is compared to water for three distinct purposes.  When the Bible speaks of water for drinking purposes it refers to regeneration through the Spirit (John 3:5).  When used as a figure of floods and torrents, it signifies the judgments of God (2 Peter 3:6).  Water used for cleansing and washing points to the sanctifying power of the Word of God.

     Jesus prayed,  "Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth"  (John 17:17).  The Church is cleansed by the "washing of water by the Word."  No believer can be clean without daily "bathing" in the Word of God.  Just reverently reading the Bible daily will be a sanctifying experience, even though you may not even remember much of what you have read.  Some people have very poor memories.  A man once complained:  "I might as well stop reading the Bible for I get so little out of it and remember so little afterwards."  Is this your trouble?  Then liten to the little story of a simple Hindu convert.  A missionary diligently tried to teach her the Word of God daily, and become greatly discouraged because her new convert was so slow in remembering what she had been taught.  One day she complained,  "I guess it's no use trying to teach you the Word, you seem to forget all I tell you about the Bible.  Your mind seems like a sieve.  As fast I pour the water in, it runs out again."  The reply of the poor woman reveals a great truth.  Said she,  "Yes, I realize my mind is like a sieve.  I do forget so much, but when you pour water through a sieve it makes the sieve clean, even though it seems to retain none of it.  I am sorry I forget so much, but please don't stop pouring the Word into me.  It makes my heart and mind feel so clean afterwards.  The water is not wasted."

     It is not how much Scripture you can memorize, but rather how "much" it does to you.

                                                                  Who would not love the Bible,
                                                                       So beautiful and wise?
                                                                   It cleanses and refreshes,
                                                                        And points us to the skies.
                                                                                                    - E. Hood

"The vigor of our spiritual life will be in proportion to the place held by the Word in our life and thoughts."
                                                                                                                                        - G. Mueller

"Bread For Each Day"

I Belong There!

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 Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, the might bring us to God."  Peter  3:18

     A missionary in Africa was telling the heathen the precious story of the life and ministry of our Lord.  The natives gathered in a special clearing which had been made in the forest, while the servant of God told them in vivid language of the wonderful miracles and the sacrificial offering of Christ on the cross.  Seated in the front row was the chief of the tribe who listened intently to all the missionary had to say.  As the story came to its climax, and the chief heard how Christ was cruelly nailed to Calvary's tree, he could contain himself no longer, but jumped to his feet crying,  "Stop!  Take Him down from the cross; I belong there, not Him!"  He had truly grasped the meaning of the Gospel, for he understood that he was a sinner, and the Christ was the sinless One.

     Yes, Jesus took our place and died in our stead.  In that He bore our sins, the just for the unjust, He has brought us back into fellowship with Father.

     J. G. Mantle in his wonderful book entitled, Beyond Humiliation says:  "To see what your sin really means, bring it into the light of the cross, and say as you gaze upon that marred visage and those pierced hands and feet:  'It was my pride, my lust, my unbelief, my selfishness, that pointed the nails and fixed the thorns.'"

     As once again you recall that scene of the Son of God hanging there in "agony and blood," will you say from your heart,  "I belong there!"  Then go one step further and receive Him as you Savior, so that you can say with Paul,  "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live."  If you will identify yourself with His sacrifice, God will identify you with Christ's righteousness.

"Bread For Each Day"

"Man, Do You Pray?"

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 both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

     The verse has been called David's  "Now I Lay Me," because there is little doubt but that this was an  "evening prayer."  Americans take over six tons of aspirins and sleeping pills each night in an attempt to get some rest.  Yet, how much better not only to sleep, but to do so  "peacefully"  because we know our Heavenly Father is watching over us and tenderly guarding our soul!

     Many years ago Robert Morrison, the famous missionary, was anticipating leaving for China.  While still in New York, however, he was taken seriously ill and could not take passage.  A good friend invited him to his home so that he might take care of him.  He decided to let the missionary rest in his own bed.  In the same room was a little child sound asleep in her own seven-year crib.  He decided to leave her there and not awaken her.  Not long after Missionary Morrison had crawled under the sheets, the little girl across the room opened her eyes.  She looked at the bed where she expected to see her father, but he was not there.  She was alarmed to see a strange man in his place.  Who was he?  Where was her father?  In a frightened little voice she asked,  "Man, do you pray to God?"  Mr. Morrison was touched and calmly answered,   "Yes, my dear, I pray God every day.  He is my best Friend."  That answer took the fear out of the child.  She smiled and in a few moments was again sound asleep.  After his recovery from the serious illness the missionary went on to China where he preached the unsearchable riches of Christ.  There, however, he was often in great danger, but no matter how great the difficulties and hardships, he was always able to lie down at night and sleep peacefully.  Secure in the care of his Lord, he often thought of the experience he had had in the home of his friend in New York.  He never forgot the lesson the child had taught him.  What is your answer to the little girl's question:  "Man, do you pray?"

"Bread For Each Day"

The Hard-Boiled Missionary

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 e put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

             ". . . all things work together for good to them that love God."  Romans  8:28

     A lady who had been suffering for a long time was visited by many friends seeking to comfort her with verses of Scripture.  One verse which was used most frequently was Romans 8:28.  Instead of being encouraged, she began to resent the verse repeated so monotonously by those who were well and healthy. They little realized that it is easy to quote these verses glibly and loosely, when not in the same situation.  It is not always easy to understand that our sufferings and trials and pain are for a purpose.  It takes great faith to appropriate it.  Let us be careful not to thoughtlessly quote Scriptures, for sometimes we cannot see God's purpose until later when the testing is past.

     Yet it is true, whether we realize it or not, that everything God permits to come into our lives must have a reason.  Whatever God sends up on us is necessary and for some good purpose which we shall understand afterward.

     A missionary was captured by cannibals.  "I suppose you intend to eat me?"  said the missionary, and the chief grunted his affirmation.  "Try a sample first, and see if you like it,"  said the missionary as he took his knife and cut a slab from the calf of his leg and handed it to him.  "Try this and see."  The chief took one bite and choked.  The missionary had a cork let.  The chief wanted no more of it and the missionary was spared. Years before, he had thought it a great misfortune to lose his leg and to wear an artificial one, but afterward it saved his life.  It worked out "for good."

"Bread For Life"