When the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamen was discovered in 1922, it was filled with things ancient Egyptians thought were needed in the afterlife. Among items such as golden shrines, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and weapons was a pot filled with honey-still edible after 3,200 years!
Today we think of honey primarily as a sweetner, but in the ancient world it had many other uses. Honey is one of the only foods known to have all the nutrients needed to sustain life, so it was eaten for nutrition. In addition, honey has medicinal value. It is one of the oldest known wound dressings because it has properties that prevent infection.
When God rescued the children of Israel from Egyptian captivity, He promised to lead them to a " land flowing with milk and honey," a metaphor for abundance. When their journey was prolonged due to sin, God fed them bread (manna) that tasted like honey. The Israelites grumbled about having to eat the same food for so long, but it's likey that God was kindly reminding them of what they would enjoy in the Promised Land.
God still uses honey to remind us that His ways and words are sweeter than the honeycomb. So then the words we speak should also be like the honey we eat-both sweet and healing.
Read these verses about the use of words; Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 13:3, Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8. Which truths might God want you to put into practice in your life today?
Spend time counting your blessings, not airing your complaints.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Friday, April 7, 2017
In Transition
People post obituary notices on billboards and concrete block walls in Ghana regularly. Headlines such as Gone Too Soon, Celebration of Life, and What a Shock! announce the passing away of loved ones and the approaching funerals. One I read-in Transition-points to life beyond the grave.
When a close relative or friend dies, we sorrow as Mary and Martha did for their brother Lazarus. We miss the departed so much that our hearts break and we weep, as Jesus wept at the passing of His friend.
Yet, it was at this sorrowful moment Jesus made a delightful statement on life after death: " I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
On the basis of this we give departed believers only a temporary farewell. For they will " will be with the Lord forever," Paul emphasizes. Of course, farewells are painful, but we can rest assured that they are in the Lord's safe hands.
In Transition suggests that we are only changing from one situation to another. Though life on earth ends for us, we will continue to live forever and better in the next life where Jesus is. " Therefore encourage one another with these words."
It's because of You, Jesus, that we have hope and are sure of a forever life. We're grateful.
Because of Jesus, we can live forever.
When a close relative or friend dies, we sorrow as Mary and Martha did for their brother Lazarus. We miss the departed so much that our hearts break and we weep, as Jesus wept at the passing of His friend.
Yet, it was at this sorrowful moment Jesus made a delightful statement on life after death: " I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
On the basis of this we give departed believers only a temporary farewell. For they will " will be with the Lord forever," Paul emphasizes. Of course, farewells are painful, but we can rest assured that they are in the Lord's safe hands.
In Transition suggests that we are only changing from one situation to another. Though life on earth ends for us, we will continue to live forever and better in the next life where Jesus is. " Therefore encourage one another with these words."
It's because of You, Jesus, that we have hope and are sure of a forever life. We're grateful.
Because of Jesus, we can live forever.
His Plans or Ours?
When my husband was 18 years old, he started a car cleaning business. He rented a garage, hired helpers, and created advertising brochures. The business prospered. His intention was to sell it and use the proceeds to pay for college, so he was thrilled when a buyer expressed interest. After some negotiations, it seemed that the transaction would happen. But at the last minute, the deal collapsed. It wouldn't be until several months later that his plan to sell the business would succeed.
It's normal to be disappointed when God's timing and design for our lives do not match our expectations. When David wanted to build the Lord's temple, he had the right motives, the leadership ability, and the resources. Yet God said he could not undertake the project because he had killed too many people in battle.
David could have shaken his fist at the sky in anger. He could have pouted or plowed ahead with his own plans. But he humbly said, " Who am I, Lord God...that you have brought me this far?". David went on to praise God and affirm his devotion to Him. He valued his relationship with God more than his ambition.
What is more important-achieving our hopes and dreams, or our love for God?
Dear heavenly Father, I commit all of my plans to You. Thank You for bringing me this far. You mean more to me than anything in the world.
True satisfaction is found in yielding ourselves to the will of God.
It's normal to be disappointed when God's timing and design for our lives do not match our expectations. When David wanted to build the Lord's temple, he had the right motives, the leadership ability, and the resources. Yet God said he could not undertake the project because he had killed too many people in battle.
David could have shaken his fist at the sky in anger. He could have pouted or plowed ahead with his own plans. But he humbly said, " Who am I, Lord God...that you have brought me this far?". David went on to praise God and affirm his devotion to Him. He valued his relationship with God more than his ambition.
What is more important-achieving our hopes and dreams, or our love for God?
Dear heavenly Father, I commit all of my plans to You. Thank You for bringing me this far. You mean more to me than anything in the world.
True satisfaction is found in yielding ourselves to the will of God.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
The Hollywood Hills Cross
One of the most recognizable images in the US is the " HOLLYWOOD" sign in Southern California. People from all over the globe come to " Tinseltown" to gaze at cement footprintssss of stars and perhaps catch a glimpse of celebrities who might pass by. It's hard for these visitors to miss the sign anchored in the foothills nearby.
Less well known in the Hollywood hills is another easily recognized symbol-one with eternal significance. Known as the Hollywood Pilgrimage Memorial Monument, this 32-foot cross looks out over the city. The cross was placed there in memory of Christine Wetherill Stevenson, a wealthy heiress who in the 1920s established the Pilgrimage Theatre ( now the John Anson Ford Theatre). The site served as the venue for The Pilgrimage Play, a drama about Christ.
The two icons showcase an interesting contrast. Movies good and bad will come and go. Their entertainment value, artistic contributions, and relevance are temporary at best.
The cross, however, reminds us of a drama eternal in scope. The work of Christ is a story of the loving God who pursues us and invites us to accept His offer of complete forgiveness. The high drama of Jesus' death is rooted in history. His resurrection conquered death and has an eternal impact for all of us. The cross will never lose its meaning and power.
Thank You, Father, for the eternal significance of the cross. Help us to understand and appreciate the love that caused Your Son to embrace His cross for our sakes.
To know the meaning of the cross, you must know the One who died there.
Less well known in the Hollywood hills is another easily recognized symbol-one with eternal significance. Known as the Hollywood Pilgrimage Memorial Monument, this 32-foot cross looks out over the city. The cross was placed there in memory of Christine Wetherill Stevenson, a wealthy heiress who in the 1920s established the Pilgrimage Theatre ( now the John Anson Ford Theatre). The site served as the venue for The Pilgrimage Play, a drama about Christ.
The two icons showcase an interesting contrast. Movies good and bad will come and go. Their entertainment value, artistic contributions, and relevance are temporary at best.
The cross, however, reminds us of a drama eternal in scope. The work of Christ is a story of the loving God who pursues us and invites us to accept His offer of complete forgiveness. The high drama of Jesus' death is rooted in history. His resurrection conquered death and has an eternal impact for all of us. The cross will never lose its meaning and power.
Thank You, Father, for the eternal significance of the cross. Help us to understand and appreciate the love that caused Your Son to embrace His cross for our sakes.
To know the meaning of the cross, you must know the One who died there.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Don't Walk Away
In 1986, John Piper nearly quit as minister of a large church. At that time he admitted in his journal: " I am so discouraged. I am so blank. I feel like there are opponents on every hand." But Piper didn't walk away, and God used him to lead a thriving ministry that would eventually reach far beyond his church.
Although success is a word easily misunderstood, we might call John Piper successful. But what if his ministry never flourished?
God gave the prophet Jeremiah a direct call. " Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," God said. " Before you were born I set you apart." God encouraged him not to fear his enemies, " for I am with you and will rescue you."
Jeremiah later lamented his commission with ironic language for a man with a prenatal calling. " Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends!"
God did protect Jeremiah, but his ministry never thrived. His people never repented. He saw them slaughtered, enslaved, and scattered. Yet despite a lifetime of discouragement and rejection, he never walked away. He knew that God didn't call him to success but to faithfulness. He trusted the God who called him. Jeremiah's resilient compassion shows us the heart of the Father, who yearns for everyone to turn to Him.
Do you sense a call from God Where in your calling have you encountered discouragement? How do you define success, and how do you react to it when you experience it?
Beware of giving up too soon. Our emotions are not reliable guides.
Although success is a word easily misunderstood, we might call John Piper successful. But what if his ministry never flourished?
God gave the prophet Jeremiah a direct call. " Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," God said. " Before you were born I set you apart." God encouraged him not to fear his enemies, " for I am with you and will rescue you."
Jeremiah later lamented his commission with ironic language for a man with a prenatal calling. " Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends!"
God did protect Jeremiah, but his ministry never thrived. His people never repented. He saw them slaughtered, enslaved, and scattered. Yet despite a lifetime of discouragement and rejection, he never walked away. He knew that God didn't call him to success but to faithfulness. He trusted the God who called him. Jeremiah's resilient compassion shows us the heart of the Father, who yearns for everyone to turn to Him.
Do you sense a call from God Where in your calling have you encountered discouragement? How do you define success, and how do you react to it when you experience it?
Beware of giving up too soon. Our emotions are not reliable guides.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
His Word the Last Word
Dawson Trotman, a dynamic Christian leader of the mid-twentieth century and founder of The Navigators, emphasized the importance of the Bible in the life of every Christian. Trotman ended each day with a practice he called " His Word the last word." Before going to sleep he meditated on a memorized Bible verse or passage, then prayed about its place and influence in his life. He wanted the last words he thought about each day to be God's words.
The psalmist David wrote, " On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings." Whether we are in great difficulty or enjoying a time of peace, our last thought at night can ease our minds with the res and comfort God gives. It may also set the tone for our first thought the next morning.
A friend and his wife conclude each day by reading aloud a Bible passage and daily devotional with their four children. They welcome questions and thoughts from each child and talk about what it means to follow Jesus at home and school. They call it their version of " His Word the last word" for each day.
What better way to end our day!
Thank You Father, for Your Word in our hearts and our minds-our last thought at night as we rest securely in You.
The Spirit of God renews our minds when we meditate on the Word of God.
The psalmist David wrote, " On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings." Whether we are in great difficulty or enjoying a time of peace, our last thought at night can ease our minds with the res and comfort God gives. It may also set the tone for our first thought the next morning.
A friend and his wife conclude each day by reading aloud a Bible passage and daily devotional with their four children. They welcome questions and thoughts from each child and talk about what it means to follow Jesus at home and school. They call it their version of " His Word the last word" for each day.
What better way to end our day!
Thank You Father, for Your Word in our hearts and our minds-our last thought at night as we rest securely in You.
The Spirit of God renews our minds when we meditate on the Word of God.
Monday, April 3, 2017
A Heart of Compassion
Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, " Too bad," as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.
As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, " Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this." Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.
Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light-as people who need the gentle touch of grace. " As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." He also suggests that we " bear with each other and forgive one another."
As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.
Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others.
Compassion is understanding the troubles of others.
As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, " Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this." Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.
Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light-as people who need the gentle touch of grace. " As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." He also suggests that we " bear with each other and forgive one another."
As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.
Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others.
Compassion is understanding the troubles of others.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Behind the Scenes
My daughter sent a text message to a friend, in hopes of having a question answered quickly. Her phone's messaging service showed that the recipient had read the message, so she waited anxiously for a reply. Mere moments passed, yet she grew frustrated, groaning her annoyance at the delay. Irritation eroded into worry; she wondered whether the lack of response meant there was a problem between them. Eventually a reply came and my daughter was relieved to see their relationship was fine. Her friend had simply been sorting out the details needed to answer the question.
The old testament prophet Daniel also anxiously awaited a reply. After receiving a frightening vision of great war, Daniel fasted and sought God through humble prayer. For three weeks, he received no reply. Finally, an angel arrived and assured Daniel his prayers had been heard " since the first day." In the meantime, the angel had been battling on behalf of those prayers. Though Daniel didn't know it at first, God was at work during each of the twenty-one days that elapsed between his first prayer and the angel's coming.
The confidence that God hears our prayers can cause us to become anxious when His reply doesn't come when we want it to. We are prone to wonder whether He cares. Yet Daniel's experience reminds us that God is at work on behalf of those He loves even when it isn't obvious to us.
Lord, help me to trust Your care for me even when I can't see it.
God is always at work on behalf of His people.
The old testament prophet Daniel also anxiously awaited a reply. After receiving a frightening vision of great war, Daniel fasted and sought God through humble prayer. For three weeks, he received no reply. Finally, an angel arrived and assured Daniel his prayers had been heard " since the first day." In the meantime, the angel had been battling on behalf of those prayers. Though Daniel didn't know it at first, God was at work during each of the twenty-one days that elapsed between his first prayer and the angel's coming.
The confidence that God hears our prayers can cause us to become anxious when His reply doesn't come when we want it to. We are prone to wonder whether He cares. Yet Daniel's experience reminds us that God is at work on behalf of those He loves even when it isn't obvious to us.
Lord, help me to trust Your care for me even when I can't see it.
God is always at work on behalf of His people.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
When Yes means No
I thanked God for the privilege of serving as my mom's live-in caregiver during her battle against leukemia. When medicines began to hurt more than help, she decided to stop treatment. " I don't want to suffer anymore," she said. " I want to enjoy my last days with family. God knows I'm ready to go home."
I pleaded with our loving heavenly Father-the Great Physician-confident He could work miracles. But to say yes to my mom's prayers, He would have to say no to mine. Sobbing, I surrendered, " Your will be done, Lord."
Soon after, Jesus welcomed my mama into a pain-free eternity.
In this fallen world, we'll experience suffering until Jesus returns. Our sinful nature, limited vision, and fear of pain can distort our ability to pray. Thankfully, " the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God." He reminds us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, even when His yes to someone else means a heartbreaking no for us.
When we accept our small part in His greater purpose, we can echo my mom's watchword: " God is good, and that's all there is to it. Whatever He decides, I'm at peace." With confidence in the Lord's goodness, we can trust HIm to answer every prayer according to His will and for His glory.
God's answers are wiser than our prayers.
I pleaded with our loving heavenly Father-the Great Physician-confident He could work miracles. But to say yes to my mom's prayers, He would have to say no to mine. Sobbing, I surrendered, " Your will be done, Lord."
Soon after, Jesus welcomed my mama into a pain-free eternity.
In this fallen world, we'll experience suffering until Jesus returns. Our sinful nature, limited vision, and fear of pain can distort our ability to pray. Thankfully, " the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God." He reminds us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, even when His yes to someone else means a heartbreaking no for us.
When we accept our small part in His greater purpose, we can echo my mom's watchword: " God is good, and that's all there is to it. Whatever He decides, I'm at peace." With confidence in the Lord's goodness, we can trust HIm to answer every prayer according to His will and for His glory.
God's answers are wiser than our prayers.
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