From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, 'Well done good and faithful servant! Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share your master's joy!'"
Most of us will have many jobs over our lifetime. With each of our jobs, God is building something in us that will be used for His purposes now and in the future. Oswald Chambers says "In the beginning we do not train for God, we train for work, for our own aims; but as we go on with God we lose all our own aims and are trained into God's purpose.
Jesus was prepared for His ultimate calling by working with His father in his carpentry shop until He was thirty years old. More than 54% of Jesus' teaching arose out of issues in daily life experience. Joseph was prepared to be head of a nation by serving prison time and being a slave in Potiphar's house. Moses was prepared to lead a nation out of slavery by serving in Pharoah's house and later working forty years as a shepherd.
Do not despise the small jobs - for they are stepping stones to a greater purpose in God's plan for your life and for God's preparation for your ultimate destiny. Some of these jobs are necessary for the message He is forming in you.
Pray that God accomplishes His intended outcome in you through the work you are doing today.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ecumenism: The Real Focus
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)
Ecumenism should not be about trying to convert other Christians over to your faith. As the Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe says, "Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect."
My thoughts are that this position, while true, still does not convey the whole message for the necessity of ecumenism. Deeply devout Christians are often converted to Christianity as a result of attending a specific faith group and naturally tend to be loyal to that group. Understandable. That particular faith group was the conduit through which that person feels his life was saved. And it was saved! Saved from the clutches of the "enemy"! And that's where the Christian ecumenism movement should be focused...on the "enemy", not on our differences. That's the distraction satan is counting on!
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30). As the old saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall."
Reminds me of a hungry lion targeting his prey in a herd. If he can get a single animal detached from the group...it's curtains for the helpless animal. That's not to say it is impossible for a single "water buffalo or antelope" to somehow escape the jaws of death without the help of his buddies...but the odds are certainly against him. "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)
Interesting that Peter uses a lion metaphor to describe satan's strategy. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Let's examine:
1. Lions are opportunist hunters, and, after a careful stalk, will take the closest animal regardless of its age, sex or condition.
2. Most hunting takes place under the poor light conditions of early evening or dawn, and during the night. During daylight when prey animals themselves are better able to see, the lion is at a disadvantage, as its hunting technique depends on stalking within range of its prey.
3. Lions hunt primarily by sight. Although visual cues will trigger the hunt.
4. Lions are powerful animals that usually hunt in coordinated groups (the enemy has help) and stalk their chosen prey.
5. They take advantage of factors that reduce visibility; many kills take place near some form of cover or at night. They sneak up to the victim.
6. They like to stalk prey on the "wing" of the herd.
Christians have plenty of available resources to deflect satan's attack.That's the good news! We just have to utilize them. Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16). Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).
Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
"Lions frequently suffer injuries when killing dangerous game, and have been known to back down when the prey species stands its ground."
So let's review on how to best keep the enemy from getting to us:
1. Stay sober and alert. (1 Peter 5:8)
2. Put on your spiritual armor every day. (Ephesians 6:13-16)
3. Go to Church, join a Christian faith community. (Hebrews 10:32)
4. Stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:13)
5. Love God and love your neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-40)
"What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963). Let's not get distracted and become an easy vulnerable target!
Ecumenism should not be about trying to convert other Christians over to your faith. As the Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe says, "Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect."
My thoughts are that this position, while true, still does not convey the whole message for the necessity of ecumenism. Deeply devout Christians are often converted to Christianity as a result of attending a specific faith group and naturally tend to be loyal to that group. Understandable. That particular faith group was the conduit through which that person feels his life was saved. And it was saved! Saved from the clutches of the "enemy"! And that's where the Christian ecumenism movement should be focused...on the "enemy", not on our differences. That's the distraction satan is counting on!
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30). As the old saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall."
Reminds me of a hungry lion targeting his prey in a herd. If he can get a single animal detached from the group...it's curtains for the helpless animal. That's not to say it is impossible for a single "water buffalo or antelope" to somehow escape the jaws of death without the help of his buddies...but the odds are certainly against him. "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)
Interesting that Peter uses a lion metaphor to describe satan's strategy. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Let's examine:
1. Lions are opportunist hunters, and, after a careful stalk, will take the closest animal regardless of its age, sex or condition.
2. Most hunting takes place under the poor light conditions of early evening or dawn, and during the night. During daylight when prey animals themselves are better able to see, the lion is at a disadvantage, as its hunting technique depends on stalking within range of its prey.
3. Lions hunt primarily by sight. Although visual cues will trigger the hunt.
4. Lions are powerful animals that usually hunt in coordinated groups (the enemy has help) and stalk their chosen prey.
5. They take advantage of factors that reduce visibility; many kills take place near some form of cover or at night. They sneak up to the victim.
6. They like to stalk prey on the "wing" of the herd.
Christians have plenty of available resources to deflect satan's attack.That's the good news! We just have to utilize them. Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16). Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).
Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
"Lions frequently suffer injuries when killing dangerous game, and have been known to back down when the prey species stands its ground."
So let's review on how to best keep the enemy from getting to us:
1. Stay sober and alert. (1 Peter 5:8)
2. Put on your spiritual armor every day. (Ephesians 6:13-16)
3. Go to Church, join a Christian faith community. (Hebrews 10:32)
4. Stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:13)
5. Love God and love your neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-40)
"What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963). Let's not get distracted and become an easy vulnerable target!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Uncertainty Of Life
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
James 4:14 “What is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
We certainly don’t know what the next year—or hour—will bring. In his epistle, James wrote about this uncertainty. He rebuked the greedy merchants for boasting about what they would do that day, the next day, or even the next year (James 4:13). Their sin wasn’t that they were making plans; it was forgetting God and arrogantly boasting about those business plans.
James reminded them: “What is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Commentator Peter Davids says that James was pointing out their foolishness and saying, in essence, “Come now, you who make plans—you don’t even understand how little control you have over life itself.”
No part of life is outside the control of God. So when we make plans, we need to remember, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
James 4:14 “What is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
We certainly don’t know what the next year—or hour—will bring. In his epistle, James wrote about this uncertainty. He rebuked the greedy merchants for boasting about what they would do that day, the next day, or even the next year (James 4:13). Their sin wasn’t that they were making plans; it was forgetting God and arrogantly boasting about those business plans.
James reminded them: “What is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Commentator Peter Davids says that James was pointing out their foolishness and saying, in essence, “Come now, you who make plans—you don’t even understand how little control you have over life itself.”
No part of life is outside the control of God. So when we make plans, we need to remember, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Communion With God
From: A Good Thing Daily Devotionals bbh
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
What is the first thing you do when you wake up? What is the last thing that you do as you go to bed? What occupies your thoughts, attention, and affections throughout each day? Is it communion with God? If not, why not?
Through the finished work of Christ on the cross we have access to, and the favor of, the only Being in the entire universe who has the wisdom we need for decisions, the strength we need for struggles, the love we need for relationships, the goodness we need for right living. When we pray, we enter into the presence of God and we commune with Him from our hearts.
The question, then, is not why Paul gives us such a difficult commandment—to pray without ceasing—but why we would not avail ourselves constantly of the single greatest opportunity that Christ's sacrifice has now provided us. We should pray, not to appease some vague sense of guilt or obligation, but to enjoy the great pleasures, pursue the great holiness, and enter the great presence of the One who created us...our best Friend.
Pray to Him today. Pray to Him tomorrow. Pray to Him when you're sad. Pray to Him when you're exhausted. Pray to Him when you're exuberant. Pray to Him when you feel empty and when you feel full. Pray to Him without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
What is the first thing you do when you wake up? What is the last thing that you do as you go to bed? What occupies your thoughts, attention, and affections throughout each day? Is it communion with God? If not, why not?
Through the finished work of Christ on the cross we have access to, and the favor of, the only Being in the entire universe who has the wisdom we need for decisions, the strength we need for struggles, the love we need for relationships, the goodness we need for right living. When we pray, we enter into the presence of God and we commune with Him from our hearts.
The question, then, is not why Paul gives us such a difficult commandment—to pray without ceasing—but why we would not avail ourselves constantly of the single greatest opportunity that Christ's sacrifice has now provided us. We should pray, not to appease some vague sense of guilt or obligation, but to enjoy the great pleasures, pursue the great holiness, and enter the great presence of the One who created us...our best Friend.
Pray to Him today. Pray to Him tomorrow. Pray to Him when you're sad. Pray to Him when you're exhausted. Pray to Him when you're exuberant. Pray to Him when you feel empty and when you feel full. Pray to Him without ceasing.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
We Do What We Choose To Do
From: Every Day Light - Selwyn Hughes
Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death."
A lot of heartache would be saved if Christians would learn to put a bridle on their tongues. Expressions which convey the idea that the Lord acts unjustly or unkindly, especially if they fall from the lips of men and women who have a long experience in the Christian life, are as dangerous as sparks in a timber factory.
People sometimes claim: "It is impossible for me to control what I say. It slips out before I realize what I've said." This is nonsense, of course, for what we say is the result of what we choose to say. Sometimes we may feel as though we have no control over what we say, but that is all it is a feeling.
Dr Lawrence Crabb, a Christian psychologist, tells us: "The loss of felt choice does not mean the loss of real choice." When you give a person "a piece of your mind", as we say, there is always a moment, albeit a split second, when you can choose to speak out or stay quiet. We cannot hide behind the excuse that our tongue is not under our control. What we do is what we choose to do.
Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death."
A lot of heartache would be saved if Christians would learn to put a bridle on their tongues. Expressions which convey the idea that the Lord acts unjustly or unkindly, especially if they fall from the lips of men and women who have a long experience in the Christian life, are as dangerous as sparks in a timber factory.
People sometimes claim: "It is impossible for me to control what I say. It slips out before I realize what I've said." This is nonsense, of course, for what we say is the result of what we choose to say. Sometimes we may feel as though we have no control over what we say, but that is all it is a feeling.
Dr Lawrence Crabb, a Christian psychologist, tells us: "The loss of felt choice does not mean the loss of real choice." When you give a person "a piece of your mind", as we say, there is always a moment, albeit a split second, when you can choose to speak out or stay quiet. We cannot hide behind the excuse that our tongue is not under our control. What we do is what we choose to do.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Life's Giant Challenges
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Do you ever wonder why certain people rise to meet a great challenge and others don't? Have you heard the story of David and Goliath?
If ever there was a giant challenge, David found it in Goliath, a hardened warrior who was nine-and-a-half-feet tall and filled his enemies with terror. Yet David, just a teenage shepherd, was willing to take him on. His people thought he was crazy but he had faith in the Lord and remembered how God had strengthened him in the past.
He said, "When a lion or bear came and took a lamb from my flock, I went after it and struck the beast and killed it. The Lord who delivered me from the power of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this giant."
And He did. David slew Goliath. He faced a giant challenge and was victorious because he had been faithful day by day.
When the big public challenges come, we'll be ready if we're faithful to God in the various behind-the-scenes daily tasks. It's the faithfulness in the small things that is key to meeting life's giant challenges victoriously.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Do you ever wonder why certain people rise to meet a great challenge and others don't? Have you heard the story of David and Goliath?
If ever there was a giant challenge, David found it in Goliath, a hardened warrior who was nine-and-a-half-feet tall and filled his enemies with terror. Yet David, just a teenage shepherd, was willing to take him on. His people thought he was crazy but he had faith in the Lord and remembered how God had strengthened him in the past.
He said, "When a lion or bear came and took a lamb from my flock, I went after it and struck the beast and killed it. The Lord who delivered me from the power of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this giant."
And He did. David slew Goliath. He faced a giant challenge and was victorious because he had been faithful day by day.
When the big public challenges come, we'll be ready if we're faithful to God in the various behind-the-scenes daily tasks. It's the faithfulness in the small things that is key to meeting life's giant challenges victoriously.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
It's Above Our Pay Grade
From: Devotions ChopChop
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
This is perhaps the most quoted passage in the book of Proverbs, and with good reason. There is just so much truth in those few words.
If you’re like me, you like to know whys of puzzling situations. Why did that accident have to happen that maimed a child? Why have my children gone down a wayward path when I’ve cared and nurtured them in the ways of the Lord? Why is this happening to me especially now and in these circumstances?
But God definitely has the bigger picture in mind. Imagine working in the lives of 6 billion people one way or another, and at various stages of their growth and development. And that’s not even to mention how God is moving in entire nations and in the hearts of rulers for His purposes and His glory. I cannot comprehend it all, and neither can you. We’re not supposed to. Instead, we have our little worlds that we tend to and that He moves in. We get a glimpse of His glory on occasion and it compels us to move forward. We do try to put our own spin on why certain things happen, but it’s just that, our spin. We really don’t know many of the answers to the world’s most troubling questions. To use a common phrase in today’s world, “it’s above our pay grade.” And rightly so.
Suffice to say “God is in control.” It’s a trust issue and the sooner we leave the world’s overarching questions into His hands, the better off we’ll be to handle the problems we can handle. Admittedly, it’s a daily battle.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him and He will direct your paths."
This is perhaps the most quoted passage in the book of Proverbs, and with good reason. There is just so much truth in those few words.
If you’re like me, you like to know whys of puzzling situations. Why did that accident have to happen that maimed a child? Why have my children gone down a wayward path when I’ve cared and nurtured them in the ways of the Lord? Why is this happening to me especially now and in these circumstances?
But God definitely has the bigger picture in mind. Imagine working in the lives of 6 billion people one way or another, and at various stages of their growth and development. And that’s not even to mention how God is moving in entire nations and in the hearts of rulers for His purposes and His glory. I cannot comprehend it all, and neither can you. We’re not supposed to. Instead, we have our little worlds that we tend to and that He moves in. We get a glimpse of His glory on occasion and it compels us to move forward. We do try to put our own spin on why certain things happen, but it’s just that, our spin. We really don’t know many of the answers to the world’s most troubling questions. To use a common phrase in today’s world, “it’s above our pay grade.” And rightly so.
Suffice to say “God is in control.” It’s a trust issue and the sooner we leave the world’s overarching questions into His hands, the better off we’ll be to handle the problems we can handle. Admittedly, it’s a daily battle.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
For His Purposes, Not Ours
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Matt 4:19-20 "'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him."
God calls people into relationship with Himself and to their calling in life. It is for His purposes, not ours. Jesus chose each of His disciples from the workplace instead of the rabbinical schools. They did not choose Jesus, Jesus chose them and it was deemed a great honor in their culture to be chosen by such a rabbi (Jn 15:16).
Jesus called you into relationship with Himself because His desire is for you to be a faithful priest in your work life, family, and city. "I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in My heart and mind." (1 Samuel 2:35). He desires that you be a willing participant in His agenda. He has not called you for your purposes, but His.
Sometimes we think it's all about us. It has to be all about Him in order for us to fulfill what is in His heart and mind for His overall plan for His Kingdom. He doesn't need us, but He has chosen to use us.
God has an agenda for planet earth. He has chosen you and me as the primary instrument for accomplishing His plan.
Matt 4:19-20 "'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him."
God calls people into relationship with Himself and to their calling in life. It is for His purposes, not ours. Jesus chose each of His disciples from the workplace instead of the rabbinical schools. They did not choose Jesus, Jesus chose them and it was deemed a great honor in their culture to be chosen by such a rabbi (Jn 15:16).
Jesus called you into relationship with Himself because His desire is for you to be a faithful priest in your work life, family, and city. "I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in My heart and mind." (1 Samuel 2:35). He desires that you be a willing participant in His agenda. He has not called you for your purposes, but His.
Sometimes we think it's all about us. It has to be all about Him in order for us to fulfill what is in His heart and mind for His overall plan for His Kingdom. He doesn't need us, but He has chosen to use us.
God has an agenda for planet earth. He has chosen you and me as the primary instrument for accomplishing His plan.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
In The Depths Of Darkness
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Job 12:22 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light."
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Job 12:22 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light."
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Power Of The Written Word
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Hebrews 4:12 "Indeed the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."
Last January, ESPN television ran a compelling feature about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who had just been named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. But the feature was not about football. Instead, it explained that for several years, when certain competitors Manning admired were retiring from the NFL, he took time to hand write a note to them, congratulating them on their careers and their character.
Each recipient who was interviewed expressed deep appreciation that one of the greatest players of all time would do that. It was a great reminder of the power of the written word.
While a written note from a respected athlete such as Peyton Manning has much value, no human’s words can compare with the written Word we have from God in Scripture. Paul wrote, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).
In the life-changing wisdom of the Bible, we have a personal message that tells us what God desires for us to be and what He desires to be for us. He has given us His written Word so we “might have hope” as we face the issues of life. Out of gratitude, let’s read God’s written message—and watch it change our lives.
Hebrews 4:12 "Indeed the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."
Last January, ESPN television ran a compelling feature about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who had just been named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. But the feature was not about football. Instead, it explained that for several years, when certain competitors Manning admired were retiring from the NFL, he took time to hand write a note to them, congratulating them on their careers and their character.
Each recipient who was interviewed expressed deep appreciation that one of the greatest players of all time would do that. It was a great reminder of the power of the written word.
While a written note from a respected athlete such as Peyton Manning has much value, no human’s words can compare with the written Word we have from God in Scripture. Paul wrote, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).
In the life-changing wisdom of the Bible, we have a personal message that tells us what God desires for us to be and what He desires to be for us. He has given us His written Word so we “might have hope” as we face the issues of life. Out of gratitude, let’s read God’s written message—and watch it change our lives.
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