Personal Weakness

Daily Devotional, November 30

Personal Weakness

read›
John 8:1-11
They kept demanding
an answer, so He stood
up again and said, “All
right, but let the one who
has never sinned throw
the first stone!” (v.7).

Last November, the news about Tiger Wood’s numerous extramarital affairs began to leak out.
It became evident that the golfer with the squeaky clean image wasn’t so perfect after all.

Since then, there has been a growing debate over whether or not the media is being too hard on Tiger.
Some say he deserves a public shellacking. Others point out that other famous people have been serial
womanizers. They question why the media seems to look the other way when it comes to some other celebrities’ sexual indiscretions, while Tiger gets trashed. John records the account of the morning when a group of Jewish religious leaders tried to draw Jesus into a moral debate (8:1-11). While Jesus was teaching in the temple, they brought in a woman who had committed adultery—publicly accusing her before the people (v.3).

After reminding Jesus that the Law of Moses called for her to be stoned, they asked Him what He thought
they should do with her (vv.4-5). John tells us that the religious leaders were looking for Jesus to say something
that would discredit Himself (v.6). If He didn’t condemn her, He would be disagreeing with Moses. If He was too
harsh, He might take a hit in the eyes of the masses that were attracted to His teaching.
Jesus brilliantly avoided the trap they had set by pointing out the sinfulness of the woman’s accusers. He
said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (v.7).

Instead of discussing the moral failures of those who make headline news, let’s remember that we all have weaknesses—places where sin can more
easily infiltrate and ruin our lives. By humbly acknowledging our weaknesses to God and others, we can better avoid sins that will destroy us and our
witness for Jesus. —Jeff Olson

more›
Who can say, “I have
cleansed my heart; I am
pure and free from sin”?
(Proverbs 20:9).

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Honey Dripping

Daily Devotional, November 29

Honey Dripping

read›
Psalm 19
They are more desirable
than gold, even the finest
gold. They are sweeter
than honey, even honey
dripping from the comb
(v.10).

In Eugene Peterson’s Eat This Book, he tells the story
of his 7-year-old grandson Hans who appeared to
be devoutly reading his New Testament as he sat on
a park bench. The boy’s eyes moved back and forth
across the pages of the Bible, denying the fact that he
had not yet learned how to read.

Similarly, we can consistently “read” God’s Word
without comprehending its message for our lives.
In Psalm 19:7-11, David lifts up the matchless wisdom of
God’s Word. He makes six statements about it, in which
each contains the phrase “of the Lord.” The title “Lord”
is from the Hebrew word Yahweh—the covenant name
of God. God is relational and He speaks to us in His
Word. David reveals this important truth about Scripture: It
proceeds from God Himself.

So the way we read the Bible is vital. Do we read it
merely for information, principles, or truths that we can
use to live better? Or do we read it in order to listen to
God and respond in prayer and obedience?
In Psalm 19, David also lists four qualities of the Bible
(perfect, trustworthy, right, clear), and the four results
of following its truth (reviving the soul, making wise the
simple, bringing joy to the heart, giving insight for living).
Notice that the whole person is affected—the soul, the
mind, and the heart.

No wonder David proclaims that God’s Word is “more
desirable than gold, even the finest gold” (v.10). Yes, Scripture is infinitely more
precious than anything this world has to offer. And it’s “sweeter than honey, even
honey dripping from the comb.” This imagery encourages us to savor God’s
Word, to eat the book and truly take in its life-changing, life-sustaining wisdom.
—Poh Fang Chia

more›
• Psalm 119:11
• 1 Peter 2:2
• James 1:22-25

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Possible

Daily Devotional, November 26

Possible

read›
Romans 12:9-21
Do all that you can
to live in peace with
everyone (v.18).

A benefit of being a teacher, I know that
Thanksgiving vacation is always an anticipated
respite from the routine of waking early, grading
papers, and planning lessons. What I hadn’t planned for
was the impending disagreements that would arise from
our two children being home in close quarters with extra
time. No matter how much I tried to reason with them,
they couldn’t seem to agree on anything. They were
focused on each other’s faults, while denying their own.
A glutton for punishment, I grounded them from media
for several days. Much to my delight, the arguments
waned and they suddenly remembered that they actually
liked each other.

As living sacrifices—set apart, transformed—believers
in Jesus are to become living, breathing reflections
of God’s will (Romans 12:1-2). In the quietness of our
devotional time with the Lord, this goal stirs our hearts. In
the day-to-day of relationships, however, it can seem to
be downright impossible.
As I deal with my children, I often hear the Lord
speaking to me about my relationships with others. It
takes two to fight (Proverbs 20:3). You can’t choose
how others act, but you can choose how you respond
(Matthew 5:38-39). Be kind, whether it’s deserved or not
(Proverbs 31:26). Like my children, I can either trust the
wisdom of the One who knows far more than I do or I
can rely on my own perspectives (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Godly love doesn’t come by finding perfect relationships; it comes when I
first choose to deal with my own faults (Romans 12:9). Relational peace is not
avoidance. It’s a decision to act on the things for which I am responsible, while
placing the things I cannot change in the hands of Jesus. I must trust a God for
whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37; Mark 9:23). —Regina Franklin

more›
Turn away from evil
and do good. Search
for peace, and work
to maintain it
(Psalm 34:14).

next›
Is there a relational conflict you’ve been
trying to control through your own actions or
words? What can you do “as much as
possible” to improve the situation? What aspects
of this conflict need to be surrendered to Jesus?

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Faith Of Our Fathers

Daily Devotional, November 25

Faith Of Our Fathers

read›
Ephesians 6:1-4
Fathers, do not provoke
your children to anger by
the way you treat them.
Rather, bring them up
with the discipline and
instruction that comes
from the Lord (v.4).

I was reading upstairs when my neighbor came to pick
up his son. The child must not have wanted to go yet,
for I heard his small voice declare, “Someone’s going
to die!” My neighbor did not correct his little boy, but
smiled sheepishly as he steered him toward the door.
This father is failing his son. As the God-appointed
authority in his child’s life, he is teaching his son that it’s
okay to disrespect all authority figures—including God.

Our experience with our earthly father inevitably forms
of our view of God. In his book Faith of the Fatherless,
Paul Vitz observes that many of the world’s leading
atheists—such as Nietzsche, Hume, Russell, Sartre, and
Camus—grew up without fathers. Could the absence of
their earthly fathers explain why it was so hard for them to
believe in the existence of a heavenly Father?

If you grew up with an absent or abusive father, you
will tend to project this bad experience upon God. But
if you realize this natural bent, you may be able to lay it
aside. Recognize that you’re the victim of bad parenting
and seek out a father figure who can restore your faith in
God. Above all, start with God, allowing His revelation
(rather than your difficult childhood) to define what it
means to be a father. Believe Jesus when He says that
“your heavenly Father already knows all your needs”
and is eager to “give good gifts to those who ask Him”
(Matthew 6:32; 7:11).

If you’re a father, know that how you love your children will determine their
perception of God. Being a good dad does not guarantee that your children will
love God, but a bad dad can certainly cause them to struggle in their relationship
with Him. Ninety percent of parenting is just showing up, but the other 10 percent
matters too. —Mike Wittmer

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The Picture of Pride

Daily Devotional, November 23

The Picture of Pride

Hoping to catch a prowler, the South Wales police published his image in a local newspaper. But the burglar was unsatisfied with the photo, so he submitted a better one, featuring him standing in front of a police vehicle! Police later captured and detained the criminal, thanks to his arrogant stunt. You might say his glamour shot led to a mug shot.

Like this bigheaded bandit, King Uzziah's oversized ego did him in. It's a shame too, because Uzziah was somewhat of a renaissance man. He defeated the Philistines, cultivated vineyards, fortified Jerusalem, and outfitted his elite military forces with some mighty fine weapons. Aided by God, his fame spread far and wide. When Uzziah became powerful, "he also became proud, which led to his downfall" (2 Chronicles 26:16). He barged into the temple and personally ignited incense on the altar. Only the priests were allowed to do this, and when they tried to kick him out, Uzziah "became furious" (v.19) and raged at them.

Uzziah wasn't the only one who was angry, God stepped in to defend the temple workers, zapping Israel's ruler with a case of leprosy. Instantly, Uzziah's status changed from famous king to lowly outcast. He lived "in isolation in a separate house" for the rest of his life (v.21), and lost his political power. Uzziah's life was a picture of this truth: "[God] will punish the proud" (Isaiah 2:12).

Still, like the conceited king, we're all prone to adopting an inflated view of ourselves and getting angry with people who try to set us straight. Fortunately, when we "humble [ourselves] under the mighty power of God" (1 Peter 5:6), we don't have to suffer the destruction that ultimately accompanies self-importance (Proverbs 16:18). Picture this, God loves a humble heart! , Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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Spiritual Pursuit

Daily Devotional, November 22

Spiritual Pursuit

On this day in 1963, the world was shocked by the news that John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, had been killed by an assassin's bullet. Though it's not as well known or remembered, Christian author C. S. Lewis passed away the very same day. Even fewer will remember that Aldous Huxley, author of the book Brave New World, died from cancer during those same 24 hours.

In 1954, Huxley published a lesser-known book titled The Doors of Perception, which described his experimental use of the mind-altering drug mescaline. Huxley was one of the first to write about using hallucinogens to pursue spirituality. His book inspired the popular rock band The Doors, known for their use of LSD, to name their group after Huxley's book.

Granted, Huxley and his admirers were looking in all the wrong places, but they were on an important pursuit. God made us in such a way that we're naturally drawn to spirituality (Job 32:8). And there is no greater spiritual pursuit than worshiping God.

A Samaritan woman once asked Jesus to settle an ancient dispute about the best place to worship God (John 4:19-20). Samaritans contended it was on the top of Mount Gerizim, while the Jews said it was on the temple mount in Jerusalem. Jesus told her that a day was coming where people could worship God anywhere they wanted to as long as they worshiped "in spirit and in truth" (vv.21-24).

There's no denying that people can get high on LSD or some other mindaltering drug, but they will never enter the heights of true spirituality by taking that path, not to mention the devastating effects it can have on the mind and body. It's only by worshiping God wholeheartedly, on the basis of who Jesus is, that we experience His life-altering power and presence. , Jeff Olson

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Deja Vu

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 19

1 Samuel 26:10 ESV NASB

David also said, “As the LORD lives, surely the LORD will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish.

Deja Vu

David was caught in a living nightmare. Once again, Saul was hot on his heels. The king had taken 3,000 of Israel’s elite troops and was hunting David down in the wilderness of Ziph. The events in 1 Samuel 26 have a sense of déjà vu about them—they’re remarkably similar to what took place in chapter 24.

In the first encounter, David was retreating as Saul was advancing. But in chapter 26, Saul’s soldiers are camped out and David is on the offensive. His scouts located Saul’s camp and David, accompanied by at least two men, goes to check it out. What’s he up to? we wonder. Surely, he won’t attempt to assassinate Saul, for he was conscience-stricken when he previously cut off a portion of Saul’s robe (24:5).

David had come for Saul’s spear and water container, and that was all. He commanded Abishai not to kill Saul for basically the same reason (v.9) he verbalized in 24:6,11. But David went beyond what he had said before, assuring Abishai, “Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle” (26:10). After his experience with Nabal and Abigail (ch.25), David knew that God could accomplish His will in any number of ways.

It’s important to note that David didn’t simply know that God defends His own. He believed it. His whole plan hung on it. He staked his life on it. We see from his example that faith and action go hand-in-hand. His plan was totally dependent on God for success. In 1 Samuel 26, David dealt with a similar situation with greater confidence and wisdom than in chapter 24. Can that be said of us? How are we living out the wisdom He has taught us through previous life experiences? —Poh Fang Chia

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When Tragedy Strikes

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 18

Luke 13:3 ESV NASB

“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

When Tragedy Strikes

In January 2010, people from around the world were deployed to provide relief to the citizens and land of Haiti. The tragic effects of a powerful earthquake in that country caused our family to wrestle with unsettling and troubling questions: Why did a mind-staggering tragedy like this happen? If God is strong and powerful and loving, couldn’t He have prevented the devastation in Haiti? Is God punishing the people of Haiti in some way? Are the people in Haiti more unrighteous than people in other countries? These questions are legitimate, but they inch us away from an appropriate personal response to world tragedy.

Jesus addressed the manner in which His audience should personally respond to world crises (Luke 13). To do this, He chronicled two historical events—revealing that death is indiscriminate and repentance is vital. In the first event, Pilate had some Galileans killed while they worshiped. The innocents died at the hands of an evil man (vv.1-2). The second event concerned a tower in Siloam that fell and killed 18 people. Those people died in a natural disaster (v.4). In light of these two tragic events, Jesus wanted His audience to ask a question of mortality: How close am I to the end of my life? And a question of eternity: What’s my status before God—am I ready to meet Him? Jesus’ instruction was sobering— mortality and eternity are certain, so the people needed to repent or perish spiritually. .

In light of tragedies taking place around the world, we should take His teaching to heart. World tragedies should cause us to consider our own mortality and eternity, asking: What is my status before God right now? Am I ready to meet God? How am I glorifying Him today? To neglect these questions could prove tragic for me and you. —Marvin Williams.

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The Model Church

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 16

1 Thessalonians 1:7 ESV NASB

so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

The Model Church

What church in the New Testament stands out as the model for the rest? This question was asked during a church growth seminar. It was no surprise that no one attempted to give the church in Corinth that honor.

Understandably, everyone said it was the infant church in Jerusalem, described in Acts 2:42-47. But to the apostle Paul, the church in Thessalonica was the model church. He told them, “You have become an example [model, NIV] to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). The church in Thessalonica was characterized by “faithful work, loving deeds,” and the “enduring hope” (v.3). The believers boldly proclaimed the good news to people everywhere, even beyond their own country (v.8). They were a model church because they served the Lord faithfully, loved each other deeply, and expectantly longed to see the Lord at His second coming (vv.9-10). They lived changed lives—so radically altered that people felt the impact. Their godly behavior and Christlike conduct (v.6) were doing the talking. Their 100-percent commitment to God is noticed and talked about (vv.8-9). Indeed, they had “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 NKJV).

Paul celebrated the fact that they exhibited a lifestyle produced by faith, a labor motivated by love, and a steadfastness anchored in hope (1 Thessalonians 3). These virtues are indispensable and unmistakable trail markers of Christian growth and maturity. They are like a compass for the maturing Christian—providing direction for the way to go. Believers in Jesus should often evaluate their own faith, love, and hope.

Why? Because Paul said these virtues are eternal. “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). What are you modeling to others? —K.T. Sim

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Ultimate Healing

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 15

2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV NASB

while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Ultimate Healing

What Cancer Cannot Do Cancer is so limited . . . It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot destroy peace. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot suppress memories. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot steal eternal life. It cannot conquer the spirit. —Author Unknown

I love those words. They beautifully reflect the truth found in God’s Word. Paul, facing physical challenges, could say with confidence, “We ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The apostle, like you or someone you know, experienced suffering as an ever-present companion (v.10). Yet he chose to “fix [his] gaze on things that cannot be seen” (v.18).

Paul’s faith and confidence flowed from the treasure within him—God’s transforming power—and the future that awaited him—eternity with Jesus (v.17). He knew that when this life was over he would be forever in God’s presence, where there will be “no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

When suffering comes, we can pour out our hearts to God (Psalm 55:22). He is with us in our pain (Hebrews 13:5). We can worship Him when He chooses to heal and when He chooses not to heal. But no limited thing like disease or suffering can ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38). An ultimate healing, as Christian composer Wayne Watson puts it, lies just ahead.

Today, fix your eyes on what can’t be seen—what an awesome, breathtaking view! —Tom Felten

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Wanting Justice

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 12

Jonah 4:11 ESV NASB

“Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?”

Wanting Justice

Evil is everywhere. Last year, not far from where I was living, 57 civilians were massacred by political rivals. Many of these people weren’t simply killed. It was brutal. Deep in my heart, I must confess that there was a personal cry for justice—I wanted God to severely punish the perpetrators. The whole point of the book of Jonah is not about a big fish. It’s actually about a God who extends His love—even to the worst of us. Jonah was sent to announce God’s judgment to the citizens of Nineveh, a city of especially brutal people. They committed horrifying acts against conquered foes. Jonah quite naturally didn’t want to take God’s message to them. So he headed by ship in the opposite direction (1:1-3). That’s where the big fish comes in (vv.15-17). Through divine intervention, Jonah eventually arrived in Nineveh with the Lord’s message for the people. But instead of ignoring it, the people actually repented (3:7-9). Ergo, no judgment (v.10). Jonah was furious (4:1-3). We do have a God of justice who declares: “I will take revenge. I will pay them back” (Romans 12:19). In an obscure prophecy found in the book of Nahum, God declares what He would eventually do to Nineveh (chapters 2–3). Justice. But we also have a Savior who, as He was being crucified, called for His executioners to receive mercy: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Mercy. Mercy and justice: two sides of the same coin. It’s a message God wants us to convey to everyone—even to the worst among us. —Tim Gustafson

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Age of Grace

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 5

Genesis 6:3 ESV NASB

Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”

Age of Grace

The world’s oldest person, a 115-year-old American woman named Gertrude Baines, died in September 2009. According to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), the leading authority on “supercentenarians,” the world’s oldest living person now is Kama Chinen, a 114-year-old Japanese woman. The oldest verified person in history was Jeanne Calment who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days old. A GRG spokesperson said, “Anything over 120 is extremely unusual.”

Long ago, God said, “In the future, [people’s] normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years” (Genesis 6:3). The fact that it’s rare for humans to live beyond 120 years today is a reminder of God’s judgment on an increasingly corrupt and evil world (vv.5,11).

Some scholars say that the number 120 signifies the gradually implemented new age limit for humans. After the flood, the recorded ages declined steadily—but considerably—from the 900s (5:4-20) to the 120s. Abraham, 10 generations from Noah (11:10-26), lived to be 175 (25:7); Isaac, 180 (35:28); Jacob, 147 (47:28). Joseph lived 110 years (50:26) and Moses died at 120 (Deut. 34:7).

Other scholars say that the 120 years represents a period of grace that existed prior to God unleashing His wrath on His sinning creation. Of this 120 years of grace, Peter says that “God waited patiently while Noah was building His boat. . . . He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9). Yet, our 120-year mortality cap is a grim warning that it’s possible for people to reach the point of no return and then to face God’s judgment. Instead of presuming on His grace, let’s repent of our sinfulness today. —K.T. Sim

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PURENRG song - Live My Life For You

PURENRG DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 4

Posted to Deuteronomy 6:5 on Nov 3, 2010 at 12:15 PM

Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV NASB

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO DEVOTIONAL

Live My Life For You

We hope you guys are enjoying this journey as much as we are and learning a lot about God’s hope and love. Today we want to talk with you about living your life for God and doing his work alone.

In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, “you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength.

So what does this mean to you? What does it mean to love God with all your heart, your soul and your strength?

We sing about this in our song ”Live My Life For You.” It’s special to us because this is the first song we performed as a group and actually what we are trying to do with pureNRG. The song is also great because it also tells us that no matter what happens in the past we can always look to the future and as long as we give our lives to God, He is willing to start over new.

What are some ways you can show got you want to live your life entirely for Him? Pray and write down how you can love God with all your heart, soul and strength.

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Old Black Coat

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 3

2 Peter 3:10 ESV NASB

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

Old Black Coat

I know I should say “bye-bye” to my beloved black coat. It’s almost 15 years old and the cuffs are threadbare. The blue satin lining is torn. Still, every time I put it on, it hugs my shoulders perfectly and falls at just the right length. I’ll admit it—I’m attached.

Psalm 102 says that the earth and heavens will one day “wear out like old clothing” (v.26), and God will transform the world we know. Peter described this event as the “day of the Lord” when “the heavens will pass away . . . and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire” (2 Peter 3:10).

On that day, “the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.” Even now, God is holding back His judgment because He wants to bring more people to repentance. If you’ve never established a personal relationship with Jesus, don’t miss the urgency of Peter’s message: God “is being patient for your sake” (v.9).

Peter instructed those of us who already believe in Jesus to live holy lives while we await the “day of the Lord” (v.11). Specifically, when Jesus returns, He should find us “living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight” (v.14). Judgment Day should inspire us to make godly lifestyle choices. It should prompt us to ask the hard questions: Do I want Jesus to find me living with my girlfriend, tangled in sketchy business deals, drunk and polishing off another bottle of booze?

The “day of the Lord” is a sobering topic. It’s no fun to acknowledge that our globe will “wear out”—just like my old black coat. And yet, with the earth’s inevitable destruction comes the promise of a worldwide renovation. We can look forward to “the new heavens and new earth . . . a world filled with God’s righteousness” (v.13). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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Christians & Pornography

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 2

Romans 1:26 ESV NASB

For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,

Even the Women

The mothers in my neighborhood threw a party for the distinctive feature of the male anatomy—one of them even baked a cake in its shape and invited my wife over to see it. My wife politely declined, but the incident reminded us that we’re living in an increasingly pornographic world.

Sexual sin is always wrong, but it’s particularly troubling when middle-aged women start behaving like junior high boys. Perhaps because sex and pregnancy are particularly personal for women, they have traditionally provided our last line of defense against sexual deviancy. When “even the women” (Romans 1:26) lose all sense of sexual propriety, what hope is there for our men?

We live in an age of pornography. Not long ago, someone who wanted to ogle naked bodies had to make an effort to leave their home and go to the seedy part of town. Now we stumble across pornography while surfing the Web or on television. And few people seem to mind. Some of us remember not being allowed to attend the movie theater because it was “worldly.” We scoffed at such legalism, but now the pendulum has swung in the other direction. Most of us are free to go to movies, and there is almost nothing we won’t watch. Consider the gratuitous nudity and simulated sex you have seen on television or in a theater, and you’ll know what I mean.

God commands us to “give honor to marriage” (Hebrews 13:4). It’s hard to do that when we lust after bodies that do not belong to our spouse or use vulgar terms or throw parties that demean the bodies God has given us. God is against porn because He is for sex within the sacred estate of marriage. Don’t cheapen His beautiful gift with coarse talk or promiscuity. —Mike Wittmer

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