Seeing Potholes

Daily Devotional, February 28, 2011

Seeing Potholes

read›
1 Kings 11:1-13
He had warned Solomon specifically
about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did
not listen to the Lord’s command (v.10).

Potholes can be a pain. If a car tire hits a deep one,
we’re talking some serious damage. That’s why
the idea of Italian engineering students Domenico
Diego and Cristina Corradini is so bright—literally! The
duo, noting that many potholes in Europe aren’t repaired
due to lack of funding, have come up with something
called the Street Safe initiative. Their creative plan calls
for potholes to be painted bright yellow, an inexpensive
way to help drivers avoid big pits in the pavement.

God knew the “potholes” that Solomon needed to
avoid—things that could bring his kingdom down. “He
had warned [him] . . . but Solomon did not listen to the
Lord’s command” (1 Kings 11:10). Instead, the king who
was known for wisdom unwisely withdrew into isolation
with his “many foreign women” (v.1). God had warned
His people against marrying such women, for “they will
turn your hearts to their gods” (v.2; Exodus 34:12-17).
Solomon saw the potholes and still caved. And this
happened even after God had warned him on three
occasions to obey Him (talk about “bright yellow paint”!):
“Follow Me and obey My commands” (3:14); “Obey all
My decrees” (1 Kings 6:12); “Follow Me with integrity
and godliness” (9:4). Turning from God to the isolation
of his private pleasures and folly, Solomon chose sin, and
God’s subsequent discipline resulted in his kingdom being
taken from him (11:11).

When we turn from God—isolating ourselves from Him and godly friends—
we’re headed for destruction. Sometimes we think we can cuddle with sin or
keep it hidden, but God’s bright warnings can’t be avoided. Eventually, guilt will
sweep over us as God brings “our secret sins” to light (Psalm 51:2, 90:8).
Don’t fall into the pothole of isolation. Open up and let God and godly
friends help you repent of your secret sins. —Tom Felten

more›
What does Hebrews
10:22 tell us about how
to deal with the guilt of
our sin? Read Luke 6:45
and—in the light of Jesus’
words—consider what’s
hidden in your heart.

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Lost

Daily Devotional, February 24, 2011

Lost

read›
Proverbs 2:1-11
Then you will understand what is right, just, and
fair, and you will find the right way to go (v.9).

"We just witnessed a stunning, daring bit of
TV storytelling that set the show on a new,
series-ending path—one that will track
the characters through parallel, alternate universes,”
wrote USA Today’s Robert Bianco following the 2-hour
premiere of the last season of Lost.

“We are now following two versions of their lives.
“That’s no easy task to pull off,” Bianco insisted. “Few
shows would even try. It worked because the script and
actors so clearly delineated the difference between the
two groups: one transformed by the island, one left as
they were when we first met them.”

It is indeed rare for television to delve so deeply into
character study, to attempt to unravel the complexities of
man’s lost soul. While brilliant scriptwriting can help expose
dark hearts, only God-inspired Scripture can provide a
genuine map home and a formula for true and lasting
change—salvation “through” Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
To find your way, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs
of this world,” the apostle Paul teaches, “but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way
you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
As the Lord told the Israelites, when we come
“weeping and seeking the Lord” our God in repentance,
striving to find the way back home, then we will bind
ourselves to the Lord “with an eternal covenant that will never be forgotten”
(Jeremiah 50:4-5).

Are you lost? Then “stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old,
godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls”
(Jeremiah 6:16). —Roxanne Robbins

more›
According to Luke 15,
what does God do when
you’re lost?

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This Little Light of Mine Devotional - Addison Road Band

Daily Devotional- Featuring Addison Road, February 23, 2011

This Little Light of Mine Devotional - Addison Road

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. "

It all started on a Boy Scout camp out. I remember it clearly, I was nine years old and we were up late at night all sitting around the camp fire. The night had been fun so far but as we sat around people started telling dirty jokes and gross stories. Something seemed wrong to be in such a beautiful place and to be talking about those ugly things. So I quietly got up and went and found a spot by myself. We were in the middle of nowhere and it was late at night so I could see the stars shine brighter than I ever had. I laid there with my hands behind my head, staring up at the stars and talked to God. I don't remember now exactly what I prayed about but that moment has stuck with me ever since.

That was one of the things I was thinking about when I wrote, "This Little Light of Mine." I was trying to remember that childlike innocence that I had when I talked to God. That openness and sincerity that comes in simple phrases and honest words. I think there's something to that. I wrote the whole song in bed one night, I had everything done but the chorus. I kept thinking there was some children's song about shining your light but I couldn't remember what it was. The next morning I grabbed my guitar and looked on the computer and realized the song I was thinking of was the old song, "This Little Light of Mine." I put music to all the words I had written along with the chorus and the whole thing took about ten minutes.

Writing this song was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. As soon as it was done I felt like it was going to be a song that meant something to a lot of people. Flash forward a year later . . . we recorded the song and decided to get our fans involved in helping us make a music video for the song. We asked them to send clips of how they let the love of Christ shine through them. They showed their light at school, at home with their families and friends, and also taking care of the very sick. We were blown away by so many people responding and sending in video clips of the ways they shine their light.

Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." I feel like the light of Christ shines most in me in encouraging others. Reminding people that God never gives up on them, never turns away, and always offers his hope to us no matter what. I think it's shining your light, in so many different ways, that brings God's light and hope to a dark world. So go brave the dark and let your little light shine.

-Ryan Gregg

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Wild Gourds

Daily Devotional, February 22, 2011

Wild Gourds

2 Kings 4:38-41
The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth
distinguishes between foods (Job 34:3).

As you probably know, not all mushrooms are
safe to eat. In fact, only 3,000 of the 14,000
known mushroom species are edible. Poisonous
mushrooms are also known as toadstools (thought to
have originated from the German word todes which
means death). That’s why I rely on the experts, for I can’t
tell a good mushroom from a bad toadstool.

Due to a famine, Elisha once sent his servant to look
for some food to eat (not necessarily mushrooms!). The
young man came back with herbs and wild gourds, and
shredded them to make a pot of hot stew.

The famine referenced in 2 Kings 4 came about because
the people had rejected God’s Word (Leviticus 26:3-4;
1 Kings 18:18). This resulted in both a natural famine and
one of not hearing the word of the Lord (Amos 8:11).
I see a spiritual analogy here. For the world we live in
is like that pot of stew—full of all kinds of ideas, beliefs,
convictions, philosophies, and teachings. They’re tossed
in together, mixed, adapted, assimilated, and served to
Christians as wholesome biblical truth.

God’s people should be hungry for His Word. But
there is no shortage of “wild gourds” out there. You or
someone in your church family may read a book or go
to a conference that presents what sounds like sound
teaching from God’s Word, but it’s actually nothing but
“wild gourds.” Soon it’s served in “a pot of stew” to the
rest of the congregation. That’s why it’s so important
that we grow in our knowledge of what God’s Word actually says, and what it
doesn’t say (Hebrews 5:14; Ephesians 4:11-14).

Got some “wild gourds” that you’ve taken in? Test them by the scrutiny and
authority of God’s Word (Job 12:11; Mark 4:24). If you don’t, their poison will
pass from you to others. —K.T. Sim

more›
What did the Bereans
and the Thessalonians
do to test the teachings
they were hearing?
(Acts 17:11; 1 Th. 5:21).

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Divine Design

Daily Devotional, February 21, 2011

Divine Design

read›
Colossians 1:15-20
He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see (v.16).

Intelligent design. It’s hard to go a day without
encountering that phrase, and here’s why. The more
scientists study matter like molecular DNA—the
building block of life—the more it points to a Creator.
As Dr. Stephen Meyer, author of Signature in the Cell,
writes, “The best, most causally adequate explanation
for the origin of the specified, digitally encoded
information in DNA is that it . . . had an intelligent
source.” Intelligent design = divine design.

It’s not surprising that the more scientists study what
can’t be seen by the human eye, the more they see the
fingerprints of God (Colossians 1:15). Paul stated, in
what likely were lyrics of an early church hymn, the
reality of Christ being behind DNA and every other part
of creation. He wrote, “Through [Jesus] God created
everything in the heavenly realms and on earth” (v.16).
Those words were significant for the believers in the
church at Colosse, for they were dealing with false
teachers who taught that angelic mediators were doing
what only Jesus can do. But they also help us address
the attacks by secular scientists against the Christian faith
today. For, Paul says, “He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see” (v.16).

Woven into every strand of DNA is the divine work
of Jesus, the One who “holds all creation together”
(v.17). He is our confidence, our hope, and the source
of every created thing. And as we look at His amazing creation, we—like the
Colossians—are able to stand for the truth found in His Word. Attacks on what
we believe are to be expected, but they pale in the light of Jesus’ reality (2:8).

Be encouraged! The more we sharpen the lens on even the tiniest parts of
God’s creation, the better we see His divine design. —Tom Felten

more›
Read Genesis 1:3 and
John 1:3-4. What two
kinds of light has Jesus
brought us by His divine
design?

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principled

Daily Devotional, February 17, 2011

principled

read›
Luke 13:10-21
This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham,
has been held in bondage by Satan for
eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be
released, even on the Sabbath? (v.16).

Teaching in a Christian preparatory school, I am
accustomed to including an “honor code” on each
quiz and test that my students take. Because they
live in a world of moral relativism, some students are
accustomed to signing on the line even when they’ve
cheated. Recently I had to turn a student in for cheating,
and as I watched the administration seek to respond
with grace and justice, I saw in action what Jesus tried
to impart to those around Him. People and principles go
hand-in-hand.

Comfortable in their list of rules, the Pharisees
couldn’t understand why Jesus would heal a woman on
the Sabbath (Luke 13:12-14). Due to their own selfrighteousness,
they missed the point—and the grace of
God. The rule was to put aside work in order to save the
Sabbath for God’s glory alone. Jesus’ point? What better
way to glorify God than by allowing Him to do the work
of healing. They saw the law; Jesus saw the person.
In our dealings with others, we need to hold fast to the
truth of God’s Word and its principles. To become passive
in our response to sin is to build our houses on shifting
sand (Matthew 7:26). Jesus came to show us that the law
for the sake of the law brings only death (Romans 4:15),
but implementing the law to demonstrate our need for
Jesus brings life (3:19-24).

God’s justice and His mercy are not opposing forces.
The purpose of mercy is to make way for grace, and extending grace doesn’t
mean setting aside principles. Grace understands that the true purpose behind
any standard is found in what Jesus lifted up as the most important of all—Godcentered
love (Mark 12:30-31). —Regina Franklin

more›
Read Micah 6:8 to
discover how we should
live out both God’s mercy
and His justice.

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Silence of God

Daily Devotional, February 16, 2011

Silence of God

read›
Psalm 13
O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever?
How long will You look the other way? (v.1).

She sits alone in her room—dark circles under her
eyes, tears running down her cheeks. Since her
teenage years, God has been her fulfillment, but
her heart still has gaps—empty places, hollow spaces,
unmet longings. And she has prayed, oh how she has
prayed for God to give her the desires of her heart. Or
to take them away. One or the other. But neither has
happened. Ten long years of waiting. “How long will
you forget me?” she whispers. “Forever?”

We may celebrate the goodness of God during times
of answered prayer and unexpected blessing, but sooner
or later, we all face the silence of God. Israel did (1 Sam.
3:1). Job did (Job 23:1-9). Asaph did—crying to God all
night without answer (Ps. 77:1-9). “Why do you hide when
I am in trouble?” David prayed (10:1). “Do not turn a deaf
ear to me,” he demanded (28:1). “How long must I struggle
with . . . sorrow in my heart every day?” he cried. “Turn
and answer me” (13:2-3). Even Jesus experienced the
deathly silence of the Father (Matt. 27:46).

What is God doing during His silence? Preparing
the answer to our request? Maybe. Testing the depth
of our devotion? Perhaps. Developing our character?
Undoubtedly. Christian martyrs of old were sawn in two
out of devotion to Jesus. Why shouldn’t we endure a little
pain as we mature? Sometimes, however, we may never
know why God is keeping quiet.

Thankfully, God does break His silence. He spoke to Israel (1 Samuel 3:4-14)
and Job (Job 38); the morning finally dawned for Asaph (Psalm 77:11-20) and
David (28:6-9); the silence of Good Friday was followed by the shout of Easter
(Matthew 28).

But, until she hears from God, that girl—representing so many others—sits in
her room alone. Or is she? —Sheridan Voysey

more›
Read Psalm 5:1-3. What
posture does David
suggest we take in the
midst of God’s silence?
How might Luke 18:6-8
provide encouragement
as we wait?

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Little Platoons

Daily Devotional, February 15, 2011

Little Platoons

read›
Colossians 4:7-18
These are the only Jewish believers among my
co-workers; they are working with me here
for the kingdom of God. And what a comfort they
have been! (v.11).

In his book, Waking the Dead, John Eldredge writes:
“When he left Rivendell, Frodo didn’t head out with
1,000 elves. He had eight companions. Jesus didn’t
march around backed by hundreds of followers either.
He had 12 men. . . . Though we are part of a great
company, we are meant to live in little platoons. The little
companies we form must be small enough for each of
the members to know one another as friends and allies.”
In the closing section of Colossians, Paul listed and
described his little platoon of friends and allies.

In describing his platoon, Paul used relational language.
He said Tychicus was a “dear brother, a faithful minister,”
and a “fellow servant” in the Lord (4:7 NIV). It was
probably Paul’s theology of equality that allowed him to
build a significant relationship with the slave Onesimus
(v.9; Philemon 1:10). The apostle called him “a faithful
and beloved brother.” Another platoon member was Mark
(Col. 4:10). This was the same Mark who abandoned
Paul in the middle of a mission. When he went AWOL, it
caused so much tension between Paul and Barnabas that
they ended up separating (Acts 15:36-39). The fact that
Mark was now ministering with (and to) Paul (2 Timothy
4:11) reveals that the two had renewed their relationship
through forgiveness and reconciliation.

In addition to Tychicus, Onesimus, and Mark, Paul also
listed Aristarchus, Jesus (who is called Justus), Luke, and
Demas (Colossians 4:10-14). Lastly, Paul wrote that Epaphras also cared for him
and the Colossians by praying “earnestly” for them (vv.12-13). The men made up a
small platoon, but it had a big relational impact on the apostle Paul.
As believers in Jesus, we’re called to live in little platoons as well. These
groups of growing Christians will thrive as we accept, forgive, serve, comfort,
pray for, and work hard for one another. —Marvin Williams

more›
Read Romans 16 to view
another list of Paul’s
friends and how they
made a great impact on
his life and ministry.

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Letting Go

Daily Devotional, February 14, 2011

Letting Go

read›
Matthew 10:32-42
If you love your father or mother more than you
love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine; or
if you love your son or daughter more than Me,
you are not worthy of being Mine (v.37).

Li Yue fell hard for Hou You Jing. They were from
the same province, shared a love for badminton
and western movies, and—as if by fate—met while
working second shift at a microchip processor company
in Shenzhen. Li Yue couldn’t stand to be apart from
Hou You Jing, and she didn’t notice that her constant
calls and weekend plans were beginning to smother
him. He slowly pulled away—finally telling her that he
was ending their relationship. Li Yue was devastated. In
desperation, she pleaded, “But I love you!”

But was it truly love? Jonathan Edwards explained that
we truly love another person only if we love them first in
God. Any love that doesn’t begin with God is actually a
form of selfishness. We love ourselves rather than others,
our family rather than another family, or our city or
country rather than another town or nation. Our circle of
love may widen to include everyone on planet Earth, yet
we’ll still prefer the people on our planet to the possible
inhabitants of others. Edwards explained that “true virtue
consists in love to Being [his term for God] in general”
and only afterward “to any one particular being.”

This is partially Jesus’ point when He commands us
to love Him more than our closest family and friends
(Matthew 10:37). He isn’t merely warning against
idolatry, but He’s also telling us how to fully enjoy
our close relationships. When we love others more
than God, we inevitably ask more from them than what they can deliver. Our
neediness will eventually suffocate them and our relationship.

Jesus said that whatever we cling to we will lose, but “if you give up your life
for Me, you will find it” (v.39). As the saying goes, “If you love someone, set
them free”—in God. —Mike Wittmer

more›
Read Philippians 3:7-8
to see Paul’s comparison
between knowing Jesus
Christ and knowing
anything else.

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Flying Fish

Daily Devotional, February 10, 2011

Flying Fish

read›
Exodus 16:1-18
Each family had just
what it needed (v.18).

The residents of Lajamanu, a remote Australian
town, received a fishy gift last summer. Hundreds
of small spangled perch dropped from the sky!
Meteorologists believe the fish were sucked up into the
clouds by a storm. “It could have scooped the fish up to
40,000 to 50,000 feet in the air. Once they get up into
the system they [were] pretty much frozen. After some
period they [were] released,” said a weather expert.
Surprisingly, Lajamanu has been bombarded by flying
(frozen) fish twice before—in 1974 and 2004.

A month after being miraculously delivered from
Egypt, the Israelites were looking for a nice, fresh fish
dinner—or something fresh to eat (Exodus 16:1-3). The
wilderness didn’t allow for much, shall we say, delicious
cuisine. God knew what His people needed, and He
told Moses that He would “rain down food from heaven”
(v.4). And that’s just what He did!

God provided His complaining people with bread in
the morning and meat in the evening (v.12). But, instead
of fish, God gave them “vast numbers of quail [that] flew
in and covered the camp” (v.13). So the Israelites had
some tasty fowl to consume. In fact, “Each family had
just what it needed” (v.18).

Why would God give His people simply what they
needed and no more? He was teaching them to trust in
Him alone and not in their own means. He was teaching
them about real faith. Jesus reflected the same faith-building way of life in the Lord’s
Prayer, telling His disciples to pray, “Give us today the food we need” (Matt. 6:11).
Are you content with what God has provided for you today? If not, it’s time
to take a fresh look at your faith. God wants us to depend on Him for our daily
provision—not the frozen fish in the freezer. —Tom Felten

more›
Numbers 11:31-35
presents an account
of falling quail. Why
did God discipline His
people? How can you
avoid following their
sinful behavior?

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A Gift For Jesus

Daily Devotional, February 09, 2011

A Gift For Jesus

read›
Mark 14:3-9
Wherever the Good News is preached
throughout the world, this woman’s deed will
be remembered and discussed (v.9).

Consider this situation: Someone you deeply
love is dying. Doctors tell you that this could be
his last week of life. You want to do something
memorable and meaningful for him. What would it be?
At a dinner held to honor Jesus (John 12:2), Mary
anointed Him with expensive perfume made from essence
of nard (or spikenard)—a special plant that grew only
in the Himalayas of India. Mary’s perfume cost the
equivalent of a whole year’s salary for a laborer in
ancient Israel (Mark 14:5). In the Song of Solomon (1:12
and 4:13), nard symbolizes the sweet aroma worn by a
bride, drawing her husband to her. Some Bible teachers
believe that the perfume Mary was using to annoint
Jesus was her personal dowry—a treasure she had been
keeping for her own wedding. It was her most precious
possession.

Mary’s generous gift to Jesus invoked strong negative
responses. Some dinner guests rebuked her harshly
(vv.4-5). But Jesus commended her. For Mary had done a
“beautiful” thing (v.6 NIV). She had placed the perfume on
Jesus to prepare Him for His death (v.8). Leading up to this
time, He had often said that He would be betrayed, killed,
buried, and that He would rise again. His disciples didn’t
believe Him, for they didn’t want it to happen (Mark 8:31-
33, 9:31-32). But Mary had been listening to Jesus (Luke
10:39-42). Believing His words, she lovingly ministered to
Him in His last week before He went to the cross.

The expensive perfume was Mary’s funeral gift to Jesus. She gave her very best
to honor Him. Today, we’re part of Jesus’ fulfilled prophecy—we’re remembering
what Mary did at that dinner (Mark 14:9).

If you were in Mary’s place, what would you have done for Jesus? What
“perfume” would you have given to honor Him? —K.T. Sim

Read Romans 12:1, to
learn the appropriate gift
for you to give to Jesus
for all He’s done for you.

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Feel

Daily Devotional, February 07, 2011

Feel

read›
Proverbs 3:1-8
We don’t know what God wants us to pray
for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with
groanings that cannot be expressed in words
(Romans 8:26).

My friend has a habit of asking God for signs. In
doing so, His prayers tend to seek confirmation
of his feelings, as in “God, if You want me to
do ‘X,’ then please do ‘Y,’ and I’ll know it’s OK.”
Not surprisingly, this has created a dilemma. For my
friend feels that he should get back with his ex-girlfriend,
based on the way he prays. His ex, on the other hand,
feels strongly that God has told them not to get back
together. Ah, feelings.

Jesus told the religious leaders of His day: “Only an
evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous
sign” (Matthew 16:4). But He wasn’t making a blanket
statement to prevent anyone from seeking God’s
guidance. Rather, Jesus was accusing them of ignoring
the clear prophecies that told them He was the Messiah.

Proverbs gives us an abundance of direct signs as to
how to live our lives. Solomon, who wrote most verses
in the book, gave these instructions to his son: “Never
let loyalty and kindness leave you” (3:3). “Trust in the
Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own
understanding” (v.5). To drive his point home, Solomon
concluded: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (v.7).
God wants us to seek His guidance in prayer
(James 1:5). He has given us the instruction of the Holy
Spirit (John 14:26) and His Word, the Bible
(1 Thessalonians 2:13). He gives us mentors and wise leaders. He’s also given
us the ultimate example seen in Jesus (Philippians 2:4-5).

It’s wise to ask God for clear direction. But our prayers should never be
formulaic attempts to manipulate God. Real Christianity is not a system; it’s a
relationship with Jesus Himself. —Tim Gustafson

more›
Read Romans 8:1-17
to learn about the Holy
Spirit’s role in guiding
our lives and decisions.
In Matthew 16:1-4, what
do you think is the “sign
of Jonah”? (v.4).

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Training Daze

Daily Devotional, February 08, 2011

Training Daze

read›
1 Kings 17:7-16
Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in
the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I
have instructed a widow there to feed you” (vv.8-9).

After graduation from college, I worked for an

Sometimes I couldn’t even afford my next meal.
During that time, my mother became sick. I felt awful not
being able to help pay for her hospital expenses. It was
one trial after another, and each new trial was harder
than the previous one.

In 1 Kings 17, we find God training Elijah. By the
waters of Kerith, God used ravens to bring Elijah his
daily meals. But as the drought persisted, the babbling
brook became a silent stream, and then it slowed to a
mere trickle.

We read: “But after a while the brook dried up . . .
then the Lord said to Elijah” (vv.7-8). Often we would
rather have God show us the next step before our
resources are totally depleted. Waiting can be nerveracking.
It can be frustrating. But this is all part of the
training process. We need to learn that we’re dependent
on God, and Him alone. We need to learn that when
our comfort zone is compromised, God is still in control.
Elijah was told by God, “Go and live in the village
of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed
a widow there to feed you” (v.9). Zarephath was
enemy territory. Why would anyone offer Elijah shelter,
especially a widow? They were often the poorest of the
poor! Everything God told Elijah to do defied man’s
wisdom; it demanded trust. God was training His servant to walk by faith, not
by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

He learned the lesson reflected in these lyrics: “Now I can see testing comes
from above, God strengthens His children and purges in love. My Father knows
best, and I trust in His care; through purging, more fruit I will bear.” Are you
ready for God’s training? —Poh Fang Chia

more›
Read John 15:2 to
discover why, according
to Jesus, God prunes us.

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Resolved

Daily Devotional, February 04, 2011

Resolved

read›
1 Peter 3:8-18
Turn away from evil and do good. Search
for peace, and work to maintain it (v.11).

Checking the texting inbox on my phone, I understood
my friend’s frustration when I read her message:
“I am sick of unresolved conflict!! I can’t take it
anymore!” Ironically, our Bible study the night before
had been on peace. As I thought about her situation—
and some of my own—I was reminded how easily
conflict can arise and how difficult resolution can be.
In a world full of conflict, God’s Word stands in stark
contrast with its reminders that “God blesses those
who work for peace” (Matthew 5:9), and ”those who
are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap
a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). Peter told his
audience to be humble and loving, choosing to end
conflicts by paying people “back with a blessing”
(1 Peter 3:8-9). Peacekeeping and peacemaking are
similar in many ways, and yet different. The primary
emphasis in keeping peace is to maintain it by
enforcement or supervision (v.11; Hebrews 12:14).

Making peace, however, means getting to the root
of the issue. Colossians 1:20 teaches that for us to be
reconciled to God, our sin can be removed only through
the work of the cross (1 Peter 3:18). Peace comes with
a price. To make peace also means we have to be
content to lose control. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will
keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose
thoughts are fixed on You.” We can’t always make our
circumstances or relationships peaceful, but we can find personal peace by:
• Recognizing that our peace is not measured by others’ choices, but by our
own (Romans 12:18).

• Growing in our relationship with the God of all peace (2 Peter 1:2).
Peace will not be found in what we can maneuver to bring us comfort, but in
what we surrender to God. —Regina Franklin

more›
Read John 14:26-27 to
find out the role of the
Holy Spirit in bringing
real peace to your heart.

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No Guide

Daily Devotional, February 03, 2011

No Guide

read›
Jeremiah 2:1-13
My people have done two evil things: They
have abandoned Me—the fountain of
living water. And they have dug for themselves
cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!
(v.13).

Each week around the world, 10 million Girl Guides
(or Girl Scouts) learn how to cook, knit, survive
in the wilderness, and generally become good
citizens. A girl becomes a Guide by making the Guide
Promise—a pledge of duty to God, country, and the
Guide Law.

In recent years, there’s been discussion over the
wording of the Promise, as a Canadian case illustrates. A
Canadian Guide once pledged to “do my duty to God,
the Queen, and my country.” In 1994, this was changed
to “be true to myself, my God/faith, and Canada,” and in
2010 it was revised to “be true to myself, my beliefs, and
Canada.” The changes reflect an understandable desire
to be inclusive in a pluralistic society. But one can’t escape
the obvious: a promise to self has replaced a promise to
God. I often wonder how God feels about such headlines.
“What did your ancestors find wrong with Me?” God
once said through the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2:5).
In her youth, Israel had been devoted to God—eager to
keep her bridal promise; valiantly following Him through
the wilderness (vv.2-3). Then the love cooled. Israel no
longer cared for God, nor did her priests, scribes, and
prophets (vv.6-8). In fact, she replaced Him with human engineered
replicas (vv.11-12). Her promise to God was
transferred to an idol.

“They have abandoned me—the fountain of living
water,” God cried out in poetic fashion. “And they have dug for themselves
cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!” (v.13). Here’s the tragic irony:
Self-made replacements for the Source of life can only leave us dry and empty.
The change in the Canadian Guides’ Promise is symptomatic of a broader
trend. When spiritual thirst overwhelms us, may we pledge ourselves again to
the God of our youth. —Sheridan Voysey

more›
Read Jeremiah 31:9 for a
picture of a thirsty people
returning to God. Read
John 4:10-14 for a fresh
vision of Jesus as living
water.

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Dirty Jobs

Daily Devotional, February 02, 2011

Dirty Jobs

read›
Colossians 3:22–4:1
Work willingly at
whatever you do,
as though you were
working for the Lord
rather than for people
(v.23).

Spencer Johnson, author of Who Moved My
Cheese? stated in an article: “I believe research
may one day show that the only long-lasting
motivation will come from employees who bring it to
work in the form of God, spirituality, or something
else that causes them to rise to a higher purpose.”
Long before Dr. Johnson came to that conclusion, the
apostle Paul said that slaves (employees) and masters
(employers) should be motivated by a higher purpose in
their jobs—their relationship with Jesus.
In Colossians 3:22–4:1, Paul discussed three important
aspects of work—mandate, manner, and motivation.
Employees have the mandate to obey their bosses out
of reverence for Christ (3:22). The manner in which
they obey flows from a sincere heart and with a right
attitude. Paul wrote, “Work willingly at whatever you
do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than
for people” (v.23). Employees can overcome the lack of
motivation in their work and accept new responsibilities
without a negative reaction by focusing on their true
motivation: working for Jesus (v.24).
Paul also addressed the actions of employers. They
should treat their employees with fairness and justice as
they honor their Master in heaven (4:1; Philemon 16).
As followers of Jesus who work in the marketplace,
we’re called to rise to a higher purpose in our jobs. If we’re
employees, unless we know a task is sinful, we should do the job we were hired to
do—every task, every workday. Even if our jobs are dirty or seem to lack meaning,
we should perform them with excellence and the right attitude. If we’re employers,
we should create fair and just environments out of our reverence and love for Jesus.
In both roles, we’re missionaries on assignment—representing the Master.
—Marvin Williams

more›
Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2
and Titus 2:9-10 to see
more characteristics
of a Christ-honoring
employee.

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God's Friend

Daily Devotional, January 31, 2011

God's Friend

read›
Genesis 18:16-19
The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him
(Psalm 25:14).

If I were to tell you that the president of your country
is my friend, it’s likely you wouldn’t believe me. You
might even be tempted to call me a liar. But if your
president were to go on national TV and say publicly
that I’m his friend, then all doubts would fade away,
right? The facts would back up my claim.

Now, what if I told you that God is my friend? Let’s
check the facts, starting with the reality that God once
called Abraham “My friend” (Isaiah 41:8; see also
2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). God said of Abraham,
“I have singled him out” (Genesis 18:19). Other Bible
translations render this as “I have chosen him” (NIV)
or “I have known him” (NKJV). These words speak of
divine election, of covenantal love, and of grace. Bible
commentator H. C. Leupold translated the phrase this
way: “For I acknowledge Him to be My intimate friend.”
A friend is someone with whom we aren’t afraid to
share our true struggles and intimate secrets. Friends
listen as we share our pain. When we have a problem,
to whom do we turn? Our closest friend. Amazingly,
when God had a burden, He shared it with His friend
Abraham (v.17).

You and I enjoy the same covenantal relationship with
God as the one Abraham experienced. We’ve been
chosen by God to be in His family (Ephesians 1:4-7).
And we’re chosen by Jesus to be His friend. For He said,
“You are My friends if you do what I command. . . . Now you are My friends,
since I have told you everything the Father told Me. You didn’t choose Me. I
chose you” (John 15:14-16).

Your very best friend is Jesus. Even if others let you down, He will be “with
you always” (Matthew 28:20). —K.T. Sim

more›
According to John 15:12-
17, what did Jesus do for
you, His friend?

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