Lend A Hand (RBC.org)

The next month will be very difficult for many people who are still reeling from a loss this past year. The crippling hurt caused by the absence of a loved one can cloud holiday gatherings and even dim the desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Poet Ann Weems has written:
Some of us walk into Adventtethered to our unresolved yesterdays,the pain still stabbing,the hurt still throbbing.It’s not that we don’t know better;it’s just that we can’t stand upanymore by ourselves.On the way to Bethlehem,will you give us a hand?
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity in our relationships. One seems especially needed at this time of year: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15). We can “give a hand” to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to “get over it” in time to celebrate the holidays. We can freely mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen, and pray for God’s help.
Only God can heal the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand. — David C. McCasland
If I can help some wounded heart,If I can by my love impartSome blessing that will help more now—Lord, just show me how. —Brandt
No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.

This post comes from the RBC daily bread

Jesus, The Life And Times

Phillipians 2:5-11

Let's look at Jesus. He was God and had all the glory, the praise and the power of God. But He humbled Himself to become man to die for us so we could be saved from sin. And because He humbled Himself and was obidient, He was highly exalted so that at His name, every knee must bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. Today's message is not so much a message as a look into the life of Jesus. We hear of His death and we thnik that was His sacrifice, but everything Jesus did on earth was a sacrifice. Every step He had to walk was a sacrifice becuase His nature is omnipresent. Never doubt that Jesus loves you. Jesus so loved the world that He first came down on earth, and secondly, He died for us. That's why we praise Him and offer our lives to Him.

Just Do It

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

The world is full of things we cannot control. This passage talks about rainfall and trees and the wind, because it uses the example of a farmer. Its message, however, is not limited to planting; it applies to everything in life. “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” If we wait for the perfect conditions to do anything, we will do nothing. Whether it is doing homework, starting a diet or going to university, there will never be a perfect time to start. This is especially true when it applies to doing things for God. When God asks us to do something, He wants us to act in faith. I started this devotion in faith and now you are reading it. Don’t try to justify not doing something and start doing it. You are not too young. Timothy in the bible was a teenager with his own ministry. Don’t wait, just do it.

Anatomy of a Testimony

Deuteronomy 6:20-25

What’s the purpose of a testimony? Today’s passage shows us the testimony of the Israelites. First they were slaves, then they were delivered, then they were given commandments. It would be easy to end the testimony at the deliverance, but that’s not where it ends. See, when you look at commandments, it seems like God is so restrictive, but that’s not the case. After the deliverance from whatever issues we faced, God lays down commands to continually protect us. That’s why in verse 20, God finds it so important that the testimony of the Israelites include the commandments of God. “When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘what is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the LORD our God has commanded you?’” God’s commandments are by no means meant to restrict you, but to protect you. His commandments are part of the testimony that we have. God so loved us that He saved us and continues to save us.

The Cure For Condemnation

Galatians 3:10-14

What is the curse of the law? It is condemnation. The law shines one’s weaknesses, making everyone aware of their inability to live up to its standards. Nobody can live up to the law. Jesus Christ came to take our sins and now we know we clean under the law. Now we know there is no condemnation in Jesus and when we sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin. I know that and you know that, but guess who doesn’t know and needs to…. Our friends. They need us because though they are not Christians, their conscience condemns them because they know there is a standard they can never live up to. God wants to wash their sins as much as He wanted to wash ours. He took on the curse of the law so all who believe are not living in condemnation. We have to spread the gospel at every opportunity we get.

Why Do I Do It?

Matthew 5:13-16

“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Wait a minute, people see our good works and glorify…God? How does that work?
Well, we are the light of the world, placed here for a purpose. When we shine as we should, people can see their way into heaven. We get rewarded in heaven, but when people get saved, they commit their lives to God, not to us. We plant the seeds for others so serve God. That is our job here on earth. We work for the glory of the Father. Always keep that in mind in all you do. We evangelize because people need to see the light and that is the most important thing we are to do on earth.

Overcoming Evil

Romans 12:9-21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Ever heard the saying, “The good guy always wins”? There’s one area I agree with movies. The guy who is willing to rise above popular opinion and pride to help someone usually wins. God asks many tough things of His children, and one of the things He asks to not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. Evil is anything that is not of God: swearing, cheating, lying, even breaking curfew. Instead we are to overcome evil with good. We are to make a conscious decision to do good when the situation tempts you to do wrong.

What Can I Do?

Matthew 19:16-26

We will never be perfect. The rich man wanted to get to heaven on his own but his heart denied him access. God sent His Son to die for us because He knew we couldn’t make it to heaven on our own. And knowing that, He wouldn’t expect us to earn our blessings or salvation. I know sometimes, I find myself overly stressing my actions and what I have to do to be a Christian. The Rich man in today’s passage went away sad because he realized he couldn’t do enough to go to heaven. It was simply impossible for him. It is impossible for any man. Jesus said, “No one can come to the Father except through me.” It is impossible. Don’t stress about doing things to earn blessings or to earn God’s love. He is love. I just want to encourage somebody that God doesn’t look at the outward man; He sees the heart. Does your heart seek to be right with God? Are you wondering what you have to do to get God to love you? Nothing you do will ever be enough. But God did all the work. Amen

See The Resemblance?

1 John 3:1-10

“Whoever abides in Him does not son. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” God sent His Son to die for us. Now we are children of God. And as children, we are supposed to resemble our parents. People can see me and know that I am the son of my dad because I look like him. So it only makes sense that we should resemble God. God is righteous so we should be righteous because that is what our Heavenly Father looks like. God hates sin so how can we abide in sin? Today’s passage doesn’t mean you are not saved if you make a mistake. But if you continue in sin, then how can you claim to be God’s child? “Everyone who has a hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

The Sacrifice That is Love

Ruth 1:6-18

What is love? See, almost every teenager has been in love at one time or the other, but do we know what love’s really about? I watch movies where love is about sleeping together and where people cannot commit to one person, always trying it out with someone new. The Bible has a different definition of love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.” 1 Corinthians 3:14, “Love suffers long.” Verse 7, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things.” John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this; that he lays down his life for his friends.” Ruth displayed true love in today’s passage. She gave up her lifestyle, her people to follow Naomi for no anticipated gain. And if you read the story of Ruth, you see that she got blessed. Ruth showed what love is by committing herself to Naomi. Who do you love? What are you willing to sacrifice?

Why Live Right?

Titus 3:1-8

We are saved by grace, not by works. Some people believe they can still sin because it's not their actions that matter, but Paul says, "Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." We should show in our actions that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit who is God. One thing people look at before they decide to put their faith in God is what God does in the lives of those He saves. They want to see the difference, and that's why we live as youth who have been redeemed from sin. Our lives are to be living testimonies. Verses one and two tell us to be subject to rules and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing humilty to all men. That is the life of the redeemed.

How to Beat A Lie

2 Timothy 3:10-17

“All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” It’s a fact. Serving God is not easy. Paul warned Timothy about evil people whose goal is to deceive but that Timothy should continue in the things which he had learned. Deception has not diminished since Timothy’s time, in fact it has gone up. SO we, even more than Timothy, need to continue in the doctrine we have learned. Doctrine from Life Guide Devotion, from our churches, from our parents, and most importantly from reading the Word of God. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, not just smart teachings from men. Why do we need to study the Word of God? Because the only way to know a lie is to know the truth.

Obedience

Luke 2:41-52

Jesus was God and He obeyed His parents. That says something about obedience; it is important. Verse 51 tells us that our Lord and savior, whose character we try to emulate, was subject to His parents. Obedience to parents is important. Ephesians 6:1-3 tells us to obey our parents and it is the only command with a promise. You see, we are all born with potential, and our parents try to draw it out and help us realize our potential. Then it will be well with you as it says in Ephesians.

Decisions, decisions...

Acts 5:1-11

Why lie? It would have been cool if Ananias and Sapphira gave a part of the money and told the truth. They would have been commended but Peter and not condemned. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to maintain an image other than who they really were, and it cost them their life. There are people who live one way in church and another everywhere else. They want the respect of the believers, but are not willing to commit themselves to the discipline required. Church should not be a place to pretend, because it is sanctified by the presence of God. The truth will come out. Dudes and gals, don’t be two faced. Commit to God or commit to sin. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” Choose - that’s the keyword. And God even helps you out here. He says, “Choose life.”

Diligence

Colossians 3:12-17

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” There is a word to describe this: diligence. Diligence means to consistently do your best on everything you do. It’s not something a lazy person can do because it requires hard work all the time. When you are diligent, you take care of all the little details that nobody seemingly notices. You see, when you do a thorough job, the overall effect looks more complete. Diligence not only blesses the person you’re working for it blesses you. First of all, you are obeying a biblical command and so there is blessing in doing the Word of God. Also, when you do better work, it shows and people will reward you. So, let’s be diligent

The Testimony of The Word

Psalm 119:129-13

Can’t you just feel the Spirit in this psalm? This is the testimony of someone who truly knows the goodness of God’s love. “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.” God’s Word should be more addicting than any drug because in His Word is light. The testimonies of God’s Word are wonderful. Those testimonies tell us we are redeemed fro the filth of sin. Those testimonies tell us we will spend eternity with God. They tell us that when we ask in faith we can move mountains. We should make verses 134-135 our prayer as we continue to grow in God.

The Light

Ephesians 5:6-18

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Notice how it doesn’t say we are IN the light but that we are the light. If we were merely in the light, we wouldn’t have any obligation to illuminate anything. But because we are the light, we are required to shine and brighten the world around us. Others must be see the light in us so they can come to God and then be filled with the light themselves. So how do we fulfill our role as the light? It’s about the fruit we produce (pardon the mixed metaphor). We have a light which is the Holy Spirit inside us and we keep that light shining by having no fellowship with the unfruitful wants of darkness. We’ve been put on earth for a purpose and so everyday we are to “redeem the time.”

Those Who Are Led...

Romans 8:5-14

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” That’s what it all comes down to. It’s not about saying a prayer, but about living according to the Spirit. When we get saved, we get the Spirit of God living inside of us. The Spirit becomes like a conscience that not only tells us when we have done wrong, but leads us through life, many times for our benefit. The Spirit of God cannot leas us if we don’t follow. SO we have an obligation to follow the leadings of God’s Spirit living inside us and when we do, it becomes evident in the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. How do we know we are children of God? We are led by the Spirit of God

Earn Respect

Titus 2:11-15

Ever wanted to earn respect? Respect is a tricky thing because people don’t have to like you to respect you. Many times, we earn people’s friendship but never their respect. So how do we earn respect? Respect is earned by standing up for your beliefs especially through adversity. We are Christians and we believe that we have been saved by grace. And because we have been saved by grace, we deny ungodliness and the lusts of the world. We live righteously in a world where unrighteousness is the in-thing. Verse 15 tells us not to keep our beliefs to ourselves, but to speak about it. Let no one despise you. Let no one keep you silent about your faith. It will be hard at first, and we will be scorned, but eventually others will learn to respect you. Ever wondered how to earn respect? Well, there it is.

Sober and Vigilant

1 Peter 5:5-11

What doesn’t mean to be sober? The dictionary definition means to not be drunk. Well, that’s all nice but I don’t drink so that doesn’t affect me, right? No, the biblical connotation of soberness means always being aware of your beliefs. That means spending time daily in God’s presence and arming ourselves with the Sword of the Word. Be sober and vigilant means to be aware and watchful of our adversary who walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy. The Greek word for devil here means “slanderer”. His plan of attack is to put us in situations to make us sin so he can overwhelm us with guilt. He looks for who he can devour which means not everyone can be devoured. When we are sober and vigilant, we are able to resist the devil and we won’t fall into sin.

Evangelizing

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Who has told someone else about God? When you proselytize (big word), you immediately become accountable to that person. Once you tell someone about God, they begin to watch you to see if you really believe in God. Paul tells us that we discipline ourselves and our temptations so that we don’t disqualify ourselves as witnesses for Christ. The day I started this devotional, I made myself accountable to my readers. I’ll be honest, I’ve made mistake big and small, but I can promise that my heart is in the right place. I’m not saying you have to be perfect before you can reach out to somebody, but you do have to be ready to live for God. Because once you tell someone about God and all that He’s done in your life, people will look to discredit you. Be ready to stand firm and run the race as one seeking the prize

Hermoneutics 101

Luke 9:51-56

My dad once told me that the Bible can say whatever you want it to say when you take it out of context. For example, Job in the Old Testament said some things that are not scriptural and these things are in the Bible. However, if you look at the whole story, you realize that God rebuked Him for those things. It’s important to be careful when quoting the Bible. The disciples misquoted the scripture. When you read the story of Elijah, he never called down fire to kill anyone. Dudes and chicks, when reading the Bible always read in context and understand the full story. A lot of damage can get done if the Bible is misquoted. And if something does not make sense, ask someone more mature who can answer your questions. Never make up answers. Yesterday’s passage talked about rightly handling the Word of Truth. That implies that there is a wrong way to handle God’s Word. Let’s use this book correctly, eh?

Poem: When The Storm Rages

Mark 4:35-41

Lord, when your people needed you
You were asleep
And they woke You up
You stilled the waters of the deep
Then You turned back on their shock
In astonishment they endeared to say
“Who can this be, He stilled the storm.”
And that wasn’t your first miracle of the day
Didn’t they know to whom they referred?
The creator of all who is The Way
“Oh ye of little faith,” you did reply
Yet You loved them and silenced the bay
Lord, help me to trust You when I am weak
‘Cause You have the power my issue to tweak
And help me to honour You in all that I speak
For You are my God, when times are bleak
When the night is darkest, You are the brightest
And when the storm rages, You are the greatest

Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-16

How does anyone know you’re saved? “Well… I told people I’m Christian so they know.” But what if you asked someone you haven’t told? Can they spot the difference between you and unbelievers? Today’s passage warns us not to conform to our former lusts but to be holy in all our conduct. As Christians we are called to be a different standard of right and wrong. Even the thoughts we dwell on should be good thoughts (Phil. 4:8). Holiness is not being a snotty prune-face, it can be fun. I can still laugh with my friends depending on the joke. I play computer games and eat junk food. My favorite sport involves knocking others to the ground. The difference is in not swearing and respecting teachers, utilizing gifts and being kind and loving to everyone. Christians can have fun, but we must judge who gets glorified in our fun. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is holiness just as God is holy.

RBC.org: Exploratory Procedure

Hebrews 4:11-16

I have a friend who recently underwent a laryngoscopy. I winced as he explained how his doctor took a camera with a light on the end and stuck it down his throat to try to find the cause of his pain.
It reminded me that God’s Word is like a laryngoscopy. It invades the unseen areas of our lives, exposing the diseased and damaged spiritual tissue that troubles us. If you’re wincing at the thought of how uncomfortable this divine procedure might be, consider Jesus’ words: “Everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:20). Internal intrusions may be uncomfortable, but do you really want the disease?
Welcoming God’s Word to penetrate the deep, dark places of our hearts is the only way to find true healing and the spiritual health we long for. Believe me, the procedure will be thorough. As the writer of Hebrews assures, God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (4:12)—piercing all the way through the external stuff of our lives, all the way down to our thoughts, intentions, and motives.
So what are you waiting for? With God’s Word you don’t need an appointment. The divine Surgeon is ready when you are! — Joe Stowell
Ever present, truest Friend,Ever near Thine aid to lend,Guide us as we search the Word,Make it both our shield and sword. —Anon.
Let God’s Word explore your inner being.

The Secret to Stresslesness

Isaiah 46:3-7

Remember the poem “Footprints”? A man was walking down a beach with God and as he did, his life was flashing before him. And when he looked back, he saw only one set of footprints in the sand where he was experiencing troubles in his life. He asked God about this and God replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.” God promises to carry us in Isaiah 46:4. “I have made and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” That’s God’s word for today. He will not force you into His arms, but if you lean in, He will lift you. Life is tough with school, tests, friends, and for some people, work. The burden only gets heavier. If we can learn as teenagers now to lean on God, we can have a much better life. We can be a testimony in the lack of stress in our lives.

Monologue: Delight in The Lord

Psalm 1:1-6

ME: Lord, what does it mean to delight in Your law, Oh Lord? I read my bible everyday and spend time in Your presence, yet sometimes it doesn’t seem to be enough; sometimes I feel like I’m slipping away from You. I know I spend a lot of time on the computer doing nothing. I could spend that time in Your Word gaining wisdom. I have many books on the Bible in my house I could read. Delighting in Your law means I take every opportunity to engross myself in the contents of Your Word. It’s a deliberate choice, it doesn’t just happen. I must choose to drop all my other loves and love You only. And when I delight myself in Your Law, and I meditate on it day and night, Your Word calls me blessed

Angerrr...

Proverbs 12:12-22

The proverbs have so much wisdom, and today’s reading talks about the tongue. But what I think is more prudent is verse 16, “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” It’s so easy to lash out when we feel insulted because it makes us angry. We are not warned against anger today, but acting in anger. God asks us to live at peace with all men and He doesn’t give us any exceptions. Now, why are we not to act in anger? What do you think when you are angry? Revenge? Hurting others? Have you ever wanted to bless someone you were angry at? Have you ever wanted to pray for someone you’re angry at? What would happen if you acted on those thoughts? When we deliberately make a decision not to act in anger remain pure and don’t regret anything. With no guilt, you don’t condemn yourself and you remain in close fellowship with God.

Molding Your Will

Colosians 2:12-15

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Ever had those days you didn't want to do what you knew you should? Maybe God was leading you to deal with a personality trait or a habit you didn't want to give up. It can be hard to do the right thing sometimes...I know. But God can help us with that. He doesn't expect us to always want to be good, and He promises to help us desire to do good. He works in us so will for His good pleasure. He gave us free will but we can subject our will to Him and He will mold our desires.