May 17, 2012 

READ: John 13:36–14:4 

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. —John 14:3 

A couple who brought their elderly aunt to live with them were concerned that she would not feel at home. So they transformed a room in their house into an exact replica of her bedroom at the home she left behind. When their aunt arrived, her furniture, wall hangings, and other favorite things felt like a special “Welcome home!” to her.

In John 13:36–14:4, we read that at the Last Supper Jesus spoke to His disciples and tried to prepare them for His death. When Simon Peter asked, “Where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward” (13:36). Jesus was still speaking directly to Peter (and also meant it for all of His followers) when He said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions [rooms]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (14:2-3).

Heaven is a family gathering of believers from every tribe and nation, but it is also our Father’s house—and in that house He is preparing a room just for you.

When you arrive in heaven and Jesus opens the door, you’ll know you’re home.

— David C. McCasland

May 17, 2012 

READ: Deuteronomy 20:1-18 

I rolled up my sleeve and looked away. The injection of immunoglobulin was going to sting, and I knew it. I knew, however, that it could prevent a battle with Hepatitis A. One of my family members had been exposed to the highly contagious disease—which karate-kicks the liver—and health authorities had recommended vaccinations for everyone in my household.


There’s an emotional ailment that can also be quite ‘catchy’. Fear. Moses advised his military leaders to take a pre-battle poll of the troops and ask, “Is anyone here afraid or worried?” (Deuteronomy 20:8). Soldiers who admitted their anxiety were discharged before they could scare off anyone else. The commanders wanted to prevent the panic of a few from contaminating the entire army.


When we advertise and live out our fear, it can spread to others. Parents pass phobias on to children. Friends infect other friends with superstitions. Employees alarm their co-workers when the fate of the company is in question. Fortunately there’s a way to stop the spread of panic.


Moses prescribed this message for fearful soldiers: “Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them!” (v.3). In other words, Be brave. Stand tall. Don’t back down, because “the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you . . . and He will give you victory!” (v.4).


The promise of God’s presence wasn’t just for the Israelites. He’s with us too, even today (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, we can say, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me” (Psalm 16:8). When we put this into practice, fear will lose its foothold in our lives. Friends and family may start to notice. For courage is contagious too. 


—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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Studies have shown that sitting down for more than 8 hours a day increases a person’s chances of getting heart disease. How can you actively reach for rest today?

May 16, 2012 

READ: Galatians 2:11-21 

When Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed. —Galatians 2:11 

Is it possible that technological advances in communication have left us unable to confront people properly? After all, employers can now send layoff notices via e-mail. And people can criticize others on Facebook and Twitter instead of talking face to face. Perhaps it might be better to put all that aside and emulate how Paul communicated with Peter when they had a disagreement.

Paul had to confront Peter for compromising grace (Gal. 2:11-16). Peter had been fellowshiping with Gentiles, but when the Judaizers arrived (who believed that sinners are saved through Jesus plus keeping the law of Moses), Peter separated himself from the Gentiles. He ostracized them while professing to be one with them. Seeing this hypocrisy, Paul, in love and with passion, confronted Peter face to face for cowering to a legalistic system that was powerless to change lives. He vigorously reminded Peter that grace leads to freedom from sin’s slavery and to obedience to God.

Having courageous conversations with fellow Christians can be difficult, but they will promote purity and unity. We can carry out our responsibility to one another to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

— Marvin Williams

May 16, 2012 

READ: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 

An eyewitness is one whose firsthand knowledge 
 of a crime or an important event is used to 
 ascertain the actual facts surrounding the event in a court of law. One witness is usually insufficient. “The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15).


Paul reminded the Corinthians to remember what they had believed when they first accepted the good news 
(1 Corinthians 15:1). They were to continue believing that “Christ died for [their] sins . . . was buried, and . . . was raised from the dead on the third day” (vv.3-4). This was the basis of their salvation, for it was true (v.2).


In the span of 40 days, Jesus “appeared to the apostles . . . and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive” (Acts 1:3).


In 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 Paul listed credible key eyewitnesses: Peter (Luke 24:34; John 21:1-22), the Twelve (Luke 24:33-49; John 20:19-28), James, Jesus’ previously unbelieving half brother (John 7:5; Galatians 1:19), and 
all the apostles (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:3-8). Paul referred to an occasion (possibly Acts 1:9-11) where Jesus “was seen by more than 500 of His followers at one time” 
(1 Corinthians 15:6). Paul also named himself, for he had met the risen Lord on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-5). 


Writing some 20 years after the resurrection (AD 53-56), Paul stated that “most of [these eyewitnesses] are still alive” (1 Corinthians 15:6). The fact of Christ’s resurrection, readily verifiable, is firmly established by the testimonies of more than 500 eyewitnesses (John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1).


As eyewitnesses we too can testify to Jesus’ reality. We have experienced His salvation and presence, and our lives will never be the same! —K.T. Sim

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Fear is a funny word. The very essence of the word can send shivers down our spine and stop us dead in our tracks. From the uncertainty of what lies ahead to the imagining of what sleeps under our beds, a variety of things could bring on this crippling oppression.

Symptoms include: Anxiety, sweaty palms, unwarranted trepidation, and mindless chatter in certain cases.

Cure: Dependence and trust in God alone.

The second book of Kings chapter 6 tells the story of Elisha facing the army of the king of Aram. Prior to the main event, it came to the ears of the king of Aram that Elisha, the prophet, had been foiling his schemes to trap the Israelite army. The king then made plans to seize Elisha.

“When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. ‘Oh, sir, what will we do now?’ the young man cried to Elisha” (2 Kings 6:15).
Waking up to an army outside your window isn’t really the best way to start the day. But Elisha was cool about it. He told his servant to not be afraid. He then prayed that the Lord would open his servant’s eyes to see what was really ahead. Protecting them upon the hillside were horses and chariots of fire.

At the end of this account, the soldiers of Aram were blinded and led to Samaria where a feast was prepared for them. All the prisoners of war were spared. From thenceforth, they stayed far away from Israel.

Like Elisha’s servant, when fear grips us, we tend to fret. The first thing we do is to run around in foolish frenzy as though the sky was going to fall. But Elisha reacted differently—he did not worry but trusted in God.

The manifestation of the vision of horses and chariots of fire were merely a means to reassure the servant of God’s presence in that daunting situation.

Let us learn from Elisha. When we are under siege, instead of looking left and right, let us look up and seek after God.

I pray that we will search Him out in all the situations of our life so that when the world creeps up to scare us, we won’t be too startled. Rather, we will take refuge in our God who rules over all.

May 15, 2012 

READ: Psalm 145 

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him. —Psalm 145:18 

Having two healthy eyes is not enough to see clearly. I know this from experience. After a series of eye surgeries for a torn retina, both eyes could see well but they refused to cooperate with each other. One eye saw things far away and the other saw things close up. But instead of working together, they fought for supremacy. Until I could get new prescription glasses 3 months later, my eyes remained unfocused.

Something similar happens in our view of God. Some people focus better on God when they see Him as “close up”—when they think of Him as intimately present in their daily life. Other Christians see God more clearly as “far away” or far beyond anything we can imagine, ruling the universe in power and majesty.

While people disagree about which view is best, the Bible works like a prescription lens helping us to see that both are correct. King David presents both views in Psalm 145: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him” (v.18) and “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (v.3).

Thankfully, our Father in heaven is near to hear our prayers yet so far above us in power that He can meet every need.

— Julie Ackerman Link

May 15, 2012 

READ: Ecclesiastes 2:1-25 

The meaning of your life is the meaning you give it,” writes philosopher A. C. Grayling in his book Thinking of Answers. He suggests trying to create meaning in our lives through the pursuit of relationships and goals, by developing our talents and interests, and through our hopes and desires. Grayling concludes that life itself is meaningless and the only meaning we can find is the meaning we make.


Surprisingly Grayling’s words seem to echo some found in the Bible. The writer of Ecclesiastes, a philosopher himself (1:13, 12:9-11), surveyed life intently: nature (1:5-7); the cycles of history (3:1-8, 5:8-9, 6:7); life’s injustices and its riches (8:14) and concluded: “Everything is meaningless” (1:2).


Solomon then tried out Grayling’s answer to finding meaning. He sought it in sex, through wives and concubines (2:8, 9:9); he pursued it through work, 
(2:4-6, 17-23); he tried pleasure, indulging every desire of his eye (2:1,10); he tried materialism (2:7-9) and philosophy (2:12-16). His answer to them all? They were also meaningless. Not one of them was immune from death, disaster, or injustice (5:13-17). Solomon, it turns out, was more pessimistic than today’s nihilist philosophers! 


Well, almost.


Rays of light break in throughout his musings. We can find some fulfilment when God is part of our eating, drinking, and working—”For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from Him?” (2:24,25). Life will feel meaningless sometimes, he counsels, but remember your Creator (12:1). Instead of exhausting ourselves by trying to figure life out, we should “fear God and obey His commands” (vv.12-14).


Life has many pleasures and sorrows, but its meaning always is found in Him.


—Sheridan Voysey

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May 14, 2012 

READ: Galatians 6:6-10 

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. —John 7:38 

A man who grew up on a ranch in West Texas tells about a rickety, old windmill that stood alongside his family’s barn and pumped water to their place. It was the only source of water for miles.

In a strong wind the windmill worked well, but in a light breeze it wouldn’t turn. It required manually turning the vane until the fan faced directly into the wind. Only when properly positioned did the windmill supply water to the ranch.

I think of that story when I meet with pastors from small churches in remote areas. Many feel isolated and unsupported—caregivers for whom no one seems to care. As a consequence, they grow weary and struggle to bring life-giving water to their flock. I like to tell them about the old windmill and our need to daily reposition ourselves—to intentionally turn toward the Lord and His Word and to drink deeply from Him who is the source of living water.

What’s true for pastors is true for all. Service for God flows from within, outward. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, . . . out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). It’s when God speaks to our depths that we are able to touch the lives of others. To refresh others, let’s return to the Source of life regularly.

— David H. Roper

May 14, 2012 

READ: Daniel 1:1-19 

A chimera is a bizarre looking character 
 found in Greek mythology. The fire breathing 
 female is composed from the parts of a lion, goat, and serpent. Recently a religious leader used the term chimera to describe the philosophy of education in his native Sweden. The highly secular country has told all its schools—including Christian ones—that they must teach subjects in a “nonconfessional”, “objective” manner. This leads to a chimera, for it means that the significance Christianity has played in the culture must be dismembered from education—the ‘head’ of the body being replaced by something entirely different.


Daniel experienced the challenges of being educated in a society that didn’t hold to God’s commands (Daniel 1:4). Babylonian brainwashing had been foisted upon them (v.5). Yet “Daniel was determined not to defile himself” with the diet they tried to serve him (v.8). His refusal to eat “unacceptable foods” resulted in Daniel and his friends being “healthier” than the other young men, it also revealed his strong commitment to God’s truth.


As we live in a ‘secular state’ and are constantly bombarded by messages and philosophies contrary to God’s wisdom, we can imitate Daniel and his friends. Here’s what they chose to do:


• Learn, but discern—The young men were diligent in their studies, taking in “every aspect of literature and wisdom” (v.17). Yet they chose God’s wisdom.


• Fearlessly follow God—Daniel spoke the truth to the king—even some hard things about the future of his kingdom (2:39-45). The king responded by praising God (v.47).


Whether you’re in school, college, or in the work place, choose to follow Daniel’s plan: Pursue learning, but let God and His Word be your guide (Proverbs 9:10). —Tom Felten

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Hold me close in Your embrace;
Safely clasped in Your strong arms.
O Lover of my soul,
My life belongs to Thee.

Heart, mind, soul and strength,
I surrender all.
May I forever be in Your presence,
Loving you beyond all measure.

To Thy love alone I shall stay true.
Pure unsullied love I give to You
My heart yearns and longs for Thee.
Let me not wander away from You.

A home for Your spirit,
You maketh my heart.
All my days, I desire to be kept—
The apple of Your eye forever.

May 13, 2012 

READ: Proverbs 31:10-31 

She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. —Proverbs 31:27 

During the early years of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, Katharina Von Bora, a former nun, married Martin Luther (1525). By all accounts, the two had a joyous married life. Luther said, “There is no bond on earth so sweet, nor any separation so bitter, as that which occurs in a good marriage.”

Because Katharina rose at 4 a.m. to care for her responsibilities, Luther referred to her as the “morning star of Wittenberg.” She was industrious in tending the vegetable garden and orchard. Also, she administered the family business and managed the Luthers’ home and property. In time, the couple had six children for whom Katharina felt the home was a school of character development. Her energetic industry and care for the family made her a woman of influence.

Katharina seems to have been a woman like the one described in Proverbs 31. She was indeed a virtuous wife who awoke “while it [was] yet night” and provided “food for her household” (v.15). She also watched “over the ways of her household, and [did] not eat the bread of idleness” (v.27).

From role models like Katharina, we can learn about the love, diligence, and fear of the Lord that’s needed to be a woman of influence.

— Dennis Fisher

May 13, 2012 

READ: 1 Samuel 19:1-7 

As a child growing up in Ghana’s Upper Region, 
 I used to help Mum and Dad in their garden. To
 this day the aroma of tomatoes ripening on the vine makes me nostalgic for tropical climes and simpler times. 


Dad, who had attended an agricultural school, used to teach me as I worked. “A weed is any plant that’s not where you want it,” he instructed. So, despite the fact that a perfectly healthy stalk of corn was growing in the sweet potatoes, I would dutifully pull it out. Dad understood that the stray plant was hurting the sweet potatoes, not helping the corn. 


Dad’s gone now, but the weeds are not. So I work with my 11 year old son in our garden—digging, tending, watering, hoping that most of what we planted in the spring will make it to our table before the deer feast on it. Also I ponder Dad’s advice.


“Bloom where you’re planted,” the old saying advises. Yet do we sometimes crave to bloom where God didn’t intend? We construct our plans out of selfish motives. We envy others who have position and influence despite obvious inferior abilities. Yet God placed us in our precise spot for His good purposes. 


Jonathan, the warrior prince of Israel, chose to bloom where he was planted. As King Saul’s son he had every reason to expect to be king. However he accepted the fact that God, for His own reasons, had chosen David. Rather than grasping for what was not his, Jonathan became David’s closest friend. His assistance saved David’s life. 


We might be tempted to think that Jonathan gave up too much. Yet consider this: The Messiah came from David’s line. What if? What if . . . ?


Ultimately God’s plans will succeed. We can be useful, fruit bearing plants in His garden—or misplaced, misguided weeds. He leaves the choice with us. 


—Tim Gustafson

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May 12, 2012 

READ: Psalm 107:23-32 

They mount up to the heavens, [and] they go down again to the depths. —Psalm 107:26 

Katsushika Hokusai was one of the most prolific and celebrated artists in Japanese history. Between 1826 and 1833, when he was in his mid-60s and early 70s, he created his greatest work—a series of color woodblock prints titled Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji. Among those paintings was his masterpiece: The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. This painting, created during a time of financial and emotional struggles for Hokusai, shows a towering wall of water edged with clawlike foam about to crash down on three slim boats full of rowers.

Psalm 107 also tells a story of people in peril at sea. Afloat on the waves, “they mount up to the heavens, [and] they go down again to the depths.” And as a result, “their soul melts because of trouble” (v.26). Eventually, the sailors send an S.O.S. to God, and He responds by smoothing out the sea and guiding them to their destination (vv.28-30).

When we face desperate circumstances, we tend to look to other people for guidance and comfort. They are in the same boat, however—lost in an ocean of life’s ups and downs. Only God is outside the boat, sovereign, stable, and strong enough to calm the storms (vv.24-25,29). Facing trouble? Call on Him!

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

May 12, 2012 

READ: Deuteronomy 4:1-14 

In the days before the printing press the Old Testament
 books were copied by hand. The scribes developed
 a stringent set of rules to keep errors from occurring. First, they would count all the letters on the page. Then, after they had copied the page, they would count the letters on the copy to see if the numbers added up correctly. This would keep them from copying a word twice, skipping a line, or copying the same line twice. If the count differed, they would destroy the copy they had worked on so labouriously and start again. 


The ancient scribes were careful not to add or subtract anything from the Word of God. They were following Moses’ instruction in Deuteronomy 4:2 to a “T.” 


At Horeb, Moses stressed to the Israelites the uniqueness of God’s revelation and their responsibility. Human beings didn’t invent Israel’s law. A holy God had revealed it. It was special revelation. Consequently the Israelites were to fear God and honour His Word.


We recognise that the Bible is the inspired Word of God for all believers. God spent more than 1,500 years writing, protecting, and preserving it for us. Through the ages there have been numerous attempts to burn, ban, and systematically eradicate the Bible—but all have failed. 


Philosopher Immanuel Kant claimed, “The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity.” The English philosopher John Locke wrote, “It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter.” 


So don’t do your math when it comes to God’s Word—no adding nor subtracting. With God’s help, study it and follow its teaching in complete obedience. —Poh Fang Chia

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May 11, 2012 

READ: Galatians 2:1-10 

He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. —Proverbs 14:31 

Statistics are tricky. While numbers give us information, sometimes they can also desensitize us to the people those numbers represent. This hit me recently as I read a statistic: Every year 15 million people die from hunger. That’s chilling, and for those of us who live in cultures of plenty, it’s hard to fathom. In 2008, nearly 9 million children died before their fifth birthday, with a third of those deaths related to hunger. These are staggering numbers, but they are much more than numbers. They are individuals loved by God.

We can show the Father’s heart of love by responding to people’s physical needs. Solomon wrote, “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy” (Prov. 14:31). We can show mercy to the needy by volunteering at a soup kitchen, assisting in a job search, financially supporting the drilling of wells in places in need of fresh water, distributing food in poverty-stricken regions, teaching a trade, or providing lunches for school children.

Accepting this responsibility honors the Father and His concern for all. And those who are starving might be better able to hear the message of the cross if their stomachs aren’t growling.

— Bill Crowder

May 11, 2012 

READ: Mark 8:1-12 

Best selling author John Eldredge recently wrote a 
 book about Jesus titled Beautiful Outlaw. One of 
 the things that struck Eldredge as he researched and wrote his new work was noting how grounded Jesus was as a person. 


Eldredge wrote that Jesus had the “ability to navigate praise, then hatred, false flattery, then adoring crowds, vicious slander, and then people who simply don’t care—all with a grace and a sense of self that was simply stunning. Here was one grounded man.”


Jesus’ days were filled with ups and downs. For example consider one of the times the religious leaders came to test Him—pressuring Jesus for another sign to prove Himself (Mark 8:11-12). He had just arrived from the other side of the Sea of Galilee where He had miraculously fed 4,000 people with some fish and a few loaves of bread (vv.1-10). Yet that miracle (along with many others) wasn’t enough proof for the religious elite. They demanded more, but Jesus knew there was no point in doing more. Their hearts and minds were far from Him.


A less grounded person might have buckled under the pressure and given in to their demands, but not Jesus. He refused to enter into a needless debate. Only a well grounded person could pull that off. 


In order for us to stay grounded Eldredge suggests the following: “Cut the insane busyness. Do not live for tweets, texts, Facebook, or email. Unplug the TV. Read Christian writers. . . . Practice solitude and silence (5 minutes a day will rescue you). . . . Get back in the Scriptures.”


Intentionally centring ourselves in Jesus’ truth and grace is the best place to begin. It may not change our circumstances, but abiding in Him will help us honour His ways and keep us grounded. —Jeff Olson

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I recently spent a full 10 days with a mother and her two young boys. The older one will be 4 in two months, and the other one is 15 months old. As much as I enjoyed playing with the boys and getting hugs and kisses from them, I emerged from the time spent with them with one thought in mind — I am not going to have children.

Yes, I know it is pretty extreme and possibly radical. In all honesty, perhaps I will change my mind in future. But for now, I stand firm in my resolution.

I saw the mother working tirelessly everyday to look after her children. At night, when everyone has gone to bed, I could still hear her singing lullabies to her 2 boys, coaxing them to sleep. Barely 3 hours later, she would be awake feeding her younger son. On not-so fortunate nights when her older boy wets the bed, she would change the bed sheet and clean the boy. In the morning, she is the first one up, preparing breakfast for her husband and sons.

I tried my best to help out by playing with her 2 sons while she busied herself with the usual household chores. But now that I am home, with no crying babies to wake me up, no music from the children’s TV program playing in the background, the mother is on her own again, doing her utmost best with the 24 hours in a day.

The time with her has given me a glimpse of my past when I was a baby. As I think about those early years, I feel immense gratitude for my mother who tirelessly fed me, read books to me, sang lullabies to me, bathed me, and loved me.

A mother’s love personifies 1 Corinthians 13:4 -7, which says:
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (NLT)

This Mother’s Day, may we take time to reflect on the love that our mothers have shown us. Apostle Peter’s words in 1 Peter 4:8 says that love does not keep a record of our silly behavior, immature antics, bad decisions, harsh words, and sin. Instead, love speaks the truth while displaying care. Love forgives and will see us through the toughest of times.

Thank you Lord for my Mum and her love for me.

May 10, 2012 

READ: Matthew 5:21-26 

If you . . . remember that your brother has something against you, . . . first be reconciled to your brother. —Matthew 5:23-24 

Mark messed up. He arrived an hour late at a restaurant where he was to meet a friend from church. The friend had already left. Feeling sorry about his mistake, Mark purchased a gift certificate from the restaurant and stopped at a local card shop to search for an apology card. Among hundreds of cards, he was surprised to find only a few “sorry for my actions” cards in an obscure part of the store. He purchased one and gave it to his friend who accepted his apology.

Although apology cards may not be popular, apologies are frequently needed in our relationships. Apologizing is a biblical action. Jesus instructed His followers to make things right with those we’ve offended (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15-20). And the apostle Paul said, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18). Living at peace may require apologies.

Apologies can be hard to make because it takes a spirit of humility to admit our mistake, which may not come naturally for us. But taking responsibility for how we were wrong in a situation can bring healing and restoration to a relationship.

Have you messed up? Swallow your pride and make the first move—even if you can’t find a card to help you say it.

— Anne Cetas