Central Devotionals

Mark 9:35

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-08-04T12:15:22-04:00

[Jesus told His disciples,] "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Do you think we should argue who goes last and not first? Should we strive not to be in the lime light, but to place others in the lime light? What would the world be like if we did not continually toot our own horn, but allowed another’s to be heard?

Paul writes to the Thessalonians

...warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(I Thess. 5:14-18)

Why is it that we try so hard to follow God’s will for our lives, we work to spread His word to those who have not heard it and yet we struggle when it comes to encouraging the timid? When they do speak up, we are so busy blowing our own horn that we forget God’s command and we do not listen. We forget He has told us that to be first, we must be last. In telling us this, He is explaining how we can help others find their role in God’s service. God wants us to help others gain confidence. He is asking us to encourage the timid.

Do you encourage the timid?

Paul tells us to encourage others and then he tells us to pray and not only pray, but to do it continually. He does not only ask us to pray continually, but to be joyful always and to be thankful in our giving. Could it be that he is telling us to be joyful as we give others the opportunity to lead, to make choices, to speak out as we decide to be last, as we choose to serve?

I Corinthians 2:9

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-07-28T12:11:14-04:00

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

What would you like most? God has planned something even better for you! What are you working towards? God is working towards something better. Have you ever considered that?

It is like when we are young and we think the best thing in the world would be sparkly red shoes; but we age some and our perception of things change and we decide it would be a bike with red streamers on the handle bars; then, we grow some more, and decide a nice red car is it. Do we know what we really want? Maybe we just think we do.

God, however, does know. He knows what we want, what we desire and what we need. He knows what really will make us happy and what will leave us feeling discontented. You see, we cannot imagine life ahead of this moment, not really. Oh, we think we can. We pretend we can. But it is just like wanting those red shoes.

It is such a blessing to have a Father that knows us, that knows our tomorrows and knows how we can ultimately be happy. It is not red shoes or streamers or even a red car. It is the blood of Christ flowing over us to cleanse us and make us whole.

What would I like most? Well, I just want God to give me what He has planned for me.

How about you?

I Corinthians 3:9-14

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-07-21T12:04:32-04:00

For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

How well are you building your house? The foundation has been laid; it is up to you to build. Are you taking the fast approach or are you taking the time to learn how God wants it to be?

It is similar to a child’s story we tell our kids, about the mean old wolf who huffed, puffed, and could blow houses down. Do you remember?

The first little pig was in a hurry, so he did not waste time in studying or preparing, or even in the construction. He just threw up a quick house of sticks. When the hard times came, disguised as a wolf, it did not take long to blow it down.

The next little pig, though, was a little smarter and took a little more time, but did not take enough time to study what building houses was all about. He put his house up using sticks. However, in the end, the wolf was able to blow his house down as well.

The third little pig was laughed at for taking so long, for being so meticulous about what he was doing. He built a house following the plans laid out. His house withstood the huffing and the blowing. He was safe from the wolf, secure in God’s grasp. Oh, the winds did blow. The windows did rattle. The door might even have shaken a bit. In the end, though, the wolf could not blow the house down, so he left.

What kind of house are you building?

Philippians 1:9-11

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-07-14T17:43:43-04:00

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

“Filled with the fruit of righteousness.”

Have you ever seen a juicy orange? An orange so juicy that, as you peel it, the juice runs down your hand and arm? This is how full we are supposed to be. We are to be just so plump with righteousness and God’s love that it just oozes out at the slightest touch. How do we get this full? We fill our lives with the knowledge of God’s word and His great love.

Are you so filled with God’s love that when people are near you they can see, smell and taste God’s love? This is Paul’s prayer. Paul prayed that you would be so full that God’s love is easily seen and felt.

The next time you peel a juicy orange, think about how you can be so filled with God’s love that you can spread His Joy and Love to others just by being available, just by being you!

Galatians 3:18, 23-26

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-07-06T17:27:09-04:00

For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise... Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

So those of us who have the faith to follow God’s commands are blessed along with Abraham. In other words, I am lumped together with Abraham and the blessings fall on me as well. Who better to be lumped with then Abraham?

Abraham, the father of all nations, the man that knew God himself would provide (Genesis 22:8), the person Jesus said came after Him (John 8:58), the man who was declared righteous because he believed what God said (Romans 4:3).

In reading about Abraham, one can learn how patient he was with God’s timing. He sometimes waited a long time to see the promise, yet he waited. I know that if I am lumped with Abraham, then I, too, may have to wait a long time for some things.

What I can learn, then, is patience: something God wants and something that is possible for me to achieve. After all, Abraham was able to be patient: why not me?

Acts 14:21-23

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-06-30T17:20:03-04:00

They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

We often do not think of the fact that there will be hard times because we are Christians. Paul tells us to remain true to our faith. We read about the hardships of being in prison, of being stoned to death, of leaving loved ones behind, and much more in the Bible. The reason we need to know these things is so, when our trials come, we will remain faithful. The trials will come. They came to Jesus, they came to the apostles, and they came to the first century church. If this is what we read about, then why do we not prepare for the hard times to come to us? Why do we pretend that we are so important that hard times will cease when we decide to follow the Father who created us. I wonder how we think it will even be plausible. God does not miraculously make our life free of trials just because we choose to follow Him

SO, let the hard times come; they will anyway. Embrace them; I will not be so bold as to say enjoy them. Be thankful we have Jesus to walk with us as we go through them. Strive to learn how we can help others see Christ through us. Sometimes, in the midst of pain, when we hold on to our Father with so much earnestness, others are able to see God in ways He is not visible to them at any other time.

SO, go be that Bible. Go be that story that takes God’s word to the world, or at least to your small portion of it. Hold your head high and know that, through God, all things are possible and it is God’s strength that will see you through, not your own!

Luke 11:21-26

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-06-23T07:44:37-04:00

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters. When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first."

Many years ago, some evil people came into my family’s home and destroyed it. They threw food all over the house, plugged the sinks and let them run over, broke the blades of ceiling fans and so much more. Just a lock on the door protected my home. I turned the key, locked the door, and left for an overnight trip. I was gone less then twenty-four hours. I was unable to protect the house at all times.

Now I have an alarm. The next time the mean people kicked my door in, they ran, or at least they did not come in long enough to take or destroy anything. I was prepared. I had studied and found an agency that was always on call that could watch over my home. The loud noise sounded; the police were called; my home was protected.

Listen to what Luke is telling us. Your soul is your house. Your alarm comes from reading and studying the word of God. When God dwells in your house, you are protected at all times. We are to stay strong in our relationship with God. We are to remain in His word because, if we do not, then there will one day be someone stronger than us to overtake us and dirty our clean house. Our clean lives will no longer be clean. It is like not setting the alarm.

Do you need a reason to pray and study? This is just one of many you will find in God’s word.

James 3:5

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-06-16T07:38:22-04:00

So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

This is taking the negative and telling you why you need to be careful. It appears to me, though, it is why we need to be talkative as well. If the tongue can be so destructive when not used appropriately, just think of the good when used constructively. It is much like a pair of sewing scissors: it is how, where and when you cut that makes the cloth a dress or makes a mess out of the cloth.

As a teacher and a mother, I have learned it is what you say and do for the child that can encourage him to produce good works.

Yes, we do need to tame our speech. We do need to watch what we say to others. We also need to learn that what we say, whether in word or deed, is out there for a lifetime. What words would you like to be known for? You have to say the words first. You have to say the words aloud to others. You have to put yourself out there.

One small spark can set a forest aflame, but one small spark put in the right place can set the world aglow for Christ.

Galatians 1:10; 2:6

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-06-11T00:37:37-04:00

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
As for those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance—those men added nothing to my message.

Are you trying to live in the limelight? Are you trying to be important? I do not think it is wrong to be a person in the limelight. I do not think it matters to God if we are famous, hold a position of authority, if we sweep the floor or clean toilets. He cares about the position of our soul, that place where our heart resides.

You can be the leader the free world, or China. You can be worth millions, have discovered the cure for polio or, one day, the cure for cancer; you can teach those children who go on to do these things, all of which are good things to do. However, if you do not have your heart filled with Christ, you will still be told, “Go away from me; I never knew you.”

Are you trying to win the approval of man or of God?

James 5:10-11

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-06-02T08:05:46-04:00

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

I am reading about patience again. Is the Lord trying to tell me something? How many lessons on patience do I need? Well, maybe that is something I need to answer. How long will I take to give in and be patient? I used to think I was just being impatient with myself, but is that really true? Who made me the way I am, God or me? We all know that answer: does the pot form itself out of the clay? I do not think so. So, being impatient with me is just as bad as being impatient with others. Maybe being impatient with me is worse, because I am being critical of God’s handiwork. That statement sounds rather foolish, little me critical of God’s handiwork; what would I have done different?

Learn to be patient then, family, until the Lord comes. Sit and wait through the seasons. Do not complain about yourself or others. Just wait, listen, obey and follow God’s promises until the day we see God’s compassion and then give Him credit for that compassion.

Acts 4:29

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-05-26T18:02:41-04:00

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”

Consider what is happening and help us to speak your word. How often do we keep our mouths shut because of what others might say or do? Do we turn and walk away from wrongdoing so we do not make any waves?

I know I have. I regret it, I have asked forgiveness for it, but I have done it. I think if we were all honest, we would all say this has been true for us. I tell myself it was different in Peter’s day. Yes, it was different: they were thrown in jail for speaking up. Stephen got stoned for speaking up. I do not have to worry about either one of those. Yet, there are times I do not speak up.

Dear Father, I come and seek your forgiveness for keeping my mouth shut. I come and ask that you walk with me so that I might have the boldness needed to spread your word in my corner of the world. Help me to give more then money. Help me to send others not only to far reaching parts of the world, but to downtown or around the corner or next door. Lord, help me to realize that this city, this neighborhood, needs to be clean as well. Lord, help me to go myself.

Psalm 46:10

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-05-21T09:37:07-04:00

In John chapter 10, we read of the crowd trying to stone Jesus, trying to seize Him, but He escapes. Other scriptures tell us of times that the crowds wanted to harm, even kill, Jesus, but it also says that the timing was not right.

If He stopped them in John 10 and the other places, I have no doubt He could have stopped them at Gethsemane. He knew what Judas was up to. He could have stopped him or had one of the other 12 stop him, but the timing was right.

Jesus wanted to follow God’s timing. He wanted the timing to be not His own. How often do we get impatient with God’s timing? Our example here shows us that we need to wait. How often, when we are going through hard times, do we find it difficult to wait on God’s timing?

Be still and know that I am God.

John 4:12-13; Psalm 23:5

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-05-05T19:22:37-04:00

"Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

My Jesus, my savior, my guide lived this. He sat at a table with Judas, the man who would betray Him. He was anointed with oil.

A table is prepared for me as well. I come before the throne with my Savior, with my Jesus at my side. I come to hear of God’s love, to hear of God’s desire for my life and to hear God’s instruction for how I am to live that life. I also come to receive the nourishing, living water.

He, in turn, gives me this life giving water, the substance that sustains my life, without which I cannot live. This nourishment allows me to live.

It is not amazing that He uses the reference of water to tell me what He does, and can do, for me. Our bodies can live for 4 - 6 weeks without food, but we can only live 3 - 7 days without water. Our bodies are made up of 55 - 60% water. But I wonder... how long do I think I can live without God? How long do I go without His word? Should I try to live without His word? Should I go 4 - 6 weeks and starve or should I try to go a week and thirst? Do I thirst enough for God’s word? Or do I allow God’s word to well up in me? Do I allow my cup to overflow? Jesus told the woman at the well, “The water I give you will become in you a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Have you ever just stood and watched a waterfall? Have you ever just stood with your eyes closed and listened to a waterfall? Both are just amazing! The water rushing over is a wonderful sight and sound. That is how God’s love comes to us every day. It flows by the bucketful over the top and plunges to the depths of our hearts. But wait: God’s love wells up inside us as well, and runs over the top and causes another waterfall...or it should. That is the waterfall we create when we share the good news of Jesus Christ.

How is your waterfall flowing today?

John 1:41-42

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-04-27T17:24:09-04:00

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).

What was the first thing you did as a Christian? Did you call on those you love the most and tell them the joy you had found? Did you call upon those you care for so greatly and share with them the way to life everlasting?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like not to read about Peter? How many stories and examples would not be there for us to follow? How many people would not know the love of Christ? If Andrew had shared with his brother Simon, there would be no Peter.

With whom have you shared Christ? Every time you hesitate to open your mouth and share Christ, think about Andrew. Think about what life would be like if he had not shared with Simon, the one who became Peter.

Proverbs 4:7

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-04-21T09:54:05-04:00

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.

What is wisdom, if it is not the Almighty’s word? He is the creator of all we see. What better wisdom can one find?

How does wisdom protect us? It is simple: if we have the wisdom of God’s word flowing through us, then we know what is right and wrong and we can stay focused on the path we are to follow.

Luke 17:1

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-04-14T10:57:42-04:00

Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.”

Did you know I am a little one to God? Yes, at 46 years old, I am still God’s little one. I am His child, I am the one He loves, and no matter how old I get, I will still be His child. Jesus is quoted in Luke as saying that things that will cause us to stumble will come but, boy, you better not be the cause of that stumbling block! In Matthew chapter 18, it is stated that it would be better to be thrown in the water with a millstone around your neck — that would be worse then having cement shoes on.

Gee, what causes people to stumble? I need to know. You see, I can’t swim, and I really can’t swim with cement shoes on. I don’t hold my breath that long, either. Let’s face it, there are times it is hard for me to simply breathe the air. I don’t think I want to try breathing water. This is a good incentive to keep me in line. So, what do I need to know to keep from stumbling and to keep others from stumbling because of me? It is not a hard thing. It is just a book I need to read. The book is available in every language I can think of. If I don’t have one, I can pick one up in any book store or free at any church. I really do not have an excuse not to know.

Did you ever get in trouble as a kid and say, “Well, Billy Bob said I could?” Did that make any difference? It didn’t with my Mom; she just said one of two things: “I’m not Billy Bob’s Mother,” or, “He is next in line for a spanking and he will get double for telling you a lie.” If our parents here on earth would say such things, what do you think our heavenly Father will say when we claim Billy Bob told us we could?

Go find your Bible and dust it off, because I don’t think you’ll want to wear that millstone necklace.

Luke 13:23-30

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-04-07T09:39:24-04:00

Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

Are only a few going to be saved? What a question. Can you imagine? They did not ask, “Lord, how can we bring others to your side?” They asked, “Lord, will there really only be a few? Will there really only be a few who read your word and live it in their hearts and daily lives? Lord, will there really only be a few who walk the narrow path to you? Lord, will there really only be a few?”

In amazement, they wonder why just a few. Why would it be hard to live a life following Christ? Many of us ask this same question. We live our lives not really believing the answer. If we did, we would spread the gospel more frequently. We would let our light shine even brighter. We would understand the importance of reading the Word and sharing what we read. We would understand the reason to encourage others to really read the Word.

I often fall into the trap of “ignorance is bliss”. Let’s face it, we all do. It’s easy to think, “They are good people, and God is good so…….”

Read the scripture here in Luke. Jesus makes it clear:

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, “Sir, open the door for us.” But he will answer, “I don't know you or where you come from.” (Luke 13: 24- 25)

What side of the door do you want to be on? What side of the door do you want your loved ones to be on?

Luke 13:6-10

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-03-31T17:19:14-04:00

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

I am the fig tree and Jesus is the one who tends the garden. He came and dug around me and fertilized my life with His blood. It is up to me now. Do I accept His message and produce fruit, or do I do nothing and not produce fruit? He is giving us time. He does not wait forever.

Luke 18:1-8

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-03-24T00:50:46-04:00

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

I have never noticed before how many stories in Luke are about praying. The Bible tells why we should pray, how we should pray, what we should pray for, and when we should pray. With so many verses and stories talking about prayer, one must think prayer is important.

Therefore, we need to understand what prayer is. According to Webster it is The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being. I like to think it is talking to God. We are to pray without giving up, like the widow who did not give up. We are to have faith that God will hear our prayer and, according to His will and our good, will answer our prayer.

Luke 5:16

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-03-17T22:31:12-04:00

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Have you ever noticed that Jesus chose His twelve apostles after a night of praying? Luke tells us that after a day where He was dealing with the Pharisees, He went out and spent the night alone in prayer. It was the very next morning that He chose the twelve apostles. He chose twelve people to carry His message. We all know who these men are: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon, Thadeus and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

To make a choice of whom He was going to spend His time with - the choice of who was going to carry God’s word - He spent the night in prayer. How often do we spend hours in prayer over a choice? I wonder what a difference it would make.

A quiet place

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-03-10T18:43:09-04:00

Many times, Jesus retreated to a place where he could be apart from others to pray. How often do we pull away from the noise of this life to go to a solitary place to commune with our Father? I have prayed in the car, I have prayed at the supper table, I have prayed in a crowd. I have no doubt that, in each of these places, my prayers are heard. I know God is always with me. He never leaves me. I can always have His full attention. However in a quiet place, God gets my full attention. Isn’t that what He wants?

When I was dating my husband, we spent quite a bit of time in a park, on an overlook, talking, listening and just being together. Our love grew by leaps and bounds during these times. It is the same with our love, loyalty, devotion and reliance on God. It is in the quiet times that His word makes a deeper impact. It is the quiet times when you learn the most. It is the quiet times when your bond grows deep.

How often do you withdraw to a quiet place to pray?

Hebrews 11:1

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-02-25T17:56:33-05:00

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for so long to have children that, when God sent an angel to tell them it would happen, they did not believe Him (Luke 1). I wonder: am I like that? Do I pray so long for something that I begin to disbelieve that God can do it? What in life can God not do? I know by reading God’s word that God can sometimes change His mind when we are persistent enough. Look at the story about Sodom: He allowed Abraham to talk Him into looking for good souls in that city. Then there is the story about the persistent widow (Luke 18): because she kept pestering Him, she got what she wanted. If God did not want us to pray for things — and even pester Him at times — would we have these examples to follow? God even tells us, in Matthew 17, that we can move mountains, if we have enough faith.

The book of Luke starts out telling us that he wrote these accounts so that we might know for a certainty that they are true. It is my belief that the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelations, is there so that we might know for a certainty what is true. If this, then, is why the Bible is here; if this, then, is why it is in so many different languages; and if this is why it is the most printed book out there, maybe we should take the time to read it.

If we read God’s promises and see what He has laid out for us, should we not believe it? If we read that we should be persistent in our prayers to Him, then should we not be persistent? If we read that God answers the prayers of the faithful, should we not believe that he will answer our prayers if we are faithful?

We do not need to ask, as Zechariah did, “How can I be sure?” We just need to read and get to know our Father through His word, so that “we may be sure of those things we hope for and certain of those things we do not see”.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-02-16T21:56:00-05:00

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependant on anybody.”

What is my ambition in life? What do we hope our children’s ambition will be?

Paul tells us of an ambition he wishes we had. A lofty ambition, if you will. Paul wants us to lead a quiet life. He wants for us the ability to work and to mind our own business. Wow, think about what he is asking! He wants us to mind our own business. He wants this for us so that our quiet life will win others to Christ.

My ambition, then, should be to lead people to Christ by leading a quiet life in Christ.

We often wonder how we can impact the lives of others. Paul is telling us here. We can impact other people by following Christ. A Christ-filled life is one that will be noticed. What we want is for people to come to Christ because of a desire to know Christ. If our lives are lived in such a way that people see that a Christ-filled life is to be desired, then we can and will lead people to the well of living water.

Paul is telling us that it is a quiet, uncomplicated life that will draw others to look a second time and allow us to bring others to Christ.

Are you living a quiet life?

II Chronicles 7:13-16

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-02-10T21:46:00-05:00

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there

…and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)-- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.

II Peter 2:7-11

God knows how to rescue his children. He has done it before. In Genesis 7, God rescued Noah and his family. In chapter 19 of Genesis, he rescued Lot and his family. The whole book of Exodus is about his rescuing Moses and the children of Israel. Daniel lived through the fiery furnace. Peter was able to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. Yes, God does care for us, when we ask. He does care for us even when we do not care for ourselves. He makes provisions for saving us even when we do not know we need them. He sent Jesus!

I Thessalonians 5:11

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-02-03T22:51:33-05:00

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing

Encourage one another. Who encourages you? My husband does me. I have to say when I am upset he listens; when I need a clearer picture, he provides it. When I need someone to talk to, he is there. He will never replace me; he will always be there for me. What a friend I have in him! God knew what he was doing when he sent me to work in Sumter, SC. As wonderful as the relationship with my spouse is, God is there to a larger degree then my husband. God is the one who knows all my inner thoughts and still loves me. He loved me enough to know I needed someone in my life as I grew older.

Paul writes and tells us that we are supposed to be there for each other. He tells us when one member of the body hurts, all members hurt. When one needs assistance, there should be plenty. He speaks of praying for others always.

When you read his letter, you discover that groups of fallible humans have not changed much over the years. A group will still hurt its members, is not concerned with some of them, avoids getting to know some and will leave some completely out. Words are said without thinking, actions are taken without thinking, and feelings are hurt without caring. All these things are done because we do not heed the advice of God that Paul wrote for us.

Encourage one another; be there for each other giving of you.

I wonder if that is why he instructs so often to pray for someone else. I wonder if, when we spend the time to pray for each other and for those we do not know, God changes our thought process. Mine does change when I do this.

Who do you encourage? Who have you discouraged by not taking the time to see them for who they are? Have you pushed a brother or sister away? Who do you meet at the Throne of our Living God? Who do you lift up more: yourself or others?

We are to encourage one another. We are to build each other up. How do we do that? Can we do that if we do not put the other first?

Matthew 14:38

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-01-27T22:48:00-05:00

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

The disciples would watch Jesus taken away and be put to death. We do this as well every time we hear the Lord’s name taken in vain. We do this every time we meet with evil in the world. We need to pray constantly so that we are not tempted. We often tell ourselves we will study, we will pray, we will attend service. Too many times, the weakness of our bodies gets in the way. We are exhausted from work; that show looks good; my alarm clock goes off five days a week: I thought I would sleep this morning.

We are like the disciples too often, and fall asleep instead of praying and spending time with our Savior.

Are you watching? Are you praying that you may not fall into temptation? Temptation is out there everywhere. It creeps into our homes and lives in such a way that we do not always see it. We need to have our body prepared to meet the temptations by putting on God’s armor, which means we need to study and be prepared. Do not be caught by a weak body! Be willing to be prepared. STUDY God’s word and pray to Him daily.

Ephesians 1:18

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-01-20T22:44:32-05:00

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

Today, as our country witnesses a new President come into office, let us pray that our country’s hope lies not with him but with the Creator of this world, our Father As we come together at this inauguration time, let us pray that this new leader acknowledges the hope that we as Christians have. That hope is the hope in Jesus Christ and our glorious Father.
As a family of believers, let us pray for our nation and its leaders that they may see the hope of our Father and allow His rules and laws to govern this great land of ours.

Psalm 55

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-01-13T22:01:19-05:00

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;
hear me and answer me...
I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest...
But I call to God, and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice...
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall...
But as for me, I trust in you.

Listen to my prayer, Lord; also, help me listen to your answer. Help me to learn from the struggles I face. Help me to realize you are always at my side. I often wish I could run and hide from the problems. I often feel like I am the only one with troubles. Oh, to fly away, far away but where would I go? I know that you hear me when I call out to you. I know that you are always there. I know that your timing is not mine and that I just have to wait patiently on you, Lord. Therefore, I throw to you my burdens. I toss my cares your way, knowing they are dealt with. I, then, strive to live my life, as you would have me to do. I just need learn to enjoy the comfort of your rest and the beauty of your timing.

Psalm 125:1

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2009-01-06T21:50:10-05:00

Those who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion,
Which can not be shaken but
endures forever.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. Do we know what Mount Zion is? I went looking. I found that it was a “hill just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. The term Zion became a synecdoche referring to the entire city of Jerusalem and the Land of Israel.” (Merriam-Webster) There was another definition I liked better that I found that on Answers: “An idealized, harmonious community; utopia.” Yes, it is that perfect society; it is being with our Father in heaven. That place “can not be shaken.” Because no matter what is done here on earth, whether we reach Mount Zion or not, it will be there. Through the storms of life, through the rains, through the droughts and through the good times, heaven is always there. Mount Zion, the place we all strive to reach, will always be there.

More importantly, we can reach Mount Zion’s peace and calm through prayer and having a personal relationship with Christ our mediator, our Savior. We can have this today by following God’s word.

Psalm 62:5-7

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-08-17T17:55:08-04:00

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

I find rest for my spirit in God alone. I find hope in only Him. My Father is my stronghold and He will rescue me. He is the castle in which I dwell. This mighty castle is built to withstand an earthquake. No wonder I fear no threat of man. No wonder I can feel safe within the storms of life.

Psalm 118:13-14

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-08-05T21:35:47-04:00

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.The Lord is my strength and my song;He has become my salvation

When you were a child or young adult, did you ever play the trust game? You know, the game where you stand, turn around and fall backwards and the person behind you is supposed to catch you.

What we do not think about, or even comprehend, is that God stands behind us and around us at all times. When we start to fall, and before we hit the bottom, he catches us and either puts us right back where we were or places us gently on the ground. Amazing, is it not?

Job and Me

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-07-29T23:36:03-04:00

I have been reading Job. Yes, once again I have opened the book of Job and begun reading. This is a book that makes me think. It is a book that causes me to wonder. It is a book that screams “Why?” to me. Yet this time, in reading it, I have discovered verses 23- 26 in Chapter 33.

Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say, 'Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him'--then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth. He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God's face and shouts for joy; he is restored by God to his righteous state.

Now I see the difference between Job and me. I knew the difference all along, but I have just now seen it. It is so obvious and simple. It is Christ: He is my mediator, He is my rescuer, He is my redeemer, and He is my Savior. Can I have trials? Yes. Can I have trials that I dont understand? Yes. Will I be disciplined? Yes. However, I am also redeemed, I am also cleaned, and I am also an adopted child. I am an heir. What a hope we can find in reading Job!

Job 15:1-5

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-07-24T20:52:01-04:00

Then Job replied, "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

Job is speaking to his friends. These friends are not giving comfort. They are not listening. They are not reminding him that God will walk with him through this valley. They are telling him not to be angry. I often wonder: would they be angry? Do I do this at times? Instead of hearing the pain of a fellow Christian, do I try to put salve on a wound I have no idea where it is? When we fall and skin our knees, putting a band aid on our elbow will not help.

Job tells them, “You are not helping; try again.” He needs help. He is crying for help. Job is searching for someone to tell him that God is still there. That reminds me how lucky I am. I have Christ; I have my older brother, God’s Son, to take me up to the throne. Do you realize how lucky you are? Just count your blessings and you will see. Start with the intangible things like God’s love, His Son, the Bible to read, your spouse, your children, your Christian family and then keep going.

Go on then to count the food you eat in plenty, the roof over your head, the shoes in a rainbow of colors in your closet, the clothes that takes hours to wash and iron, the soft pillow to rest your head at night....

...see how rich you are?

Psalm 43:1-5

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-07-15T09:08:21-04:00

Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. You are God my stronghold. Why have You rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Clear my name, Lord. Plead my case against this ungodly world in which I live. Liberate me from the wickedness that surrounds me. Lord, help me to realize You are my God and that You want to be my stronghold. Help me to understand that You have not rejected me, that You have not forgotten me and that You remain true to Your word. Lord, help me to realize Your timing is perfect. Help me to reach out for Your light and Your truth, so they might guide me to Your Holy throne. At Your feet, Lord, I will praise You with delight and joy; I will sing Hallelujahs to Your name.

My soul will rejoice with great joy and not be downcast or afraid. If I put all my trust in my Father, then He will guide me through and see me to the end, even through wilderness and desert.

Psalm 4

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-07-08T22:27:22-04:00

Please, Lord give to me an answer when I call out to you.
Give to me some respite from all this misery; be compassionate to me and hear my prayer.

How long will my neighbors turn to the world and not to God?
How long will they love the falseness of sin and seek those gods?

We need to remember that the Lord sets apart those who strive to follow him.
The Lord will hear when I call out to Him.

Do not sin when you are angry; hold yourself to God’s law; search your mind before you speak.
Trust in the Lord and give to him with joy.
Trust Him in all you do.
Often, we hear people wonder what this world is coming to.

Let the light of your face shine upon us, dear Father.
You have filled my heart with an abundance of joy, more than any earthly thing could give me.
I lie down in peace at night and sleep, O Lord; because of you, I am in a safe dwelling.

Job 42:2-3

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-07-03T21:01:12-04:00

I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

How often do I question God? How often have I said why? How often have I told you, you can not possibly know this is going on? If you did, you would not let it happen.

Then I think about how you formed the world. How you placed the stars in the sky. How you created me just like you needed and wanted me to be. Then can I really question your motives or your plans?

Yes, and that is OK, as long as I remember that you love me and that, as long as you are with me, I can get through anything.

You are the potter and I am the clay. You mold me in the way you want me to be. You place me in service so that I can be of use to you. You do not place me in service to be of use for me.

Please, Lord, help me to be what you want me to be. Help me to be in your service.

Psalm 5

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-06-24T11:10:05-04:00

Dear Father, hear my prayer, listen to my groaning heart. Lord, listen as I call to only you for help; no other will I bow down to. You are the one and only true Lord. Listen to my voice this morning, listen to my voice this afternoon, and listen to my voice as I end my day. Each day, I bring requests to you, and then I wait expectantly. I know, Father, that wickedness causes you sorrow and sin of any kind you cannot tolerate. So, I come before your throne and ask that you purify my heart and help me to sin less and less, for I am not so proud to bow my head in front of you and ask forgiveness. I know that you turn your back on and even destroy the liars and sinners of this world. I want to look into your face and see the love that you have for me. This I can do because of your unfailing love.

Lead me, Lord, in the path you have chosen for me. On this path, my enemies cannot conquer me. Tell me in very clear, concise terms what you would have me to do and which way you would have me to go. I can tell my enemies from the deceitful lies they spread. If lies could smell, it would be like a stench from a dead animal. Father, let the traps they set snare them; declare them guilty for all to see. Drive them away for their many sins.

However, for those that love you, Lord, allow us to take sanctuary in your love. Protect us so that our joy will be abundant. Bless us with your shield of protection as we stand in this world as lights to your kingdom.

Deuteronomy 20:1-5

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-06-03T09:42:22-04:00

When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say, "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

Isn’t this what we do everyday? We go into battle with our enemies. Our chief enemy is Satan himself and he has so many tools to use against us. We often forget that we are in a battle, and it is when we forget this that he attacks: when we have our guard down. It is hard to say what I would do if the battle I am in was with swords that had blades that I could see, if the battle had bullets from guns that made a loud boom when they were fired. Would I remember more clearly to reach for my shield, the Word of God? Would I remember more clearly to call upon the Lord for help? Would it help if I saw someone ahead of me leading the way? God tells us that this battle we are in is not for the fainthearted person. Following God is the correct thing to do, but it takes courage. God goes before us today just as He did in the Old Testament. He may not be in a cloud; He may not shower manna down for us to eat; but He is there, guiding our footsteps, if we will just stop and listen to His words, as it says in Isaiah 30 verse 21. He will tell us which way to go. We just have to be willing to listen and to follow.

Hebrews 4:12

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-06-17T09:37:03-04:00

It is hard at times to stay in the Word. I hope I am not the only one that feels this way. I struggle with life at times. Sometimes, I struggle with my faith. Not that I doubt, but I question, so maybe ”struggle” is not the right word. Maybe I am just growing.

Just when we think we’re comfortable, we run into a road block. Well, perhaps not a road block, but a thorn bush: a thorn bush of life. It pricks and it sticks and it just downright hurts and is annoying. Our Father did not promise us a path free from thorns. He did not promise that the days would be without their troubles. He has promised us life everlasting, if we follow Him throughout this life. He has promised us He would be here through all our trials, if we invite Him to be.

If we cannot travel without running into thorns and road blocks, then how can we be assured that He is with us? How can we be assured that His promises are true? That is where faith comes in. That is where we cling to His Word. That is when we tie a knot and hold on.

Our Savior defeated Satan during His trials with God’s word (Matt. 4). The example is plain to see: when we go through the thorn bushes of life, we need to be covering ourselves with God’s word. When those times come that we have to fight our way through the briar patches, we need to grab hold of the Bible and use God’s word to see us through. It is the sword we need to cut the branches and the balm we need for the scrapes (Heb 4:12).

Romans 8:31, 39

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-06-10T08:35:13-04:00

If God is for us, who can be against us?Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Who can be against me if I have on my side the power that created all things? This doesn’t mean I won’t have to climb tall mountains, but that, though I climb higher than I have ever climbed before, God will be by my side. I will not be alone, if that is what I choose. The fact that nothing can separate me from my God is comforting. God lives in my heart, and He will be there as long as I allow Him to stay. This means the only thing that can separate me from my God, from my Father, from my Savior, is me. I would have to leave. And, amazingly, even if I leave He will still love me. If I walk away from His protection, if I cease to abide in His house, if I choose not to listen to His counsel, He will still love me.

Why then would I choose to leave? Why would I choose not to be safe? Why do I get scared and run? Human frailties? Not abiding in His word? Forgetting that He is the Creator and He knows best? It is hard to say why we wander away. We are children and we sometimes act as children. I do know that the more we are abiding in His word, the more we will keep Him in our hearts.

I Samuel 16:7

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-05-27T12:00:00-04:00

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Do I make this mistake? Do I look at the outward appearance and not the inward appearance? Do I see things with my earthly eyes, or do I see things through Godly eyes? How often have I rejected something because of its appearance? How often have I rejected a person because of their appearance? We need to look through the eyes that God provides. We need to learn to look at things in a much simpler way. We need to see what is important. What is truly important can often be difficult to see.

What is important? Do we know? Have you heard? Have you asked your Father? The answer is right before us. It is not your status in life, it is not the money you make, it is not even who you lead. It is who you follow, it is who you serve, and it is how humble you are. It is what is on the inside.

It is a little like that box of chocolates: they all can appear the same, but some can have a rich, wonderful cherry filling and some can just be hollow. You have to be aware of the inside. The rich cherry is oh, so good.

Hebrews 11:1

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-05-20T12:00:00-04:00

The Bible speaks a lot of hope: the Blessed Hope, the hope of salvation, the hope of that which is to come, and so much more. Job, Psalms and the Proverbs have so much hope. Cling to that hope: hope that better and more complete times are yet to come.

The Bible (Hebrew 11:1) says

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Paraphrased, that's "Reaching out and grasping that which is not there, and holding on until it becomes reality."

Jeremiah 17:7-8, 14

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-05-13T12:00:00-04:00

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

A tree planted by the water, that sends out roots by the stream, does not worry about the drought that is here today. A person who stands upon the word of God as his safety net does not worry when the stock market crashes, the job market goes, or his health leaves. Like the mighty tree by the stream, this person can withstand much, being tapped into the saving grace of our Lord and Savior. Walking in our dry land today, you can see the difference between the trees that are near the streams and the trees that are not. The ones near the streams are stronger and healthier. They grew last year: maybe not as much as they have in other years, but they grew.

Where does your confidence lie, in man or God?

Lamentations 3:22-26

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-05-06T12:00:00-04:00

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Because I am loved so much, the troubles of the day will not intimidate me. God's love and comfort will keep me wrapped in his loving care. Everyday that begins, he blesses me with his love and the strength I will need for that day. I just have to remind myself that the Lord, my Father, has everything covered. I just need to wait on him and not run ahead.

My Father is good to me, but that goodness is there only when I wait. If I run ahead, I can miss his blessings. It is good to wait quietly

I Samuel 30:6

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-04-22T12:00:00-04:00

David found strength in the Lord his God.

When you are at the end, where do you find strength? When nothing has gone the way you had planned, how do you find strength? Do you find strength when all seems lost? Are you like David and find strength in the Lord? Do you keep this source of strength a secret, or do you share it like you share a favorite cold remedy?

I Samuel 9:21

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-04-15T12:00:00-04:00

Saul answered, "But Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?"
I Samuel 9:21

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
II Corinthians 12:9

Have you found yourself hesitant to do what is in front of you? God's grace and power is shown through our willingness to do even when we dont think we can. There are so many examples throughout the Bible that show this. Why do we question God when life is not what we had planned? God's power is shown through our weakness only if we let it. That means we have to step aside and have faith He knows what He is doing. Do you have faith?

Isaiah 52 and Ephesians 6

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-04-08T12:00:00-04:00

I was reading in Isaiah today and it struck me that here it speaks of our clothing like Paul in Ephesians speaks of our armor. Isaiah speaks of our strength like Paul speaks of mighty power. Then I decided to look and see how tightly these two passages correspond.

Isaiah tells us to put on our garments of splendor; Paul tells us to put on our full armor. What a splendid and beautiful thing to put on. We are supposed to free ourselves of the chains around our necks: is that similar to laying down our burdens (Matt.11:25-30)?

Our feet are fitted with with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Isaiah says they are beautiful because they take us to places to spread the good news. The verse that got to me the most was Isaiah 52:12:

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

This is another place that tells us why we do not have any armor on our backs. I was always taught that we were not to retreat and that is true, but it is also because God our Father has our back.

Who better to have your back than Him?

Luke 1:1-4

info@centralchurchofchrist.org — 2008-04-01T12:00:00-04:00

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The Bible is written for us to confirm in our minds what we are being taught. This is so that we can have a certainty of our salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior. If you need a reason to read and study God's words, this would be one. To be a follower, to be a friend, to be a child, one has to have communication. We have to be able to hear, to listen and to converse. We do this with God through His Holy word.

Are you being taught? Do you know that what you are being taught is really in God's word? The only way to know is to be in His word on a daily basis.