BC - Day 333

Reading:  Acts 20:2;  Romans 1-4


For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20


Footnote:  What kind of God does nature reveal?  Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail; a God of order and beauty; a God who controls powerful forces.  That is general revelation.  Through special revelation (the Bible and the coming of Jesus), we learn about God's love and forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.  God has graciously given us both sources that we might fully believe in him.


They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator -- who is forever praised.  Amen  Romans 1:25


Footnote:  People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own selfish, personal beliefs.  Today, more than ever we need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs.  With TV, music, movies and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles and unwholesome values, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible.  Be careful about what you allow to form your opinions.  The Bible is the only standard of truth.  Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings.  


God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished -- Romans 3:25


Footnote:  What happened to people who lived before Christ came and died for sin?  If God condemned them, was he being unfair?  If he saved them, was Christ's sacrifice unnecessary?  Paul shows that God forgave all human sin at the cross of Jesus.  Old Testament believers looked forward in faith to Christ's coming and were saved, even though they did not know Jesus' name or the details of his earthly life.  Unlike the Old Testament believers, you know about the God who loved the world so much that he gave his own Son (John 3:16).  Have you put your trust in him?

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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 332

Reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13


We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5


Footnote:  Paul uses military terminology to describe this warfare against sin and Satan.  God must be the commander in chief -- even our thoughts must be submitted to his control as we live for him.


I heard a teaching years ago on this verse that has been life-changing.  It's very powerful to use scripture in spiritual warfare.  Next time you have a thought that doesn't line up with scripture -- a thought that's negative, sinful, angry, discontented, etc. -- try using this verse and take EVERY thought captive to the obedience of Christ!  


This next passage of scripture is about Paul.  It's only a portion of his trials and sufferings.  Read it slowly.....let the depth of Paul's ministry really sink in.


Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.  


Three times I was beaten with rods, 


once I was stoned, 


three times I was shipwrecked, 


I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 


I have been constantly on the move.  


I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; 


in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.  


I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; 


I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; 


I have been cold and naked.  


Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.   


2 Corinthians 11: 24-28


Footnote:  Paul was sacrificing his life for the gospel, something the false teachers would never do.  The trials and hurts we experience for Christ's sake build our character, demonstrate our faith, and prepare us for further service to the Lord.


JUST KEEP READING..........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 331

Reading:  2 Corinthians 7-9


Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.  2 Corinthians 7:10


Footnote:  "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation" refers to the sorrow for our sins that results in changed behavior  Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught ("worldly sorrow").  Compare Peter's remorse and repentance with Judas's bitterness and act of suicide.  Both disowned Christ.  One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.


Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
2 Corinthians 9:6-8


Footnote:  People may hesitate to give generously to God if they worry about having enough money left over to meet their own needs.  Paul assured the Corinthians that God was able to meet their needs.  The person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return.  Don't let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously.


Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give.  We don't have to be embarrassed if we can give only a small gift.  God is concerned about how we give from the resources we have.  According to that standard, the giving of the Macedonian churches would be difficult to match (8:3).


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All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 330

Reading:  2 Corinthians 4-6


Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16


Footnote:  It is easy to lose heart and quit.  We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away.  Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).  Don't let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job.  Renew your commitment to serving Christ.  Don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain.  Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.


For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10


Footnote:  While eternal life is a free gift given on the basis of God's grace, each of us will still be judged by Christ.  This judgment will reward us for how we have lived.  God's gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement for faithful obedience.  All Christians must give account for how they have lived (see Matthew 16:27; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).


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All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

Comments, Please!

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Gold - Britt Nicole

I just heard about Britt Nicole's new album: Gold, and went to check it out on YouTube. I love it! I'm gonna have to buy it or something it's just so good! I'd love to post all of the songs on the album of course, but i just picked one so you people aren't sitting here all day =D :-)

Gold - Britt Nicole 

ENJOY!!!!! <3

BC - Day 329

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5


Footnote:  Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. We must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you.  Remember that every trial you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles.


And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18


Footnote:  The glory that the Spirit imparts to the believer is more excellent and lasts longer than the glory that Moses experienced.  By gazing at the nature of God with unveiled minds, we see the truth about Christ, and it transforms us morally as we understand and apply it.  Through learning about Christ's life, we can understand how wonderful God is and what he is really like.  As our knowledge deepens, the Holy Spirit helps us to change.  Becoming Christlike is a progressive experience (see Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2).  The more closely we follow Christ, the more we will be like him.


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All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 328

Reading:  1 Corinthians 13-16


And now these three things remain:  faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13


Footnote:  In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning.  Today people are still confused about love.  Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself (1 John 4:8).  Love involves unselfish service to others:  to show it gives evidence that you care.  Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action.  When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.


If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.  But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.  1 Corinthians 13:13-18


Footnote:  The resurrection of Christ is the center of the Christian faith.  Because Christ rose from the dead as he promised, we know that what he said is true -- he is God.  Because he rose, we have certainty that our sins are forgiven.  Because he rose, he lives and represents us to God.  Because he rose and defeated death, we know we will also be raised.


If anyone does not love the Lord -- a curse be on him.  Come, O Lord!  1 Corinthians 16:22


Footnote:  The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back to earth again.  To Paul, this was a glad hope, the very best he could look forward to.  He was not afraid of seeing Christ -- he could hardly wait!  Do you share Paul's eager anticipation?  Those who love Christ are looking forward to that wonderful time of his return (Titus 2:13).  To those who did not love the Lord, however, Paul says, let them be cursed.


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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 327

Reading:  1 Corinthians 9-12


Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27


Footnote:  Winning a race requires purpose and discipline.  Paul used this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard word, self-denial, and grueling preparation.  As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward.  The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina.  Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning.  Train diligently -- your spiritual progress depends upon it.


At times we must even give up something good in order to do what God wants.  Each person's special duties determine the discipline and denial that he or she must accept.  Without a goal, discipline is nothing but self-punishment.  With the goal of pleasing God, our denial seems like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours.


The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12


Footnote:  Paul compares the body of Christ to a human body.  Each part has a specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole.  The parts are different for a purpose, and in their differences they must work together.  Christians must avoid two common errors:  1.  being too proud of their abilities, or 2.  thinking they have nothing to give to the body of believers.  Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different gifts, together, to spread the Good News of salvation.


JUST KEEP READING..........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 326

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived:  Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11


Footnote:  Paul is describing characteristics of unbelievers.  He doesn't mean that idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, slanderers or swindlers are automatically irrevocably excluded from heaven.  Christians come out of all kinds of different backgrounds, including these.  They may still struggle with evil desires but they should not continue in these practices.  In 6:11, Paul clearly states that even those who sin in these ways can have their lives changed by Christ.  However, those who say that they are Christians but persist in these practices with no sign of remorse will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Such people need to reevaluate their lives to see if they truly believe in Christ.


In a permissive society it is easy for Christians to overlook or tolerate some immoral behaviors (greed, drunkenness, etc.) while remaining outraged at others (homosexuality, thievery).  We must not participate in sin or condone it in any way nor may we be selective about what we condemn or excuse.  Staying away from more "acceptable" forms of sin is difficult, but it is no harder for us than it was for the Corinthians.  God expects his followers in any age to have high standards.


Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.  1 Corinthians 6:19,20


Footnote:  What did Paul mean when he said that our bodies belong to God?  Many people say they have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies.  Although they think that this is freedom, they are really enslaved to their own desires.  When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit fills and lives in us.  Therefore, we no longer own our bodies.  "Bought at a price" refers to slaves purchased at auction.  Christ's death freed us from sin, but also obligates us to his service.  If you live in a building owned by someone else, you try not to violate the building's rules.  Because your body belongs to God, you must not violate his standards for living.


JUST KEEP READING..........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 325

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

1 Corinthians 1:18,19


Footnote:  Paul summarized Isaiah 29:14 to emphasize a point Jesus often made:  God's way of thinking is not like the world's way (normal human wisdom).  And God offers eternal life, which the world can never give.  We can spend a lifetime accumulating human wisdom and yet never learn how to have a personal relationship with God.  We must come to the crucified and risen Christ to receive eternal life and the joy of a personal relationship with our Savior.


So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.  For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.  1 Corinthians 3:7-9


Footnote:  God's work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities.  There are no superstars in this task, only team members performing their own special roles.  We can become useful members of God's team by setting aside our desires to receive glory for what we do.  Don't seek the praise that comes from people -- it is comparatively worthless.  Instead, seek approval from God.

Life is Beautiful -- The Afters

Has anyone seen October Baby?  Great movie....very powerful.  What did you think?


JUST KEEP READING...........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 324

2 Thessalonians

The second letter to the Thessalonians, written by Paul, was to clear up the confusion about the second coming of Christ.

Key Verse:  May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.  

2 Thessalonians 3:5

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.  We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thessalonians 1:11,12

Footnote:  Our "calling" from God, as Christians, is to become like Christ (Romans 8:29).  This is a gradual, lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2).  To be "worthy" of this calling means to want to do what is right and good (as Christ would).  We aren't perfect yet, but we're moving in that direction as God works in us.

Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.  2 Thessalonians 2:3

Footnote:  Throughout history there have been individuals who epitomized evil and who were hostile to everything Christ stands for.  These antichrists have lived in every generation and will continue to work their evil.  Then just before Christ's second coming, "the man of lawlessness....the man doomed to destruction," a completely evil man, will arise.  He will be Satan's tool, equipped with Satan's power.  This lawless man will be the antichrist.

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.  And pray that we maybe delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.  2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Footnote:  Beneath the surface of the routine of daily life, a fierce struggle among invisible spiritual powers is being waged.  Our main defense is prayer that God will protect us from the evil one and that he will strengthen us.  The following guidelines can help you prepare for and survive satanic attacks:  

1.  take the threat of spiritual attack seriously; 

2.  pray for strength and help from God; 

3.  study the Bible to recognize Satan's style and tactics; 

4.  memorize Scripture so it will be a source of help no matter where you are;  

5.  associate with those who speak the truth; and 

6.  practice what you are taught by spiritual leaders.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:  Do you memorize scripture?  Have you ever tried to memorize scripture?  Did you find it difficult or easy?  Why do you think this is so?

"I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you."  Psalm 119:11

JUST KEEP READING.........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 323

Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the Church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.  1 Thessalonians 1:1


Footnote:  Paul and his companions probably arrived in Thessalonica in the Early summer of A.D. 50.  They planted the first Christian church in that city, but had to leave in a hurry becauSe their lives were threatened (Acts 17:1-10).  At the first opportunity, probably when he stopped at Corinth, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the new believers were doing.  Timothy returned to Paul with good news:  the Christians in Thessalonica were remaining firm in the faith and were unified.  But the Thessalonians did have some questions about their new faith.  Paul had not had time to answer all their questions during his brief visit, and in the meantime, other questions had arisen.  So Paul wrote this letter to answer their questions and to commend them on their faithfulness to Christ.


For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:9-11


Footnote:  As you near the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body cries out for you to stop.  This is when friends and fans are most valuable.  Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line.  In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another.  A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way.  Look around you.  Be sensitive to others' need for encouragement, and offer supportive words or actions.


Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


Footnote: Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings.  Obeying these three commands -- be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks -- often goes against our natural inclinations.  When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, however, we will begin to see people in a new perspective.  When we do God's will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.


JUST KEEP READING.........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 322

Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers:  "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."  This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them.  So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.  Acts 15:1,2


Footnote:  The question of whether the Gentile believers should obey the Law of Moses to be saved was an important one.  The controversy intensified largely due to the success of the new Gentile churches.  The conservatives in the Jerusalem church were led by converted Pharisees who preferred a legalistic religion to one based on faith alone.  If the conservatives had won, the Gentiles would have been required to be circumcised and converted to Judaism.  This would have seriously confined Christianity to simply being another sect within Judaism.  There is something of a "Pharisee" in each one of us.  We may unwittingly mistake upholding tradition, structure, and legal requirements for obeying God.  Make sure the gospel brings freedom and life to those you are trying to reach.


He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.  Acts 16:1


Footnote:  Timothy is the first second-generation Christian mentioned in the New Testament.  His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1:5), had become believers and had faithfully influenced him for the Lord.  Although Timothy's father apparently was not a Christian, the faithfulness of Timothy's mother and grandmother prevailed.  Never underestimate the far-reaching consequences of raising one small child to love the Lord.


He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"


They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved -- you and your household."  Acts 16:30,31


Footnote:  Paul and Silas's reputation in Philippi was well known.  When the jailer realized his own true condition and need, he risked everything to find the answer.  The Christian Good News of salvation is simply expressed:  Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (see Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 2:11).  When we recognize Jesus as Lord and trust in him with our entire life, salvation is assured to us.  If you have never trusted in Jesus to save you, do so quickly.  Your life can be filled with joy, just as the jailer's was.


JUST KEEP READING........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 321

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.  Galatians 4:4


Footnote:  "When the time had fully come," God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. For centuries the Jews had been wondering when their Messiah would come -- but God's timing was perfect.  We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers.  But we must never doubt him or give up hope.  At the right time he will respond.  Are you waiting for God's timing?  Trust his judgment and trust that he has your best interest in mind.


What has happened to all your joy?  I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.  Galatians 4:15


Footnote:  Have you lost your joy?  Paul sensed that the Galatians had lost the joy of their salvation because of legalism.  Legalism can take away joy because 1.  it makes people feel guilty rather than loved; 2.  it produces self-hatred rather than humility; 3.  it stresses performance over relationship; 4.  it points out how far short we fall rather than how far we've come because of what Christ did for us.  If you feel guilty and inadequate, check your focus.  Are you living by faith in Christ or by trying to live up to the demands and expectations of others?


It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1


Footnote:  Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations.  Christ came to set us free -- not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires.  Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before -- to live unselfishly.  Those who appeal to their freedom so that they can have their own way or indulge their own desires are falling back into sin.  But it is also wrong to put a burden of lawkeeping on Christians.  We must stand against those who would enslave us with rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved or growing in Christ.


Ending Footnote for Galatians:  Paul's letter to the Galatians boldly declares the freedom of the Christian.  Doubtless these early Christians in Galatia wanted to grow in the Christian life, but they were being misled by those who said this could be done only by keeping certain Jewish laws. 


How strange it would be for a prisoner who had been set free to walk back into his or her cell and refuse to leave!  How strange for an animal, released from a trap, to go back inside it!  How sad for a believer to be freed from the bondage of sin only to return to rigid conformity to a set of rules and regulations!


If you believe in Jesus Christ, you have been set free.  Instead of going back into some form of slavery, whether to legalism or to sin, use your freedom to live for Christ and serve him as he desires.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is.....Chris Tomlin

JUST KEEP READING........

All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 320

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel -- which is really no gospel at all.  Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  Galatians 1:6,7


Footnote:  Some people were preaching "a different gospel."  They were teaching that to be saved, Gentile believers had to follow Jewish laws and customs, especially the rite of circumcision.  Faith in Christ was not enough.  This message undermined the truth of the good news that salvation is a gift, not a reward for certain deeds.  Jesus Christ has made this gift available to all people, not just to Jews.  Beware of people who say that we need more than simple faith in Christ to be saved.  When people set up additional requirements for salvation, they deny the power of Christ's death on the cross.


There is only one way given to us by God to be forgiven of sin -- through believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  No other person, method, or ritual can give eternal life.  Attempting to be open-minded and tolerant, some people assert that all religions are equally valid paths to God.  In a free society, people have the right to their religious opinions, but this doesn't guarantee that their ideas are right.  God does not accept man-made religion as a substitute for faith in Jesus Christ.  He has provided just one way -- Jesus Christ (John 14:6).


We who are Jews by birth and not "gentile sinners" know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.  So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.  Galatians 2:15,16


Footnote:  If observing the Jewish laws cannot justify us, why should we still obey the Ten Commandments and other Old Testament laws?  We know that Paul was not saying the law is bad, because in another letter he wrote, "The law is holy".  Instead, he is saying that the law can never make us acceptable to God.  The law still has an important role to play in the life of a Christian.  The law:  1.  guards us from sin by giving us standards for behavior; 2.  convicts us of sin, leaving us the opportunity to ask for God's forgiveness; 3.  drives us to trust in the sufficiency of Christ, because we can never keep the Ten Commandments perfectly.  The law cannot possibly save us.  But after we have become Christians, it can guide us to live as God requires.

Ray Comfort witnesses with Ten Commandments

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20


Footnote:  How have we been crucified with Christ?  Legally, God looks at us as if we had died with Christ.  Because our sins died with him; we are no longer condemned (Colossians 2:13-15).  Relationally, we have become one with Christ, and his experiences are ours.  Our Christian life began when, in unity with him, we died to our old life (See Romans 6:5-11).  In our daily life, we must regularly crucify sinful desires that keep us from following Christ.  This too is a kind of dying with him (Luke 9:23-25).


And yet the focus of Christianity is not dying, but living.  Because we have been crucified with Christ, we have also been raised with him (Romans 6:5).  Legally, we have been reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:19) and are free to grow into Christ's likeness (Romans 8:29).  And in our daily life, we have Christ's resurrection power as we continue to fight sin (Ephesians 1:19,20).  We are no longer alone, for Christ lives in us -- he is our power for living and our hope for the future (Colossians 1:27).


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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 319

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  Or take ships as an example.  Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.  Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.  It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell.


All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  James 3:3-8


Footnote:  What you say and what you don't say are both important.  Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn't.  Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying.  Before you speak, ask, "Is what I want to say true?  Is it necessary?  Is it kind?


I love that last thought.  I think I need that on a wall in my home somewhere.  My children will definitely be hearing that from me in the near future.....Is what you want to say true?  Is it necessary?  Is it kind?


James compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire -- the tongue's wickedness has its source in hell itself.  The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage.  Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another.  Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken.  We dare not be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later because even if we do, the scars remain.  A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build.  Before you speak, remember that words are like fire -- you can neither control nor reverse the damage they can do.


Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."  As it is, you boast and brag.  All such boasting is evil.  Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:13-16


Footnote:  It is good to have goals, but goals will disappoint us if we leave God out of them.  There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist, because the future is in his hands.  What would you like to be doing ten years from now?  One year from now?  Tomorrow?  How will you react if God steps in and rearranges your plans?  Plan ahead, but hold your pans loosely.  Put God's desires at the center of your planning; he will never disappoint you.


Life is short no matter how many years we live.  Don't be deceived into thinking that you have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, to enjoy your loved ones, or to do what you know you should.  Live for God today!  Then, no matter when your life ends, you will have fulfilled God's plan for you.


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All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 318

James

The writer of this letter, a leader of the church in Jerusalem, was James, Jesus' brother, not James the apostle.  The book of James was one of the earliest letters, probably written before A.D. 50.  After Stephen was martyred, persecution increased, and Christians in Jerusalem were scattered throughout the Roman world.  There were thriving Jewish-Christian communities in Rome, Alexandria, Cyprus, and cities in Greece and Asia Minor.  Because these early believers did not have the support of established Christian churches, James wrote to them as a concerned leader, to encourage them in their faith during those difficult times.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

Footnote:  James doesn't say if you face trials, but whenever you face them.  He assumes that we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them.  The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook because of what trials can produce in our lives.  James tells us to turn out hardships into times of learning.  Tough times can teach us perseverance.  

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds?  Can such faith save him?  James 2:14

Footnote:  When someone claims to have faith, what he or she may have is intellectual assent --agreement with a set of Christian teachings -- and as such it would be incomplete faith.  True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts.  If our lives remain unchanged, we don't truly believe the truths we claim to believe.

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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 317

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.  Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.  Acts 13:38,39


Footnote:  This is the Good News of the gospel:  that forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available through faith in Christ to all people -- including you.  Have you received this forgiveness?  Are you refreshed by it each day?


Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.


Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over.  They stone Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.  Acts 14:18-20


Footnote:  Paul and Barnabas were persistent in their preaching of the Good News, considering the cost to themselves to be nothing in comparison with obedience to Christ.  They had just narrowly escaped being stoned in Iconium, but Jews from Antioch and Iconium tracked Paul down, stoned him, and left him for dead.  But Paul got up and went back into the city to preach the Good News.  That's true commitment!  Being a disciple of Christ calls for total commitment.  As Christians, we no longer belong to ourselves but to our Lord, for whom we are called to suffer.


JUST KEEP READING........

He Said......Group 1 Crew

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 316

He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.  Acts 10:2


Footnote:  "What will happen to the heathen who have never heard about Christ?"  This question is often asked about God's justice.  Cornelius wasn't a believer in Christ but he was seeking God, and he was reverent and generous.  Therefore God sent Peter to tell Cornelius about Christ.  Cornelius is an example that God "rewards those who earnestly seek him"  (Hebrews 11:6).  Those who sincerely seek God will find him!  God made Cornelius's knowledge complete.


Then Peter began to speak:  "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.  Acts 10:34,35


Footnote:  Perhaps the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel in the first century was the Jewish-Gentile conflict.  Most of the early believers were Jewish, and to them it was scandalous even to think of associating with Gentiles.  But God told Peter to take the gospel to a Roman, and Peter obeyed despite his background and personal feelings.  God was making it clear that the Good News of Christ is for everyone!  We should not allow any barrier -- language, culture, prejudice, geography, economic level, or educational level -- to keep us from telling others about Christ.


He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.  When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.  This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  Acts 12:2,3


Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."  Acts 12:11


Footnote:  Why did God allow James to die and yet miraculously save Peter?  Life is full of difficult questions like this.  Why is one child physically disabled and another child athletically gifted?  Why do people die seemingly before realizing their potential?  These are questions we cannot possibly answer in this life because we do not see all that God sees.  He has chosen to allow evil in this world for a time.  But we can trust God's leading because he has promised to destroy all evil eventually.  In the meantime, we know that God will help us use our suffering to strengthen us and glorify him.  


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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 315

So the word of God spread.  The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.  Acts 6:7


Footnote:  The word of God spread like ripples on a pond where, from a single center, each wave touches the next, spreading wider and farther.  The gospel still spreads this way today.  You don't have to change the world single-handedly -- it is enough just to be part of the wave, touching those around you, who in turn will touch others until all have felt the movement.  Don't ever feel that your part is insignificant or unimportant.


As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased.  Acts 7:17


Footnote:  Stephen's review of Jewish history gives a clear testimony of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.  Despite the continued failures of his chosen people and the swirling world events, God was working out his plan.  When faced by a confusing array of circumstances, remember that:  


1.  God is in control -- nothing surprises him; 
2.  this world is not all there is -- it will pass away, but God is eternal; 
3.  God is just, and he will make things right -- punishing the wicked and rewarding the faithful; 
4.  God wants to use you (like Joseph, Moses, and Stephen) to make a difference in the world.

Pour My Love on You -- Phillips, Craig & Dean

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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Bible, New International Version.

Hosanna

Thanks for sharing this song, Joan!

BC - Day 314

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.


Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."  Acts 3:5,6


Footnote:  The crippled man asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better -- the use of his legs.  We often ask God to solve a small problem, but he wants to give us a whole new life and help for all our problems.  When we ask God for help, he may say, "I've got something even better for you."  Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when he gives you what you really need.


"In the name of Jesus Christ" means "By the authority of Jesus Christ."  The apostles were doing this healing through the Holy Spirit's power, not their own.


Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you -- even Jesus.  Acts 3:19,20


Footnote:  When we repent, God promises not only to wipe out our sins, but to bring spiritual refreshment.  Repentance may at first seem painful because it is hard to give up certain sins.  But God will give you a better way.  As Hosea promised, "Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth" (Hosea 6:3).  Do you feel a need to be refreshed?


That "times of refreshing may come from the Lord" really caught my attention when I was reading the scriptures.  Who doesn't want to be refreshed??  I'm sure the enemy would really love for us to be blinded of this promise.  Remember this the next time you are struggling with a sin....repent, let Jesus wash you clean and be refreshed!


Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.  Acts 5:14


Footnote:  What makes Christianity attractive?  It is easy to be drawn to churches because of programs, good speakers, size, beautiful facilities, or fellowship.  People were attracted to the early church by sincerity, honesty, and unity of the members, and the character of the leaders.  Have our standards slipped?  God wants to add believers to his church, not just newer and better programs or larger and fancier facilities.


Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.  Acts 5:42


Footnote:  Home Bible studies are not new.  As the believers needed to grow in their new faith, home Bible studies met their needs, as well as serving as a means to introduce new people to the Christian faith.  During later times of persecution, meeting in homes became the primary method of passing on Bible knowledge.  Christians throughout the world still use this approach when under persecution and as a way to build up believers.

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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 313

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.  After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.  He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  Acts 1:1-3


Footnote:  Luke says that the disciples were eyewitnesses to all that had happened to Jesus Christ -- his life before his crucifixion, and the 40 days after his resurrection as he taught them more about the kingdom of God.  Today there are still people who doubt Jesus' resurrection.  But Jesus appeared to the disciples on many occasions after his resurrection, proving that he was alive.  Look at the change the resurrection made in the disciples' lives.  At Jesus' death, they scattered -- they were disillusioned, and they feared for their lives.  After seeing the resurrected Christ, they were fearless and risked everything to spread the Good News about him around the world.  They faced imprisonment, beatings, rejection, and martyrdom, yet they never compromised their mission.  These men would not have risked their lives for something they knew was a fraud.  They knew Jesus was raised from the dead, and the early church was fired with their enthusiasm to tell others.  It is important to know this so we can have confidence in their testimony.  Twenty centuries later we can still be confident that our faith is based on fact.  


For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Acts 1:5


Footnote:  At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believed in Jesus.  We receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus Christ.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in the light of his total work in Christians.


1.  The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience.  We cannot belong to Christ without his Spirit (Romans 8:9); we cannot be united to Christ without his Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17); we cannot be adopted as his children without his Spirit (Romans 8:14-17); Galatians 4:6,7); we cannot be in the body of Christ except by baptism in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).


2.  The Spirit is the power of our new lives.  He begins a lifelong process of change as we become more like Christ (Galatians 3:3; Philippians 1:6).  When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God.  The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ.


3.  The Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22).  The Holy Spirit can be experienced by all, and he works through all (1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:4).


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All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 312

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world.  If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews.  But now my kingdom is from another place."


"You are a king, Then!" said Pilate.


Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king.  In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."  John 18:36, 37


Footnote:  Pilate asked Jesus a straightforward question and Jesus answered clearly.  Jesus is a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world.  There seems to have been no question in Pilate's mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime.  It also seems apparent that while recognizing the truth, Pilate chose to reject it.  It is a tragedy when we fail to recognize the truth.  It is a greater tragedy when we recognize the truth but fail to heed it.


Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.  John 21:25


Footnote:  John's stated purpose for writing his Gospel was to show that Jesus was the Son of God.  He clearly and systematically presented the evidence for Jesus' claims.  When evidence is presented in the courtroom, those who hear it must make a choice.  Those who read the Gospel of John must also make a choice -- is Jesus the Son of God, or isn't he?  You are the jury.  The evidence has been clearly presented.  You must decide.  Read John's Gospel and believe!


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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, International Version.

BC - Day 311

He is Risen!!!!

I hope you all have a joyous day in the Lord as you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ!  Praise God -- He overcame!

Jeremy Camp - Overcome

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 


Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14: 5,6


Footnote:  This is one of the most basic and important passages in Scripture.  How can we know the way to God?  Only through Jesus.  Jesus is the way because he is both God and man.  By uniting our lives with his, we are united with God.  Trust Jesus to take you to the Father, and all the benefits of being God's child will be yours.

Jesus says he is the only way to God the Father.  Some people may argue that this way is too narrow.  In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it.  Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, "Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to you!"  


As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father.  As the truth, he is the reality of all God's promises.  As the life, he joins his divine life to ours, both now and eternally.


Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  John 14:21


Footnote:  Jesus said that his followers show their love for him by obeying him.  Love is more than lovely words; it is commitment and conduct.  If you love Christ, then prove it by obeying what he says in his Word.


I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  John 15:11


Footnote:  When things are going well, we feel elated.  When hardships come, we sink into depression.  But true joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance.  Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ.  When our lives are intertwined with his, he will help us walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs.  The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily will keep us level-headed, no matter how high or low our circumstances.


Now this is eternal life:  that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.  John 17:3


Footnote:  How do we get eternal life?  Jesus tells us clearly here -- by knowing God the Father himself through his Son, Jesus Christ.  Eternal life requires entering into a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ.  When we admit our sin and turn away from it, Christ's love lives in us by the Holy Spirit.


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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, International Version.

BC - Day 310

"When he heard this, Jesus said, 'This sickness will not end in death.  No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.' " John 11:4


Footnote:  Any trial a believer faces can ultimately bring glory to God because God can bring good out of any bad situation.  When trouble comes, do you grumble, complain and blame God, or do you see your problems as opportunities to honor him?


"Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. 


Then he said to his disciples, 'Let us go back to Judea.' "  John 11:5-7


Footnote:  Jesus loved this family and often stayed with them.  He knew their pain but did not respond immediately.  His delay had a specific purpose.  God's timing, especially his delays, may make us think he is not answering or is not answering the way we want.  But he will meet all our needs according to his perfect schedule and purpose.  Patiently await his timing.


"A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:34,35


Footnote:  To love others was not a new commandment, but to love others as much as Christ loved others was revolutionary.  Now we are to love others based on Jesus' sacrificial love for us.  Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ; it will also keep believers strong and unified in a world hostile to God.  Jesus was a living example of God's love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus' love.


Jesus says that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples.  Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church?  Or do they know you are Jesus' followers by your love for one another?


Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action.  How can we love others as Jesus loves us?  By helping when it's not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back.  This kind of loving is hard to do.  That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source.  The Bible has another beautiful description of love in 1 Corinthians 13.


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All notes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International version.

BC - Day 309

"Jesus answered, 'My teaching is not my own.  It comes from him who sent me.  If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.  He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.' "  John 7:16-18


Footnote:  Those who attempt to know God's will and do it will know intuitively that Jesus was telling the truth about himself.  Have you ever listened to religious speakers and wondered if they were telling the truth?  Test them:  1.  their words should agree with, not contradict, the Bible; 2.  their words should point to God and his will, not to themselves.


"When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' " John 8:7


Footnote:  This is a significant statement about judging others.  Because Jesus upheld the legal penalty for adultery, stoning, he could not be accused of being against the law.  But by saying that only a sinless person could throw the first stone, he highlighted the importance of compassion and forgiveness.  When others are caught in sin, are you quick to pass judgment?  To do so is to act as though you have never sinned.  It is God's role to judge, not ours.  Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion.


"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " John 8:12


Footnote:  What does it mean to follow Christ?  As a soldier follows his captain so we should follow Christ, our commander.  As a slave follows his master, so we should follow Christ, our Lord.  As we follow the advice of a trusted counselor, so we should follow Jesus' commands to us in Scripture.  As we follow the laws of our nation, so we should follow the laws of the kingdom of heaven.

Joan shared this video with the Bible Challenge.  What an appropriate song for this week!

YOU LOVE ME ANYWAY - SIDEWALK PROPHETS

Aren't you glad God loved you anyway!?!


JUST KEEP READING................

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, International Version.

BC - Day 308

"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.' " John 4:13-15


Footnote:  Many spiritual functions parallel physical functions.  As our bodies hunger and thirst, so do our souls.  But our souls need spiritual food and water.  The woman confused the two kinds of water, perhaps because no one had ever talked with her about her spiritual hunger and thirst before.  We would not think of depriving our bodies of food and water when they hunger or thirst.  Why then should we deprive our souls?  The living Word, Jesus Christ, and the written Word, the Bible, can satisfy our hungry and thirsty souls.


The woman mistakenly believed that if she received the water Jesus offered, she would not have to return to the well each day.  She was interested in Jesus' message because she thought it could make her life easier.  But if that were always the case, people would accept Christ's message for the wrong reasons.  Christ did not come to take away challenges, but to change us on the inside and to empower us to deal with problems from God's perspective.


The woman did not immediately understand what Jesus was talking about.  It takes time to accept something that changes the very foundations of your life.  Jesus allowed the woman time to ask questions and put pieces together for herself.  Sharing the gospel will not always have immediate results.  When you ask people to let Jesus change their lives, give them time to weigh the matter.


"When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are left over.  Let nothing be wasted.'  So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten."  John 6:12,13


Footnote:  There is a lesson in the leftovers.  God gives in abundance.  He takes whatever we can offer him in time, ability, or resources and multiples its effectiveness beyond our wildest expectations.  If you take the first step in making yourself available to God, he will show you how greatly you can be used to advance the work of his kingdom.


That last footnote is so reassuring to me.  Do you ever feel like you fall short or miss the mark in some way?  I know I do BUT I can have the confidence that God will take my best efforts and turn them into something great for his Kingdom and "let nothing be wasted."  Praise the Lord!


JUST KEEP READING.........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 307

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. "  John 1:1


Footnote:  What Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is.  John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God.  Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man, he never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the source of eternal life.  This is the truth about Jesus, and the foundation of all truth.  If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to him.  That is why John wrote this Gospel -- to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ so that we may believe that he truly was and is the Son of God.


"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'" John 3:3


Footnote:  What did Nicodemus know about the kingdom?  From the Bible he knew it would be ruled by God, it would be restored on earth, and it would incorporate God's people.  Jesus revealed to this devout Pharisee that the kingdom would come to the whole world (3:16), not just the Jews, and that Nicodemus wouldn't be a part of it unless he was personally born again.  This was a revolutionary concept:  the kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic, and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth.  Jesus later taught that God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers.  It will be fully realized when Jesus returns again to judge the world and abolish evil forever.


"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

Footnote:  To "believe" is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God.  It means to put our trust and confidence in him that he alone can save us.  It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny.  Believing is not trusting his words as reliable, and relying on him for the power to change.  If you have never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life be yours -- and believe!

Born Again by Third Day

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All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

BC - Day 306

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Luke 22:31,32


Footnote:  Satan wanted to crush Simon Peter and the other disciples like grains of wheat.  He hoped to find only chaff and blow it away.  But Jesus assured Peter that his faith, although it would falter, would not be destroyed.  It would be renewed and Peter would become a powerful leader.


"And he went outside and wept bitterly."  Luke 22:62


Footnote:  Peter wept bitterly, not only because he realized that he had denied his Lord the Messiah, but also because he had turned away from a very dear friend, a person who had loved and taught him for three years.  Peter had said that he would never disown Christ, despite Jesus' prediction.  But when frightened, he went against all he had boldly promised.  Unable to stand up for his Lord for even 12 hours, he had failed as a disciple and as a friend.  We need to be aware of our own breaking points and not become overconfident or self-sufficient.  If we fail him, we must remember that Christ can see those who recognize their failure.  From this humiliating experience Peter learned much that would help him later when he assumed leadership of the young church.


JUST KEEP READING..........


All footnotes in italics taken from the Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.

Something Beautiful - NEEDTOBREATHE

This is one of my fav songs!!! I listen to it all the time : )

BC - Day 305

"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?"  Luke 18:2-7


Footnote:  To persist in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition or painfully long prayer sessions.  Always praying means keeping our requests constantly before God as we live for him day by day, believing he will answer.  When we live by faith, we are not to give up.  God may delay answering, but his delays always have good reasons.  As we persist in prayer we grow in character, faith and hope.


If unjust judges respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to us.  If we know he loves us, we can believe he will hear our cries for help.


I love it when you open God's Word and the scriptures for that day are so timely....just the encouragement you need for the moment.  Have you been praying for someone, something or a situation for what seems like a long time?  Don't give up!  Have the perseverance of this widow.


"Then Jesus said to them, 'How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David?  David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

The Lord said to my Lord:

Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies 

a footstool for your feet.'

David calls him 'Lord.'  How then can he be his son?"  Luke 20:41:44


Footnote:  The Pharisees and Sadducees had asked their questions.  Then Jesus turned the tables and asked them a question that went right to the heart of the matter -- what they thought about the Messiah's identity.  The Pharisees knew that the Messiah would be a descendant of David, but they did not understand that he would be more than a human descendant -- he was God in the flesh.  Jesus quoted from Psalm 110:1 to show that David knew that the Messiah would be both human and divine.  The Pharisees expected only a human ruler to restore Israel's greatness as in the days of David and Solomon.


The central issue of life is what we believe about Jesus.  Other spiritual questions are irrelevant unless we first decide to believe that Jesus is who he said he is.  The Pharisees and Sadducees could not do this.  They remained confused over Jesus' identity.


"Be careful, or your heart will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.  For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.  Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."  Luke       21: 34-36


Footnote:  Jesus told the disciples to keep a constant watch for his return.  Although nearly 2,000 years have passed since he spoke these words, their truth remains:  Christ is coming again and we need to watch and be spiritually fit.  This means working faithfully at the tasks God has given us.  Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living, drinking or the foolish pursuit of pleasure.  Don't let life's anxieties overburden you, so that you will be ready to move at God's command.




JUST KEEP READING........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version

Afterlife - Switchfoot

This is an awesome song by Swichfoot. I recently heard it on the radio and loved it : ) hope you enjoy!

Although the video isn't the most exciting, the song is still good : )

BC - Day 304

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?  For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, This fellow began to build and was not able to finish." Luke 14:28-30


Footnote:  When a builder doesn't count the cost or estimates it inaccurately, his building may be left half completed.  Will your Christian life be only half built and then abandoned because you did not count the cost of commitment to Jesus?  What are those costs?  Christians may face loss of social status or wealth.  They may have to give up control over their money, their time, or their career.  They may be hated, separated from their family, and even put to death.  Following Christ does not mean a trouble-free life.  We must carefully count the cost of becoming Christ's disciples so that we will know what we are getting into and won't be tempted later to turn back.


So, I'm curious.....did you count the cost of the Bible Challenge?  Did you understand how many hours you would be spending reading God's Word?  Did you realize how many times you would have to say "no" to something else -- like staying in bed a few extra minutes or turning on the TV -- in order to say "yes" to your daily reading schedule?

I hope that the dividends of the Bible Challenge have far outweighed the cost.  I know they have for me!


"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.  Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."  Luke 15:4,5


Footnote:  We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy. But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love!  This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them.  This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you.  If you feel far from God, don't despair.  He is searching for you!


JUST KEEP READING.........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version