Opening the Word Archives - Page 19 of 35

Considerate Living
Considerate Living

Considerate Living

Read Galatians 6:9-12

“Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (v. 9).
Leaving the cemetery where my parents are buried, I was awed and comforted when I noticed that one car on the six-lane highway had stopped. Within a few minutes, all of the cars coming in both directions had stopped, showing respect to the dead and recognizing the grief of a fellow human being. There was no funeral procession or policeman directing traffic. Just my car was exiting the cemetery. That act of kindness is one I will never forget!
Considerate living is a choice or habit we must nurture on a daily basis. If not, Benjamin Franklin’s famous saying, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle,” might sadly apply to our lives. Considerate living is not a natural way of life, as our own problems seem to stare us down and grab our attention. Reaching out to others helps put personal issues in perspective, definitely acting as a boost to our spiritual morale. Considerate living causes us to stop and ponder how we might help others, ultimately pointing them to Christ and His love.
When we endeavor to lift others, we reap the reward of bolstering our own Christian stamina. If we ask God to lead us today to the one that needs His help and our Christian love the most, He will faithfully guide us. (BKT)

Lead me gently home, Father,
Lead me gently home,
When life’s toils are ended,
And parting days have come;
Sin no more shall tempt me,
Ne’er from Thee I’ll roam,
If Thou’lt only lead me, Father,
Lead me gently home.
— Will L. Thompson

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p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">Considerate living is making daily choices to point others to Christ.
This devotional is the Monday, May 8, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

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The Christian Home Is Founded On Right Choices
The Christian Home Is Founded On Right Choices

The Christian Home Is Founded On Right Choices

Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20
“In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it” (v. 16).
Making the right choice is the focus of today’s scripture reading. Verses 15, 16, 17, and 19 refer directly to the decision to be made. The other two relate the consequences of the pathways that we choose.
Remember Alice in Wonderland? She came to a fork in the road she was following. Unsure, she lifted her eyes upward and saw the Cheshire cat leering at her from his perch in the tree above. “Which way should I go?” blurted Alice. “That depends,” said the cat, fixing a strange smile on her. “On what?” Alice managed to reply. “On your destination. Where are you going?” queried the cat. “I don’t know,” stammered Alice. “Then,” said the cat, with a grin spreading wider, “it doesn’t matter.”
Alice’s dilemma seems to be the condition in too many families today. Unless a husband and wife decide where they are going and determine to take the road to that destination, their lives and those of their children will be aimless. All too often, people simply wander through life, sampling its pleasures and delights. For such people, it doesn’t matter which road they choose.
A Christian couple chooses to journey to the land that God has promised. The path that they follow does matter, for them and their children, time and eternity. (Steve Hight)

Right choices send us in the right direction.

This devotional is the Monday, May 1, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-05-03T09:00:00+00:00May 3rd, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Choices|0 Comments

Timothy’s Home
Timothy’s Home

Timothy’s Home

Read 2 Timothy 1:3-6
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (v. 5).
A young man told my husband, “If my mom were the only Christian I knew, I never would have become one!” How important is it to have the real thing? In most areas of life, it matters not one whit whether you have “a cheap knock-off” instead of the “genuine article.” If the lesser one works, no problem!
This is so-not-true when it come to our spiritual lives. The ones we are closest to, the ones we are around the most will know if our faith is real. Someone said that even sinners know how a Christian should act. This doesn’t mean a Christian will always have a godly reaction to every situation, but a faithful Christian will ask forgiveness, make restitution, and seek God’s help to change a character flaw or mistake.
If you desire your faith to be passed on to the next generations of your family, they must know without any doubt that you are genuine. If changes need to be made, make them immediately with God’s help. Get rid of anything fake in your walk with God. It is most likely people know if you are not genuinely walking with God anyway and will consider you and your faith a fraud. (Wanda Skeen)

I would be true, for there are those who trust me.— Howard Walter

Be the real deal, true blue through and through.

This devotional is the Monday, April 24, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-04-26T09:00:00+00:00April 26th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Family|0 Comments

Return Blessing for Reviling
Return Blessing for Reviling

Return Blessing for Reviling

Read 1 Corinthians 4:11-16
“And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it” (v. 12).
At the local grocery store one day a pastor was noticed by a man who had just entered. Very loudly, the man addressed the pastor telling a story, equating preachers with Adolf Hitler's fanaticism. The pastor listened politely and went on his way. Later, this man apologized to the pastor saying that he had not meant to intimate that all pastors were like Hitler. The pastor responded graciously but the libelous words still hurt. Another time a pastor was accosted by an alcoholic who proceeded to rail and rant against one of his church members for half an hour. The pastor attempted to listen politely, while holding the accusations in suspension of belief, seeking some way to minister to the hurting man. It hurts when the world shouts accusations and works to harm God's people, even though we may be able to dismiss the accusations as false. What really hurts is when God's people turn on us, accusing us of evil motives. Yet we are called to bless even when we are reviled. (David Woods)
Is there someone who has spoken evil of you recently for whom God would have you say a prayer of blessing?
This devotional is the Wednesday, April 19, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-04-19T09:00:00+00:00April 19th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: blessing|0 Comments

Checking for Evidence
Checking for Evidence

Checking for Evidence

Read Matthew 28:1-7
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (v. 6).
Our governmental system makes provision for the solving of disputes in a court of law. After all the evidence has been presented, the jury will retire to deliberate, and after a time will return to present their decision to the judge, who will hand down the final verdict. Today we are going to look at some of the evidence that Jesus truly arose from the grave. First of all, the stone was rolled back, and the tomb was empty. Jesus' body was nowhere to be found. Second, many eyewitnesses have left us their testimony of seeing Jesus alive again after His death. Many Bible scholars feel that there are ten post-resurrection appearances. Here are few of them:
Mary Magdalene, in the garden (John 20:11-18)
Women returning from the tomb (Matt. 28:9, 10)
Two disciples on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-32)
The eleven and 500 more at Mt. Tabor (Matt. 28:16-20)
After all the evidence is presented, and the eyewitnesses give record, we may know with certainty that Jesus arose from the dead. (Steve Gifford)

One of the greatest evidences of Jesus' resurrection is a changed life.

This devotional is the Sunday, April 16, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-04-12T09:00:00+00:00April 12th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: resurrection|0 Comments

The Attitude of Giving
The Attitude of Giving

The Attitude of Giving

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (v. 7).
Giving — proportionately, purposefully, willingly, even exuberantly: there is nothing like it. It is true that we are commanded to care for our own; I doubt that anyone disputes that. Watch for the needs of your family, those that are closest to you. When you are incapable of helping a particular need, ask God for the faith to believe in His unending care for His own. Then set your eyes on heaven and eternity; keep in mind the “recompense of the reward” to those who are faithful. Ask God to help you see, really see, needs. We have a special obligation to the local church — the “storehouse.” Give consideration to the outreach to the Native Americans, the inner cities, overseas missions, our Christian day schools, and Bible colleges. Joyously support traveling evangelists; give to local charities, those who are working with addicts, in prison ministries. Help sponsor a scholarship to a local Christian school or a Bible college. Don't be a grouch about giving back to God, for He loves a hilarious giver. (Leonard Sankey)

Give of your sons to bear the message glorious;
Give of your means to speed them on their way. — Mary A. Thomson

This devotional is the Sunday, April 9, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-04-05T09:00:00+00:00April 5th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Giving|0 Comments

Jesus' Advice
Jesus' Advice

Jesus' Advice

Read Luke 12:27-34

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (v. 34).

More than anything else, Christian holiness is a matter of the heart. Jesus is concerned with where our heart is. The heart that He has “fixed” is concerned not with earthly toys, but with heavenly joys (Ps. 112:7). Those who are pure in heart will invest less on things that will fade away, but more on what will shine in eternity's day (Luke 12:27). Sanctified believers have learned that outward garments may be soiled, but true heart holiness cannot be spoiled (Luke 12:28). Jesus said, “Do not be concerned about what you eat and drink, nor be troubled in what you think” (Luke 12:29). Kings and kingdoms will pass away, but the kingdom of God is here to stay (Luke 12:30, 31). Some live for nothing but pleasure; God's people live for heavenly treasure (Luke 12:32, 33). Henry Van Dyke wrote a classic short story, “The Other Wise Man.” He told of a fourth wise man that missed seeing the baby Jesus because he stopped along the way to help others. Over the years he used the treasures he had reserved for the King of kings to help the poor and oppressed. Thirty-three years later he came to Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus. After selling his last treasure to save a young woman from being sold into slavery, a falling roof tile hit him, and he entered into paradise. There he heard one saying to him, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye hast done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye hast done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40). The last, lost wise man found his King. (Richard Grout)

Is your heart right with God?

This devotional is the Tuesday, March 28, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-03-29T09:00:00+00:00March 29th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: holiness|0 Comments

When Wealth Destroys
When Wealth Destroys

When Wealth Destroys

Read Luke 18:18-30

“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (v. 22).

Money, money, money; what a blessing you can be and yet what a curse you often become instead! In 1997, a man won the Texas Lottery Lotto jackpot of $31 million. He quit his job and spent money. In just twenty months he was broke, put a shotgun to his chest, and pulled the trigger. Most of us won't ever have this much money, but what we do have can be just as big a curse. The rich ruler forfeited the privilege to walk with Jesus for mere earthly riches. How foolish! There is nothing wrong with being a good business person and making a lot of money. God's kingdom needs a lot more financing than it has. But if riches become our idol, it would be better to sell all we have and give the proceeds away so that we could follow the Master with all of our hearts. (LWG)

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I'd rather be His than have riches untold;

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. — Oscar C. A. Bernadotte

No money or other earthly possessions are worth anything in comparison to Jesus!

This devotional is the Tuesday, March 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-03-22T09:00:00+00:00March 22nd, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Money|0 Comments

Giving Account to God
Giving Account to God

Giving Account to God

Read Luke 12:42-48
“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whom-soever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (v. 48).
Thinking about stewardship, as we have this week, requires thinking about accountability, where today's scripture rivets our attention. God yokes together privilege and responsibility, so one does not increase without a parallel increase in the other. Privileges of spiritual knowledge, grace, even material blessings inextricably connect with the responsibility to live and love knowledgeably, to grow in grace, to use resources for God's kingdom. And our Master will require an accounting — an explanation, a balancing of the books — for our responsibilities. Giving an account is the steward's duty. The context of Luke 12 includes more than accountability alone, though. Here Jesus emphasizes two truths. First, His return will be sudden, unexpected, and we are called to ready watchfulness (vs. 35-40). Second, His return will bring accountability for what He has given us to do (v. 43). Taken together, Christ paints a dramatic scene: the unfaithful steward has either passively failed to carry out orders or actively abused other slaves, when with the sudden disorientation of a midnight doorbell the Master returns and calls that steward to account. The picture is startling with even a human master, but everything is “exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Aaron Profit)

Help me to watch and pray,
And still on Thee rely;
O let me not my trust betray,
But press to realms on high.
— Charles Wesley

The only safe course for the wise steward: steady, constant fidelity to the Master!

This devotional is the Saturday, March 18, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-03-15T09:00:00+00:00March 15th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Accountability|0 Comments

Reconciled to Christ
Reconciled to Christ

Reconciled to Christ

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18).
Imagine for a moment that you are the young daughter of a medieval French monarch, betrothed from birth to the son of an English king to secure peace, prosperity, and loyalty between the two kingdoms. When the time came for you to be wedded to the prince, your emotions were mixed with excitement and trepidation, for though you hoped for love, the future was always a mystery to you. Tragically, your worst fears came true, for the prince was always indifferent to your acts of self-sacrificial love and respect. Now think about the unsurpassed love that God has for you and the rest of the human family. To spurn this divine love would be the greatest tragedy of all, but to return God's warm embrace realizes the unfolding of the greatest romance in history. Furthermore, as Christ's ambassadors, we have the high calling of sharing God's love story with the world so that more people can be brought into God's family. May God enable us to abide in Christ daily in light of our salvation and fill us with His Holy Spirit that we may be bold witnesses for Christ in obedience to His commission to take the gospel into all the world. (Nathan Kennedy)

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
— Henry Francis Lyte

This devotional is the Thursday, March 9, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-03-08T09:00:00+00:00March 8th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Reconciliation|0 Comments