Opening the Word

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

Purchased by Christ's Blood
Purchased by Christ's Blood

Purchased by Christ's Blood

Read 1 Peter 1:18-21
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (vs.18, 19).
When someone shows up at church in a chic new dress or an obviously trendy new suit, the question that rises mentally (though unexpressed if properly filtered by cultural norms) — “How much did it cost?” Paul laid aside linguistic niceties to communicate his inspired assess-ment of the value of our redemption. He is saying in effect what some are tempted to say in response to the question here illustrated — “Never mind, you could never afford it!” And, we truly had no resources to purchase redemption from our predicament. There is little to nothing that diminishes the perceived value of our redemption more than the perception — real or imagined — that we were good enough, wealthy enough, moral enough, and sufficiently pedigreed or holy enough to deserve it. The songwriter, Augustus M. Toplady, nailed it with the assertion — “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” In this — in Him — lies our hope, our confidence, our faith, and our future. You better believe it! (Wayne Sams)

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am. — Fanny Crosby

“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

This devotional is the Saturday, March 4, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2017-03-01T09:00:00+00:00March 1st, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Blood, Christ|0 Comments

Christian Consideration

Read Romans 14:7-15
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (v. 10).
“We won't see John Wesley in heaven, will we?” — When asked this question by one of his followers, George Whitefield humbly replied, “Yes, you're right, we won't see him in heaven. He will be so close to the throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won't be able to see him!” Even though John Wesley and George Whitefield had serious disagreements about Christian doctrine and practice they still greatly respected each other and refused to call the other person's salvation into question even when the opportunity presented itself. This is a wonderful example for us to follow when we might be tempted to pass judgement on someone else because we do not agree with them on a certain point! The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage that all men must stand before God and give an account of their own actions (including anger and division!). Therefore he exhorts Christians in verse 13 “that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way,” and in verse 19 to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Jesus conveys His heart on this when He says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He defined “friends” in the parable of the Good Samaritan and demonstrated “greater love” when He died for His enemies on the hill of Calvary. (Kevin Askew)

Let's make sure the hill we choose to die on is not our own soap box!

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

Herald & Banner Press2017-02-24T09:00:00+00:00February 24th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Christian, Consideration, Judgment|0 Comments

The Example of Daniel

Read Daniel 1:8-17
“Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs” (v. 9).
Talk about blessing in adversity! Because Daniel had purposed to serve God even in captivity, God came through for him and the three Hebrew boys. What about Queen Esther? She also entered the kingdom “for such a time as this.” Joseph was another example of God's gracious deliverance. His brothers meant it for evil, but God intercepted their plot and worked out His divine plan. He was used to save his entire family — yes, even the embryonic nation of Israel. These all played a vital role in government. God sometimes allows adverse circumstances to come into our lives so that He can be glorified in the final analysis. (SJG)

Dare to be a Daniel!
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known!
— Philip P. Bliss (Public Domain)

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

Herald & Banner Press2017-02-18T09:00:00+00:00February 18th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Daniel|0 Comments

Give Cheerfully
Give Cheerfully

Give Cheerfully

Read 2 Corinthians 9:1-7
“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).
Last Sunday night after service, a five-year-old girl trotted over to where I had been sitting and thrust a wadded-up piece of paper toward me. “What do you have?” I asked.
She did not say anything. She just smiled. I straightened out the paper and discovered it was a sheet from a coloring book. The edge was ragged from where it had been not-so-expertly torn from the book. The color choices were pretty, but it looked like the artist had struggled with things like direction and keeping inside the lines. But somehow, that beautiful lit-tle smiling face above the imperfect artwork changed my view. I thanked her profusely for such a fine gift and promised it would find a prominent place on my refrigerator.
My young friend could have thrown that wad of paper away. She could have decided it was not as good as her older sister's artwork and therefore did not deserve to be shown to anyone. She could have given it to me with a frown on her face. She might have even kept it for herself and never shared her work with anyone else. Instead, she did her best, chose a friend, and gave cheerfully.
Sometimes, the cheerfully part is all I feel I can do. It is awfully easy to look at the talented folks around me and decide the world is better off with-out my contribution. But then I remember that with God as my Father, I am sure to have at least one proud supporter. After all, who knows? Maybe that silly picture of mine, when proudly displayed on His fridge, can be a witness or encouragement to someone else. (Michelle Avery)

Let us give what we have and trust God to bless it abundantly!

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

Herald & Banner Press2017-02-09T09:00:00+00:00February 9th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Cheerful, Giving|0 Comments

God's Plan for All Mankind
God's Plan for All Mankind

God's Plan for All Mankind

Read Isaiah 45:18-25

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (v. 22).
What does God want me to do? We ask God to reveal His will for our lives in so many areas. What school should I attend? What career should I pursue? Who should I marry? Where should I live? What church should I attend? In these areas, God's will is certain to vary from person to person. There is one area, however, where God's will is the same for all of us. Verse 22 tells us that we are all to look to Him for salvation. Second Peter 3:9 tells us that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God wants all to be saved. The “whosoever” in John 3:16 applies to us all. Have you received God's gift of salvation? If not, confess and repent of your sins, and believe in Him for salvation. Do your unsaved friends understand what it means to be saved? Do they know that it is God's plan for their lives? (Daniel Merkley)

I am happy today, and the sun shines bright,
The clouds have been rolled away;
For the Savior said, whosoever will
May come with Him to stay.
“Whosoever” surely meaneth me,
Surely meaneth me, oh, surely meaneth me;
“Whosoever” surely meaneth me,
“Whosoever” meaneth me.
— James E. McConnell (Public Domain)

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p style="text-align:center;">“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
This devotional is the Wednesday, January 25, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

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The Basis of Praise
The Basis of Praise

The Basis of Praise

“Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (v. 6).

The writer once had a professor who had a special passion for the homeless. The professor had made it the focus of his doctoral work. Over the course of two years, by spending time with the homeless, he became their friend and was accepted into their culture. For Thanksgiving, he enjoyed preparing food and taking it to the homeless who were living under interstate overpasses. At the institution where he taught, he obtained permission to have the leftover food from the cafeteria. He and some of the students would put it in back packs. They would walk through the city to share food and the gospel with those who were the neediest in society.

Jesus was called a Friend of sinners. He came from the highest echelon of glory to dwell with sinful mankind. He sees and has regard for the lowly. Let us praise Him for condescending to where we are. As we humble ourselves, He draws near, but if we are lifted up with pride, He withdraws and is far off. (Bob Blankenship)

Hail, Galilean King!

Thy humble state I sing;

Never shall my triumphs end;

Hail derided Majesty!

Jesus, hail! the sinner’s Friend,

Friend of Publicans, - and me.

Charles Wesley (Public Domain)

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p style="font-style-italic;text-align:center;">The better we know God, the better we can praise Him.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-23T09:00:00+00:00November 23rd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Praise|0 Comments

A Guide to Cleansing

Read Psalm 119:18

"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord" (v. 1).

Funambulism - the art of walking along a thin wire or rope. Often it is called tightrope walking. Viewers were captivated as they watched a man skilled at this art on June 23, 2013. Nikolas Walendra has numerous entries attributed to his name in the Guinness World Records. But what gripped the attention of the viewing public that day was when he became the first person to high-wire walk across a Grand Canyon-area gorge. Amazing.
And yet, showmanship of this sort seems to be such a waste. What is more exciting is when we see a man or woman of God walking the straight and narrow path of righteousness. Spiritual funambulism bears some similarities to the tightrope walker who must maintain his balance by positioning his center of mass directly over his base of support. To stay on the narrow path of righteousness, we must maintain the balance between legalism and radicalism. We must keep ourselves positioned so that we are supported totally by Holy Spirit. Only then, can we be confident that we will not fall, missing the glory of getting to the end of the way where we will receive our eternal reward. (Gayle Woods)

To stay on the narrow path of righteousness,
we must maintain the balance between legalism and radicalism.

This devotional is the Monday, November 14, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.
"USA little colorado pano AZ.jpg" by Dschwen BY CC SA 3.0 / Resized

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-16T08:00:33+00:00November 16th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Righteousness|0 Comments

Help for the Seamen
Help for the Seamen

Help for the Seamen

Read Psalm 107:23-32

“He maketh the storm a calm so that the waves thereof are still” (v. 29).

English poet Francis Thompson became addicted to opium early in his life, and soon found himself living on the streets of London around Charing Cross Station. He recalled the moment when God came to him there and described Jacob’s Ladder reaching down from heaven to Charing Cross and Christ walking on the water of the Thames River instead of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus has complete control over the waves and the storm. Remember that Jesus was so calm in the midst of the storm that he was able to sleep in the disciple’s fishing boat. The storms on the Sea of Galilee can produce massive waves which must have shaken the boat in all directions, yet it did not bother Jesus. This is not because He did not care about what happened to the disciples, but because He knew that nothing could happen to them while they were with Him.
Later, the disciples went ahead of Jesus in their boat but could make little headway against the winds which roared down the lake. Jesus came walking on the water and was about to pass them by when they called to Him, and He came to their rescue.
Hopefully, none of us are facing drug addiction like Francis Thompson, but whether we are in a total storm or the wind is against us, Jesus is still in control. (Randy Bland)

But (when so sad thou canst not sadder)
Cry- and upon thy so sore loss
Shall shine the traffic of Jacob's ladder
Pitched betwixt Heaven and Charing Cross.

Yea, in the night, my Soul, my daughter,
Cry- clinging to Heaven by the hems;
And lo, Christ walking on the water,
Not of Genesareth, but Thames!
--Francis Thompson

Will we trust Jesus to be the calm in our storm?

This devotional is the Wednesday, November 9, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-09T09:00:00+00:00November 9th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Jesus|0 Comments