Tell The Story
Today’s Scripture - “Your word I have treasured in my heart” – Psalm 119:11.
People will ask you why you believe in God. Even though they might be asking for the wrong reasons, we should be ready to give an answer. To make sure you are ready, you should read the scriptures so that you will be able to give a biblical answer. (1 Pet. 3:15). The more often you witness to people, the better you’ll need to know the Word of God so that you can quote the Scriptures you need about why you believe what you do. This may create the need to memorize Scripture or, as the Bible says, hide His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). You can be ready by diligently studying the Word of God.
In today’s pluralistic society of the philosophy of “many paths to God,” we must stand firm on Jesus as being the One and Only Way to the Father (John 6:44) and the only name given to us by which anyone can possibly be saved (Acts 4:12). That seems to be narrow-minded in the eyes of the world, but Jesus said that the path that leads to destruction is a broad one and that most people are headed down that path (Matt 7:13). It’s not so amazing that the path to eternal life through Jesus Christ is narrow, but that there is even a path at all since we are all sinners.
We were created for a purpose, and that was to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. We are also commanded to go into all the world to make disciples of all nations, and this includes teaching them everything that Jesus taught the disciples (Matt 28:18-20).
So, the truth is we do have a purpose. That purpose should encourage us to be ready to answer anyone who questions the hope that we have in us.
Song: “Tell Me The Story of Jesus”
Father God, we vow to be true to our commitment to be Your spokesperson wherever we go.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Dennis Russell,
Departing Words
Today’s Scripture: John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you….”
I call them “Departure Words/Phrases” They are words that are used on an occasion of retirement, or relocation, or even death.
The date was July 4, 1939. The legendary first baseman Lou Gehrig, uttered the famous words that have long been remembered. “Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
Two years before her death, Barbara Bush referred to herself as the “luckiest woman in
the world.” Jesus had a number of departure comments, or phrases. You may remember the often referenced “seven last words” of Jesus on the cross.
Jesus had a number of departures that would fit this discussion. For instance, after John baptized Jesus, He disappears for six weeks. His death on the cross is another example. A few sympathizers took his dead body and put it in a tomb.
Final departure for Jesus? No. He reappears and spends some time with His disciples and then He exits again (Acts 1).
What final words of Jesus touch you the most? Maybe you are biased toward John14:3 – “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
It’s possible that your favorite is Matthew 28:20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”
What will be your final words? We need to live a holy life so that when we hear our name called, our final word(s) will be “Coming” or “Be right there” or “I’m on my way.”
Song: “I’ll Be Listening For My Name” Father God, we all have recollection of Jesus’ words, both when He began His ministry and when His ministry ended. We read and pray and go to church and praise you.
That’s how it should be. But more than anything we want to be doers of the word. We give you thanks for extending to us your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dennis Russell, Yakima, Washington