dW 05.08.07

scripture 

Psalm 18:3

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

quote

When Russians occupied Romania, two armed Russian soldiers entered a church with their guns in their hands. They said, “We don’t believe in your faith. Those who do not abandon it immediately will be shot at once! Those who abandon your faith, move to the right!” Some moved to the right, who were then ordered to leave the church and go home. They fled for their lives. When the Russians were alone with the remaining Christians, they embraced them and confessed, “We, too, are Christians, but we wished to have fellowship only with those who consider the truth worth dying for.” - Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, excerpt from page 114

resource

http://www.prisoneralert.com/

A ministry of Voice of the Martyrs

dW 04.10.07

scripture

Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

 

thought

In the verse above we see the progression toward sin. First we look at it, then we get next to it, and then we find ourselves in the midst of it. No sin happens suddenly, there is always a drift prior to a collision.  

 

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The One to Fear

 

Read 1 Samuel 13:16 through 15:35

 

Saul had clearly disobeyed the Lord. He was to attack the Amalekites, totally destroying them and their belongings. Yet, he did not complete the task as God had commanded.

 

When confronted about his disobedience, he only added to his sin. He lied, stating that he had completely destroyed the Amalekites despite having spared the king and choice livestock. Saul blamed the soldiers instead of taking responsibility for his own actions. Finally, he rationalized his sin by saying that he had planned to sacrifice the plundered animals to God.

 

During Samuel’s confrontation, Saul identified the base reason he sinned.

 

“I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them” (1 Samuel 15:24).

 

Saul was so eager to gain the people’s love and respect that he feared them more than he feared the Lord. He was willing to sin to attain their approval. His pride cost him his position as king.

 

Like Saul, we want others to like and esteem us. However, we must live to please the Lord. He is the One to be feared. His character evaluations are eternal.

 

Thought for Today: What is my sinful pride costing me?

 

Contributed by Heather

dW 02.15.07

scripture

Psalm 62:5-8
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Selah

quote

When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart.
John Bunyan

dW 02.13.07

scripture

Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

quote

Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.
Jonathan Edwards

dW 02.07.07

scripture

1 Corinthians 3:19-20

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.

Ref: Job 5:13; Psalm 94:11

quote

O how deceived we are, when we suppose we are advancing, because our vain curiosity is gratified by the enlightenment of our intellect! Be humble, and expect not the gifts of God from man! - Unknown