tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1 2010-03-13T07:04:50Z Forthright Magazine offers original, unpublished content in biblical, spiritual and practical articles published daily by published authors. Movable Type 4.21-en tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18061 2010-03-15T06:02:24Z 2010-03-13T07:04:50Z

Do you have a habit of criticizing people? Be careful that in your criticisms you do not end up criticizing something the Lord approves.

Don Ruhl Is what we give to honor the Lord a waste? Some people thought so during the days of His ministry. A woman brought very expensive oil and anointed the head of Jesus with it. "But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, 'Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.' And they criticized her sharply" (Mark 14:4-5). Did not her critics believe that the Lord could replace what was spent on Him that they might have something to give to the poor? How could they criticize a woman for using something very valuable to show her thoughts about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Maker of heaven and earth? Do you have a habit of criticizing people? Be careful that in your criticisms you do not end up criticizing something the Lord approves. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18060 2010-03-15T06:00:41Z 2010-03-13T07:02:19Z

Be sure to check everything you hear from everyone with the Scriptures.

Don Ruhl During the days surrounding the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, Jesus announced a potential problem for Christians, warning, "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Mark 13:22). Friends, that still happens today. Be sure to check everything you hear from everyone with the Scriptures. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18063 2010-03-14T08:00:00Z 2010-03-14T03:04:08Z

Growing up in a preacher's home meant many things, one of which was that we were always the last ones to leave the church building after worship.

Richard Mansel, managing editor by Jeff A. Jenkins Growing up in a preacher's home meant many things, one of which was that we were always the last ones to leave the church building after worship. There was a time in my earlier years that we were allowed to help clean up the building after the service. We would help pick up papers, put hymn books back in the proper place, and pick up communion cups. There were always cups and bread in the trays that had not been used, and when no grown-ups were watching, we would eat some of the crackers and drink from some of the cups. As a child, I loved to eat the Lord's Supper. Nearly half a century later, I still love to partake of the Lord's Supper on the first day of every week. However, the reasons are different. Allow me to share just a few reasons why we should love to partake of the Lord's Supper. We should love to partake of the Lord's Supper because it is a constant reminder of the agony our Lord endured for us. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself." (Hebrews 12:3) Luke reminds us of the agony that our Lord went through that dreadful, wonderful night (Luke 22:44). We should love to partake of the Lord's Supper because we know we are following the Lord's example and obeying his commands (Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 20:7). Jesus said that he would be with us each time we partake of his supper. We should love to partake of the Lord's Supper because it allows us to examine our lives (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Every time we partake of the Lord's Supper we should consider how we are doing in our spiritual growth and our walk with the Lord. We should love to partake of the Lord's Supper because it reminds us that we are a part of a family and fellowship that stretches around the world (Acts 2:46). Every Sunday we are blessed to be able to commune with Christians in our home congregations, as well as Christians throughout the world. We should thank God for the blessings associated with partaking of the Lord's Supper every Sunday. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18059 2010-03-14T06:58:02Z 2010-03-13T07:00:36Z

For Christians the Lord has lifted those restrictions, but He has also taught us that we need to be careful.

Don Ruhl Deuteronomy 14:6-21 listed primarily the animals that Israel could not eat, with a few mentions of what they could eat. God had His reasons for what He restricted Israel from eating, but the main one was listed in verse 21, "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God." For Christians the Lord has lifted those restrictions, but He has also taught us that we need to be careful. Some people's conscience does not allow them to eat certain things and we have to be considerate of them and not offer that food to them. Why? Because Christians are also a holy people to the Lord our God and even as He considers us, so we should consider others. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18058 2010-03-14T06:52:18Z 2010-03-13T06:57:24Z

Passages exist in the Bible that present difficulties in understanding. Mark 13 is like Matthew 24 and Luke 21; they all present some material that deals with the Second Coming of Christ, but not that alone. They also speak of...

Don Ruhl Passages exist in the Bible that present difficulties in understanding. Mark 13 is like Matthew 24 and Luke 21; they all present some material that deals with the Second Coming of Christ, but not that alone. They also speak of the destruction of Jerusalem, which already took place in the year 70, and Mark 13 does not speak of another destruction. Jesus had revealed to His disciples that Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed, and they wanted to know when those things would happen, asking, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?" (Mark 13:4). Jesus then proceeded to answer their questions about the destruction of the temple and later in His answer He added something that they did not ask, as recorded in Mark, and that is the event of His return. However, He did not necessarily connect the two events. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18046 2010-03-13T12:00:00Z 2010-03-13T10:40:20Z

It is hard to describe lifestyle and cultural differences between the U.S. and Bangladesh. The people here have little or no comprehension of how people live in the U.S. We perhaps have even less idea of what it is like to be in a village of Bangladesh.

Michael Brooks "You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes" (Haggai 1:6 NKJV). It is hard to describe lifestyle and cultural differences between the U.S. and Bangladesh. The people here have little or no comprehension of how people live in the U.S. We perhaps have even less idea of what it is like to be in a village of Bangladesh. At least they see television shows and movies with the Hollywood image of our country. As inaccurate as that is, it is more than most of us have seen of Bangladesh. An article in this morning's Dhaka newspaper gave some interesting statistics. The article was about how to increase the production of rice, without doing environmental harm to the water table or other ecological elements. The importance of the discussion was emphasized by pointing out that rice accounts for 93% of cereal (grain) consumption in Bangladesh. It provides 75% of the calorie intake. Fifty percent of household expenditures are used for the purchase of rice. It is hard for the average American to comprehend how one food can be so totally necessary to an entire nation. When the price of rice goes up even a few cents (Taka) per kilogram it is devastating to most of the population. If there is a poor crop because of floods, or drought, or hail or insect depredation, all of which are common, it is a national disaster of immense magnitude. Such crop loss does not affect only the poor, or the farmer; the entire population is dependent upon producing enough rice domestically to feed themselves. There is no money to import food. If the crop fails, people starve. Most Americans do not recognize this degree of dependency. We live under the assumption that we will have enough of what we need, and if something happens to part of our food, or other necessities, we will adjust with something else. Much of the world does not have that capacity. The fact is that we are all dependent -- we just don't always know it. No human is self-sufficient. We need help with our food, our shelter, our clothing, and all other aspects of our lives. Far more importantly, we need help with relationships, emotions, and intellectual and spiritual matters. Most of all we need help with our eternal destiny. "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25). ]]> tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18057 2010-03-13T06:49:31Z 2010-03-13T06:52:13Z

Egypt was and is desert-like, but Moses told Israel that the Land of Canaan was a place where it rained often.

Don Ruhl Do you get the impression that the Land of Canaan, now known as Israel, is not the same as it was during the time Israel the nation first entered the land? Listen to this, "For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (Deuteronomy 11:10-12). Egypt was and is desert-like, but Moses told Israel that the Land of Canaan was a place where it rained often. The pictures I see of the land today do not look like that. So much sin has taken place in that land before Israel arrived and then during Israel's time in the land that the earth there no longer favors humanity as it once did. The Earth reacts to the presence of man. If man blesses its Creator, the Earth responds favorably, but if man curses its Creator, the Earth does not respond favorably. Let us bless and obey God that He might bless us through the Earth. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18056 2010-03-13T06:42:45Z 2010-03-13T06:49:24Z

Let love for God drive everything else you do in life.

Don Ruhl A man asked Jesus what was the first commandment of all, Jesus answered, "'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment" (Mark 12:30). Nothing supersedes that commandment, regardless of how important we think something else might be. Let love for God drive everything else you do in life. Try it and see how it affects your life. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18050 2010-03-12T09:00:00Z 2010-03-12T14:31:01Z

About once a month I enjoy grits with my breakfast. My morning meals are generally simple, but when I gather with men from our congregation for a monthly breakfast I'm dishing out grits alongside my eggs and bacon. But I don't care for unsalted grits.

Tim Hall Proposed legislation in New York prompts us to think of our influence. About once a month I enjoy grits with my breakfast. My morning meals are generally simple, but when I gather with men from our congregation for a monthly breakfast, I'm dishing out grits alongside my eggs and bacon. But I don't care for unsalted grits. If I can't add the sodium chloride, then I'm going to pass, thank you. The legislature in New York wants to improve the lifestyles of their citizens. A proposal has been put forth to ban the use of salt in restaurants in that state. Whether the food is for consumption on-site or off, adding salt to their fare will bring a $1,000 fine for every dish they serve. Big Apple chefs are understandably upset, arguing that the legislation is "absurd." We suspect customers feel the same way. If the legislation is passed, you can be sure patrons of dining establishments will be carrying shakers of salt in little brown bags. Jesus used the common image of salt in his charge to his followers: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13, NKJV). Salt produces a distinctive flavor in food; people notice when it's present (and when it isn't). Christianity should also produce distinctive qualities in the lives it affects. If not, something is wrong. Honesty is one aspect of the Christian's saltiness. Paul's instructions to slaves show this: "Not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10). An employee who takes what does not belong to him shows no distinctive effect of Christ in this respect. The way we love others can show the godly salt in us. Jesus taught this: "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" (Matthew 5:46). Loving one's enemies is a sure way to get the attention of the world. Our words should also be salted. "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6). Our task is more than purging out offensive words heard on the street; we must deliberately infuse our words with uplifting grace. Others will notice. Some Christians, however, live as if there is a ban on salt in their lives. Restaurants that serve unsalted dishes will lose customers. Will Christians who display unsalted lifestyles find any who wish to adopt their faith?]]> tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18042 2010-03-12T09:00:00Z 2010-03-12T14:20:24Z

I was talking to a friend recently when we were interrupted by an ecstatic little girl. Since I already knew the reason for her excitement, her attention was focused solely on my friend. "I'm getting adopted tomorrow!" Her curls bounced around her joyful eyes. She added, "And I get a brand, new name!"

Paula Harrington I was talking to a friend recently when we were interrupted by an ecstatic little girl. Since I already knew the reason for her excitement, her attention was focused solely on my friend. "I'm getting adopted tomorrow!" Her curls bounced around her joyful eyes. She added, "And I get a brand new name!" Once she skipped away, my friend, who I assumed knew the girl, turned to me. "That was precious. Who is she?" Do you remember the joy you felt when you were adopted and given a new name? The moment you became a Christian was cause for great celebration. Did your new family in Christ surround you with hugs and encouragement? Did you call your parents to tell them? Did you stop by someone's house on your way home to share your news? Remember that zeal? That passion you had for the Lord? Remember the great things you were going to do for him and his kingdom. What happened? There was a time when we wanted to tell everyone about our new life. We could've shouted it from the rooftops, declared it to the world, and written it across the skies. We were going to convert the masses, but then something happened. We moved Jesus to Sunday morning and maybe on a good week, Wednesday night. We replaced our first love with stress, worries, and commitments. Isn't it time that we find the enthusiasm that we once had? Like that little, brown eyed girl who was ready to tell the whole world about her new home and her name, we must also. We are children of God (Ephesians 1:5, I John 3:1). Shouldn't we be telling others? Find that passion you once had. Tell the world you're saved and salvation is possible for them as well. You've been changed. Now, go change the world.]]> tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18053 2010-03-12T07:15:50Z 2010-03-12T07:18:24Z

How have you made it through the great difficulties in your life to be able this day to read this material?

Don Ruhl While the Israelites did not live in luxury during the wilderness wanderings, the Lord did take care of their needs. After reminding them that the Lord humbled them with their food, Moses then said, "Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years" (Deuteronomy 8:4). They lived in difficult circumstances, but they made it. Those who rebelled against the Lord died in the wilderness. Those who followed Him survived and entered their own land. Has not the Lord taken care of you in the same way? Perhaps you do not live as the richest person on earth, but there you are reading this devotional. How have you made it through the great difficulties in your life to be able this day to read this material? tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18052 2010-03-12T07:12:19Z 2010-03-12T07:15:38Z

Reject Jesus in your life and your life shall be seriously out of whack.

Don Ruhl Jesus spoke a parable that illustrated how the Jewish leaders would reject Him. Then He said, "Have you not even read this Scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'?" (Mark 12:10-11) They rejected Jesus the Chief Cornerstone and without the chief cornerstone in a building, the rest of the structure will be seriously out of whack. Reject Jesus in your life and your life shall be seriously out of whack. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18039 2010-03-11T19:42:57Z 2010-03-11T18:32:55Z

by Bobby Wheat What is required is for God's people to speak aloud about the things that God has done /is doing for them

Richard Mansel, managing editor "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears," (Psalm 34:4, ESV). There are many reasons to spend time with the Psalms. They help us express praise to God. They give expression to feelings of despair. They draw us into dialogue with God. There are four words used in Psalm 34 that I am endeavoring to make a part of my daily vocabulary as I also try to live out the activities they express. These four verbs occur together in the first three verses of this Psalm, setting a tone for everything that follows. Take a look: I will extol the Lord at all times (verse 1). To extol something is to lift it up high, to give it high praise. My soul will boast in the Lord (verse 2). Boasting, normally thought of negatively, takes on a divine beauty by pointing toward God. Even Paul found boasting in the Lord to be positive (1 Corinthians 1:31). Glorify the Lord with me (verse 3a). To glorify is to bestow honor, praise and admiration. It is a strong worship word, pointing to its object with the intent to illuminate. Let us exalt his name together (verse 3b). When a person is raised in rank or power, he is said to be exalted. The word also gives a quality to his position. If you look in a dictionary, you'll notice a great deal of overlapping in the definitions of these four words. They belong together in our language, even as David saw their Hebrew equivalents drawing together for a particular purpose in his own time. Each word describes the activity of calling attention to something important. And what could be more important than the activity of a loving and righteous God? You might take note of verse four which seems to give a reason for David's praise. It was personal, arising out of knowledge that God hears, answers, and supports the person who loves and calls out to him. Some folks go to dowdy extremes to avoid calling to themselves attention rightly belonging to God. In the process, they succeed in the very thing they wish to avoid. What is required is for God's people to speak aloud about the things that God has done/is doing for them. David apparently made a lot of noise in his attempts to draw attention to God. How much noise will you make this week as you extol, boast, glorify and exalt, all to call attention to our great, loving, powerful God? ]]> tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18045 2010-03-11T06:57:53Z 2010-03-11T06:59:56Z

You might know that the Bible says God spoke face to face with Moses, as friends would speak. Did you know the Bible says the same thing about God and Israel?

Don Ruhl You might know that the Bible says God spoke face to face with Moses, as friends would speak. Did you know the Bible says the same thing about God and Israel? Moses told Israel, "The LORD talked with you face to face on the mountain from the midst of the fire" (Deuteronomy 5:4). They did not see His face literally, but He spoke with them face to face in the sense that they heard His voice. What does the voice of God sound like? Someday we shall find out. tag:www.forthright.net,2010://1.18044 2010-03-11T06:55:48Z 2010-03-11T06:57:46Z

Do you believe that if you pray according to God's will that it will be granted? If so, have you prayed for that thing?

Don Ruhl Peter saw a fig tree that Jesus had cursed and in amazement Peter pointed out to the Lord that it had withered. Jesus urged the disciples to have faith in God, and Jesus explained more, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says" (Mark 11:23). Do you believe that if you pray according to God's will that it will be granted? If so, have you prayed for that thing?