The Frank Laubach (1884 – 1970)

Moment by Moment


We used to sing a song in the church in Benton which I liked, but I never really practiced until now. It runs:

“Moment by moment, I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.”

It is exactly that “moment by moment,” every waking moment, surrender, responsiveness, obedience, sensitiveness, pliability, “lost in His love,” that I now have the mind bent to explore with all my might. It means two burning passions: First, to be like Jesus, secondly, to respond to God as a violin responds to the bow of the master. Open your soul and entertain the glory of God and after awhile that glory will be reflected in the world about you and in the very clouds above your head.

The driving force behind all successful Christian living is the mimicking of Christ. He who best does this makes eternal marks in the heavens. Frank’s words are an accurate illustration of how mere mortals reach the acme of human incident. How empty is the life that knows only its own character, that feeds off its own resources, that sees only its own glories and never borrows from the deep wells of others. A foolish life is to waste your time in the mirror admiring your own greatness. Ignoramus is his name; he trots the path of his own plodding without a requisition from our Lord. Be sure your steps are ordered of the Lord!

Scriptural Lesson
Ps. 139; Phil. 3:7 11; 1 John 3:1 3

Question
Does Psalm 139 implore fear when you read it or comfort? If it solicits fear, list the reasons it makes you afraid.

Word for Today
Ignoramus – An ignorant person.

Quote for Today
“Never fully put your trust in man, but never give anyone a reason not to fully trust you.”

William Law

If self-denial is a condition for salvation, all who desire to be saved must make self-denial a part of everyday life. If humility is a Christian duty, then the everyday life of a Christian must show forth humility. If we are called to care for the sick, the naked and the imprisoned, these expressions of love must be a constant effort in our lives. If we are to love our enemies, our daily life must demonstrate that love. If we are called to be thankful, to be wise, to be holy, they must show forth in our lives. If we are to be new people in Christ, then we must show our newness to the world. If we are to follow Christ, it must be in the way we spend each day.

What a challenge Law gives us. The expression of everyday living obviously makes the difference. How long can we halt between two opinions? If the Lord be God, then serve Him. If there is another god to serve, give him or it your obeisance. Daily has the connotation of responsibility, discipline and effort. Coming to the Lord is much easier than becoming like the Lord. Many fail to grow after they see the Everest of discipline it takes to be Christlike. All of Christian struggle stems from a life of Christlikeness. I have often said, “We need not ask what would Jesus do, but rather pick up your Word and see what did Jesus do.” Imitate Him and you will be an example of godly living.

Scripture Lesson
Eph. 5; 1 Kings 18:21; 1 Cor. 15:31

Question
What is more important – the right beliefs or the right actions?

Exercise
As you interact with the world around you this week (TV, radio, news paper, etc.), write down every time you hear, see or read something you disagree with. This will help you determine your level of devotion.

Word for Today
Mere – Small; slight: could detect only the merest whisper.

Quote for Today
God will only negotiate your request not your responsibilities.
– raj

Ridicule in the Life

William Law

This is the reason that we see such ridicule in the lives of many people. Many people are strict when it comes to times and places of devotion; but when the service and the church is over, they live like those who seldom or never come there. In their way of life, their manner of spending their time and money, in their cares and fears, and indulgences, in their labors and diversions, they are like the rest of the world. This leads the world to make light of those who are devout because they see their devotion goes no further than their prayers. When their prayers are over, they stop living unto God until the next time they pray. In between they live with the same attitudes and desires as other people. This is the reason why they are scoffed at by worldly people, not because they appear to have no other devotion than their occasional prayers.

Prayer is not a cure all for a holy live. Most of the world never hears a word of our prayers. On the other hand they see clearly how we live. If we are to become a light to a darkened world, our prayers for intimacy with the Lord must turn to a lifestyle that emanates the desire of our hearts. Those who our without Christ are doomed to eternal death without the blessing of a light. You are that light. You are that hope. You are the path that will lead men to the Light of the world. How can you resist the hungry souls whose hands reach out to you every day for a morsel of hope? How can you stop your ears to the pain of your neighbor’s cries? Will your neighbor be able to accuse you at that great judgment bar for not telling them about Christ?

Scripture Lesson
James 1:19-27; 2:1:20; 5:1-20

Question
How would you describe the ultimate Christian?

Exercise
Find a Bible Character and use their godly qualities as an example of righteous living for one week.

Word for Today
Eventual - Occurring at an unspecified time in the future: his eventual failure.

Quote for Today
Christianity for some people is like a costume party. When the party is over, they strip themselves of their garment of praise and put back on their spirit of heaviness.
– raj

Interactive Devotions

I’ve been going to flea markets with my wife for the past couple of weeks in search of some books. This weekend I found a book of devotionals called: Devotional Classics by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. It contains some of the greatest Christian authors ever published. Having this tool will help me to make the daily devotional more interactive and challenging. This material along with my own words will consist of an excerpt from one of the authors, a reflection question and an exercise. We will still have a word for today as well as a quote for today. We will also include a short bio of the author given by Foster and Smith when the author is listed for the first time.

William Law (1686 – 1761)

William Law was a devout Anglican priest. His practical work was as a spiritual director, offering guidance to people who sought a closer, deeper relationship with God. The following excerpt is from his best known work, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, a book that greatly influenced the English Evangelical Revival.

1. A Life Devoted

Devotion is neither private nor public prayer, though public and private prayers are a part of devotion. Devotion signifies a life given or devoted to God. The devout, therefore, are people who do not live to their own will, or in the way and spirit of the world, but only to the will of God. Such people consider God in everything, serve God in everything, and make every aspect of their lives holy by doing everything, and make everything in the name of God and in a way that conforms to God’s glory. We readily acknowledge that God alone is to be the rule and measure of our prayers. In our prayers we are to look totally unto Him and act totally for Him, and we must pray in this manner and for such ends as are suitable to His glory.

William has truly challenged all with his words of devotion. Devotion is something that must be practiced not prayed for alone. How can we expect the Lord to transform us into the image of God if we are not willing to live out what we have been taught? Only the truly devout man aims for action in his relationship with the Lord. He can never be satisfied with mere Christianity. He must reach the zenith of his faith. Nothing can make him settle down. Nothing can turn him aside from his path of righteousness. He sees the prize of his labor before him and won’t yield until the day he is called home, to hear those faithful words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Scripture lesson:

1 Peter 1:15‑16; Romans 12:1‑3; Philippians 4:4‑9; Romans 8:34‑39; Matthew 25:21

Question:

If Law believes the vitality of one’s spiritual life is reflected in our conduct, how would you rate your spiritual condition?

Radio Broadcast 5-10-05

Trying a new thing. More updates to come this week!!!
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Thank you and God Bless you.


MP3 File

Wise Counsel

From whom do you get your advice? Some people don’t consult anyone. They move by impulse and feelings. Others consult so called friends who will tell them what they want to hear. Still others have a more mystical approach seeking the vibes of tarot cards and fortune tellers. Christians on the other hand have a biblical approach to seeking advice. Their source is obvious – the WORD of God and prayer. Though prayer and scripture are vital to getting good advice and are no doubt the pillars of truth for all of Christendom, they are not enough within themselves to be the “end all” to sound advice.

The Proverbs use three Hebrew words for counsel: tachbulah, etsah, cowd

1. Proverbs 11:14 (KJV) Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Counsel ‑ tachbulah, properly steerage (as a management of ropes)
2. Proverbs 12:15 (KJV) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. Counsel ‑ etsah, advice; by implication plan; also prudence
3. Proverbs 15:22 (KJV) Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Counsel ‑ cowd, a session, i.e. company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication intimacy, consultation, a secret

In short, looking at these three words we can say that wise counsel will help you steer, plan and grow in intimacy with those who are counseling you. There is no greater source for sound advice than that of godly elderly people. They should have a heart for the next generation. Steering the youth in the right direction ought to come natural seeing they have passed through many difficulties. Lastly, the elderly should be able to give the tools of success through proper planning. Teaching them how to use money makes and keeps friends and most of all plans for their eternal life. Tomorrow we will discuss a passage of Scripture from the Old Testament (I Kings 12) “What happens when you refuse wise counsel?”

Word for Today
Steerage – The act or practice of steering.

Quote for Today
You know you are in trouble when your advice to yourself starts sounding good.
– raj

Awakening

What does it take for men to wake up? For some it may take tragedy. For others, it may take less arduous circumstances like the birth of a child. Situations can vary when it comes to waking people up from spiritual sleep. An awakening of biblical proportions requires one key element: repentance. Sin separates us from the Lord. Sin kills our joy. Sin mars and soils our garments of praise and clothes us in the spirit of heaviness. Sin makes a mock at righteousness and calls it legalism. Sin bears no burden and feels no pain. Sin is selfish and rude. Sin is haphazard and risky. Sin is the joyride of youthful passions without the wisdom of the aged (Gen. 4:1‑8; Rom. 6:20‑23; Isa. 59:1‑2).

Man who sins can only expect the damnation due him. A man who steals can only expect poverty. A man who lies can only expect the paranoia of mistrust. A man who fornicates can only expect the fear of getting some STD. A man who refuses to exercise can only expect bad health. A man who walks the tightrope can only expect to descend when he falls. A man who sleeps can only expect to wake up. Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! That’s all I hear the Lord saying. The Church is in need of some men who dare to raise the bar and climb the mountains and become unpopular for the sake of Christ, even hated. We are trying to make the unsaved man our friend so we can win him to Christ just like it’s done in the movies.

Yet, Jesus preached hate. Read these verses out loud so they sink to the depth of your soul. They may be the rude awakening you need to set your soul aflame:

Matthew 10:22 (KJV) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:9 (KJV) Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Luke 19:14 (KJV) But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

Luke 21:17 (KJV) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

John 15:18 (KJV) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

John 15:24‑25 (KJV) If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

John 17:14 (KJV) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Word for Today
Misapprehend – To apprehend incorrectly; misunderstand

Quote for Today
When you lie, it’s like walking a tightrope with an elephant on your shoulders. It’s hard enough to walk the tightrope of life; why lie and make it harder.
– raj

Awakening

Our need for a third awakening is more then apparent. How much farther can we plug into sin? How much farther can we trepan are souls with evil? Can we continue living as strangers in the house of the Lord? Will our righteous Father overlook our rebellion and judge the rebellion of other nations? Who is not guilty among us of some offense against the Almighty? Shall God apply His grace to unbroken hearts? Why do we think grace is free? The gift of grace is bestowed upon the weak not the mighty. His light shines in the darkness not the candlelit rooms of cathedrals. He who knows he is a sinner is better then he who knows no sin (Rom. 13:11; 1 Cor. 15:34; Eph. 5:14).

Out of the 32 times the word “awake” is mentioned in the Old Testament, most every time it is in reference to the Lord. We shall awake when He awakes. We have put the Almighty to sleep. We have bored His Majesty with our solemnities. He has gone weary of our false repentance. Where can He go to find excitement? He moves slowly from north to south, He slides calmly from east to west, seeking someone who will demonstrate faith, longing for a tidbit of reason. Finding none, He returns to His throne bored to oblivion. Could it be it is not the church that needs to awake but the Lord of our love (Ps. 7:6; 35:23; 44:23; 59:4)?

This Great Awakening may be the Lord of Glory rising from His ignoring of salutations? Could He be withholding our petitions until we are ready to receive His effulgence? Some foolish man is praying for revival without knowing the might of His spirit. Everyone has a conjecture involved with their pious babblings concerning hindrances to revival. When He emerges from behind the veil of His glory, He may empty instead of fill. He may tear down instead of build up. He may shatter and not draw. He may break and not move. He could altogether bruise our American egos. Maybe the next awakening will be a rude awakening instead of a great awakening (Isa. 51:9).

Word for Today

Conjecture – Inference or judgment based on inconclusive or incomplete evidence; guesswork.

Quote for Today

I can more easily see our Lord sweeping the streets of London, than issuing edicts from its cathedral.

– Dick Sheppard

Don’t Cut Corners

People generally cut corners because they think it is going to make their life easier. In the short term, cutting corners can bring instant gratification. In the long run, it creates twice the work. The Bible is very clear about finishing what you start and doing your work with thoughtfulness and quality (Col. 3:17; Prov. 21:25; Eccles. 10:18; Luke 14:28; the most famous New Testament story about not giving one hundred percent is Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11). For you and me it may not be so dramatic. We may be cutting corners in smaller areas of our life. It could be anything from yard work to painting to being a packrat because you’re too lazy to throw things away you really no longer use.

Here is a story I read this weekend that will help you see the light on trying to get around following the rules:

Worth the trip?
At the age 16, I traveled across Europe with friends. One day, a friend convinced us that the city tram conductor rarely came on broad, and we could ride without buying a ticket. Reluctantly, I followed along. Sure enough, at one stop, the conductor came on board and checked us for tickets. All six of us were hauled down to the Polizei (police station) to pay a fine. The cost: Ten times the amount of the ticket price and one very humiliated teenager.
– Donna Wichelma, Fort Collins, Colo.

I can only wonder what price we will pay when we stand before the Lord for not having given our very best to Him in everything we do. Not long ago I began to realize the brevity of life. It changed me forever. I keep pressing ahead in areas of discipline and commitment. I came to realize one thing when I do something halfway. I have to do it over again. When I do something right the first time, I generally can move on to the next project. The Lord did not intend your life to be a series of do-overs (Luke 9:62).

Word for Today
Parley - A discussion or conference, especially one between enemies over terms of truce or other matters.

Quote for Today
Either you will humble yourself and ask for help before the project starts, or you will humiliate yourself and ruin the project and need help to fix your mess anyway.
– raj