April 12th - 19thApril 20th - 26thApril 27th - May 4th
April 12th - 19th
April 20th - 26th
April 27th - May 4th
April 12th-19th (Psalm 40:1-2)
This is perhaps the most dearest verse to me personally. It spoke to my heart at the time of my own conversion. I had fallen quite hard into a pit of life, a very deep one at that. I couldn't get out on my own on this one. I was trapped. Only the Lord could get me out. I cried out to Him out of total anguish and despair. He reached down and grabbed hold of my life and pulled me out onto a strong, sturdy platform. It's called the Rock, Jesus. Perhaps this was the same hue and cry that David lamented. Perhaps shortly after his act of adultery with Bathsheba. There are many pits in an individual's life that no matter how hard they attempt to get out it only becomes futile. In cases where people have sunken so low into these pits, it's only the good Lord that can ultimately save them. No system, no counseling, no medication, but only the forgiving and saving grace of God. Have you fallen into a deep pit now in your life? Cry out to the Lord and let him reach down and pull you out onto sturdy ground. Gregory B. Dill
April 20th-26th (Philippians 4:8)
In this hustle and bustle, gotta-have-it-now, society in which we live, it's quite easy to get caught up in the stresses and worries of the day. The frantic deadlines, the boss breathing down your neck, getting the children ready for school, dealing with traffic, the household chores, and all the while maintaining a family, ministry and work balance. The list is endless. Along with these everyday demands, tempers flair, and attitudes sometimes begin to develop. As believer's in Christ, our attitude is perhaps the single most influential and vital attribute of the reflection of Christ. Without a proper attitude, how can another individual see Christ living in us? Our lives are supposed to continuously reflect Christ's love to others no matter what time of the day it is, whether your in a bad mood, or a good mood; a bad day at work, or a good day at work; tired, or rejuvenated. Are we to be fake and put up a facade with great big smiles on our faces at all times? Absolutely not. But perhaps this is the reason why Paul did write this most thought-provoking verse. Simply for us to meditate upon it daily. To keep our attitude in check. And to keep us from entertaining impure thoughts.
A couple of years ago, I too felt I needed an attitude adjustment, especially during my long, stressful, commute to work everyday. So I wrote this verse on three individual 3 X 5 index cards and taped them to the three places I spend most of my time at. I taped one onto the bathroom mirror (for when I shower and get ready in the morning to start off the day), one on my rear view mirror in my car, and the other on the top of my computer screen while at work. That way, if my thoughts drift away from that which is Christ or ungodly, or if I begin to "cop an attitude", I can easily redirect my attention and take a minute to focus on this verse. It can literally transform my mind and attitude and ultimately make me become a much more pleasant person to be around. So the next time you feel you need an attitude adjustment, just read this verse. Go ahead, try it, it really works.
Gregory B. Dill
April 27th- May 4th (Romans 1:20)
I can't help but to reflect back in awesome amazement and wonder at the moment my baby boy Coleman came into the world several weeks ago. How life was created and born from my precious wife's life and body. The 40-weeks of divine crafting and molding taking place inside the womb. From the creation of a simple toe down to the minutest and complex detail of the inner structure of the ear. Everything was so perfect, everything seemed to work in sync with one another instantaneously upon birth. The blood flowed smoothly from the heart, the eyes began gazing upon the world, the ears began intently listening, and most assuredly the lungs were working correctly. This creation is something no man could ever create from nothing. It is beyond the obvious that this creature we so eloquently call human, is none other than the product of divine creation and engineering.
Many times, in my conversations with skeptics or non-believers, I am almost always presented with the question, "What about the native men and women in the remotest regions of the world, far removed from civilization, how will they ever know of the existence of God?" My response is quite simple, the answer is found in the world around us in what modern man has aptly labeled, "nature". The beauty of a deep dark red rose, the organization and structure of an ant colony, the intricate patterns on a butterflies wing, the abstract designs of a seashell, or the carefully crafted camouflage of a stonefish. And above all, the majestic, glorious, and artistically created sunsets. These are all obvious signs and displays of a supreme, divine being.
It is so easy for any of us to get caught up in our daily routines without acknowledging the beauty of our natural surroundings and environment. Give yourself a break today, but this time, don't turn on the radio, read the newspaper, or grab a bite to eat. Instead, go watch the birds outside, or the squirrels scurrying about. Take a walk down the street and admire the beauty of a simple tree or flower. It's not only refreshing and rejuvenating, but comforting and secure in knowing that their is a creator who created these lovely things for our pleasure. His name is God.
Gregory B. Dill
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock."
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
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