by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 12:28--44

The Lord Sees Our Contribution

After condemning the scribes for devouring widow's houses, Jesus then points out a poor widow who put into the treasury two mites. My Bible says that is equal to 25 cents. Your Bible may give a different figure, but the point is the same, it is hardly anything. Here is what the Lord says about her contribution,

43 Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury (Mar. 12:43).

He explains further that the others put into the treasury out of their abundance, whereas the widow only had 25 cents and she put it all into the treasury. Therefore, she actually put in more than the rich did.

What the scribes were doing to widows and what this widow did to herself in the end is the same. The difference is that the scribes took it from people, that is, against their will, but she did this because she loves God and trusts Him to take care of her. Are the scribes going to take care of those whom they devour?

The scribes are takers. The widow is a giver. Which are you?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Deuteronomy 14--16

Remember Your Redemption

Moses has been with Israel for forty years. In the Book of Deuteronomy, he reminds Israel of many things. One time he says,

12 And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you shall be careful to observe these statutes (Deu. 16:12).

They need to remember from where they came and what their condition was. Doing so will insure that they will keep the statutes of the Lord.

This truth holds for Christians also. Peter says that the one who makes no effort to grow, has forgotten that he was saved from his old sins (2 Pet. 1:5--9). Paul tells Titus that he is to remind the Christians where he preaches that we are to treat all people well, remembering that we were also once unlovable people, but God, through the gifts of salvation that He poured out through Jesus Christ, saved us (Tit. 3:1--7).

Today, think about the kind of person you were before Jesus saved you. See what it does to your Christianity.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 12:1--27

Preaching Is Interesting

How do you preach so that people can say that they got something out of your message, but that they do not think that a message was intended solely for them? If you think being a preacher is easy, then just think about how to accomplish that! The truth is some of your messages will be directed at certain groups of people, and they will feel it.

12 And they sought to lay hold of Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away (Mar. 12:12).

Well, I guess even the Lord Jesus Christ had that problem and they eventually killed Him for it! Be prepared my friends, even when you speak the word of God there are going to be people who take offense and they will come at you.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 11:20--33

Forgiveness Is Liberating

Yes, forgiveness is liberating. There is nothing that I want more from God than for Him to forgive me. Yet, I was reading words of Jesus that showed me some liberation that happens even before God forgives me. Are you ready for this? Listen to our Lord.

25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses (Mar. 11:25).

When I read those words, I did what Jesus said to do IMMEDIATELY, before my mind and heart had a chance to offer a million excuses and explanations why I should not do it. Therefore, I asked God to forgive all the people who are persecuting me, saying that they do not know what they are doing. It was not a prayer of general references, but I named every single person who came to my mind, both in the present and in the past. Let me tell you something, it is easier than you think and it was liberating! Any bitterness and grudges that have tried to enter my heart, fled like a frightened cat. It feels good.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Deuteronomy 8--10

Another Purpose for Suffering

Why did God allow Israel to wander in the wilderness for forty years? Moses reminds Israel, saying,

2 And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not (Deu. 8:2).

Why am I in the situations in which I find myself? God wants to see how I will handle it. When the going gets tough, will I revert to doing things the way that I think they should be done, or will I insist on following the Lord's wishes? Watch how you handle things today to see if you are a true follower of Jesus Christ.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100