by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 14:1--26

Do Your Best

A woman anoints the head of Jesus with some very expensive oil. Several of the disciples of Jesus criticize her for wasting such valuable oil. They argue that they could have sold the oil instead and given the proceeds to the poor. Who can criticize giving to the poor? Yet, the poor are always with us, that is, if we always sell everything, we will never rid the world of the problem of poverty. In this case, the woman was seeking to honor Jesus, and that is something that can be satisfied. Therefore, the Lord says to His disciples,

8 She has done what she could (Mar. 14:8a).

That is all that the Lord asks of us. So then, have I done what I can?

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 23--25

Some Will Try to Curse You, But God Shall Bless You!

Moses reminds Israel of what Balaam tried to do, and what God did.

5 Nevertheless the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you (Deu. 23:5).

The word of God guarantees that people, both in and out of the church, will attempt to curse you, but do not despair! Why should we not tremble over this prospect? We should not tremble for the same reason that Israel was not to tremble; God loves us. He sent His blessed Son to die for us to save us from hell; do you think He is now going to abandon us when people curse us?

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 13:21--37

Do You Know the Warnings?

Jesus warns,

22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand (Mar. 13:22, 23).

Therefore, no one should ever be successful in deceiving us. However, for that to be true I have to know the warnings; I have to know the word of God. No doubt, you are reading the Scriptures daily, meditating on the rich truths of the God of heaven. Never stop, for if you do, deception will be looking for you, and it will hunt you, and take you down. If you continue, you shall never be led astray.

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 20--22

Remember Who Is with You!

Moses reminds Israel of future battles, and the seemingly insurmountable odds that they will face, saying that they should still not fear.

1 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt (Deu. 20:1).

If God could redeem Israel from Egypt, He can certainly help them against any foe that opposes them. Is that not right? Has that changed? Is God able to help you in the face of the insurmountable odds that are before 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 17--19

Why Did God Speak to Israel in the Form of Jesus?

In Deuteronomy 18:16, Moses reminds Israel that when they were before God in Horeb, they requested that God no longer speak to them from the mountain. When God was on that mountain, there were thundering, flashes of lightning, and the awesome sound of God's voice. It frightened Israel. They thought that they were going to die. Therefore, they did not want to hear the voice anymore, nor did they want to see the fire. God agreed with this request. However, He still desired to speak to His people. Therefore, He promises to speak to them in a less intimidating way.

18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him (Deu. 18:18).

He will be human, just like the children of Israel. Yet, He will still speak the word of God, although not with thundering and lightning. The effect is still the same. Did the children of Israel like it when God spoke through Jesus? No, instead it was probably worse, because they killed Him! Now, those words of the Prophet Jesus and of all of God's other messengers are preserved in an even less intimidating Book. Is the reaction is any less volcanic? No, people still hate God. How do you respond to the words of God?

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