by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Luke 14:25--35

The Cost of Discipleship

What does it take to be a disciple of Jesus? Following Him requires everything that we are and everything that we can give. Jesus said,

26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luk. 14:26).

If we hate something, we avoid it. Therefore, if someone, even someone in my own family, forces me to make a decision between following Christ and following that loved one, I must treat the loved one as though I hate him, that is, avoid him and follow Christ. Of course, we still love all people, including our family, but following Christ requires such devotion that no one can keep us from following Him.

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 Second Samuel 3--5

Harsh Men

Two of David's men killed a man who had made peace with David and Judah. Therefore, David said,

39 "And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The LORD shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness" (2 Sam. 3:39).

You probably know just what David meant. Some people are unreasonable. What shall we do about it? David put it into the Lord's hands. Do the same. Pray to God about those harsh people in your life. If you are in the right and they are in the wrong, God shall deal with them according to His justice.

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 Luke 14:1--24

Those to Help

After teaching that we should not invite to a dinner those who can pay us back, the Lord spoke of inviting the poor, the maimed, the lame, and so on. Then He said,

14 "And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luk. 14:14).

Therefore, make a point of looking for people this coming week who need help, but cannot repay you. Help them. Watch what happens to your spirit and to the spirit of those you help.

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 Second Samuel 1 and 2

Pursuing Brethren

After Saul died and David became king, there was a brief war between Israel and Judah. It was a sad day that brothers were fighting one another. Finally, the general of Israel said something to the general of Judah that ended the war.

26 Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the latter end? How long will it be then until you tell the people to return from pursuing their brethren?” (2 Sam. 2:26).

What is the result of brethren fighting one another as they were doing? Bitterness will reside in everyone's heart. Therefore, if you ever find yourself pursuing brethren, look carefully to see the reason. Be sure that it is God's reason. Otherwise, cease immediately.

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