by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 4:1--30

Do You Treat People As Jesus Treated People?

Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans (Joh. 4:9).

Is there a class of people with whom you have no dealings? If so, why do you avoid them? Are you acting like Jesus?

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 Kings 19--21

What Shall We Conclude About the Word of God?

Isaiah the prophet spoke a word from God to King Hezekiah. The king concluded,

19 "The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!" (2 Kin. 20:19).

That sounds like an easy thing to do, but when we have already done something that is contrary to God's word, and someone shows us what it says, that is a different matter. Sometimes people get angry with the messenger, but if that is the case, the anger is truly directed at the Lord. Watch yourself. See how you respond when someone tells you the word of God.

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 John 3:22--36

The Theme of a Follower of Christ

Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest man ever. To give you an idea why Jesus said that about John, be sure to read the passage for this evening's reading. Think carefully on what John said in response to those who appear to be jealous for his sake because Jesus was now baptizing more disciples than John. His response is in verses 27--36. Consider the heart of his response, which is verse 30,

30 He must increase, but I must decrease (Joh. 3:30).

There it is. What more can we say than what John said? As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is exactly what we want to see. When people meet us, we want them to see eventually that Someone greater than ourselves lives in us. Do people see that in 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 Second Kings 17 and 18

Does It Work to Incorporate Other Religions into God's Religion?

The answer is, no. As the historian wrote of the sad demise of the northern kingdom of Israel, he spoke of the people whom the Assyrians brought in to replace the Israelites, most of whom were now in captivity. Speaking of the foreigners, he wrote,

33 They feared the LORD, yet served their own gods--according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away (2 Kin. 17:33).

However, as you continue to read the text, you will discover that the "gods" win. Is that because Yahweh God is weak and cannot compete with idols? No, that is not the case at all. Here is what the deal is. The God of the Bible operates solo. He does not tolerate divided loyalty from His people. The gods, actually Satan, will do it anyway that people want it done. They are willing to compromise. Yahweh God is not willing to compromise. Therefore, the gods win when people try to have the one true God and idols.

This is true of anything that we bring into the affection of our hearts. God is either number one or He is not in our hearts at all. Who reigns in your heart?

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