by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Luke 18:24--43

Jesus approached a blind man. The man cried out for mercy. Can you guess what the people did?

39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luk. 18:39).

Well, good for him that he did not allow those people to keep him quiet. There is a time for silence and a time for crying out. Blessed is he who knows when each is appropriate.

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 18:1--23

Luke explained why Jesus spoke a certain parable.

1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (Luk. 18:1).

Why did Jesus even have to speak the parable that follows? There will be times when we lose heart and we will cease praying. We will offer a prayer, do not see immediate results, perhaps we will pray much more, but at a certain point, not having seen anything take place, we will give up. Jesus said, do not give up. Have you lost heart over something? Get back to praying about it.

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 19 and 20

What Is Necessary For Peace

Sheba threatened the unity of the kingdom of Israel. Therefore, David had to have the man removed. The army followed Sheba to a city, and Israel prepared to attack the city. The city did not know what was going on. Therefore, a wise woman asked to talk to Joab, the leader of the army. She said to him,

19 "I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?" (2 Sam. 20:19).

When she found out the problem, she said, "Watch, his head will be thrown to you over the wall" (v. 21). This woman was peaceable, but she persuaded her city to behead Sheba! Sometimes war precedes peace. They sacrificed one man to preserve a whole city. What are we willing to do to make peace?

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 16--18

When Others Curse You

A man cursed David. One of his servants asked if he could go and behead the man cursing David. He told his servant to let the man be, and

12 "It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day" (2 Sam. 16:12).

That is a tough one, but we can imitate it. When cursed, do not return the cursing, but put the matter into the hands of the Lord. During the next 24 hours, pay close attention to anyone who curses you, especially when it is not deserved. What are you going to do? Remember the words of David. Say them, if that will help you to remember and to practice them. Then watch what God does. Do not expect Him to work on your time schedule though, but if you put it into His hands, He will deal with it.

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 17:20--37

You Will Know When Jesus Returns

Jesus said that if someone tells us that He has returned and that we can go out to some place to Him, do not go. Here is why,

24 "For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day" (Luk. 17:24).

When Jesus returns, no one will have to point Him out to you. His return will be more obvious than lightning! Knowing this truth alone will prevent you from ever following a cult leader, who often portray themselves as manifestations of Jesus. The question is are you ready for Him to return at any time?

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