by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 10:32--52

Jesus Approaches Death Boldly

Watch this,

32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid (Mar. 10:32a).

The disciples have been confused when Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection, not truly believing that these things can happen to Him. Yet, they do know of the opposition He faces, especially in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, they watch Him, and they follow Him, going to Jerusalem with Him leading the way, showing no fear. In time, they will be the same way.

Follow Jesus regardless of what happens to you, and you will find yourself growing bolder in the face of opposition. See if it happens.

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 Numbers 28--30

Vows

The Lord is plain to Israel that they must keep their vows.

2 If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth (Num. 30:2).

God expects the children of Israel to keep their word. Is it any less for Christians? Do you keep your word? Do you promise things to get people off your back, never intending to do what you promise? Have you made a promise to someone, but not fulfilled it yet?

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 8:1--21

Why Do We Have Eyes, Ears, and Minds?

For a second time, the Lord Jesus feeds a multitude miraculously. Then the twelve are with Jesus and He warns them about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. They think He is referring to bread eaten with the mouth. He questions them about their ability to understand. He also asks,

18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? (Mar. 8:18).

Of course, they can see, hear, and remember. However, He means are they able to take what they have seen, heard, and experienced and learn from it, making spiritual applications.

Let us use our eyes, ears, and minds not merely for taking in the things of this earth, but to let those things we experience lead us to see spiritual truths.

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 Numbers 24--27

Balaam Found a Way

After Moses tells the story of Balaam, Moses writes,

1 Then Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods (Num. 25:1, 2).

Consequently, God curses Israel. This is what Balak wanted. Why does this incident follow what happened between Balak and Balaam? Later we learn that what happened was this. While Balaam could not get God to change His mind on cursing Israel for Balak's sake, yet, Balaam knows that God abhors idolatry and fornication. So, Balaam found a way to get God to curse Israel. Balaam counseled Balak to send the women of his nation out to Israel, seduce them both to commit idolatry and fornication. It works. Therefore, Balaam receives the money that Balak offered. Later Israel, ordered by God, will kill Balaam for his sin.

Beware of someone who comes to you, claiming to find a way around God's word!

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 chapter 7

How Important Are My Traditions?

Jesus says to the Pharisees,

9 All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition (Mar. 7:9).

Am I guilty of this? Have I taken a practice that I do all the time, or that my congregation does all the time, and made it equal to a law of God? What exactly does God's word say on a matter and exactly what do I think of various practices in which I engage? Please think about these matters that we might not sin against God by stubbornly refusing to change or reject one of our traditions.

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