by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Matthew 18:21--35

Think for a while on Peter's question,

21 Then Peter came to [Jesus] and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Mat 18:21).

Peter asked if he has to forgive his brother as much as seven times, but we ask whether we even have to forgive our brother in the first place. Read the answer of Jesus and see that He teaches us to forgive our brother an unlimited number of times. If we can get to the place of Peter, I suppose that we are doing well, but if we can attain to the place of Jesus, we are doing better, for then we have touched His heart and brought it into our bodies. Ask yourself today whether you want the heart of Peter or the heart of Jesus.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Exodus 21 and 22

In the case of premeditated murder, the Law of Moses is simple in showing the Israelites what to do,

14 But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him with guile, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die (Exo. 21:14).

There are no exceptions, and once there is a conviction, Israel carried out the sentence. Likewise, God knows why criminals do their wickedness and He will deal with them in simplicity. Man complicates matters, but not God. Rest assured that God will do justly. Therefore, let us resist personal vengeance and place matters in the hands of God.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Exodus 23 and 24

If we obey the following simple rule, we will never do harm to another person's reputation.

1a You shall not circulate a false report (Exo. 23:1a).

Does someone attempt to exempt himself from this passage, saying that it is an Old Testament passage and that it does not apply to us? Consider these two things:

1. This truth transcends all ages, covenants, and cultures. It is true for all people at all times.
2. Second Corinthians 13:1 says that the mouth of two or three witnesses shall establish every word.

Therefore, if you hear something evil about another person, regardless of the source, do not repeat it. If the nature of the report is such that if true, it needs to be repeated, then find out if it is true before circulating it. Many churches would be spared horrendous damage by following this simple rule. In fact, many governments, families, and any other organization that has more than one person in it, would be saved from irreparable damage.

You are going to hear things today about other people. What are you going to do with what you hear?

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Matthew Chapter 19

To have the heart of Jesus, we must love those whom He loves. Think on Matthew 19:13,

13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them (Mat. 19:13).

He in turn rebukes the disciples and He lays His hands on the children. Jesus loves the little children, how can we not love them? If I do not love them, I need to look inside the heart of Jesus and inside my heart. That will reveal the difference between Him and me, showing what I need to do to be like the Lord, because we do not want to be like the disciples in this case. Therefore, today, when you see children, try to look at them as Jesus does and see if your heart begins to change.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Matthew 18:1--20

Watch Out For Offenses!

Jesus says bluntly,

7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! (Mat. 18:7).

It is unavoidable. Things are going to happen to offend you. People are going to offend you. Just be sure that you are not the offending party. Enough said.

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