by Don Ruhl

Read Exodus 1-3

The Israelites are multiplying quickly in Egypt, and a new Pharaoh fears what that might mean in wartime. Will the Israelites join the enemy? To prevent this, he orders the Israelite midwives to kill the male babies while the mother is on the birthstool. However, the midwives disobey the command of the king, and here is what moves them,

17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive (Exo. 1:17).

How shall we stop the millions of abortions occurring around the world every year? The key is to teach people about God that they might fear Him. Listen to people today at work, on the news, in the store, and see what they know of God. Most people believe in God, but their knowledge of Him is either shallow or perverted. You are the person to teach them. Look for the opportunity, and as you were taught gently, so teach them.

By Don Ruhl

Read Matthew 14:22-36

Just before I started to read Matthew 14:22--36, my wife had the television on and on the news they were talking to a guy who has a master's degree in cheerleading. Interesting. I wonder if people tease him. Then I started to think of most of my work as a preacher and a teacher and it is trying to make people think and feel better, to be happy and to be filled with joy. Finally, I started reading the passage from Matthew and the disciples are caught in a storm while in a boat. Jesus appears to them, coming to them walking on the water. They are frightened, believing He is a ghost. Then this happens,

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid (Mat. 14:27).

Jesus was in a certain sense a cheerleader. He led people in being cheerful. Certainly not in the sense that cheerleaders do at a college football game, but He labors to bring cheer into our lives.

Is that what I am doing with my life as a disciple of Christ?

by Don Ruhl

Read Matthew 12:1-21

Jesus did not seek battles with the Pharisees, but they sought the battles with Him (Mat. 12:14, 15). This was so much a part of His character that when the Pharisees plotted against Him, He warned the multitudes not to make Him known, not because He was fearful, but He was not on earth to beat up people verbally. Now, when it came down to it, He engaged in debate, but He wanted primarily to teach. This nature of His, Matthew says was prophesied by Isaiah,

He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory... (Mat. 12:19, 20).

Our Master and Teacher did not quarrel, nor was He ready to pounce on those hurting or weak. How then shall we treat others?

by Don Ruhl

Read Genesis 41 and 42

For 22 years, Joseph was either a slave or a prisoner, although he had done no wrong. How do you deal with that? Eventually he found freedom. How sweet the words of Pharaoh were to Joseph, when the king of Egypt said,

41 See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt (Gen. 41:41).

As both a slave and a prisoner, he had a measure of authority, because he was always faithful to his God, yet, Joseph was still a slave and later a prisoner. It is better to be a free man with no authority than a man is with authority in prison! He did not know why he was suffering, but he remained faithful to God, not even knowing that God was using him to save his family years later.

Why are you enduring the things that you endure? How long shall it last? Is God using you? Keep your eyes and ears open to the possibility of serving others and God shall use you to fulfill His will. What then will happen to you if you submit yourself to the will of God? What shall God do to you?

by Don Ruhl

Read Matthew Chapter 11

Listen to the picture that Jesus paints of John the Baptist,

7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet (Mat. 11:7-9).

Verse 11 records the words of Jesus that John was the greatest man to walk the earth. John was a preacher, but think today on the portrait that Jesus painted of that preacher. Then think further of what you expect in a preacher. Is it the same as what Jesus accused the people of expecting or is it of what He expects in His preachers?

If you find a man who faithfully declares the word of God as John did, support that man with all that you are able.