by Don Ruhl

Read Matthew 8:1-17

Matthew says of Jesus,

1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him (Mat. 8:1).

During His ministry, Jesus is often in a mountain, in a garden, or out in the wilderness. Do you know why He does this? Find out for yourself. Be in creation (it might even be in your backyard or a park), and think about God and other spiritual things. You will discover why Jesus made a habit of this and you will probably want to do it more often yourself.

by Don Ruhl

Read Genesis 25 and 26

Rebekah marries into the family of God. Her father-in-law is the great Abraham through whom the God of heaven wishes to bless the entire world. Her husband is Isaac through whom this promise of blessing shall continue. This means that Rebekah shall have a son who will carry the promise, delivering it to his descendants and so on until one special person fulfills it.

Therefore, when Rebekah becomes pregnant, things are not going well inside of her. She does not know that twins are within and that they represent future warring nations. Genesis 25:22 says,

22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, If all is well, why am I this way? So she went to inquire of the LORD (Gen. 25:22).

Her question is one that most followers of Jesus Christ have had. If I am a Christian, why am I struggling? Why are things not prospering for me? Have you had those questions or at least similar ones? Rebekah had not done anything wrong, but she was a player in a greater struggle and the LORD reveals that to her (See v. 23).

Who knows why you are struggling. Perhaps you need to learn something. On the other hand, Jesus might be training you for some future mission. Then again, you may be between two warring factions in the spirit. Whatever it is, seek God, continue to follow Jesus Christ, and God shall carry you through your struggle.

by Don Ruhl

Read Matthew Chapter 7

Do you know how to treat every person under every circumstance? There is a simple way to know. Jesus says,

12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Mat. 7:12).

How may I summarize the teachings and the commandments of the Law and the Prophets? Treat others well, because is that not how you wish to be treated in all situations? Is that not what Jesus teaches in the quotation above?

How may I summarize the teachings and the commandments of Jesus and the Apostles? Treat others well, because is that not how you wish to be treated in all situations? Is that not what Jesus teaches in the quotation above?

Yes, the paragraphs are virtual repeats, but the point is, the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, teaches us to treat others well. If you are not sure of the exact action required in a situation, just think how you want to be treated. Therefore, on this day, make a special effort to think this with every person you encounter.

by Don Ruhl

Read Genesis 23, 24

Sarah dies and Abraham wishes to bury her. He approaches the people of the land, asking for a burial place. They are eager to honor this couple by giving him a burial place. He names a certain place. When the owner hears of it, he is delighted and wants to donate the place. However, Abraham refuses.

12 Then Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land; 13 and he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there (Gen. 23:12, 13).

Abraham did not go seeking for a discount or a donation, saying, I am of God, will you consider giving me a discount or donating the land. Abraham saw himself in the world to be a blessing rather than to be blessed.

Why then does the church expect to be given discounts or even donations when dealing with businesses? The laborer is worthy of his hire. Our God owns the universe, and if we operate by faith, we can afford it. If we cannot afford it, let others, out of the goodness of their hearts offer to help us. Remember we are here to bless the world not to be blessed by the world.

by Don Ruhl

Read Matthew 6:19-34

You have heard Jesus say,

31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' (Mat. 6:31).

My guess is that no one who receives these e-mail devotionals “worries” about food, drink and clothing, in the sense that we have enough. We may question whether we will eat this item or that, whether we will have this drink or that one, whether we shall wear this piece of clothing or the one next to it, but we are not in such dire circumstances that we may literally not have any prospect for food tomorrow.

However, we probably do have other worries. How shall I pay the bills? Do you have that one? Do you have other concerns? God has brought us this far along, giving us food, drink and clothing. Can He do the rest?