Weekend Words

 Both devotionals from Beside the Still Waters...

Simplicity: Read 2 Corinthians 1

"For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." - 2 Corinthians 1:12

In the verse above, simplicity speaks of being sincere, unmixed, uncomplicated, and free of slyness and cunning.  First there is the simplicity of humble faith in God.  All the complicated questions of how the heavens and earth came into being are answered by simply believing that God created them.  This gives a solid foundation on which to build other beliefs.

God also orders and controls everything for His own good purposes, and He holds man accountable for his actions.  When man disobeyed, sin and death came upon the human race, but God had already planned the simplicity of salvation through Christ.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  There is no work or recompense that man can perform to be reconciled to God, only by faith in Christ and His blood sacrifice can reconciliation be accomplished.

Then there is the simplicity of godly sincerity and holy living.  "Doth deliver" (verse 10) is in the present tense, and this can speak of daily victory in Christian living.  It stands to reason that God delivers men not only from hell but also from the sins that take men to hell.

Lastly there is the simplicity of worshipping God.  Reading the Bible, praying, attending church, and keeping Jesus first are simple things we can do to be prepared for His return to claim His pure and faithful bride, the church.  "But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth [confession], and in thy heart [faith]" (Deuteronomy 30:14).

Daniel Stauffer - Ephrata, PA

Often it's our own will and stubbornness that makes things complicated.

Purpose of Heart: Read Daniel 1

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." - Daniel 1:8

It takes courage to stand for God and truth when we are in the minority.  It actually takes  more than courage.  We need dedicated commitment, unwavering faith, and the grace of God to stand alone.  Among the four young men in today's Bible reading, Daniel in particular had an unblemished, sterling character of loyalty to God.

Daniel was a captive, far away from his home and his people.  He could have reasoned many things.  Why make a scene just over food?  But Daniel was governed by principles that did not let him compromise.  Truth anchors the heart of Christians today.  God's commands become our guide, and His promises support us in pursuing a course in life that is different from that of our peers.

How committed are we to God and truth?  How much or how little does it take to determine whether we will stand or compromise in our loyalty to God?  Are we precommitted to truth and predetermined to stand, or are we governed by situational ethics?  Whether we stand or fall depends on our personal relationship with God.

If we have a heart of true purpose, we will chart our course at safe places.  We will avoid any thing that appears questionable.  Daniel did not seek a compromise, nor did he reason that his circumstances allowed an exception in his allegiance to God.  Like Moses, Daniel chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25).

Finally, Daniel made his request humbly and respectfully.  God will always bless those who purpose to do what is right.  How important is God's blessing to us?  If we desire the reward of the godly, we must be willing to pay whatever the cost may be.

Denver Yoder - Somerset, OH

Dare to be a Daniel.  Dare to stand alone.

Dare to have a purpose firm!  Dare to make it known.

- Phillip P. Bliss