The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9
“Epaphroditus…ministered to my need.” Php 2:25 NKJV
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY

When people are hurting, they need your support until they can get back on their feet
again. Medical researchers have developed a bone-bonding compound that illustrates
this. It looks like toothpaste. Once injected into the body it hardens in ten minutes.
In twelve hours it reaches the compression strength of natural bone. A study in the journal,
Science, found the compound virtually identical to natural bone crystals. It so closely
resembles real bone that the body doesn’t reject it. Weeks after being injected into the
body, the cement is replaced by real bone. According to the Associated Press, clinical
trials “show the material has allowed patients to discard casts early—or altogether—and to
resume walking more quickly and with less pain.” Epaphroditus is introduced by Paul as
“my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier…and the one who ministered to my
need…Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply
what was lacking in your service toward me” (vv.25-30 NKJV). You ask, “What was Paul
lacking?” Encouragement! And who brought it? “Epaphroditus, a brother, a fellow worker,
and a soldier.” Epaphroditus worked side by side with Paul and he fought for him. What
an asset he was! We look for such people in times of crisis because they lift us. So today
ask God to make you an encourager whose words and actions bring comfort and support
to others. There is no greater calling!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10
“Son…all that I have is yours.” Lk 15:31 NKJV
DON’T BE AN OLDER BROTHER

In the parable of the prodigal son Jesus is talking to two different groups: regular people,
and religious leaders who complain that Jesus “receives sinners” (Lk 15:2 NKJV). We all
know the story. The Prodigal Son “blew it” and ended up in a pigpen. Later, when he returned
home, his father threw a big party. But his older brother wouldn’t attend. Here was
his reason: “‘These many years I have been serving you…yet you never gave me a young
goat that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who
has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ And [his
father] said to him, ‘Son…all that I have is yours’” (Lk15:29-31 NKJV). It’s the kind of thing
you hear in church from people who lift themselves up by putting others down. Both
sons spent time in the pigpen: one in the pigpen of rebellion, the other in the pigpen of
resentment. One came home to a welcome, the other stayed home and wallowed in selfrighteousness.
Because of his judgmentalism, the older son ended up losing more than
the younger one: (1) He forfeited the joy of knowing how much he was loved by his
father. (2) As the oldest son he was entitled to twice as much of his father’s estate, yet
he wasn’t able to enjoy a moment of it. (3) His younger brother was lost and hurting.
What an opportunity to forgive, show grace, help to restore him and have a life-enriching
relationship with him. But he forfeited it all because he was judgmental. Don’t be an older
brother!

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11
“Pure…religion before God…is this.” Jas 1:27 NKJV
PRACTICE PURE RELIGION!

Jesus said about every act of kindness you show toward someone who’s hurting or in
need: “You did it to Me” (Mt 25:40 NKJV). Wow! Maybe next time you’re too busy to
show concern, that’ll make you stop and think. In answer to the question, “What must
I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus told one man, “Sell what you have and give it to the
poor…[then] follow Me” (Mt19:21 NKJV). This man could have blessed many others, and
even been numbered among Christ’s disciples, but it didn’t happen because he was selffocused.
Jesus told another story about a rich man who died and went to hell. Now, he
didn’t go there because he was rich. The only sin he was charged with was selfishness.
He allowed a poor man to sit on his doorstep with his wounds untended, his body illclad,
his stomach empty, and did nothing about it (See Lk16:19-31). On the other hand,
Zacchaeus, who overcharged others in order to enrich himself, saw the folly of his ways,
renounced selfishness and made a decision to follow Jesus (See Lk19:1-10). The story’s
told of an angel visiting a wealthy man who happened to be on his deathbed. After the
man listed all the things he’d like to take to heaven with him, the angel informed him, “You
can only take what you have given away.” Don’t wait until the eve of your departure to
give; experience the joy and reward of it—now. “Pure and undefiled religion before God
and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” So today, practice pure
religion!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 12
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.” Mt 5:37 NIV
SET BOUNDARIES (1)

When does “a good thing” become “too much?” Can I help you, without hurting me?
Can we share our lives, without me giving up mine? When do you truly need my
help? When do I need to let go, and let you and God handle it? Finding the balance between
“enough” and “too much” in relationships is a constant challenge and isn’t easy.
Especially when your role tends to be, “all things, at all times, to all people,” and theirs is,
“I’m helpless, you owe me, take care of me”; when you have no “no” and they have no
“yes.” Needing to be needed by needy people who always want someone to take care of
them, puts the needy person in the driver’s seat—and puts you over the edge. They are
never happy, whatever you do. So you do more to make them feel happier and yourself
feel less guilty, and you end up in a double bind. They resent you for not giving enough,
and you resent them for not appreciating what you give. Yet neither of you knows how to
break the cycle. So the relationship becomes what counselors call a “more-of-the-same”
tangle where both parties resent and devalue the other, feeling stuck in a life-dominating
trap you both fear to jettison. Marriages, families, friendships, workplaces, churches and
social groups get trapped in this “victim-rescuer” pattern where needy people and fixers
become lock-stepped in a mutual dance they both “love to hate,” but won’t stop doing!
Recognize yourself? If so, you’re moving toward a healthier, less toxic relationship.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 13
“Its parts should have equal concern for each other.” 1Co 12:25 NIV
SET BOUNDARIES (2)

When you buy a house, you need clearly marked boundary lines to let you know
what’s yours and what’s not. Good boundaries make good neighbors. The Bible
says, “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you”
(Pr 25:17 NIV). So, how close is too close? Let’s look at three kinds of boundaries we
establish between ourselves and others. Rigid boundaries. These are designed to keep
others at arms’ length and protect your private, self-absorbed world. Without saying a
word, your attitude says: “Keep out, trespassers will be prosecuted!” Why do we create
such boundaries? Fear! We fear being known, controlled, hurt, or feeling inadequate and
inferior. And our rigidity prevents intimacy. Our unwillingness to be vulnerable or to compromise
leaves us defensive, isolated and lonely. Closeness and intimacy are things we
long for, yet fear and avoid. We think, “You can’t hurt me if I keep you at a safe distance.”
But it doesn’t work. God designed us to share life’s victories and defeats, not to live in
isolation. We are to “have equal concern for each other. If one part [person] suffers, every
part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1Co12:25-26 NIV).
Rigid boundaries rob you of life-enriching relationships. “So what’s the answer?” you ask.
Reach out! You were created to give to others, and to receive what they have to give back
to you. In giving you are fulfilled, and in receiving you are made complete. Anything less
is just existing.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14
“Like a city with broken-down walls.” Pr 25:28 NLT
SET BOUNDARIES (3)

Permeable boundaries. Well-adjusted people find the right balance between protecting
their personal space, and allowing others to infiltrate, manipulate and dominate them.
They know how to say yes to what’s healthy and no to what’s not. Permeable boundary
people, on the other hand, allow others to permeate their lives at will, siphon off their
time and energy, dictate their options, and deprive them of other important relationships.
Unable to say no, they permit others to make them feel guilty, obligated, uncaring, or
even “unchristian” if they withhold what’s demanded. They inconvenience themselves,
their families and their friendships to facilitate the endless demands of the seemingly
helpless, disempowered, irresponsible user, believing they are being kind and helpful. The
“helper’s” toll is immense, often leading to emotional, physical, social and spiritual overload,
while the “helpee” feels increasingly dependent, irresponsible and entitled, not appreciating,
and sometimes even resenting the helper’s efforts. Permeable boundary people
are unaware that their “open” sign is always illuminated, attracting a deluge of other
people’s needs they feel personally responsible for. They carry the weight of much that’s
wrong in the world, feeling exhausted, anxious, inadequate and guilty, taking it personally
that they can’t do more and fix things. And it leaves them feeling “used.” “A person without
self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” Understand this: You can’t take
charge of your own life while you’re overwhelmed feeling responsible for other people’s
lives. Set some boundaries, and live the life God gave you to live!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15
“I can make it through anything.” Php 4:12 TM
SET BOUNDARIES (4)

Flexible boundaries. Rigid boundaries cause you to shut other people out and live unprepared
and ill equipped for the give-and-take that healthy relationships require. Permeable
boundaries leave you defenseless against “users” who feel entitled to manipulate
you and who expect to be taken care of at your expense. But flexible boundary people
are competent for living their own life, yet with a balanced and healthy interest in others.
They can be generous in sharing their time, compassion and resources, without becoming
overly responsible, or betraying their God-given duty to be the unique person He made
them, just to please others. They say, “I can be in relationship with you, without giving up
being me!” They don’t let you violate their boundaries, and they know how to keep from
violating yours. Unlike rigid people, they bend and adjust as circumstances require, without
becoming overwhelmed, defensive, resentful, blaming or reactive. In tough situations
they roll with the punches, stay focused, and draw on a well of inner strength which God
provides. Paul was such a person: “I've learned…to be…content whatever my circumstances…
I can make it through (adjust to) anything in the One who makes me who I am”
(vv.12-13 TM). People and circumstances don’t control them; they flex, and let God take
charge. They are helpful, but they don’t feel guilty because they can’t “fix” everybody.
Their boundaries enable them to adjust to circumstances. They practice the principle, “Bear
one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2), without over-functioning or being responsible for others.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Ps 139:23
DON’T LIVE AN UNEXAMINED LIFE

When you live an unexamined life—it shows! Author Gordon MacDonald writes: “I was
reading authors who were saying that if Christ’s followers don’t grow, it’s because
they don’t make a habit of evaluating their lives. These authors were describing me. I was
always on the go, never looking deeply inside. I never did the kind of reflection that leads
to growth, and I was paying the price—committing the same stupid sins over and over,
living with the same heavy load of guilt. So I made a difficult decision: I decided that each
day I would try to honestly assess my soul’s condition. I would look inside myself and
write down what I saw. Feeling awkward and embarrassed, I started to write. ‘God, here
are some areas of failure in my life. They aren’t going away, so I might as well take a look
at them.’ Or, ‘Here’s a relationship or habit I’m concerned about. It’s not good and I don’t
know how to improve it.’ After writing a paragraph or two I would reflect on what I had
written.” There are benefits to keeping a spiritual diary of your walk with God that you can’t
get any other way: (1) It forces you to slow down and examine the effectiveness of what
you’re doing. (2) It frees you to ask, “Why am I doing this? How do I really feel about it?
What is God saying to me?” (3) By writing even a page a day, in one year you will have a
365-day record of prayers answered and lessons learned!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17
“I just let Christ take over!” 2Co 12:10 TM
TURN YOUR WEAKNESS INTO A WEAPON

Speaking of his “thorn,” Paul writes: “I was given the gift of a handicap…At first I didn’t
think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it…he told me, ‘My grace is enough;
it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.’ Once I heard that, I
was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the
gift…Now I take my limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut
me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And
so the weaker I get, the stronger I become” (vv.7-10 TM). Paul learned how to turn his
weakness into a weapon by allowing it to drive him closer to God. And that’s a lesson you
must learn too. Eugene Peterson paraphrases Christ’s first beatitude: “You’re blessed
when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule”
(Mt 5:3 TM). Now, you can’t just accept your character flaws and areas of defeat and say,
“Well, I guess that’s just the way I am.” No, you must confront each area of weakness, confess
it, and “let Christ take over.” You will always struggle with one thing or another. Paul
recognized this: “We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our
ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with
us” (2Co 4:7 TM). Like common pottery, fragile, flawed and easily broken, God will use you
as you surrender and allow Him to work through you.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18
“Bring Me an offering.” Ex 25:2 NKJV
THOUGHTS ON THE TABERNACLE (1)

When it came time to build the Old Testament tabernacle, God said to Moses, “Do all
things according to the pattern which I showed you” (See Ex 25:40). Whether you’re
building a relationship, a career, a business or a ministry, it will always require several
elements: Sacrifice. The building of the tabernacle begins with these words: “Speak to the
children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly
with his heart you shall take My offering.” Question: why would a God who is rich enough
to pave His streets with gold, ask you for an offering? Because only when you have a personal
investment in something, will you give it your full attention, treasure it, prioritize it
and protect it.
Pastor, ask the Lord for the plan, then ask the people for the money, not vice versa.
Teach your people to live by this principle: “Give till it hurts, give till it stops hurting, give
till it feels good.” Paul wrote about the generosity of the Christians in Macedonia: “They
are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with
abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not
only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They
begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing…They even did more than we had
hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God
wanted them to do” (2Co 8:2-5 NLT). So, are you willing to sacrifice?

MONDAY NOVEMBER 19
“Make everything according to the pattern I have shown you.”
Ex 25:40 NLT
THOUGHTS ON THE TABERNACLE (2)

The second element that marked the building of the Old Testament tabernacle was
excellence. God condemns perfectionism because it stifles our creativity and robs us
of all sense of progress. And Jesus condemned those who gave to impress others. “When
you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you,
they have their reward” (Mt 6:2 NKJV). But if you think this means you can just offer God
anything you feel like, you’re sorely mistaken. When it comes to serving, God wants you
to aspire to excellence. God said to Moses: “And this is the offering which you shall take
from them: gold, silver, and bronze…And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell
among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and
the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it” (Ex 25:3-9 NKJV). Why did God
ask for gold? Because He won’t accept anything sloppy or second-rate. Guess where Jesus
sat when He went to church? Beside the treasury, watching people give. Luke records:
“Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus
said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny
part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has’” (Lk 21:2-4 NLT).
So, give God your best!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20
“Go into all the world and preach.” Mk16:15 NKJV
THOUGHTS ON THE TABERNACLE (3)

The third element in the building of the tabernacle was equal access. The word “tabernacle”
means “tent of meeting.” It’s where God met and interacted with His people. So
He positioned it in the middle of the camp, surrounded by each of the twelve tribes. Everybody
had to be able to stand in the door of their tent and see God at work. Why? Because
God dwelt and worked in the midst of all twelve tribes! There’s an important lesson here
for us. God doesn’t see a white church or a black church or a yellow church or a brown
church. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). We have been called to provide
everybody, regardless of culture, color or creed, with equal access to God through Christ.
There’s a cute story about two kids playing church when one says to the other, “What
abomination does your family belong to?” When God shows us a great truth or specific
revelation we must share it, not put a fence around it. The last thing Jesus said to His disciples
was, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” And what did
they do? “They went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming
the word through the accompanying signs” (Mk 16:20 NKJV). Just because your
church has a certain theology and worship style, doesn’t mean you get to ride first class
while others travel in the caboose. No, when God makes someone a member of His redeemed
family, you must treat them as your brother and sister. So try to remember that!

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21
“I will give you…right desires.” Eze 36:26 TLB
FINANCIAL FREEDOM

The Millionaire Next Door is a bestselling book about two people living on the same
street, in comparable homes, working at similar jobs. But by age fifty, one is financially
secure while the other is drowning in debt. Their problem isn’t money; it’s unwillingness
to defer gratification. We want what we want now! Many times we associate happiness
with spending, so when we feel down we go shopping. Think about it: When you got your
last bonus or tax refund, was your first thought—“What can I buy?” Be honest! Paul says,
“Do not conform to…this [world’s value system]…be transformed by…renewing your
mind” (Ro 12:2 NIV). When it comes to money, you must ask God to give you “right desires.”
Robert Orben said, “Every morning I read the Forbes magazine list of the richest
people in America and if my name isn't on it, I get up and go to work!” The Bible says, “Do
not despise…small beginnings” (Zec 4:10 NLT). Big things are a culmination of small
ones. So: Give God the first tenth of your income, save 10 percent, and live on the rest (See
Pr 3:9). As your earnings grow, invest 50 percent of the increase in a “financial freedom
account.” Once you stop spending every penny you earn and start saving, an interesting
dynamic comes into play. The act of disciplining yourself to save even modest amounts
will empower you financially, spiritually, and emotionally. One theologian said, “Selfrespect
is the root of discipline. Your sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to
yourself.” In addition to helping you achieve financial freedom, self-control enriches every
area of your life.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
Pr 16:9 NIV
FOUR LESSONS LEARNED ON YOUR JOURNEY (1)

Remember needing a road atlas when you took a trip? Now you just program your
destination into the car’s GPS and it tells you where and when to turn, how far to the
next gas station, and when you’ll arrive. No guessing, confusion and wrong decisions; just
choose the shortest or fastest route and it will get you there. As a follower of Christ you
have a divine GPS, which is the Holy Spirit. He chooses the route and the timing, and guarantees
that you’ll get to your destination. By listening to Him you learn four valuable lessons.
Let’s look at them: First, you learn to depend on God rather than yourself. Assuming
you know all the twists and turns of life makes you act without consulting God. Samson
believed he’d “figured how the system worked.” When Delilah sold him out and the
Philistines bound him with ropes, he thought he’d handle things the way he always did:
“‘I will do as before and shake myself free.’ But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him”
(Jdg 16:20 NLT). Living victoriously means living in total dependence on God, not yourself.
Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (Jn15:5 NKJV). Second, you change your
perspective. You may not always look where you’re going, but you will always end up
going where you’re looking! Your perspective determines your choices and direction in life.
After paying dearly for following his lower impulses, David changed his perspective and
prayed, “My eyes are fixed on you…Lord” (Ps141:8 NIV). You should pray that too.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23
“Call to me and I will…tell you…things you do not know.” Jer 33:3 NIV
FOUR LESSONS LEARNED ON YOUR JOURNEY (2)

Third, you learn the secret of prayer. Do you feel lost in unfamiliar territory, uncertain as
to what your next move should be? God uses such times to get your attention, call you
back to Himself and encourage you to lean on Him, your unfailing source of strength
and wisdom. Stop trying to figure everything out by yourself! God says, “Call to me and I
will answer you and tell you…things you do not know.” Take your problem to the Lord
and ask Him for a solution; He won’t disappoint you. “The prayer of a righteous person is
powerful and effective” (Jas 5:16 NIV). Fourth, you learn the power of patience. When the
Holy Spirit gives you direction and puts a goal or dream in your heart, it’s easy to be quick
on the trigger and want it to happen overnight. Timing is crucial. And it’s under God’s control,
not yours! Waiting for God’s timing isn’t wasting time, it’s essential in developing two
qualities you need—faith and hope. “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait
for it patiently” (Ro 8:25 NIV). While you are learning patience, God is at work arranging
things on your behalf, and also producing Christlike qualities in you. The Psalmist said
that his hope was in God. What’s your hope in? Good luck? The economy? The doctor’s
prognosis? As long as your hope is in anything other than God’s unfailing love and goodness,
you’ll wrestle with uncertainty. What’s the answer? “Their hearts are steadfast, trusting
in the Lord” (Ps112:7 NIV).