So you’re seriously dating a guy, and you wonder if he really loves you. You can find out by comparing your relationship to the way love is described in the bible. In my experience as a Christian counselor, applying the principles of 1 Corinthians 13, I find that when a man loves a woman, he…



∙ Respects Her Mind
Her thoughts and feelings are important to him. He welcomes good conversation with her and he wants to know what her life dreams are. He thinks she is one of the most intelligent women he knows and he seeks her opinions. He doesn’t mock her ideas or call her names.

∙ Respect Her Body
He doesn’t act as if her body is his own. He won’t touch her in sexual ways that are reserved for a husband and wife. He won’t make sexual demands on her that make her feel uncomfortable or guity. He protects her purity. He won’t hit her – ever. A loving man doesn’t shove, hit, or use his physical strength to hurt or control her.

∙ Respect Her Soul
He sees her as a separate and whole person. He values her and sees a beautiful significant individual. He feeds and nourishes her heart by encouraging her gifts and talents. Her needs and feelings are important to him. He won’t fly into a fit of rage, intimidating her with the look of his eyes. He won’t manipulate her, nor will he make her feel less of a person or worthless.

A good and loving man is not perfect of course. He’ll make mistakes. But is he willing to admit his mistakes, humbly ask for forgiveness, and make effort to change? It’s a phony and dangerous relationship when a man says he loves you but doesn’t show it in tangible ways. If a guy respects your mind, body and soul when you’re dating, chances are good that he will continue doing that if you marry.

The opposite is also true. If he treat you poorly while you’re dating, chances are high that he will treat you the same way if you marry. Love is seen by the things we do, not just in the words we speak (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). – Allison Stevens

REFLECTION
What is my definition of “true love”? How well do I show selfless love to others and to people who mean the most to me?

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Today Verses : 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

It’s a wonder anyone believes anything anymore. The claims of advertisers and not to mention politicians, is pure spin. What they say may be built on a shred of truth, but what is shouted in TV commercials or on bottles and boxes is so hyped up that everyone knows it is all sizzle and no steak!

Consumers tune out the ads and scarcely pay attention to the packaging. They have heard it all before and don’t believe any of it. One morning I read these claims on my shampoo bottle label: moisturizing, advanced botanical formula, natural emollients and pure Swiss glacial water to produce simply stunning, beautiful water.

Pure water from Switzerland’s  glacial? Then I looked at the bottle of body wash. It offered the nourishments of vitamins E and A. It professed to be both soap and a body lotion, but it wouldn’t leave a drying film. Yet you wash it all off it the shower! Most people have heard so many claims from so many sources that offer so many things in so many forms that they just don’t listen. But it’s not just good news, it’s the best news ever!

So, how to get skeptical, hardened people to hear about Jesus? Tell the truth about Him. Don’t exaggerate (2 Corinthians 4:2). Avoid clinches. Don’t make wild promises when the bible doesn’t. Most of all show them by your happy, holy life that your beliefs really work. That’s the kind of testimonial no one can refuse. – Dave Egner

REFLECTION
How much am I influenced by ads for clothing or fast food? What are my major criteria for making a serious purchase? How can I show my friends and family that I’m satisfied with Jesus?

"The gods of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."  Today Verses : 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Man created God – at least that is what some “experts” tell us. They believed that long ago, unenlightened, unlearned people invented the concept of God to explain the complex issues of life and death.

But that  solution reflects the same oversimplified thinking that is attributed to ancient peoples. In postmodern theory, it sounds great, but throw in the account of a resurrected Jesus whose existence is confirmed by history and whose body was never found, and the situation becomes  complicated.

It certainly causes problems when the creature claims credit for the creator! It’s the ultimate in backward reasoning. But that’s exactly what has happened in a culture that refuses to acknowledge the existence of God. Those who refuse to see are missing out on knowing an awesome God – one far too great to have the origins they describe.

But we shouldn’t be too quick to judge. Just as ancient Israel adopted the practices of the surrounding nations, we can adopt the mindset of our culture. We don’t go so far as to deny the existence of God, but we have a demanding attitude, one that assumes the Lordship that belongs to
God. Jeremiah addressed the problem of idolatry. Our culture’s idolatry can affect us too.

When materialism blinds us, we lose sight of God and focus more on ourselves. We can look at Israel’s constant filtrations with false gods and wonder, “How could they turn from a powerful God to such weak false gods?” Sometimes the question is as close as our own lifestyle. We “bow down” to an assortment of material possessions, as if they gave our lives worth and meaning. It’s a short step from that to believing that your own little world.

We need to be reminded who made whom – and who continues to make each day, along with its blessings and challenges. “By [Jesus Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16) – John Carvalho

REFLECTION
In what ways do I sometimes ignore God’s role in my life. How can I prevent myself from falling into the trap of idolatry and forgetting God?

"He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the people of his inheritance the Lord Almighty is his name." Today Verses : Jeremiah 10:10-16

Choice is one of our most cherished possessions – especially when we have the right to choose first. At your birthday part, you get to take the biggest piece of cake. In business, people expect the CEO to select the nicest office. But in the Kingdom of God, it works a different way. Serving the Lord often means giving up our right to select what looks best to  us. 

When Abram (later called Abraham) left his home to go to the land God promised to give him, he took along his nephew Lot. Within a few years, Abram and Lot owned so much livestock that the land couldn’t support both of them. Although Abram was older and was the one whom God had promised the land, he gave Lot first choice when it came time to go their separate ways. He told his nephew: “Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left” (Genesis 13:9)

Lot chose the well-watered plain of the Jordan River and pitched his tents near the thriving city of Sodom (vv. 11-12) Abram moved to the less desirable area of Hebron, “where he build an altar to the LORD” (vv 18) Instead of feeling cheated, Abram gave thanks to God and affirmed his trust in the LORD’s ability to fulfill what He had promised.

The most difficult place to give choice to others may be in our families, where we first learn to fight for what belongs to us. It takes a confident person to release the grip on a prized possession such as freedom, independence, or space. Abram’s graciousness grew from his confidence in God. He called on the name of the LORD (v. 4) and listened to God’s voice (vv. 14-17).

If there  is a choice you need to yield to someone in your family today, do it confidently knowing that the peace of God in giving is worth far more than anything you get by holding on. – Dave McCasland

REFLECTION
When do I find it most difficult to give first choice to others? What should we expect from God when we yield a cherished right to someone else?

"Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left." Today Verses : Genesis 13: 1-18

Looked through a hymnal lately? Some people think the treasured old hymns are outdated. But with a few alterations, some of these hymns would fit perfectly in today’s modern world. Take for example, “Blest Be the Tie That Doesn’t cramp My Style” or “I Surrender Some.” Or the perennial favorites, “Some for Jesus,” and “Have My Own Way.”

The reason some of us don’t fully surrender to Jesus, giving Him full reign in our lives, is that we are scared of what it will mean. We just don’t want to give up control. That’s where the Church at Laodicea was. The city was known for its economic prosperity, for its salve to treat eye problems, and most famously for its really nasty water, full of sediment and contaminated by lime deposits. Because of its location, the town’s water had to travel 6 miles through a pipe. The stale-tasting water was lukewarm – not hot enough to wash in and not cold enough to refresh one’s thirst. The Church had no problem getting the obvious point when they read the letter about their “lukewarm-ness”.

We get the point too. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). But then the seeming harshness of the speech changes to demonstrate God’s unending compassion to His wishy-washy children: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me”(v.19-20). How much of yourself are you willing to give to God? Are you a “hot”,“cold”, or lukewarm Christian? 

God wants our complete commitment to Him. Romans 12:1 urges us to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices.”  Will you say, "I surrender all” and “Have Thine own way, Lord”? – Cindy Kasper

REFLECTION
What marks a lukewarm Christian? Why is it so easy to be lukewarm? Am I lukewarm? What will I do to change the temperature of my commitment to my Savior?

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Today Verses : Revelation 3: 14-22

Last spring the toasters started talking in Hooke, England. Yep, toasters and other small appliances started emitting the sounds of Russian radio programs in the House of Hooke. Was it espionage? Were the Russians using toasters to transmit secret messages? No. The phenomenon was traced to a high-power BBC radio station a mile outside of town.
A spokesman for the station says, “Two bits of metal next to each other can pick up a radio signal. The two bits of metal act as a very basic diode and turn the signal into sound.” An unusual phenomenon occurred as metals in toasters began producing sounds in England. But, even more amazing, God can change the “tune” of our hearts and minds as we hold another person accountable. Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Accountability includes encouraging friends, and challenging them to a deeper relationship with Jesus. Paul described to Timothy how a friend helped him in two ways:

1. He “refreshed me” (2 Timothy 1:16)

2. He “searched hard for me” (v.17)

As you meet with a person who will hold you accountable, you will help refresh each other in your faith. You’ll keep God’s grace, love, and joy in front of your friend. At the same time, you will need to ask him the hard questions. You’ll “search hard” into his heart – helping him openly discuss his struggles and needs. You’ll need to make sure he does the same for you.

An interesting thing happens in accountability between two believers in Jesus. A synergy of spiritual growth occurs as the Lord is reflected more clearly through both partners – far greater Christlikeness than what could have been achieved alone. – Tom Felten

REFLECTION
What godly friends could I ask to hold me accountable before Jesus? What are some things which I need help from an accountability partners? RESOURCE : When Help is Needed: www.discoveryseries.org/cb931

"Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." Today Verses : 2 Timothy 1:13-18

Many unbelievers assume that the New Testament is a collection of myths and legends. What evidence is there for its trustworthiness as a historic document? Three tests serve as criteria for substantiating the validity of any ancient document. Let see how the New Testament holds up under them. 



 
(1) The Bibliographical Test
This refers to the number of ancient copies of a document that have been preserved. It also considers how soon after the recorded events the copies were written down. There are more than 4,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament that have survived. Some of them dated as early as 120 to 200 years after the apostles penned the originals. Many ancient secular documents are not nearly so reliable. For example, there is a 1,400-year gap between the time Aristotle wrote his works and the existing copies that survived.

(2) The Internal Test
This refers to whether or not the document was written by eyewitnesses of the recorded events. The writers of the four Gospels claimed to have seen the events they wrote down or to have gotten their information directly from first-hand observers (Luke 1:1-3; 1 John 1:3). Paul also said there were 500 additional witnesses, many of whom were alive at the time and could corroborate the claims of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:6).

(3) The External Test
This relates to other historical records that support its authenticity. In his book, ‘Jesus and Christian Origins outside the New Testament’, F.F. Bruce mentions extra-biblical sources that lend credibility to the New Testament. For example, he cited Josephus, a non-Christian historian, who verifies that Christ was condemned to death under Pontius Pilate.

Next time you hear questions about the reliability of the bible, prayerfully look for an opportunity to challenge them. Based on the evidence, we can be confident in the reliability of the New Testament documents. – Dennis Fisher

REFLECTION
How can I use what I’ve learned about the preservation of the New Testament to witness to those who think the bible is like fairy tales? RESOURCE : Read Can I Really Trust the Bible? www.discoveryseries.org/q0402

"We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Today Verses : 2 Peter 1:16-21

A lot of bad stuff has been going on in the world these days. Wars, bombings, corporate scandals, the arrest and conviction of a US congressman on corruption charges, and then there’s this story:

A van in Chicago swerves, runs up on a curb and plows into a porch full of people, injuring three woman. Bystanders take justice into their own hands – literally. They beat the man in the van with their fists, feet, bricks, and stones – eventually killing them.  According to the article I read, this happened in a middle-income neighborhood that had  “struggled for decades with demolition and abandonment, gang and drug activities.”

Columnist Charles Krauthammer made these tongue-in-check comments: “They’re undoubtedly depraved, ‘cause they are deprived. If only we could get social conditions right – eliminate poverty, teach anger management, restore the ozone…then, everyone would be holding hands, smiley-faced, rocking back and forth to the tune of “We Shall Overcome.” It is true that some problems develop because people are deprived.

People can be influenced by their environment, their unmet needs, or their poor role models. But we should never forget that the biggest factor in crime and the reason there is so much turmoil in the world – is that we are depraved. We are sinful people. Adam and Eve initiated depravity in the garden when they chose to rebel against God, and it’s been present ever since (Romans 5:12).

The good news is that we don’t have to stay lost in our depravity! Because of God’s precious gift of His Son, we don’t have to live as people who don’t know any better (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our needs have been met by the One who shows us the right way to live. He is the perfect role model. Jesus can help us live good lives in a bad-news world. – Peggy Willison

REFLECTION
Is there anything in my life that would make others think I’m not a Jesus-follower? If so, what can I  do to change that? RESOURCE : Ten Reasons To Believe Real Christians Can Look  Like They’re Not www.rbc.net/rtb/5rsn

"And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." Today Verses : 2 Corinthians 5:15-21

Howard Sugden was the pastor of the church I attended while I was a student at Michigan State University. He was well known for his love for God and for people – especially students. These two qualities, combined with his youthfulness and his energetic style of preaching, made him popular with college students. One of the additional “attractions” at the church was Pastor Sugden’s Bible. Sometimes he would leave it lying open on the pulpit, and after the service a group of students would make a pilgrimage to the platform to ooh and aah over all the carefully written notes in the margins. It was obvious that our pastor deeply cared for God’s word.

Pastor Sugden has since died. But his love for the bible lives on in many of those who remember his example. When I noticed that the margins of my own Bible were filling up with notes and comments, Satan immediately struck me with an attack of pride. My observations were not as neat as those written by Pastor Sugden, but they were impressive – at least to me –and I felt pleased with myself. The pleasure was short-lived. As quickly as I swelled up with pride, a prick of humility brought me back down to size.

What matters to God are not the many thoughts of our own but that many thoughts of the bible written in us.  We all need frequent reminders that knowledge of God is not an end, but a means. Peter told us to add to our knowledge self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). As verse 8 tells us, knowledge alone is not enough: “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I know more about the bible than I did when I was in MSU. But unless my knowledge is producing more love for God and others, it’s of no use to God. – Julie Ackerman Link

REFLECTION
What evidence do I have that my knowledge of God is making me more loving? RESOURCE : How Can I Know God Through His Book? www.discoveryseries.org/q0404 

"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Today Verses : 2 Peter  1:5-9

Life can sure have its awkward moments. Like when you and someone else arrive at the door at the same time and you do that little “Yugo” dance. You know the one. “You go.” “No, you go.” “No. Not really. You go first.”

Or when you find yourself in an elevator with the one person in the world you can’t stand. Gets really hot in there isn’t it? Or when someone you know suffers a death in the family. And you have to talk with that person. It can be an awkward moment for both of you because you don’t really know what to say.

Well, here’s some advice on how to show that you care and have a spirit of compassion. You’re afraid that you’re going to say something stupid – or in some way fail to convey your caring heart. It may even be the first time you’ve had to give comfort to someone.

∙ Don’t try to be profound or come up with a great speech. Just be warm in your condolences and mention that you care and that you’ll be praying. Saying “I don’t know what to say but I care” might be enough? (1 Corinthians 1:3-4)

∙ Make sincere, practical offers. Can I bring you a meal? Do you need any work done? Need a ride? Even if the person says no, the offer is appreciated.

∙ Keep your visit sensibly short.

∙ Be careful in your comparing. I’ve heard of people trying to comfort a bereaved friend by mentioning that they had once had an animal that died. Comparisons comfort, especially at the beginning, is not a salve for the wound.

∙ Avoid clinches. Phrases such as “he’s in a better place” or “you just need time” sound hollow and meaningless in the face of true grief.

∙ Don’t stop caring. After a few months go by, don’t forget that the pain is still there. (Philippians 4:10)

Bringing comfort on the middle of despair does not have to be awkward. With loving and tender care, you can bring help if you have a spirit of compassion. - Dave Branon.

REFLECTION
Have I ever experienced the sorrow of losing someone close? What was the most helpful thing someone did?  What are some bible verses that might be helpful for a grieving reason? What would I need from others if I were grieving?

"And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."  Today Verses : 2 Corinthians 1:3-7